From today's edition of Auto Tech Daily:

Chrysler Group plans to factory-fill its new diesel-powered Jeep Liberty SUVs in the U.S. with a diesel-to-biodiesel (B5) fuel mix of 95:5 when the model debuts later this year. The biodiesel portion will be made from soybeans grown in Ohio—home state of the Liberty plant in Toledo. The 4x4 Liberty diesel will be powered by a 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Its estimated 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway performance is about 30% better than a Liberty with a 3.7-liter V-6 gasoline engine. As with other vehicles equipped with a compression-ignition engine, the new model can run on pure diesel fuel, biodiesel or any combination of the two. Currently, however, only a limited number of fuel stations in the U.S. sell biodiesel, which is more expensive than conventional diesel.

 

that's awesome-the liberty really needed something to make it cool

why is it, though, that a 91 w250 with half a million miles on it can get over 23 mpg on the highway and they're only predicting 22-27 for the little jeep?

 

Power to weight ratios and emmissions standards are tighter. I am sure the Liberty diesel is much smoother runing, probably with multiple injection which eats fuel to satisfy comfort over function. All the Liberty Owners I know never off road or drive anywhere but the freeway or around the city. Image is more than enough for the vast majority of people. Diesel clatter isn't a part of that image....

 

who is making the motor???

 

i think with that thing on the trail it be a good show!

 

I think they're itallian made engines... can't remember the name of the company at the moment

 

VM Motori (a DC subsidiary) makes the engine. You can find spec sheets on Detroit Diesel's web site.

 

Considering my work supplied '03 Liberty V6 gasser only gets 16-18 on the highway 22-27 would be a pleasure. Has always amazed me how such a little rig can get such poor mileage.

 

That would be Dodge. Known for it.

 

B5 or 5% seems like a waste of time. Go for it with B50 or B100 and then I'll think it cool.

 

Comma is there an online URL to this?

 

Let's just pray that they don't hae any problems.

Then they'll be blamed on the bio and us bio activists will have to start all over again...

 

No problem with B50 or 100 till it gets cold. Since this is just the fuel they are shipping with the new rig I can see where they don't want to get caught with their pants down.

 

just another note they are only producing 5000 of the libertys with the diesel predictions are 500 miles to a tank . they also take in to consideration california emissions .the liberty will get better mileage elsewhere. towing capacity wil be 5000 lbs. hate to see 5000 lbs get out of control with her bye bye liberty anyone want one let me know i sell them

 

I didn't know they even shipped vehicles full of fuel.....