[calex59]

If they are using diesel they won't get 6 miles to the gallon but more. Diesel would be one solution they could turn to in order to obtain the necessary mileage. VW rabbits get 45 miles per with diesel. Regular sized SUVs, which, BTW, have been dowsized since they were originally introduced, could achieve 35 mpg with diesel engines. You make is sound as if diesel is somehow a fuel hog.

The government needs to stay out of private enterprise. The free market would take care of this is it's own way. This is a law that is designed to apease one special interest group and to garner votes. Bush should be horse whipped for signing it. Not veto proof? So what, he should stand by what he believes and veto all such nonsense bills that come across his desk.

The government needs to get the hell out of the banning business. The constitution gives them no powers, and certainly no rights, to ban or regulate anything.

Bring back the constitution, bring back freedom and we can drill for oil HERE and become energy dependent. When we actually run out of oil an alternative will be invented, until then we need to do what is best for the people in this country and quit worrying about the GD greenies and their ilk.

[mamelukesabre]

No, I understand diesel is superior. The 6MPG figure came from the fact that a cat, cummins or detroit diesel powered semi gets around 6MPG. Granted semis pull more weight, but they are optimized for fuel economy, not performance.

If a similar engine were to be optimized for performance, rather than fuel economy and then installed in a “freightliner SUV” I think it reasonable to assume the fuel economy would be similar to that of a semi.

I agree bush has earned a horsewipping.

[Pelham]

VW is selling a 70 mpg compact in Europe, and apparently has an 80-90 mpg car as well:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4219904.html