TURBODIESEL OPTION FOR CHEVY FULLSIZE VANS

Because; Vans are Trucks Too and They Can Tow Trailers

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:

• four-wheel anti-lock brakes
  
• daytime running lamps
  
• driver and front passenger air bags;
  safety belts
  
• front and rear crush zones; side-door
  beams