Chevy ColoradoDuramax 2.9L V-6The chevy colorado cruz concept pictured here was packing an LS2 gasoline v-8, but the civilian truck came out with wheezing four- and five-cylinder inline engines. Instead of the new 4.5L v8 Duramax, (that's being saved for the H3), it would be interesting to fill the fender wells with the fuel-efficient and very powerful 2.9L v-6 diesel designed by v.M. Motori that will be sold in the Cadillac CtS. the engine makes 250 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque (which is 8 hp and 164 lb-ft more than the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon are currently allowed), and achieves full power at 800 rpm less than the inline gas engines. Add an adjustable programmer like the one imagined for the diesel viper, and the 2.9L diesel could use high horsepower on the highways and switch priorities to low-lugging torque for the dirt. throw in a second variable geometry turbo and an electric 3/4-ton transfer case for all-wheel-drive and you've got the next-generation GMC Syclone.
Hummer H3Duramax 4.5L V-8If the diesel takeover is to take place, then a mid-size Suv will have to catch on, but manufacturers can't risk blowing out the weak independent rear axles. Since the Dodge Durango is slated for a Hemi gas/electric hybrid or a Cummins v-6, attention needs to be focused on the Hummer H3, which would be a perfect candidate for the new Duramax 4.5L v-8. It makes 310 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque while meeting the green emissions regulations that can help relieve the self-loathing and guilt that gas Hummer owners are taught to feel when they pull into a Whole foods parking lot. the engine is currently being prepped for the 1/2-ton GM trucks and Suvs, but the H3 Alpha proves a v-8 can fit in the lil' Hummer, and a diesel could make a big impact in the off-road Suv market by turning the H3 into the most powerful, most efficient, and cleanest 4x4 Suv available.
Ford Mustang GT500Lion 5.0L Twin-Turbo V-8If the dodge viper and audi r8 are "halo" cars that get people into dealerships to buy other cars, then the ford Mustang is an icon because it gets people excited about the blue Oval brand, and the sales actually help the company's bottom line. It would be interesting to see a Mustang Gt500 equipped with the ultra-modern Lion v-8 twin-turbo diesel that's being used overseas. It's got a CGI block, twin variable geometry turbos, common-rail fueling, piezo injectors, and could be stroked out to 5.0L (just for sentimental reasons). In the 4.4L configuration, the Lion is rated at 350 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque (20 lb-ft more than the supercharged 4.6L gasser), so it's fun to imagine, at the twist of a button another 100 lb-ft of torque, or economy-car fuel mileage is available.
Jeep GladiatorCummins 5.6L V-8The jeep gladiator was always supposed to get a diesel engine-the only problem is that the pickup has never received the green light from Chrysler. When the concept truck hit the stages at auto shows, it had the 2.8L v.M. Motori engine that showed up in the Jeep Liberty. If that engine was swapped for the new 5.6L Cummins v-8, Jeep could build a Gladiator that could compete with the 1/2-ton titans, Silverados, and f-150s that are tasked with towing boats, Atvs, and 4x4s. "Compete" is a polite term since the Cummins v-8 makes 325 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque while getting about 25 mpg; it would be a knock-down drag-out fight with customers winning another serious choice in the light truck market. unfortunately, a reality check shows that the Gladiator is not a true fullsize truck, the Cummins v-8 weighs more than 780 pounds, and any success of the Gladiator could come at the expense of Dodge Ram sales.