GM Cancels 4.5-Liter Diesel Engine

Sad news. I heard a lot of good about this engine. If you need a small diesel in a truck application there still is Cummins. "Grand Cherokees will get a 4.2 liter Cummins V6 built in a new factory 2010, with the next generation (rated at 190 hp, over 400 lb-ft). This and a 5.0-liter Cummins V8 diesel will be used in Dodge Ram pickups as well." http://www.allpar.com/model/upcoming.html interesting note: BlueTec technology was originally developed by KonTec of Germany. DCX bought them up and Mercedes now takes credit for it.

All is not lost yet since GM execs change plans on a weekly basis. As of a couple of days ago Buicks were going to come from Opel, but I thought a week before that GM was willing to let Opel go for free. Not that the market is very big, but this engine in full-sized vans and cutaways would be a winner for utility companies and contractors. As for diesel prices, I think I saw signs last week showing diesel within a few cents of gas; like less than a dime difference. Either Wagoner will go within weeks or GM will go within months. If he goes first, hopefully the new leadership will take another look at this stupid move. Some serious shit is happening in the diesel truck market. Ford parting ways with International, Mahindra advertising for dealers, and the continuing Cummins/Dodge whatever. If/when Chrysler goes, it seems the Cummins products will be up for grabs. Best case IMO would be a Cummins/Ford hookup. Otherwise a deal with Cummins would go a long way in boosting the credibility of Nissan for example.

http://wot.motortrend.com/6481157/auto-news/more-bad-news-gm-shelving-plans-to-build-new-45l-diesel-truck-engine/index.html Haha, at the bottom of the link they say "thousands of diesel fans." Pretty much sums up why it's getting nixed.

Windswords: At the top of the linked page, they note that the V6 diesel introduction has been postponed to 2011. My guess is that includes the diesel GC as well. I guess neither GM nor Chrysler is interested in producing a replacement for my 15 y/o Cummins, and I wouldn't buy a Ford.