GM at home
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LIGHTWEIGHT components and attention to aerodynamic design are the main features of in' terest in the 1984 range of US trucks from General Motors.
The standard engine for all the heavy duty models (General, Astro, Aero Astro and Brigadier) is the turbocharged and chargecooled Detroit Diesel 6V-92TA.
This is fitted with a new steel spider/aluminium blade thermostatically-controlled fan which is claimed to save 4 to 5 kg (10Ib).
The Rockwell SQ 100 rear axle with tapered leaf springs is standard on heavy-duty tandem axle models although a new lightweight air suspension system is now available as an option.
Rated at 17.2 tonnes capacity, it saves about 180 kg (400 lb) compared with the standard leaf spring design.
Again on the weight saving theme an aluminium tank of 455 litres (100 gal) capacity is standard on the GMC General for 1984.
The Aero Astro features a roof-mounted wind deflector with an accordion fold which can be adjusted to suit the body height.
Large glass fibre panels are attached to the back of the cab to maintain a smooth air flow along the sides of the trailer.