From Motortrend

General Motors is readying a new 4.5-liter V-8 Duramax turbodiesel engine for use first in the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty trucks. The new engine is relatively compact thanks to integral aluminum cylinder head exhaust manifolds, integral cam cover intake manifolds, and a narrow V-angle block. As a result, GM says, the engine can fit in the same space as a small-block V-8 gas engine.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado

The 4.5-liter diesel will meet LEV2 emissions standards and be sellable in all 50 states. Producing 310 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, GM says the engine will achieve fuel efficiency 25 percent better than comparable gas engines and is the first GM engine to employ a selective catalytic reduction NOx after-treatment system with a diesel particulate filter. Compared to “many diesel vehicles today,” GM says, the new engine reduces CO2 emissions by 13 percent as well as a 90 percent reduction in particulates and NOx.

The engine has a variable-vane turbocharger with intercooling and a compacted graphite iron cylinder block which helps make the engine strong and light, compared to one composed of aluminum or grey cast iron. If buyers are willing to pay the slight premium for new diesel technology (not to mention the diesel premium at the pump), we wouldn’t be surprised to see diesel-powered Chevy Silverados and GMC Sierras make up a larger share of GM’s shrinking fullsize truck and SUV production.

Some of the biggest import auto manufacturers are pushing diesel at the Detroit Auto Show, but not much came from the Americans. GM in particular seems to want to be the Sony of the car world, and push E85 while all the rest push diesel.

I have no problem with other ways to be green it’s really just Lutz’s seeming open hatred for diesel. His quote from the Frankfurt show, “We have the gravest of doubts that diesels are the solution. But we’re forging ahead anyway just in case they become easily fathomable or the cost of the hardware drops or with the fuel economy some of the extreme emissions regulations get lowered.”

I just want to know how all the other manufacturers can be profitable, but GM can’t. At least they and Ford will soon be offering smaller diesels in their trucks, but that’s little consolation for the average driver trying to save on fuel costs.

Anyway, below is an article from afp.com talking more about this, difference in opinion, in the industry. I think GM and Ford should take heed from Karl Brauer of edmunds.com when he says if Honda’s going diesel it’s time to pay attention.

Diesel meets pop culture. One of my favorite blogs to read, BoingBoing, is starting a series covering the greener way of racing starring the Banks Sidewinder. If you like diesel, and somehow don’t know about the Sidewinder already, it’s a 650hp / 800ft-lbs Duramax powered GMC truck that can run at 5000rpms! Watch the video to learn more.

CHEVROLET HD CREW Z71 ‘BIG RED’

CHEVROLET SUBURBAN HD Z71

From autonews.com

DETROIT — In late 2005, Charlie Freese and Gary Arvan sketched out a radical new design for a diesel engine.

On paper, it could eliminate about two dozen parts, slash the high cost of diesels and save space, too.

Two weeks later, the two General Motors engineers stood before senior managers from GM’s Powertrain division, seeking approval, and millions of dollars, to develop the design.

The payoff, all knew, could be huge.

I’m not sure if this is considered a diesel-hybrid or a full electric that relies on a diesel when the batteries die? Either way it’s not that bad looking except for the split rear window. Were they trying to remind you of the old Vette’s?

BRUSSELS (MarketWatch) — The European Commission said Tuesday it has cleared U.S. car dealer Penske Corp. and General Motors Corp. to take joint control of Italian diesel engine maker VM Motori SpA.

The deal, announced by the companies in July, entails GM’s purchase of a 50% stake in the Italian engine maker from Penske. The companies didn’t disclose the financial terms of the deal.

The Detroit-based automaker plans to develop a diesel engine with VM Motori for the Cadillac CTS model in Europe in 2009.

I think everyone is starting to realize by now how green and economical diesels can be, but sometimes it’s important to realize they can still be a blast to drive! Check out this footage, made by DHMotorsports, of what happens when you let loose, have fun, and blow a little smoke…errr…steam off. Now if we can just get some more diesel powered cars in America to join in the fun. Or maybe I just need to find an excuse to buy a diesel truck…

  DETROIT, July 16 (Reuters) — General Motors said on Monday that it was buying 50 percent of the Italian diesel engine maker VM Motori from Penske Corporation and would introduce a new high-performance V6 diesel engine built by VM Motori.

G.M. gave no financial details on the deal but said it had reached a joint venture agreement with Penske, a closely held transportation services company based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., to purchase equity in VM Motori.

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