OPPapers.com

Diesels

Diesel, once long ignored, has worked its way out of the trenches and has made it to the forefront. Diesel has been transformed from a gross, smelly mess into a serious contender in the industry.

The change from a mere acquaintance to a well known technology was not an easy one, but diesel may soon have many followers. Today's diesel engines provide 20 to 40 percent better fuel economy, and offer more torque at lower rpm when compared to their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are also substantially less harmful to the environment today than they were in the past — and are headed down the road to becoming even cleaner in the near future. Because the diesel engine is so efficient, it offers better fuel economy, a key component to reducing U.S dependence on foreign oil.

While the number of diesel-powered models is not immense, it does represent a wide cross-section of vehicle segments and price ranges. For the 2003 model year, there are nine cars and trucks available in the U.S. with diesel engines; ranging in size from the Volkswagen Golf to the Ford Excursion. On the way are diesel-powered versions of the Volkswagen Passat, Jeep Liberty and, most likely, the Volkswagen Touareg for the 2004 model year, and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan as a 2005 model. While some automakers don't have plans to offer diesel-powered vehicles just yet, all of the major manufacturers are taking a serious look at the technology. You can bet that they will be watching carefully to see how the above mentioned vehicles are accepted in the U.S. market.

One of the biggest hurdles for diesel to overcome was its bad reputation with the American consumer. "Baby Boomers" remember the fuel crises of the 1970s, and the failed attempt by General Motors to offer diesel drive trains. Oh sure, the various diesel-powered Cadillac's started and ran…technically; but few consumers wanted to actually drive one. Others are likely to think of noisy, smelly,...