GMC Savana

The Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 is offered in Savana Cargo, delivering best-in-class torque and horsepower. Known by its "LGH" engine code, it is rated at 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 525 lb.-ft. of torque (712 Nm).

To meet more stringent emissions requirements, the LGH Duramax was designed with a robust EGR cooling system, along with revised turbocharger tuning that helps enhance EGR performance. It also has a large-capacity selective catalytic reduction system. In fact, the engine features the latest in emission control technology, making it the cleanest Duramax engine ever produced. NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective Catalyst Reduction aftertreatment system that uses urea-based Diesel (Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF). The DEF is housed in a 5.83-gallon (20 L) tank and needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure adequate delivery in cold weather.

The Duramax also includes GM's second-generation diesel particulate filter system. Unlike most competitors' systems, the Duramax regenerates its diesel particulate filter using a downstream injection of diesel fuel directly into the exhaust stream and can travel up to 700 miles (1,125 km) between regenerations – a 300-mile (482 km) increase over the previous Duramax engine. The use of downstream injection also helps improve engine life by eliminating concerns surrounding the possibility of diesel fuel contaminating engine oil, which can happen when fuel used for regeneration is introduced directly into the cylinder.

2014 GMC Savana Front Angle

The Duramax also provides outstanding cold-weather performance, with microprocessor-controlled glow plugs capable of gas engine-like start performance in less than three seconds in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F (-29 C), without a block heater. The engine has been developed to operate for at least 200,000 miles (322,000 km) on a rough-duty cycle without the need for a major overhaul; and it is backed with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

A fuel-operated heater (FOH) also is available for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6L to quickly provide heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather. The seamlessly integrated system is designed into the Savana chassis, saving customers the time and labor of upfitting an aftermarket system. The electronically controlled, fuel-operated heater operates automatically, turning on and off within parameters that include outside air temperature, fuel level, coolant temperature and whether the engine is running. It features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater (with a surge tank) that uses diesel fuel to generate up to 17,200 Btu/h (5 kW) of heating energy.

The Duramax engine is backed by GM's Hydra-Matic 6L90 heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission.

Savana powertrains – gas/FlexFuel engines

GMC Savana offers a choice of five gas/FlexFuel engines. The base engine for light-duty is the 4.3L V-6 with multi-port fuel injection. It delivers 195 horsepower (145 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm) and features a central fuel injector that delivers a separate flow of fuel to six individual hybrid injectors for better performance and improved emissions.

A 4.8L V-8 is standard on some models and cranks out 280 horsepower (208 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (398 Nm), while other models are powered by the 5.3L V-8. It delivers 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 334 lb.-ft. of torque (453 Nm), providing segment-leading acceleration.

A FlexFuel E85 version of the 5.3L V-8 is available. It delivers the same horsepower and torque as its gasoline counterpart, while running on E85 ethanol fuel or a mixture of E85 and gasoline. E85 comprises 85 percent ethanol, a renewable fuel produced domestically.

Those seeking more power can opt for the 6.0L V-8 – the segment's most powerful V-8. It delivers 324 horsepower (241 kW) and 373 lb.-ft. of torque (506 Nm). A fast-idle option makes it easier to run accessories at a work site. The 6.0L is also offered in a special version with hardened valve seats for the available Dedicated Compressed Natural Gas model.

The 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L engines are part of GM's Gen IV small-block V-8 engine family. Designed for quiet operation, these engines include:

  • Special friction-reducing polymer coating on piston skirts
  • Full-floating piston pins
  • Damping patch on the oil pan (externally mounted)
  • Timing chain tensioner
  • Quieter alternator.

Backing the engines' quietness is the assurance of long-lasting performance. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs. The iridium-tip spark plugs, engine coolant, accessory drive belt and sealing gaskets are some of these items.

Some of the stringent durability testing included cycling engines between the peak torque and peak horsepower rpm points – the equivalent of towing a heavy trailer up a steep grade – for 600 straight hours.

Models equipped with 4.3L, 4.8L and 5.3L engines are matched with the Hydra-Matic 4L60 four-speed automatic transmission. The 6.0L V-8 is backed by the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic.

An all-wheel-drive system is available for 1500 models equipped with the 5.3L engine.

Savana chassis and suspension

The Savana is built on a strong, ladder-type full frame architecture. The frame features fully boxed sections for greater strength and rigidity, while extended and tapered front frame rails are used for improved crashworthiness. Also, additional tubular frame cross members are used to increase torsional stiffness.

All models feature an independent short-long arm ( SLA) front suspension. A 33mm front stabilizer bar is featured on 1500-series models and a 35mm bar is used on 2500 and 3500 models. Two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs are used in the rear suspension and help locate a semi-floating axle.

Source: GMC

Gallery: GMC Savana (2014)