What about diesel?
We witnessed a vibrant plea from German automakers in favor of diesel engines, which now meet the toughest standards in the world, including California's. Every German car maker will offer at least three diesel-powered models for 2008 -- some using similar technologies; others, different ones.
The sledgehammer argument came from the Audi stand, where Audi AG Board Member Rupert Stadler introduced the new diesel-powered R8 TDI V12. This car offers a fuel economy of 10 L/100 km while generating 700 lb-ft of torque. It won the 24 Hours of Mans in back-to-back years, mainly due to a fewer number of pit stops. The only country in the world to resist diesel is the United States. Mr. Stadler believes that the new clean diesel engines and such impressive cars as the R8 TDI V12 will break this resistance sooner rather than later.
Performance is no longer questionable. Anyone who has ever driven a turbodiesel-equipped vehicle in Europe, even the smallest cars, knows what I mean. As for emission concerns, with the elimination of sulfur and the addition of urea-based particle filters, today's diesels are virtually pollution-free.
The thing that surprised us is the fact that automakers like Honda, Mitsubishi, Kia and Hyundai are also jumping on the diesel bandwagon. All these companies will offer diesel alternatives starting this model year.
Still, as Mr. Wagoner points out, diesel remains a non-renewable fossil fuel.
Of course, a significant improvement in fuel economy would definitely help solve most of the problem. The debate is far from over: automakers are all increasing their efforts to find one or more permanent replacements to the internal combustion engine.
And hybrids? They certainly ease the transition to a greener future by trying to offer the best of both worlds. GM is very active in this market: its most expensive hybrid, the Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid, burns up to 50 percent less fuel than the regular gas-powered model.
At least, everybody's pushing in the same direction...
photo:Philippe Champoux, Alexandre Beaulne, Jupiter Images
We witnessed a vibrant plea from German automakers in favor of diesel engines, which now meet the toughest standards in the world, including California's. Every German car maker will offer at least three diesel-powered models for 2008 -- some using similar technologies; others, different ones.
The sledgehammer argument came from the Audi stand, where Audi AG Board Member Rupert Stadler introduced the new diesel-powered R8 TDI V12. This car offers a fuel economy of 10 L/100 km while generating 700 lb-ft of torque. It won the 24 Hours of Mans in back-to-back years, mainly due to a fewer number of pit stops. The only country in the world to resist diesel is the United States. Mr. Stadler believes that the new clean diesel engines and such impressive cars as the R8 TDI V12 will break this resistance sooner rather than later.
Performance is no longer questionable. Anyone who has ever driven a turbodiesel-equipped vehicle in Europe, even the smallest cars, knows what I mean. As for emission concerns, with the elimination of sulfur and the addition of urea-based particle filters, today's diesels are virtually pollution-free.
The thing that surprised us is the fact that automakers like Honda, Mitsubishi, Kia and Hyundai are also jumping on the diesel bandwagon. All these companies will offer diesel alternatives starting this model year.
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| Audi unveiled the diesel-powered R8 TDI V12 in Detroit. |
Still, as Mr. Wagoner points out, diesel remains a non-renewable fossil fuel.
Of course, a significant improvement in fuel economy would definitely help solve most of the problem. The debate is far from over: automakers are all increasing their efforts to find one or more permanent replacements to the internal combustion engine.
And hybrids? They certainly ease the transition to a greener future by trying to offer the best of both worlds. GM is very active in this market: its most expensive hybrid, the Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid, burns up to 50 percent less fuel than the regular gas-powered model.
At least, everybody's pushing in the same direction...
photo:Philippe Champoux, Alexandre Beaulne, Jupiter Images