12-21-2006, 03:47 AM
[quote BigGuynRusty]I meant to say low-sulfur.
Low Sulphur Diesel is what was introduced in the 90s, <500ppm. We now have Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel, <15ppm. It's not nitpicking, they are very different fuels.
[quote BigGuynRusty]Small, efficient flat electric motors are here, please don't compare a small diesel hybrid to a 6 trillion ton earthmover.
OK, but the diesel part of it remains the same. So don't try to say that size is going to revolutionize the internal combustion engine. The requirement for an engine supplying power to a drivetrain is different than that of one driving a genset. Especially if we're talking efficiency and durability.
[quote BigGuynRusty]You work for GM? They almost killed off diesel engines in the 1980's.
Let's just say I've never owned anything with a 'bowtie' on it.
As for the Euros just waiting for the new fuel, if that was the case, they could have just used their existing Euro models since they have already adopted ULSD. If you notice the '07 diesel options are quite scarce for a reson. Our emissions standards are more strict than the Euros. They now have to meet the new emissions standards, keep the mileage up AND competitively price the vehicle. Since the demand for diesel powered passenger vehicles is small in the US, that's not an easy task.
On the other hand, the Big 3 make lots of money off of their diesel powered pickups. With those same engines being used in other vehicles, the cost gets spread across a much larger base. Plus, that's a completely different market. Most consumers aren't going to pay an extra $7k for a diesel option in their car like someone looking for a tow vehicle will. Even though you will never recoup that cost at current diesel prices.
Low Sulphur Diesel is what was introduced in the 90s, <500ppm. We now have Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel, <15ppm. It's not nitpicking, they are very different fuels.
[quote BigGuynRusty]Small, efficient flat electric motors are here, please don't compare a small diesel hybrid to a 6 trillion ton earthmover.
OK, but the diesel part of it remains the same. So don't try to say that size is going to revolutionize the internal combustion engine. The requirement for an engine supplying power to a drivetrain is different than that of one driving a genset. Especially if we're talking efficiency and durability.
[quote BigGuynRusty]You work for GM? They almost killed off diesel engines in the 1980's.
Let's just say I've never owned anything with a 'bowtie' on it.
As for the Euros just waiting for the new fuel, if that was the case, they could have just used their existing Euro models since they have already adopted ULSD. If you notice the '07 diesel options are quite scarce for a reson. Our emissions standards are more strict than the Euros. They now have to meet the new emissions standards, keep the mileage up AND competitively price the vehicle. Since the demand for diesel powered passenger vehicles is small in the US, that's not an easy task.
On the other hand, the Big 3 make lots of money off of their diesel powered pickups. With those same engines being used in other vehicles, the cost gets spread across a much larger base. Plus, that's a completely different market. Most consumers aren't going to pay an extra $7k for a diesel option in their car like someone looking for a tow vehicle will. Even though you will never recoup that cost at current diesel prices.