Has there been any confirmation on a diesel in the Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon/Yukon XL/Caddy yet?

When the concept diesel Suburban came out I wrote GM an e-mail asking when I could buy one and this is what I got in return:

Hi Paul,
Thanks for your interest in our 4.5LV-8 Duramax high output diesel that we will launch initially in 2009 in our Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty pickups followed by the HUMMER H2. There hasn't been any further announcements regarding future applications, but the Duramax does package very nicely in the space of a small block V-8 so it opens the door for us to consider it in a Suburban, Yukon XL or a Cadillac.

I can assure you that if the customer interest is there, we will definitely be weighing all future possibilities.

Best regards,

Susan Garavaglia
Manager, Communications
GM Powertrain


So apparently the duramax Suburban that I've (we've?) been waiting for since 1998 still doesn't seem like it's on the drawing board. My 1995 Diesel Suburban is still chugging along fine, but if GM brings out a diesel 3/4 Ton suburban and a diesel Tahoe I would buy one of each in a heartbeat. It would be the only way I get rid of my '95 Suburban and Envoy Denali. I was actually thinking about the Yukon Hybrid, but when I saw it tows less than my little Envoy that idea went sour real fast.

Well, that's a little disheartening to hear. I have been under the impression that it was definitely going to happen for the Burb. But, after reading what GM wrote to you, it sounds quite the opposite. That message makes it sound like they don't have any plans to do it.

After the overwhelmingly positive reaction they've gotten from the diesel Burb, I'd be very surprised if they didn't go with it. Hopefully it's just that they aren't allowed to say it "officially" yet, but the plans are still on.

yea that would suck if they didnt. guess you can always do a swap but it be so much nicer if they just came the way they should. might have to go with the CRD Jeep....

I hope they end up putting them in the Yukon's. I fianlly have my girlfriend convinced to drive one if they ever come out!!! Time will tel I guess??

I sure hope it is put in the Yukon or Tahoe. That's what I want, I do not need another pick up....I have one. I do need a strong nice efficient full size SUV:D

It would be worth while to put a smaller diesel in the SUVs. Ford made the mistake of putting the 7.3 in the excursion which is just a massive waste of power. A smaller, more efficient diesel is the key. This engine will still pull a house but get better mileage than te 6.0 and possibly the 5.3 gassers.

I'd buy a diesel Escalade ESV in less than 1 second if it was ever made.

Hi Paul,
Thanks for your interest in our 4.5LV-8 Duramax high output diesel that we will launch initially in 2009 in our Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty pickups followed by the HUMMER H2. There hasn't HAVEN'T been any further announcements regarding future applications, but the Duramax does package very nicely in the space of a small block V-8 so it opens the door for us to consider it in a Suburban, Yukon XL or a Cadillac. SUBURBAN, YUKON XL, OR CADILLAC.

I can assure you that if the customer interest is there, we will definitely be weighing all future possibilities.

Best regards,

Susan Garavaglia
Manager, Communications
GM Powertrain




Susan ain't two keen on usin' that their grammar now....

Those of you that want a diesel Suburban/Yukon/ect make sure you write GM an e-mail or give them a call about it. Or, even if you just liked the concept diesel suburban, make sure you let them know. I'm sure if enough people take interest they'll have to consider producing it. :)

if they didn't have plains to put it in the suvs then why would they show it off for the first time in the sub. i would think they are just trying to play it safe and be the first with a small diesel in the suvs

if they didn't have plains to put it in the suvs then why would they show it off for the first time in the sub. i would think they are just trying to play it safe and be the first with a small diesel in the suvs


The diesel is definitely going in an at least one SUV, the Hummer H2. That was already announced. It doesn't make any sense that they would announce that with certainty, but say there are currently no plans for a production diesel Suburban.

The diesel Suburban they built was apparently only a SEMA concept vehicle. The purpose of SEMA is showing off parts and "over the top" vehicles created with those parts, not necessarily showing off vehicles that are slated for production. Often you just wind up with parts from the concept on other vehicles, like the wheels, interior design, ect.

That's why you have to write to GM and tell them to build the concept, or at least build something like it. As of right now GM doesn't think a diesel in a Sub/Yukon would do as well as it would in the half-ton pick ups and H2, so they're holding back.:(

on top they're going by expected demand. A lot more P/U's get sold then Subs and ramp up to full production could make these new motors in high demand(much the original d-max was the 1st production year). Even with it's early flaws the D-max namesake has been a great seller for GM and will continue in a smaller more effecient package.

they should put it in the suburban. it is pretty much the same as the H2 except that they sell way more! my dad will probably own the duramax H2 and i am hoping to get the funds together for the 2nd year run of the 1500's.

if they don't there needs to be a conversion done.

i actually want the regular yukon or even a tahoe... burban would be nice but too much for the wifey and garage, plus i would imagine better milage... could you imagine a yukon denali with the 4.5 in it....thats what i want..i mean for my wife of course

It's also possible that they're not advertizing/admitting to a 4.5 SUV in order to keep from "cannibalizing" their own products... some people looking for tahoe's, sub's, yukon's, denali's, etc might hold off buying one now if they know diesel's are coming out in a year or two...

Take a look under the hood of a 900 tahoe and tell me they don't plan to put something else under there.

I could stand in there without removing the engine. There's room for a 6.6 dmax under there let alone a smaller engine.

I would have bought a D-Max Suburban rather than my pickup. I was blown away by my first encounter with an LB7, but having a $45k work truck still doesn't sit well with me. I'd rather have a nice tow vehicle and a beater pickup to throw greasy engine blocks in without thinking twice.

I talked to the guy that I usually trade vehicles with who is the medium duty sales manager and has been selling cars at City Chevrolet for 42 years, he said that Gm is still doing market research on the diesesl option in a Surburban but there is no plans for a diesel option in a Tahoe or Yukon.

Susan ain't two keen on usin' that their grammar now....

With a last name like that what do you expect........:D

Just to add fuel to this fire...

I ran across this website today:

http://www.dieselsuburbans.com/10SubDiesel.htm

It seems that they (GM) is testing interest/waters in the right market. I would think the RV Market would be a great place for a Dmax Suburban. Think of all of us with a 2500 or 3500 truck that need additional space. I have actually cured my space issue (see avatar), but a "DMax SUB" would look great behind my coach.

Imagine towing a 5th wheel with your new "DMax SUB".

I already have the OK from my "CFO", now GM needs to get off the pot!!

Imagine this ........