Here is a link to a Q&A with Automotive News on Feb. 23, 2004 With VP of GM global P/T Tom Stephens and reporter Richard Truett. Here is one of the Q&A:


Are you still developing the V-6 Duramax?

We have a V-6 that we were developing. We still have the capability to do that engine, but there is no production date for a V-6 Duramax. We are evaluating the diesel portfolio on a global level. I am working on something else as well. It would have applications in the U.S. If we wanted to, we could bring it in. It would work out well in a lot of different things. It would easily go in the larger vehicles because of emissions standards. <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">Here is the link for the full report:


http://communicator.gm.com/socrates/newsnow/uploads/inthenews/1077550420616.html

THat link won't work outside, so here's the story...
<DIV class=Section1>
2004 SAE Q&amp;A: GM Will Keep Diesel Production At Current Levels
Automotive News
February 23, 2004

General Motors' powertrain division can take credit for much of the automaker's renewed vitality in the marketplace. Its V-6 engines are among the industry's most efficient. GM's V-8s are among the most powerful, and its Duramax diesel engine is among the best selling. This year GM will introduce its first gasoline-electric hybrids and start constructing a plant that will build low-volume, high-performance engines for GM specialty products.

Tom Stephens, vice president of General Motors' global powertrain operations, discussed engine issues with Staff Reporter Richard Truett. <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">
Will you increase production of the Duramax engine?

We do have great demand for our diesel products, but at this time we are not going to increase the capacity. We are ready to do that. It's designed, developed and all set to go, but at this point in time, we don't have plans to add more capacity. <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">
How many Duramax engines will you build this year?

Just a shade over 150,000. We can take one more increment of an increase in the current facility before we would put the engine line in another facility. <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">
It appears you could take market share from Ford and Dodge diesel trucks, but you choose not to right now. Are there more important uses for powertrain's resources than boosting diesel production?

We are trying to put additional resources on our cars. Starting in 1999 through 2003, we redid the entire truck, van and sport-utility vehicle portfolio - the entire thing, including medium-duty trucks. When we looked at growing our market share, it became obvious that we also needed to do a significant amount of reworking of our cars. That's now starting to bear fruit.

From that perspective we have put a lot of resources in cars, specifically Cadillac. They've had a huge bump up, and Chevrolet today is getting a huge bump up. Pontiac is coming. Just from a technology aspect, between the long-term fuel cell, near-term gasoline, diesel, six-speed transmission and hybrid activities, it's really a very significant technology stream. You place your bets in what you want to do. <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">
Are you still developing

"Is the Hummer H2 slated for a diesel engine?

I think the H2 is well-suited to a diesel. I think everything from its military heritage to the mass of vehicles makes it a good one to look at. So I certainly wouldn't count that out. But nothing is easy with the existing regulations. "





I would have to be a cadidate for that!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


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Yea just what the wife needs, a 700 awhp and over 1200# of torque http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif


Man it would be fun to drive http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

They need to do the same thing to the D-max that they did to the 5.7 (350). Cut 2 cylinders off and watch out! The 4.3 took off like crazy and the aftermarket parts where 90% developed already!

Sorry about that, Thanks nassdmax!


I will remember that in the future!

Hmmmm another diesel application worthy of larger vehicles... Sounds interesting!