I asked them why they won't import the D5 to the US. It can be made 50-state legal with little effort.
We'd like to get an S4 in diesel. UK has them in gas, diesel, and flex.
Such a crock of shit. "We are still in R&D mode". What R&D does Volvo USA do? The D5 has been in use for 5-7 years in Europe. Just put a friggin particulate filter on it and sell it.
"excellent support system??" where can you NOT find diesel?
argh. I wish I didn't hate VWs so much...
QuoteThank you for contacting Volvo Cars of North America.
Unfortunately, we haven't made a decision on which way to go regarding Hybrids, Diesels, Bi-fuel vehicles, etc. We are still in a Research and Development mode.
At this time the whole energy situation is in a state of flux with diesel emissions standards about to be changed, various hybrid concepts being proposed, ethanol fuel being developed, etc.
Eventually we will commit to a technology, which I suspect, will be one that will continue well into the future with an excellent support system available throughout the U.S.
Sincerely,
Tracy Faerber
Customer Care
does VS own Volvo? ;D
QuoteUnfortunately, we haven't made a decision on which way to go.....
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 05, 2008, 05:13:23 AM
rofl. no, Ford Motor does!
I knew that...
just couldn't resist based on the statement about not deciding. [laugh]
It does make one wonder if Volvo was independent if the decision would be different.
Quote from: ducpainter on June 05, 2008, 05:20:21 AM
I knew that...
just couldn't resist based on the statement about not deciding. [laugh]
It does make one wonder if Volvo was independent if the decision would be different.
I am sure it simply comes down to them not having a huge market share and wanting to keep their support costs contained. They have always been conservative business-wise. Even in Sweden where you see them everywhere, they don't do crazy stuff with their cars.
That being said, that's exactly why I think they should introduce an S40 or S60 in diesel in the US. Even if they can only do a 49 state version, diesel is everywhere and it would give them time to ramp up to a 50 state version.
We've been looking at getting a diesel for a few years now, gas mileage/prices are at that point where it is just crazy not to.
I just can't stand the VWs. Looked at a Golf TDI -- gets 40+ mpg in mixed city/hwy driving and over 50 mpg hwy. That's about 700 miles on a tank.
But the damn thing looks like a suppository.
With the price of diesel is the savings still there?
I have friends that own diesel pick ups that are starting to think a big gas guzzler is looking attractive when you add all the costs....purchase/maintenance/....
I realize the fuel consumption numbers are better on passenger cars, and the euro manufacturers are better at squeezing mileage from a diesel.
Quote from: ducpainter on June 05, 2008, 05:35:05 AM
With the price of diesel is the savings still there?
I have friends that own diesel pick ups that are starting to think a big gas guzzler is looking attractive when you add all the costs....purchase/maintenance/....
I realize the fuel consumption numbers are better on passenger cars, and the euro manufacturers are better at squeezing mileage from a diesel.
well, we'd be moving from a Volvo S70 T5 (turbo) which requires premium gas to a Volvo diesel (ideally).
Current mileage (mixed) is about 27 mpg, so about 80% better mileage and the cost is around 20% higher. Assuming the maintenance cost of a new car will be lower than the old one, then I'd say it would be cheaper.
I did some numbers but don't have them here. Just fuel costs would be around half.
4.80 a gallon blows.
I like my Jetta TDI, gets around 600 miles to a tank.
not bad.
It isn't as easy as it sounds, I don't think there is anyone who sells a 50-state diesel right now. My E320 Bluetec is a 45 state vehicle (4 other states were on the CA standard since '06), and I believe for 09 with more states coming on board it sounds like it would be a 33 state vehicle. With this many states opting out, it makes it hard for the manufacturer to make a business case to sell the vehicles. The manufacturers want to bring the vehicles in, but getting them certified has been a bigger task than originally thought. Although it sounds simple that the engines exist in europe, so it would be easy to bring it in, our fuel here in the US is crap compared to what you can find in Europe. The "Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel" here in the US is still dirtier than European deisel.
The second thing is whether or not there really is a market for the vehicle. While there are the vocal few who really want the vehicles and understand them, the majority of Americans still think diesel vehicles as noisy, underpowered, and sooty. These people were left with a bad taste in their mouths from the 80's and have not forgotten. Remember GM? Of course modern diesels are far from that, most people do not know my car is a diesel and ask me what a "Bluetec" is.
Right now, I get somewhere between 37 - 39 MPH on my diesel, so on $90 fillup, I get somewhere between 700-800 miles of range. I was able to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back on a single tank. That's not too bad.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2061/2521379390_2a0840676c_o.jpg)
I'm not sure about ppl not wanting diesel cars, maybe it's just CO but if it comes in a diesel they are sold before they hit the lot. That's just for new cars, the used diesels are holding value like mad. As much if not more than new...Crazy!!!
People that drive diesel trucks are hurting for sure, but any big car/truck/SUV driver is hurting now. I just saw a story on the news about how the value for SUV's and trucks are in the toilet. Go figure. [roll]
T
Quote from: cyrus buelton on June 05, 2008, 06:08:23 AM
4.80 a gallon blows.
I like my Jetta TDI, gets around 600 miles to a tank.
not bad.
Me too. Still costs less per mile to run than my Jeep Cherokee Sport.
I still dont get whats so great about the US version of the Smart Car. The fuel economy is horrible for what it is.
Quote from: T-byrd on June 05, 2008, 07:45:50 AM
I'm not sure about ppl not wanting diesel cars, maybe it's just CO but if it comes in a diesel they are sold before they hit the lot. That's just for new cars, the used diesels are holding value like mad. As much if not more than new...Crazy!!!
because you get 40+ miles a gallon
Quote from: cyrus buelton on June 05, 2008, 07:58:06 AM
because you get 40+ miles a gallon
I know...that's my point. When I had my diesel golf I was getting mad miles, but that was in 2000...what I would give to have that car back. :-\
T
I think that people are more hooked on the Prius because it is viewed as a "green" solution. But people don't think about what those batteries do to the environment.
But I agree ... I love having he diesel... even at $5.25/gal here in California.
If I switch jobs to something down the peninsula (i.e. a 30 mile commute each way) I'm damn tempted to get an old Mercedes Diesel and do the biodiesel tank in the trunk thing.
A coworker of mine has done this and thanks to all the friendly restaurants in the city (who are happy to let him siphon used oil) he's driving for free.
Quote from: ptam on June 05, 2008, 08:04:24 AM
I think that people are more hooked on the Prius because it is viewed as a "green" solution. But people don't think about what those batteries do to the environment.
most of hte people who drive those "cars" are doing it for status only or a "lookitme".. same as the "smart" car.
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on June 05, 2008, 09:23:42 AM
A coworker of mine has done this and thanks to all the friendly restaurants in the city (who are happy to let him siphon used oil) he's driving for free.
IN areas where more people are doing this restaurants aren't giveing the stuff away any more. They re looking at it as revenue and not cost. There's a 'rash' of used oil thefts in some areas
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/us/30grease.html
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on June 05, 2008, 09:23:42 AM
If I switch jobs to something down the peninsula (i.e. a 30 mile commute each way) I'm damn tempted to get an old Mercedes Diesel and do the biodiesel tank in the trunk thing.
A coworker of mine has done this and thanks to all the friendly restaurants in the city (who are happy to let him siphon used oil) he's driving for free.
I got stuck behind one of those old Mercedes diesels that had been converted and it really did smell like french fries. Which is great because I have boycotted McDonalds and miss the fries.
On a side note, the last time I filled my truck, it cost me $120. It has been driven once since that day. So what if I get 600 miles out of a tank. The Duc gets over 45 mpg if I ride it like a normal person hehe.
Guess I'm the only one who bought a V-8 recently :P
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 05, 2008, 09:35:19 AM
most of hte people who drive those "cars" are doing it for status only or a "lookitme".. same as the "smart" car.
True true ... when I had a Hybrid, I bought the Civic Hybrid because I didn't want to stand out like with the Prius.
Quote from: someguy on June 05, 2008, 06:40:32 PM
Guess I'm the only one who bought a V-8 recently :P
Yeah, prolly... [laugh]
Same shit happened around 2000.
Ford was developing a diesel for the F150 and the Expedition.
They decided that soccer moms wouldn't buy diesels... Best response to that was from a Chevrolet dealer who pointed out that they have no trouble driving the kids to soccer in a diesel Mercedes wagon.
Demand truly isn't there in the US for more diesel vehicles.
VW has a reputation for diesels... plus VW owners are a different breed. Definitely not a bad thing.
Read a study stating that the majority of auto buyers are turned off simply by the term diesel. They associate diesel with black smoke, noisy engines and trucks. No bull shit.
I would definitely go for a Volvo diesel. I love my Volvo... granted its a 12 year old 850. but still drives great and feels better than some newer cars I've driven.
Quote from: yuu on June 05, 2008, 10:02:54 AM
IN areas where more people are doing this restaurants aren't giveing the stuff away any more. They re looking at it as revenue and not cost. There's a 'rash' of used oil thefts in some areas
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/us/30grease.html
Time to start rendering down obese Americans for fuel.
Yours truly,
Adolf
^^ A Modest Proposal for the 21st century? ;-)
I don't have any experience with Volvo's diesel offerings but I spent three weeks touring Europe in a Mercedes C220 CDI. It's an awesome machine that totally changed my whole perception of a diesel car. Gobs of torque, quiet, no smoke at all and a fuel miser to boot. I wouldn't be the least bit ashamed to have one in my driveway.
It's funny how we always think we are so damn smart on this side of the Atlantic. Truth is not much comes out of Detroit that even remotely resembles finesse or refinement. The Euros have it all over us when it comes to doing things smart.
Now if only we were able to import them.
Good write up on it here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4246024.html (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4246024.html)
due to the price of fuel in Europe , diesels there are very common.I read somewhere that the new Landrover 5 cyclinder diesel engine burns so clean that it does not come with any cats on it at all.It apparantly passes the strictest German TUV tests with flying colors.Shame people here don't see the light.I drive a freightliner all day, so for me diesel is a way of life.
The diesel BMW's might help change peoples minds?
Yes, the Prius is a "look at me!" statement. Who designed that car? That has got to be one of the blandest cars I've ever seen. tghat car has no soul
I also wish volvo would make a diesel for the US. I also wish Volvo would get out from under Ford. We own an 02 xc70. Recently, a front spring snapped. The dealer and Volvo told us this was a regular wear and tear item. I beleive it was a Torus imported to Sweden item. >:(
Quote from: red duke on June 07, 2008, 03:50:17 AM
I also wish volvo would make a diesel for the US. I also wish Volvo would get out from under Ford. We own an 02 xc70. Recently, a front spring snapped. The dealer and Volvo told us this was a regular wear and tear item. I beleive it was a Torus imported to Sweden item. >:(
i wouldn't assume that. i'm on my 5th volvo and have had 4 850/s70s. each model has quirks - the 850/s70s ALL suffer from the sway bar rubbers wearing out. this causes a weird knock that most owners never track down and only a few US dealers seem to know what it is -- solution: replace the $50 sway bar links.
also, the motor mounts on volvos are soft, so you get weird happenings when they rot or split. you might think your engine is coming out.
the cars are well designed from a safety perspective, and usually from a mechanical one (the 850 engine is perfect) but often have quirks in the suspensions and accessories.
what pisses me off is Volvo offers both a D5 (5-cyl) and a 4-cyl diesel in everywhere BUT this hemisphere (north/south america). their D5 is an awesome CR engine something like 180 hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. i wonder what they could do with a DI setup?
Quote from: squidwood on June 06, 2008, 09:34:53 PM
due to the price of fuel in Europe , diesels there are very common.I read somewhere that the new Landrover 5 cyclinder diesel engine burns so clean that it does not come with any cats on it at all.It apparantly passes the strictest German TUV tests with flying colors.Shame people here don't see the light.I drive a freightliner all day, so for me diesel is a way of life.
i would find it very hard to believe it doesn't have a DOC or a particulate filter. all of the new engines coming out of Europe which are medium to large capacity have particulate filters (The volvo S40 with the D5 engine for instance)
Maybe they were saying ti has a different kind of catalyst, but if you want no soot out of an oil burner, you gotta have somethign on the tail pipe!
Diesels... DRAG RACING:
Some do better than others, but it is funny to watch a diesel blow off a gas burner. [popcorn]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep-soNJ8D8Y
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 07, 2008, 05:24:50 AM
Diesels... DRAG RACING:
Some do better than others, but it is funny to watch a diesel blow off a gas burner. [popcorn]
Then this qualifies as truly amusing. [laugh]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B-nU2qj580&NR=1
And this one is just jaw dropping in terms of performance.
Lil' pony turns out to be a mere mule.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggxsrVWEf9E
Quote from: lethe on June 07, 2008, 05:34:57 AM
And this one is just jaw dropping in terms of performance.
Lil' pony turns out to be a mere mule.
that's awesome! i hope the cameraman at 0:37 had a gas mask on!! ;D i bet he looked like Al Jolson after the smoke cleared [laugh] [laugh]
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 07, 2008, 05:39:16 AM
that's awesome! i hope the cameraman at 0:37 had a gas mask on!! ;D i bet he looked like Al Jolson after the smoke cleared [laugh] [laugh]
I thought I remember hearing that Gale Banks used his race truck to tow it's own shit to the salt flats, ran 200+ mph and towed it's stuff home again knocking back 20 mpg or so on the way.
A friend has a GMC diesel p/u with a banks turbo.
Hauling a loaded 26 foot trailer, 2 bikes in the bed, 4 people and all the gear...
the thing wouldn't even shift down if you matted it...it just goes.
Can anyone comment on the 1980's Ford Ranger diesels? They used a Mazda-designed engine (2.2L) and a Mitsubishi 2.3L turbo after 1985.
I am looking at one of those trucks. 40 mpg out of a truck ain't bad when you can tow with it.
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 07, 2008, 05:19:18 AM
i wouldn't assume that. i'm on my 5th volvo and have had 4 850/s70s. each model has quirks -
I know and I agree. I just wasn't expecting a front spring to snap.
I probably will buy another Volvo again. If they offer a diesel, it'll be sooner than later.
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 07, 2008, 05:19:18 AM
their D5 is an awesome CR engine something like 180 hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. i wonder what they could do with a DI setup?
Wow, I thought the T5 (I think that's the engine I have) has a lot of torque!
Quote from: red duke on June 07, 2008, 09:53:14 AM
Wow, I thought the T5 (I think that's the engine I have) has a lot of torque!
I have the T5 in my S70 and it's a very versatile machine. IPD has upgrade kits that pull over 300 hp out of it (obviously you need to reinforce the tranny mounts and engine mounts). They have a drop-in ECU setup that gets another 70 hp out of it out of the box.
I've been a fan of diesel engines since I bought my '97 Dodge truck.
I know you're focusing mainly on the passenger cars here, but I have to brag just a little bit.
Bought new in '97, Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 longbed, club cab. Weighs 7200lbs.
Has 126k on it now. Gets 15 city, 18 hwy, or pulls a 12,650lb boat & trailer and gets 10.
After 11 years, everything still works, including the cruise control.
Other than general maintenance items, I've replaced the exhaust, the ABS computer, and the starter solenoid.
About 3 years ago, I pulled an 18 wheeler (with no trailer) out of a ditch after an ice storm with it, and I'm an on-call volunteer at one of our local hospitals for service during snowstorms. I collect essential personnel, and transport them in to the hospital in it.
that video of the truck was pretty sweet...but sadly, those trucks are part of the reason americans don't like diesels.
the black smoke coming out of the stacks is the big turn off when people think of diesel cars. all they think about are the guys in the big hot rodded diesel trucks that rev their engines at stop lights and blow black soot in people's car windows that are rolled down
(can you tell i went to college in a rural town? [laugh] )
my fiance gives me dirty looks when i talk about wanting a diesel car.
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 05, 2008, 05:13:23 AM
rofl. no, Ford Motor does!
yeh, but i bet ford is building volvo's in canada........ :P
Quote from: herm on June 07, 2008, 07:39:19 PM
yeh, but i bet ford is building volvo's in canada........ :P
Nope. Gothenburg and Ghent.
Re: price of diesel fuel: It seems to me that whenever fuel prices jump dramatically, diesel gets notably more expensive than gasoline. Then, when those prices settle again, diesel costs drop lower. That doesn't mean the trend will continue indefinitely, but it is a glimmer of hope in the darkness that is current pricing.
A friend of mine is a service director at a Volvo dealership. He was under the impression that the Ford Five Hundred was based on the chassis that was developed for the Volvo S80 ... until they took one apart and noticed a whole lot of parts stamped "Ford" on them. He's now convinced it is the other way around.
I think the Ford Freestyle (Taurus X now) shares the platform as the XC90.
Volvo's aren't built in the Ford factories, but it seems like there's more component sharing than people realize.
Quote from: ptam on June 08, 2008, 10:43:41 AM
A friend of mine is a service director at a Volvo dealership. He was under the impression that the Ford Five Hundred was based on the chassis that was developed for the Volvo S80 ... until they took one apart and noticed a whole lot of parts stamped "Ford" on them. He's now convinced it is the other way around.
Interesting.
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 08, 2008, 10:46:01 AM
Interesting.
He said that the first part that caught his eye was the fuel tank ... with the big "Ford" stamping on it.
Quote from: ptam on June 08, 2008, 12:08:44 PM
He said that the first part that caught his eye was the fuel tank ... with the big "Ford" stamping on it.
might have said "DROF" which is Swedish for "spare"
just kidding
It's nothing more than labeling.
Ford owns 'em... ford puts their name on em.
If they are using ford parts, they are coming from Ford Europe... not exactly the same parts we are seeing on cars built here.
I would hope they wouldn't use parts that have been built in a UAW controlled plant where the QC is overseen by a union fed cry-baby, who cares more about not working 1 minute extra than building quality parts.
You can trash talk the American auto companies all you want, but the UAW has had more to do with the rotten state of US autos than the mfgrs do. How can you invest in R&D when you are paying someone $40.00 to sweep floors, or you can't ask someone to give a little extra, as that would violate their union contract.
I toured Spain in a little Toyota Yaris supermini - diesel powered. That thing was awesome. It had way more torque than a petrol powered equivalent, and its economy was extremely impressive.
One of the things that frustrates me about he US is that they seem to be slow to take up good ideas and technology sometimes. The new BMW diesel cars are often faster than the petrol equiv, with better economy. Particulate filters and direct injection has got rid of the black smoke of yesteryear.
I would consider buying the diesel Audi R8 if they produce it and I was in the market for a supercar...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/CARS/news/spectacular_audi_r8_diesel_unveiled.html
QuoteFeaturing a twin-turbocharged 6-litre V12 diesel engine, the concept R8 produces 500bhp and a whopping 737 lb/ft of pulling power â€" eclipsing the V8 petrol-powered Audi R8 which produces 414bhp and 317 lb/ft.
Quote from: BWClark on June 08, 2008, 02:56:38 PM
I toured Spain in a little Toyota Yaris supermini - diesel powered. That thing was awesome. It had way more torque than a petrol powered equivalent, and its economy was extremely impressive.
One of the things that frustrates me about he US is that they seem to be slow to take up good ideas and technology sometimes. The new BMW diesel cars are often faster than the petrol equiv, with better economy. Particulate filters and direct injection has got rid of the black smoke of yesteryear.
I would consider buying the diesel Audi R8 if they produce it and I was in the market for a supercar...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/CARS/news/spectacular_audi_r8_diesel_unveiled.html
The problem here (my opionion) is that the Greens will never embrace Deisels as the superior platform that it is. The 'dirty' fuel runs counter to the enviormentlaist ideal of a what a green car should be.
Quote from: FatguyRacer on June 09, 2008, 05:46:10 AM
The problem here (my opionion) is that the Greens will never embrace Deisels as the superior platform that it is. The 'dirty' fuel runs counter to the enviormentlaist ideal of a what a green car should be.
So-called "greens" will successively veto any technology that arrives. The real goal for them is to see everyone on bicycles and living in caves and all deodorant banned.
Quote from: FatguyRacer on June 09, 2008, 05:46:10 AM
The problem here (my opionion) is that the Greens will never embrace Deisels as the superior platform that it is. The 'dirty' fuel runs counter to the enviormentlaist ideal of a what a green car should be.
Really? That's ridiculous! [roll] Those are probably the same people with "No Blood for Oil" bumper stickers. Diesel gives great economy, less CO
2 emissions, with very few sacrifices. From what I can tell it's the way of the future... Aren't modern diesels with direct injection and particulate filters as clean as a petrol/gasoline engine? ???
Quote from: BWClark on June 09, 2008, 04:28:01 PM
Really? That's ridiculous! [roll] Those are probably the same people with "No Blood for Oil" bumper stickers. Diesel gives great economy, less CO2 emissions, with very few sacrifices. From what I can tell it's the way of the future... Aren't modern diesels with direct injection and particulate filters as clean as a petrol/gasoline engine? ???
Dont quote me as fact! I'm spit balling here, cause I cant think of one good reason why I should be paying 1 dollar more per gallon and no one is importing cars that get 45+ mpg like my Jetta TDI.
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 09, 2008, 07:29:44 AM
So-called "greens" will successively veto any technology that arrives. The real goal for them is to see everyone on bicycles and living in caves and all deodorant banned.
The thing is that Hybrids are considered to be hip, that's why the "greens" have jumped on that bandwagon, and diesel's are viewed as "dirty". But with all the technology that is in them now, the really are just as clean as their gas/petrol counterparts, but with more power. But then greenie's don't think about what costs it took to manufacture, and ultimately dispose of that hybrid vehicle and realize that they do more harm to the environment than they think.
I can make this statement fairly in that I used to drive a Honda Civic Hybrid. It did get good fuel economy, about 49 mpg, when I drove it like a grandma and the gas pedal was made of a raw egg. But if I drove it like a normal car, I got around 35 mpg. My E320 Bluetec gets better when I romp on it.
Quote from: ptam on June 11, 2008, 08:33:36 AM
The thing is that Hybrids are considered to be hip, that's why the "greens" have jumped on that bandwagon, and diesel's are viewed as "dirty". But with all the technology that is in them now, the really are just as clean as their gas/petrol counterparts, but with more power. But then greenie's don't think about what costs it took to manufacture, and ultimately dispose of that hybrid vehicle and realize that they do more harm to the environment than they think.
I can make this statement fairly in that I used to drive a Honda Civic Hybrid. It did get good fuel economy, about 49 mpg, when I drove it like a grandma and the gas pedal was made of a raw egg. But if I drove it like a normal car, I got around 35 mpg. My E320 Bluetec gets better when I romp on it.
What year is your E320? Ive been checking them out for the wife....shes done with the Elade...
Quote from: red duke on June 07, 2008, 03:50:17 AM
The diesel BMW's might help change peoples minds?
possibly ... http://www.imakenews.com/circlebmw/e_article001116870.cfm?x=bcNDnKw,b9fSlbkc
Quote from: ptam on June 11, 2008, 08:33:36 AM
I can make this statement fairly in that I used to drive a Honda Civic Hybrid. It did get good fuel economy, about 49 mpg, when I drove it like a grandma and the gas pedal was made of a raw egg. But if I drove it like a normal car, I got around 35 mpg. My E320 Bluetec gets better when I romp on it.
+1
I drive a VW 1.9 TDI ( ALH ) 5 speed. Drive it like I stole it. [evil] Last tank got 44mpg, if I kept my foot out of it I know I'd be getting 50mpg+.
Did I mention mines not quite stock, haven't dynoed yet. Stock 90 hp / 155 ft-lbs, with the nozzles, turbo, and chip I'm running should be about 160-170 hp and 290-300 ft-lbs.
Looks like the first diesel hybrid may be imported from India
http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/news/mahindra/dieselhybridandmore.html
THey will be selling their diesel-only version next year.
http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/news/mahindra/mahindra-pickup-spied-looking-for-new-name.html
Probably will be sold under the Dodge name, that's my guess. No clear idea who (of the Big 3) imported one for testing.
(http://www.pickuptrucks.com/IMAGES/news/mahindra/dieselhybrid.jpg)
It's not the prettiest face I've seen, but if it's well built, a diesel hybrid pickup is just what I've been hoping for over the last few years. [thumbsup]
Quote from: elTreesto on June 16, 2008, 10:37:52 AM
It's not the prettiest face I've seen, but if it's well built, a diesel hybrid pickup is just what I've been hoping for over the last few years. [thumbsup]
+1
I've wanted a small diesel truck for years now. I've been waiting for toyota to throw a diesel in the taco and sell it (basically the toyota hilux diesel they sell over seas). I would of been willing to buy one for the last 5-6 years...
Quote from: Le Pirate on June 16, 2008, 06:59:09 PM
I've been waiting for toyota to throw a diesel in the taco and sell it (basically the toyota hilux diesel they sell over seas).
I assume you've seen the top gear episode when they try to kill a diesel hilux?
Quote from: someguy on June 16, 2008, 07:08:04 PM
I assume you've seen the top gear episode when they try to kill a diesel hilux?
You know it... quality stuff!
The Mahindra would be pretty cool if it were as small as the picture makes it look, but one of the articles on that site mentions that it's about Tacoma-sized, and Tacomas aren't very small these days. I'd love to see the return of trucks the size of the old Chevrolet LUVs and Ford Couriers.
Quoth one article: "Regular Cab Two Door: "This no frills work horse is a stallion, a well equipped truck that spoils the workers that drive it. Rugged, luxurious, and dependable"
Uhh, which is it?
Maybe something was lost, or added, in translation...
Quote from: x136 on June 16, 2008, 07:39:21 PM
The Mahindra would be pretty cool if it were as small as the picture makes it look, but one of the articles on that site mentions that it's about Tacoma-sized, and Tacomas aren't very small these days. I'd love to see the return of trucks the size of the old Chevrolet LUVs and Ford Couriers.
Quoth one article: "Regular Cab Two Door: "This no frills work horse is a stallion, a well equipped truck that spoils the workers that drive it. Rugged, luxurious, and dependable"
Uhh, which is it?
There are several Mahindra models. The photo I posted is a Ranger-sized truck from the other photos on the website.
Here is the crew-cab veersion with two guys next to it. not the best pic, but the only one i could find:
(http://www.autoexecmag.com/images/current_articles/2007/jun07/0607_ot_indian_truck.jpg)
another with the SUV version on the left and truck on the right:
(http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news/images/Untitled-1.jpg)
they look smallish -- narrow.
Almost looks like the Oldsmobile logo...
Quote from: rgramjet on June 11, 2008, 09:10:59 AM
What year is your E320? Ive been checking them out for the wife....shes done with the Elade...
I've got a 2008.
Quote from: NAKID on June 16, 2008, 08:42:18 PM
Almost looks like the Oldsmobile logo...
it's an M leaning to the right.
A 1/2 ton basic pick-up that gets better than 30mpg will sell like hotcakes.
Did anyone catch the results from 24hrs of LeMans. All 6 diesels finished very well.
Quote from: sno_duc on June 17, 2008, 11:55:28 AM
A 1/2 ton basic pick-up that gets better than 30mpg will sell like hotcakes.
Did anyone catch the results from 24hrs of LeMans. All 6 diesels finished very well.
Tell me about it. I am shopping for an early 80s Ford Ranger. They made one with a Perkins diesel. 40mpg and class III towing.
Quote from: ducatizzzz on June 17, 2008, 12:05:37 PM
Tell me about it. I am shopping for an early 80s Ford Ranger. They made one with a Perkins diesel. 40mpg and class III towing.
If you find two I will take one.
We've gone off big cars recently.. our new Toyota Yaris D4D (1.4TD - 90hp) does up to 850km per full tank of 45 litres (inc. reserve) and a minimum of around 550-600km towing a trailer with 2 bikes and loaded up inside - 2 big guys and their trackday/racing gear.
I have, however, driven a friend's BMW 535d tourer today and good Lord does this thing move!!!
I just looked up Leasetrader.com and there are a few interesting opportunities in there. VW Jetta for $235/month with 1250 miles per month, no $$ down. Its not a Diesel but its gonna do better than an Elade by far.
>:(
damn limeys get one, why can't we??
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DML/fordrangerdiesel.jpg)
I've they ( the morons in Washington DC ) really want to do something about high fuel prices.
1) tell the C.A.R.B to pack sand, one set of rules for all 50 states. If CA doesn't want to play, add $10 a gallon federal tax to all fuel sold in CA.
2) make our rules mirror the UK's and the EU's
Then we can start get the fuel efficient cars and trucks that Detroit swears it can't build but has been selling on the other side of the pond for years
Quote from: sno_duc on June 18, 2008, 05:29:55 PM
I've they ( the morons in Washington DC ) really want to do something about high fuel prices.
1) tell the C.A.R.B to pack sand, one set of rules for all 50 states. If CA doesn't want to play, add $10 a gallon federal tax to all fuel sold in CA.
damn. that's a good idea. i would love to see a $10/gal tax on gas in CA.
Quote
2) make our rules mirror the UK's and the EU's
Then we can start get the fuel efficient cars and trucks that Detroit swears it can't build but has been selling on the other side of the pond for years
the issue is solely displacement. even the Smart car has a 600cc gas engine in Europe but they put a 1L engine for the US -- why? I really don't know.
idiots like bigger engines?