DETROIT — General Motors said it has developed a new "clean" turbodiesel for its future pickups and utility vehicles that will boost fuel economy by 25 percent.

More importantly, the engine will also meet the tough new federal emissions standards that will be phased in starting in 2010.

GM released few details on the new engine, a twin-cam V8 that will use a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, as well as a NOx after-treatment system with a diesel particulate filter to meet the emission-level regulations in all 50 U.S. states.

The new V8 turbodiesel will deliver "class-leading torque, power and refinement while maintaining a significant fuel-efficiency advantage over comparable-output gasoline engines." With its narrow block, the diesel will fit into the same size engine compartment as a small-block V8 gasoline engine, GM said.

The company said it has also revised its existing 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel to meet tougher emissions standards that begin in January. Offered in GM's medium- and heavy-duty pickups and vans, the Duramax diesel is available in 300- and 330-horsepower variants; the latter delivers 620 pound-feet of torque.

What this means to you: If you thought most of the cutting-edge developments in diesel technology were taking place in Europe, GM begs to differ — and plans to offer them to American truck and SUV buyers in 2010.

 

I hope this works out, I would love to see a 25% increase in fuel economy.