GMC Canyon Expands Capability with New Duramax Diesel

All-new turbo-diesel powertrain enables unmatched 3,492 kg. trailering capability

2015-07-30

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Oshawa, Ontario (Thursday, July 30, 2015) – GMC introduced the 2016 Canyon diesel today – featuring an all-new powertrain that expands the Canyon’s already class-leading capabilities, including trailering capacity of up to 3,492 kilograms (7,700 lbs.).

The new 2.8L Duramax diesel, SAE-certified at 181 horsepower (135 kW) and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm), is estimated to deliver greater highway fuel efficiency than the Canyon’s segment-leading gas engines, and is the cleanest diesel truck engine ever from General Motors. It goes on sale this fall.

Several new technologies and supporting features complement the Duramax diesel’s capability while helping ensure GMC’s trademark refinement:

Standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission matched with a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber in the torque converter, which reduces powertrain noise and vibration
Smart diesel exhaust brake system that enhances vehicle control and reduces brake wear on steep grades
An all-new integrated trailer brake controller is standard and exclusive on diesel models

“The addition of the new Duramax diesel to the award-winning GMC Canyon takes its capabilities and performance to a new level while attracting new customers to Canyon’s expanded line-up,” said Mike Speranzini, GMC brand director for Canada.

The new Duramax diesel is offered on SLE and SLT Crew Cab models.

All diesel-equipped models feature the Trailering package, which includes a hitch receiver and seven-pin connector, as well as the segment-exclusive automatic locking rear differential, a 3.42 rear axle ratio and four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ brake rotors. Capacities include:

Maximum trailering rating of 3,447 kilograms 7,600 lbs. () for 4WD models
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings of 2,812 kilograms (6,200 lbs. ) for 4WD models

A fully boxed frame provides the strength to enable the capabilities of the new Duramax diesel while supporting a ride designed to be smooth and quiet. Like the full-size Sierra’s frame, Canyon features three sections – or bays – with specific strength and support characteristics, including a front bay made of hydroformed side rails and an integrated four-point front axle mounting system designed to reduce vibration.

“A diesel engine was part of the Canyon’s portfolio plan from the beginning, meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support it,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer. “That means there are no compromises with the Canyon diesel. It offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control.”

When it comes to putting that capability to use, Canyon offers helpful cargo features such as the standard CornerStep rear bumper, two-tier cargo bed loading, 13 standard movable tie-downs in the cargo bed, an available factory spray-in bed liner and the EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate.

In addition, the 2016 Canyon offers technologies and connectivity features such as GMC IntelliLink with new phone integration technology – and Apple CarPlay capability – OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

All-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel details

Canyon’s new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel is part of General Motors’ global family of turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines designed to deliver capability and efficiency. It features a variable-geometry turbocharger for optimal power and efficiency across the rpm band and a balance shaft for greater smoothness.

Power is SAE-certified at 181 horsepower (135 kW) at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm) at 2,000 rpm. A broad torque band makes it very powerful at low rpm while the turbocharged performance provides a confident feeling of immediate and smooth horsepower on demand.

“The new 2.8L Duramax was designed specifically for trucks and has undergone many of the same validation tests as the 6.6L Duramax offered in the GMC Sierra HD models, advancing the Duramax brand’s legacy of durability and reliability,” said Yackley.

Additional engine features:

Iron cylinder block and aluminum DOHC cylinder head
Forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods
Oiling circuit that includes a dedicated feed for the turbocharger to provide increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery
Piston-cooling oil jets
16.5:1 compression ratio
Common rail direct injection fuel system
Ceramic glow plugs for shorter heat-up times and higher glow temperatures
Balance shaft that contributes to smoothness and drives the oil pump
Laminated steel oil pan with upper aluminum section that contributes to engine rigidity and quietness
B20 bio-diesel capability.

The Duramax 2.8L is the cleanest diesel truck engine ever produced by GM and meets some of the toughest U.S. emissions standards, thanks in part to a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.

The cooled EGR contributes to lower emissions by diverting some of the engine-out exhaust gas and mixing it back into the fresh intake air stream, which is drawn into the cylinder head for combustion. That lowers combustion temperatures and rates, improving emissions performance by reducing the formation of NOx.

Smart exhaust brake details

The Canyon’s integrated, driver-selectable exhaust brake system is based on the system introduced on the 2015 Sierra HD models and uses the compression power of the 2.8L Duramax engine to improve vehicle control and reduce brake pad wear.

When the exhaust brake is engaged in cruise mode, exhaust cruise grade braking helps the cruise control system maintain the desired downhill vehicle speed, keeping the driver from having to apply the brakes and exit cruise control to maintain speed.

When the exhaust brake is engaged in non-cruise mode, the transmission and the exhaust brake deliver the correct amount of braking to assist in vehicle control, regardless of vehicle load. It is a smart system that varies the amount of braking needed for the vehicle, load and grade. The engagement of the system is smooth and quiet, while its performance enhances the driver’s feeling of control.

CPVA contributes to refinement

The Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter is designed to control vibration and noise. It is an absorbing damper with a set of secondary spring masses, that — when energized — cancels out the engine’s torsional vibrations so the driver and passengers can’t feel them.

In its unique design, the spring masses vibrate in the opposite direction of the torsional vibrations of the engine, balancing out undesirable torsional vibrations. Its use in the Canyon marks the first application of a CPVA in GM vehicles and its first use in the midsize truck segment.

Critical acclaim

In 2015, Canyon won Cars.com’s Midsize Pickup Challenge for its segment-leading capabilities and efficiency, including the latest in safety features, cargo-hauling and trailering versatility. Cars.com also complimented the Canyon SLT, the segment’s only premium vehicle, for its performance with a full load, as well as its design and use of high-end materials.

Autoweek honored Canyon as the “Best of the Best Truck for 2015,” and Wards Auto World recognized Canyon as one of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors for 2015, based on criteria such as design harmony, ergonomics, materials, driver information, safety and comfort.

About GMC in Canada

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.gm.ca, on Twitter at @GMCCanada or at http://www.facebook.com/gmccanada.

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