General Motors 4.5L Duramax V8 could be revived when the conditions are right
Earlier this year, as General Motors was slashing spending on programs in a desperate and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to stave off bankruptcy, one of the victims was the new new 4.5-liter Duramax diesel V8. The engine, which was intended to start production in early 2010 for use in GM's full-size light duty trucks, was shelved as gasoline prices dropped and sales were plummeting across the board. The program was never officially pronounced dead, merely on indefinite hold. At this point the engineering work on the engine is essentially complete and GM just has to pull the trigger on getting the tooling installed to build it.
GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens told Ward's Auto World that the program could be revived at any time if the market conditions warrant it. In other words, if fuel prices rise, and diesel prices stay in line with gasoline, the light duty diesel could get back on track. What makes this interesting now is that the Two-Mode hybrid trucks have not met sales expectations and there are reports that Daimler and BMW are both preparing to abandon the project. GM could perhaps make the shift from hybrid to diesel in its trucks if it thinks it could help sales.
[Source: Ward's Auto World]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ian 6:46PM (7/22/2009)
This engine is also the V8 once considered for the Cadillac STS replacement! It is also just rumored that the STS/DTS joint replacement car is back being considered on a lengthened Sigma platforn (read CTS). So perhaps a happy marraige is in the works. A new STS with an ultra modern V8 getting 35 mpg? Sweet:)
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why not the LS2LS7? 7:05PM (7/22/2009)
So even though a Mercedes E-class only gets 26 mpg (combined, 32 highway) with a 3.0L Diesel engine, a Cadillac STS or DTS is going to get 35mpg with a 4.5L Diesel engine.
Why is it you that think this?
Ian 7:17PM (7/22/2009)
I didn't say it was average mpg.
The current STS with the 15+ year old Northstar engine gets 26 mpg highway. So a new engine and a diesel too could get 35 mpg highway IMHO. That would be acceptable for a top of the range model IMHO. Of course add this to a developed form of GM's 2 mode hybrid and all bets are off.
Overall GM are being very canny with their engines and the results are showing. Just look at the 112 inch wheelbase Chevy Equinox in 2010 form. A decently fast CUV with excellent mileage numbers, Just wait until the role out a hybrid of that for the 2011 model year.
ale 10:13PM (7/22/2009)
gotta go with ls2ls7 on this one... um 35 mpg with that engine in maybe a beetle, but last time i checked, the sts wasnt an italian supermodel by any bet. Seeing a 750hp chevy impala duramax as seen on pimp my ride and a duramax powered mustang capable of 35 seems plausible, but when a BMW can only get 36 from a 3.0L twin turbo in a similar sized vehicle, i think 30 is a much more attainable goal than 35. I compare a beamer, b/c they seem to get the best mileage out of equivalent diesel engines, so far m-b has let me down. besides if they boys wont commit to a diesel 1/2 ton what makes you think they give us what we want in a high mileage, high power diesel sedan
why not the LS2LS7? 7:03PM (7/22/2009)
GM said when they cancelled that if someone would commit to buying enough of them, they could produce it.
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Dave 7:14AM (7/23/2009)
Perhaps its time for another joint venture?
After Ford's misadventures with Navistar diesels, they may want in.
And Toyota probaby wouldn't mind a new diesel for their Tundra.
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Throwback 8:32AM (7/23/2009)
Ford is working on thier own diesel. Their Navistar contract is up after 2010 I believe.
4wdonly 10:37AM (7/23/2009)
GM needs to do it,,,,,,,now !! This would be excellent in the 1500 trucks and the full sized SUV's. Then down size it farther for the reast, why not a 3.0.
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brandon 10:41AM (7/23/2009)
This is such a no brainer for light trucks its not even funny. The first manufacturer that releases a 1/2 ton pickup with a diesel in it will win a lot of business. For anyone that actually uses a truck to its capabilities, like towing/hauling, this would be THE engine. If they think that truck buyers wouldn't fork over a few thousand extra to get this engine in a 1/2 ton they must not be paying attention to the buyers who are spending $10k+ extra to get the 3/4 ton just so they can have a diesel when they otherwise would buy a 1/2 ton. I'm kinda disappointed that its a V8 and not an I6 but this would do.
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Lorena Palin 11:12AM (7/23/2009)
Yup. Like, diesel is brilliant on trucks, even disregarding the fuel economy- better torque, better durability, ect... All very good things to have on a truck.
Paul810 6:30PM (7/23/2009)
This is the engine I've been waiting for. Not just for half ton, but even for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. It has plenty of power for towing if geared correctly and I have no doubt it will get better mileage than the monster 6.6L duramax. Plus, I also have no doubt it will be a less expensive option than the 6.6L, especially if it gets a ~$2,000 tax credit from the government.
Please GM, bring out this engine!!!! (and please offer it in the 2500 Suburban for me)
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Nathan 4:29AM (8/05/2009)
The truck market needs this 4.5 Miinimax NOW, no not later NOW. I own a 6.5 liter turbo diesel (replaced in 01 by big sis the 6.6 Dmax) my 6.5 is in my 2000 K3500 Crew Cab Dually, yes it is as big as it seems and yes tree huggers it pollutes and does alot of it all 14.5 miles to a gallon my Dmax friends are suffering with their superior 15.5 miles to a gallon. The 6.5 liter in the 1990's was equipped in the C/K 1500 series trucks and equipped with a 4l80E trans (Ranging gears 343 373). The diesel equipped C/K 1500 of the 1990's was capable of OVER the 18 miles to the gallon city (slightly modified),the gasoline equipped 2010 XFE 1500 Silverado has an EPA EST. 21 HWY. I can guarantee the Minimax well equipped in the 1/2 ton 1500 Silverado will get well over 21 no problem in the same model XFE of course. This may seem to be all senseless rambling but is serious information. You (the reader) needs to wait for this Minimax to come out and buy one and come back to this thread and tell ME that I was right.....
So have a nice night and drive safe.... Or in diesel owners case POLLUTE the world with our deadly soot...... Whoops shouldn't have wrote that AL Gore may have just read that but I don't give a ratsa$$......
Again good night and drive safely..
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Eddysel 8:29AM (8/23/2009)
We need this engine. I have been waiting to buy a second vehicle for my wife and kids. Right now we all use the 6.6 Duramax dually crew but a 1/2 ton crew mini-max would be perfect!
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