6.6L Duramax soon to be 2.8L Duramax

[beaker]

Considering that the 6.6L Duramax engine is a $12,000 option in Express and Savannah vans, I don't think many people will miss it's impending departure. If you are one of the few planning to build a Sportsmobile with the 6.6, you may want to do so soon.

Starting in early 2017, GM announced that the 6.6L will be replaced with the 2.8L Duramax from the Colorado/Canyon, albeit with an 8-speed automatic. 2500/3500 only. Short or long wheelbase. It should provide pretty good mileage, but probably won't be rated to tow 10,000#.

GM to Offer Diesel-Powered Express Van - News - Government Fleet

[Steve_382]

From this article, not nearly as beefy.


General Motors unveiling of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado came with an interesting twist - the mid-size pickup and its GMC twin, the Canyon, were scheduled to receive a diesel engine option. A 2.8L, inline 4 cylinder Duramax diesel has joined the engine choices for the new Colorado and Canyon pickups for the Fall of 2015, where the 2016 model year pickups are projected to hit dealership lots. The 2.8L Duramax is currently in GM's International portfolio, where it is offered in a number of applications in a magnitude of countries; it just hasn't reached the United States yet. The 2.8L also has a sister engine, measuring 2.5 liters and based on the same basic architecture. As you're probably already aware of, GM had planned to offer a diesel in their half ton Sierra and Silverado models (4.5L Duramax), but the entire project was scrapped when the economy took a turn for worse and a struggling General Motors required a significant bailout from the U.S. government.
The 2.8L Duramax is an inline 4 cylinder, variable geometry turbocharged diesel featuring a high pressure common rail injection system and dual overhead camshaft design. The unit produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which helps substantiate the fact that these pickups, properly equipped, will be rated to tow up to 7,700 lbs. At only 170 cubic inches, the Duramax powered Colorado and Canyon are expected to increase the gap on their already segment leading fuel economy.
The engine's will be backed by General Motor's 6L50 Hydra-Matic six speed automatic transmission and power will be transmitted to the pavement through a 3.42:1 axle ratio. An integrated electronic brake controller, diesel exhaust brake system, and automatic rear locking differential will also be standard issue on all diesel powered pickups.

2.8L Duramax Specs

Engine:
2.8L Duramax Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Displacement:
2.8 liters, 170 cubic inches
Engine Block Material:
Cast iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Cast aluminum alloy
Compression Ratio:
16.5 : 1
Bore:
3.70 inches (94 mm)
Stroke:
3.94 inches (100 mm)
Turbocharger:
Water cooled variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), intercooled
Injection:
Direct injection, 2000 bar high pressure common rail (29,000 psi)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (dual overhead camshaft), 16 valve (4 valves per cylinder)
Peak Horsepower:
181 hp @ 3,400 rpm
Peak Torque:
369 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

[86Scotty]

Crazy. It sure seems like a mid size diesel would be a better fit (like the 4.5 that got scrapped). Why don't they UN-scrap it I wonder. It doesn't seem to me like GM is struggling anymore.