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Medium-duty in Montreal:
New truck launches include GM-series gas models
Howard Elmer
General Motors chose the recent Montreal truck expo to introduce an all-new lineup of 2008 W-series medium-duty trucks; including for the first time in Canada, gas engine models in the W3500 and W4500 range.
This low cab-forward truck has been in Canadian service since 1999, with some additions along the way, but this time around, GM has addressed all areas of the design and made the full range of diesel models compliant with new emissionstandards.
Available 2008 diesel models will range from the W3500 to W5500hD, with a GVWr spread of 12,000 to 19,500 lb. Gas powered models will be the W3500 and W4500 with GVWrs of 12,000 and 14,500 lb. respectively.
Safety improvements in the redesigned cab run the gamut from large to small—all of them important.
The cabs’ front pillars are enlarged to increase rigidity with the cowl, which can reduce cab deformation in case of head-on collision. For increased visibility, the cab has new low-cut side windows and larger (17 by eight-inch) side mirrors which can be ordered with heat.
The cab itself is larger, providing more seat travel and increased headroom, shoulder room and leg room. overhead rain water is channeled away from the center of the windshield, while the wipers now have the washer fluid spigot attached to the arms for better cleaning. All windshields carry a tinted belt across the top of the glass to reduce glare. shock mounted clearance lights are reported to net longer bulb life.
Easier oil checks
To simplify daily checks and maintenance, a removable panel has been added to the front of the cab for easy access to the wiper motor and linkage, electrical cab connections and intake air filters. Washer fluid and oil can easily be checked from outside without lifting the cab.
An improvement you can’t see, but should make itself evident over time, is greater corrosion protection throughout the vehicle. GM increased the use of galvanized steel panels and an electro deposit primer paint bath for the whole cab. Combined with an enamel topcoat, the modifications should help fight rust.
The main source of power for the Wseries is the 5.2-litre Isuzu diesel engine. It now meets the US’s new ePa (environmental Protection agency) requirements that came into effect January 1, 2007. The sum of these changes require the new 5.2-litre to reduce its nitrogen oxide (nox) and particulate matter emission by 90 per cent over the last generation.
To do this, the new engine uses a new exhaust gas recirculation (eGr) system and variable geometry turbocharger. Meanwhile, particulate matter is captured in a ceramic honeycomb-like filter which is automatically incinerated using exhaust gases whenever the computer decides it’s required. In addition to being compliant, the new 5.2-litre can deliver more power; up to 387 hp. This engine is available right through the GVWr range. A choice of automatic or manual six speed transmission (manual not available till late this year) can be spec’d.
The gas engine, available in Canada for the first time, is the Vortec six-litre V8. It can be ordered in the W3500 or the W4500 models, and delivers 325 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to the hydra-Matic four-speed automatic with a lockup torque converter and overdrive.
Body styles cover one to two person regular cab and four-door crew cabs that accommodate up to seven. For a change, they’re available in colours other than white. Wheelbases range from a short 109-inches to a crewcab accommodating
176-inches.
The Ram returns
The show also exhibited a new chassis cab at the sterling area, called the Bullet. Just added to the company’s line of class 3-8 work trucks, it will be available at select sterling dealerships in late fall 2007. The Bullet will compete in the class 4/5 market, in construction, residential services, landscaping, municipal services, and utility customers.
It’s interesting that the Bullet is also the Dodge ram. Why? Having made it clear they wanted to re-enter the chassis-cab business, it seems Dodge is spreading its net wide by offering the Bullet through Sterling’s dealer network as well as its own. After all, Sterling and Dodge are cousins—both part of the DaimlerChyrsler Company.
The Bullet will feature the Cummins 6.7-litre ISB engine with exhaust brake, a power take-off prep package, and a 34-inch wide, 50,000 psi frame for body builder upfit. It will come as a regular cab in four wheelbases or as a quad cab in two wheelbases.
Wheelbase offerings for regular cab include 144.5 inches, 168.5 inches; 192.5 inches and 204.5 inches. For quad cab, it’s 164.5 inches or 188.5 inches. GVWRs range from 16,500 to 19,500 lbs. For both regular and quad cab with a GCWR of 26,000 lbs. It can also be spec’d as two- or four-wheel drive with optional snow plow and towing packages.
The truck will come with a standard manual transmission or an optional automatic. Other standards are air conditioning, easy-to-read gauges, and an adjustable tilt steering wheel, driver and passenger airbags.
Base model options will include cruise control, fog lights, power windows and locks, power trailer tow mirrors, and radio options. A premium interior package is available, as is a GPS, power seats and an Infinity MP3/CD player.
Unusual MXT
Probably the most unusual truck at the show was the International MXT. While the truck must have some practical applications, there’s no doubt its primary function is to be outrageous. The newest member of the XT family, this truck is displayed as a pickup-style body with a seven-foot box. But there is nothing pickup truck about it. It’s eight feet wide, 7’7” high and 21 feet long. It weighs in at 10,500 lbs. and is suitable for a variety of hauling configurations (up to 15,500 lbs.).
It’s powered by the International VT365 V8 diesel engine coupled to an Allison 2200 RDS five-speed automatic transmission. Brakes are hydraulic. The air-ride cab is a four-door; five passenger setup and 20-inch alloy wheels are standard.
While the truck is getting the on-road attention, you can enjoy its other function—being lush and comfortable. It has features like touch-screen CD/DVD radio, GPS navigation, ivory-faced sport gauges and leather seats. It also has a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, remote keyless entry, PD and PW, embroidered custom floor mats; center floor console; metallic silver accents and padded full-length armrests for cool cruising. The price of admission is north of $100,000. The truck will be available this fall. fm
Howard Elmer is a Brampton, Ont.-based automotive writer.
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