Year of the Diesel

Diesel announcements are becoming commonplace, with DaimlerChrysler among the leading proponents. The Bluetec-equipped Ram diesel HD pickup made its debut at the Washington auto show, with the 6.7 Cummins rated at 350/650 (350/610 manuals) and meeting 2010 emissions standards. The new six-speed automatic, dubbed 68RFE Orion, runs a 3.23:1 first gear and dual overdrives for economy. The diesel HD pickup starts at $33,650.

DaimlerChrysler is also looking at diesel minivans for the U.S. by 2010, using a new Mercedes-built 2.2-liter four-cylinder with two-stage turbocharging. As European legislators consider future CO2 standards, diesel development will likely continue.

Meanwhile, Ford has said the F-150 diesel engine, a 4.4-liter V-8 derived from the Euro-built 3.6-liter, will arrive in 2008, but has ruled out diesel engines for cars. Mitsubishi has announced a diesel Lancer and Outlander by 2010. Hyundai would like to have a diesel here, the 3.0-liter V-6 in a Veracruz or a 2.2-liter I-4 in a Santa Fe, but it's adamant it be a 50-state offering. And Nissan is working on the basis of the next Titan offering a diesel.

Finally, hot-rod-diesel builder Audi showed a 6.0-liter V-12 diesel Q7 with nearly 500 horsepower and 740 pound-feet of torque, noting that the 3.0-liter V-6 will likely appear in the U.S. market. Also expect a hybrid, though probably not a diesel.