I thought the GM/Isuzu partnership was a dead deal and GM took control or was bought out or something?

Isuzu/GM partnership is pretty much over, but they still continue to share some things. I belive they are still working on a compact/midsized truck together.
Dmax is still shared between the two, and they sell some Zukes as Chevy/GMCs.

That's good. Cause just as GM/Chevy got their diesel game together, it would suck to have to start over.

To be honest, the Mini-Max that was supposed to show next year was pretty revolutionary for diesel engines.
Heads are turned around, so the exhaust goes to teh center where the turbo is mounted, intake system is intergratedi nto the valvecover or something.
Specs were something like 350hp and 500-600ftlbs, and the size/weight of a Gen IV so it could mate to a standard 6spd auto trans instead of the expensive Allison.

Edit: Pics

http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/di...ty-duramax.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblo...10pt_8c002.jpg