Ford and General Motors are said to be working on diesel-engine options for half-ton
pickups to achieve better fuel economy and higher torque.
Ford is reportedly planning to
offer a turbodiesel in its F-150 series by 2008. GM is developing a V-8 turbodiesel for
light-duty full-size pickups around 2009. GM also plans to add a new Two-Mode hybrid drive
for full-size SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, by early 2007.
Full-size hybrid-electric
pickups are slated for late 2008 or early 2009. Hummer’s H2 should get drivetrain updates,
including a six-speed automatic transmission, by 2008.
