Who makes the Colorado Duramax engine?
The Duramax diesel powering the Chevrolet Colorado is built by DMAX Ltd., a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu Motors. In short, it’s a GM-Isuzu collaboration rather than a GM-only product.
The 2.8-liter Duramax used in the Colorado (and its GMC Canyon cousin) is part of a long-running partnership that combines GM’s vehicle engineering with Isuzu’s diesel expertise. Introduced in 2016 as GM expanded diesel options in the midsize pickup segment, the engine’s development and production are handled within the Duramax program managed by DMAX, reflecting the two companies’ shared approach to diesel powertrains.
Origins of the Duramax Collaboration
GM-Isuzu partnership
The Duramax line began as a joint effort between General Motors and Isuzu Motors, with Isuzu contributing diesel technologies and GM integrating them into GM trucks around the world. The collaboration gave birth to a family of engines designed for durability and efficiency in a range of GM vehicles.
DMAX and manufacturing footprint
DMAX Ltd. coordinates the development and production of Duramax engines for GM. The programs span multiple facilities and supply chains, reflecting a global approach to diesel engineering that underpins engines found in GM pickups such as the Colorado.
Colorado's 2.8-L Duramax: Key Facts
Before listing, here are the essential points about the Colorado’s Duramax engine:
- The Colorado uses a 2.8-liter inline-4 turbo diesel in the Duramax family, a product of GM and Isuzu’s cooperative engineering efforts.
- Performance figures commonly cited for the early Colorado Duramax are around 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, tuned for mid-size pickup towing and daily drivability.
- Transmission pairing has varied by model year, but the Duramax is designed to work with GM’s transaxles used in the Colorado lineup.
- Production of Duramax engines, including the 2.8L variants used in the Colorado, is managed by DMAX Ltd., the GM-Isuzu joint venture responsible for Duramax manufacturing and related programs.
Taken together, these points illustrate that the Colorado’s diesel power comes from a dedicated collaboration between GM and Isuzu, with specialized manufacturing under the DMAX banner.
What This Means for Buyers
For consumers, the Duramax in the Colorado signals a diesel option backed by a long-standing collaboration between GM and Isuzu. This partnership aims to balance durability, efficiency, and service accessibility across GM’s midsize pickup lineup, leveraging Isuzu’s diesel expertise and GM’s vehicle integration capabilities.
Summary
The Colorado Duramax engine is a product of GM and Isuzu’s joint venture, DMAX Ltd. This collaboration brings together GM’s engineering with Isuzu’s diesel prowess to deliver the 2.8-liter Duramax powerplant for GM’s midsize pickups, including the Chevrolet Colorado. The arrangement underscores a broader, globally coordinated effort to provide efficient diesel options within GM’s truck offerings.
Who makes the 2.8 Duramax engine?
GM
Discover the engineering and capabilities of the 2.8L I-4 LWN engine from GM Powered Solutions.
Is the 2.8 L Duramax diesel a good engine?
The 2.8L Duramax is a good engine for those seeking fuel efficiency and strong torque in a mid-size truck, especially for towing light loads, but it can be prone to specific reliability issues related to modern diesel emissions systems. It offers impressive fuel economy and has proven reliable for many users, though common problems include injector failure and issues with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.
Pros
- Fuel efficiency: Achieves excellent highway mileage, often in the high 20s to 30s mpg, which is a major advantage for a mid-size pickup.
- Torque: Delivers strong low-end torque (369369369 lb-ft), making it capable of handling towing and hauling needs for its class, such as small campers, boats, or trailers.
- Towing: Offers a strong towing capacity for its size, with a maximum of up to 7,7007 comma 7007,700 pounds when properly equipped.
- Performance: Despite its modest horsepower (181181181 hp), its torque makes it feel powerful and responsive, particularly at lower RPMs.
- Reliability: For many owners, the engine has proven durable and reliable, with some high-mileage examples cited by owners.
Cons
- Emissions systems: Like many modern diesel engines, it is equipped with complex emissions components (EGR, DPF, SCR) that can be a source of potential long-term issues, such as EGR system clogs.
- Injector failure: Injector failure is a common problem, especially once the engine reaches the 100,000100 comma 000100,000-mile mark.
- Turbo failures: While not as common, some turbo failures have also been reported.
- Tuning often recommended: For optimal performance and a better driving experience, many owners opt for tuning, which can add reliability and a more responsive feel to the engine and transmission.
Who makes the Duramax diesel engine for Chevrolet?
General Motors
The Duramax V8 engine is a family of 6.6-liter diesel V8 engines produced by DMAX, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors in Moraine, Ohio. The Duramax block are supplied by Fritz Winter, a German foundry. The heads are supplied from reliable vendors of General Motors.
Who makes the Chevy Colorado diesel engine?
General Motors Thailand
Duramax I4 engine
| Duramax I4 LWN | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors Thailand |
| Production | 2015 – 2022 |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | I4 |
