DURAMAX ENGINE IDENTIFICATION DURAMAX ENGINE ID BY VIN NUMBER

Many model years were crossover or transitional years for the Duramax diesel, thus it is often necessary to decipher the engine model/version using the vehicle's VIN number. The chart below may be used to identify which Duramax engine your truck has based on the 8th digit of the vehicle identification number (VIN). Note that this is the vehicle identification number, not the engine serial number. The VIN number is located on the driver side door pillar, the driver side dash-mounted VIN plate, and the vehicle's title or registration card. It is important to identify which engine your have under the hood because not all components are identical nor interchangeable and may be specific to your engine version.

DURAMAX VIN CHART

Model Year(s)	8th Digit of VIN	Duramax Model & Notes
2001 - 2004	1	LB7
	2	LLY (introduced midyear 2004)
2005	2	LLY (only engine offered for 2005)
2006	2	LLY (2006 version, different from 2005 version)
	D	LBZ (introduced late 2006)
2007	D	LBZ
	6	LMM
2008 - 2010	6	LMM (only Duramax offered during these years)
2011 - Current	8	LML
	L	LGH

Volvo S90 and V90: big Volvo S90s are back in 2016

Following hot on the heels of the XC90 come the new 2016 Volvo S90 and V90 twins - plunging Volvo back into the large premium car heartland. 

Nominally replacing the S80 and V70, the new 90 series models will be aimed at the executive set of the Audi A6, BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class.

As Volvo’s badging hierarchy indicates, the S90 is the saloon; the V90 the more versatile estate. A jacked-up V90 Cross Country version will follow, replacing today's XC70.

Large Volvos rediscover style

Remember the Volvo Concept Estate shown at the 2014 Geneva motor show, and pictured here? That’s the blueprint for the new top-end Volvos.

‘[The S90] very clearly demonstrates the transition to where we’re heading, more so than an estate or another XC product,’ said Nick Connor, managing director Volvo Car UK. ‘The S90 will surprise, and have more impact than just another large Volvo estate car.

‘The dimensions are much more premium than today’s S80’s. The interior is the next step from XC90 but with a higher level of quality; we’ve recruited Robin Page from Bentley to head up our interior design and it really shows. People will say this is very different and distinctive compared with the Germans. It will have the benefit of MMI, infotainment that is easy to use, Drive-E engines and clean Scandinavian lines that look stunning.’

The Drive-E motors are the four-cylinder-only engine family powering the XC90 range. 

Volvo S90 and V90 join the XC90

The new saloon and wagon twins will partner the XC90 crossover, recently launched and driven by CAR magazine as the flagship of the rejuvenated Volvo range. 

Want an idea of the Swedes’ ambition? They plan to replace the entire range by 2020, using an $11bn fighting fund raised separately from parent company Geely.

All cars will be spun off the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), apart from the V40 replacement destined to use a 'CMA' platform co-developed in China with Geely. Both platforms are plug-in hybrid compatible.

‘We couldn’t do it any faster, this timeline of launches is right for us,’ added Connor. ‘To replace the entire product line-up in four years is pretty good by anyone’s standards.’

Global growth: Volvo chases the Germans

Gothenburg is gunning for 800,000 sales by 2020, up from 460k in 2014. In the UK, Volvo is projecting a sales increase from 45k to 60k. That’s a 2% market share.

Sounds reasonable, but remember that Volvo currently sells only 400 S80s a year in Great Britain!

Prices up too

Expect Volvo to nudge prices upwards; buoyed by the success of £70k XC90 First Edition (54 of the 1927 produced will come to the UK). ‘If we have the right product, price is less important,’ said Connor. ‘If you have old product that’s less competitive, you have to sell on price.’

That, in a nutshell, is the end game of the premium product conundrum. To be rewarded for desirable, quality products with strong, undiscounted pricing.

Duramax I-4 Starts Production In Thailand, Headed For U.S. Colorado & Canyon

General Motors has announced the 2.8-liter Duramax inline four-cylinder turbodiesel slotted for the 2016Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon has started production in GM’s Thailand assembly plant.

Details are still sparse on the engine’s output specs and fuel economy ratings, but GM estimates the engine will be fine-tuned to produce 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy should be respectable, with its highway average hovering in the mid 30’s mpg. The Duramax is also expected to help increase the Colorado and Canyon’s towing capacity past its current 7,000-pound maximum.

The baby Duramax, as it’s been lovingly coined by industry analysts, uses a water-cooled, variable-geometry turbocharger and a high-pressure, common-rail fuel system pushing diesel at 29,000 psi. Also in the mix is a balance shaft that counter-rotates to quell vibrations.

The 2.8-liter I-4 is designed to pass all Euro-4 emissions regulations and can be upgraded to pass Euro-5 and Euro-6 regulations if GM were to make the Duramax available in Europe.

The engine will be shipped to North America and will enter production trucks beginning in the third quarter of 2015, with sales of the diesel-equipped Colorado and Canyon starting in sometime in the fourth quarter. Once at dealers, General Motors is sure to sell a handsome number of Duramax-equipped trucks, thanks to their outstanding capabilities and expected fuel economy. There is still no word on what GM will charge to upgrade from the 3.6-liter V-6 to the baby Duramax.

Why It Matters

The 2.8-liter Duramax is a highly anticipated addition to GM’s mid-size truck category that has been pined for since the Colorado and Canyon twins were introduced in 2014. The torque-rich engine will be a great choice for owners who often tow trailers or haul cargo, or those whose commutes include long highway jaunts but also need the capability of a truck.

While its sad GM isn’t producing this engine in the U.S., the global-focused automaker already has the infrastructure in place to handle the job. What’s more, having Thailand’s existing plant construct the engine keeps costs down by eliminating the need to build additional manufacturing facilities in North America, though it would help stimulate the economy by creating jobs.

All that aside, it will be great to finally have the 2.8-liter Duramax inside the GM mid-sized twins.

Press Release

General Motors Thailand will start regular production of 2.8L DURAMAX four-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engines slated for export to the United States of America. Manufactured by GM Powertrain Thailand, it is based on the same DURAMAX engine that powers the Chevrolet Colorado and Trailblazer built in Thailand and sold globally. The export-version DURAMAX will be used in the U.S. and Canadian versions of the Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickup trucks.

Speaking at the event to celebrate the start of regular production of the US-bound DURAMAX engines, Marcos Purty, Managing Director of GM Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand said, “The export of the DURAMAX 2.8L to the U.S. increases our output and improves GM Powertrain Thailand’s economies of scale.”

According to Watcharin Sayamrattanakit, Manufacturing Director, GM Powertrain Thailand, the DURAMAX engines bound for U.S and Canadian markets is based on the same DURAMAX installed in the Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck and Trailblazer SUV available in Thailand and the region.

“This is solid proof and recognition that our product, built right here in Thailand to the highest standards, is of world-class quality and good enough to be in demand in one of the most competitive and demanding automotive markets in the world,” Sayamrattanakit said.

U.S. and Canadian customers will benefit from the second-generation DURAMAX engines found in the Colorado and Trailblazer, engineered in Europe and the US with global application as one of its developmental objectives. Owing to emission requirements and operating conditions in the US and Canada, the export DURAMAX 2.8L is estimated to produce 181 hp (135 kW ) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft of torque).

One of the key to DURAMAX’s performance is efficiency. It features water-cooled, variable-geometry turbocharger and high-pressure common-rail fuel delivery system capable of charges of up to 2,000 Bar (29,000 PSI). An electronic engine control module fully developed by General Motors - the new Duramax engine is the first of two users of this control module

It also features a balance-shaft that counter-rotates to cancel out vibrations and enhance smoother and quieter operation at all engine revolutions. In addition to compliance with US emission standards, the DURAMAX 2.8L is Euro-4 compliant and can be upgraded to meet Euro-5, -6 standards.

The first generation of the four-cylinder DURAMAX started regular production in Thailand in 2011. The second-generation DURAMAX was launched in 2013. GM Powertrain Thailand builds both the 2.8 and 2.5L variants.

The USD $200-million facility opened in September 2011, and represents GM’s most significant powertrain investment in Southeast Asia. It is GM’s first diesel powertrain facility in Thailand and the Southeast Asian region and the first powertrain facility in the world to manufacture the four-cylinder family of DURAMAX engines.

The Powertrain Plant sits on a 54,275 square-meter site, adjacent to GM Thailand’s vehicle manufacturing facility. In 2012, the plant started regular production of engine blocks, previously imported from other facilities. The facility celebrated the 100,000th engine build in 2013. It currently employs more than 320 people.

The powertrain facility employs a common, company-wide production system according to the principles of lean production. Main elements of this principle include employee involvement, continuous improvement, Standardization, Short Lead Time and Built-in Quality. It is an ISO 9001:2008 certified facility, demonstrating an ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Shipment of 2.8L DURAMAX to the US and Canada will start in the third quarter of this year with vehicle production beginning later this fall.

Mazda Offers First Details On The Refreshed BT-50

Mazda has just released the first details on its mildly refreshed BT-50 mid-size pickup truck. The BT-50 is Mazda’s global pickup that competes with the Toyota Hilux and Chevrolet Colorado. Based on the global Ford Ranger, the BT-50 carries all the Ranger’s mechanicals but provides truck buyers with what Mazda calls, an “active lifestyle vehicle.”

In other words, the BT-50 has a sportier style than the Ranger.

This marks the first major refresh for the Mazda truck since its introduction back in 2011. Designers were modest in the restyling, only concentrating on the front grille, headlights and taillights. The interior also features a new feel that Mazda says is higher quality than before. A rear-view camera also makes its appearance for the first time on the truck.

More specifically, the grille now has Mazda’s current corporate design, with the large horizontal bar backing the Mazda logo. Smoked headlights now have a more premium look. Similarly, the taillights share the smoked look, imparting a more premium feel to the exterior. Finally, a new set of aluminum wheels replace the outgoing design.

All the greasy bits carry over unchanged. That means the truck’s base engine is the 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel making 158 horsepower. Optional is the 3.2-liter inline five-cylinder turbodiesel making 197 horsepower. The truck can be had with a manual or automatic transmission, as well as two- or four-wheel drive.

The Mazda BT-50 will go on sale in the third quarter of 2015 starting in Thailand and Australia, with sales expanding beyond that in time.

Why It Matters

Mazda’s refresh of the BT-50 coincides with the recent refresh of the Ford Ranger. The Ranger’s new design focuses on more luxury and capability while the Mazda offers a more youthful approach. Though the BT-50 doesn’t get the extensive updates found on the Ranger, the visual updates are welcomed nonetheless.

The two diesel engine options offer a respectable amount of power for a variety of tasks. Though even the optional five-cylinder won’t be able to compete with the U.S.-spec 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel headed for the 2016 Chevy Colorado in terms of outright horsepower and torque, it’s still a workhorse.

In light of all this, it’s fascinating to know that Ford and Mazda still produce copycat versions of the same mid-size pickup truck as the two had before here in the U.S. Still, Americans shouldn’t expect to see Mazda import the BT-50 any more than Ford importing the Ranger. Both appear to be impossibilities at this point.

Press Release

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that production of the refreshed Mazda BT-50 utility has commenced at the company’s manufacturing plant in Thailand, Auto Alliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (AAT).

Mazda plans to start introducing the updated model from the second half of 2015, starting with Thailand and Australia.

The BT-50 defied the conventional image of the pickup truck when the current model was introduced in 2011 as an "active lifestyle vehicle" with modern and refined styling.

Since then it has gained great popularity thanks to its excellent driving performance and highly functional interior and cargo space which make it ideal for both personal and business use.

Customers with active lifestyles have found that the BT-50 suits their needs for a wide variety of purposes, from transporting the family to facilitating leisure activities.

The new BT-50 maintains the versatile practicality and exhilarating driving performance of the current model but the design has been updated to give it a sportier and more powerful presence than ever before.

The new styling incorporates a newly designed front face, rear combination lamps and aluminium wheels.

In addition, the interior has also been refined to give a higher-quality feel, and for the first time a rear-view camera has been added to the list of safety equipment available on the BT-50.

The powertrain and body-type line-up is unchanged from the previous model.

2016 Toyota Fortuner

Toyota has just announced an all-new SUV for the Australian market – the Fortuner. Based on the newest version of the venerable Hilux pickup truck, the Fortuner is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV with seating for seven that’s powered by the same turbodiesel engine found in the Hilux and comes standard with a part-time, two-speed 4WD system and electronic locking rear differential.

Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia’s executive director of sales and marketing, says the Fortuner is the brand’s diesel alternative to the Kluger, Australia’s version of theHighlander. The Fortuner is also far more rugged and trail-ready than the unibody Kluger while slotting under the surprisingly similar Land Cruiser Prado in terms of luxury and price. Though both the Prado and Fortuner are traditional SUVs with three rows of seats for seven people, the two vehicles will appeal to different audiences.

Toyota’s move to introduce the Fortuner makes more sense when considering both 2015 Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X – both of which are based on their respective pickup truck platforms.

The Fortuner will arrive in Australian dealerships in October 2015 as a 2016 model and sale for a price that is still undisclosed. Early estimations suggest a starting price of around $45,000.

The new Fortuner carries a rugged look with its angular grille dressed in chrome, short front overhang, tall ground clearance, and high beltline. The kink in its window line provides some visual interest to the flanks and helps break up the longish sides, though it likely creates more of a blind spot for the driver.

The Fortuner’s rear end boasts some very interesting taillights with a bit of chrome accenting between them. More chrome is seen on the tailgate that wrapped around from the side windows.

Down low, the step bumper provides easier access to the roof and a stepping point for getting into the rear cargo area. Side steps below the doors also aid in entry and exits.

Depending on trim level, the Fortuner comes with either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. The two higher trim levels come with a roof rack, fog lamps, and reverse parking sensors. Every trim level comes with a rear-view camera. Those trim levels include the base GX, midgrade GXL, and the range-topping Crusade.

The Crusade comes with extra features, including bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, a power-operated rear hatch, and the 18-inch wheels. For those Australians who want accessories like bull bars and such, Toyota will be launching their own line of accessories that are fully compatible with the Fortuner’s safety systems.

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Length	4,795 MM (188.77 Inches)
Width	1,855 MM (73.03 Inches)
Height	1,835 MM (72.24 Inches)
Wheelbase	2,745 MM (108.07 Inches)
Front track	1,640 MM (GX), 1,540 MM (64.56 Inches, 60.62 Inches)
Rear track	1,555 MM (61.22 Inches)
Running clearance	225 MM (8.85 Inches)

Note: 2016 Toyota Hilux interior pictured

Toyota has yet to release any photos or detailed information on the Fortuner’s interior, but its suspected it will look very similar to the 2016 Toyota Hilux interior pictured here.

All trim levels come with front and rear air conditioning, seven airbags, hill-start control, and an emergency stop light for hard braking situations.

If that’s the case, the Fortuner will have a well-designed gauge cluster with two analog gauges flanking a center information screen. A large touch-sensitive infotainment screen dominates the center dashboard and operates all the typical functions like radio, navigation, and vehicle settings.

All trim levels come with front and rear air conditioning, seven airbags, hill-start control, and an emergency stop light for hard braking situations. For those looking for adventure, the Fortuner comes with an air conditioned cooler box that keeps food and drinks cool or warm.

Seating is arranged in a 2+3+2 format with the second and third row seats offering a flat load surface when folded down. Expect the second row to be split in a 60/40 fashion to give more options when balancing cargo room with passenger counts.

The Fortuner will come with one engine option: Toyota’s 2.8-liter 1GD four-cylinder turbodiesel. Paired with the six-speed automatic transmission, the engine produces 174 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 331 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, just as it does in the Hilux pickup.

The engine produces 174 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 331 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, just as it does in the Hilux pickup.

Fortuner buyers can opt for a six-speed manual transmission as well, though the engine’s torque rating falls to 309 pound-feet between 1,400 and 2,600 rpm.

The manual transmission is also shared with the 2016 Hilux, meaning it has active rev matching for downshifts.

This eliminates the need to blip the throttle to increase engine revs in order to downshift – simply downshift and the electronics will perfectly match the engine’s speed for the next gear down.

Behind both the manual and automatic transmission is that two-speed transfer case. The part-time system offers conventional RWD, 4WD high range, 4WD low range, and a neutral position.

The drivetrain also includes Toyota’s electronic locking rear differential. Downhill decent control comes standard on the GXL and Crusade models.

DRIVETRAIN SPECIFICATIONS

Engine type	Turbo-diesel
Code	1GD-FTV
Displacement	2,755cm3
Max power	174 HP @ 3,400rpm
Max torque	Auto: 331LB-FT @ 1,600-2,400rpm Manual: 309 LB-FT @ 1400-2600rpm
Transmissions	6-speed manual/6-speed auto
Fuel system	High-pressure direct injection

While the Fortuner is based on the Hilux pickup, truck, the SUV dumps the truck’s rear leaf springs for a more sophisticated and smoother-riding five-link suspension with coil springs managing the solid axle. A double wishbone suspension up front makes easy work of rough terrain and curvy roads. Both ends have stabilizer bars that keep body roll under control.

Even with a coil spring rear suspension, the Fortuner is able to tow 6,613 pounds with the manual transmission and 6,173 pounds with the automatic. Braking is handled by disc brakes at all four corners.

GM Plans To Invest $877 Million Into Michigan Truck Plant

General Motors is set to invest $877 million into its Flint, Michigan plant for updates that include a new body shop and retooling. The Michigan plant, GM’s oldest manufacturing facility that was constructed in 1947, builds the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and 2015 GMC Sierra HD, most of which are Heavy Duties.

The new body shop is a key addition to the plant and will be located near an existing facility on site that provides sheet metal for the trucks. The proximity will allow for quicker transportation of parts between the two buildings, making the production process smoother. What’s more, a new painting process called wet-coat will be used and will provide a higher quality painted surface that is also more durable.

The retooling set to take place within the main assembly building is said to facilitate the next generation of Silverado and Sierra rumored to be in production for the 2018 model year. Coincidently, GM says the upgrades and additions will be completed by 2018. There are still no further hints GM will be moving to an aluminum body for the next generation, though several rumors suggest it.

The 3.7-milliion-square-foot plant is home to almost 3,000 workers and cranked out more than 180,000 Silverado and Sierra trucks during the 2014 model year. However, the Flint plant is only one of several plants around North American that build the GM truck twins, including plants in Indiana, Mexico, and Canada.

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Midnight Edition

Chevrolet has been beating the war drums of themidsize truck class ever since the new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado hit the market for 2015. Now almost a year into production, the Bowtie Boys have launched a massive campaign of special editions and “bespoke” features to the Colorado lineup. This one is called the Midnight Edition.

Obviously playing off its name, the Midnight Edition is a monotone, black-on-black truck with upgraded wheels, black badging and... that’s about it. Well, it does come with a spray-in bed liner (which is also black) and a folding soft tonneau cover (also black) and sill plates embossed with the Chevy logo. Beyond that, the truck has the same features as a standard Colorado.

Chevy also offers the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Trail Boss edition, which is also new for 2016 and was launched alongside the Midnight Edition. The Trail Boss takes a more macho approach and comes with beefy tires, side steps, and a bed-mounted “sports bar” known in the south as a roll bar.

Both special editions are designed to attract buyers to the Colorado in the midst of the midsized truck revival. Now with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma on the scene, the Colorado has to up its game in order to win over a buyers’ hearts and pocketbooks.

Most of the changes for the Midnight Edition are found on the Colorado’s exterior. Obviously the only color choice is black. Matching the body color are blacked-out Chevy bowties front and back, along with glossy black 18-inch wheels. The headlights are treated to smoked lenses, lending a more sinister appearance to the truck’s face. Body-color side mirror caps, bumpers, and door handles finish off the look.

The truck sports an easy-open tailgate for quick, one-handed operation; rear bumper corner steps for easy access to the bed, and plenty of tie-downs in the bed for cargo.

Note: standard 2015 Chevrolet Colorado interior shown.

The cabin doesn’t change at all with the Midnight Edition. Nevertheless, the truck gives occupants plenty of functionality. Cubby spaces and USB ports abound, as do intuitive controls and quality materials.

Chevrolet offers its MyLink infotainment system on the in-dash touch screen. Features like navigation, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio with a rewind function, and OnStar are available in the truck.

Like with most any GM vehicle, the dealership network offers a slew of optional extras like floor mats, ashtrays, and other customizable items that can be rolled in with the vehicle’s financing and warranty.

Under the hood the Colorado Midnight Edition offers all three engine options: the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the volume-leading 3.6-liter V-6, and the all-new 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel. Both the Duramax and V-6 come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission while the gasoline four-cylinder comes standard with a manual box.

The 2.5-liter is rated at 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.6-liter V-6 offers a more healthy 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. For those wanting to tow or haul, the Duramax is the right choice, with its 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. In fact, opting for the turbodiesel ups the Colorado’s towing capacity by 700 pounds to 7,700 pounds.