USA - GMC upgrades the Duramax 6.6litre V8 Turbo-diesel giving more power and greater refinement.

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

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.

The new VW Amorak, the Premium pickup will be the only model in its segment with a V6 turbodiesel.

• Premium pickup will be the only model in its segment with a high-performance V6 turbodiesel
• Latest generation of six-cylinder engines with up to 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is raising the bar, with its premium pick-up, the Amarok, set to gain a bigger ‘heart’ and enhance its performance potential, thanks to the latest generation of Volkswagen V6 engines. 

Drivers of the Amarok can look forward in future to an additional litre of displacement offered by the 3.0-litre engine, while the pick-up will continue to boast impressive on- as well as off-road capability. Its new engine will deliver 550 Nm of torque and has an output of 224 PS.

Robust and reliable: the new agile V6 diesel engine for the Amarok meets the customer requirement for high torque at low engine speeds. The powerful top-of-the-line six-cylinder engine produces its maximum torque at only 1,500 rpm. At 550 Nm, this maximum torque is also 130 Nm higher than in the previous model. The Amarok is thus able to deliver sufficient propulsive power and torque performance in any situation.

The highest gear’s long gear ratio in the manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox reduces revs and fuel consumption during consistently fast driving, and thus helps ensure low noise levels and CO₂ emissions. The combined NEDC fuel consumption of the new Amarok with 224 PS and 8-speed automatic gearbox is expected to be 7.6 litres/100 km (around 37 mpg)*. This corresponds to a new top level of 199 grams CO₂/km *.

The model's engine is designed to be robust and long-lasting. The 3.0-litre TDI engine (2,967 cc) in the new Amarok will be available in three output levels: 120 kW / 163 PS, 150 kW / 204 PS or a top-performing 165 kW / 224 PS. All engines comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. The most powerful engine variant will be offered first. As early as the end of September 2016, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles customers will thus be able to begin exploring the world of six-cylinder engines. (The new model is expected to go on sale in the UK before the end of 2016.)

Three different drive-system versions will be offered in line with the respective engine variants: a traditional rear-wheel drive, and a 4MOTION version with either rear-wheel drive and an engageable front axle in combination with a manual gearbox, or with a permanent all-wheel drive system and a Torsen differential with the 8-speed automatic gearbox. 

The Servotronic steering system is new in the Amarok and will be available as standard equipment in Europe. This system is one of the reasons why the Amarok can be driven very precisely.

New 17-inch brake discs on the front axle of the 165-kW Amarok and 16-inch discs at the rear ensure that the powerful pickup always comes to a stop quickly and safely. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which has won multiple awards, is also included as standard.

The powerful impression the Amarok makes is underscored by a more athletic-looking front end and an all-new dashboard. Together with new ergonomic seats, these features lend the vehicle a more sophisticated and valuable appearance. In addition, the model's design clearly bears Volkswagen’s DNA. With a length of 5.25 metres and a width of 2.23 metres (mirrors included), the Amarok delivers everything one would expect from a classic pick-up.

The new body-coloured sports bar in the launch model (which will be marketed in Europe as the Amarok Aventura) visually shifts the double cab rearwards and also extends over a small part of the 2.52 m² load platform inside the cargo compartment. Various additional styling bars, covers, cargo area coatings and hardtops are also available for the Amarok cargo compartment.

In addition, the load platform in the four-door Amarok can accommodate a Euro-pallet loaded sideways. A payload capacity of more than one tonne is possible, depending on the equipment features selected. In future, some variants of the new Amarok will also boast a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes.

The wheels in the various equipment levels offered with the Amarok are now larger, which makes for an even more powerful and sporty appearance. The Amarok Aventura features 20-inch alloy wheels and the Park Distance Control parking assistant, which utilises a rear-view camera. The overall impression of the Aventura is made perfect by bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED licence plate lighting and LED-illuminated side sills under the doors. (UK market availability is yet to be confirmed.)

*  provisional figures, depending on the equipment features selected

The Kia Sorento has been names as The Sunday Times Best Large Crossover in it's Top 100 list.

• Sorento named winner in large crossover category
• Praised for space, practicality, seven seats and competitive price
• EU6 diesel engine and all-wheel drive as standard, priced from £28,795 

The Kia Sorento has been named the winner of the Large Crossover category in The Sunday Times Top 100 Cars. The list was published on January 3 2016 and details the top 100 cars as judged by the editorial team at The Sunday Times Driving.

Praised for its versatility as a seven-seat family car, styling and towing ability, the Sorento beat serious competition to the top spot, such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Porsche Macan, Mazda CX-5 and new Renault Kadjar.

Complimenting the Kia Sorento, the editorial team at the Sunday Times commented: “It seats seven, has four-wheel drive and a powerful diesel unit, the prices start on the right side of £30,000. If you’re looking for a family workhorse, the new Sorento has the basics covered, whether it’s providing plenty of space for the children or towing a caravan.”

The new Kia Sorento, which launched in the UK last April, came from a celebrated line of previous generations stretching back to 2002 and has proven popular with a diverse range of customers here in the UK and globally. Now in its third generation, the Sorento is more equipped, refined, stylish and technologically advanced than ever before.

The Sorento is powered by a smooth and refined EU6 2.2 turbodiesel engine that produces as little as 149g/km tailpipe emissions and can deliver 49.6mpg (combined). 

With seven seats as standard across the line-up, the Sorento is practical for families as well as those that occasionally need to carry more people – when the back seats are not in use they fold flat into the floor allowing for greater boot space.

All models have a new, permanent, intelligent all-wheel drive system ready to tackle the rough stuff; manual versions of the Sorento are capable of towing 2,500kg – useful for those that need a vehicle capable of towing a caravan.

The Sorento is on sale at Kia’s 188 dealerships across the UK with prices starting from just £28,795.

USA - Two new Mid-sized trucks from GM start shipping to dealers.

New midsize trucks making their way to dealerships nationwide

The two newest entries in the midsize truck segment are one step closer to being on the road, with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon shipping to dealers today.

Consumers have created more than 100,000 configurations of the trucks since the Colorado Build Your Ownand Canyon Build Your Own websites went live on Sept. 3.

“The Colorado was designed to meet the demands of the modern midsized truck buyer, and now we’re fulfilling the demand they’ve placed on us,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet. “Chevrolet and everyone at the Wentzville plant has worked hard to get the truck out on time to fulfill as soon as possible the orders our dealers have placed.”

Said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of GMC: “We have heard our customers loud and clear – they want a modern midsize truck that’s refined and capable. We’re excited to introduce them to the Canyon. We’re confident the Canyon will redefine the segment, with the latest technologies and premium materials throughout.”

Both the Colorado and Canyon benefit from technologies like cabs and frames made with more than 72 percent high-strength steel, available active aero shutters to make the truck as aerodynamic as needed, and available OnStar with 4G LTE, creating a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven mobile devices to connect to the Internet.

The duo’s available 3.6L V-6 engines return 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in 2wd form, making them the most fuel efficient V-6s in their class, offering three to five mpg better than their competitors.

For the 2016 model year, Colorado and Canyon will add a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel to the engine lineup. Technical details and EPA fuel economy estimates will be available closer to launch.

With the introduction of Colorado and Canyon, Chevrolet and GMC will offer customers more pickup choices than any other brand, including midsize, full-size light duty and heavy-duty pickups.

Big Launch of the year 2 - Land Rover Discovery Sport.

• Land Rover reveals the world’s most versatile and capable premium compact SUV
• Bold and progressive design defines all-new Discovery family
• Design leadership and engineering integrity have created the ultimate use of interior space with class-leading versatility and standard 5+2 seating in the UK
• Discovery Sport revealed digitally at Spaceport America with news of Galactic Discovery competition to send four winners to space with Virgin Galactic
• UK pricing to start from under £30,000 for eD4 variant later in 2015 and £32,395 (SD4) from January 2015

Land Rover has revealed the new Discovery Sport, the world’s most versatile and capable premium compact SUV. The first member of the new Discovery family, Discovery Sport, features 5+2 seating in a footprint no larger than existing 5-seat premium SUVs.

Discovery Sport’s progressive new design approach defines the new Discovery family with optimised volume, proportions and stance. Its design leadership combines with engineering integrity to result in a dynamic profile, the ultimate use of interior space and 5+2 seating configurability.

“Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility; the two attributes must work in harmony,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer. “I’m proud to say we’ve achieved that; Discovery Sport’s dynamic design will resonate on an emotional level with consumers, and this vehicle is more versatile than any other premium compact SUV on the market.”

Land Rover digitally revealed the new Discovery Sport at Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA, also launching the Land Rover Galactic Discovery competition. Four friends are set to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to space with Land Rover’s global partner, Virgin Galactic as part of an innovative digital competition at www.landrover.com/gotospace.

This spirit of adventure is reflected in Discovery Sport’s interior, which has been designed with customers at its core. It features high-quality materials and a strong vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior, while the core Discovery value of versatility is evident everywhere. Storage solutions are integrated into the cabin and up to four 12V power points and six USB charging sockets can be specified for all three rows of seating, allowing multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously.

A host of innovations have allowed Discovery Sport to introduce the versatility of 5+2 seating into the premium compact SUV class for the first time. An all-new multi-link rear axle not only provides engaging driving dynamics but it also provides ample and flexible cabin space behind the second row.

Coupled with supple long-travel suspension, the innovative rear axle also ensures the Discovery Sport is comfortable, refined and rewarding to drive on-road, while retaining the breadth of all-terrain capability for which Land Rover is world-renowned. In fact, with approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively, Terrain Response® technology, and the ability to wade to 600mm, Discovery Sport offers class-leading capability in all conditions.

As with every new Land Rover, safety has been a key priority in the development of the new Discovery Sport, resulting in a first-in-class pedestrian airbag, autonomous emergency braking, and a state-of-the-art bodyshell featuring both ultra-high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium.

This represents a fraction of the advanced equipment available in Discovery Sport, which also includes an all-new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and standard tilt-and-slide row-two seating for maximum interior configurability.

From launch in the UK, the new Discovery Sport will be equipped with the powerful and refined 2.2 litre SD4 turbodiesel engine producing 190 PS featuring stop-start technology, high-pressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy. Both 9-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions are available.

Later in 2015, a highly efficient two wheel drive eD4 turbodiesel engine will join the range with CO₂emissions from just 119g/km*.

A service plan will be available for Discovery Sport from launch in the UK, offering five years or 50,000 miles worth of servicing (whichever is sooner) at an Approved Service Centre, for a one-off fee of £499. 

“Not only does Discovery Sport mark the introduction of the first new member of our expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market,” said Phil Popham, Jaguar Land Rover Group Marketing Director. “Discovery Sport’s versatility is a key differentiator. It is quite simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment.”

Discovery Sport will be produced at Land Rover’s award-winning manufacturing facility at Halewood, Liverpool. It goes on sale in January 2015 in the UK alongside the existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery.