Diesel GM Canyon/Colorado Twins First to Feel EPA's Wrath
The diesel versions of the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon will be the first to undergo increased scrutiny from the Environmental Protection Agency after the recent Volkswagen scandal turned emissions reporting on its head.
According to Automotive News, a spokesman for GM said the testing could slightly delay the truck’s fourth-quarter release.
“The EPA and CARB told us they are going to do on-road testing,” Chevrolet Trucks assistant chief engineer Scott Yackley told Automotive News.
The diesel trucks in the U.S. will use Selective Catalyst Reduction (urea) systems to scrub emissions of nitrogen oxides.
The XLD28 engine (aka “baby Duramax”) doesn’t use diesel exhaust fluid systems in other parts of the world, but U.S. trucks will be the first to get that application.
According to a Chevrolet spokesman, the diesels will comply with all emissions standards in its on-road testing.
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They are tested to the same standard, in g/bhp-hr.
There's no reason given for the delay. It raises the question: are they being held back because GM can't sell them until after they pass the test? Or is it because now GM has to actually make them pass?
Now is a market opportunity for an automaker, any one at all, to put out a diesel vehicle that passes all emission tests through good engineering instead of cheating, and still performs well. Price it right, and promote it with a long guarantee. Sort of a "Hey, VW, it can be done, we're doing it, and we're taking your customers!".
It doesn't make sense. Why not just pass them the old way and start doing the on road testing while they are on sale? That way, the cars/trucks can be tested longer, i.e. full year, to more accurately simulate a real driving experience. The purpose of the testing should not be to catch offenders before the release. That will be an unnecessary delay. But instead, should serve as a deterrent. Like, we will be doing it sooner or later, so don't push your luck.