Hot off the Autotech Daily presses:

FORD LOOKS FOR A NEW DIESEL PARTNER
Ford Motor Co. could still introduce a V-6 diesel in its F-150 pickup truck as early as 2006—and follow it with a diesel option for a midsize SUV and car. But if it does, the engines probably won’t come from longtime partner Navistar International Corp., reports Automotive News. Ford previously cancelled plans for a Navistar 4.5-liter V-6 due to cost overruns and concerns about the engine’s emissions system and says it has no intention of resuming the program, says the newspaper. The engine was to have bowed in the F-150 last year. Navistar had to take a large restructuring charge last fall to offset its investment to develop the powerplant and build a new production plant in Huntsville, Ala. Ford eventually agreed to pay Navistar an undisclosed settlement to help cover the costs. The two companies also have had recent difficulties related to the 6.0-liter PowerStroke engine Navistar supplies in F-Series Super Duty pickups. Ford sells 250,000 of these trucks annually but had to repurchase some 500 vehicles earlier this year because of problems with the engine’s fuel injection system. AN says there also have been glitches with the engine controller and turbocharger. Ford isn’t likely to spend the money to develop its own diesel, which puts four engine makers on the short list of potential partners: Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel and John Deere. Cummins and Detroit Diesel already supply diesel engines to Chrysler, although they aren’t precluded from working with other OEMs. Cummins is looking for new customers but doesn’t want to jeopardize its relationship with Chrysler, which runs at least through 2007. Cummins supplies the 5.9-liter inline sixcylinder used in Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks. The company also supplies some diesel engines to Ford for use in medium-duty trucks. Detroit Diesel’s new 4.0-liter V-6 would be well-suited for light-duty trucks and could be delivered to Ford for use in 2006 models. The powerplant makes 235 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. John Deere, which specializes in farming and off-road equipment, also says it could produce a six-cylinder compression-ignition engine for a passenger vehicle. AN says Caterpillar claims to have no interest in supplying Ford.

 

Wow, looks like Ford is in some troubled waters with the Diesel marketshare. It's no wonder CAT doesn't want to be a supplier. However, a Detroit Diesel sounds like it would be a pretty good motor choice. I still wouldn't drive one though. I'm a loyal Cummins owner ;D

 

I think it would be neat for someone to offer a small diesel for a half ton pickup.

 

I did a poking around, here's the info on the "Detroit Diesel" engine. It's a 60 degree V-6 made by VM Motori, a division of DaimlerChrysler based in Italy. Aluminum heads, 24 valves, direct injection, intercooled. It weighs 643 lbs and puts out 210 HP at 4000 RPM and 345 ft/lbs at 2000 RPM. Should be OK in a 1/2 ton, but it would be more fun in a Dakota. DC should pull their heads out of their butts and use what they have available. It would be sorta cool to see this motor go in an F-150, 'cuz then we could bust of the Ford guys for having a Dodge motor in their trucks.

 

[quote author=Holsteinman link=board=8;threadid=23194;start=0#msg217540 date=1070467742]
I think it would be neat for someone to offer a small diesel for a half ton pickup.
[/quote]

I agree, should be no reason why an F150 couldn't get 25city and 30 hwy mpg!!! I would buy one in a minute(of coarse after the first year bugs are worked out)

Heck I wouldn't mine owning a compact pickup like a ranger with a 4cyl turbo diesel that should be able to get 35-40 mpg. Wouldn't that be great!!

 

Im pry off on this but isnt the Jeep getting a diesel?

 

I would like for Toyota to import the diesel trucks.

 

[quote author=kingofdodge7131 link=board=8;threadid=23194;start=0#msg217879 date=1070510658]
Im pry off on this but isnt the Jeep getting a diesel?
[/quote]

Yes the liberty will get a 2.7 liter vm motori turbodiesel for next year.

 

We were going wait to buy a f-150 diesel when it came out next year until that program got canceled. A few days after it got canceled we decided to get my truck. Didn't really want another 3/4 ton but we both wanted diesels. So we went to the dealer to get my wife a truck and I came home with a new 2500. Wife took the old truck and both are happy. Will be willing to sell the secret for $200 each!

I really hope someone in the 1/2 ton truck market takes a chance on a diesel.

We have several large Gov't agencies around here that started buying jeep liberties last year. (TVA and the DOE) I have been writing letters to them to encourage them to buy the Liberty diesel when it becomes available and also to push for a bio outlet to fuel them at. Fingers crossed.

 

I suspect that North America is going to see lots more diesel operation in the near future, especially if European engines make into the vehicles. Once that happens, people will start to rave over their fuel mileage, dependability, and longevity, and how everybody should be driving one. Then there will be long lines at the lone diesel island ........ :

 

Well, my experiences with the VM diesels aren't too good. We get the Chrysler Voyager with a 2,5l VM diesel. Whole loads of problems with these engines. IMHO DC should kick VM out and supply the uS market with the new Mercedes common rail diesels. I tested the new Grand Cherokee with the 2,7 Mercedes and was amazed. This thing drives circles around the old 4.0HO cherokee gasser and has a proven engine. OK you'll miss the diesel sound with that one but nevertheless it's a nice car.

Just my 2c

AlpineRAM

 

Alpine, how about the PT Cruiser? Diesel?

 

jeep cherokee with mercedes 2.7L diesel....DROOL..DROOL....

 

heard LOTS of good things about that Grand...

 

PT-Cruiser, older cherokee, voyager and grand voyager with the VM. The VM is a tractor engine that seems to be killed by the high revs and the lack of cooling in the passenger cars.
I'm curious whether marketing policy will allow for the introduction of the 4,0CDI into some US platform cars. (250 hp DIN, 560Nm @1700-2600rpm)

AlpineRAM