Notices
General Diesel Discussion  

Interesting diesel article

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 03:30 PM
  #1  
Texas Outlaw's Avatar
Texas Outlaw
Thread Starter
|
Not a liberal...
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,635
Likes: 4
From: Cut & Shoot, Texas
Club FTE Silver Member

Interesting diesel article

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-article_110/
 
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 03:40 PM
  #2  
Pocket's Avatar
Pocket
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
This is all I got when I clicked the link:

"The link you clicked on has expired. It pointed to a Web site that was a member of the Commission Junction network and has since been deactivated or temporarily suspended. We apologize for any inconvenience."
 
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 04:25 PM
  #3  
Texas Outlaw's Avatar
Texas Outlaw
Thread Starter
|
Not a liberal...
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,635
Likes: 4
From: Cut & Shoot, Texas
Club FTE Silver Member

Hmmm, it's up and running from the Yahoo main page right now. Not sure why the link doesn't work.
 
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 04:32 PM
  #4  
Texas Outlaw's Avatar
Texas Outlaw
Thread Starter
|
Not a liberal...
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,635
Likes: 4
From: Cut & Shoot, Texas
Club FTE Silver Member

Diesel - Overview

<!-- <content>biodsl</content> --><!-- <answers>biodiesel how make</answers> --><!-- <news>biodiesel</news> --><!-- <delicious>biodiesel</delicious> --><!-- article source: HybridCars.com, custom written --><!-- <title>Diesel - Overview</title> -->Diesel vehicles now account for nearly half of all new vehicle sales in Europe. In some European countries (such as France), diesel vehicles account for as much as 70 percent of new car sales. Are diesel vehicles a viable alternative to hybrids?

For a 2007 or later model year, diesel passenger car to be sold in all 50 states, it must meet tougher emissions requirements. there is only one T2B5-compliant, 50-state diesel car on the horizon—the new Mercedes E320 BLUETEC to be introduced in late 2006.


The Diesel Difference

Diesels are also known as compression ignition engines, and have a different combustion cycle than gasoline engines. In a gasoline engine, fuel is sprayed into the cylinder, mixed with air, and ignited by a spark from the spark plug.

In a diesel, air is drawn into the cylinder and compressed first without fuel present. This compression heats the air to such a high temperature that when fuel is then injected into the cylinder, it combusts. By using higher compression ratios and higher combustion temperatures, diesels operate more efficiently. As a result, diesel vehicles attain better fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts. This fuel economy advantage is enhanced by the fact that a gallon of diesel fuel contains about 10% more energy than a gallon of gasoline. These two factors help modern direct-injection diesels achieve roughly 50% higher fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts. For example, a European model Honda Accord with a 2.2 liter i-CTDi diesel engine is rated at 43.3 MPG, 49 percent higher than the rating of a Honda Accord with a 2.4 liter gasoline engine. The Camry Hybrid is rated at 39 MPG, 10 percent lower than the diesel Accord.

Diesel Emissions

Modern diesels require something of an environmental tradeoff. While generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions (due to greater fuel efficiency), diesels emit larger amounts of two other pollutants:
  • Particulate matter is the black cloud that trails many older diesel vehicles. Diesel particulates are harmful to human health as well as aesthetically unpleasing.
  • NOx, while less visible, is a key ingredient in the formation of urban smog, and also can contribute to the formation of acid rain.
Higher emissions of these pollutants are diesels' greatest drawback. There has been an ongoing split in diesel emissions regulations in the US between those required by the Environmental Protection Agency, and those required by the California Air Resources Board.

Currently no new diesel passenger vehicles can be sold in the five states that adhere to the more stringent California requirements: California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Vermont. The current diesel Liberty, Beetle, Golf and Jetta, in other words, are 45-state vehicles. The EPA, however, is tightening its diesel emissions requirements, and moving them more into alignment with the California requirements. The point at which the two map exactly for passenger cars is called Tier 2 Bin 5 (T2B5).

For a 2007 or later model year diesel passenger car to be sold in all 50 states, it must meet the T2B5 emissions requirements. Currently, there are no T2B5-compliant, 50-state diesel cars. One is on the horizon—-the new Mercedes E320 BLUETEC, to be introduced in 2007. BLUETEC refers to the emissions after treatment system that enables the vehicle to meet the T2B5 standard. The 2007 E320 BLUETEC has NOx emissions that are more than eight times lower than the outgoing 2006 E320 CDI

The Diesel Dilemma

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="50%">PRO'S</TD><TD width="50%">CON'S</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left width="50%">Fuel Economy: 81% of U.S. diesel buyers say they bought a diesel engine for higher fuel economy. U.S. buyers should be aware, however, that in the United States diesel could often be more expensive than unleaded gasoline. (In Europe, diesel is taxed less heavily in Europe, and therefore can be substantially cheaper than gasoline.)



</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left width="50%">Availability: Until cleaner fuel and advanced emissions controls arrive here, availability of diesel models will be limited. New diesels are already absent from five states (California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, or Maine) that have stricter air quality standards. At the end of 2006, federal pollution rules will tighten, pushing cleaner diesel models out of the entire U.S. market.



</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>Longevity: Diesel engines tend to last longer than gasoline engines, leading to higher resale values for many diesel-equipped models.



</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Emissions: Particulate and NOx emissions are higher than those of comparable gasoline vehicles. (Most diesel engines can use biodiesel without any modification.)



</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>Power: Diesels provide greater torque, which can be important for drivers who carry heavy loads or tow trailers.



</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Price: Adding a diesel engine to a Volkswagen Jetta adds over $1000 to the car’s price, and in medium-duty pickups the increased cost of a diesel engine can exceed $5000.



</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>Incentives: Future clean diesels will be eligible for the same types of tax benefits that hybrid vehicles receive. Buyers of the Mercedes E320 BLUETEC, for example, qualify for $1500 off of their tax bill.



</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Availability of Fuel: Diesel owners must also cope with a refueling network that is more limited than that of gasoline, although their vehicles’ longer range means they have more time to find a station that sells diesel.



</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Not an Either-Or Situation

It's technically possible to use a hybrid drivetrain with a diesel engine. In fact, PSA Peugeot Citroën recently showed a diesel-hybrid prototype: the 307 CC Hybride HDi, a compact convertible that gets 70 miles per gallon, about 30 percent better fuel economy than the existing diesel version. No one makes diesel hybrids yet, mainly because they are expensive. The added benefits come at a double expense—more for the hybrid system and more for the diesel engine. PSA Peugeot Citroën may introduce a diesel hybrid to the market as early as 2010. But no promises yet from the company.
 
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 11:36 PM
  #5  
Pocket's Avatar
Pocket
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
I saw something a while back about the diesel hybrids at a car show in Europe. There were two running prototypes, and one unfinished concept. They are expected to hit Europe first, but not sure if they'll ever make it here any time soon. I guess time will tell.

For now, the only "diesel hybrids" we get to enjoy here sits on locomotives. Hmmm, I wonder if I can stuff that under the hood of my truck
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:22 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE