GM Fleet and Commercial Operations introduced the 2009 Express/Savana 4500 Series commercial cutaway van (diesel pictured). Although its 14,200-pound GVW is less than that of the Ford E-450, the 800-pound gorilla of the segment, GM claims a better payload of 9100 pounds because the chassis weighs less.
A 323-horsepower heavy-duty 6.0-liter Vortec is standard, with a 250-horsepower, 460-pound-foot Duramax 6.6-liter optional, both backed by an HD 4L85E four-speed automatic and a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. GM envisions applications in school and shuttle buses, ambulances, and RVs. A 57-gallon fuel tank is standard in all but the school bus; diesel model tanks are approved for B5 biodiesel.
Upgrades over the 3500 Series include new frame, rear axle and rear suspension, upgraded front ball joints, stronger parking brake and thicker rear rotors, larger radiator capacity, and an ATF cooler.