Interesting- the new 4.5 diesel will apparently outperform their existing 5.3 gas V8s and, given the torque advantage, at least give the 6.0 gas V8 a run for its money. When they first announced a 4.5 diesel for the light duty trucks I was impressed at how "small" the displacement seemed, but with that output it seems like they should have aimed for the new diesel to be around 3.5 or 4 liters.

Of course, hindsight is 20/20, and they must have picked this displacement years ago given the lag between product planning and production. At least they are will be getting so much output from this diesel that nobody will be able to argue for buying the gas engine for reasons of performance.

I wonder if their light duty truck transmissions can even handle 520 lb/ft of torque?! That's far beyond what's been run through them thus far (AFAIK the gas 6.0, at 370 lb/ft, is as far as they have gone). They may have to use a heavy duty transmission in a light duty truck for this to work.

Ditto, this engine is still enormously powerful, and more than pickups and large SUVs "needed" until recently. I drive a large SUV and like it, but everything I do could be handled by an ICE half the size of what it has, provided there was a 6 or 7 speed auto transmission and a few other sensible changes possible with existing and affordable technology. Hopefully GM can create a V6 diesel from this design which would have more reasonable power and torque output for real driving and economy. (This would not be unprecedented since GM has had more than 20 years use out of their 4.3L Vortec gas V6 that was derived from 6 cylinders of their small block V8 design.) Even large vehicles can be propelled well by 150hp, as shown by the Sprinter van.

Diesel outpowers gas? Duhhhh .... the Diesel has a turbo.

For a real comparison, compare both turbocharged and DI.

Don't get too excited on CAFE killing an extraneous V8. GM has their Aussie wonks at Holden working on bodging 2 V6's together to make a V12 for future high-end Caddies.

"Cadillac will return to Australian shores, nearly forty years after ending local sales. The first cars will hit Aussie showrooms late next year and will be limited to the CTS range. The announcement was made by Holden chairman and managing director Chris Gubbey at a media event today.

The first model will be the 304hp (227kW) 3.6L V6 petrol version but a 2.9L turbodiesel V6 powered car is expected to follow in 2009. All cars will come standard with a six-speed auto. The only mechanical options will be two different sports suspension packages.

The big news is that engineers in Australia are working on a new V12 engine destined for an all-new Cadillac flagship. According to Drive, the new car will be based on the long wheelbase Holden Statesman sedan but will get its own unique body plus a V12 powertrain.

According to GM’s Bob Lutz, development work is ‘‘well under way’’ in Australia. The new V12 engine is essentially two GM 3.6L V6 engines mated together with a single crankshaft. Inside sources have revealed that the engine’s output will be roughly double that of a single V6, so expect to see around 523hp (390kW) and 680Nm (500lb-ft) of torque from its 7.2L of displacement.

The new model will be targeted at cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS range, and will include crash avoidance and safety technologies as well as direct injection and cylinder deactivation features."

http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/general-motors/cadillac-headed-down-under-aussie-v12-in-the-works/

The 4.5 follows the natural evolution of our engines - more HP from less displacement. The 2.9 V-6 diesel s/h/b here last year. You can thank a tree hugger. I want a clean environment as much you do, maybe more.
But our national security is far more important.

What to do?

Drilling in,on, and off-shore in the USA, min. 10 new refineries (have a tree hugger on the design team), sell semi-compliant diesels now with coupon for retrofit package for Bin 2 Tier 5 compliance install later, reduce cash flow to those clearly working on our destruction. First politician to propose deficit spending without declaration of war is re-called and a new election takes place. No sales tax on any vehicle achieving over 40 mpg highway, 5% tax credit for purchase of any vehicle achieving 50 mpg. Tax incentive for hybrid diesel trucks that install 400 sf of solar panels on roof of trailers, increase allowable weight limit to allow for batteries without reducing cargo capacity. National campaign to view wind turbines as "art" and install in locations where THERE IS WIND, regardless if Ted Kennedy sails there. National "X" prize for development of environmentally friendly battery exceeding 150% of today's LiOn.

We are at the point where this is an emergency, right?

Instead of allowing the environmentalists to just put a choke hold on development of what we all need right now, why not get them involved in the design of new wells and refineries?

Now we can talk about engines, trucks, and cars....
Funny how the "new" small block diesel is about the same cubes as the 1st V-8 from GM 50 yrs ago. It's deja vu all over again. Good move to offer install in more than just trucks. If similar aftermarket to what's out there for the 6.6, there will be plenty of power and even better mpg available.

This could be a fabulous success for GM. If capacity allows, would like to see packages to retrofit into other/earlier vehicles - maybe some sort of tax incentive to make the investment.

We're a little late out of the gate, but at least going in the right direction, and not a moment too soon.