Official Statement from GM regarding 4.5L Duramax development

[Chuggs]

LINK

Given the current economic climate, GM has reviewed and updated its U.S. product portfolio and has decided to place on indefinite hold its previously announced plan to add a Duramax 4.5L V-8 diesel engine in 2010 to its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty trucks.

Chevrolet and GMC will continue to offer a heavy duty Duramax 6.6L V-8 diesel, which is class-leading in both horsepower and torque. Light-duty truck customers can also choose from several fuel-efficient gasoline engines with GM’s Active Fuel Management mated to a six-speed transmission or a new 2-Mode hybrid that provides up to 40 percent improved city fuel mileage and 25 percent improvement in overall fuel efficiency. In fact, no other full-size pickup has better fuel economy.

GM remains optimistic that the Duramax 4.5L V-8 diesel may be a viable option in its future portfolio.

My letter to Susan Garavaglia, GM Advanced Technology Communications, author of the announcement:

Hello, Susan.

On behalf of many Chevy truck enthusiasts and myself, I am writing to say that this morning's announcement to postpone development of the 4.5L Duramax is disturbing and disheartening to say the least. We are quite aware that this decision is a result of the current economic situation and that cutbacks are necessary somewhere in order for GM to pull through. However, this knee-jerk reaction to hold off development of this program specifically could not come at a worse time.

From what we've seen, this engine is almost there already. It is far closer to the showroom floors than anything comparable that may be under development by the competition. Postponement of the program will put many man-hours to waste as it allows Ford, Dodge and others the opportunity to catch up and perhaps even beat GM to the punch. Although circumstances aren't quite the same, this reminds me of how Ford Mustang sales thrived at the demise of the Firebird and Camaro. Only now, years later with the introduction of the 5th generation Camaro, is GM close to once again being ready to compete. But it may be too late since that is such a niche class. We do not want to see the same predicament happen within the light truck market.

Now is the time for GM to be spearheading the light duty diesel market. American truck buyers want as much torque and fuel economy as they can get for their money. Unfortunately, E85 / Flexfuel technology isn't going to get us there. The distribution network for E85 simply doesn't exist to support it, particularly in regions outside of the Midwest U.S. The diesel distribution network is here now. Furthermore, comparing E85 to unleaded gasoline, an owner would save a few cents at the tank, but their economy and their power/torque would be sacrificed. However, making the same comparison between the potential of the 4.5L Duramax and the gasoline base models, the fuel economy would stay the same or slightly improve with the 4.5L, but the torque would be notably increased.

How many future prospective diesel F-250 and Ram 2500 buyers could a 4.5L Duramax Silverado 1500 capture if they're on the fence as to whether or not they really need that heavier truck? How many Titan, Ram and F-150 buyers could the same Silverado capture by marketing both fuel economy and torque? Truck buyers may be slowed down, but they're not going to disappear in these current economic conditions. GM has the answer in the front foyer, virtually waiting for them to come knocking. It is a poor decision for GM to be slamming that front door shut allowing neighbors the opportunity to open their doors.

I've posted a copy of this morning's announcement along with this letter, on the FullSizeChevy.com forums which I assist in moderating. Please feel free to visit.

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/...ml#post3919499

With sincerest regards,

Bob K.(full name omitted for public forum purposes)
aka Chuggernaut
GM truck enthusiast
Fullsizechevy.com Super Moderator

[CKTA]

Great, all the really good stuff has to be put on hold including this now. GM was going to be the first too.....now Ford probably will be. Way to go!

[Chuggs]

My thoughts exactly.

[93ChevyTBI]

that p!sses me off so bad!! I was waiting and waiting to see them hit the showrooms to trade my wife's Murano in on a Duramaxxed Tahoe. I hate looking out the window seeing that Nissan.

[blackknight]

double you tee effffffffff

GM needs to go bankrupt and restructure then come back and be badass.

[Texsbluethunder]

I think that was one of the last things they should have put on hold, having a small diesel might have given them an edge over other competitiors. just my 2cents

[rebelbowtie]

are they idiots. with the current diesel craze people would go ape **** over a half ton diesel truck

[Stratosman]

I really think they would have stolen many Dodge and Ford customers with that truck.

[red suburban]

they would have gotten alot of business from people with that motor. yes diesel fuel is an average of 20 cents over gas but an extra 10mpg in a 1/2 ton truck would sell like crazy. advertise the fuel economy/torque of that little motor.

[foreman00081]

been reading about this unfortunateness for a while over on dieselplace but it hadnt been officially official till now it looks like. this really sucks! now that diesel prices arent too far off of gas, and pretty even in a lot of places i think this would have been the perfect time to bring it out. and GM being first to the table with a half ton diesel would have gotten them a big jump on the market. just seems stupid to kill it after all the billions spent on R&D and how close it was to actually hitting the showrooms.

[93ChevyTBI]

Originally Posted by Stratosman

I really think they would have stolen many Dodge and Ford customers with that truck.

x2

[gwhunter350]

just gives me more time to save up

[Chuggs]

Original post edited to include a copy of the letter that I just sent back to the author of the announcement.

Poll added. Will expire in 45 days.

If you haven't already, let's get the word out and see how much feedback we can generate. Post up your links to other sites that discuss this decision!

[CKTA]

Nice letter Chuggs.

[93ChevyTBI]

Originally Posted by CKTA

Nice letter Chuggs.

who would have thought our own Chuggernaut could write such a professional and intelligent letter?

PLease don't ban me

[98[GMC]z71]

That was going to be my next truck but I guess i'll have to wait even longer.

[jordan.v]

that is really a bummer that theyre going to stop production on that dmax, that would of been my next truck... would also be sick if they decided to put it in the colorados and canyons...


btw nice letter chuggs...

[BOTMAN]

Thats a bummer. Ever since the put a hold on the V8 Colorado. I have been looking at this as a possible daily driver. Now I guess I can throw that out the window.

[Stratosman]

Originally Posted by V6rado94

Thats a bummer. Ever since the put a hold on the V8 Colorado. I have been looking at this as a possible daily driver. Now I guess I can throw that out the window.

They do make a 5.3 Colorado and Canyon

[F4MOU$]

There doing everything wrong.