1.5-Million DMAX 6.6Ls And Climbing
GM’s segment-leading 6.6L powertrain achieves heavy-duty milestone
Last December the 517 employees at GM’s Moraine, Ohio, Duramax assembly plant went about business as usual, even as the 1,500,000th 6.6L had it’s valve covers set in place.
DMAX Ltd., GM’s joint venture with Isuzu Motors Ltd., was established in 1998 and the cornerstone engine of the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups started rolling out in 2001 models.
Since then the DMAX has evolved through four generations, the newest delivering a segment-leading 397 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm.
The award-winning Duramax 6.6-liter V-8 is a four-valve high pressure common rail direct injection diesel currently equipped with a diesel particulate filter to meet current stringent emissions requirements.
“Our Duramax diesel is one of the best in the industry,” said Betty Wessel, DMAX Chief Financial Officer, “Duramax has become a great success story and is a world-class engine with superior quality, industry-leading horsepower and competitive fuel economy.”
The milestone demonstrates the productivity of the employees and the joint partnership between GM, Isuzu and the IUE-CWA, said DMAX Chief Executive Officer Maho Mitsuya.
