Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 9:21am | IP Logged

Actually, most automakers will begin to import their European spec diesel engines starting next year.  The rest of the world gets common rail diesel engines becasue they use ULSD (Ultra-Low-Sulfer-Diesel.)  Our Diesel #2 is dirty, and only ULSD use can meet the environmental standards for clean motoring going forward.  The good news is that we're due to make the switch starting next year.  Once that happens, look for a major shift away from hybrids toward cleaner, more powerful and more efficient CRDs and CDIs.  The BMW 320D, for example, is faster and more efficient than it's gasser counterpart.  I'm also excited about Mercedes' Bluetech technology.

See this article for more info on ULSD and what it means for the future:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId= 1&id=340

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Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 11:36am | IP Logged

Yes, it should be interesting here in a couple of years.  Toyota is getting ready to release their "Super 1/2" Which will be competing in the 3/4 ton market.  Rumore has it they're going to go just diesel. 

That will leave Nissan to catch up.  I wonder if Nissan will do like they did with the Titan.  Slap the others down upon it's release.

Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 3:17pm | IP Logged

yeah a diesel titan would be pretty sweet to say the least. and i agree the frustrating thing about the fronty is they already have had it for a few years, the old ZD30 motor which is i believe a 3.0L 4 cylinder diesel and then in the new fronty it's actually a 2.5 DCi (might have gotten it wrong) but it's a 2.5 turbocharged diesel i believe which is putting out 170 something HP and 297 ft/lbs of torque from the conversions i ran. and well we all know how much fun we'd have with tuning those to bring out more power and well just the fact of being able to run biodiesel would be a huge plus so we could make our own fuel if you wanted to.

Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 3:42pm | IP Logged

Don't forget the cool FRENCH FRY smell if you use Bio-diesel...   That's the whole reason why I want to do it.  Though I'll have to bug McDonalds, cause they have the best. 

UMMMMMM... McDonalds french fries anytime I want

Posted: Feb 27 2006 at 5:24pm | IP Logged

In the biodiesel world, it's widely agreed upon that the grease used to make Chinese food works best when making your own biodiesel.  You are, however, opening pandora's box and taking a big risk in making your own.  Those 1980s Mercedes run well on anyhting becasue they are mechanical engines built to run forever.  Common Rail, Pump Duese, even Direct Injection diesels are a whole lot more picky about the quality of the fuel.  Getting each of your batches tested to meet ASDM standards is time-consuming and expensive.  Best to buy soy-based biodiesel, which is available in most major markets now, unless you own one of those tank Mercedes.  :)

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