GM shows new W-series LCF at Expocam

MONTREAL — GM of Canada unveiled its all-new 2008 GMC W-Series medium-duty trucks at the Expocam 2007 truck show here late last week.

The Isuzu-built low-cab-forward truck delivers more cab room, enhanced safety features, and more power. And for the first time in Canada, the market-leading series now offers a gas engine in the W3500 and W4500 in addition to diesel models.

It wasn’t the only introduction at Expocam. Seen for the first time anywhere was the Volvo VHD 430, a version of the company’s rugged vocational model with the addition of a 42-inch sleeper. The VHD was previously only available with a daycab. The VHD 430 is highly customizable and comes as a 6×4, 8×4 or 8×6 tractor or truck, in axle-forward and axle-back configurations.

Show visitors also saw two other trucks on display for the first time in Canada: the Peterbilt 389, which replaces the venerable but now discontinued Model 379, and the class-4/5 Sterling Bullet based on the Dodge Ram 4500/5500 chassis cab, with the Cummins 6.7L ISB engine.

Back to the GM W model, driver comfort enhancements include a new and improved cab mounting that delivers a smoother ride. The all new cab itself is larger and more spacious, with more side-to-side and front-to-back room, along with more seat travel, head room, shoulder room and leg room. As well, the 85-degree swing-out door opening is wider, as is the self-cleaning entry step. Additional 2008 W-Series driver comfort features include a 16,400-BTU high-output ventilation system with standard air conditioning standard on gasoline models, optional on diesels.

The all-new W-Series also features a new dashboard with a 5-din opening for such optional equipment as radios, GPS systems, rearview cameras, etc.

For 2008, the Isuzu overhead-cam 5.2L turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine offers more power and torque, maxing out at 205 hp and 441 lb ft at a low 1850 rpm (the latter is up from 387 lb ft). It has a B10 durability rating of 500,000 km, GM says, which means 90 percent of the engines should reach this mileage before a major component failure. The engine uses an advanced exhaust gas recirculation system and a variable geometry turbocharger, with a diesel particulate filter out back.

The W3500 and W4500 models will now be available with the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine, offering 325 hp and 360 lb ft of torque. These models are mated to the Hydra-Matic 4L80 four-speed automatic with lockup torque converter and overdrive.

Now owned and managed by Newcom Business Media, Expocam 2007 was held at Place Bonaventure. The show attracted record crowds during its 3-day stint, April 12-14.