Japanese Car Zone - View Single Post - Increaed Emissions = Lessen MPG catch 22...

cawimmer430 · 11-12-2007, 12:42 PM

When Lutz talks about engineering a diesel engine for the US consumer, does that mean making sure it rocks to 60 mph in 5 seconds?

I mean clearly there is an emerging market for diesel-powered luxury sedans in the US - a trend which could eventually water down into the mainstream and subcompact car markets. The Mercedes E320 CDI for example was a smashing success - Mercedes sold 1,000 more than originally planned. In fact BMW is planning on selling their own diesel cars in the US, along with Mercedes and Volkswagen. I am sure Audi is going to come along pretty soon as well and soon you'll have some actual diesel vs diesel competition in the US.

I don't see what the big deal is then. The only thing diesels have to worry about in the US seems to be the ever stringent emission laws regarding them, especially in New York, California and other states. I do think that these laws are also extremely biased in favor of gasoline-powered vehicles. Doesn't this have something to do with the American oil industry and their close ties to the government?

Another thing, I thought the Bluetec diesels from Mercedes-Benz for example already pass the Californian emission standards? So what's the issue here?

11-12-2007, 12:42 PM	#2
cawimmer430 Trendsetter Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mühldorf am Inn, Germany Posts: 8,028 Thanks: 3,975 Thanked 3,189 Times in 1,366 Posts	Re: Increaed Emissions = Lessen MPG catch 22... When Lutz talks about engineering a diesel engine for the US consumer, does that mean making sure it rocks to 60 mph in 5 seconds? I mean clearly there is an emerging market for diesel-powered luxury sedans in the US - a trend which could eventually water down into the mainstream and subcompact car markets. The Mercedes E320 CDI for example was a smashing success - Mercedes sold 1,000 more than originally planned. In fact BMW is planning on selling their own diesel cars in the US, along with Mercedes and Volkswagen. I am sure Audi is going to come along pretty soon as well and soon you'll have some actual diesel vs diesel competition in the US. I don't see what the big deal is then. The only thing diesels have to worry about in the US seems to be the ever stringent emission laws regarding them, especially in New York, California and other states. I do think that these laws are also extremely biased in favor of gasoline-powered vehicles. Doesn't this have something to do with the American oil industry and their close ties to the government? Another thing, I thought the Bluetec diesels from Mercedes-Benz for example already pass the Californian emission standards? So what's the issue here?