GM's new diesel engine
The engine is a turbocharged 4.5-liter V8 that the company expects will produce at least 310
horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque.

General Motors recently announced plans to build a new diesel V8 engine for use in the North American market beginning in 2009. The automaker plans to offer the engine in light-duty versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra large pickup trucks, as well as the Hummer H2 SUV.

"This new GM light duty diesel is expected to become a favorite among customers who require excellent towing ability and fuel efficiency," said Tom Stephens, group vice president of GM Global Powertrain and Quality in a statement. "It will meet the stringent 2010 emissions standards, and it will be compliant in all 50 states, making it one of the cleanest diesel (engines) ever produced."

The engine is a turbocharged 4.5-liter V8 that the company expects will produce at least 310 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. It will be small enough to fit in the engine bay of a traditional gasoline small-block engine, meaning it can be adapted to other vehicles, should there be enough demand.

GM will produce the diesel engine at its Tonawanda, NY plant. The company plans to invest $100 million in the facility in order to accomplish this. The investment includes a 200,000-square-foot renovation, new machinery, equipment, and special tooling. Tonawanda currently produces the four- and five-cylinder engines used in the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks, as well as V6 engines used in the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura midsize sedans.

Company officials hope to start production of the diesel in the fourth quarter of 2009.