Since the EPA requirements are what closed the book on the H1 it will be interesting to see how AM General/GM adapt a diesel into the H2. Not because it can't be done but because of the cost. The GMC Sierra's built in 2007 will have an additional cost of about $2500 on top of the about $6,000 duramax option. The H2 is not a low numbered vehicle but compared to the GMC pickups it is low so spreading the cost over all vehicles would be much higher than it is for the GMC pickups. It is not the engine that needs to be certified but the application. So just because the GMC pickups have a certified engine doesn't mean the H2 would since the application is different, much like the H1 was different. Not saying it can't be done but the EPA requirements are rediculous. Of course if the engine that the H2 would get is entirely different who knows what would happen.
It is interesting that companies like Land Rover and Volvo are developing engines for the NA market. My wife really wants an XC90 so I asked about a diesel option to a couple of people and they said that it is in the works. The mpg is rediculous in the vehicle in europe as they said it is getting like 30-40mpg.
Another interesting fact is the development of Diesel/Electric engines that LR, Volvo and of course General Engine Products (AM General) are working on. Do I see a reincarnation of the H1?
