GM Testing the New Duramax Diesel Powered Oshkosh JLTV

The relationship between military and civilian vehicles has an interesting history. During WW2 G.I.'s had the first encounter with the those light-duty 4x4 transports known as jeeps. They were rugged, reliable and ever ready for action. Even though it was basically designed for functionality and not comfort, after the war, lots of guys said, "I want one of these." As early as 1945 the first Civilian Jeeps were manufactured.

More recently, the HumVee had the same effect. HumVees were light four-wheel drive military trucks developed by AM General at the beginning of the 1980s. During Operation Desert Storm they received a lot of exposure and sure enough, civilians began wanting these as well and a civilian version was introduced in 1992 as the Hummer. In 1993 their all-terrain toughness made them competitive in off-road racing. GM purchased the brand in 1998 and continued manufacturing them. They even reconfigured some as stretch limousines.

Fast Forward to the Present

A next generation version of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) military transport is now in the works and being tested at Yuma and Oshkosh. When the RFT went out in 2008 for a disruptive new military vehicle to replace the HumVee (Official name: High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) and numerous major companies prepared bids. At that time, GM was not amongst those companies courting the contract. Today GM Defense has its hat in the ring to develop and produce this next-gen JLTV. GM Defense is the military vehicle and technology division of General Motors. 

Oshkosh Defense has been the manufacturer since that first run but GM has so analyzed this machine they believe they know it better than Oshkosh itself. 

What interested us most here at Blue Flame is that the engine for this vehicle is a Duramax supplied by Banks Power--yes, the same Gale Banks team that develops innovative engines for racers. The JLTV will be the most advanced, fastest and safest light tactical vehicle ever. The Duramax V8 turbo-diesel engines is couple with a six-speed transmission. According to Army Technology, it's equipped with a TAK4i intelligent suspension system which enable it to deliver a superior riding experience across various terrains.

According to a story by Bernice Baker, who had a chance to be a passenger, this is a machine that can tackle nearly any obstacle from marshy swamp to 60 degree vertical uphill climbs, navigating bouldered terrain and log piles with apparent ease.

It's also designed for being equipped with weaponry, something that I doubt will be available for civilians in this era of road rage. It has a self-leveling feature that improves weapon sighting, writes Baker. 

Like the HumVee it is designed with a low profile so as to make it convenient to load on cargo aircraft and amphibious landing craft that have low height clearances. Its versatility is another plus. It's not really a toy, but it does look like it could be fun.

Relevant Links

GM Authority's Photo Gallery of Testing at Oshkosh

Heart-Stopping Power: Gale Banks' 1200 Horsepower Tri-Charged Duramax

Baja Photo Gallery of the Project Vehicle Courtesy Banks Power

The Army Technology Feature with still more photos