2009 Express

Overviews

For Release: June 9, 2008

2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS

New for 2009

Model Lineup

 

Engines

Transmissions

 

4.3L V-6

4.8L V-8

5.3L V-8

6.0L V-8

Duramax

6.6L V-8

4-spd auto
(Hydra-Matic 4L60)

4-spd auto (Hydra-Matic 4L80)

4-spd auto (Hydra-Matic 4L85)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passenger Van

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G1500 reg WB

s

s

H1500 reg WB

s

s

G2500 reg WB

s

s

G3500 reg / ext WB

s

s

Cargo Van
Conversion Van

 

 

 

 

 

 

G1500 reg WB

s

o

s

G1500 reg WB YF7

 

s

s

H1500 reg WB

s

s

G2500 reg / ext WB

s

o

o

s

G2500 reg / ext WB YF7

s

-

s

o

G2500 reg / ext WB

s

o

o

s

o


Key:

 

Standard

s

Optional

o

Not available

2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS DELIVERS POWER, PERFORMANCE, SAFETY, DURABILITY AND CONVENIENCE

Chevrolet Express’ popularity reflects its versatility. It’s a proven people hauler (up to 15), a durable and reliable commercial vehicle and is the foundation for safe, comfortable and luxurious conversion vans. Express is available in quarter-ton, half-ton and one-ton weight classes, in regular and long wheelbase and with a multitude of engine choices – some of which can be fueled with E85 ethanol, a domestically grown fuel.

Fresh from a substantial freshening that included enhanced safety features, the 2009 Express delivers the additional comfort and style of 17-inch wheels and tires on G1500 and H1500 (half ton) models. G1500 and H1500 models equipped with the 5.3L V-8 engine also see an increase in their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to 7,300 pounds. A more powerful 125-amp alternator is now standard on half-ton models with the 5.3L engine, and an engine oil cooler is now standard on models powered by the 4.3L V-6 engine.

Also standard for 2009 is a transmission oil cooler on Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) applications greater than 14,000 pounds. Lastly, a fast-idle option is now available on models powered by the 6.0L V-8 engine, making it easier to run accessories while the vehicle is idling.

Powertrains

Chevrolet Express offers a choice of five engines. The base engine for light-duty Express Cargo models is the 4.3L V-6 with multi-port fuel injection. It delivers 195 horsepower (145 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm) and features a central fuel injector that delivers a separate flow of fuel to six individual hybrid injectors for better performance and improved emissions.

Standard on 2500 Series cargo vans is a 4.8L V-8 that cranks out 279 horsepower (208 kW) and 294 lb.-ft. of torque (396 Nm).

G1500 and H1500 Passenger models and H1500 Cargo and Conversion models, meanwhile, are powered by the 5.3L V-8. It delivers 301 horsepower (224 kW) and 325 lb.-ft. of torque (439 Nm), providing segment-leading acceleration.

A FlexFuel E85 version of the 5.3L V-8 is available. It delivers the same horsepower and torque as its gasoline counterpart, while running on E85 ethanol fuel or a mixture of E85 and gasoline. E85 is comprised of 85 percent ethanol, which is a renewable fuel produced domestically.

Those seeking more power can opt for the 6.0L V-8 – the segment’s most powerful V-8. It delivers 323 horsepower (241 kW) and 373 lb.-ft. of torque (504 Nm), and for 2009 features a fast-idle option, making it easier to run a host of accessories while idling at a worksite.

Next-generation engines

The 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L engines are part of GM’s Gen IV small-block V-8 engine family. Designed for quiet operation, these engines include:

Strong engine cradles and mounting systems complement the quiet features of the engine. These systems help reduce vibrations transmitted through the chassis that vehicle passengers would otherwise feel.

Backing the engines’ quietness is the assurance of long-lasting performance. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs. The iridium-tip spark plugs, engine coolant, accessory drive belt and sealing gaskets are some of these items.

Some of the stringent durability testing included cycling engines between the peak torque and peak horsepower rpm points – the equivalent of towing a heavy trailer up a steep grade – for 600 straight hours.

The Gen IV V-8 is also engineered to meet stringent emissions standards. In fact, compared to truck engines of a decade ago, the Gen IV engine family is approximately 90-percent cleaner. Cast iron exhaust manifolds matched with dual close-coupled catalytic converters help reduce cold-start emissions, which is the largest source of vehicle emissions.

Duramax 6.6L

For customers who require maximum performance, Express offers the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 engine that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kW) and a class-leading 460 lb.-ft. of torque (624 Nm). It is teamed with the Hydra-Matic 4L85 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, which is specially tuned for diesel engine compatibility, giving Express exceptional towing and grade capability.

The Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel also delivers a quieter driving experience and enhanced fuel economy. It’s available on G2500 and G3500 Express Cargo Van and Cutaway models. Features such as electronic throttle control, fast-heating glow plugs and easy-service items enhance the driving and ownership experience.

With the Duramax 6.6L, Express’ maximum GVWR is 12,300, with a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds (4,538 kg) – specifications that meet or exceed those of the primary competitor. A 3.73 axle ratio is standard and the locking rear limited-slip differential is optional.

A fuel-operated heater (FOH) also is available for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6L to quickly provide heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather. The seamlessly integrated system is designed into the Express chassis, saving customers the time and labor of upfitting an aftermarket system.

The electronically controlled fuel-operated heater operates automatically, turning on and off within parameters that include outside air temperature, fuel level, coolant temperature and whether the engine is running. It features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater (with a surge tank) that uses diesel fuel to generate up to 17,200 Btu/h (5 kW) of heating energy.

Impressive safety features

Chevrolet Express is equipped with a host of safety features, including head curtain side air bags. They’re standard on all passenger vans, available on cargo vans and provide a higher level of protection in the event of a side impact or a vehicle rollover. Also standard on 12- and 15-passenger models is Enhanced Technology Glass (ETG) for superior occupant retention.

Additional safety features include:

Strong foundation

Stable handling, precise steering, superior ride motion control and balance – as well as a quiet, isolated driving experience – are hallmarks of this vehicle. The frame features fully boxed sections for superior strength and rigidity, while extended and tapered front frame rails are used for improved crashworthiness. Also, additional tubular frame cross members are used to increase torsional stiffness.

New wheels and tires

Seventeen-inch steel wheels replace 16-inch wheels on 2009 G1500 and H1500 models, and are outfitted with P245/70R17 all-season blackwall tires. Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels and P245/70R17 all-season white outlines tires are available on these models. Sixteen-inch wheels and matching LT245/75R16 all-season blackwall tires continue to be standard on other models.

Model lineup

Express is available in regular (135-inch / 3,429-mm) and extended (155-inch / 3,937-mm) wheelbase lengths, and can accommodate eight, 12 or 15 people. Cargo vans, available in the same wheelbase lengths, offer seating for two. The cutaways, which can be converted to various commercial, school bus and RV requirements, are available in 139-inch (3,531-mm), 159-inch (4,039-mm) and 177-inch (4,496-mm) wheelbase lengths.

The 1500 Series vans include light-duty models rated at 7,300 pounds (3,311-kg) GVW. The 2500 Series includes heavy-duty models rated at 8,600 pounds (3,901 kg) GVW. The heavy-duty 3500 Series includes full-bodied cargo/passenger vans rated at 9,600 pounds (4,354 kg) GVW, and commercial and RV cutaway chassis, with GVW ratings of 9,900-14,200 pounds (4,490-6,441kg).

Chevrolet Express is assembled at the GM assembly plant in Wentzville, Mo.

# # #

Contact:
Jan Thomas
Chevrolet Communications
Phone: 313-665-2445
Fax: 313-618-7391
E-mail: jan.1.thomas@gm.com

Kelly Wysocki
Product Development Communications
Phone: 586-492-0122
E-mail: kelly.wysocki@gm.com

GM de Mexico Communications
Juan Bernardo Urrutia
Phone: 011-525-6250-3046
E-mail: juanbernardo.urrutia@gm.com

SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:

Chevy Express: full-frame G-Series eight-, 12-, 15-passenger and cargo van (8-, 12-passenger w/ H-Series), RH sliding or swing-out 60/40 doors or optional LH swing-out 60/40 doors,

(G-Series available as RV & commercial cutaway)

Body style / driveline:

cargo and passenger van (RH sliding or swing-out 60/40 doors or optional LH swing-out 60/40 doors on cargo van , front-engine, rear-wheel drive

Construction:

full frame

EPA vehicle class:

full-size van

Manufacturing location:

Wentzville, Mo.

Key competitors:

Ford Econoline, Ford E-Series, Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter

Engines

 

4.3L V-6 (LU3)

4.8L V-8 (LY2)

5.3L V-8 (LMF)

6.0L V-8 (LY6)

Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel (LLY)

Type:

4.3L V-6

4.8L V-8

5.3L V-8

6.0L V-8

6.6L V-8

Displacement (cu in / cc):

262 / 4293

294 / 4807

327 / 5328

366 / 5967

403 / 6599

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

4.00 x 3.48 / 101.6 x 88

3.78 x 3.27 / 96 x 83

3.78 x 3.62 / 96 x 92

4 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92

4.06 x 3.90 / 103 x 99

Block material:

cast iron

cast iron

cast iron

cast iron

cast iron

Cylinder head material:

cast iron

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

OHV, two valves per cylinder

OHV, two valves per cylinder

OHV, two valves per cylinder

OHV, two valves per cylinder

OHV, four valves per cylinder

Ignition system:

composite distributor, platinum-tip spark plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires

composite distributor, platinum-tip spark plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires

electronic spark control, composite distributor, platinum-tip spark plugs

coil near plug, platinum-tip spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

fast-heating glow plugs

Fuel delivery:

sequential fuel injection

sequential fuel injection

sequential fuel injection

sequential fuel injection

direct injection diesel with high-pressure common rail

Compression ratio:

9.2:1

9.5:1

9.5:1

9.4:1

16.8:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

195 / 145 @ 4600

279 / 208 @ 5600

301 / 224 @ 5200

323 / 241 @ 4400

250 / 186 @ 3200

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

260 / 353 @ 2800

294 / 396 @ 4000

325 / 439 @ 4000

373 / 504 @ 4000

460 / 624 @ 1600

Recommended unleaded fuel:

87 octane

87 octane

87 octane or E85

87 octane

diesel

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

5600

5600

5600

5600

3450 (fuel shut-off)

Emissions controls:

3-way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation, positive crankcase ventilation, evaporative collection system

3-way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation, positive crankcase ventilation, evaporative collection system

3-way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation, positive crankcase ventilation, evaporative collection system

3-way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation, positive crankcase ventilation, evaporative collection system

catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation

Estimated fuel economy
(mpg city / hwy / combined):

 

 

 

 

 

Cargo:

14 / 18 / 16

N/A

14 / 17 / 15

N / A

N/A

Passenger:

N/A

N/A

13 / 17 / 15

N / A

N/A

Transmissions

 

Hydra-Matic 4L60

Hydra-Matic 4L80

Hydra-Matic 4L85  

Type:

four-speed electronic automatic with overdrive and torque converter

four-speed heavy-duty electronic automatic with overdrive and torque converter

four-speed heavy-duty electronic automatic with overdrive and torque converter (Duramax 6.6L)

Gear ratios (:1):

 

 

 

First:

3.06

2.48

2.48

Second:

1.63

1.48

1.48

Third:

1:00

1:00

1.00

Fourth:

0.70

0.75

0.75

Reverse:

2.29

2.08

2.07

Final drive ratio:

3.42:1 std with 4.3L, 5.3L on 1500 Series

3.73:1 opt with 5.3L on 1500 Series and std with 5.3L on 2500 Series; std with 4.8L on 2500 Series and some 6.0L models

3.42:1 std with 4.3L, 5.3L on 1500 Series

3.73:1 opt with 5.3L on 1500 Series and std with 5.3L on 2500 Series; std with 4.8L on 2500 Series and some 6.0L models

3.73:1

Chassis/Suspension

 

G1500

H1500

G2500

G3500

 

 

 

(135-, 155-in WB)

(135-, 155-in WB)

Front:

independent short/long arm ( SLA) coil springs, 33-mm stabilizer bar

Independent short/long arm ( SLA) torsion bars, 33-mm stabilizer bar

independent short/long arm ( SLA) coil springs, 35-mm stabilizer bar

independent short/long arm ( SLA) coil springs, 35-mm stabilizer bar

Rear:

two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs and semifloating rear axle

two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs and semifloating rear axle

two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs and semifloating rear axle (depending on the GVW)

two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs and semifloating rear axle

Steering type (all models):

power, rack and pinion

power, rack and pinion

integral power

integral power

Steering ratio:

17.2:1

17.2:1

17.2:1

17.2:1

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

3

3

3

3

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

 

 

 

 

135-in WB:

43.4 / 13.2

43.4 / 13.2

49.2 / 15

49.2 / 15

155-in WB:

54.5 / 16.6

54.5 / 16.6

Brakes

Type:

Hydroboost four-wheel disc, four-wheel ABS with Dynamic Rear Proportioning

Hydroboost four-wheel disc, four-wheel ABS with Dynamic Rear Proportioning

Hydroboost four-wheel disc, four-wheel ABS with Dynamic Rear Proportioning

Hydroboost four-wheel disc, four-wheel ABS with Dynamic Rear Proportioning

 

7300 lb GVW

8,600 lb GVW

9,600 lb GVW

10000-14200 lb GVW

Rotor diameter x thick (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Front:

12 x 1.14 /

305 x 29

12.8 x 1.5

325 x 38

12.8 x 1.5 /

325 x 38

12.8 x 1.5

325 x 38

Rear:

13 x 1.18 / 330 x 30

13 x 1.14 / 330 x 29

13 x 1.14 / 330 x 29

13.5 x 1.6

345 x 40

Total swept area (sq in / sq cm):

 

 

 

 

Front:

214 / 1378

246 / 1584

245 / 1584

245 / 1584

Rear:

237 / 1526

237 / 1526

237 / 1526

TBD

Wheels/Tires

 

G1500

G2500

G3500

 

 

(135-, 155-in WB)

(135-, 155-in WB)

Wheel size & type:

17-inch steel

16-inch steel

16-inch steel

Tires:

P245/70R17 all-season steel-belted radials

LT245/75R16E* all-season steel-belted radials

LT245/75R16E all-season steel-belted radials

*Standard on all G2500, except cargo van with 7,300-lb GVWR, which has a standard LT245/75R16E

Dimensions
Exterior

 

G1500 Regular

G2500 Regular

G3500 Regular

G3500 Extended

Wheelbase (in / mm):

135 / 3429

135 / 3429

135 / 3429

155 / 3937

Overall length (in / mm):

224 / 5691

224 / 5691

224 / 5691

244 / 6199

Overall width (in / mm):

79.4 / 2018

79.4 / 2018

79.4 / 2018

79.4 / 2018

Overall height (in / mm):

81.6 / 2072

81.6 / 2072

81.6 / 2072

82 / 2084

Track (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Front:

67.8 / 1721

67.8 / 1721

67.8 / 1721

67.8 / 1721

Rear:

67.8 / 1721

67.8 / 1721

67.8 / 1721

67.8 / 1721

Min. ground clearance (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Front:

8 / 202

8.2 / 207

8.2 / 207

8.1 / 207

Rear:

7.4 / 188

7.1 / 180

7.1 / 180

7.7 / 195

Ground to top of rear load floor (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Passenger:

25.5 / 648

N/A

27.8 / 707

27.8 / 707

Cargo:

22.8 / 580

25.1 / 637

27.8 / 707

27.8 / 707

Step-in height (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Passenger, front door:

17.3 / 439

19 / 483

19.6 / 498

19.6 / 498

Passenger, side door:

15.5 / 394

N/A

19.5 / 495

19.6 / 498

Cargo, front door:

16.9 / 428

18.8 / 478

20.5 / 521

20.6 / 523

Cargo, side door:

15.5 / 394

18 / 457

19.5 / 495

19.6 / 498

Curb weight (lb / kg):

 

 

 

 

Cargo:

4845 / 2198

5017 / 2276

5427 / 2462

5625 / 2552

Passenger:

5258 / 2385

N/A

6015 / 2728

6333 / 2873

Interior

Seating capacity (std / opt):

 

 

 

 

Passenger van:

8

N/A

12 / 8

12 / 15

Cargo van:

2 / 1

2 / 1

2 / 1

2 / 1

Headroom (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Front:

40.2 / 1022

40.2 / 1022

40.2 / 1022

40.2 / 1022

Middle (first row):

38.5 / 979

N/A

38.5 / 979

38.5 / 979

Middle (second row):

38.1 / 968

N/A

38.1 / 968

38.1 / 968

Rear (12-pass):

N/A

37.7 / 957

37.7 / 957

Rear (15-pass):

37.7 / 957

Legroom (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Front:

41.3 / 1048

41.3 / 1048

41.3 / 1048

41.3 / 1048

Middle (first row):

34.8 / 883

N/A

34.8 / 883

34.8 / 883

Middle (second row):

37.6 / 954

N/A

37.6 / 954

37.6 / 954

Rear (12-pass):

N/A

39.8 / 1010

39.8 / 1010

Rear (15-pass):

36.4 / 925

Shoulder room (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Front:

68.8 / 1748

68.8 / 1748

68.8 / 1748

68.8 / 1748

Middle (first row):

68.9 / 1750

N/A

68.9 / 1750

68.9 / 1750

Middle (second row):

63.5 / 1612

N/A

63.5 / 1612

63.5 / 1612

Rear (12-pass):

N/A

68.3 / 1734

68.3 / 1734

Rear (15-pass):

62.7 / 1593

Hip room (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Front:

65.5 / 1664

65.5 / 1664

65.5 / 1664

65.5 / 1664

Middle (first row):

66 / 1675

N/A

66 / 1675

66 / 1675

Middle (second row):

64.4 / 1635

N/A

64.4 / 1635

64.4 / 1635

Rear (12-pass):

N/A.

59.6 / 1515

59.6 / 1515

Rear (15-pass):

63.2 / 1605

Cargo volume (cu ft / liters):

 

 

 

 

Behind front seat:

204 / 5776

204 / 5776

204 / 5776

237.3 / 6719

Width between wheelhousings (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Cargo:

50.5 / 1282

50.5 / 1282

50.5 / 1282

50.5 / 1282

Passenger:

50.5 / 1282

N/A

50.5 / 1282

50.5 / 1282

Load floor length (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Behind 1st row seat, Cargo:

127.8 / 3246

127.8 / 3246

127.8 / 3246

127.8 / 3246

Behind 1st row seat, Passenger:

126.3 / 3208

N/A

126.3 / 3208

146.3 / 3716

Behind 2nd row, Passenger:

89.4 / 2272

N/A

89.4 / 2272

109.4 / 2778

Behind 3rd row, Passenger:

57. 4 / 1457

N/A

57.4 / 1457

77.5 / 1969

Behind 4th row, Passenger:

45.6 / 1159

Behind 5th row, Passenger:

12 / 306

Interior height (in / mm):

 

 

 

 

Cargo:

51.9 / 1318

51.9 / 1318

51.9 / 1318

51.9 / 1318

Passenger:

51.9 / 1318

N/A

51.9 / 1318

51.9 / 1318

Capacities

GVWR (lb / kg):

 

 

 

 

Passenger van (standard):

7300 / 3311

N/A

9600 / 4354

9600 / 4354

Cargo van (standard):

7300 / 3311

8600 / 3901

9600 / 4354

9600 / 4354

Payload, base (lb / kg):

 

 

 

 

Cargo van:

2373 / 1076

3204 / 1453

4151 / 1883

3944 / 1789

Passenger van:

1703 / 772

2534 / 1149

3488 / 1592

3164 / 1435

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):

 

 

 

 

Passenger:

6300 / 2857

7800 / 3538

7700 / 3492

7400 / 3356

Cargo:

6500 / 2948

10000 / 4538

10000 / 4538

10000 / 4538

Fuel tank (gal / L):

31 / 117

31 / 117

31 / 117

31 / 117

 

Maximum tongue weight:

trailer tongue weight should be 10-15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg). Weight-carrying hitch limit on a 4,000-lb (1,814 kg) trailer is 400 pound (181-kg) tongue weight. Weight-distributing hitch and sway control required for greater than 4,000-pound (1,814-kg) trailer weight.

 

4.3L V-6 (LU3)

4.8L V-8 (LY2)

6.0L V-8 (LY6)

Duramax 6.6L
V-8 turbo-diesel (LLY)

Engine oil (qt / L):

4.5 / 4.2

6 / 5.6

6 / 5.6

10.4 / 9. 8

Cooling system (qt / L):

 

 

 

 

Standard:

12.6 / 11.9

13.4 / 12.7

14.4 / 13.6

19.9 / 18.9*

*Cooling capacity higher with fuel-operated heater.
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

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