The 318 Detroit Diesel holds something of a special place in the pantheon of diesel engines - but what was it exactly, and why was it such a hit?

This joining was officially called the GM 6046 engine, but it was built using a pair of Detroit Diesel 6-71 motors. This twin-Diesel engine was able to produce 410 hp for the World War II-era tank.

The company still manufactures a full range of heavy-duty diesel engines under the streamlined "Detroit" brand. Its current lineup includes the DD5, DD8, DD13, DD15, and the powerful DD16.

Detroit Diesel Corp. is planning to electrify more of its Redford Township factory with a $285 million investment including EV battery prototyping and pack assembly.The company, whose traditional ...