Gas vs. Diesel Performance

GAS VS. DIESEL IN LIGHT-DUTY APPLICATIONS

LOREN C. MARZ - Board Certified Meteorologist

PERFORMANCE

Based on old perceptions, light-duty diesels are not usually associated with "high performance". However, modern diesels have become the "performance option" in many vehicles, especially in Europe.

The following are reference citations which support the notion of "high performance diesels", and counter the "diesels are slow" perception.

"...When Gale Banks's Sidewinder pickup passed through the speed traps of the Bonneville Salt Flats at 222.139 mph on Oct. 19, 2002, driver Don Alexander didn't need to worry about his gasoline engine's ignition system failing--because his truck didn't have either. Banks's new Land Speed Record Dodge Dakota is powered by a modified 2003 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel straight Six that produces 735 hp and more than 1300 ft.-lb. of torque.

His go-fast company, Gale Banks Engineering in Azusa, Calif., is a firm believer that diesels are the future. The speed run on the Salt Flats was meant to dispel the old myths of the stinky, slow oil burners. It worked. And the pickup is street legal to boot. So ol' Gale can now lay claim to the World's Fastest Pickup and the World's First Diesel Sport Truck. For more information, visit www.bankspower.com...."

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/motor_sports/1269041.html

"…Speed isn’t the Sidewinder’s only great attribute. With a diesel engine for a heart, the Sidewinder also gets great gas mileage. In recent tests running 70-mph over a 120-mile loop, the Sidewinder achieved a fuel economy of 21.24-mpg! Street injectors and a street computer were used to achieve these results…."

Source: http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/stories/sidewinder/page2.html

"…During the trip, I kept track of the fuel economy on all of the vehicles. I was amazed to find that the Sidewinder Dakota achieved 23.6 MPG!...

…And mind you, none of us were driving conservatively in order to achieve a decent fuel economy number…."

Source: http://www.banksblog.com/archives/2005/07/236_mpg_from_a.html

"…If you want the pick of the Avensis engine range, however, then look no further than the 2.0-litre D-4D common-rail turbodiesel.

On the steep and twisty inclines that made up much of our test route, this unit's 280Nm of torque and muscular mid-range power delivery made for more effortless overtaking and fewer gearshifts than in its petrol-powered counterpart. Given the fact that the D-4D is capable of returning 48.7mpg on the combined cycle and is the first oil-burner to meet Euro VI emissions regulations - putting it in a three per cent lower CO2-related tax bracket than any diesel - and the newcomer's credentials look solid…."

Source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?previews/previews_story.php?id=34406

"…On this side of the ocean, the Big Three are busily working on hybrid technology while diesel engines remain, largely, a non-starter.

Yet, diesels make more sense for this market than in Europe where they have soared to a third of all vehicle sales, says a perplexed Chrysler President Dieter Zetsche.

The way Zetsche figures it, if they are approaching 35% share in his homeland Europe, they should capture 50% in the U.S. because of the characteristics of this market.

North Americans want strong acceleration off the line when the light turns green. The combination of impatience and a desire for power calls for low-speed torque, which diesels provide. This country’s drivers also need towing capacity and more off-road capability than the European market demands. “All of that is low-end, high torque,” says Zetsche, better achieved with diesel, not gasoline engines…."

"…While the auto maker will follow suit in the pursuit of hybrids, they are not the “silver bullet” when it comes to better fuel efficiency, says Zetsche. “I think diesel is the bigger answer and the more important one.”…"

Source: http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_powertrain_choices_not/

"…Says Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche: ‘This is diesel country. People just don't know it’…"

Source: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_19/b3832079.htm

"…For most people, gasoline will continue to be the predominant fuel for most American cars and light trucks. Surcharges and penalties may be imposed on car companies, and even car owners, whose vehicles don’t achieve legislated levels of fuel economy, and this will lead many car and truck makers to offer another alternative that can significantly improve fuel economy and reduce pollution. That alternative is diesel.

Before you dismiss the idea of diesel-powered cars (we already have diesel light trucks), consider several things. First, we’re not talking about smoke belching, noisy, smelly diesels here. We’re talking about the new generation of clean, powerful, efficient diesels (see ”Diesel Evolution” elsewhere on this site). Second, diesels can get 40 to 60 percent better fuel economy than similar gasoline engines. This would reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Third, modern diesels will emit less pollution than gasoline engines. Fourth, one out of every three cars in western Europe is diesel powered. Fifth, the technology not only exists, it is already in production by American and foreign car companies. American diesel-powered cars are manufactured for sale in Europe. Sixth, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel has already been mandated in this country by the EPA by 2006. Seventh, diesel engines are more practical in hybrid vehicles than are gasoline engines. Eighth, diesel engines can be built in any size and power to match the transportation needs of various sized vehicles. Buyers wouldn’t be limited to small cars or short travel distances. Ninth, the refining, transportation, storage and distribution infrastructure already exists for diesel. Adding diesel pumps to gas stations would cost far less than a hydrogen distribution system. Tenth, we can manufacture diesel fuel from natural gas and renewable resources to cut our dependence on foreign oil even further. Understand we’re not talking about replacing every gasoline-powered car and truck with a diesel. If only 20 percent of our cars and light trucks are diesel powered, the average fuel economy and total pollution of the American vehicle population will be significantly improved…."

Source: http://www.bankspower.com/tech_futurefuel.cfm

"… "Diesel can easily outperform comparable gasoline engine," said Josef Maier, AVL president. "It's not a question of technology it's a question of marketing."…"

"… Engineers at AVL believe that the high torque output of diesel engines could make them the perfect engine for the large SUVs favored by Americans.

"Diesel would destroy gasoline from a performance perspective," said Chris Cowland, AVL's technical director. …"

Source: http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0303/03/b01-97395.htm

"…The Vectra concept car, developed by OPC and based on the GTS sport sedan, is powered by a new development of the 1.9 turbo-diesel available early next year in the Vectra and the Signum. While the standard 1.9 CDTI ECOTEC develops 110 kW (150 hp), the twin-turbo version increases this to 156 kW (212 hp) and therefore has a higher specific power output than the V12 6.0-liter gasoline engine in the Ferrari Enzo. The Italian supercar develops 80.8 kW (110 hp) per liter, the Opel Vectra OPC´s twin-turbo engine produces 82 kW (112 hp) per liter…."

Source: http://car.kak.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=news&file=article&sid=1396&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

"…The Opel Performance Center (OPC) presented an ultra-sporty concept car based on the Vectra GTS at the 2003 Essen Motorshow. Featuring innovative twin-turbochargers, the 1.9-liter diesel produces 212 bhp and peak torque of more than 400 Nm from as low as 1400 rpm. With this engine the Vectra OPC needs no more than 6.5 seconds to sprint from zero to 100 km/h. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h, while fuel consumption in the European test cycle is only six liters per 100 kilometers. With this powerful yet economical, high-performance common-rail injection engine, Opel demonstrates again its diesel expertise…."

"…Two electronically controlled turbochargers, with maximum boost-pressure of 3.0 bar, are key to the improved performance, enabling the 1.9-liter twin-turbo to drive as smoothly as a naturally-aspirated, large-displacement engine. Peak torque of more than 400 Newtonmeters is available all the way up the engine-speed range from 1400 to 3500 rpm. Apart from the considerable power increase, one of the advantages of the twin-turbo principle is the engine's low fuel consumption…."

Source: http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame.mv?file=car.mv&num=1803

OPEL OPC 1,9 ltr.

Power = 156 kW @ 3800 rpm (82 kW/ltr.)

Torque = 400 Nm [295 ft-lbs] @ 1400-3500 rpm

Source: http://www.osti.gov/fcvt/deer2004/SweetlandSession4.pdf

"…Test engines have run 1,000 hours at full throttle and Cummins has run durability testing on some engines as long as 22,000 hours (two and a half years) with many hours at 325 hp. That is the equivalent to 3.8 million miles…."

"…The new diesel (test vehicle was a Quad Cab short bed 4X4) ran 0-60 in a class-leading 8.03 seconds…."

"…Ram truckin' with a diesel is fun…."

Source: http://www.mtdemocrat.com/articles/2004/01/15/road_beat/x1501_a.txt

"...The engine life of automotive diesel engines in Europe is about twice that of gasoline engines...."

Source: http://www.osti.gov/fcvt/deer2004/FairbanksDieselMythpaper.pdf

"...Fuel economy alone won't prod U.S. consumers to buy diesels, but fuel economy doesn't entirely explain Europe's huge diesel wave, either, he said. Reason: Fuel prices in Europe have been several times higher than U.S. prices for many years, but it wasn't until big engine performance gains of recent years that Europeans began flocking to diesels, he said...."

Source: http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0CYH/20_7/110471046/p1/article.jhtml

"…the E320 CDI struck us as vastly superior to the base E320…."

"…Big trucks are a natural fit for diesel power, as a glance at the track sheet will confirm: 6.2 seconds to 60 mph, 14.7 seconds through the quarter-mile at 93 mph – in a 5880 pound off-roader capable of 24 mp[g]!…"

"…the all-internal-combustion option [diesel vs. gas-hybrid] is best suited to 200,000 miles’ worth of hill-and-dale, sea-to-sea American-style driving…."

Source: Car and Driver, March 2004, http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=7816&page_number=4

"…There’s no question this is better than any comparable-size gasoline engine…"

Source: http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_daimlerchrysler_mercedes_dohc/index.htm

"…You'll have to find new reasons not to like diesels…."

Source: “Who knew a diesel could be so suave?”, James R. Healey, April 8, 2004, USAToday, http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2004-04-08-e320_x.htm

"…In many instances, the diesel variant has become the most desirable car in the range, and this is certainly true of the Audi A8…."

Source: http://www.europeancarweb.com/firstlook/0409ec_a8audi/

"…Modifying a modern diesel engine with computer controlled engine management is one of the simplest forms of hot rodding imaginable. You don’t have to take the engine apart, and the modification pieces cost far less than what’s required to get similar power gains from a gasoline engine…."

Source: http://www.bankspower.com/tech_racingthediesel.cfm

"…Both [diesel] torque and horsepower potential now greatly exceed gasoline…"

Source: http://www.osti.gov/fcvt/deer2004/BanksGale01.pdf

"...The Wolverine gave Utah diesel fans a taste of the enormous performance potential in modern "light-duty" diesel engines...."

Source: http://www.automedia2000.com/edge/eg0408.htm

"...Edge Products has built a fullsize Ram drag truck with the goal of running under seven seconds at over 200 mph. That would put the truck in the same pit as Pro Mods and Pro Stock cars that run 500- to 700-cubic-inch engines, often supercharged or running on nitrous oxide...."

"...he estimates horsepower at over 1100 and torque at 2500-plus lb-ft.... "

Source: http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/stories/edge/edge1.html

"…While turbocharging has been applied to both gasoline and diesel engines, only limited boost can be added to a gasoline engine before the fuel octane level again becomes a problem. With a diesel, boost pressure is essentially unlimited. It is literally possible to run as much boost as the engine will physically stand before breaking apart. Consequently, engine designers have come to realize that diesels are capable of substantially more power and torque than any comparably sized gasoline engine. Equally impressive is the fact that development of performance diesels is just beginning. Diesels designed specifically for passenger cars are likely to be both more powerful and smaller than today’s gasoline engines. Look for light duty diesel crankshaft speed to increase, engine weight to decrease, and performance per liter to increase by another 50 percent or more! It’s all happening now…."

Source: http://www.bankspower.com/Tech_dieselperf.cfm

"…Under the hood is a 2.7-liter bi-turbo diesel engine that produces 230 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, a combination strong enough to propel the lightweight car to 60 mph in less than six seconds and reach an electronically limited 155-mph top speed. Makes diesel sound more appealing, doesn't it?..."

Source: http://motortrend.com/autoshows/coverage/112_0401_detroit/index14.html

"…The 2.7-liter diesel V6 is a modified version of the engine Ford builds with Peugeot in Europe for the Jaguar S-Type. The engine has two turbochargers and develops 248 hp…."

Source: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101489

"…Mercedes-Benz is presenting a new V6 diesel engine which will replace the previous in-line five and six-cylinder engines from spring 2005. With an output of 165 kW/224 hp and a maximum torque of 510 Newton metres [376 ft-lbs], the Mercedes six-cylinder is one of the most powerful units in its class..."

Source: http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2041216.002/mercedes/1.html

"…At 208 kg, the new V-6 is only slightly heavier than the previous 5-cylinder engine…"

Source: http://wwwsg.daimlerchrysler.com/SD7DEV/GMS/TEMPLATES/GMS_PRESS_KIT/0,2970,0-1-62101-1-1-text-0,00.html

"…In order to make up the 191 horsepower deficit, Lamborghini may increase turbo pressure or add an additional turbocharger…."

Source: http://macleans.auto123.com/en/info/news/news,view.spy?artid=33820&pg=1

"…So what are the advantages to selecting a gasoline engine? Aside from slightly lower initial cost, there’s little to recommend gasoline engines today. It’s a new world, and diesel is no longer the fuel of the future — it’s the fuel (and the engine) for today. …"

Source: http://www.bankspower.com/tech_gasordiesel.cfm

"…Among several notable innovations, the Allroad concept showcases a 4L DOHC V-8 TDI turbodiesel – the first V-8 diesel, says Audi, to feature sophisticated piezohydraulic fuel injectors and a diesel particulate filter Audi says makes the engine compliant with Euro IV emissions standards coming into effect next year.

The new 4L TDI V-8 develops 286 hp and 479 lb.-ft. (650 Nm) of torque…."

Source: http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_audi_sees_sales/index.htm

"…Despite the fast approaching introduction of the Euro IV emissions limits, the upper limits of specific power output of new diesels are set to increase further over the next few years. With 60kW/litre already in production we believe that the latest developments in diesel technology will ultimately enable peak ratings of 80-100kW/litre. This is likely to lead to a rapid growth in the sports diesel market which is currently in its infancy…."

Source: http://www.ricardo.com/mediaCentre/newsArticle.asp?id=201§or=1

"…If the public perceives the diesel as being a luxury, high-performance vehicle, then it will sell…."

Source: http://www.emd.horiba.com/engmeas/techpdf/R023-03-013-E-600DslEngPMmeas.pdf

"…Nowadays our diesels are as powerful and sporty as the very latest petrol units. At the same time they offer more torque and are particularly economical, environmentally friendly and smooth…

…This presentation includes two fascinating sports car studies: an SLK 320 CDI with a 210-kW/286-hp triturbo diesel engine (630 Newton metres [465 ft lbs]) and the Vision SL 400 CDI with a new eight-cylinder engine which is soon to enter series production at Mercedes-Benz. With an output of 231 kW/315 hp and a torque of 730 Newton metres, this future V8 engine is the world's most powerful car diesel unit. Cordes: "This engine shows that the future of the diesel has only just begun."…"

Source: http://www.theautochannel.com/F/news/2005/03/01/000425.html

"…Sporting a modified tachometer with a red zone extending from 4,500 to 5,000 rpm and the self-confident appearance of the SLK 55 AMG, the vehicle is a proud member of the Mercedes-Benz diesel family. The new engine gives the roadster an impressive boost and allows it to perform prodigious feats: it takes the car but 5.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62.5 mph, and it can travel a distance of 1,000 metres in just 24.4 seconds from a standing start. The top speed is meanwhile electronically limited to 155 mph. With this kind of performance, the SLK 320 CDI tri-turbo has a unique standing even among thoroughbred sports cars. And fuel economy is just as impressive, since, despite the incredible driving performance, the diesel roadster achieves 37.7 mpg [31.4 U.S. mpg] (NEDC overall consumption).

The new drive in the Vision SL 400 CDI also belongs to Mercedes-Benz’ third generation of CDI engines. To create this system, the engineers took the familiar four-litre V8 diesel and enhanced many of its components while also adding state-of-the-art piezo injectors, new turbochargers and an optimised water/charge-air cooling system. Taken together, all of these measures allow the engine to bring forth its power and torque in an even more harmonious fashion. The SL 400 CDI accelerates from zero to 62.5 mph in 5.8 seconds. As such, this diesel sports car justifiably bears the legendary letters "SL". …."

Source: http://www.carpages.co.uk/mercedes_benz/mercedes-benz-diesel-engines-part-4-05-03-05.asp, http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=9411

"…The Opposed Piston-Opposed Cylinder (OPOC) design, says an FEV source, also generates extraordinary power density. A turbocharged 2-cyl. prototype on display generates 325 hp and 590 lb.-ft. (800 Nm) of torque at 2,000 rpm, yet weighs just 270 lbs. (123 kg)…."

Source: http://subscribers.wardsauto.com

"…The OPOC engine will have numerous advantages over current mass-produced four-cycle engines…."

Source: http://home.arcor.de/hildst/EnEx99e.html

"…The structural weight of the engine is significantly less than a normal diesel engine of comparable power due to the “push-pull” action created by the pistons as they react to combustion pressure. An advanced, four-stroke military diesel engine, currently under development, is targeted to produce about 325 hp at a weight of well over 500 pounds. The OPOC™ engine produces 325 horsepower and weighs only 275 pounds...."

Source: http://www.fev.com/news/opocpr-050905.pdf

"…240 kW (326 bhp): With this extremely impressive power output, the new Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro puts itself ahead of all the other diesel-engined cars on the international market…."

"…low engine weight of only 255 kilograms…"

Source: http://www.audi.com/audi/com/en1/company/news/press_releases/audi_a8_4_2_tdi_quattro.html

"…It took the Mercedes team 30 days to travel 100,000 miles, at a record-setting average speed of 139.699 mph. With production diesel engines. While getting nearly 18 mpg…."

"…As for the future of diesels in America: We drove multiple European models from San Antonio to Laredo, including an AMG-tuned CLK, and there is simply no downside to these modern diesel automobiles. Power is more than adequate, torque is of the stump-pulling variety, and if the cars do what Mercedes says they will — which is meet all state and federal pollution requirements using low-sulfur fuel (available here in September 2006) — sign us up. According to a spokesman for the Diesel Technology Forum, this new fuel will be "only a few cents" more expensive than current diesel fuel.

Mercedes-Benz has thrown down the diesel gauntlet: Diesel cars can be fast, fun, dependable, economical and — most important — legal in all 50 states. If the federal government will give diesel technology some breaks, this could help change things. A lot…."

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=105899

"…Each of the US-bound BLUETEC vehicles announced uses a V6 diesel engine that develops 155 kW (211 hp) and 540 Nm [398 ft-lbs] of torque…."

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/01/mercedes_to_int.html#more

"…One of the things that both Banks and Bosch believe is that diesel should be the performance option on cars and trucks…."

Source: http://www.banksblog.com/archives/2005/08/vacation_all_i.html

"…This is another example of today's mega-diesels, able to produce more power than a same-size petrol engine as well as the expected annihilation in the torque delivery…."

Source: http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-tests/driving-impressions-2004/B/bmw/535d.html

"…We just need to design and build diesels for the light pickup and SUV market and for passenger car market with performance in mind. Done properly, light-duty diesel can kick gas. And if you want a hybrid, a diesel hybrid also kicks gas -- and that includes hydrogen…."

Source: http://www.banksblog.com/archives/gale_banks/index.html

"…[Muller Performance] said the [DT466] was capable of 240 pounds of boost and 3000 hp…"

Source: http://www.diesel-central.com/forums/default.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=2848

"…A Super Stock with 4 turbochargers and 200 psi-plus boost pressure will top out at around 2,500-2,800 hp…."

Source: http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb110432.htm, http://www.pulltown.com/about.htm

"…there is a feeling at Audi that traditional gasoline/electricity hybrids will not be able to stack up from an environmental or performance standpoint with diesel hybrid technology…."

Source: http://www.audiworld.com/news/05/q7exclusive/content.shtml

"...We all know that diesels have come a long way from the rattling tractors of days gone by, but somewhere along the line they have quietly usurped the petrol-powered alternatives....

...It scoots to 60mph in 6.5 seconds and blasts all the way round to its electronically limited 155mph without breaking its stride. The automatic, petrol-powered 530i is 0.6 seconds slower to break the 60mph mark and this is a lifetime in such similar cars.

With this kind of performance, combined with frugality of 35mpg even on a continental thrash...

...On the trip I also drove the impressive 630i -- and we'll be reporting on that car soon -- but for 2,000-mile drive back to England I only wanted the keys to one car. That was the diesel, and that speaks volumes - the days of the tractor are over...."

Source: http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=100&i=9847

"…the aftermarket Euro tuners at DMS Automotive (Andover, Hampshire, England) have bumped those figures up to 344 hp and 506 lb-ft of torque with simple electronics tweaks…."

Source: http://www.bankspower.com/im_HotRod_Sept05.cfm

"...At the Tokyo Motor Show Volkswagen are presenting a prototype that could well make history as the most economical sports car of its time. The two basic figures: 3.4 litres per 100 km (69.2 MPG) average consumption, and 230 kph top speed (143 mph). The name of the sports car: EcoRacer. Eco, because fuel consumption and emission are extremely low; Racer, because the dynamic potential of this mid-engined sports car is thoroughbred and fascinating...."

"... the EcoRacer...accelerates to 100 kph (62 mph) in a mere 6.3 seconds..."

"...The four-cylinder engine develops 100 kW /136 PS at 4000 rpm. Between 1900 and 3750 rpm, the 1484 cc four-valve unit develops a torque of more than 250 Newton metres. The compression ratio is 17.2:1. The unit is both light and compact, and – not only in the EcoRacer – it conforms to values planned for the EU-5 exhaust standard. The gearbox of the turbo-diesel is the DSG double-clutch transmission...."

Source: http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/volkswagen_news/article_1581.shtml

"…The heart of the Audi R10 is a completely new V12 TDI engine with a cubic capacity of 5.5 litres – the maximum permitted at Le Mans. Audi ventures into previously unexplored diesel-engine terrain with power exceeding 650 hp and torque of more than 1100 Newton metres [811 ft-lbs] from the V12 power plant….

Source: http://www.audi.com

"...Rinaldo Capello went 0.7 seconds under the track qualifying record in his Audi R10, a tremendous prospect for the R10's debut race next month. Capello's lap of 1:47.308 best teammate Frank Biela's qualifying pass of 1:48.029, set in 2002...."

Source: http://www.autoracingdaily.com/article.php?cid=5203

"…The new Audi R10 TDI has written a piece of motorsport history making its world debut in the American Le Mans Series' Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. For the first time, a diesel-powered car has claimed pole position in a sports car race. In Thursday's qualifying session, Scotland's Allan McNish broke the track record by over two seconds, impressively underlining the performance of the modern Audi TDI technology…."

Source: http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=1823

"…a diesel engine will be expected to go further (more fuel efficient), finally, diesels produce awesome torque (800-plus pound-feet vs 500-plus pound-feet for the R8). So yes, you have to think the R10’s diesel is an upgrade…."

"…Audi claimed a possible 1-2 lap advantage at Le Mans over the R8, a track where a high percentage of the lap is at 100-percent throttle. So that will translate into a larger [fuel efficency] advantage at other circuits…."

Source: http://www.highlandstoday.com/MGBRVI3MNIE.html

"…Audi Sport North America made history Saturday as the diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI of Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Rinaldo Capello won the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The new prototype is the first diesel car in the world to win a major sports car race…."

Source: http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/alms/22629/

"…With a time of 12:01:56.561, the diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI won Sebring, the first race of the 2006 American Le Mans Series, by a margin of four laps over the Lola B05 40/AER. Powered by a 650 hp V12 TDI engine, the R10 set a track record in the qualifying round with a lap of 1:45.828, shattering the previous mark by more than two seconds. The Audi R10 TDI replaces the R8, which won the Sebring race for the last six consecutive years….

Source: http://www.dieselforum.org/newsarticle/article/443/1/

"…Powering the PreVue is a twin-turbocharged DOHC common-rail diesel that makes 212 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission…."

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109965#7

"…It [535d] scoots to 60mph in 6.5 seconds and blasts all the way round to its electronically limited 155mph without breaking its stride. The automatic, petrol-powered 530i is 0.6 seconds slower to break the 60mph mark and this is a lifetime in such similar cars….

Source: http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=100&i=9847

"...Peugeot will enter the 2007 Le Mans 24 Hours race with a new car—the Peugeot 908—powered by a 5.5-liter V-12 HDi diesel engine equipped with a diesel particulate filter system....

...Peugeot expects the engine to deliver more than 515 kW (690 hp) of power and more than 1,200 Nm of torque...."

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/06/peugeot_will_go.html#more

"Bio-diesel racer entering LeMans in 2008

...Welter Racing, a French-based team, has announced plans to go one step further into the green by fielding a biodiesel-powered racer in the LMP2 class at Le Mans in 2008. An entirely new chassis is being developed for the racer that will be entered in the 2007 race, albeit powered by petrol. The biodiesel powerplant will be ready to take the track for the 2008 race...."

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/bio-diesel-racer-entering-lemans-in-2008/

"...For the first time ever at Le Mans a diesel will lead the field at the 74th running of the 24 Heures du Mans. In the last two hour qualifying stint Audi put its new project, the R10 powered by a V12 TDI diesel, one-two at the circuit La Sarthe...."

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=221547

"...Audi swept the front row in the final session of qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans....

Source: http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/alms/26590/

"The Race Ends with an Audi Diesel Victory

In the final hours of the 74th running of the 24 Heures du Mans, there were no more surprises - unless one counts the unlikely eventuality of the world's premier endurance race being won by a diesel-engined sports car. Unlikely as it may seem - and it would have been deemed impossible until recently - diesel is not just economical, not merely practical, beyond unexpectedly torquey, it is now a type of engine with a Le Mans win to its name.

Even before the victory of the No.8 Audi Sport Team Joest R10, in the capable, mature hands of Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner, and the third place of its sister No.7 car driven by Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish, the car was changing the face of racing. Peugeot announced it will contest the great race next year with its own V12 diesel, with much the same specifications as Audi's TDI...."

Source: http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2006-06-18_AF_1049_gb.html

"Audi diesel dominates Le Mans

Mission accomplished. The #8 Audi R10 of Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner fulfilled Audi's ambition of fielding the first non-gasoline-powered winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the process the trio set a record for the distance travelled by the winning car, narrowly beating the previous record set by an Audi R8. Despite a lengthy pit stop to replace the faulty fuel injection system, the pole-sitting #7 Audi of Kristensen, Capello and McNish managed a third-place finish in LMP1...."

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/18/audi-diesel-dominates-le-mans

"Audi Triumphs With TDI Power At Le Mans

...The fans on the race track and a worldwide audience of millions of TV viewers saw an impressive demonstration of Audi TDI Power and the performance of modern diesel engines. The brace of Audi R10 TDI cars, powered by a 650 hp V12 TDI engine, were by far the fastest and most economical cars. During the entire race, one of the new diesel sportscars from Ingolstadt was at the head of the field. Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen drove the fastest lap of the race, setting a 3m 31.211s time, and he was the first driver at the wheel of an LM P1 sportscar to cover 16 laps with one fuel load. Completing 380 laps, Audi also set a new distance record.

In the race, the advantage in fuel consumption of the Audi TDI Power was visible for the spectators to on average, the Audi drivers only pitted every 14 laps to refuel 90 liters of Shell V-Power Diesel. The opposition, who relies on petrol engines, had to pit considerably more often. The fans were also impressed just how quiet an environmentally friendly 650-hp sportscar can be...."

Source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/06/19/011773.html

"...The best of the Pescarolos, which Erik Comas had taken over from Emmanuel Collard, was already the best part of a lap behind. The team’s worst-case scenario was playing out in front of its eyes. Its Judd-powered C60 wasn’t proving to be a match for the all-new Audi.

The R10 was quicker over one lap and consistently faster over the course of a stint. What’s more, it was going further on a tank of fuel. Ninety liters of diesel were good for 15 laps of the 8.48-mile Circuit de la Sarthe; 90 liters of gasoline good for just 13 laps.

'The Audi was just too fast,' said Collard. 'I was really trying in the opening laps, taking curbs and pushing hard, but I was still two seconds a lap slower. They were faster than us under acceleration, under braking, almost everywhere.'..."

Source: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060619/FREE/60619009/1001

"...Audi’s groundbreaking, derv-powered victory proves beyond doubt that diesel is at least a match for and usually better than petrol...."

Source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/200482/mike_rutherfords_column.html

"...The reigning 24 Hours of Le Mans champion posted a lap of 2:21.554, good enough for the pole by 0.209 seconds. Audi diesel power will fill the front row with McNish and Dindo Capello starting second for the first Series race at the new Miller Motorsports Park...."

Source: http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=2281

"...Diesel power is starting to take hold in the American Le Mans Series. The Audi R10 TDI remained unbeaten in three Series races as Allan McNish and Rinaldo Capello won the Portland Grand Prix on Saturday, their fourth overall victory of the season....

...Their No. 2 Audi R10 TDI set a race record by completing 142 laps...."

Source: http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=2353

"...Butch Leitzinger (#16-P1 Lola B06/10 AER) 'I think everyone should go out and buy an Audi diesel because th[ey] have a lot of power.'..."

Source: http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=2352

"...'But when it is proven on the track on multiple occasions that this new technology provides an insurmountable and crushing advantage, then it is no longer racing but rather a demonstration run.'...

...'Their greater straight line speeds and much better fuel economy have not changed. And that central issue still remains – the absurd disparity between diesel and gasoline fuel economy. And these areas also need to be addressed.'..."

Source: http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=39301

"...Allan McNish, who had clinched pole-position with a lap time of 1,49.181 minutes – breaking the ALMS track record on the 4.048 miles track north of Milwaukee – was also hit on the opening lap but did not lose time. After 32 laps, he handed over the leading Audi R10 TDI to his co-driver Dindo Capello. The Italian stayed in front until a pace par phase in the final half hour of the race. At the re-start team-mate Emanuele Pirro just eased ahead. After 76 laps the two Audi R10 TDI sports-prototypes celebrated a second successive 1-2 success following the Portland double victory in July.

Source: http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=39555

“…Both diesels displace 2,993cc but the 335d SE uses BMW’s Variable Twin Turbocharger technology that, unlike the twin-turbo petrol, uses different sized turbochargers to generate 286hp and 580Nm [428 ft-lbs] of torque. The 330d’s single turbocharged engine delivers 231hp and 500Nm….”

Source: http://www.easier.com/view/News/Motoring/BMW/article-66511.html

"…The street version of the V12 TDI will be the most powerful passenger car diesel in the world, with -- get this -- 500 horsepower and a staggering 720 lb ft of torque on tap…."

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/08/report-audi-q7-to-get-le-mans-derived-v12-tdi/

"…Not to be outdone by its cross-town sibling Citroen, Peugeot rocked Paris with a four-door, mid-engined V12-powered luxury sedan concept. No kidding. Think of the 908RC as an Aston Martin Rapide or Porsche Panamera for the masses. In reality the RC is helping Peugeot home-in on the styling of the next-generation 607, Peugeot’s flagship sedan that’s best known as the limo-of-choice for French politicians. But it’s also a bit of fun, linking a road car design with the Peugeot 908 sports racer, destined for the Le Mans 24 Hours next year. Both share the same 100 degree vee, 700bhp, [885 ft-lbs] V12 turbo-diesel. In the concept it’s mounted transversely, in the race car in-line. Despite the exotic powertrain, the 908RC is designed around the roomy cabin package of the 607, a Ford 500-sized four-door. Also significant is the race-car look wraparound windscreen and cranked A-pillar, both attempts at combining good visibility with strong crash protection in future production cars…."

Source: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060929/FREE/60929005/1056/FREE, http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/peugeot_908rc.asp

"…The two Audi R10 TDI prototypes were quicker than all other cars competing in the American Le Mans Series on a regular basis. Faster were only two petrol-driven prototypes from Europe, which are allowed to run with the same 65-kilogram weight advantage as the two Lolas of the Dyson team.

Despite the weight handicap, Allan McNish held the provisional "pole" in the number 2 Audi R10 TDI for a long time. He was narrowly beaten by Nicolas Minassian's Creation-Judd just before the end of the qualifying session. Frank Biela, after setting the fastest time with the number 1 R10 TDI in the morning practice, was on his quickest lap when qualifying had to be interrupted due to an accident…."

Source: http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=2588

"...Diesel power also finished the season unbeaten as the Audi R10 TDI completed its first season of competition 7-0 in the American Le Mans Series, plus a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Saturday's may have been the most challenging though as the Audis withstood a charge from LMP1s of Dyson Racing, Creation and Zytek, along with Porsche and Penske Racing from LMP2. But in the end Audi finished 1-2 with Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro coming across the line second.

McNish drove the final 1:17 on the same tires and tank of fuel as Audi displayed the fuel economy of diesel, one of the reasons Audi undertook the landmark program...."

Source: http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=2691

"…in theory then they should really hate the Trident Iceni R. It has a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 450bhp. It will do 230mph and get to 60mph in less than four seconds. But, and this is the kicker, it runs on locally produced biodiesel, and at a constant 56mph the Iceni will return a Smart car-beating 70mpg…."

Source: http://motoring.independent.co.uk/features/article1919451.ece

"...The Audi machine continued to roll Sebring on Thursday as Marco Werner qualified his diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI on the pole position for Saturday's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the season-opener for the 2007 American Le Mans Series. The two-time Sebring winner set a qualifying record with a lap of 1:44.974 at Sebring International Raceway...."

Source: http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=2880

"…BMW views its diesels in particular as a core technology in its strategy to reduce CO₂ emissions….

…The variable twin turbo technology—also referred to as multistage turbocharging—gives the top-end unit maximum output of 150 kW/204 hp, making this the first all-aluminum diesel engine in the world to develop output of more than 100 hp per liter...."

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/bmw/400nm-four-banger-diesel-from-bmw/

"…We have engines in the laboratory getting 90 kW (120 hp) per liter of displacement.…"

Source: http://wardsautoworld.com/ar/auto_diesel_research_heats/index.html

"…This 1965 Chevy Impala was retrofitted to run on biodiesel for MTV's show Pimp My Ride. When it raced a Lamborghini in a quarter-mile drag race, the show's producers were afraid the Lamborghini would win by a large margin, but the biodiesel car dusted it…."

Source: http://news.com.com/2300-11389_3-6174150-1.html?tag=ne.gall.pg, http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/FREE/70418005/1029/THISWEEKSISSUE, http://pacificp.com/newsletter/april07.htm

"...The V12 diesel, with a 6-liter (6,000 cc) engine closely related to that of the R10 TDI racing car—a triple Le Mans winner—delivers 368 kW (500 bhp) and develops a torque of 1,000 N•m (738 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and a capped top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) equal the driving performance of a powerful sports car. Despite these performance data, the V12 diesel consumes an average of 11.3 L/100km (20.82 mpg US)...."

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/04/newq7-20090415.html#more

"...The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon develops 163 HP between 3,500 and 4,200 RPM while offering up an amazing 265 Lb-Ft. of torque 1,750 to 3,000 RPM. This equates to a zero to 60 mph time of < 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 137mph. Acceleration in fifth gear from 50mph to 75mph is also suitably swift taking just 9.6 seconds...."

Source: http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24471

"...the X5 diesel is 38 percent more fuel-efficient and just 0.1 second slower to 60 mph than the pricier X5 xDrive48i with its gas-powered V8....

...In performance testing, our X5 xDrive35d dispatched with 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and crested the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds; the latter is actually 0.1 second quicker than the V8-powered X5 xDrive48i can manage...."

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x5/2009/testdrive.html

"...the little 3.0L inline-six in the 335d actually made 258 hp and 421 lb-ft at the wheels, making the crankshaft numbers closer to 300 hp and 525 lb-ft...."

Source: http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/0912dp_2009_bmw_335d/diesel_engine.html

"...A new C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY will likewise feature the ECO start/stop function and a six-speed manual transmission, resulting in fuel consumption of 4.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (53.5 mpg US)—0.4 liters lower than the previous figure. CO2 emissions drop from 127 g/km to 117 g/km. The new C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with ECO start/stop function is the most fuel-efficient C-Class yet...."

"...The new C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model has a displacement of 1.8 liters and an output of 135 kW (184 hp), with fuel consumption of 6.8 liters of premium unleaded gasoline per 100 kilometers (34.6 mpg US) (combined NEDC consumption)—around 0.8 liters (10%) less than the previous four-cylinder engine with conventional fuel injection and a supercharger. CO₂ emissions from the direct-injection [GDI] model with a manual transmission are 158 grams per kilometer (12% lower than previously). Despite the lower fuel consumption, the peak torque has been increased from 250 N•m to 270 N•m (199 lb-ft), enabling the new C 200 CGI to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds (outgoing model 8.6 seconds)...."

"...This effective ECO start/stop function likewise features in the new Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model with a six-speed manual transmission, which has a displacement of 2,143 cc, an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and a peak torque of 400 N•m (295 lb-ft), allowing the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds...."

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/04/cclass-20100414.html#more

Diesel vs. gasser comparison:

Fuel consumption – 6.8 ÷ 4.4 = 1.545 = 54.5% more (35.3% less for diesel)
CO₂ emissions – 158 ÷ 117 = 1.35 = 35% more (25.9% less for diesel)
Acceleration – 0-100 km/hr – 8.2 sec (GDI), 8.4 sec (CDI)

"...The new Jetta 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Technology [103 hp] consumes an estimated 5.3 l/100 km (44 mpg US) (equivalent to 123 g/km CO₂) on the NEDC. The Jetta with 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology [103 hp] attains a low combined fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100 km (57 mpg US) (109 g/km CO₂)...."

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/06/jetta-20100615.html#more

Diesel vs. gasser comparison:

Fuel consumption – 5.3 ÷ 4.1 = 1.293 = 29.3% more (22.6% less for diesel)
CO₂ emissions – 123 ÷ 109 = 1.128 = 12.8% more (11.4% less for diesel)

"...With combined fuel consumption of 6.8 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (35 mpg US) NEDC—corresponding to CO2 emissions of 177 grams per kilometer—the new V6 diesel model is 11% more economical than its predecessor. At the same time, the power output is up 10% at 190 kW (258 hp) and torque is 15% higher at 620 N•m (457 lb-ft). The S350 BlueTEC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) electronically limited)...."

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/07/350-20100706.html#more

"...The S400 BlueHYBRID combines a modified 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine that delivers 205 kW (279 hp) of power with a 120V, 15 kW electric motor and a starting torque of 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque. The combined system delivers power of 220 kW (299 hp) and a combined maximum torque of 385 Nm (284 lb-ft), with fuel consumption of 7.9 L/100km (30 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 190 g/km. The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 100 kph in 7.2 seconds, and has an electronically governed top speed of 250 kph (155 mph). The fuel consumption betters that of the conventionally powered S 350 by up to 2.2 liters per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions are reduced by 21%...."

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/09/daimler-will-la.html

Diesel vs. Hybrid comparison:

Fuel consumption – 7.9 ÷ 6.8 = 1.162 = 16.2% more (13.9% less for diesel)
CO₂ emissions – 190 ÷ 177 = 1.073 = 7.3% more (6.8% less for diesel)
Acceleration – 0-100 km/hr – 7.2 sec (S400 BlueHYBRID), 7.1 sec (S350 BlueTEC)

"...Indeed, the 535d goes from 0-100 km (0-62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds (faster than the 335d, which travels the same distance in six seconds) and uses just 6.1 l/100 km (38.5 mpg) in the European combined test cycle (less fuel than the 335d, which uses 6.7 l/100 km (35 mpg) in the same test)...."

Source: http://www.thedieseldriver.com/2010/08/bmw-335d-six-month-test-report-and-review/

European-spec 2012 535d vs. European-spec 2012 535i (per http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/pricesandspecifications/0,,1156___bs-NQ%3D%3D%40bb-TEkxMA%3D%3D%40sit-bmwuk,00.html)

Fuel consumption – 7.6 ÷ 5.4 = 1.407 = 40.7% more (28.9% less for diesel)
CO₂ emissions – 177 ÷ 142 = 1.246 = 24.6% more (19.8% less for diesel)
Acceleration – 0-100 km/hr – 5.9 sec (535i auto), 5.5 sec (535d)

[Estimated EPA 5-cycle fuel mileage with 535d based on relative difference between Euro-spec 535d vs. Euro-spec 335d and applying relative difference to U.S.-spec 335d...31 (city)/39 (highway)/34 (combined)]

Euro-spec 2012 528i vs. Euro-spec 2012 535d (http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/pricesandspecifications/0,,1156___bs-NQ%3D%3D%40bb-TEkxMA%3D%3D%40sit-bmwuk,00.html)

Fuel consumption – 6.5 ÷ 5.4 = 1.204 = 20.4% more (16.9% less for diesel)
CO₂ emissions – 152 ÷ 142 = 1.070 = 7.0% more (6.6% less for diesel)
Acceleration – 0-100 km/hr – 6.3 sec (528i auto), 5.5 sec (535d)

"...How efficient are Audi's diesels? Well, consider the fact that despite its much-heralded aluminum space frame, an extended wheelbase version of the new A8, the A8L, weighs a semi-portly 1,890 kilograms (it is, after all, a very big car). Venture further down the spec sheet and you'll find the number 5.8 [40.6 mpg]. That's how many litres of fuel, according to European driving cycle testing, the 3.0L TDi consumes for every 100 kilometres of highway travelled. Yes, I got that number right. No, I'm not looking at the Honda Civic spec sheet...."

Source: http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/diesel+Canada+That+pity/3504160/story.html#ixzz0zB8QRtdy

Audi A8 3.0 TFSI vs. 3.0 TDI (Germany - http://www.audi.de/de/brand/de/neuwagen/a8/a8/technische_daten.html)

Fuel consumption – 9.3 ÷ 6.6 = 1.4090 = 40.9% more (29.0% less for diesel)
CO₂ emissions – 217 ÷ 176 = 1.2329 = 23.3% more (18.9% less for diesel)
Acceleration – 0-100 km/hr – 6.2 sec (TFSI), 6.2 sec (TDI)

Audi A6 2.0 TSFI Hybrid vs. Audi A6 3.0 TDI (204 hp) (http://green.autoblog.com/2010/12/02/audi-reveals-new-a6-says-hybrid-version-is-on-the-way/)

Fuel consumption – 6.2 ÷ 5.2 = 1.123 = 19.2% more (16.1% less for diesel)
CO₂ emissions – 142 ÷ 137 = 1.026 = 3.6% more (3.5% less for diesel)
Acceleration – 0-100 km/hr – 7.3 sec (TFSI Hybrid), 7.2 sec (TDI)

"…Developed specifically for BMW's new M Performance range, the four-valve-per-cylinder, inline configured unit is the first BMW engine to adopt a patented induction process with three variable-geometry turbochargers and a common-rail injection system working at pressures of up to 31,000 psi to produce 376 horsepower at 4,000 rpm along with 545 pound-feet of torque on a band of revs between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm….

…The new engine is combined with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW's xDrive four-wheel-drive system — a combination that provides the headlining M550d xDrive sedan with an official 0-62-mph time that at 4.7 seconds is just 0.3 second shy of the new M5, whose twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter gasoline V8 engine delivers 572 hp and 502 lb-ft.

However, there appears to be more to the M550d xDrive that pure out-and-out straight-line performance. Given its claimed pace and hefty 4,178-pound curb weight, it is also remarkably frugal; BMW says it returns 6.3 liters/100 km on the European test cycle [165 g/km CO₂ @ EU6]…."

Source: http://www.insideline.com/bmw/5-series/bmws-m-division-unveils-new-m-performance-diesels.html

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