The Diesel Thread (Was: What Volvo USA says about diesel...)

[Rev. Millertime]

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.

[BWClark]

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

Featuring 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.

[FatguyRacer]

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.

[ducatiz]

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.

[BWClark]

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!  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? 

[FatguyRacer]

Really? That's ridiculous!  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.

[ptam]

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.

[rgramjet]

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...

[FLSTFI_E46]

The diesel BMW's might help change peoples minds? 

possibly ... http://www.imakenews.com/circlebmw/e_article001116870.cfm?x=bcNDnKw,b9fSlbkc

[sno_duc]

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. 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.

[ducatiz]

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.

[eltristo]

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. 

[Le Pirate]

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. 

+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...

[Popeye the Sailor]

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?

[eltristo]

I assume you've seen the top gear episode when they try to kill a diesel hilux?

You know it... quality stuff!