General Motors announced mid-March that it is putting the 4.5L Duramax engine on hold. The small turbo diesel was slated for GM half-ton pickups and SUVs. Here's GM's official statement:
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.
This news comes shortly after Dodge announced that it was pulling plans off the table for its own half-ton diesel engine. Toyota was reportedly very close to releasing a turbo diesel Tundra nearly a year ago, but those plans are also on the back burner.