[Clinging Bitterly]

Cummins had been producing a version of their 5.9L for Dodge pickups for years. Not a real powerhouse but adequate. But for some time Ford's Powerstroke (International?) and more recently GM's Duramax (Isuzu) have been running circles around them. But these huge luxury cruiser/grocery getters (or male ego extensions, politely if you will) masquerading as trucks aren't built for economy, and at prices higher than I paid for my house, I'd be afraid to even get one dirty.

The time is probably right to once again produce an economical, decently performing diesel for more reasonably sized vehicles. Several makers already have something near the desired size/HP in the industrial sector, it's just a matter of meeting emission requirements in enough markets to make development of those refinements worthwhile.

A little help from regulatory agencies would be nice too. Things are tough enough and add to that the recent fad of blue states toughening their own emission standards when it is absolutely unnecessary. The market will naturally demand diesels that don't stink.

[IamConservative]

Cummins had been producing a version of their 5.9L for Dodge pickups for years. Not a real powerhouse but adequate. But for some time Ford's Powerstroke (International?) and more recently GM's Duramax (Isuzu) have been running circles around them.

The PowerStroke is made by International, now Navastar I believe. The performance Diesel enthusiasts use the Dodge/Cummins alot to build pullers, perhaps because it has been around longer or has more performance parts available. I recently went to a Diesel show and the Duramax was hands down the best performer pulling a sled in any class.

I would like to be able to get a ~4L turbo diesel in a 1/2 ton GM pickup, which hopefully is where the Cummins announcement will take us. Aas you seem to, I have an interest in a Diesel engine, but not in a truck I need a ladder to get in that rides like a log wagon.

The emissions issue I believe is centered around nitrogen oxides. They have formulated cleaner burning diesel fuels in Europe and I believe BMW has some new technology that helps this dramatically. I am sure Cummins can overcome this. Most diesel performance strategies include injecting water, water/alcohol or propane. All of above will reduce the NOx emissions, but aren't practical for everyday drivers.

[TheBattman]

Actually- Dodge has been selling two versions of yhe cummins for several years now - The one you spoke of, and a "HO" High Outpu version that's pretty stout. As far as the Power Stroke Choke, - takes a chip/computer upgrade to get real power. Either way, it's nto the most durable engine on the road. Che GM "Duramax" hasn't been on the road long enough for me to make a judgment call on. The folks I know with them really like them - they are very quiet and get good economy. The last two summers I have spent a week in Guatemala and really like the compact pick-ups with diesels.... Something in the Chevy Colorado class, with a 3.0L Turbo Diesel would be a great truck, I would think. Then aqain, I wouldn't mind a nice bigger turbodiesel in my Tahoe!