Australia's GoAuto enthusiast site is reporting that a diesel version of the new VE Commodore model has been confirmed by company insiders, and should be introduced sometime in 2009. Although there was no specific mention of a Pontiac G8 derivative, with the recently-passed CAFE regulations, it's a good bet that a diesel G8 may be cruising into Pontiac showrooms in the not-too-distant future.

The engine is the 2.9L VM Motori turbodiesel V6 already slated for the Euro-market Cadillac CTS. Preliminary output figures are 250 horsepower and 406 lb./ft. of torque.

Diesel Power's Take: Although many manufacturers are unsure of how receptive Americans will be to diesels when hybrids have been stealing all the headlines lately, once these clean, smooth, fast diesels start making their way onto the market, expect those old prejudices to fade fast.