Not your Dad's diesel

The Washington Times ^ | 5/11/06 | Kara Rowland

[B Knotts]

The diesel industry has one word for motorists who want to relieve their pain at the gas pump: diesel.

But this is not the noisy, smoky diesel engine of the 1970s. Today's "clean diesel" systems feature cleaner fuel, better emission controls and advanced fuel injection and turbocharger technology.

In other words, less pollution, more power and improved mileage.

"Do not compare today's technology to Daddy's technology," Klaus-Peter Schindler, manager of research and development for Volkswagen AG, told an audience of auto makers, parts manufacturers and reporters yesterday at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.

The event -- sponsored by the Diesel Technology Forum, an industry nonprofit, and the Washington Automotive Press Association -- transformed a stadium parking lot into a test course where participants could try out new diesel technology for themselves by taking one of more than 20 high-performance vehicles for a spin.

Speakers, including representatives from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen, used high gasoline prices to make the case for diesel-engine vehicles, which get 20 percent to 40 percent better mileage than comparable gas-engine vehicles.

"We really feel that diesel is the best solution for the dependence of [the] U.S. on foreign oils," said Rudi Thom, director of development for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

[B Knotts]

We need the EPA and other regulators to let us get more diesel cars into the U.S. pronto.

We're just wasting fuel for no good reason, because of the paucity of diesel options currently available.

The new diesels are clean and efficient. And can run on biodiesel.

[goldstategop]

VW's TDI engines are world-class. A TDI driven VW is definitely NOT your father's diesel.

(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")

[digger48]

.20 more per gallon here.

[B Knotts]

At the station I usually go, diesel fuel was about 40-50 cents more expensive than regular gasoline about six months ago.

Now, it's the exact same price.

[Manfred the Wonder Dawg]

We need less regulation and restriction from the government so companies can compete to provide us the best solution. I have traveled to Europe a bit the past 3 years and rented several cars - all diesels. Barely perceptible - and all in the instrumentation related to starting. Performance was great. And 58 MPG going 85 MPH in a small van. That's a kick we can use!

[ncountylee]

The new diesels are clean and efficient and we need the EPA and other regulators to let us get more diesel cars into the U.S. pronto.

Couldn't agree more. Still enjoy my '92 300TD MB and many advances nave been made but newer diesels aren't available in CA.

[Red Badger]

I want a Diesel Mustang!............

[swain_forkbeard]

Considering VW Jetta TDI for next purchase. Time frame is 16-24 mos. Sarting to plan.

[B Knotts]

A related article that shows that some of the new EPA regulations are going to have the opposite effect of what is intended, while impeding access to new clean diesel cars:

EPA's New NOx Rules Could Increase Urban Smog Problem

[AustinBill]

A high-efficiency diesel running at constant RPM powering an all-electric drivetrain with capacitive braking energy recovery should be the automotive technology of choice. A car so designed should provide vastly superior performance, fuel economy, and emissions to today's standard offerings.

[Yo-Yo]

Short Take Review: 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

There are only two new cars in the U.S. market into which one can introduce diesel fuel without provoking costly damage: the $51,825 Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI and the $22,235 Volks­wagen Jetta TDI. When 2007 rolls around and more stringent emissions requirements finish phasing in, we may find ourselves with just the Benz. Mercedes has shown us its particulate-filter-equipped and 2007-compliant E320 BlueTec, but Volkswagen hasn’t revealed what it’s doing to comply with the stricter standards. Presumably, VW will follow Mercedes and add similar technology to clean up the exhaust; however, VW has conceded that a 2007 diesel Jetta might not be ready here by the beginning of the year. If VW diesels are your bag, you’re not entirely out of luck. The German automaker may stockpile 2006 Jetta TDIs, which it will sell into the 2007 calendar year until a true, emissions-compliant 2007 model is ready.

[Cobra64]

"... used high gasoline prices to make the case for diesel-engine vehicles, which get 20 percent to 40 percent better mileage than comparable gas-engine vehicles."

Reminds me of the 1960s and 70s. Anyone remember the diesel Caddys and Tornados? There are still MB 300 Ds on the road.

[B Knotts]

I'm not sure about that. They use that technology in trains, primarily because it is impractical to build a transmission of the size necessary.

There are some diesel hybrid projects, though, which would likely work well in urban environments.

[B Knotts]

There are still MB 300 Ds on the road.

Like mine. :-)

[Cobra64]

And they last forever.

[dhuffman@awod.com]

On my second TDI, a 03 Jetta. The first was a Y2K NB. Jetta does 55 mpg, 50 mpg at 80 mph with a bicycle in the wind. But...

VWoA is not the VWoA that brought us the 1200 cc Beetle. This VWoA's franchisees are stealerships and they operate no-service departments that hire monkeychanics. The first rule for TDI longevity is to keep it away from the stealership!

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

I had a 1985 Mercedes Benz 190D for 18 years. I donated it to charity after it had 240,000 miles. It needed about $2000 in work and I decided to buy new. I got 40 MPG. I loved the car. Only problem was going up steep hills or trying to pass uphill, it did not have the ability to accelerate in high gear. Still, I got used to that feature. I think diesels would be more effective than hybrids (no battery to replace in 5 years).

[H. Paul Pressler IV]

Do they make a Passat TDI?

[rattrap]

Check out the Audi R10 at the 24 hours of Lemans and in the American Lemans Series, now that ain't your daddy's diesel.

[thackney]

Audi's R10 Diesel Racer Takes Checkered Flag
http://www.dieselforum.org/technology-spotlight/diesel-racing/

Expect the next three months to heat up as Audi's diesel-powered R10 TDI racer hits the track for the 24 Hours at LeMans, slated for June 17-18.

Coming off the heels of a victory during the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Audi's racer is turning heads as the powerful, durable future of diesel racing. This victory marks the first time a diesel car has won any major sports car race, proving the efficiency and power of modern TDI technology.