For a long time, I’ve been a big time proponent of diesel technology. Why does Europe still get all of the good diesels and we’re only getting gas/electric hybrids?

Diesels are now clean (burn much leaner than Gasoline engines), emit low soot and nox levels, and make tremendous amounts of torque. On top of this, they get superior fuel mileage, modern technology makes them quiet and they offer impressive power gains with aftermarket tuning. Wide power curves make them smooth, ideal daily drivers. They also tend to last longer than gasoline engines and can often be rebuilt and driven for several hundred thousand more miles.

Go to your local track and you’ll see diesel trucks running 12’s, 11’s, even 10’s in the 1/4 mile.

Alternative diesel fuels are available too, including biodiesel, blends, and “veggie fuel” so why are we getting diesels mostly in trucks? Why did Volkswagen drop their diesel models in the US, and what should we expect when they come back?

How about the huge amount of Audis, BMW’s, VW’s, Nissans, Ford cars and small SUV’s available throughout Europe in diesel versions? 67% of the BMW’s sold in Europe are diesel powered. When will we have them here and when will the public truly be ready for it?

The BMW 335d sold in Europe makes 286 HP and 427 FT LBS of torque, bone stock! Mileage? How about 35 MPG in MIXED driving?! In comparison, the highly touted 335i sold in America has a 300HP, 300 FT LB twin turbo gas V6, making a combined 20 MPG. The diesel version makes significantly more torque and is more fuel efficient!

I ask again: “Why aren’t we getting these diesels here?” I, like many others, would buy one and drive it 5-10 years.

Part of the problem is fuel. Without getting into the political reasons (what would the oil companies do?), the diesel fuel in the US does not meet the standards of many European diesel engines, and as a result, they were not available to the US market.

Another issue is Education and consumer perception. Americans were left with a bad taste in their mouths (and smell) due to the horrible diesels available in the US market in the 1980’s. Does anyone remember the 350 Olds converted diesel? The smoke, the clatter, the anemic acceleration. No wonder many Americans are slow to open their minds to new diesel technology….the old stuff was just too embarassing!

It has all changed for the better. Diesels are now fun, fast, efficient, quiet, reliable and run for a long time.

With the US due to finally meet Euro diesel fuel specs, expect to see more diesels coming into the US market. Expect clean emissions and less trips to the gas, uh, FUEL station =o)

AS they arrive in the US, instead of turning your nose, take a peek, or take a drive. Many of you may get hooked on all the torque =o)