In a recent Wall Street Journal report (via PickupTrucks.com), GM North America President Mark Reuss hinted at a diesel engine on the way for the company’s upcoming next-generation light duty pickup trucks. As much as we all would like to presume what Reuss is talking about is some sort of successor to the famously stillborn 4.5L Duramax that would have gone into the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks, he could have just as easily meant the upcoming next-gen, U.S.-spec Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks. The current global-spec Colorado does have a pair of diesel engines powering it, after all.
Unless we’re in for a really big surprise, chances are that’s where the mystery diesel engine will end up. GM has already invested in the development and application of a diesel engine in a mid-sized light duty truck, and it seems to make sense for them to increase their economies of scale.
Comments
Probably the 2.8L diesel for the new Colorado… But man would I liked to see the 4.5L in the Silverado.. Offering best towing and fuel economy.. But the thing with that is you would probably have to use a urea system… And I understand that consumers would be comparing the benefits of a Diesel engine from the extra cost and higher gas prices.. After all said in done I still think it would be a great offer..
This is the vehicle I have watching closely. If the new model has a 2.8 diesel, I will probably buy one. If the good engineers make it epa efficient with a good transmission and differential… Icing on the cake. Realizing that this will be a niche vehicle, I really do believe that their are many like me that don’t want a huge truck but do want a truck which has the torque to pull a pontoon or a medium size trailer. I could be wrong but I think this vehicle could sell much better than expected. Our 11 year old Envoy is getting long in the tooth. I can’t wait for this new truck.
I believe people are overlooking another diesel motor, the 3.0L VM motori diesel, GM owns 50% of that engine and FIAT/ Chrysler owns the other 50%, Chrysler is using the motor in the GrandCherokee 2013 and later in the 2014 RAM 1500. GM could possibly use that motor in 2014 Silverado / Sierra, will see. ( 240/260 HP and over 400 lb-ft at 1800 rpm ).
2.8 diesel or 3.0 diesel… Either one works for me!
I think automakers sometimes get hung up justifying a vehicle on paper. Most vehicles sold are because of want not need. Most people would expect a diesel equipped Colorado/Canyon to cost more. Those same people will likely see the benefit of that cost and be able to justify their purchase. Just like most of the new vehicles that most people buy. Very few people (walk) into a dealership. The reason to upgrade a vehicle are endless, but rarely because the vehicle currently being driven is completely worn out. I agree with the comment about GM underestimating the small diesel market. Especially in a smaller/midsize pickup. How nice would it be to achieve a real-world 25 mpg on a truck with plenty of grunt? A truck that fits in most everyone’s garage. After being honest with myself about the size of truck our family needs, I am back to driving a mid-size pickup (four door Tacoma with the long bed). Ideal truck for my suburbia and ATV needs. If it had a baby Duramax under the hood, it would be IMO an unbeatable combination of size, ability and thriftyness. I am eager to see the new offering from GM. Please don’t think I’m an import-only kind of buyer. We have a GM built fun-car that rarely sees daylight. There was no way to justify that purchase. And that is my point. People work hard for their money, but are (more) willing to spend it on something that they want. If GM’s continued build quality improvements find their way into the Colorado and the 2.8 Duramax is an option, I think the MO plant will be a very busy place.
I have been a diesel proponent for at least a decade now. And why shouldn’t all of us be? 25 to 30 per cent better fuel mileage, immediate availability and the probability of bio-diesel in the near future SHOULD make it a no-brainer! If our government would do ONE thing right and price diesel(in other words, remove a chunk of TAXES off it!) at least competitively, or more correctly, much CHEAPER than gasoline, we could solve our oil dependence once the manufacturers got on board and offered more diesels. Come on, GM, be a leader and offer diesels in the new Colorado! And if you don’t change the styling too much, keep it looking like a mini-Avalanche, you’ll sell them like hotcakes! I know I’ll buy one!
The 4.5 L diesel would be a great idea not just for the light duty trucks but the Yukon and Tahoe models. I believe it would sell like hot cakes especially for those who trailer boats etc. I’m waiting to replace my 2007 Tahoe with one.
I would love a suburban or a yukon xl with a 4.5 liter diesel. I don’t understand GM’s reluctance to inter that market segment with a diesel.