G RAPEVINE, Texas, Feb. 8 PRNewswire/ -- GM announced today that its new lineup of heavy-duty diesel pickups will have B20 biodiesel capability. B20 fuel is a blend of 20-percent biodiesel and 80-percent conventional diesel, which helps lower carbon dioxide emissions and lessens dependence on petroleum. GM's new Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine has been substantially revised to include B20 capability, as well as meet strict new emissions standards effective this year. [1]

To make the Duramax 6.6-liter engine and its fuel system compatible with B20, GM upgraded some seals and gasket materials to withstand the ester content of biodiesel and added an upgraded fuel filter that includes a coalescing element. The coalescing element improves the separation of water that may be present in the fuel, because biodiesel can absorb water. [2]