North America will be getting a new light-duty diesel engine with class leading torque and better fuel efficiency than comparable sized gas engines. The new engine will be put in vehicles under 8600lbs. GVW and use a dual overhead cam, four-valve configuration. They’ve also managed to meet the even stricter 2010 emissions standards by using a NOx after-treatment system with a diesel particulate filter. A new common-rail fuel system with the ability to inject fuel five times per combustion event will also help with emissions while also giving them more ability to control noise. A cleaner quieter diesel truck is good news for everyone. I’d love to start modifying a diesel Silverado, but I’ll bet tires would get expensive real soon.

Link to GM press release