Diesel News: POST HERE
- Thread starter Scott Brady
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Mbz Gl320 Cdi
The folks at Edmunds Inside Line recently tested the 2008 Mercedes GL320 CDI diesel-powered SUV, and they came away impressed. Test results include:
0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds
60-0 braking in 123 ft
26 mpg on highway test loop, steady cruising
This latter result is better than the EPA's 24 mpg highway estimate.
List price for the GL320 CDI is $53,775, about $9000 less than a Land Cruiser. Part of the difference is due to the fact that the base GL320 CDI does not include leather seat covers. If you're planning to emphasize the "utility" in SUV, then this is an advantage.
The base price does include the following:
Air suspension, compensates for loads in the rear, can raise the vehicle 3 inches, to 10.9 inches
Off-road driving program recalibrates traction system, ABS, engine management, and auto trans for off-road driving
Downhill speed regulation controls throttle, brakes, and ABS to maintain pre-set speed as low as 3 mph
Hill start assist maintains brake pressure for a moment after brake is released
Antilock braking, 4 wheel disc system
4 wheel electronic traction system
electronic stability program
The 2008 Land Cruiser includes a two speed transfer case, making it a better low speed crawler. But the GL320 CDI's seven speed transmission includes a very low first gear.
I think we need to encourage the Overland Journal folks to take a look at the GL320 CDI.
Chip Haven
The folks at Edmunds Inside Line recently tested the 2008 Mercedes GL320 CDI diesel-powered SUV, and they came away impressed. Test results include:
0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds
60-0 braking in 123 ft
26 mpg on highway test loop, steady cruising
This latter result is better than the EPA's 24 mpg highway estimate.
List price for the GL320 CDI is $53,775, about $9000 less than a Land Cruiser. Part of the difference is due to the fact that the base GL320 CDI does not include leather seat covers. If you're planning to emphasize the "utility" in SUV, then this is an advantage.
The base price does include the following:
Air suspension, compensates for loads in the rear, can raise the vehicle 3 inches, to 10.9 inches
Off-road driving program recalibrates traction system, ABS, engine management, and auto trans for off-road driving
Downhill speed regulation controls throttle, brakes, and ABS to maintain pre-set speed as low as 3 mph
Hill start assist maintains brake pressure for a moment after brake is released
Antilock braking, 4 wheel disc system
4 wheel electronic traction system
electronic stability program
The 2008 Land Cruiser includes a two speed transfer case, making it a better low speed crawler. But the GL320 CDI's seven speed transmission includes a very low first gear.
I think we need to encourage the Overland Journal folks to take a look at the GL320 CDI.
Chip Haven
Honda 2.2L diesel
Autoweek staff had a chance to drive the European version of the Honda Civic, with a 2.2L 4 cylinder diesel engine. The 2.2L engine produces 138 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The car has a highway rating of 54 mpg from the European equivalent of the EPA. Autoweek recorded 40 mpg during a mix of city and freeway driving. Acura USA will offer this engine in the TSX sedan in 2009.
The 2008 Acura TSX is powered by a 2.4L gasoline engine that produces 205 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque. It's rated at 28 mpg in highway driving. If you can achieve 40 mpg using diesel, that's a 43% improvement. If 54 mpg is possible, that's 93% better, from an engine that produces 50% more torque!
The comparison looks sweeter when you consider that the TSX's 2.4L gas engine requires premium fuel. This narrows the gap between the pump price of gas and diesel fuel.
The 2.2L diesel would be a good replacement for the 2.3L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine in the 2008 RDX mini-SUV. This gas engine produces 250 ft-lb of torque, but returns only 22 mpg in the EPA highway cycle, also on premium gas.
This 2.2L is the same engine used in the 2004 Honda TSX that set a class endurance record of 130.37 mph for 24 hours on a track in Germany. The same test vehicles were later driven for maximum fuel efficiency on a course that included city and highway driving. Using lots of tricks to help reduce fuel consumption, the pro drivers achieved a rating of 92 miles per gallon!
The 2.2L diesel could also substitute for the 3.5L V6 gas engine used in the Odyssey and Pilot models. The 3.5L gas engine produces 244 hp and 240 lb.-ft. and rarely returns better than 20 mpg, even with Honda's "eco" mode that deactivates 3 cylinders under light throttle. It would be interesting to see how the 2.2L diesel with similar torque performs in these larger, heavier models.
Chip Haven
Autoweek staff had a chance to drive the European version of the Honda Civic, with a 2.2L 4 cylinder diesel engine. The 2.2L engine produces 138 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The car has a highway rating of 54 mpg from the European equivalent of the EPA. Autoweek recorded 40 mpg during a mix of city and freeway driving. Acura USA will offer this engine in the TSX sedan in 2009.
The 2008 Acura TSX is powered by a 2.4L gasoline engine that produces 205 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque. It's rated at 28 mpg in highway driving. If you can achieve 40 mpg using diesel, that's a 43% improvement. If 54 mpg is possible, that's 93% better, from an engine that produces 50% more torque!
The comparison looks sweeter when you consider that the TSX's 2.4L gas engine requires premium fuel. This narrows the gap between the pump price of gas and diesel fuel.
The 2.2L diesel would be a good replacement for the 2.3L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine in the 2008 RDX mini-SUV. This gas engine produces 250 ft-lb of torque, but returns only 22 mpg in the EPA highway cycle, also on premium gas.
This 2.2L is the same engine used in the 2004 Honda TSX that set a class endurance record of 130.37 mph for 24 hours on a track in Germany. The same test vehicles were later driven for maximum fuel efficiency on a course that included city and highway driving. Using lots of tricks to help reduce fuel consumption, the pro drivers achieved a rating of 92 miles per gallon!
The 2.2L diesel could also substitute for the 3.5L V6 gas engine used in the Odyssey and Pilot models. The 3.5L gas engine produces 244 hp and 240 lb.-ft. and rarely returns better than 20 mpg, even with Honda's "eco" mode that deactivates 3 cylinders under light throttle. It would be interesting to see how the 2.2L diesel with similar torque performs in these larger, heavier models.
Chip Haven
Ford 6.7L diesel V8
At Ford, testing is under way of a new diesel V8 for light and medium trucks. The new engine has a displacement of 6.7 liters, the same as the new 6 cylinder Cummins used by Dodge. The new Ford engine is paired with a 6 speed auto transmission, uprated to handle the increased torque.
This is the second new diesel Ford is developing in-house. The 4.4L V8 will see duty in the F150, SUVs and vans. The 6.7L will be available in the F350/F450/F550 models aimed at commercial buyers.
The 6.7L won't be available for several years, perhaps by 2011. When it is ready for production, Ford will end its long-term relationship with Navistar, the company that produces the Powerstroke diesels.
Losing Ford as a customer will be a problem for Navistar. Rumors suggested that Nissan would put a Powerstroke diesel in its Titan pickup. But that's unlikely now that Nissan has agreed to replace the Titan with a re-badged Dodge Ram.
Chip Haven
At Ford, testing is under way of a new diesel V8 for light and medium trucks. The new engine has a displacement of 6.7 liters, the same as the new 6 cylinder Cummins used by Dodge. The new Ford engine is paired with a 6 speed auto transmission, uprated to handle the increased torque.
This is the second new diesel Ford is developing in-house. The 4.4L V8 will see duty in the F150, SUVs and vans. The 6.7L will be available in the F350/F450/F550 models aimed at commercial buyers.
The 6.7L won't be available for several years, perhaps by 2011. When it is ready for production, Ford will end its long-term relationship with Navistar, the company that produces the Powerstroke diesels.
Losing Ford as a customer will be a problem for Navistar. Rumors suggested that Nissan would put a Powerstroke diesel in its Titan pickup. But that's unlikely now that Nissan has agreed to replace the Titan with a re-badged Dodge Ram.
Chip Haven
Racing the Jetta diesel: VW TDI Cup
To promote the new 2009 Jetta with 2.0L diesel engine, VW is sponsoring a racing series called the VW TDI Cup. Read about the series here
http://www.vw.com/vwhype/motorsport/en/us/#/jetta_tdi_cup/
VW is building and maintaining all the vehicles used. Prepared for racing, the new 2.0L engine produces about 170 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, up from 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. in stock trim. VW is promoting the Jetta diesel as an environmentally friendly vehicle, so the race cars include all the emissions controls found on the stock Jetta.
The first race in the TDI Cup series was held at Virginia International Raceway recently as part of an SCCA race weekend. The racers recorded about 25 mpg during the event using standard #2 diesel.
Demo models of the 2009 Jetta Sportwagen with diesel engine should show up at the dealers sometime in June. Jetta diesels won't be available for delivery until the end of Summer.
The Jetta is assembled in VW's Puebla, Mexico plant.
To promote the new 2009 Jetta with 2.0L diesel engine, VW is sponsoring a racing series called the VW TDI Cup. Read about the series here
http://www.vw.com/vwhype/motorsport/en/us/#/jetta_tdi_cup/
VW is building and maintaining all the vehicles used. Prepared for racing, the new 2.0L engine produces about 170 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, up from 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. in stock trim. VW is promoting the Jetta diesel as an environmentally friendly vehicle, so the race cars include all the emissions controls found on the stock Jetta.
The first race in the TDI Cup series was held at Virginia International Raceway recently as part of an SCCA race weekend. The racers recorded about 25 mpg during the event using standard #2 diesel.
Demo models of the 2009 Jetta Sportwagen with diesel engine should show up at the dealers sometime in June. Jetta diesels won't be available for delivery until the end of Summer.
The Jetta is assembled in VW's Puebla, Mexico plant.
confirmed: GM 4.5L diesel V8 details
GM says its new 4.5L turbo-diesel will produce 310 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency will increase 25% compared to today's 5.3L gasoline V8. The 2008 Silverado 1500 4x4 with 5.3L V8 is EPA-rated at 14 city, 19 highway. So the 4.5L turbo diesel will return about 17 city, 24 highway, while producing more torque than the 5.3L or 6.0L gas engines do.
Autoblog has the full text of GM's press release:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/gm-releases-details-on-upcoming-4-5l-duramax-turbo-diesel-v8/
The 4.5L diesel will appear first in the Silverado 1500 in the 2010 model year GM seems to be pushing the gasoline/electric hybrid engine for its SUVs right now (EPA 21 city/22 highway). So it may be a while longer before we see the 4.5L diesel in a Tahoe or Suburban.
Perhaps GM will offer the 4.5L diesel in its Hummer H2 as a way to improve EPA ratings (and influence public opinion). The H2's 6.2L gas V8 is rated at 10 city and 13 highway. The 4.5L diesel produces more torque than this engine as well (415 lb-ft for the gas engine vs 520 for the diesel). No, wait -- GM announced a couple of months ago that they have decided not to replace the H2 with a new model.
Because the 4.5L turbodiesel was specifically designed to fit in the same space as the 5.3L gas engine, it's possible that we will see diesel power in the Chevy Colorado and Hummer H3 at a later date.
It will be interesting to see how much GM charges for the 4.5L diesel option.
Chip Haven
GM says its new 4.5L turbo-diesel will produce 310 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency will increase 25% compared to today's 5.3L gasoline V8. The 2008 Silverado 1500 4x4 with 5.3L V8 is EPA-rated at 14 city, 19 highway. So the 4.5L turbo diesel will return about 17 city, 24 highway, while producing more torque than the 5.3L or 6.0L gas engines do.
Autoblog has the full text of GM's press release:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/gm-releases-details-on-upcoming-4-5l-duramax-turbo-diesel-v8/
The 4.5L diesel will appear first in the Silverado 1500 in the 2010 model year GM seems to be pushing the gasoline/electric hybrid engine for its SUVs right now (EPA 21 city/22 highway). So it may be a while longer before we see the 4.5L diesel in a Tahoe or Suburban.
Perhaps GM will offer the 4.5L diesel in its Hummer H2 as a way to improve EPA ratings (and influence public opinion). The H2's 6.2L gas V8 is rated at 10 city and 13 highway. The 4.5L diesel produces more torque than this engine as well (415 lb-ft for the gas engine vs 520 for the diesel). No, wait -- GM announced a couple of months ago that they have decided not to replace the H2 with a new model.
Because the 4.5L turbodiesel was specifically designed to fit in the same space as the 5.3L gas engine, it's possible that we will see diesel power in the Chevy Colorado and Hummer H3 at a later date.
It will be interesting to see how much GM charges for the 4.5L diesel option.
Chip Haven
Edmunds tests Grand Cherokee CRD
Edmunds Inside Line blog recently posted their impressions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 with the Mercedes 3.0L turbo diesel
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=125933
Comparing engine options for the Limited:
4.7L gas V8: 334 lb-ft of torque and EPA 19 mpg highway.
3.0L diesel: 376 lb-ft of torque and EPA 22 mpg highway
Edmunds recorded 19.3 mpg in combined city/highway driving. I think I've seen other reports that had average mileage in the mid 20's, but I can't locate one right now.
The 3.0L diesel is a $1655 option for the expensive Limited 4x4 model.
Chip Haven
Edmunds Inside Line blog recently posted their impressions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 with the Mercedes 3.0L turbo diesel
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=125933
Comparing engine options for the Limited:
4.7L gas V8: 334 lb-ft of torque and EPA 19 mpg highway.
3.0L diesel: 376 lb-ft of torque and EPA 22 mpg highway
Edmunds recorded 19.3 mpg in combined city/highway driving. I think I've seen other reports that had average mileage in the mid 20's, but I can't locate one right now.
The 3.0L diesel is a $1655 option for the expensive Limited 4x4 model.
Chip Haven
goodbye Sprinter ?
First Nissan agreed to buy Ram 1500 pickups, and Chrysler, in exchange, will buy a new Nissan small car for overseas markets. Now Autoblog is speculating that Chrysler will ditch the Mercedes Sprinter, and replace it with a delivery van built by Nissan, and powered by Cummins!
Nissan has already announced plans to build three new light commercial vehicles for the North American market in its Mississippi plant. The vehicles will probably be sold as cab/chassis, so commercial firms can upfit them with a range of body styles.
Cummins has two new diesel engine designs ready for production. The first is a 4.2L V6 that produces 270 hp and 420 lb-ft. The second is a 5.6L V8, rated around 325 hp and 500 lb-ft.
The new engines are modern designs that take advantage of emissions control technologies used in Cummins' new 6.7L inline 6 cylinder diesel. But the V6 and V8 engines are significantly lighter, making them appropriate to replace gas engines in light trucks.
Hmmmm. How about a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with 4.2L Cummins V6? Maybe this is why Jeep didn't put the Mercedes 3.0L diesel into more Jeeps. On second thought, the 420 lb-ft is probably too powerful for the Jeep drivetrain. Do custom Jeeps with the 6.1L gas V8 need drivetrain upgrades?
Chip Haven
First Nissan agreed to buy Ram 1500 pickups, and Chrysler, in exchange, will buy a new Nissan small car for overseas markets. Now Autoblog is speculating that Chrysler will ditch the Mercedes Sprinter, and replace it with a delivery van built by Nissan, and powered by Cummins!
Nissan has already announced plans to build three new light commercial vehicles for the North American market in its Mississippi plant. The vehicles will probably be sold as cab/chassis, so commercial firms can upfit them with a range of body styles.
Cummins has two new diesel engine designs ready for production. The first is a 4.2L V6 that produces 270 hp and 420 lb-ft. The second is a 5.6L V8, rated around 325 hp and 500 lb-ft.
The new engines are modern designs that take advantage of emissions control technologies used in Cummins' new 6.7L inline 6 cylinder diesel. But the V6 and V8 engines are significantly lighter, making them appropriate to replace gas engines in light trucks.
Hmmmm. How about a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with 4.2L Cummins V6? Maybe this is why Jeep didn't put the Mercedes 3.0L diesel into more Jeeps. On second thought, the 420 lb-ft is probably too powerful for the Jeep drivetrain. Do custom Jeeps with the 6.1L gas V8 need drivetrain upgrades?
Chip Haven
NY Times drives Honda 2.2L diesel
The NY Times had an opportunity to drive the European version of the Honda Accord with 2.2L turbodiesel. They recorded 53 mpg highway, 34 city, 44 mpg overall.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/a...RIVE.html?scp=1&sq=honda+accord+diesel&st=nyt
This is the same engine that Autoweek tested recently in a Honda Civic. The lead-footed AutoWeek drivers recorded 40 mpg overall.
The Euro Accord is sold here as the Acura TSX. Acura is expected to introduce a diesel version of the TSX next year, perhaps as an early release of a 2010 model. If the 2.2L 4 cylinder diesel fits in a Civic, then it would fit in a CR-V or Acura RDX as well.
The US government's Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Price Update says the national average price of unleaded regular was $3.791 per gallon last week, and ultra low sulfur diesel cost $4.497 That means diesel was 19% more expensive. The 2008 Accord TSX is EPA-rated at a 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The NY Times result of 44 mpg overall in the Acura diesel is 200% more fuel efficient than the gasoline version. Conclusion: Even though diesel fuel costs more per gallon, it would still be cheaper per mile to drive the diesel.
It's interesting to compare the 2.2L diesel from Honda with the Mercedes engine of similar displacement. The Honda is tuned to produce 250 ft-lb, while the Mercedes produces 300 ft-lb of torque. Perhaps this is because Mercedes plans to use its 2.2L in larger cars like the E series sedans.
Chip Haven
The NY Times had an opportunity to drive the European version of the Honda Accord with 2.2L turbodiesel. They recorded 53 mpg highway, 34 city, 44 mpg overall.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/a...RIVE.html?scp=1&sq=honda+accord+diesel&st=nyt
This is the same engine that Autoweek tested recently in a Honda Civic. The lead-footed AutoWeek drivers recorded 40 mpg overall.
The Euro Accord is sold here as the Acura TSX. Acura is expected to introduce a diesel version of the TSX next year, perhaps as an early release of a 2010 model. If the 2.2L 4 cylinder diesel fits in a Civic, then it would fit in a CR-V or Acura RDX as well.
The US government's Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Price Update says the national average price of unleaded regular was $3.791 per gallon last week, and ultra low sulfur diesel cost $4.497 That means diesel was 19% more expensive. The 2008 Accord TSX is EPA-rated at a 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The NY Times result of 44 mpg overall in the Acura diesel is 200% more fuel efficient than the gasoline version. Conclusion: Even though diesel fuel costs more per gallon, it would still be cheaper per mile to drive the diesel.
It's interesting to compare the 2.2L diesel from Honda with the Mercedes engine of similar displacement. The Honda is tuned to produce 250 ft-lb, while the Mercedes produces 300 ft-lb of torque. Perhaps this is because Mercedes plans to use its 2.2L in larger cars like the E series sedans.
Chip Haven
2009 VW Jetta diesel
The government website www.fueleconomy.gov has posted the EPA's test results for the 2009 Jetta TDI. With 2.0L turbodiesel and 6 speed manual trans, the EPA mileage estimate is 30 city, 41 highway, 34 combined.
The EPA rating of the 2009 Jetta with turbocharged 2.0L gasoline engine is 21 city, 31 highway, and 25 combined on premium fuel. So the diesel is 36% more fuel efficient than the gas model.
Using EPA combined numbers, the Jetta TDI is tied with the SmartCar for the title of most fuel efficient 2008/2009 model that is not a hybrid. Incidentally, the SmartCar 1.0L 3 cylinder engine requires premium fuel.
The car powered by regular fuel that comes the closest to the Jetta TDI is the 2008 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L 4 cylinder engine and 5 speed manual: 28 city, 37 highway, 31 mpg overall.
The government website www.fueleconomy.gov has posted the EPA's test results for the 2009 Jetta TDI. With 2.0L turbodiesel and 6 speed manual trans, the EPA mileage estimate is 30 city, 41 highway, 34 combined.
The EPA rating of the 2009 Jetta with turbocharged 2.0L gasoline engine is 21 city, 31 highway, and 25 combined on premium fuel. So the diesel is 36% more fuel efficient than the gas model.
Using EPA combined numbers, the Jetta TDI is tied with the SmartCar for the title of most fuel efficient 2008/2009 model that is not a hybrid. Incidentally, the SmartCar 1.0L 3 cylinder engine requires premium fuel.
The car powered by regular fuel that comes the closest to the Jetta TDI is the 2008 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L 4 cylinder engine and 5 speed manual: 28 city, 37 highway, 31 mpg overall.
Michael Slade
Untitled
Running my Passat Tdi on biodiesel let's me completely justify in my mind how I am able to run a 'clean fuel vehicle' license plate.
'Technically' speaking, I'm not supposed to have it, but the DMV didn't say no when I asked, so I ran out clutching it to my chest like I'd just robbed the bank.
Those EPA #'s seem low. I know the previous generation Jetta diesels are getting 40+ on the highway, and some of the Golfs/Bugs are even getting 50+
TdiClub.com is a great site for VW diesel stuff.
'Technically' speaking, I'm not supposed to have it, but the DMV didn't say no when I asked, so I ran out clutching it to my chest like I'd just robbed the bank.
Those EPA #'s seem low. I know the previous generation Jetta diesels are getting 40+ on the highway, and some of the Golfs/Bugs are even getting 50+
TdiClub.com is a great site for VW diesel stuff.
boblynch
Adventurer
Edmunds is reporting that Toyota engineers have been working on at least two variations of the new clean-diesel engine, including the previously reported 4.5-liter unit and a larger 7.0-liter V8.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=126532
The 4.5-liter unit is planned for the 2010 model year Tundra and Sequoia. The 7.0-liter unit could be used for a heavy-duty version of the Tundra tentatively scheduled for 2011-2012.
Bob
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=126532
The 4.5-liter unit is planned for the 2010 model year Tundra and Sequoia. The 7.0-liter unit could be used for a heavy-duty version of the Tundra tentatively scheduled for 2011-2012.
Bob
Jacket
2008 Expedition Trophy Champion
More on the boxer diesel
Can't argue with these types of numbers:
"For a first attempt the new engine's figures are impressive. This comes despite Subaru eschewing technology like piezo injectors, as used in most modern diesel engines. The new engine delivers 148bhp and 258lb ft of torque, compared with 168bhp and 258lb ft from the most powerful variant of the VW group's all pervading 2-litre PD diesel - an impressive achievement for Subaru. Combined fuel consumption is 49.6mpg and the CO2 is 151g/km - again bang on the money."
http://cars.uk.msn.com/Reviews/article.aspx?cp-documentid=7283675
http://dieselforecast.com/ArticleDetails.php?articleID=431
Can't argue with these types of numbers:
"For a first attempt the new engine's figures are impressive. This comes despite Subaru eschewing technology like piezo injectors, as used in most modern diesel engines. The new engine delivers 148bhp and 258lb ft of torque, compared with 168bhp and 258lb ft from the most powerful variant of the VW group's all pervading 2-litre PD diesel - an impressive achievement for Subaru. Combined fuel consumption is 49.6mpg and the CO2 is 151g/km - again bang on the money."
http://cars.uk.msn.com/Reviews/article.aspx?cp-documentid=7283675
http://dieselforecast.com/ArticleDetails.php?articleID=431
The European automakers use small displacement diesels to good effect in their compact and sub-compact models. For example, the VW Polo with a 1.4L Bluemotion "clean" diesel, and the 1.6L Peugeot 308 HDI 90 are both rated at 70 mpg highway, 60 mpg city.
Last month, a Peugeot 308 HDI 110, a model with a more powerful version of the 1.6L diesel engine, was driven 9000 miles around the coastline of Australia, in 25 days. The average fuel consumption was 75.6 MPG.
Peugeot is working with Mitsubishi on a diesel-electric hybrid version of the 308 to further improve MPG and reduce emissions in city driving
(As a footnote, Peugeot and Audi diesel prototypes raced head-to-head at Le Mans this year. Peugeot qualified fastest, but an Audi won, with a Peugeot second.)
In contrast, USA and Japanese manufacturers seem focused on gasoline-electric hybrids as the solution for small cars with high MPG, reserving diesels for larger cars, vans and trucks.
Which small car would you prefer to buy, a clean diesel or a gasoline hybrid?
Chip Haven
Last month, a Peugeot 308 HDI 110, a model with a more powerful version of the 1.6L diesel engine, was driven 9000 miles around the coastline of Australia, in 25 days. The average fuel consumption was 75.6 MPG.
Peugeot is working with Mitsubishi on a diesel-electric hybrid version of the 308 to further improve MPG and reduce emissions in city driving
(As a footnote, Peugeot and Audi diesel prototypes raced head-to-head at Le Mans this year. Peugeot qualified fastest, but an Audi won, with a Peugeot second.)
In contrast, USA and Japanese manufacturers seem focused on gasoline-electric hybrids as the solution for small cars with high MPG, reserving diesels for larger cars, vans and trucks.
Which small car would you prefer to buy, a clean diesel or a gasoline hybrid?
Chip Haven
Redline
Likes to Drive and Ride
I would prefer the simplicity (even with new emissions) of a straight diesel power-plant over a hybrid. Turbocharged for high altitude induction and no batteries.
I hope our 'next' car is a very well made car with an excellent diesel that we can drive for 12-20 years.
I hope our 'next' car is a very well made car with an excellent diesel that we can drive for 12-20 years.