Biodiesel Cars

VW of America slow to adopt B20 standards in new 'clean diesels'

2008-09-22T14:32:00Z

Once upon a time back in 2007, Volkswagen TDI advocates anticipated factory warranty coverage for higher blends of biodiesel -- its not happening as of 2008 or from the looks of things, for the new 2009 'clean diesel' TDIs. We had been told that ADM and VWoA were contemplating B20 as an acceptable blend (they were testing it), unfortunately based on reports from AutoBlogGreen and their question to VW communications director Steve Keyes, Volkswagen is "not prepare to support B20 use."

It looks as if there is yet another slowdown in acceptance of the B20 target for commercial biodiesel fuel as neither Volkswagen or Mercedes Benz is ready to approve B20. The concerns from manufacturers is that "the higher bio concentrations will result in excessive ash build-up in the particulate filter and other issues," according to the AutoBlogGreen report. So as of Fall 2008, those of you running percentages higher than B5 (5% biodiesel) in your new MB BlueTec and VW TDI "clean diesel" vehicles might want to take note of the factory position in regard to biodiesel percentages -- stick with B5 for full warranty coverage or you may be on you own when dealing with 'fuel related' engine and exhaust after treatment problems.

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200MPH, 100MPG, 2000 mile per tank diesel car: Trident Iceni

2008-08-27T21:44:00Z

But not in America, of course. Just in England for now. It's supposed to take advantage of some "torque multiplier" techology to crank out 520 lb/ft of torqe at 1800 RPMs. Is it marketing hype, or might their numbers actually be realistic? Discuss in our diesel vehicle forum.

The new Trident Iceni

The Trident Iceni is a bespoke two-seater sports car - more exclusive than prestige cars available now, with innovations throughout. The configuration of the car is traditional front engine, rear wheel drive like the latest Aston Martins and Ferraris

The fully folded stainless steel chassis forms a complete safety cell around the occupants against front and side impact . With its unique central spine rollover protection, it has been tested and proven to have the highest torsional rigidity (17000lb/ft per degree) of any car tested - it is also guaranteed for life against corrosion.

The engine is sourced from GM, a 6.6l V8 turbo diesel. Its location, although in the front, is behind the centre line of the front axle, making its position more mid-engine than front engine. The power supplied is in excess of 375 bhp at 3100 rpm, whilst its torque in excess of 520lb/ft at 1800 rpm gives us an extremely easy car to drive with low engine speed (maximum 4500 revs) and it will last for up to 250,000 miles.

The most significant innovation lies in the gearbox which is located in the rear of the car. It's an 8-speed automatic, controlled by paddle shifts behind the steering wheel. This enables the car to make full use of its huge torque by keeping the engine operating within its peak performance band. Computer calculations have been made suggesting a top speed of 230 mph, and with 0-60mph in under 4 seconds. A constant 70 mph, gives a recorded fuel consumption of 68.9 mpg! . Our prototype fuel capacity of 100 litres, gave a cruising range of approximately 1600 miles, but our production models new tanks gives us a 2000 mile range!
The front and rear suspension is forged aluminium with power assisted steering.

Further innovations include a fixed seat position with electrically adjustable pedal box and steering column and four oculight removable roof panels.

Car info here.

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150 MPG diesel concept - Loremo

2008-07-22T13:42:00Z

Wow. The Loremo is a concept diesel vehicle that gets 150 MPG. I'll be a road tester if they need one! From MSN Auto. Discuss diesel cars in our diesel vehicles forum.

Loremo: The 'Low Resistance Mobile'

At 150-miles-per-gallon, the Loremo wants to show how far a diesel can go.

Loremo, which stands for "low resistance mobile," combines an efficient diesel engine with low weight and minimal drag to get upwards of 150 mpg.

The idea is deceptively simple. Forget about fancy batteries, regenerative braking, and alternative fuels. Instead, make a car that's elegant in its minimalism and efficiency. The Loremo's German designers revisited the basics — engine efficiency, low weight, and minimal drag — to create a car that offers fuel-efficiency in the neighborhood of 130 to 150 miles per gallon. The Loremo is likely to dazzle drivers not with its acceleration, but with its ability to drive from New York to L.A. with only three stops at the pump.

Loremo stands for low resistance mobile, and its engineers have stuck obsessively to this idea. By building the car around a 2-cylinder turbodiesel engine, and cutting back on weight, drag, and other excess fat such as side-opening doors, the Loremo puffs out a mere 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. This is about 40 grams less per kilometer than the tiny diesel smart. According to its creators, this will make the Loremo the most efficient production car ever sold.

If the Loremo showed up as a concept on an auto show pedestal, it would certainly garner some attention. But the Loremo is not a car for dreamers; not only will it enter mass production next year, it will sport a base price attainable by mortal motorists: 15,000 euros (about U.S. $22,000).

After its 2009 release in Europe, the Loremo will be redesigned to reach the North American market the following year. A $30,000, 3-cylinder GT model will also become available, offering better acceleration (0-60 in roughly 10 seconds, vs. 16 for the base model). Both hybrid and fully electric versions are also in the works.

Driving Simplicity
While the Loremo goes back to basics to come up with triple-digit fuel economy, it took some outside-the-box thinking to get there. The most striking difference is the way passengers enter, with the car's front end yawning forward — hood, windshield, and steering column included. Upon settling in, the front end closes, swinging the dashboard, touch-screen display, and steering wheel back into position. The driver is then surrounded by a minimalist design aesthetic not unlike the ultra-efficient Aptera, but with a bit more Germanic twist.

Read: Aptera: The Wingless Bird

Opening the trunk hatch reveals two rear-facing "youth" seats, both of which are removable to free up storage space. Seating in front is also snug, with the driver and front passenger nearly shoulder to shoulder.

If it sounds like the Loremo boasts all the disadvantages of a sports car (tight squeeze, low headroom, awkward entry) sans the adrenaline rush, its winning traits may be undeniable efficiency and modest cost. And validation could be on the horizon. The Loremo was one of the first cars entered in the Automotive X PRIZE, a high-profile contest offering a purse of $10 million or more for a vehicle that can prove 100-mile-per-gallon performance as well as economic viability. Luckily for the Loremo, it's not a drag race.

Read: Automotive X PRIZE: $10 million for a 100-mpg car

Gerhard Heilmaier, CEO of the Munich-based Loremo AG, says that a car's weight is the key factor in making it green, no matter what the fuel: "Cars need to be downsized. Why do we need two tons of steel to bring a 180-pound human from one place to another? That must change."

Running the Loremo on biodiesel (a vegetable-based diesel substitute) is an attractive option, but Heilmaier insists that efficiency comes before all else. "The first step must be to reduce the amount of energy you need. The second step is to choose which energy it is. Even electric vehicles are not zero emission. Think of where the electricity is coming from."

The Diesel Returns
While American carmakers have greened their vehicles mostly with hybrid-electric drives and ethanol fuel, Europe has been refining the rugged diesel engine and accentuating its high fuel-efficiency to cut greenhouse gasses and stanch oil consumption. Now it seems that American interest in diesel cars and SUVs is on the rise, with companies such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, and even Honda (the hybrid runner-up) bringing their diesel offerings to U.S. drivers. "The European diesels are really very civilized," says David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, "and they have excellent engines."

At this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Audi chairman Rupert Stadler unveiled the R8 V12 diesel sports car, telling his American audience that Audi is now "challenging the final piece of conventional wisdom" about diesel-powered cars. BMW also took the opportunity to foreshadow the arrival of more diesel cars and SUVs.

As gas prices rise and fuel economy laws stiffen, Americans continue to jump into hybrids with green stars in their eyes (in 2007, the Prius outsold the Ford Explorer). But even if the Loremo isn't exactly what American drivers are looking for, this staggeringly efficient car could serve as a powerful symbol of how far the diesel engine can go, and help break through some of that smoggy "conventional wisdom."

Jacob Gordon is a freelance writer, a blogger for TreeHugger.com, and producer of TreeHugger Radio. He can be reached at jacob@treehugger.com.

Original MSN article here.

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Sneak peak at the new Subaru Diesel engine

2007-08-05T23:30:00Z

Edmunds' Straight Line has announced that they got their hands on the upcoming Subaru diesel engine! It looks like a sweet bit of machinery, marrying a diesel powerplant and Subaru's excellent boxer engine. Discuss the diesel Subaru and other diesel vehicles in the diesel vehicle section of our forums.

Subaru's upcoming diesel engine

Someone over on another Subaru fan site found some images of the upcoming new Subaru turbo boxer diesel engine on Subaru's global media site. The original image in the press packet was ghosted way back, but with some tricks in Photoshop, the image was brought back virtually to full strength.

What can clearly be seen here is that it is indeed an H4 boxer. It's a turbocharged DOHC unit with a timing chain. Currently the only Subarus using a timing chain are those with the H6 engine. So this is the first timing chain-equipped H4 Subaru.

This engine is primarily for the European market, where diesel cars are a huge part of the market. We may also see it here, perhaps in the next-generation Forester, as there have been rumors to that effect. Expect the Subie diesel to be announced at the Geneva auto show in March.

Subaru to bring Diesel to the US?

2007-03-21T12:49:00Z

Update: We've posted schematics for the upcoming Subaru diesel engine, and it will be a boxer.

Wow! According to Autoweek, Subaru is about to unveil a diesel passenger car at the Geneva auto show next year. According to Subaru president Ikuo Mori, "Make no mistake - diesels are coming to America."

As the former owner of a Subaru Forester (which I loved), I would love to see Subie get involved in the Diesel market. Beyond the fact that more Diesels competition means more Diesel choices, Subaru makes a fine car, and their AWD is top-notch. A Diesel car with AWD would be a welcome addition to the US market.

We invite you to join the discussion of diesel vehicles over in the Biodiesel Vehicles section of our forums.

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

2007-03-09T04:45:00Z

Oh-la-la — gimme this in a diesel and I won’t even ask for 4-motion! I spotted these photos on the Cars.com blog from the Geneva Auto show and thought a couple readers would like to navigate over for more. I like it even though the folks at Cars.com commented that “the front and profile seem to be in proportion, but VW just lost us with the bland back end. It looks like every other car on the road, not something unique.”

From a functional perspective though, the new Jetta is about perfect for many American families. The increased size over its A4 wagon predecessor will be a definite plus, especially since the floor folds flat and offers 55 cubic feet of space. The disappointment, in the short term, is that it will arrive in the US as a 2008 model next fall, and probably only as a gasser. (the inline 5 cylinder and performance four cylinder - the 2.0 liter turbo)

For me and many TDI owners, we’ll anxiously wait for the new diesel version … but so far I like what I’m seeing. (its about time)

Check out the other photos over at the gallery or click for a few larger photos:

Front | Rear | Open Rear

We invite you to join the discussion of diesel vehicles over in the Biodiesel Vehicles section of our forums..

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2008 VW Touareg V-6 BlueTDI to US first

2007-03-09T04:43:00Z

An Edmunds 2007 Geneva Auto Show post announced that the 2008 Touareg BlueTDI will be introduced in the US rather than in Europe. The new “selective catalytic reduction” or SCR, system that reduces nitrogen-oxide emissions by up to 90 percent, thus making it what VW asserts is “one of the cleanest diesel engines on the market.” The system is linked to a diesel 3.0-liter V6 TDI that makes 222 horsepower and will meet CARB state standards.

GENEVA — Volkswagen so badly wants to convince Americans to “go diesel” that it says it will forgo a European launch of its new Touareg BlueTDI and instead focus on selling the SUV in North America starting in 2008.

We invite you to join the discussion of diesel vehicles over in the Biodiesel Vehicles section of our forums.

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Diesel Vehicles Listing

2007-02-09T00:38:00Z

A good place to stay abreast with the current line up of diesel vehicles being sold in the US is the Diesel Technology Forum.

Cars, Trucks and SUVs

Fuel economy information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and can be found at fueleconomy.gov. Additional information on Powertrain, Torque and Horsepower ratings has been supplied by vehicle manufacturers.

Mercedes-Benz 2007 E320 BLUETEC Sedan

Diesel Model
Powertrain - 2,987-cc DOHC 24-valve V-6
Maximum Torque - 388 lb-ft @ 1600-2400 rpm
Maximum Horsepower - 208 HP @ 3800 rpm
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 26
Highway - 37
Highway Range - 780

Gas Model
Powertrain - 3,498-cc DOHC 24-valve V-6
Maximum Torque - 258 lb-ft @ 2,400 - 5,000 rpm
Maximum Horsepower - 268 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 19
Highway - 26
Highway Range - 548

2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

Diesel Model
Powertrain - 3.0L CRD (Diesel)
Maximum Torque - 376 lb/ft @ 1600-2800 rpm
Maximum Horsepower - 215 HP @ 3800 rpm
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 19
Highway - 23
Highway Range - 425 miles

Gas Model
Powertrain - 3.7L, V6 (Gas)
Maximum Torque - 235 lb/ft @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Horsepower - 210 HP @ 5200 rpm
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 17
Highway - 22
Highway Range - N/A

Mercedes-Benz 2007 ML320 CDI

Diesel Model
Powertrain - 3.0L 24-valve V-6 diesel engine
Maximum Torque - 398 lb-ft @ 1,400 - 2,800 rpm
Maximum Horsepower - 215 HP @ 3800 rpm
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 21
Highway - 27

Gas Model
Powertrain - 3.5L 24-valve V-6 engine.
Maximum Torque - 258 lb-ft @ 2,400 - 5,000 rpm
Maximum Horsepower - 268 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 17
Highway - 21

2007 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

Diesel Model
Powertrain - 5.0L V-10 diesel engine
Maximum Torque - 553 lb-ft
Maximum Horsepower - 310 HP
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 17
Highway - 22
Highway Range - 581 miles

Gas Model
Powertrain - 3.6L V-6 gas engine
Maximum Torque - 266 lb-ft
Maximum Horsepower - 276 HP
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 16
Highway - 20
Highway Range - 528 miles

Mercedes-Benz 2007 R320 CDI

Diesel Model
Powertrain - 3.0L 24-valve V-6 diesel engine
Maximum Torque - 398 lb-ft @ 1,600 - 2,800 rpm
Maximum Horsepower - 215 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 21
Highway - 28

Gas Model
Powertrain - 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine
Maximum Torque - 258 lb-ft @ 2,400 - 5,000 rpm
Maximum Horsepower - 268 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel Economy (mpg)
City - 16
Highway - 21
Highway Range - 445 miles

2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Coming in 2008

Heavy-Duty Trucks, Pickups and SUVs

The U.S. EPA does not rate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 8,500 lbs. Click here to read the official EPA test requirements. Information on Powertrain, Torque and Horsepower has been provided by vehicle manufacturers.

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD
Motor Trend's "Truck of the Year"

	Diesel Model Powertrain - Duramax Diesel V8 (Diesel) Maximum Torque - 650 lb/ft @ 1600 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 360 HP @ 3000 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 18	Gas Model Powertrain - Vortec 6000 V8 (Gas) Maximum Torque - 360 lb/ft @ 4000 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 300 HP @ 4400 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 18
	Mileage data provided by Intellichoice.com. This mileage is listed for the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab LS Long Bed 2WD configuration of the Silverado.

2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Regular/Quad Cab

	Diesel Model Powertrain - 5.9L, Cummins Turbodiesel HO (Diesel) Maximum Torque - 610 lb/ft @ 1600 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 325 HP @ 2900 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 18	Gas Model Powertrain - 5.7L, V-8 (Gas) Maximum Torque - 345 lb/ft @ 4200 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 345 HP @ 5200 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 14 Highway - 18
	Mileage data provided by Intellichoice.com. This mileage is listed for the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab Laramie 2WD configuration of the Ram.

2007 Ford Super Duty F250

	Diesel Model Powertrain - 6.0L, V8 (Diesel) Maximum Torque - 570 lb/ft @ 2000 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 325 HP @ 3300 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 18	Gas Model Powertrain - 5.4L, V8 (Gas) Maximum Torque - 365 lb/ft @ 3750 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 300 HP @ 5000 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 18
	Mileage data provided by Intellichoice.com. This mileage is listed for the 2006 Ford F250 Super Duty Regular Cab XL 2WD configuration of the F250.

2007 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD

	Diesel Model Powertrain - Duramax 6600 Turbo-Diesel V8(Diesel) Maximum Torque - 660 lb/ft @ 1500 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 365 HP @ 3000 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 18	Gas Model Powertrain - Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI(Gas) Maximum Torque - 373 lb/ft @ 4000 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 353 HP @ 4400 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 18
	Mileage data provided by Intellichoice.com. This mileage is listed for the 2007 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Extended Cab SLT 2WD configuration of the Sierra.

Other Diesel Vehicles

2007 Chevrolet Express 2500 Work Van

	Diesel Model Powertrain - 6.0 L Duramax (Diesel) Maximum Torque - 460 lb/ft Maximum Horsepower - 250 HP Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 17	Gas Model Powertrain - Vortec 4.3 L (Gas) Maximum Torque - 260 lb/ft Maximum Horsepower - 195 HP Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 12 Highway - 16
	Mileage data provided by Intellichoice.com. This mileage is listed for the 2007 Express 2500 Work Van.

2007 Dodge Sprinter Van

	Diesel Model Powertrain - 2.7L, I-5 (Diesel) Maximum Torque - 243 lb/ft @ 1600 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 154 HP @ 4000 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 22 Highway - 24
	Mileage data provided by Intellichoice.com. This mileage is listed for the 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Ceiling w/118" WB Van configuration of the Sprinter.

2007 Ford E-Series Full Size Van

	Diesel Model Powertrain - 6.0 PowerStroke, 32 Valve V8 (Diesel) Maximum Torque - 440 lb/ft @ 2000 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 235 HP @ 3300 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 17	Gas Model Powertrain - Triton SOHC 20 Valve V10 (Gas) Maximum Torque - 420 lb/ft @ 3250 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 305 HP @ 4250 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 12 Highway - 16
	Mileage data provided by Intellichoice.com. This mileage is listed for the 2006 Ford E350 Super Duty XL Passenger Van

2007 GMC Savana 1500 Cargo Van

	Diesel Model Powertrain - 6.6L Duramax (Diesel) Maximum Torque - 460 lb/ft @ 1600 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 250 HP @ 3200 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 13 Highway - 17	Gas Model Powertrain - Vortec 6.0L V8 (Gas) Maximum Torque - 360 lb/ft @ 4000 rpm Maximum Horsepower - 300 HP @ 4000 rpm Fuel Economy (mpg) City - 12 Highway - 16
	Mileage data provided by Intellichoice.com. This mileage is listed for the 2007 GMC Savana 1500 Cargo Van.

We invite you to join the discussion of diesel vehicles over in the Biodiesel Vehicles section of our forums.

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Volkswagen Polo hinted for the US market

2007-02-05T15:56:00Z

Volkswagen of America, Inc. may import the VW Polo to the United States around 2010. It will compete head to head with the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Smart. eGMCarTech predicts that the gasoline version will probably come first and and possibly be followed by the BlueMotion three cylinder 1.4 liter direct injection turbodiesel. Polo BlueMotion has the ability to achieve 72.4 mpg and is said to be cleaner than a Toyota Prius. For those thinking green and thrify the VW Polo BlueMotion on biodiesel might be something to save your spare change for?

We invite you to join the discussion of diesel vehicles over in the Biodiesel Vehicles section of our forums.

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2006/2007 Diesel cars available in America

2006-12-17T13:53:00Z

Below is a list of new diesel cars available this year in the US. You can post below to add to the list, or you can discuss diesel vehicles in our forums.

Now that we have wide-spread ULSD, anticipate a wider array of diesel passenger vehicles for 2008. BMW and Volvo have aleady said they intend to bring over diesels soon!

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Midsize Sedan
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Large Wagon
2006 Volkswagen Golf Compact Sedan
2006 Volkswagen Jetta Compact Sedan
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle Compact Coupe

Manufacturers' diesel allowances are listed here.

We invite you to join the discussion of diesel vehicles over in the Biodiesel Vehicles section of our forums.

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Biodiesel Cars

VW of America slow to adopt B20 standards in new 'clean diesels'

200MPH, 100MPG, 2000 mile per tank diesel car: Trident Iceni

150 MPG diesel concept - Loremo

Loremo: The 'Low Resistance Mobile'

At 150-miles-per-gallon, the Loremo wants to show how far a diesel can go.

Sneak peak at the new Subaru Diesel engine

Subaru to bring Diesel to the US?

2008 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

2008 VW Touareg V-6 BlueTDI to US first

Diesel Vehicles Listing

Mercedes-Benz 2007 E320 BLUETEC Sedan

2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

Mercedes-Benz 2007 ML320 CDI

2007 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

Mercedes-Benz 2007 R320 CDI

2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD Motor Trend's "Truck of the Year"

2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Regular/Quad Cab

2007 Ford Super Duty F250

2007 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD

2007 Chevrolet Express 2500 Work Van

2007 Dodge Sprinter Van

2007 Ford E-Series Full Size Van

2007 GMC Savana 1500 Cargo Van

Volkswagen Polo hinted for the US market

2006/2007 Diesel cars available in America

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD
Motor Trend's "Truck of the Year"