TURBODIESEL OPTION FOR CHEVY FULLSIZE VANS

General Motors announced the availability of the Duramax 6600 turbodiesel engine in the 2006 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana G2500 and G3500 series commercial models. This sophisticated diesel engine offers more horsepower and torque than the primary competitor, as well as a quieter driving experience and better projected fuel economy. The Duramax 6600 delivers 250 horsepower and a class-leading 460 lb.-ft. of torque. It is teamed with the Hydra-Matic 4L85-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, which is specially tuned for diesel-engine compatibility, giving the Express and Savana exceptional towing and grade capability. Preliminary testing shows composite fuel economy of 20.2 mpg—an advantage of more than 2 mpg when compared against the primary competitor. That's approximately 85 fewer gallons of fuel used during 15,000 miles of travel. The Duramax 6600 also is compatible with biodiesel fuel.

"With the inherent capabilities of a diesel engine and excellent fuel economy, the Duramax 6600 is a win-win scenario for van customers," said Ray Chess, vehicle line executive. "This engine also is quiet, refined and delivers a smoothness that is unexpected in a powerful diesel-powered vehicle." Features such as electronic throttle control, fast-heating glow plugs and easy-service items enhance the driving and ownership experience. Minimal changes to support the new powertrain were made to the vehicle structure, thereby reducing the impact of equipment changes by upfitters.

With the Duramax 6600, the Express/Savana's maximum GVWR is 12,300, with a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds—specifications that meet or exceed those of the primary competitor. A 3.73 axle ratio is standard and the RPO G80 limited-slip differential is optional. Quietness and smoothness, particularly at idle, are traits designed into the Duramax 6600. They've been enhanced in the '06 engine, thanks to a strengthened iron cylinder block and revised piston design which reduces the compression ratio. The lower compression reduces the "clattering" sound of the engine at idle, while also helping to improve overall smoothness during driving. The lower compression also helps reduce NOx emissions.

Even the engine's turbocharging system is revised for quieter, more efficient performance. A variable-geometry turbocharger with aerodynamically-tuned impellers is used to enhance full-throttle response while also contributing to reducing emissions. Also, the variable-geometry turbocharger is used in cold weather to enhance heater warm-up (similar to GM medium-duty trucks).

Source: General Motors

GMC Savana And Chevrolet Express 15-Passenger Vans With Vehicle Stability Enhancement System Hit The Market

Stabilitrak Helps Drivers Maintain Vehicle Control During Demanding Conditions

Warren, Mich. - The 2004 GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express, the industry's first and only15-passenger vans with a stability enhancement and traction control system, will go on sale beginning in early November, General Motors announced today.

"Equipping our 15-passenger vans with the StabiliTrak stability enhancement system makes what we believe is already a very safe vehicle even better by providing our customers with another important tool to help them avoid some of the conditions that can lead to a crash," said Robert C. Lange, GM executive director, structure and safety integration.

StabiliTrak with traction control is standard on all 2004 GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express 15-passenger vans produced after October 6.

"We expect that the addition of this important safety system will further distinguish the Savana and Express from all other 15-passenger vans," said Ray Chess, vehicle line executive for the vans.

Stability enhancement systems help drivers maintain control of vehicles during certain difficult driving conditions such as ice, snow, gravel, wet pavement and uneven road surfaces; as well as in emergency lane changes or avoidance maneuvers.

  GM's system works by recognizing wheel skid. Sensors detect the difference between the steering wheel angle and the direction the driver is actually turning by "reading" the steering wheel position, the amount of sideways force in play, vehicle speed and the vehicle's response to steering wheel input.

The system then uses the brakes to enhance control of the vehicle's direction and to help keep it on course. It automatically reduces the engine torque and applies precise amounts of pressure to front right or left brakes to help keep the vehicle on track. These brake and engine interventions help realign the vehicle's actual path with that being steered by the driver.

GM began installing stability enhancement systems in passenger cars in 1997, and now has more than 2 million equipped vehicles on the road. In addition to being the first automaker to equip 15-passenger vans with the system, GM was the first to install stability enhancement systems in full-size sport utility vehicles.

Lange said that while stability enhancement systems help drivers avoid some of the conditions that cause crashes, no system is foolproof.

"We will keep educating our customers on the unique loading and operating characteristics of full-size, extended passenger vans," Lange said. "We support the advice of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that drivers and passengers in vans -- and all other vehicles -- always use safety belts. And we remind all vehicle occupants to obey state seat belt use and child passenger safety laws."

The Savana and Express 15-passenger vans have a 155-inch wheelbase, the longest in the 15-passenger van segment. The longer wheelbase and other chassis design features help improve handling characteristics that allow the driver more control under various road conditions.

Other standard crash-avoidance features include four-wheel antilock brakes for directional stability in emergency braking situations and daytime running lamps for improved visibility. Safety belts, driver and front passenger air bags, front and rear crush zones and side-door beams are standard features designed to help protect occupants in the event of a crash.

The vans are produced at GM's Wentzville, (Mo.) Assembly Plant.

For more information on GM's vehicle safety leadership, please visit www.gmability.com.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, employs 341,000 people globally in its core automotive business and subsidiaries. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in more than 190 countries. In 2002, GM sold more than 8.6 million cars and trucks, nearly 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM's global headquarters is at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM and its products can be found on the company's consumer website at www.gm.com.

2004 Chevy Express Van
GM Media

The system also helps keep the vehicle under control when a driver makes sudden lane changes or is involved in other emergency maneuvers.

VSES sensors work by recognizing wheel skid. When you skid, sensors monitor the difference between the steering wheel angle and the direction a driver is actually turning, the vehicle speed, and other factors. After analyzing what's taking place, the system automatically reduces engine torque and applies pressure to the front right or left brakes to help keep the vehicle along its intended path.

GM was the first automaker to install VSES in full-size SUVs, adding it to Cadillac Escalade in 2002 and to the Escalade EXT, GMC Yukon, Yukon Denali, Chevy Suburban and a few others in 2003.

Other standard safety features on these vans include: