Diesel-powered Isuzu D-Max caught testing in US
As much as we'd like to tell you that General Motors is considering adding a small diesel engine to its GMT 355 platform, we're not going to. While we do have visual evidence that an Isuzu D-Max, which is built atop the same underpinnings as the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado pickup trucks, has been testing on American roads with a 3.0L four cylinder turbodiesel engine, it's likely just an engineering mule that a powertrain supplier like Bosch or AVL is testing. Too bad. Aside from a mildly crushed front fender, this is one good-looking machine, and the large displacement four-banger would surely be more efficient than either the base 2.9L four, 3.7L inline-five or newly optional 5.3L V8. Sure, that new eight-cylinder engine may offer plenty of grunt, but it leaves plenty to be desired when it comes time to fill the beastie back up with gas. Oh well, at least we can enjoy the photos. [Source: Pickuptrucks.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TDI.DRVR 5:04PM (12/30/2008)
I will buy one in the USA if it has a four cylinder diesel engine that is rated to run B20 bio (Toro has done it) or better. Isuzu sold 2x4 and 4x4 diesel pickups (and Trooper SUV) back in about 1985 and they were great with 32+ mpg.
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azrael4h 8:25PM (12/31/2008)
You only got 32mpg? Ours ran 45-50mpg, 2WD 5 speed '84 model year Isuzu. It also had 500k on the clock when my brother traded it. It's still running, my brother is on his 40'th vehicle (literally) since.
I've looked and looked and looked, no one sane will sell one of those trucks.When they do, they run for more than many mid to even late '90's trucks of varying makes. There is no truck out of the '80's, and no compact truck period to match to those little P'ups with a diesel and a stick.
Roger 9:14PM (2/22/2009)
wheres mine!!
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Diesel4ever 2:56PM (4/29/2009)
We are light years behind when it comes to small diesel engines in the US. Latin America has had them in use since the the 60s - 70s on Toyotas, Nissans (Datsuns) Mazdas, Isuzos. I have seen this Isuzo in Latin America as a regular production truck. It is just being tested in the US, what a shame!!!!
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