This off today's Autotech Daily.......

DIESELS EXPAND IN THE U.S.

Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are adding diesel powerplants to U.S. vehicles this year. But BMW says it will be at least two more years before it does so, opting to wait until after low-sulfur fuel is mandated. The first BMW model to offer a diesel likely will be the X5 SUV. The E320 CDI, Mercedes first U.S. diesel in five years, bows in April. The V-6 powerplant uses a 23,000-psi common-rail system that injects the fuel in two stages. A few milliseconds before the main fuel injection occurs, two quick shots of fuel are injected, preheating the cylinders and reducing engine knock. The turbocharger utilizes electronically controlled variable vanes. Fuel economy for the diesel-powered vehicle is expected to be 35 mpg, about a third better than gasoline versions. VW, which already offers several diesels in the U.S., is adding an oil-burning V-10 to its Touareg SUV. The 5.0-liter powerplant produces 310 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, upping towing capacity to 7,716 lbs. And the Passat sedan and wagon will get a 1.8-liter diesel option. The engine produces 134 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.

 

I'm anxiously awaiting both VWs. most likely won't buy either especially the touareg(too much$$$), but would love to check it out. and I would hate to take the hit on the wifes 03 Jetta TDI to get her a Passat, but it is REALLY tempting!

 

That E320 CDI is gonna be one bad machine. I dont like the styling of the new w211(e-class) unfortunately though. I hate the rear end of the new E and CLK, I think they are disgustingly chrysler-esque. The only thing I like about the new E is the front end looks. I drove one for a while as a loaner, they drive very well. I can't wait to see what the W212 generation E class looks like...wont be for a while but I'm skipping 211's... LOVE my 210!

X5 diesel sounds pimp. That will screw the market for the touareg v10 TDI, because x5's are so much cooler than touaregs. Plus VW is charging so much more for their new 'premium' cars now, they have a LOT to learn about service etc. I'm sure pawn shops have better service than vw dealers! Loaner? What? There's a rental car place down the street!

 

Yep I gotta agree on the VW philosophy. Closest dealer here has a big sign says VW people are unique, don't mind spending extra coin of this and that blah blah blah. I have been waiting for an '04 Passat for my wife but am thinking against it just because of their marketing and hoitey toitey (if that is a word) attitude.

 

I also hear that Isuzu has a I4 HPCR TD that will be introduced with the new fuel mandate. The TDI will be available in the Rodeo and Axiom.
Nissan and Toyota also have HPCR TD's for Europe and Asia but no word for the American market.

MikeyB

 

Honda also has a diesel in the works

 

Ford makes a Focus diesel in Europe.

 

You can get all sorts of little cars with diesels in Europe. I wish we had more here.

 

I heard they're considering putting one in their F250 & 350's. (sorry)

 

It'll be the first BMW since the short-lived 530D, sold during 1985-86.

Then there were the diesel powered Lincolns that used the same BMW turbo diesel engine that was in the 530D.

 

The Civic CTDi has been out since last year. It's actually an Isuzu engine. Since Honda invested ZIP in diesel technology, opting instead for hybrids, they found themselves at the bottom of the diesel craze in Europe. I think the release of a diesel powered Civic says a lot.

Supposedly Toyota has been testing it's direct injection diesels on this side of the pond.

If I had the money, I'd buy a 98-99 E300 turbo diesel. They're pretty quick and were the most refined indirect injection engines on the market.

 

If that is the same engine that was in the Lincolns it was a very smooth engine. From what I hear when I was in Ford training the reason the diesels didn't catch on was they were too noisy (in the Lincoln anyway) on the highway. Ford had a diesel in a Tempo around 1984 also. Chev had a 2.2l diesel in a S10 that wouldn't pull itself out of a rain puddle. Dodge ram (little one back in '84ish) had a mitsu turbo diesel, as well as the Ranger 1984ish to 1987. I had a Ranger and it was one tough truck. Mega abuse and nothing failed engine wise. Too bad they didn't catch on back then (thanks to Olds and their diesel fiasco) because if so we would have some excellent choices in engines today here in North America.

 

Boy, I'll tell you what. I think GM was solely responsible for setting back US diesel passenger vehicles at least a decade. In the early eighties, we were smarting from gas shortages, and price increases and were primed for something that would give us better fuel mileage and cheaper fuel too. My cousin bought a brand new diesel Buick that was such a total POS, that GM offered to buy it back from him, along with, I think the entire fleet they produced. Diesel technology got such a bad rap that the public wouldn't touch one for years. Come to think of it, my buddy had a diesel VW Rabbit that was a real performance dog, although it got outrageous fuel mileage. I hope this next wave will change the public's mind. One thing remains though; refueling can still be a potential mess with spilled fuel to track on the carpets and oily pump handles.

 

Got to go back to full service stations with REAL attendants.

 

All I gotta say is I want a BMW 330D in a bad way! BMW and MB both have awesome diesels in Europe.... the 330D makes like 200hp and 400lbs torque at 35-40mpg, in a slick handling 3 series! Drool...