I'd like to see half-ton diesels become available. Some of us don't necessarily want the big huge hulking 3/4 and 1-tons, but just want the efficiency of a diesel in a more manageable-sized package.  

esanchez:
I'd like to see half-ton diesels become available. Some of us don't necessarily want the big huge hulking 3/4 and 1-tons, but just want the efficiency of a diesel in a more manageable-sized package.

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Puneet M  

I agree with you! I posted a similar post above. A few years back, Ford proposed using a V6 Powerstroke Diesel in the F-150 and Expedition, but nothing happened. Now, Ford is considering about using a Land Rover Diesel in the new F-150. Lets hope they do more than just consider.  

I heard that it should have around 330 hp and 520 lb-ft.  

Awesome! I wonder how much a base F-150 diesel run. $30K? $35K?! $40K?!! I know Land Rover is a premiere, high end brand. Does anyone know how good their diesels are? I heard they are great.  

Considering that their Defenders have traversed Africa and other harsh, remote places, I'd say they are good. Thats all I know about them though.  

We need a Diesel engine in the 3 to 4 liter range in mid to full-size(half-ton) trucks. Where is GM/Ford on this???????   I guess we will have to wait again and see Toyota take the lead in this market. I heard that Toyota has acquired a major interest in Isuzu(major Diesel engine know-how). Wake up Detroit!  

Ford is going to bring a 4.4L V6 turbo diesel over for the next F-150, likely a Lion engine from Land Rover. I've heard Dodge will offer a V6 turbo diesel too from Cummins on the next Ram. Both are about a year and a half or so out. Have not heard anything from the GM camp but I certainly hope they aren't asleep at the wheel. This will be a huge market.

Toyota likely won't be the leader yet again.  

The perfect 1/2 ton engine would be easy.
Take the Duramax shorten it by 2 cylinders and there you have it!
This would deliver plenty of power for a 1/2 ton truck, exceptional fuel mileage and would give enough room in the engine compartment for the large torque converter on the Allison transmission. GM could use most all of the components that is used on the V8 Duramax  therefor cutting down on parts. The only difference when you raise the hood would be a "shorter engine". Some of these V8 engines are producing 24 MPG, in the V6 version I would expect to get around 30 MPG in the highway driving mode.
One more thing, the secret to better fuel economy with a diesel engine is to keep the RPM's low while driving down the highway. So let's gear the truck with this in mind and design the "Tow Haul Mode" to gear the truck differently while towing!  
Just my opinion but I think GM and Isuzu need to chop off a couple of cylinders and get this engine in the Suburbans, Avalanches and 1/2 ton trucks.
Come on GM get with the program!
Thanks for reading
Keith  

There are alot of out here that want the same thing. I am conviced talking to other truck users and enthusiasts. I just hope someone is listening. I have not purchased a new truck in years, because I will not spend in excess of $20,000. for something that is not what I want! Europe has only diesels even in there small Nissan and Toyota trucks. The European Jeeps have diesels. As our fuel is becoming more expensive the demand is here. Mahindra of India that has been building small trucks and tractors is going to start importing a mid size long bed truck with a common rail diesel that will achieve high 30s mileage, priced near $20,000. That I will buy when it becomes available unless one of our domestic manufactures can offer something comparable. I would rather spend at home!  

Take a cummins and lop two cylinders off that. Talk about room to work. The engine bay would remind ppl. of trucks from the 50-60s.  

GM is coming to market with a 4.5 with at least 310 hp and 520 lb ft by 2009. Dodge is got a cummins diesel for half tons probably around 2009 when the new ram comes out. And ford has rumored of a f-150 diesel but I've heard that the f-150 diesel along with the boss engines might be delayed until after the new f-150 in 09.  

I feel the same way i got a2500hd don't need the huge truck love it to death but wish they would put a small diesel in a half ton.  so looking in to it for the heck of it i ran across a site with the new chevy 4500cc diesel they are going to be putting in the newer half tons H2s and possibly the tahoe subs.  that would be awsome if they did that.  dodge is on the way with a small inline cummins for the half ton too possible arival in 09