Chevrolet Kodiak
Encyclopedia
Beginning with the 2003 model year, US-market models moved to a new platform with a more spacious cab based on the GM full-size vans. The 4500 and 5500 trucks had the option for Four-wheel drive
. These trucks featured solid front axles, on both 4x2 and 4x4, instead of independent front suspension featured on the Class 3 3500 trucks. The drive-train consisted of a Duramax V8 engine
, a Allison 1000 transmission
, and a Dana S 110
rear axle. The 4x4 models added a New Process 273 C Transfer case
and a reverse cut Dana 70
front axle.
In December 2007, GM announced its intention to sell GM's medium-duty truck business, whose products include the Kodiak and TopKick, to Navistar International
. In August 2008, both GM and Navistar announced that their memorandum of understanding for the purchase had expired and was not renewed . After four years of working with multiple potential buyers, including an anticipated five-year deal with Isuzu Motors announced late in January 2009 to take over the production line in Flint, Michigan
, General Motors decided to wind-down its medium-duty truck operations. Production of the Chevy Kodiak and GMC TopKick medium duty trucks in Flint ceased on July 31, 2009.
A special Kodiak C4500 was introduced at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show
. Aimed at the International RXT (also introduced there), pricing was set at $70,000. The two shared a number of similarities, such as the options included in their premium packages (a powerful audio system and DVD-based navigation system
). In comparison, the C4500 had higher power (300 hp versus 230 hp) while the RXT had a higher towing capacity at 16000 lb (7,257.5 kg); the C4500 was a 4x4 like the larger International CXT.
A conversion of the commercial GMC TopKick called the Ultimate Class IV TopKick Pickup crew cab pickup truck
was developed by General Motors
and Monroe Truck Equipment (MTE). This special version features an 8 feet (2.4 m) steel dually pickup box and tailgate with custom composite
side panels and protective Rhino interior lining. This vehicle serves as the alternate mode for the character Ironhide in the 2007, 2009
and 2011 Transformers films.
Entering into service on January 20, 2009, Cadillac One is a common name for the Presidential State Car of United States President Barack Obama. Unlike previous presidential limousines, it is not at all based on a production vehicle. Although badged as a Cadillac, the armored limousine uses the four-wheel drive chassis and powertrain of a General Motors medium-duty truck (the Kodiak/TopKick). As it is not a production vehicle, the car borrows parts from several different vehicles in the Cadillac lineup (primarily the Escalade and STS). For security reasons, many other details about Cadillac One remain classified.
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
. These trucks featured solid front axles, on both 4x2 and 4x4, instead of independent front suspension featured on the Class 3 3500 trucks. The drive-train consisted of a Duramax V8 engine
Duramax V8 engine
The Duramax is General Motors diesel engine family for light- and medium-duty trucks, designed by General Motors. The 6.6 liter Duramax is produced by DMAX, a joint venture between GM and Isuzu in Moraine, Ohio. This engine was initially installed in 2001 model year Chevy and GMC trucks and has...
, a Allison 1000 transmission
Allison 1000 transmission
The 1000 series is a line of automatic transmissions for on-road trucks. All are 5 or 6-speed electronically controlled units and are manufactured by General Motors' Allison Transmission division in Indianapolis, Indiana as well as in Baltimore, Maryland.-Allison 1000:The Allison 1000 is rated to...
, and a Dana S 110
Dana S 110
The Dana/Spicer Model S110 is an automotive axle manufactured by the Dana Corp. and the Eaton Corporation. Eaton manufacturers the carrier and Dana manufacturers the rest of the axle. The S110 model follows a newer nomenclature for Dana axles. The "S" meaning: single rear axle...
rear axle. The 4x4 models added a New Process 273 C Transfer case
Transfer case
A transfer case is a part of a four-wheel-drive system found in four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and also to the front and rear axles by means of drive shafts...
and a reverse cut Dana 70
Dana 70
The Dana/Spicer Model 70 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and has been used in OEM heavy duty applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford. It can be identified by its straight axle tubes, 10 bolt asymmetrical cover, and a "70" cast in to the housing and is visually similar to the...
front axle.
In December 2007, GM announced its intention to sell GM's medium-duty truck business, whose products include the Kodiak and TopKick, to Navistar International
Navistar International
Navistar International Corporation is a United States-based holding company that owns the manufacturer of International brand commercial trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus school and commercial buses, Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label...
. In August 2008, both GM and Navistar announced that their memorandum of understanding for the purchase had expired and was not renewed . After four years of working with multiple potential buyers, including an anticipated five-year deal with Isuzu Motors announced late in January 2009 to take over the production line in Flint, Michigan
Flint, Michigan
Flint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 2010 population to be placed at 102,434, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the...
, General Motors decided to wind-down its medium-duty truck operations. Production of the Chevy Kodiak and GMC TopKick medium duty trucks in Flint ceased on July 31, 2009.
Pickup conversion
Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Placeconvention complex. It is among the largest auto shows in North America....
. Aimed at the International RXT (also introduced there), pricing was set at $70,000. The two shared a number of similarities, such as the options included in their premium packages (a powerful audio system and DVD-based navigation system
Navigation system
A navigation system is a system that aids is navigation. Navigation systems may be entirely on board a vehicle or vessel, or they may be located elsewhere and communicate via radio or other signals with a vehicle or vessel, or they may use a combination of these methods.Navigation systems may be...
). In comparison, the C4500 had higher power (300 hp versus 230 hp) while the RXT had a higher towing capacity at 16000 lb (7,257.5 kg); the C4500 was a 4x4 like the larger International CXT.
A conversion of the commercial GMC TopKick called the Ultimate Class IV TopKick Pickup crew cab pickup truck
Pickup truck
A pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...
was developed by General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
and Monroe Truck Equipment (MTE). This special version features an 8 feet (2.4 m) steel dually pickup box and tailgate with custom composite
Composite material
Composite materials, often shortened to composites or called composition materials, are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties which remain separate and distinct at the macroscopic or...
side panels and protective Rhino interior lining. This vehicle serves as the alternate mode for the character Ironhide in the 2007, 2009
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a 2009 American science fiction-action film directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg. It is the sequel to the 2007 film Transformers and the second installment in the live-action Transformers series...
and 2011 Transformers films.
Cadillac One
Entering into service on January 20, 2009, Cadillac One is a common name for the Presidential State Car of United States President Barack Obama. Unlike previous presidential limousines, it is not at all based on a production vehicle. Although badged as a Cadillac, the armored limousine uses the four-wheel drive chassis and powertrain of a General Motors medium-duty truck (the Kodiak/TopKick). As it is not a production vehicle, the car borrows parts from several different vehicles in the Cadillac lineup (primarily the Escalade and STS). For security reasons, many other details about Cadillac One remain classified.