Supplier Technology 2001

As a follow up to last issue's review of supplier contributions to passenger cars and minivans, this section focuses on some of the many light-duty truck and SUV supplier innovations.

The diesel V8 engine option for General Motors' 2001 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups uses Bosch's direct-injection common-rail fuel system. A product from a joint venture between GM and Isuzu Motors, the Duramax Diesel 6600 follows up the Duramax 7800 engine that debuted as an option on 2000 model year GM medium-duty trucks.

The Duramax 6600 is a completely new 6.6-L, 90° turbo-charged engine with four valves per cylinder. The engine has a mass of 379 kg (836 lb), is 878 mm (34.5 in) long, and uses aluminum for the cylinder heads, crankcase, accessory drive brackets, intake manifold, and flywheel bell housing.