The dudes over at Motor Trend are reporting that high level GM executives are thinking about pulling the 4.5L diesel, dubbed the “mini-Duramax,” off the shelf and offering it as an option in light-duty pickups. The motor is 100% developed and tested, according to the story, and one quoted GM official said it could be ready “in a heartbeat” if necessary. With a rumored 520 lb/ft of torque, it would be hella fun in a 1/2-ton truck, and super efficient too. 

The engine was said to have been fully developed by early last year, but production of it was ditched in preparation for the bankruptcy. It has all kinds of interesting design features like a compressed graphite block, dual overhead cams, and exhaust manifolds that are integral with the cylinder heads (and that empty into the intake valley area where the turbo is).

The motor was designed with a heavy concentration on packaging. It will bolt directly into the same space as the gas motors used today. We think that this would be an awesome engine in a smaller truck that would get great mileage, haul some ass because of all the torque, and last forever if properly maintained. 

We’re sure the impetus for this move is the upcoming CAFE mileage mandate. GM believes that truck economy would improve by 25% with the 4.5L diesel over gasoline engines. That’s a bunch. We believe that tire frying ability would also be increased. Everybody wins.

Source — MotorTrend.com — GM Rumored to be Interested in Light Duty Diesel Again