http://i-newswire.com/pr9260.html is the link for the news story. I'm not sure why the lower power but it's supposed to be more durable in the long run. It has 250HP@ 3,200 RPM and 460 FTLBS Torque at 1,600 RPM. Hmmmm.

DETROIT - New for the 2006 model year, GM Powertrain's 6.6L Duramax 6600 turbodiesel V-8 will be available in the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. In addition to delivering a class competitive 250 horsepower (186 kw) at 3200 rpm and 460 lb.-ft. (624 Nm) at 1600 rpm, the 2006 Duramax has been upgraded to provide capabilities matched with quietness and smoothness not found in competitors' diesel-equipped vans.
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i-Newswire, 2005-03-07 - "Diesel power makes the most sense for customers who rely on their vehicle for towing and hauling," said Jack Blanchard, assistant chief engineer for Duramax diesel engines. "With the Duramax 6600, they get the power they need in a pleasing, quiet and easy-driving package."

A revised variable-geometry turbocharger also enhances the driving experience of the Duramax 6600. Aerodynamic changes to the turbo's impellers help tailor controlled application of turbo power for seamless and immediate response at full throttle. The turbo, which spins at up to 120,000 rpm, is high-speed-balanced, reducing vibration and resonance - and contributing to the engine's overall smoothness and refinement. The revised turbo also helps reduce emissions, while maximum boost remains at 20 psi.

The comprehensive list of changes and upgrades to the 2006 Duramax 6600 includes:

Cylinder block casting and machining changes to provide increased reliability and durability
Upgraded main bearing material increases durability
Revised piston design helps lower compression ratio to 16.8:1 from 17.5:1
Cylinder heads revised to accommodate lower compression and reduced cylinder firing pressure
Maximum injection pressure increased from 23,000 psi to more than 26,000 psi
Fuel delivered via higher-pressure pump, fuel rails, distribution lines and all-new, seven-hole fuel injectors
Fuel injectors spray directly onto glow plugs, providing faster, better-quality starts and more complete cold-start combustion for reduced emissions
Improved glow plugs heat up faster through an independent controller
Revised variable-geometry turbocharger is aerodynamically more efficient to help deliver smooth and immediate response and lower emissions
Air induction system re-tuned to enhance quietness
EGR has larger cooler to provide for cooler exhaust gases going into the system
First application of new, 32-bit E35 controller, which adjusts and compensates for the fuel flow to bolster efficiency and reduce emissions
The Duramax 6600 also has a new intake air heater to reduce smoke and emissions during cold or light-load driving. The system features a 600-watt grid heater located in the air intake duct, which is triggered automatically by the engine controller. It heats up the incoming air to speed warm-up of the engine.

Changes to the 2006 Duramax 6600 build on a host of improvements introduced for '05 - improvements that bolstered an already strong foundation. The Duramax 6600 features a rigid cast iron cylinder block with induction-hardened cylinder bores; four-bolt, cross-drilled main bearing caps; forged steel, nitride-hardened crankshaft; aluminum pistons with jet-spray oil cooling; aluminum cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder; integrated oil cooler and a charge-cooled turbocharging system. Features, such as easy-access fuel filter and timing gears, reduce maintenance time and effort.

A new, 32-bit engine controller monitors and adjusts the engine's operation. Designed exclusively for the Duramax diesel engine, the controller helps the injectors precisely meter fuel to the cylinders and can compensate for the variability of the injectors and fuel flow. This sophisticated, more powerful controller also can support up to five injections per cylinder and eliminates the need for an engine-mounted drive unit to fire the fuel injectors.

The Duramax 6600 was introduced in 2001 and was developed in a partnership with GM Powertrain and Isuzu Motors. As one of the world's leading manufacturers of diesel engines of all types, Isuzu helped design the basic engine hardware, while engine control systems and electronics were based on GM Powertrain's vast experience with varying climate conditions, driving cycles and ownership expectations.

The Duramax 6600 is assembled at the DMAX facility in Moraine, Ohio, a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu created specifically to produce diesel engines.

# # #

2006 Duramax 6600 Specifications

Assembly site:
Moraine, Ohio

Applications:
Chevy Express and GMC Savana full-size vans

Type:
6.6L 90º V-8

Displacement ( cu in/ cc ):
403 / 6599

Bore x stroke ( in x mm ):
4.06 x 3.9 / 103 x 99

Block material:
cast iron with induction-hardened cylinder bores

Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum

Intake manifold:
cast aluminum

Exhaust manifolds:
cast nodular iron with steel pipe extension

Compression ratio:
16.8:1

Valve configuration:
overhead valve, four valves per cylinder

Valve lifters:
mechanical roller

Firing order:
1 - 2 - 7 - 8 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 3

Fuel system:
direct injection diesel with high-pressure common rail

Horsepower ( hp / kw ):
250 / 186 @ 3200 rpm

Torque ( lb-ft / Nm ):
460 / 624 @ 1600 rpm

Fuel shut off:
3450 rpm

Crankshaft:
forged steel

Connecting rods:
forged steel, stress-fractured

Additional features:
Turbocharger; charge air cooling; heated air intake; long-life coolant change interval




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They had to lower the power output and torque because it has a TH 4L85E transmission behind it and not the Allison 1000. The 4L85E cannot handle the power and torque output of a fully tuned DMAX, it will destroy it in short order. So they detuned it to save the tranny. Same issue with the early cummins in the dodges, they had to do a major detune on them to keep the tranny and drivetrain from breaking like pretzels.

A lot depends on the cost of this Duramax upgrade but if it is the same as on the truck I would not be interested because the only noteworthy advantage would be somewhat increased fuel mileage. Seems like going backwards to me so I would stick with the cheap gas engine until a suitable transmission was included in this package.

I forsee large rebates.

05 CCSB D/A

This is old news! It has been posted several different times, and started last year, and became official 2-4 months ago, the article you posted isn't the first.