10/31/16

Ford Transit Cargo Van Medium Height - Harrold Ford



Dave Dahle with Harrold Ford in Sacramento gives a walk around demo of a medium height Transit cargo van. See more at http://www.sacramentoworktrucks.com

Global Leadership: How Ford Transit Became the Best-Selling Cargo Van Nameplate on Earth

  •    Ford Transit sales momentum in the U.S. is strong, with sales up 31 percent year to date – making Transit the best-selling van in America
  •     Ford is well established as Europe’s best-selling commercial vehicle brand, based on strong demand for Transit, the No. 1 nameplate in the medium commercial van segment there, according to data from IHS Markit
  •     Ford Transit is the best-selling nameplate in the light bus and van segment in China, on track to become the best-selling nameplate there for 2016, based on data from China Insurance Information Technology Company
DEARBORN, Mich.,  – Fleets and tradespeople around the world are increasingly turning to Ford vans to get the job done, making the Ford Transit family the best-selling lineup of  cargo vans on the planet.

Ford Transit was the best-selling cargo van family[i] globally in 2015, with nearly 400,000 vans registered, based on IHS Markit global new vehicle registration data for calendar year-end 2015.

“We are focused on building on our clear global leadership in trucks, vans and commercial vehicles,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Global Product Development, and chief technical officer. “While other manufacturers only offer their van lineups regionally, Ford has cracked the code on developing global van architecture that can be customized to regional needs.”

The success of Transit has propelled Ford to become the top seller of commercial cargo vans in the United States. Ford controls 40 percent of the full-size commercial van market in the country through September – up from 36 percent in 2015. Strong demand for Transit is putting Ford on track for its best year for U.S. van sales since 1978, based on Ford-reported data. Transit now outsells even America’s best-selling minivan, based on industry-reported sales.  

“U.S. customers have enthusiastically embraced Transit as a capable, flexible, smart work vehicle,” said Julie Ellenberger, Ford brand manager for Transit, Transit Connect and E-Series. “Transit offers best-in-class flexibility with more configurations than ever. Plus, its powertrains are specially engineered for North American buyers.”

Overall industry sales for Class 1-3 vans in the United States and Mexico are expected to continue growing, according to work truck industry association NTEA, which predicts industry sales will increase 10 percent in 2016 compared with 2015.

Transit is building on a 50-plus-year legacy in Europe, where it has been the best-selling van in its segment in the U.K. since 1984, according to IHS Markit registration data. In the past 25 months, Ford has seen its commercial vehicle market share grow from 10.8 percent to 12.9 percent in Europe, based on data from IHS Markit.

This makes Ford the No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand in Europe for the first time in 18 years, thanks to continued growing demand for its completely new and expanded Transit range – including Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier – based on IHS Markit commercial vehicle registrations.

Transit is the best-selling nameplate in the light bus and van segment in China, on track to become the best-selling nameplate there for 2016, based on data from China Insurance Information Technology Company.

Deep roots for Ford commercial cargo van leadership

Ford’s commercial cargo van legacy began when the first Transit left the production line in Langley, England, Aug. 9, 1965. Transit became a favorite in Europe, and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary there.

In the United States, Ford became the van leader 36 years ago with success of its Ford E-Series van lineup, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline. The full-size Ford Transit was introduced in the country in 2014 – replacing E-Series – and quickly took over the title of America’s best-selling van, based on Ford analysis of industry-reported sales.

Ford is expanding its Transit lineup in China as part of its relationship with Jiangling Motors Corporation, which started in August 1995, with the first Ford Transit produced there in December 1997. Production of the all-new Transit Kombi started in September.

More than 8 million Transit and Transit Custom vehicles have been built, as the range grew from a single model more than half a century ago to an entire family of commercial cargo vehicles. Lined up end-to-end, 50 years of Transit vans would circle the globe. A customer buys a new Transit every 180 seconds on average, based on Ford sales and production data.

[i] Transit family-based volumes include Ford Transit, Transit Custom and JMC Transit
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

10/29/16

Knapheide Concrete Body Walk Around-2016 Work Truck Show



John Jewell, Mideastern Regional Sales Manager, takes us on a tour of all of the features of Knapheide's fully-packaged Concrete Body.

Fisher Plows - HDX Snow Plow - 3 Angles of Attack!



The HDX plow is not your standard straight blade snowplow. Customize the stainless-steel blade’s angle of attack to 55°, 65° or 75° to accommodate plowing surfaces, weather conditions or operator preference. An articulating a-frame follows plowing surface contours for a cleaner scrape.

For more information, visit http://www.fisherplows.com

10/28/16

BEDSLIDE truck bed drawer system features and benefits



Learn how a BEDSLIDE will change the way you use your truck bed. Never crawl under your tonneau cover or truck cap again. Use the BEDSLIDE to slide all you stuff right to you.

10/27/16

Ram reveals summary of options, features for its trucks and vans

 

Keeping up with the latest pickup innovations can be tough. To help you keep track Hard Working Trucks recently asked OEMs to tell us about their best work truck options.

Dave Sowers, head of Ram Commercial Marketing, went a couple of steps further and listed both features and options for Ram trucks and vans. Here’s his list:
  •     Light and heavy duty truck – available factory spray in bed liner for protecting the business’ investment under harsh working conditions
  •     Light and heavy duty truck – bed lighting to make working in and around the bed easier in low light situations
  •     Light and heavy duty truck – crew cab in-floor storage for storing common work items out of the way
  •     Light duty truck – Four Corner Active Level Air Suspension: lowers up to 4 inches for easier loading and unloading, automatically load levels with payloads up to GVW, and allows for lowering to connect trailers.
  •     Light duty truck – Ram Box Cargo management system (weather tight, lighted and power locking with the doors) maintains 49 inches between the bed walls for loading quads and building materials, but making better storage use of the space above and fore and aft of the wheel wells.
  •     Heavy duty off road – Power Wagon disconnecting sway bars, low range transfer case, 12,000 lb. winch and locking axles for businesses and agencies needing access to the most demanding terrains
  •     Chassis Cabs – right and left side PTO in 4X2 and 4X4 configurations allows the ultimate in flexibility, including industry unique under-deck mounted compressors, pumps, and generators
  •     ProMaster City – 60/40 rear doors for improved visibility and better curb side loading and unloading
  •     ProMaster vans – lowest load floor height by 6 inches, highest standard cargo height (65 inches), nearly vertical side walls widest cargo area.
We’ll take a look at Ford’s options next and feature a link to this story so that you can compare the two.

See more:  http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/ram-reveals-summary-of-options-features-for-its-trucks-and-vans/


2017 Ford F-150 Fuel Economy Improves

 

Ford just released EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2017 Ford F-150 with the second-generation twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost and 10-speed transmission. As a quick reminder, the new and improved engine makes 10 more horsepower (now 375 hp) and 50 more pounds-feet of torque (now 470 pounds-feet) than the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost it's replacing. And although those numbers don't sound dramatically different, we can say the performance of the new combination — due in large part to smarter computer tuning — is impressive.

Here are the new EPA numbers: A 2017 4x2 3.5-liter EcoBoost gets 18/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined — it was 17/24/20 for the 2016. For popular 4x4 models, fuel economy increases to 17/23/20 compared to 16/22/18 for the 2016. For comparison purposes, the 4x2 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and base Ram 1500 naturally-aspirated V-6 models are EPA rated at 20 mpg combined, while the same trucks with the V-8 option (Chevy 5.3-liter and Ram 5.7-liter) have combined EPA ratings of 18 and 17 mpg, respectively. The half-ton pickup fuel economy leader is the Ram 1500 HFE with the 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel with EPA ratings of 21/29/24 mpg city/highway/combined.

The second-generation EcoBoost V-6 is the same engine and transmission combination that will be in the 2017 Ford Raptor, but it will offer 450 hp and 510 pounds-feet of torque in that pickup truck.

All axle gearing in regular F-150 models remains the same, as does payload and tow ratings for the various configurations and trim packages.

Manufacturer image

See more:  http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/10/2017-ford-f-150-fuel-economy-improves.html


10/26/16

Super Trucks: Factory Ordered or Build Your Own?


By G.R. Whale

Be it recreational, personal or vocational applications, pickup trucks seem to get altered more than most vehicles beyond hard-core four wheelers and van and coach conversions. Some are cab-and-chassis modifications by an authorized upfitter, but more often, it’s a pickup used as a blank canvas.

More equipment becomes factory-available as pickups grow in popularity. A few generations ago, you couldn’t get factory side steps; now you have choices in finish and style. Think of the wheel options for half tons, too. The question with almost any accessory or upgrade is how to do it.

Factory equipment comes with a vehicle warranty and is fully engineered, validated to work with your truck and road legal. There are no concerns about the airbags working properly because it has a winch, failing smog tests or funky trailer wiring that could make your dash melt. It’s included in financing and online resale calculators by default and the cost often can’t be beaten by the aftermarket.

Manufacturer accessory divisions such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Mopar and Toyota’s TRD offer the same validation (and financing if added when new) of factory equipment, though the warranty is often determined by who does the installation. As accessories go, they usually aren’t cheap.

The aftermarket offers the broadest spectrum, often at better prices, though the warranty only applies to the accessories and could void your truck warranty. System integration is unknown: If the dinghy tow-bar mount for your compact pickup will affect airbag operation or the 22s drop your payload by a ton, do you think they’ll tell you? And they’re not financed with the truck purchase.

Which method do you prefer for which additions to your pickup?

Cars.com image by Bruce Smith; TTT Logo by Paul Dolan

See more:  http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/10/super-trucks-factory-ordered-or-build-your-own.html



10/25/16

The new Cascadia Overview Video Freightliner Trucks Freightliner Trucks



The new Cascadia model raises fuel efficiency, connectivity, safety, quality and uptime performance to even greater levels, and also introduces a premium driver experience as a powerful customer benefit and driver retention tool.

The new Freightliner Cascadia will help customers achieve the most productive, efficient and profitable freight transportation in North America. Don’t just dream about the future. Drive it.

Learn more: freightliner.com/trucks/new-cascadia

Dejana Sealed Van Partition Smoke Test



The Dejana Sealed Van Partition safely separates the driving area from the cargo area. A smoke test was conducted to test and verify the partition seal.

Find out more at:  http://www.dejana.com/

10/24/16

GM Hydrogen Fuel Cells Mark 50 Years of Development


Electrovan was first fuel cell technology 
transfer from JFK’s moonshot challenge


DETROIT — The year 1966 brought the TV debuts of “Batman” and “Star Trek,” which both enjoy a cultlike following 50 years later. With less fanfare in the same season, General Motors tested the Electrovan, the world’s first hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle.

Floyd Wyczalek, 91, was project manager of Electrovan fuel cell development and recalls the 200-person team working on the first technology transfer of fuel cells from President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 challenge to NASA to safely land a man on the moon before the end of the decade.

“We had three shifts of people on this project starting in January 1966 and finishing 10 months later,” Wyczalek said. “We had one running demo for the Progress of Power press conference in October that year.”

Fast-forward to 2016: GM has invested more than $2.5 billion in hydrogen fuel cell technology and is among patent leaders along with Honda, its collaborator since 2013 in developing a next-generation system that will be much more powerful but a fraction of the size of the equipment-crammed Electrovan, which had room for only a driver and two passengers.

Several fuel cell demo programs have helped GM amass more than 3.1 million miles of real-world experience on modern fuel cell systems. On Oct. 3 at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) annual meeting and exhibition in Washington, D.C., GM revealed its latest fuel cell demo, the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, an off-road midsize pickup that the Army will test in extreme conditions next year.

Coincidentally, the ZH2 went from contract to completion in about 10 months, the same timing as the Electrovan. It will be the first fuel cell vehicle to wear the GM Hydrotec badge, a familial tie to the Ecotec gasoline engines.

“We see broad potential for fuel cell systems in military, aerospace and other applications while we continue on the path to a commercial vehicle,” said Charlie Freese, executive director, GM Global Fuel Cell Business. “It is pretty special to celebrate the Electrovan’s 50th anniversary.”

The Electrovan was strictly a test vehicle to explore hydrogen as an energy source for vehicle propulsion.

“Fuel cell durability was performed over a period of several months in a test cell,” Wyczalek said. “Driving acceleration and top speed tests were conducted on a chassis dynamometer.”

Following the end of the project the Electrovan was stored in a Pontiac, Michigan, warehouse for 31 years before being rediscovered in 2001 and assigned for use in fuel cell displays and loaned to museums when not at home in the GM Heritage Center. Pontiac has been home to the GM global fuel cell business since late 2012.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

10/23/16

Fitness Goes on Tour with New #FitTruck Transit Van as Ford and Reebok Team Up on Tough Road Trip with Fitness Stars

  •     New FitTruck, powered by Ford and Reebok, is going on the ultimate road trip, bringing some of the most influential names in fitness – Emily Skye, Jamie Eason, Ashley Horner, Cory Gregory, “Silent Mike” Farr and others – to cities across the eastern United States
  •     Tour kicks off Thursday, with FitTruck driving more than 2,000 miles over seven weeks, bringing to life Reebok’s mantra that the gym is everywhere and fitness can happen anywhere
  •     FitTruck builds on Ford Transit’s tough, customizable platform with an eye-catching exterior and four rear seats for the influential fitness instructors who will be joining the tour along the way, as well as a gym’s worth of fitness equipment and more
BOSTON, Oct. 19, 2016 – What do you get when you combine one tough van, some of the world’s most influential fitness pros and an undying commitment to fitness?                                                        

FitTruck, powered by Ford and Reebok, is hitting the road on one of the most pumped-up fitness tours ever – spanning more than 2,000 miles during seven weeks this fall. The truck will pop up in locations across the eastern U.S. using Reebok’s world-class instructor network to take fitness beyond the gym with the help of the extremely customizable Ford Transit.

“FitTruck embodies the idea that the gym is everywhere and fitness can truly take place anywhere – a city, a park or your own home,” says Steve Robaire, Reebok director of instructor engagement and global events. “Today, everything can be made mobile, from food trucks, to retailing clothing and accessories, to basic health care and beyond. It just made sense to take this concept and use it to promote something healthy.”

The crew

FitTruck is bringing some of the world’s most renowned names in fitness to pop-up events, fitness boot camps and wellness clinics. Reebok’s wide instructor network, Reebok ONE, includes more than 106,000 fitness trainers from around the world.

Special guests from Reebok ONE’s network on the FitTruck tour include:
  •     Emily Skye: Australian fitness star and founder of the hugely popular F.I.T fitness workout
  •     Jamie Eason: International cover model and co-creator of Lean Body for Her natural supplementation
  •     Ashley Horner: Official female spokesperson for Bodybuilding.com
  •     Cory Gregory: Creator of the Squat Every Day program
  •     “Silent Mike” Farr: Co-host of the popular fitness podcast Powercast and a world-renowned powerlifting expert
Athletes will share on-tour experiences via social media. Follow the tour’s progress using the hashtag #FitTruck.

One wild ride

FitTruck’s multi-state tour will take it through a number of stops:
  •     Oct. 20-21, Boston: Reebok headquarters will get the tour started right with a celebration. From there, FitTruck will be making stops along the way to its next stop in Virginia Beach for pop-up activations at Reebok FitHubs in cities including New York and Washington, D.C.
  •     Oct 24-30, New York, Washington, D.C.: FitTruck will host popup activations at Reebok FitHubs
  •     Oct. 30 – Nov. 6: Virginia Beach, Virginia: FitTruck’s next stop takes it to the East Coast, where it will be hitting local gyms. Ashley Horner will host a Facebook Live training session, and FitTruck will be right there as she runs a 50-mile ultramarathon through the mountains. Plus, the winner of the Win a Day to Meet and Train with Ashley Horner contest will receive a one-day training with the fitness pro herself
  •     Nov. 8, Raleigh, North Carolina: Touring North Carolina’s capital city, FitTruck will feature a workout with adaptive fitness athlete and professional Logan Aldridge and other local grassroots events
  •     Nov. 12, Charlotte, North Carolina: Next, a trip through the Queen City as FitTruck parks outside a local gym, encouraging people to stop and join fitness competitions and apparel giveaways throughout the day. Don’t miss out on the chance to win prizes for doing burpees
  •     Nov. 26 – Dec. 2, Columbus, Ohio: It’s game day for FitTruck, which will be tailgating outside the Ohio State University-University of Michigan football game, hosting fitness competitions and giving away prizes to students. Plus, Cory Gregory will host a Squatlife seminar. And check out the big appearance from “Silent Mike” Farr, who will shoot a YouTube video onsite
  • Built Ford Tough
  • Just as Reebok encourages people to enhance their lives through the physical, mental and social benefits that fitness provides, Ford empowers fleets and tradespeople every day with tough vehicles built to take on demanding jobs.
  • Ford Transit features high-strength unibody construction and gives customers flexibility with 64 available configurations for 2017 – the most in its class. Built on a Transit 250, FitTruck has a high roof and 148-inch wheelbase, and is powered by a 3.2-liter Power Stroke® I5 Turbo Diesel with a six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission.
  • Two of Ford’s qualified vehicle modifiers, TransitWorks and Adrian Steel, worked together to transform this Transit cargo van – with 404 cubic feet of cargo space – into a relentless fitness machine.
  • TransitWorks fitted the front of the van with four removable seats to comfortably transport the influential fitness instructors on tour, as well as a custom floor, lighting, headliner and partition. Adrian Steel custom-designed and built storage for a variety of fitness equipment, including dumbbells, barbells, weight plates, battle ropes, resistance bands, yoga mats, medicine balls and kettle balls.
It’s just another example of how Ford’s upfitter network can equip the flexible Ford Transit for any job – even if that job is a grueling 2,000-mile fitness road trip.

“When duty calls, business professionals and commercial fleets want a vehicle with the rugged reliability to get the job done and a feature selection customized to their specific needs,” said Julie Ellenberger, Ford marketing manager for Transit. “Transit has a track record of taking on the toughest situations drivers can throw at it, whether navigating a construction site or an urban landscape. Likewise, embracing a healthy, fit lifestyle allows people to handle the toughest life can throw at them, both mentally and physically.”
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

About Reebok

Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Canton, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of fitness and lifestyle footwear, apparel and equipment. An American-inspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied fitness heritage. Reebok develops products, technologies and programming which enables movement and is committed to accompanying people on their journey to fulfill their potential. Reebok connects with the fitness consumer wherever they are and however they choose to stay fit ­ whether it¹s training, running, walking, dance, yoga or aerobics. Reebok Classics leverages the brand¹s fitness heritage and represents the roots of the brand in the sports lifestyle market. A subsidiary of the adidas Group, Reebok operates under the multiple divisions of the Reebok brand, Reebok-CCM Hockey and the Sports Licensed Division. Reebok is the exclusive outfitter of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games, the official title sponsor of the Reebok Spartan Race; the exclusive authentic global outfitter of UFC, and exclusive apparel provider for Les Mills. For more information, visit Reebok at www.reebok.com or for the latest news at news.reebok.com.

Or, discover Reebok at the following locations: facebook.com/reebok; twitter.com/reebok; and youtube.com/reebok.

American Eagle Accessories - Ventura Fire Department Testimonial



The Ventura, Iowa Fire Department loves their American Eagle Heavy Duty Drawer System. Watch to find out why! See more about American Eagle Truck Accessories at www.americaneagleacc.com

10/22/16

A Closer Look at XL Hybrids Vans



XL Hybrids CTO Ed Lovelace explains the technology behind the company's hybrid vans that can help fleets improve fuel economy. Learn more at www.worktruckonline.com
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10/21/16

Boltlock Introduction



Introduction of the Boltlock product line.

Get more out of your existing fleet - Switch-N-Go®

 

Are you looking for a way to get more out of your existing fleet? Do you have concerns that you will not be able to complete all of your work with limited staffing?

Switch-N-Go® can be a solution to these issues. As a proven transportation solution, Switch-N-Go® can help you accomplish your tasks with fewer trucks and people.

Instead of letting your trucks sit dormant in the off seasons up fit them with Switch-N-Go® systems and use your trucks through out the entire year.

See more at: http://www.switchngo.com/


10/20/16

The BOSS DXT Plow Extended Product Line



The dual trip DXT family has grown. Learn about THE BOSS Power-V DXT extended product line and see them in action.

10/19/16

Why Air? Why Air Lift?



When it comes to adding load support to your vehicle there are several options. Air springs are the only load support product that provide both leveling capacity and improved ride comfort.

Adding steel springs to your suspension will give your vehicle increased load support, but the extra steel adds stiffness to your suspension which decreases ride comfort when riding empty.

Installing a load assist rubber jounce bumper will also give your vehicle added load support. However, many drivers report uncomfortable harsh jarring when riding on rough roads.

Only air springs give you load support that is adjustable for your specific load. Add air when riding loaded to ensure your vehicle is level for a safer, more comfortable ride. Deflate the air springs when riding unloaded for optimal ride quality. The adjustability of air makes traveling with a load easy and convenient.

Chevrolet Silverado HD - 2017


All-new Intake System Feeds Duramax Diesel on 2017 Silverado HD Cool, dry air delivers lower engine temperatures, maximum performance

 

DETROIT – New for 2017, Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks feature a patented air intake system that drives cool, dry air into the engine for sustained performance and cooler engine temperatures during difficult driving conditions. The intake system underwent extensive testing based on the most challenging real-world driving conditions to ensure capable performance no matter the weather.

Marked by a dramatic hood scoop, the all-new air intake system provides 60 percent of the air to the Duramax diesel engine from an inlet at the front of the hood. The air provided to the engine is very close to the outside ambient temperature and much cooler than the air under the hood.

Cooler air helps the engine run better under load, especially in conditions where engine and transmission temperatures can rise quickly. Running cooler allows the Duramax diesel to maintain full power and vehicle speed for capable trailering in even the toughest conditions.

There’s also a ram-air effect from the incoming air at highway speed that helps pack more air into the engine. The air filter housing also draws 40 percent additional air from a dry location in one of the front fenders. It blends with the cooler air from the hood inlet before funneling into the Duramax’s combustion chambers. This assures the engine can breathe even if the hood is completely blocked.

“The 2017 Silverado HD was engineered to provide maximum utility for our customers in even the most extreme situations,” said Eric Stanczak, chief engineer, Silverado HD. “While developing this all-new induction system, we considered our customers towing a maximum-weight trailer through the Eisenhower Tunnel on a hot, rainy summer day.”

At more than 11,000 feet above sea level, the Eisenhower Tunnel, is the highest vehicle tunnel in the world and one of the highest elevations for any roadway in North America.

Maximized engine performance requires more than cool air; the air must also be clean and dry. Accordingly, the functional hood scoop includes a unique air/water separator to ensure only combustion-enhancing dry air is drawn into the engine. The air charge enters an expansion chamber containing a sharp, 180-degree turn on its way to the air filter housing. That creates a velocity change that causes humidity or mist to form larger, heavier droplets that are flung centrifugally against the outside wall of the housing. The collected water drains through a valve, while the air charge continues on to the filter housing and into the engine.

Testing the effectiveness of the system was rooted in real-world driving conditions of every degree — from misty rains to monsoon-level downpours; from powdery snow to wind-driven ice pellets; from desert dust to arctic cold.

Surprisingly, torrential downpours do not necessarily pose the biggest challenge, according to Kevin Dunn, global vehicle performance for splash engineering:  “Big, heavy raindrops from a thunderstorm are relatively easy to eliminate from air. The more challenging issue comes from the mist-like spray generated by semitrucks on wet highways. Those very fine water droplets prove more challenging to separate from the air. The air intake is an elegant solution that works well with water droplets of all sizes. For customers, the results delivers maximum engine performance and even greater towing confidence.”

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com
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10/18/16

Silverado: The Journey to ESPN College GameDay Week 7 | Chevrolet



Made with tough, proven high-strength steel for high strength dependability, the Silverado is the best truck to get your precious cargo to its destination. Where is the team headed this week? Watch and find out.

Learn more about the Silverado here: http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-15...

10/17/16

GMC Introduces Sierra HD All Terrain X


Third model in brand’s X series offered 
with all-new Duramax 6.6L diesel

 

AUSTIN, Texas — GMC today introduced the 2017 Sierra HD All Terrain X, the most off-road-capable model in the Sierra HD lineup, and one that matches its enhanced capability with trail-ready style and the brand’s signature refinement.

It joins Canyon and Sierra 1500 this fall as the third model in GMC’s distinctive, limited-edition All Terrain X series, offered on the Sierra 2500HD crew cab 4WD with a 6.0L gas V-8 engine or the all-new, next-generation Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel. More powerful than ever, the new Duramax delivers a segment-topping SAE-certified 445 hp (332 kW) and an SAE-certified 910 lb.-ft. of torque (1,234 Nm).

“The new Sierra HD All Terrain X’s powerful attitude reflects a popular trend in very capable off-road trucks, executed with a range-topping level of refinement — a combination of attributes GMC has cultivated for years,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “And with the new, available Duramax 6.6L, this truck more than matches its bold good looks with true professional-grade capability.”

The All Terrain X’s customized appearance blends a premium package of monochromatic exterior trim and special equipment, complemented with GMC’s latest technologies. Content includes:
•    18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels
•    LT275/65R18 Goodyear Duratrac MT-rated tires that feature an aggressive tread pattern for outstanding off-road performance
•    A unique body-color grille surround with All Terrain insert
•    Body-color door handles and bodyside moldings
•    Black power-adjustable heated and power-folding trailering mirrors with integrated turn signals, LED rear guidance lamps and LED amber clearance lamps
•    Black belt moldings, front bumper skidplate and B-pillars
•    4-inch black sport side steps
•    Black sport bar (mounted in the bed) designed to support available GMC Accessories LED off-road driving lamps
•    Offered in Black Onyx and Summit White exterior colors

Additional All Terrain equipment includes a spray-on bedliner, Front and Rear Park Assist, the Z71 off-road suspension package, underbody shield, heated steering wheel and all-weather floor liners. The Eaton automatic locking rear differential is also standard.

The 2017 Sierra 2500HD All Terrain X also features GMC IntelliLink with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen, Teen Driver, remote-locking tailgate, remote starting system, Rear Vision Camera, adjustable pedals, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and wireless charging.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

ISUZU ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF ALL-NEW F-SERIES TRUCK


2018 FTR is set to change the class 6 market


ANAHEIM, Calif.—Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of America’s best-selling low-cab-forward trucks, today announced key specifications of its all-new entry in the Class 6 medium-duty truck segment, the 2018 Isuzu FTR. The company made announcements to their dealers at a series of Isuzu Whistle Stops around the country the last two weeks.

Among the highlights:
•    25,950 pounds GVWR
•    The FTR will be available in eight wheelbase lengths ranging from 152 to 248 inches, accommodating bodies from 14 to 30 feet long
•    The FTR is a dock height class 6 truck
•    The turbocharged Isuzu 5.2-liter 4HK1-TC engine propelling the FTR will generate 215 horsepower and 520 lbs.-ft. of torque
•    The engine will be mated to an Allison six-speed automatic transmission with power take-off (PTO) capability
•    Dana axles will have capacities of 12,000 pounds up front and 19,000 pounds rear  suspension
•    Bridgestone or Continental 11R22.5 tires will be fitted to 22.5" × 8.25" steel wheels

The FTR is slated to go into production at a new facility in Charlotte, Michigan in mid-2017.

When Isuzu announced the truck at NTEA’s 2016 Work Truck Show in March, Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, said, “This truck represents our vision of the future of the medium-duty truck industry. The overall concept of the FTR is to bring to our customers the next generation medium-duty low-cab-forward truck, one that features a clean, durable, highly-efficient four-cylinder engine and is the best Class 6 choice for urban pickup and delivery. The letters ‘FTR’ don’t stand for ‘future,’ however this truck represents the future, and it will be here—soon.”


About Isuzu Trucks:

Isuzu commercial trucks have been the best-selling low-cab-forward trucks in America every year since 1986.  Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. is the distributor of Isuzu commercial trucks in the United States. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

10/16/16

Carrybody: Worldwide's most popular service body



CARRYBOY CAR SERVICES is designed exclusively for outdoor work station to all personal professions and organizations. Smooth finished fiberglass canopy in 2K paint, light minimum weight for economical transportation with the most stunning appearance.

CARRYBOY is the leading manufacturer of standard service bodies. We've put thirty years of ideas and innovation into our service bodies so you can have the best in the industry.

See more about Carryboy products at www.carryboy.com.au/tradesman-body-units/

10/15/16

Highway Products Service Body - Customized for Customer Requirements



Highway Products will build a work truck customized for the customers requirements. Every customer has unique requirements for their particular trade or specific application. Certain contractors have found that a service body configured in a certain way has great benefit to them in making their daily work easier, perhaps reducing waste or getting the job done quicker. Maybe its the storage of tools and equipment,access of cabinets or ladders in a certain way. Maybe its lockable compartments, or access to the welder or air supply, etc.Maybe its adding outside scene or inside cabinet lights for night work. There are many ways to configure a work truck, many features to add that will add benefits to the contractor or municipal utility.

Find out more at: http://www.highwayproducts.com/

ESMO Highlights 2016



Check out some highlights from ESMO 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. Thanks AEP for hosting this event!

10/14/16

Fuel savings with APUs


What makes auxiliary power units (APUs) such a good investment today? Bill Gordon, division president of Bergstrom Parts LLC, says that the primary reasons are “fuel savings and less wear on the engine as a result of reduced idling. The fuel savings associated with reduced idling are significant. Omnitracs released a whitepaper recently that quantified the amount of money spent on idling per year at roughly $14 billion. Battery-powered systems like the NITE unit play a huge role in reducing that number and represent big savings for fleets.”

“The Carrier Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is an integrated heating and cooling system that provides up to 12,000 British thermal units per hour (Btuh) of cooling and 10,000 Btuh of heating,” explains David Kiefer, director of sales and marketing for Carrier Transicold, Truck/Trailer/Rail Americas. “The Carrier APU also charges truck batteries, warms the truck engine and is compatible with shore power.” He adds that APUs offer potential for fuel savings as well as compliance with more prevalent and more stringent idling regulations. In addition, fleets understand the impact an APU can have on reducing truck engine maintenance. Fuel prices continue to make compelling financial incentives to use an APU.”

“In addition to the fuel savings, with which everyone is familiar, the TriPac Evolution decreases tractor maintenance costs due to reduced idle time, which increases tractor resale value,” says Steve DeLarosby, product manager of APUs at Thermo King. “Perhaps one of the biggest benefits is how the APU helps with driver retention. Our customers are experiencing a significant shortage in drivers. The TriPac Evolution allows drivers to have access to the comforts home while still being on the road, which helps improve driver satisfaction and reduces turnover. By having APU on a tractor, companies can save money by decreasing recruiting and training costs.”



“While not technically an APU, our product line provides three things: heat, air-condition and alternate power,” shares John Dennehy, vice president marketing and communications for Eberspaecher Climate Control Systems. “Eberspaecher manufactures ‘Fuel Operated Heaters’ that can heat two mediums, air or water (coolant). We don’t produce cool or additional power. We all know that fleets are having a tough time attracting and holding drivers. These heaters can defrost your windshield keeping you safe, they use minimal fuel and they work just like a home furnace, where you set the temperature and let the heater do the rest.”

Source:  http://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/fuel-savings-apu/?eid=341566122&bid=1547769


10/13/16

Custom Freightliner Service Truck, IMT Crane



Walkthrough of a custom unit we are wrapping up before it goes to work. IMT crane and body, BOSS compressor, Miller welder, toolboxes galore. This should be one HAPPY mechanic when he takes delivery!

Sortimo: Intelligent mobility-unlimited possibilities



Intelligent mobility for all workday heroes. We research and develop, so that you can concentrate on your job and bring over 40 years of expertise for your safety with us.

10/12/16

The Work Truck Show® 2017 registration and housing open

 

Registration and housing for The Work Truck Show 2017 are available at worktruckshow.com. The event is scheduled March 14-17, 2017 at the Indiana Convention Center (Indianapolis, Indiana). Educational sessions and the Green Truck Summit begin March 14, and the exhibit hall is open March 15-17.

Note: this year, we're offering more streamlined registration packages to make it even easier to select the options you want. Already know you want to register? Click here.

Not yet an NTEA member? Join today to receive discounted member pricing on registration.

Book your room at discounted, NTEA-negotiated rates by calling 317-262-8191, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. EST or visiting worktruckshow.com

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10/10/16

2017 GMC SIERRA HD: PRECISION-ENGINEERED DIESEL PERFORMANCE



A professional-grade heavy duty pickup is designed to work hard, without making the driver work hard behind the wheel. That’s where the updated 2017 GMC Sierra HD excels – whether you’re trailering a boat or carrying a heavy payload, GMC’s heavy-duty pickup trucks deliver an unrivaled blend of capability and driver confidence. Our latest Duramax Diesel, available in Sierra 2500 HD and Sierra 3500 HD, is our most powerful ever, with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque on tap. But power is but one piece of the puzzle – Sierra HD also offers a full array of available features, like an integrated exhaust brake and Digital Steering Assist -- designed to raise driver confidence and control.

10/09/16

Ford Police Interceptor Utility Goes Deeper Undercover



Ford is debuting Rear Spoiler Traffic Warning Lights to complement the “no-profile” Front Interior Visor Light Bar on Police Interceptor Utility. The feature integrates bright LED lighting into the vehicle’s rear spoiler, providing law enforcement with a highly effective tool to alert drivers of emergency roadside situations while affording officers full visibility out the rear window. When deactivated, the lighting is difficult to detect for someone approaching the vehicle from the rear.

Mission-Ready Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 Fuel Cell Vehicle Breaks Cover at U.S. Army Show



Modified midsize pickup goes into 

extreme military field testing in 2017


 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The physically imposing Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, the most extreme off-road-capable fuel-cell-powered electric vehicle ever from General Motors, was revealed today at the fall meeting of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).

Standing more than 6½ feet tall and more than seven feet wide, the Colorado ZH2 was built on a stretched midsize pickup chassis. Reinforced inside and out, the ZH2 rides on 37-inch tires and a specially modified suspension that helps the vehicle climb over and descend all manner of terrain.

The U.S. Army will test the Colorado ZH2 in extreme field conditions next year to determine the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles on military missions.

The Colorado ZH2 features an Exportable Power Take-Off unit (EPTO) that allows the fuel cell to power activity away from the vehicle, such as remote locations where electric power may otherwise be unavailable.

GM and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) collaborated to develop the Colorado ZH2 from contract to concept in less than a year.

GM is leveraging a range of advanced technologies for multiple applications, including military.

“The speed with which innovative ideas can be demonstrated and assessed is why relationships with industry are so important to the Army,” said Paul Rogers, director of TARDEC. “Fuel cells have the potential to expand the capabilities of Army vehicles significantly through quiet operation, exportable power and solid torque performance, all advances that drove us to investigate this technology further.”

The Army will evaluate the ZH2 fuel cell for:

§  Near-silent operation enabling silent watch capability
§  Reduced acoustic and thermal signatures
§  High wheel torque at all speeds via electric drive
§  Low fuel consumption across operating range
§  Water by-product for field uses

GM and TARDEC have fuel cell development laboratories located 20 miles apart in southeast Michigan. Most of the Colorado ZH2 was assembled in GM’s Advanced Vehicle Integration facility in Warren. Calibration testing at GM’s Milford Proving Ground will continue into early 2017, when the vehicle will be turned over to the Army for a year of field testing.

“The Colorado ZH2 is a terrific example of GM’s engineering and design skill in creating an off-road vehicle relevant to a range of potential users,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuel Cell Activities. “Over the next year, we expect to learn from the Army the limits of what a fuel cell propulsion system can do when really put to the test.”

The Colorado ZH2 contract is GM’s second vehicle development with a U.S military branch announced this year. In June, the U.S. Navy unveiled a GM fuel cell-powered Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) that is currently in pool testing before eventual deployment. The UUV leverages GM fuel cell technology common with the Colorado ZH2, demonstrating the flexibility to power a range of mobile and stationary devices.

GM has accumulated 3.1 million miles of hydrogen fuel cell testing via Project Driveway, a 119-vehicle fleet driven by more than 5,000 people in a multi-year fuel cell experience program.

About General Motors
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com  

About TARDEC
Headquartered at the U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan, TARDEC is a major research, development and engineering center for the Army Materiel Command’s Research, Development and Engineering Command and an enterprise partner in the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. TARDEC is the Nation’s laboratory for advanced military automotive technology and serves as the Ground Systems Integrator for all Defense Department manned and unmanned ground vehicle systems. With roots dating back to the World War II era, TARDEC develops and integrates the right technology solutions to improve current force effectiveness and provides superior capabilities for future force integration. More information can be found at http://tardec.army.mil


10/08/16

66th IAA International Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles: Off-road and on-road: news on Mercedes-Benz construction vehicles

  •     Latest engine generations now also available for the Arocs
  •     New flagship engines: OM 470 with 335 kW (460 hp) and OM 471 with 390 kW (530 hp)
  •     Approval for alternative fuels to prEN 15940 standard and biodiesel
  •     New variants with low exterior height
  •     Latest safety technology also available for construction vehicles
Hanover – At the 66th IAA International Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz presented a cross-section of its wide range of two, three, and four-axle chassis, tractor units and tippers for the construction industry and ancillary trades. The range of models on show featured a wealth of technical innovations and customer-oriented advancements.

The centrepiece was the Arocs - the specialist construction vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. A consummate construction professional, the Mercedes-Benz Arocs is available with two, three or four axles, with drive configurations from 4x2 to 8x8. With versions ranging from the Arocs Loader tractor unit and concrete mixer for on-road use to the Arocs Grounder for frequent off-road use, it covers all the bases for building contractors.

Latest engine generations now also available for the A

10/07/16

Loading paint with a BEDSLIDE



Loading 19 five gallon paint buckets made easy with a BEDSLIDE. Make your truck bed easier to access. Slide all your card under the tonneau cover on your BEDSLIDE. For more info visit BEDSLIDE.com

GM's 2017 New Duramax Turbo-Diesel Most Powerful to Date

 

The next-generation turbo-diesel 6.6-liter Duramax engine, set to debut in the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickup trucks, will offer more torque, power and fewer emissions than ever before. GM debuted the engine at the 2016 State Fair of Texas.


Rated at 445 horsepower at 2,850 rpm and 910 pounds-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm, the new engine is essentially all new. GM engineers have touched just about every piece of the V-8 engine from tip to tail to make it stronger and more efficient. Yes, it is still the same displacement and it still offers a 32-valve setup, but other than that, every aspect of this new engine is new and upgraded.

The more powerful Duramax (with 19 percent more torque and 12 percent more hp) has a new, stronger cast-iron block able to house a larger-diameter crankshaft with stronger connecting rods and cast-aluminum pistons. The aluminum cylinder heads now incorporate intake and exhaust passages, is stiffer, and provides much better cooling.

Read the complete story at:  http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/09/gms-2017-new-duramax-turbo-diesel-most-powerful-to-date.html


10/06/16

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor: 450 Horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of Torque | F-150 Raptor | Ford Performance



The 2017 Ford Raptor, equipped with the all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbo high-output EcoBoost engine, churns out 510 lb.-ft. of torque and 450 horsepower across a wide power band. Thanks to a reduction of up to 500 pounds in weight, the Raptor's EPA-rated combined fuel economy improved 23% compared to the previous generation.

10/05/16

Husky’s WeatherBeater floor liners now available for 2017 Ford Super Duty

 

Husky Liners announced that its WeatherBeater floor liners are now available for 2017 F-250, F-350 and F-450.

WeatherBeater floor liners feature raised edges to help contain spills and conform to the contours of the vehicle’s floor for a snug fit.

StayPut Cleats on the bottom of WeatherBeater floor liners keep them from shifting around on either carpet or vinyl floors.

WeatherBeater liners, which are designed and made in the U.S., come with a lifetime guarantee.
- See more at: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/huskys-weatherbeater-floor-liners-are-now-available-for-2017-ford-super-duty/#sthash.YPgcVSRL.dpuf

Kenworth Truck Company - manufacturer of The World’s Best heavy and medium duty trucks



Kenworth is the manufacturer of The World’s Best heavy and medium duty trucks.

10/04/16

Emissions-Free Refrigeration Unit Project Gets $400K Grant


Renewable energy solutions company eNow has received a $400,000 grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to deploy its solar panel refrigeration solution in the area’s transportation networks.

The proposed project is meant to demonstrate an electric replacement for truck refrigeration units. ENow is collaborating with Johnson Truck Bodies to provide the demonstration unit, and Challenge Dairy will operate the demonstration vehicle. The deployed trucks will use an all-electric refrigeration unit powered by eNow’s solar panels and Johnson All Electric Cold Plate System. These systems are exempt from carbon emissions as defined by the Air Resources Board.

The proposed system uses photovoltaic enhanced battery-electric refrigeration systems augmented with a hybrid active evaporator/cold plate refrigeration system to provide for a 12-hour route operation. The demonstration system will be sized for a medium-temperature application, suitable for produce or dairy product delivery.

Both industrial product manufacturer Emerson and Johnson Truck Bodies will conduct refrigeration system tests in collaboration with eNow and Challenge Dairy, defining parameters for remote monitoring.

“Finding new technologies will be the key to the Valley coming into attainment for tough federal air quality standards,” said Seyed Sadredin, executive director and air pollution control officer of the SJVAPCD. “We are excited to support new technologies that improve air quality and are economically advantageous at the same time. This grant definitely fits that criteria.”

The project is currently in development and is expected to begin testing in September.

Source:  http://www.worktruckonline.com/channel/fuel-management/news/story/2016/08/emissions-free-refrigeration-unit-project-recieves-400k-grant.aspx


10/03/16

New Duramax 6.6L Diesel Introduced on 2017 Sierra HD


Next-generation redesign is stronger, 
offering more power and greater refinement



DALLAS — GMC today announced the redesigned Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel offered on the 2017 Sierra HD. This next-generation redesign offers more horsepower and torque than ever — an SAE-certified 445 horsepower (332 kW) and net 910 lb.-ft. (1,234 Nm) — to enable easier, more confident hauling and trailering.

Along with a 19 percent increase in max torque over the current Duramax 6.6L, the redesigned turbo-diesel’s performance is quieter and smoother, for greater refinement. In fact, engine noise at idle is reduced 38 percent.

“With nearly 2 million sold over the past 15 years, customers have forged a bond with the Duramax diesel based on trust and capability,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Propulsion Systems. “The new Duramax takes those traits to higher levels.”

The new Duramax 6.6L shares essentially only the bore and stroke dimensions of the current engine and incorporates a new, GM-developed control system. The Duramax’s signature low-rpm torque production hasn’t changed and still offers 90 percent of peak torque at a low 1,550 rpm and sustains it through 2,850 rpm.

“Nearly everything about the Duramax is new, designed to produce more torque at lower rpm and more confidence when trailering or hauling,” said Gary Arvan, chief engineer. “You’ll also notice the refinement improvements the moment you start the engine, and appreciate them as you cruise quietly down the highway — with or without a trailer.”

Additional highlights include:
•    New, stronger cylinder block and cylinder heads
•    New, stronger rotating and reciprocating assembly
•    Increased oil- and coolant-flow capacity
•    New EGR system with single cooler and integrated bypass
•    New electrically actuated/electronically controlled turbocharging system
•    All-new advanced solenoid fuel system
•    All-new electronic controls
•    New full-length damped steel oil pan that contributes to quietness
•    New rocker cover/fuel system acoustical treatments
•    B20 bio-diesel compatibility
•    SAE-certified 445 net horsepower (332 kW) at 2,800 rpm
•    SAE-certified 910 net lb.-ft. of torque (1,234 Nm) at 1,600 rpm

A new, patent-pending vehicle air intake system — distinguished on the Sierra HD by a bold hood scoop — drives cool, dry air into the engine for sustained performance and cooler engine temperatures during difficult conditions such as trailering on steep grades. Cooler air helps the engine run better under load, especially in conditions where engine and transmission temperatures can rise quickly. That allows the Duramax to maintain more power and vehicle speed when trailering in the toughest conditions.

The intake design is another example of the advanced integration included in the 2017 Sierra HD that makes it over-the-road capable.   

A strong foundation
As with previous versions, the new Duramax block features a strong cast-iron foundation known for its durability, with induction-hardened cylinder walls and five nodular iron main bearings. It retains the same 4.05-inch (103mm) and 3.89-inch (99mm) bore and stroke dimensions as the current engine, retaining the Duramax’s familiar 6.6L (403 cu.-in./6,599 cc) displacement.

A deep-skirt design and four-bolt, cross-bolted main caps help ensure the block’s strength and enable more accurate location of the rotating assembly. A die-cast aluminum lower crankcase also strengthens the engine block and serves as the lower engine cover, while reducing its overall weight.

The new engine block incorporates larger-diameter crankshaft connecting rod journals than the current engine, enabling the placement of a stronger crankshaft and increased bearing area to handle higher cylinder loads. 

An enhanced oiling circuit, with higher flow capacity and a dedicated feed for the turbocharger, provides increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery. Larger piston-cooling oil jets at the bottom of the cylinder bores spray up to twice the amount of engine oil into oil galleries under the crown of the pistons, contributing to lower engine temperature and greater durability.

A new, two-piece oil pan contributes to the new Duramax’s quieter operation. It consists of a laminated steel oil pan with an upper aluminum section. The aluminum section provides strength-enhancing rigidity for the engine, but a pan made entirely of aluminum would radiate more noise, so the laminated steel lower section is added to dampen noise and vibration.

There’s also an integrated oil cooler with 50 percent greater capacity than the current engine’s, ensuring more consistent temperatures at higher engine loads.

Segment firsts
•    Re-melt piston bowl rim
•    Venturi Jet Drain Oil Separator
•    Closed loop glow plug temperature control

Stronger pistons with remelt
A tough, forged micro-alloy steel crankshaft anchors the new Duramax’s stronger rotating assembly. Cut-then-rolled journal fillets contribute to its durability by strengthening the junction where the journals — the round sections on which the bearings slide — meet the webs that separate the main and rod journals.

The connecting rods are stronger, too, and incorporate a new 45-degree split-angle design to allow the larger-diameter rod bearings to pass through the cylinder bores during engine assembly. They’re forged and sintered with a durable powdered metal alloy, with a fractured-cap design enabling more precise cap-to-rod fitment. 

A new, stronger cast aluminum piston design tops off the rotating assembly. It features a taller crown area and a remelted combustion bowl rim for greater strength. Remelting is an additional manufacturing process for aluminum pistons in which the bowl rim area is reheated after casting and pre-machining, creating a much finer and more consistent metal grain structure that greatly enhances thermal fatigue properties.  

Additionally, the Duramax’s pistons don’t use pin bushings, reducing reciprocating weight to help the engine rev quicker and respond faster to throttle changes.

Lightweight cylinder heads, solenoid injectors
The redesigned engine retains the Duramax’s signature first-in-class aluminum cylinder head design, with six head bolts per cylinder and four valves per cylinder. The aluminum construction helps reduce the engine’s overall weight, while the six-bolt design provides exceptional head-clamping strength — a must in a high-compression, turbocharged application.

A new aluminum head casting uses a new double-layer water core design that separates and arranges water cores in layers to create a stiffer head structure with more precise coolant flow control. The heads’ airflow passages are also heavily revised to enhance airflow, contributing to the engine’s increased horsepower and torque.

The Duramax employs a common-rail direct injection fuel system with new high-capability solenoid-type injectors. High fuel pressure of 29,000 psi (2,000 bar) promotes excellent fuel atomization for a cleaner burn that promotes reduced particulate emissions. The new injectors also support up to seven fuel delivery events per combustion event, contributing to lower noise, greater efficiency, and lower emissions. Technology advancements enable less-complex solenoid injectors to deliver comparable performance to piezo-type injectors.

Electronically controlled, variable-geometry turbocharging system
A new electronically controlled, variable-vane turbocharger advances the Duramax’s legacy of variable-geometry boosting. Compared to the current engine, the system produces higher maximum boost pressure — 28 psi (195 kPa) — to help the engine make more power, and revisions to enhance the capability of the exhaust-brake system.

Along with a new camshaft profile and improved cylinder head design, the Duramax’s new variable-vane turbocharger enables the engine to deliver more power with lower exhaust emissions. It uses a more advanced variable vane mechanism, allowing a 104-degree F (40 C) increase in exhaust temperature capability. The self-contained mechanism decouples movement from the turbine housing, allowing operation at higher temperature. That enables the engine to achieve higher power at lower cylinder pressure. Additionally, it has lower internal leakage, allowing more exhaust energy to be captured during exhaust braking.  

The integrated exhaust brake system makes trailering less stressful by creating additional backpressure in the exhaust, resulting in negative torque during deceleration and downhill driving, enhancing driver control and prolonging brake pad life.

Venturi Jet Drain Oil Separator
A new V employed with the Duramax 6.6L is the first of its type in the segment and is designed to ensure oil control in sustained full-load operation. The totally sealed system collects the fine mist of oil entrained in the blow-by gas and uses a small portion of the boosted air generated by the turbocharger to pump the collected oil back to the engine oil sump for re-use by the engine. Less-sophisticated systems are not able to return this oil during full-load operation, which can result in oil carryover into the cylinders during combustion.
  
Cold Start System
The new Duramax also provides outstanding cold-weather performance, with microprocessor-controlled glow plugs capable of gas-engine-like starting performance in fewer than 3 seconds in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F (-29 C), without a block heater. The system is enhanced with ceramic glow plugs and automatic temperature compensation – a first-in-class feature providing improved robustness and capability. The automatic temperature compensation assesses and adjusts the current to each glow plug for every use, providing optimal temperature for cold start performance and durability.     

Electronic throttle valve and cooled EGR
Unlike a gasoline engine, a diesel engine doesn’t necessarily require a throttle control system. The Duramax 6.6L employs an electronic throttle valve to regulate intake manifold pressure in order to increase exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rates. It also contributes to smoother engine shutdown.

Additionally, a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system enhances performance and helps reduce emissions by diverting some of the engine-out exhaust gas and mixing it back into the fresh intake air stream, which is fed through the cylinder head for combustion. This lowers combustion temperatures, improving emissions performance by reducing NOx formation.

The exhaust is cooled in a unique heat exchanger before it’s fed into the intake stream through a patented EGR mixing device, further improving emissions and performance capability. An integrated bypass allows non-cooled exhaust gas to be fed back into the system to help the engine more quickly achieve optimal operating temperature when cold.

B20 Biodiesel Capability
The new Duramax 6.6L is capable of running on B20 biodiesel, a fuel composed of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent conventional diesel. B20 helps lower carbon dioxide emissions and lessens dependence on petroleum. It is a domestically produced, renewable fuel made primarily of plant matter — mostly soybean oil.

Manufacturing
The new Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine is produced with locally and globally sourced parts at the DMAX Ltd. (GM’s joint venture with Isuzu) manufacturing facility in Moraine, Ohio.

Allison 1000 Automatic Transmission
The proven Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the new Duramax 6.6L. A number of refinements have been made to accommodate the engine’s higher torque capacity, including a new torque converter.

The Allison 1000’s technologically advanced control features, such as driver shift control with manual shift feature and a patented elevated idle mode cab warm-up feature, haven’t changed. Also, the Tow/Haul mode reduces shift cycling for better control and improved cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads.

There’s also a smart diesel exhaust brake feature that enhances control when descending steep grades.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.