General Motors has announced that it will be offering its clients the option of a turbodiesel four-cylinder engine in its 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models. The trucks are expected to go on sale later this year.
Both gasoline and diesel-powered engines have their own advantages. And while a gasoline engine is the standard choice in North America, diesel engines seem to be making quite the comeback. In fact, research suggests that diesel engines might actually be a better alternative to various other options.
If you are planning to pursue an auto mechanic career, read on to learn more about GM’s Duramax engine and why experts are suggesting that diesel-powered vehicles might be the ideal choice for North Americans.
Automotive Specs of GM’s Diesel-Powered Duramax Engine
General Motors announced that the Duramax diesel engine will be its cleanest to date, partially due to a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system. The system draws some of the exhaust fumes back into the engine’s air intake, which increases efficiency by lowering combustion temperatures.
The 4-cylinder Duramax engine produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, which is more than GM’s V-6 engine. Students pursuing auto mechanic training might be interested in learning just how much weight this truck can pull. General Motors has stated that its diesel-powered Colorado will be able to tow up to 7,700 pounds – which is 700lbs more than a standard V-6 engine can handle.
Another feature offered by the Duramax engine is an exhaust braking system. Adapted from the Silverado HD pickup, this system uses engine compression to slow the truck so that it relies less on its mechanical brakes.
Will Diesel Engines Become More Popular in Canada?
Diesel-powered vehicles generally make up a very low percentage of Canadian car sales, but new technology just might help change that statistic. Diesel engines have a reputation for being loud and dirty. In fact, anyone who has ever driven behind a diesel-powered vehicle on the highway has no doubt seen the black exhaust fumes that are typically produced.
However, graduates of automotive school know that new engine technology has made it possible for today’s diesel engines to run much more quietly. Additionally, diesel fuel contains a lot less sulfur than before, which means vehicles boasting such engines will produce far less black exhaust smoke.
As a result of these recent innovations, diesel cars are gaining more popularity. For instance, diesel-powered vehicles make up nearly half of the auto sales in Germany. In fact, auto companies like Mercedes, BMW, and Audi will have approximately 60 diesel-powered models available in the North American market by 2018. In general, diesel powered vehicles:
- Have more power because the fuel provides more torque
- Hold their value longer than gasoline-powered vehicles
- Have more fuel efficiency, even with the difference in fuel prices
Since diesel-powered vehicles are beginning to meet emission and vehicle safety standards, it won’t be long before we see many more of them on Canadian roads.
Here is a quick look at the 2016 Chevy Colorado diesel pickup:
