"Direct" gasoline injection, available now from many makes, is negating the difference
in operating costs, compared to diesels and their $1.00 per gallon cost penalty. The intake manifold carries only air, and the PCM is so advanced, that MPG gains from this method of fuel delivery will get even better in the coming years. I think GM has an engine in the test lab that runs on gasoline, but on off-idle situations, switches to 'compression' ignition, by using variable cam timing to raise the cyl. pressures. It sips gas, like a true diesel, using cheaper fuel.
I hope the big 3 emerge from this mess strong, we are a 3rd. world country without them....

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'01 Escape 2.0 5 speed- 101k
'96 Cherokee 5 speed- 120k
'92 Mercedes 2.5l turbo diesel- 212k
'90 Aerostar ext Cargo 4.0- 29k
'02 ZX2- 93k
'98 F250 CNG- 54k

That is Mercedes Diesotto. I doubt we'll see it over here.

Yeah I heard someone from GM talk about this, but I don't see how this can be cheaper, more reliable and more efficient than a good old diesel engine. Maybe it will be eventually, but it's not even available yet. And if history is any guide, the Germans or Japanese will beat them to the punch and GM and the other 2 will be lucky to play catchup.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

IF GM survives to see that project finish. Personally, I hope to see GM go belly up.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings to see the econo-plastic sedans disappear... but I'd miss the Duramax. Yeah, if I had the cash tomorrow I'd be shopping for an older Power Stroke or Cummins instead - but as far as new trucks go, the Duramax is as good as either of the others, it seems to me. They've all got their own problems.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

I don't think so. We will never be able to compete with the asian labor rates and the strength of their auto industry. Best we lay this one to rest and go for different ventures instead of beating the dead horse.

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

True. It would be the only one I would give up my 7.2L Power stroke for... but then again, not giving up my 7.2 any time soon.

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1983 300D-Turbo - Deep Blue w Palomino MB Tex (total loss in fire 1/5/09 RIP)
1995 E320 W124 Polar White/Grey Mushroom MB Tex
2005 F150 Supercrew - Arizona Beige - Lear topper
1985 Piaggio Vespa T5 - Black and Chrome

www.cphilip.com

How do you like your 7.2L Powerstroke? I like my 7.3 one a lot. Must be a new model I was unaware of. I know 7.3 units are very modifiable. I have tweaked mine a bit. What do they make for the 7.2L Powerstroke?

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

My thoughts are if they are bailed out,they must make these changes.
No more assembly in Mexico.No more cheap parts from overseas.A company,more proud of quality,than profit.
When Americans work,we boost the economy.

Sounds good to me. However, you realize that profit is pretty much what can keep a company afloat. If it doesn't care about profit, you going to keep it on life support all day long? Also, as to quality, you realize quality costs money. What you seem to be saying is "Let build quality. Damned be the world.". Fair enough. The Big 3 has had such a bad rep for quality, nobody will pay premium dollars for a quality build just because you say it has turned a corner.

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

They'll fail. Nobody in this country will buy a Malibu or equivalent that costs more than a Camry or Accord.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Given a Camry or Accord vs a Malibu or equivalent. Even if they cost the same, besides the die hards, who would pay the same money when they already know that the Big 3 lack quality? It would have to go lower than a Camry or Accord to be on par.

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

Yeah you all are right.Maybe they should sell to Japanese automakers,or merge,and let Japanese C.E.O.s run things.
When I was a Machine shop supervisor,when adapted their ideas.Made a strong shop and pride from every worker.
I will never forget years ago,on the news,a Japanese C.E.O. in tears,pleading for some one to buy his business,so his workers would have jobs.

Thing is, the Malibu is a better car than camry...according to Car+Driver mag.
Also, if you want to save gas, GM has the product you need.
Conversely, they also have really really fast rides out there, the new Caddy set the track record at Nurburgring. I am not a GM 'guy', I like Ford, nor am I a union guy...
When product reliability was poor, mid 70's thru late 80's, they were not alone -ALL the makers were playing catch-up to EPA and NHTSA..where are the 1985 toyotas or hondas? Yea, they were all crushed a decade ago--rusted away with broken drivelines that could not be fixed because there were are no parts, even if you were foolish enough to want to try....I have been there! And as far as the 'superior' engineering that the japanese are "known" for, here is my take/story:
Wife HAD to have the 1988 honda CRX si, I did not want it, but she was working full time, so.... fast forward a year later...heavy rains...drove thru a 2 inch deep PUDDLE in the road...and the entire engine was instantly toast, bent rods and destroyed head, etc. The water was fed into the motor and hydrolocked it. 1 puddle. My 16 yearold son
would not have designed an intake like that. I was unfortunate to own 2 other jap. cars, purchased used...same basic tomfoolery in build.
I guess I do love Detroit, drive a Benz for all the same reasons you guys do...but a new one? Nah, too much money! I will be buying the 2010 Ford Fiesta, now that's a ride that can save at the pump!

__________________
'01 Escape 2.0 5 speed- 101k
'96 Cherokee 5 speed- 120k
'92 Mercedes 2.5l turbo diesel- 212k
'90 Aerostar ext Cargo 4.0- 29k
'02 ZX2- 93k
'98 F250 CNG- 54k

Just read the current issue of "autoweek"---The 'european car of the year' was awarded, not to our beloved MB, but to Opel. That's GM...so who can really declare they only make poor goods? Granted, maybe there are some politics with these awards,
but shoddy mechandise doesn't get a mention, let alone a win.
Our neighbors work for the big3, only a handfull for the germans...whose economy is more important to you?

__________________
'01 Escape 2.0 5 speed- 101k
'96 Cherokee 5 speed- 120k
'92 Mercedes 2.5l turbo diesel- 212k
'90 Aerostar ext Cargo 4.0- 29k
'02 ZX2- 93k
'98 F250 CNG- 54k