In the last few weeks we’ve heard some rumors about a possible diesel engine for the Chevrolet Cruze in the United States but nothing was certain. Now, we know for sure that the 2013MY will get a diesel engine as General Motors confirmed this a few days ago. Unfortunately, they didn’t say what sort of engine it will get so we’ll have to wait until we have all the juicy details.
At the moment, the most fuel efficient model in the Cruze lineup for the U.S. market is the “Eco”. This one comes with a 6-speed manual transmission and it has been rated by EPA at 42 mpg (5.6 liters / 100 km) on the highway. In Europe and Australia, the Cruze is already available with a 4-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine that generates 161 hp (163 PS / 120 kW) @ 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of 265.5 lb.-ft (360 Nm) @ 1,750 rpm.
With this power unit, the fuel economy is 42 mpg (5.6 liters / 100 km) when fitted with the 6-speed manual transmission and 35.1 mpg (6.7 liters / 100 km) with the 6-speed automatic gearbox which is optional.
Source: General Motors via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: chevrolet cruze, diesel, General Motors
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The latest rumors say that Sergio Marchionne, who is Fiat-Chrysler’s CEO, has confirmed plans to offer a diesel engine for the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the United States starting with 2013. Although there aren’t many details available at the moment, expect to see a V6 3.0-liter turbodiesel power unit that produces 237 hp (241 PS / 177 kW) and 406 lb.-ft (550 Nm) of torque.
In the European-spec version, this engine can do 8.3 liters / 100 km (28.3 mpg), which is way better than the Pentastar V6 3.6-liter so a diesel option sounds pretty good for those of you that worry about the increasing prices of gas.
Source: Autoblog via WCF | Photo: CarAdviceUSA
Post tags: Tags: diesel, jeep grand cherokee
Mini Cooper SD
A few days ago Mini revealed a new diesel engine that will equip the Cooper SD, SD Countryman and SD Clubman models. This new power unit is a 4-cyilinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel that outputs 143 hp (105 kW) @ 4,000 rpm and 225 lb.-ft (305 Nm) of torque between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm. This new engine features an all-aluminum crankcase, common-rail direct injection with solenoid-valve injectors and a turbocharger with variable intake geometry.
Mini Cooper SD Convertible
The Mini Cooper SD, available in both hard-top and convertible versions, will do the 0-62 mph in 8.1 seconds, onto a top speed of 134 mph (215 km/h). Regarding the efficiency figures, the car will do 65.7 mpg (4.3 liters / 100 km). The cabrio model is a little bit slower and needs 8.7 seconds to do the sprint while the top speed is 130 mph (210 km/h). The convertible will do 62.8 mpg (4.5 liters / 100 km).
The SD Clubman does the 0-62 mph sprint in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 134 mph (215 km/h). Fuel consumption is 64.2 mpg (4.4 liters / 100 km).
Mini Cooper SD Countryman
As far as the Mini Cooper SD Countryman is concerned, the car is available with both front-wheel drive and the proprietary All4 all-wheel drive system. The car sprints to 62 mph in 9.4 seconds with the All4 system and it needs 9.3 seconds with the front-wheel drive. Top speed is 198 km/h for the FWD system and 195 km/h for the All4. With the front-wheel drive, the Countryman has a fuel economy of 4.6 liters / 100 km and with the All4 it will consume 4.9 liters / 100 km.
Post tags: Tags: Clubman, countryman, diesel, mini-cooper
Word on the street is that Volkswagen is tasking its R performance division with cooking up a special version of the new 2011 Touareg SUV.
The Volkswagen Touareg R will drop the old 5.0-liter V10 TDI diesel engine, which isn’t meeting emissions standards in Europe, and replace it with a tuned version of the 4.2-liter TDI, already available in the Touareg, as well as the Audi Q7 ranges.
The oil burner will, of course, have its output increased, from the current 340 HP to around 380 HP. Torque will also reach impressive figures to ensure adequate acceleration.
With the new Touareg R, VW also plans to offer the performance SUV on the US market in an unprecedented move. It seems that it diesel SUV sales are finally healthy enough for such an investment to return a profit for VW. The reported launch date is around the end of 2012, with the Touareg R appearing as a 2013 model year.
Still, take all these rumors with a grain of salt, as Volkswagen has yet to declare anything about a performance Touareg SUV.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 volkswagen toaureg, diesel, tdi, usa, Volkswagen, volkswagen touareg r, volkswagen-touareg
Diesel models aren’t exactly favored by North American customers, but seeing as how more people are impressed by the frugality of the oil burners, as well as the ever increasing range of available models, things are changing.
They will also change for Porsche, who might be bringing a diesel version of its best selling Cayenne SUV to North America.
According to a report from Canada, Porsche is considering a diesel version of the new 2011 Cayenne, presumably with Audi’s 3.0-liter TDI. Reports about this move appeared some time ago, but the German luxury manufacturer declined to comment at that time.
Now, with the new generation SUV being lighter, and the diesel engine more powerful yet retaining a frugal nature, a Porsche Cayenne diesel might make a lot of sense on the North American market.
Nothing is official just yet, but the move will happen sooner or later.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 porsche cayenne, canada, diesel, north america, Porsche, porsche-cayenne, usa
In the arms race to build greener and more efficient cars, many trains of thought have appeared. As such, automakers are now researching clean diesel, hybrid, electric or even fuel cell vehicles, all in order to cut down emissions and improve fuel average.
Honda has been fencing its bets lately, focusing on all of the aforementioned technologies. We’ve seen impressive diesel engines, hybrids like the Insight or the Civic, as well as the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
Now, according to a report from Japan’s Nikkei, things are going to change. The newspaper says that Honda will abandon its clean diesel efforts, in order to focus on just its hybrid technologies.
More specifically, the Integrated Motor Assist, which is currently available on hybrids like the Insight or the Civic, will see new features added, in order to better rival Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive tech.
Post tags: Tags: clean diesel, diesel, Green, Honda, honda insight, honda-civic, Hybrid, technology
Seeing as how the luxury SUV market is becoming increasingly populated with the likes of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover isn’t sitting idly, and has just revealed the 2011 Range Rover refresh.
While the exterior changes aren’t that noticeable, there is one major upgrade included in this mid-cycle facelift: a new 4.4-liter LT-TDV8 diesel engine.
The new diesel unit is now capable of 306 HP and a massive 516 lb-ft of torque, and will replace the older 3.6-liter diesel engine. It will be coupled to a ZF eight-speed gearbox, complete with paddle shift technology. This allows the new diesel Range Rover to achieve a 30 mpg (EU combined cycle) fuel average, as well as meet Euro 5 emissions standard.
The 2011 Range Rover Supercharged model is practically the same, but it is lending its Brembo braking system to the more powerful diesel, this time around.
A special 40th anniversary Autobiography Black edition will be available based on the 2011 model year. Expect the new Range to be hitting dealerships across Europe this September. Sadly, JLR didn’t reveal any info about when the refreshed luxury SUV will be coming State-side.
In order to ease the waiting period, check out the photo gallery below and then hit the jump to see a video of the new Range Rover.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Range Rover
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 range rover, diesel, europe, facelift, luxury, photo-gallery, Range Rover, refresh, suv
Hot off the heels of the rumor that the next generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI might get a diesel version, the guys at Autocar have followed up with the report that the next Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XI will use a diesel hybrid powertrain.
As you may remember, the next Evo has been rumored for quite some time. At the beginning of the year, it was deemed a certainty that the Evo XI will use a hybrid system, combining a gasoline engine and an electric motor.
Now, it seems that the aforementioned project has been changed. Instead of the petrol engine, a diesel unit will work in tandem with the electric motor, in order to continue pushing an adequate amount of power, but also keep the CO2 emissions and fuel average as low as possible.
Besides the powertrain change, not a lot of the features on the current Evo X will be changed. The S-AWC all-wheel drive system will receive slight alterations, in order to cope with the new things.
So, both the next Subaru Impreza WRX STI and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XI are scheduled to switch over to diesel engines. How do you think this will affect the popularity of such models? Share your thoughts below.
Post tags: Tags: diesel, Hybrid, Mitsubishi, mitsubishi lancer evo x, mitsubishi lancer evo xi, mitsubishi-lancer
The rumor mill has started spinning once more, this time powered by the guys at Autocar, which have revealed that the next generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI sportscar might see, alongside a traditional gasoline-powered version, a diesel option.
It seems that stricter emissions and fuel average regulations are forcing the Japanese company to consider a diesel option for their hot model. This oil burner is set to be based on the current 2.0-liter turbodiesel unit, found on stock Impreza models, and might be good for around 200 HP and over 300 lb-ft of torque.
The changes don’t stop here, as the next Impreza WRX STI might see the gasoline version decrease its displacement. According to the inside voices, the 1.5-liter flat-four engine also found on stock Impreza models might be used for the next generation performance sportscar.
As you can imagine, Subaru hasn’t commented on the rumors, but considering the changing times and new regulations, a diesel and a smaller gasoline engine aren’t that far fetched.
Post tags: Tags: diesel, next generation, Subaru, subaru impreza, subaru impreza wrx sti
Nissan‘s next Z model, the successor to the current 370Z, will become much more eco-conscious, according to some rumors published by Autocar.
According to them, the recent partnership between the Renault Nissan group and Daimler will also affect the next entry-level sportscar from Nissan.
As such, Mercedes-Benz will offer an array of engines that might appear under the bonnet of the next Z car. And before you ask, no, we aren’t talking about fire-breathing AMG-spec engines, but fuel efficient diesels or even hybrid assemblies.
According to the speculation, the 3.5-liter V6 engine, coupled with the electric motor from the S400 hybrid might be transplanted to the Japanese model. Other likely candidates are the diesel V6 from the E350 CDI or even the future Diesotto 1.8-liter unit, currently in development at Mercedes-Benz.
We’re still a bit reluctant that these things will happen, but given harsher fuel average and emissions regulations, a change is definitely coming. Hopefully, instead of this hybrid mumbo jumbo, we might get to see the 370Z’s 3.7-liter V6 replaced with a smaller, possibly turbocharged V6 or maybe even a four-cylinder.
Post tags: Tags: daimler, diesel, Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, nissan 370z, renault-nissan
Mercedes-Benz definitely wants to build up its image as an eco-conscious carmaker. As such, after the recent success of the S400 hybrid model in the S Class lineup, it is planning to add another, more efficient limousine to the range.
The model in question is the S350 Bluetec diesel, the first oil burner in the US S Class lineup since the mid 1990s. The model will use the 3.0-liter V6 CDI engine and can produce 241 HP with 429 lb-ft of torque.
But while performance isn’t its strong point, the S350 Bluetec uses a special urea injection system in order to drastically lower the NOx emissions from its regular exhaust. No word on what the fuel average will be, but you can expect the figures to be close to the 19/26 mpg of the S400 Hybrid model.
While it is still a rumor at this point, you can expect a confirmation soon enough.
Post tags: Tags: diesel, mercedes, mercedes benz s class, Mercedes-Benz, mercedes-benz s350 bluetec, usa
The 2011 Buick Regal is quickly becoming the turning point for the Tri-Shield brand and a bold experiment for General Motors.
It seems that the badge-engineered Opel Insignia will share a lot of things with its European cousin. We’ve seen the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and the six-speed manual confirmed for the upcoming Regal, but some even bigger news have now been revealed by Car and Driver.
According to the magazine, the Regal will also receive the two other body styles of the Insignia, a slightly shorter five door hatchback form and a full pledged wagon version. While both are rumored to join the sedan at one point in time, we don’t know how much customers are going to have to wait.
Besides the new body forms, a special treat is prepared to US diesel fans, as such a unit will make its way onto the Regal in the future. No figures were given, but it will certainly boost the green credentials, alongside the flex-fuel capable gasoline engines.
Factor in the performance oriented Regal GS, and the new Buick model is set to really blow away the competition. What do you think? Share your thoughts below.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 buick regal, Buick, buick regal, diesel, hatchback, opel-insignia, wagon
European carmakers are quite reluctant to bring diesel engines in their models set to be sold in the USA, partly because Americans have some kind of hate towards the more frugal oil burners.
BMW wants to change that, and is already offering two diesel options, one for the X5 in form of the xDrive35d version and one for the 3 Series, in the 335d. According to a new report, though, it seems the Bavarian company wants to further increase the count of diesel models and add two other units to the range.
The first might be a diesel 2011 5 Series, more specifically a 535d version, using the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six as found on the other diesel versions. This option would drastically lower the fuel average of the new 5 Series and help BMW meet new fuel regulations.
The second option isn’t so clear though. InsideLine speculates that besides the six-cylinder diesel powerplant Americans have gotten used to, a smaller, four-cylinder unit might be making its way over the Atlantic, either in a 3 Series (320d) or 1 Series (120d). The 2.0-liter inline-four currently produces 204 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque in European models with an average of around 35 to 40 mpg (EU), so that might be more than enough for some customers.
What do you think? Should BMW bring more diesels to the US or is just a wasted effort? Share your thoughts below.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 bmw 5 series, BMW, bmw-5-series, diesel, north america, usa
We’ve been talking a lot about police cars in recent times, so it was just a matter of time before the elusive Carbon Motors E7 concept would join the discussion. As you may remember, the concept has been revealed quite some time ago, but nothing was heard after that.
Now, Carbon Motors has just announced that its new purpose-built police car will be getting an engine from BMW, specifically the 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder diesel unit, which can be admired on the X5 xDrive35d or the 335d. 240,000 engines have been ordered, so you can clearly see that the company is quite confident in its product.
The new diesel engine, at least in the models from BMW, produces 265 HP and 425 lb-ft of torque, with a combined mileage in the upper 20 mpg echelon and highway average of over 30 mpg. While not so imposing as other police car offers, like the recent Ford Taurus Police Interceptor or the Dodge Charger, the new E7 might prove to be a popular choice, given its frugality.
Post tags: Tags: BMW, carbon motors, carbon motors e7, diesel, engine, police, police car
After teasing us with a sketch last week, Hyundai finally revealed how its newest concept, the i-Flow, will look like when it will be revealed next week at the Geneva Motor Show.
The car will be a diesel-electric hybrid, a first for the South Korean company, and previews a new D segment model which will take on the Ford Mondeo in Europe. The i-Flow uses a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, which will be coupled via the Blue-drive system with an electric motor of undisclosed power.
Thanks to a multitude of traits, including the lihtium-polymer battery pack, the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the low drag coeficient of just 0.25, the Hyundai i-Flow concept will average 78.4 mpg (US) and emit just 85 g/km of CO2.
Besides this concept, it seems Hyundai will be upping the eco-friendly ante, with more efficient “blue” versions for its i10, i20, i30 and ix35 (aka Tucson), models. It has also been confirmed that its i30 hatchback will receive a facelift, the i30U, with a more stylish appearance.
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, diesel, Hybrid, Hyundai, hyundai i-flow
