GM's 2010 2500HD/3500 Trucks
Truck & Duramax Specifications

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By Jim Bigley
Photos by the manufacturer

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Pickup trucks and large sport utility vehicles have been GM's most profitable automotive segment. Pickup truck sales accounted for just 1% of the total automotive sales volume in 1959, while trucks (pickups & large SUV's) totaled 64% of GM sales in 2005. Due to their enormous popularity, pickups aren't going away anytime soon, and the Duramax Diesel will remain a big factor in driving pickup sales.

Despite the economic situation, GM's "leaner & greener" product lineup retains most of its former diversity. However, the medium-duty 4500/5500 series commercial truck line has been cut, as well as most of Pontiac and Saturn. Depending on a variety of factors, none the least of which is political, we may see an additional product line shift in the years to come, both in the number of models as well as the type of vehicles offered.

Work began on the 2010 LMM Duramax 6600 more than two years ago. Speculation for most of the past two years included a march toward ever tighter EPA emissions regulations, along with the addition of urea injection. Urea is a form of ammonia, which when injected near the exhaust port of a diesel engine can reduce the creation of nitrogen oxides (NOx), an exhaust component that contributes to the formation of smog. NOx forms when combustion temperatures are highest. NOx and PM (particulate matter in the form of soot) have been two of the toughest emissions components to deal with. Soot has been effectively dealt with by using a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and urea should allow the Duramax 6600 to meet the EPA's future NOx reduction limits. Fortunately, our sources inside DMAX have indicated that the 2010 model year Duramax won't be using urea, but urea is expected to implemented sometime before the 2012 model year if the current emissions track holds. The Duramax has continually evolved since its introduction in 2000 as a 2001 model year engine, and that trend is continuing. The 2010-2012 model year period will include many incremental changes to the engine block as well as the entire engine package.

2500HD Weights & Capacities

3500 Weights & Capacities

Towing Weights & Capacities

Dealer incentives, manufacturer incentives, zero-low interest rate incentives, and dealerships willing to deal have resulted in one of the best times to buy a new GM Duramax diesel equipped pickup truck.    TDP