Could Diesel Technology Trump Hybrid and Electric?
Considering that the Toyota Prius gets about 50 mpg during highway driving and some of the new diesels are coming very close to that, diesel vehicles deserve your attention, and 2014 marks the year of more diesel options than ever
By Beverly & Steve Smirnis, proud members of the Texas Auto Writers Association
Here are some reasons why nearly all the auto-makers across the board are embracing diesel fuel technology.
These are not the dirty, smelly and noisy diesels of yesterday. Clean diesel fuel is “clean” because it has 97 percent less sulfur. The introduc- tion of this ULSD (ultra-low-sulfer diesel) fuel, along with a number of improvements to exhaust treat- ment systems significantly reduce engine emissions. Other new technologies such as electronic controls, common rail fuel injection, variable injection timing and turbo charging have made clean diesel engines cleaner, quieter and more powerful than ever before.
They make more sense for drivers who drive longer distances. Small, fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered cars, hybrids and electric ve- hicles are fine for light-duty use in urban areas or drivers with short commutes. But diesels are proving to be a better option for those who need more capability, and for suburbanites with longer commutes. Diesel satisfies those seeking better highway economy for longer trips with unmatched range.
Superiority in pure driving enjoyment and performance. Hybrids simply can’t imitate the feeling of power that all the torque of a turbo-diesel delivers. This makes driving a lot of fun for the everyday driver, and it’s a ne- cessity for trucks. Towing heavy loads requires plenty of muscle, which is why heavy-duty trucks always come with a diesel option. A V6 diesel can do the work of most V8 gasoline engines.
Proven long-term reliability and dura- bility. While hybrid and electrical vehicle tech- nology is still new, diesel powered vehicles have been around for a long time. Diesel engines are proven performers in lower and higher altitudes,
as well as many climates. And truck owners have always leaned toward diesel for the muscle previ- ously discussed, as well as the engine life. On the other hand, new technologies have glitches; some of these include battery longevity in hybrids and the high cost of maintaining and replacing hybrid components.
No compromise on space. Hybrid vehicles sporting oversized batteries and electric motors tend to offer less cargo space, or passenger space than non-hybrid vehicles.
Today’s Audi TDI Power is clean, quiet, efficient, and fast—and finally avail- able to American customers. The luxurious A8 was the first of four new TDI models to be introduced to the American marketplace.
German automakers have benefited from a long and rich history of building diesel-powered vehicles. Audi introduced the first TDI – the world’s first diesel pas- senger car with direct injection and fully electronic engine management – in Europe in 1989. Equipped
VXIII GREATER DFW METROPLEX BUILDING SAVVY MAGAZINE 21
SAVVY TRUCKS & TOYS
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