GM to introduce new Isuzu diesel engine in 2001 pickup trucks

8 July 1999

General Motors announced it will debut an all-new direct-injection, common rail diesel engine in the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty full-size pickup trucks. The engine, designed by Isuzu Motors Ltd., will be manufactured by DMAX Ltd., the GM and Isuzu joint venture in Moraine, Ohio.

"The new DURAMAX 6600 will be one of the most advanced heavy-duty diesel engines on the market," said Arvin F. Mueller, vice president and group executive of GM Powertrain. "We will offer customers an engine with outstanding horsepower and torque in a very quiet and fuel-efficient package. This refined and durable engine will be a natural addition to the already impressive portfolio of V8 engine choices in two of the best trucks in the industry."

The new DURAMAX 6600 is a 6.6-liter, 4-valves-per-cylinder, turbocharged, direct-injection engine equipped with precision-controlled common-rail fuel-injection. The common-rail injection system will provide improvements in power, torque, fuel economy and quiet operation. The engine which will be optional in the Sierra and Silverado 2500 and 3500 series models.

Isuzu introduced the world's first direct-injection diesel engine for light-duty trucks in 1984. GM's relationship with Isuzu began in 1971 and was strengthened in 1997 when GM announced that Isuzu would develop diesel engines for GM. In 1998, GM raised its equity share in Isuzu to 49% and announced the DMAX joint venture in Moraine.

Source: General Motors