The Diesel in Saving Private Ryan

A couple weeks ago I went through a Tom Hanks binge which included, among others, the powerful Spielberg WW2 epic, Saving Private Ryan. I was actually surprised by how many movies Hanks and director Steven Spielberg have teamed up on, Saving Private Ryan was only the first, and four more big screen hits followed: Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal, Bridge of Spies, The Post. (They also teamed up for the TV series Band of Brothers.) I was also surprised by how many other familiar actors were part of this production, people I didn't expect.

So it was fun finding an article about Saving Private Ryan this weekend, the day after Christmas, and the writer made the same observation that I did. The article by Jerrica Tisdale is titled Saving Private Ryan: 10 Actors You Probably Forgot Were In The Movie.

I remembered Matt Damon as Private Ryan, of course, and Hanks, but was quite surprised how many other familiar faces there were. Ted Danson, Bryan Cranston, Tom Sizemore (A standout in Black Hawk Down), Paul Giamatti (Surprise! Yes, he was there), Joe Farina (Great roles in two Elmore Leonard flicks, Get Shorty and Out of Sight) and several other recognizable names and faces. 

SPOILER ALERT

Vin Diesel as Private Adrian Caparzo

The big surprise--only because he was such an unknown then and is anything but that today--was seeing Vin Diesel as Private Adrian Caparzo. Now working on his 10th Fast and Furious flick, he's been versatile on a range of projects that have made him diesel-powered truckloads of money.

If it's been a while since you saw the film, you'll remember Vin Diesel's last scene, surprisingly early in the film. Hanks, as Captain  Miller, has been tasked with a mission, to locate locate Private Ryan, played by another familiar name, Matt Damon, to send him home because his three brothers have been killed in other action. Hanks and his small band of men are looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.

As they pass through a bombed out city, Hanks and company are pinned down by a sniper. A French family in a semi-demolished apartment complex is pleading with the soldiers to bring their daughter to safety. Hanks says "No, this is not our mission." 

Soft-hearted Vin Diesel ignores the Captain's orders. He defends his decision because she reminds him of his niece. Tragically, he gets picked off by the sniper and bleeds out right in front of the others who must watch helplessly from behind walls and debris.

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German Panzers were not diesel powered as you might have supposed.

Another surprise for me was learning that Vin Diesel was the only diesel in this film. That is, until researching for this blog post I always assumed that the German tanks in WW2 were diesel-powered. It would have made sense for this to be so, but in reality (according to my research) they, like the America-made Sherman tanks, ran on gasoline or petrol. This made being a tank driver quite hazardous, as gasoline is much more volatile than diesel fuel. Hence, when you see tanks get shelled and men leaping out covered with flames, that's a pretty accurate portrayal of a common hazard for tank drivers and their passengers.

In the final battle, we see a pair of German tanks similar to these Panzers above and a half-track, that hybrid transport vehicle that is half-truck, half tread. By utilizing a single fuel source, all the equipment could be kept powered from one stock pile.

Interestingly enough, the Soviet army did have diesel-powered tanks, supplied by the United States via lend lease. U.S. Sherman tanks and British tanks were all gasoline powered.

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LINKS
Jerrica Tisdale's "Saving Private Ryan: Actors You Forgot Were in the Movie"
Adrian Caparzo @ Saving Private Ryan Fandom  
Which WW2 Tanks were Diesel Powered? 

Are These the Best Special Edition Pickup Trucks Ever?

2004-2006 International MXT 4x4

On Christmas Day most of us are getting stuffed with goodies, reading one of the books we got from Santa or playing games with the kids (or grandkids, depending on your age.) Caleb Jacobs offered this present to truck enthusiasts: an article in The Drive about "the Best Special Edition Pickup Trucks Ever Made." 

He doesn't actually declare these the best. Rather, he suggests they are among the best by asking readers the question, Are These the Best Special Edition Pickups? He then produces a set of suggestions for consideration, just the kind of thing truck enthusiasts love to debate over a lengthy, leisurely after-dinner conversation, favorite libations in hand. Here are the trucks he cites, but I'll make you jump to The Drive for the details as regards why they're special.

He begins with that nostalgic fave, the 1978-79 Dodge Ram Li'l Red Express/Midnite Express. Jacobs dives into the key differences between the Li' Red and the Midnite. Whereas there were ample Li' Reds, there were only about 200 Midnites produced, making them rare though not forgotten. The reputation Li'l Red garnered for itself was based on being the first "hot rod pickup" and who doesn't like that notion?

The second truck he cites is the 1989 Dodge Shelby Dakota,  a truck with several special editions, one of them being a convertible. It, too, was quick though not a Li'l Red Express.

The 1991 GMC Syclone comes in with a whirlwind introduction. Supposedly there are some who would suggest that there's nothing left to say after the Syclone. GMC only made 3000 of them, all black except the Marlboro edition.

The 1991 Chevrolet 454 SS gets the next citation. This was another truck with "a menacing black scheme." To establish its reputation they replaced the small block 350 cu. in. engine with a 454 big block with monster oomph.

There's actually an EV here on the list, the 1997-98 Chevrolet S-10 Electric. The battery-powered pickup was targeted at fleet operators who needed highly efficient vehicles for around-town driving. For what it's worth, this fellow was front-wheel drive.

Other vehicles on Jacobs' list include the 1999-2004 Ford Lightning, the 2004-2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10,  the 2019-20 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, and (my favorite) the 2006-2008 International MXT 4x4. Of this latter, he points out that International hasn't produced pickup trucks since the 70's, being known for its medium- and heavy-duty trucks, which are reliable workhorses in our economy. 

"Clearly, the MXT rides higher than most factory pickups," Jacobs notes. "That's partially because it rides on 40-inch Pro Comp tires that are also 13.5 inches wide. Its 6.0-liter DT365 turbodiesel engine has no problems turning those, though, as it produces 300 hp and 530 pound-feet of torque." 

Just reading the names of these trucks makes your heart beat faster. What's your favorite?

Here's the link to the full Christmas story:
https://www.thedrive.com/news/38367/these-are-the-best-special-edition-pickup-trucks-ever-made

Merry Christmas to All Vehicle Lovers.

 Now THAT is a Christmas Tree.

(Next year let's make it a Diesel.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

from Champion Brands and the Blue Flame Blogger
and may 2021 be your best year yet.

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Photo courtesy Gary Firstenberg

2021 Cadillac Escalade Diesel: CNET's First Drive Review

Cadillac. 
The name alone is so pregnant with meaning, synonymous with Luxury. Over the course of its history the heralded brand established itself as "top of the line" in American-made cars.

The name's origin is interesting. What does Cadillac mean? Where did the name come from? Well, when Henry Ford walked out on his original Henry Ford Company, the brokers who came in to liquidate the factory were dissuaded by an engineer named Henry M. Leland, who had been called upon to assess the value of the machinery and equipment. Leland instead saw an opportunity. 

Naming is always a magical experience, hence from the beginning of time people have name plants and planets, animals and rock formations. In naming this new company Leland chose a word rooted in history, specifically the history of Detroit. He named it after the French explorer who founded Detroit in 1701, Antoine Laumet de la Mothe siur de Cadillac. 

* * * 

On Tuesday the CNET Road Show featured a review by Steven Ewing of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Diesel. It's easy to envy these guys who get a first crack at driving these beautiful cars. The article's subhead sums up the story: "A smooth diesel engine only makes Cadillac's new Escalade more enjoyable."

He begins by stating that the new Escalade is very good, that the diesel engine is also very good and when you put the two together you've got something that is very, very good. Citing a review by editor Greg Cole, he affirms that the Escalade is "a flagship model to be proud of." Adding the diesel engine, however, elevates it to a another level, which he coins "super-luxe."

Of the engine Ewing writes:

The diesel powerplant in question is the 3.0-liter Duramax I6 you'll find in GM's full-size trucks and SUVs, everything from the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburband to the GMC Sierra pickup. This engine makes 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough to move the nearly three-ton Escalade with authority.  

The article has more details, including MSRP and a peek under the hood. You can go check it out here and catch a glimpse of how the other half lives.
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2021-cadillac-escalade-2wd-4dr-luxury-preview/

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Happy Holidays 

from Champion Brands

and the Blue Flame Blogger

More Insights on the Future of Diesel: An Engine Design that Meets 2027 California Standards

This engine by Achates Power is getting real attention.

We've all seen the impact of communication technologies and the Internet. The world today is far different from the one we experienced as kids in the Fifties. There are many futurists who have been watching the auto industry, anticipating an equally explosive shift with regards to the future of transportation. One of these is Mike Millikin, founder and editor of Green Car Congress. 

Millikin was a trained journalist who spent most of his career in IT and Internet related pursuits. He was right in the center of the 90s whirlwind that transformed everything. In 2004, he saw that an even bigger transformation was coming as science was applied toward the goal of green transportation and energy. 

This past week Green Car Congress published an article titled Achates opposed-piston 3-cylinder 10.6L diesel emissions meet 2027 EPA, CA requirements.  It's about a radically improved internal combustion engine that meets California emissions standards. That seems pretty progressive as far as I'm concerned.

The article begins:

Achates Power’s innovative 3-cylinder, 10.6L opposed-piston heavy-duty diesel engine has achieved performance results that comply with pending 2027 requirements of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California to reduce sharply emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Engine and aftertreatment system development and performance assessments were conducted at the Achates Power facility in San Diego and the Aramco Research Center-Detroit.

It is a major development for a project that aims to improve the environmental performance of commercial vehicles using hydrocarbon fuels.

The most recent test of the engine, including aftertreatment, measured 0.02g per brake horsepower-hour (g bhp/hr), demonstrating the capability of the engine to be certified under California’s ultra-low NOx regulation, which requires diesel commercial vehicle engines to reduce NOx by 90% by 2027 to no more than 0.02g bhp/hr over the Federal Test Procedure (FTP) cycle.

Furthermore, carbon dioxide emissions are 8% below the current standards in California. As the saying goes, "Aim high, you just might hit it." 

The engine is a three-cylinder design in which the opposed pistons move vertically. Achates Power power accomplished this achievement with a standard DEF injection aftertreatment system. 

You can read the full story here:
https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/12/20201218-achates.html

We applaud these efforts toward a clean diesel future.

Important Things to Know about Winterizing Your Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

It's amazing how timeless some ideas are. Change is the one constant in life. Nothing remains the same forever, or so it seems. This is especially true in the realm of technology. In the past few decades we've seen nanotech applied to filters, and "brain boxes" (minicomputers) orchestrating the symphony of movements within the internal combustion engine. 

Many of these technical improvements are driven by a singular aim: the more efficient production of power while simultaneous producing cleaner outcomes. 

When the EPA in 2010 mandated selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in diesel trucks, the objective was clearly positive for the environment, but appeared to be problematic for the consumer. Why? Because it violated the principle of KISS--Keep It Simple Stupid--by adding a step to our maintenance regimens. The added complication was the need for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

Like most habits, as it turns out, maintaining DEF has not been as big a headache as initially perceived. It's no more complicated than making sure your truck has wiper fluid. Nevertheless, there may have been some gripes till we got used to it, and having a dashboard warning indicator there to remind us our DEF was low was also helpful and wise.

* * *

ALL THIS TO SAY that as we head into the most frigid time of year if may be a good time to be reminded about winterizing and DEF. Here are some insights from an article by K.J.Jones at last winter's Truck Trend site, "Tips for Handling and Storing DEF in Cold Climates."

Early in the article Jones explains, "Handling and storing DEF in cold climates can be challenging. Made from a mixture of technically pure urea and purified water, DEF freezes at 11 degrees Fahrenheit and needs to be properly maintained and dispensed to preserve its quality."

A lot of people may forget that DEF is two-thirds water and water freezes when it gets cold. In other words, you shouldn't store the DEF in an unheated garage or in the back of your pickup if you live in North Dakota or Upper Michigan.

Because water expands when it freezes, you should not fill the DEF tank all the way in winter, Jones says. Some trucks have low-energy heaters that will protect the fluid from freezing during shutdown, but if you aren't sure about yours, this would be a word to the wise. 

IF YOUR DEF FREEZES, do not put additives in the tank to help it melt, says Jones. The DEF fluid needs to be kept pure to work properly. Instead, there there's a special heater that will melt the DEF fairly quickly. 

* * * 

SHELF LIFE is a consideration to keep in mind when storing and handling DEF. Wine may get better with age, but DEF does not. You should make sure to note the expiration date on your bottle, usually one year or a little longer under optimal conditions.

DEF is manufactured to certain specifications which get approved by the API. Jones suggests looking for the API approval logo on the package. There are also a few additional statements about storage conditions. Not only do you want to keep it from freezing, you also shouldn't let it sit in the sun if your in Miami next summer. 

To review the full article, visit:
http://www.trucktrend.com/news/2001-winterize-diesel-exhaust-fluid-def
How to Winterize Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) 

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EXTRA POINT: How DEF Works
DEF is made from deionized water and a very pure form of urea. When hot exhaust gas and DEF enter the catalytic converter, the urea from the DEF and the exhaust gas reacts with a variety of metallic compounds to convert nitrogen dioxide and monoxide into harmless nitrogen and water.  

The New GM 2.8-liter 4-Cylinder Diesel Engine Is at the Heart of This Mad Max ISV

Tell me this doesn't look like something out of Mad Max. (GM Defense)

Sometimes art inspires life. That was my first thought when I saw this October story in Car and Driver about GM's new Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), which looks like it would have been right at home in the storied Mad Max series. (How fun it must have been for the folks who were assigned to create all these bizarre rat rod-like contraptions for that post-apocalypse thrill-ride.)

Three companies had been given a million dollars each to develop a light-weight off-road troop carrier. Every aspect of the design had functionality as its criteria. It had to be light enough for easy dispatch from a C-130 or C-17 transport plane, as well as for sling lift by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The nine-seat ISV also had to be strong, durable, and off-road nimble. GM Defense got the assignment.

In developing the concept, GM Defense began with a Chevy Colorado ZRT as a foundation. From there it gets exciting as they clamped a new GM 2.8 liter, 4-cylinder diesel power plant in place under the hood. Ezra Dyer reminds readers that the specs are classified, but experienced journalists have no problem sharing their hunches as regards the possibilities. Dyer knows well the Colorado this machine is based on.

Dyer also shares a little GM history as well, noting that the automaker "started building trucks for the military in 1914, sending 90 percent of its trucks to the front in World War I. More recently, in the the 1980s, they built more than 70,000 lightly militarized Blazers and Silverados: the Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV). Plenty of those are now in private hands, their naturally aspirated 6.2-liter diesels still grumbling away. So the ISV continues a long tradition of modifying GM trucks for military duty."

The contract GM Defense signed was worth $214 million for 649 vehicles. Ultimately the army is looking to acquire 2700 of these light-weight beasts. The occasion for this article in October was that the company had just deliver the first of the lot. To get the full story, plus some cool video showing off what the ISV can do, follow the link below. Looks fun.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a34518940/gm-4x4-colorado-based-military/