GM to Build Light-Duty V-8 Diesel

Last year, Ford kicked off the light-duty diesel scramble when it said it would build a diesel F-150 in the not-too-distant future. Now GM has joined the fray, with plans to shoehorn a 4.5-liter diesel V-8 under the hoods of the Hummer H2 and light-duty 1500 versions of the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado. Expect them to arrive around 2010.

With space constraints dictated by its current lineup of pushrod gasoline engines, GM had to fit a square peg into a round hole, so to speak. The Duramax turbo-diesel sports a few space-saving tricks — among them exhaust portals that exit into the center of the "V," not to the outside, as normally happens. The General says the engine will produce more than 310 hp and 520 pounds-feet of torque. Compare that to the chestiest gas V-8 in the Sierra 1500, which makes 400 hp and 415 pounds-feet of torque. Towing capacity will likely increase measurably over the Silverado and Sierra’s 10,500-pound maximum.

With decreased carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, GM expects the Duramax to meet stringent emissions standards in all 50 states. Fuel efficiency should be up 25 percent versus a comparable gasoline engine, GM powertrain spokesman Tom Read said. We couldn't find a gasoline V-8 in GM's truck lineup that makes anywhere near 520 pounds-feet of torque, though, so we can't predict any mpg.

Source: GM 

Comments

They should make a diesel 4 or 6 cylinder for the colorado.

This is a great move. Mark my words -- there will soon be a day that MOST light trucks will have diesel powerplants. The only question in my mind is WHY did it take so long to decide to build light duty diesels? These have been popular engines in trucks for years -- they would likely be popular even if gas were cheaper.

If this diesel is going to fit into the 5.3L slot... that means it will fit into the Hummer H3? If so I'll take 2!

Hoping for a diesel electric setup in a truck soon. Torque would be through the roof, and fuel efficiency much higher. It's a 100 year proven technology to boot.

The Colorado should get the light diesel that GM has in Europe, specially the Turbo Diesel, fast and economical. Ford should do the same.

If I could choose between Hybrid and TurboDiesel (the German TDI), I would choose diesel, hands, down.

Too bad Chryler and MB are separating. They could use any number of good MB diesels in the Ram 1500.

How about a diesel Yukon/Tahoe that would be awesome. Europeans have a great selection of diesels I drove a Ford car similar to a 500 with a diesel in Spain that was awesome. I love a little rattle and the smell of diesel in the morning though. I agree a Colorado with diesel would be great. But use a 5 cyl, 5 cylinder is the best configuration for vibration and torque vs. 4 cyl