For the same reason we bleach our eggs
written by Smooth Operator , March 31, 2008

We bleach our eggs because we want them to look unnaturally "clean", and we like our cars to run "smooth". Diesel engines tend to rattle or sound "clanky". Even newer ones rattle, compared with the smoothness of a gasoline engine. I think that, with the "branding" craziness that's taking corporate America by storm, no one wants to be perceived as a company that produces cars that have engines that do not run very smooth. And I think most gas engine users who are accustomed to those clean sounding Japanese 4 cylinder cars are going to think something is wrong with their engine.

That's the reason I think we will continue to see more cars using hybrid technology instead of diesel.

I had the pleasure
written by Karsten , March 31, 2008

I had the pleasure to ride in two Diesel powered BMWs last year. In Germany. The only way I knew they were Diesels is by asking. Of course, I do not drive a new car at home in the US, so any new car is much "better" than what I own. Nevertheless, 140 mph in a Diesel for long stretches ( I do not think this is top speed), great acceleration, super smooth ride, etc. did not speak AGAINST the Diesel power. The fuel mileage was pretty good too. I would not choose to drive like my brother (I let him drive since I am not comfortable any more with German traffic), but I would be hard pressed to find any reason to not drive or own a Diesel.
It is perception, not facts that drives decisions for most people. People would eat crap if they thought it was better. Come to think of what is in the food of most Americans, we do. Sorry, drifted of topic.

Karsten
http://www.polluteless.com
Practical Advice to Pollute Less

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written by ryan , March 31, 2008

$30k for a car is a (kind of a) lot of money. Both my Prius and Jetta TDI originally sold in the low $20k range.

I personally will just do what I always do with my cars. Wait for idiots to crash them, then snap them up from the local auction! Guess I am kinda putting the cart before the horse though, since this car has no plans of making the trek across the Atlantic as of yet... and most likely never will.

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written by EV , March 31, 2008

Last I heard, most diesels couldn't meet the emissions standards in the US. Too much SO2 in the output, partly due to the Sulfur in the fuel. The only way most trucks get around this is by injecting urea into the cylinder to assist in combustion of the Sulfur.

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written by ljd , March 31, 2008

Are you suggesting we pee in our diesel?...

What a great idea!

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written by yep , March 31, 2008

in fact that suggestion is not far from the truth. all new clean diesel cars are based on that technology (whether it's mercedes bluetec and vw's clean diesel http://www.vw.com/vwhype/heritage/en/us/?#/Today/)
I wouldn't say that the new common-rail diesels are any louder than normal gas engines. although i don't think they are being sold in the US yet. They sound pretty good in the new VW Tiguan though.

Probably doesn't meet emissions standard
written by BBM , March 31, 2008

American Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations for diesel are pretty stringent... IIRC quite more tough than the EU regs.

And even those are far less clean than gasoline emissions.

Probably doesn't meet emissions standard
written by BBM , March 31, 2008

American Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations for diesel are pretty stringent... IIRC quite more tough than the EU regs.

And even those are far less clean than gasoline emissions.

Diesel's Bad Reputation
written by Thomas , March 31, 2008

I really don't get the bad reputation Diesel engines have in the US.

BTW in Germany, Diesel is popular for two simple reasons: 1. Diesel is slightly cheaper than normal gasoline and 2. it has the words "slightly greener" in large friendly letters printed on the car.

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written by KC , June 06, 2008

can someone explain to me how a car can win a "world green car" award but not pass emissions standard. isn't 'green'ness of the car judged by its emissions in the first place?