It's less glamorous than the horsepower wars of the 1960s and '70s, but the traditional American car companies are embroiled in a full-scale battle to offer the most powerful, fuel-efficient and customer-friendly diesel in their full-size pickups, vans and sport-utility vehicles, according to the Detroit Free Press.
General Motors Corp. has claimed its 6.6-liter Duramax V8 is the most powerful diesel available in light trucks since it debuted in 2000, producing 520 pound-feet of torque.
Ford Motor Co. announced in May that its new 6-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel would produce 550 pound-feet of torque.
DaimlerChrysler AG quickly leaked word that the revamped version of its Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler Group's straight-six 5.9-liter Cummins diesel would have 555 pound-feet for the 2003 model year. According to the Free Press, the Big 3 are inching toward offering diesel-powered cars in the United States for the first time in decades.
