There was a link to this article from Fred's TDIclub the other day. This mercedez vehicle looks very impressive. 140mph for 100,000 mls in 30 days and averaged 40 mpg. I would have had to have seen it myself to believe it. Still, it's quite provocative . . .

http://www.gizmag.com/go/4003/

 

The new E320 CDI is a beast. It's a brand new vehicle, so yes there are going to be some initial bugs (nothing like the 6.0ps), but wow are they something. If any of you have your doubts go test drive one. They will light up the tires and they are so quiet and smooth. I don't care for the rear end styling of this latest w211 e-class though, which is why I'm hanging on to my w210. I can only hope the next generation e-class w212 isn't quite so chrysler-esque on the outside

 

I was looking at the UK BMW website and [edit out no-no word] I am jelous of the overseas cars.

The 3 series coupe, the same size engine only differance is diesel or petrol(gas for you non British speaking guys). The diesel is faster 0-60, the diesel has a higher top speed, and the diesel makes a 10 MPG higher average rating...

 

Not long ago, I was slurping some diesel from the cheapest pump in the neighborhood when on the other side was a very well manicured, old style VW diesel Rabbit doing the same thing. That little car is on the road everyday as I now recognize it from that day at the pump.
The lady driving that thing obviously takes very good care of it and isn't afraid of driving a "DEEESUL" vehicle. (thanks GM )
I can't wait for our "govt" to get off their ***** and let some of these cool engines into our country... I for one will be looking to get one in a new mini-van for the wife...

K.

 

How is it supposed to be pronounced?

 

my 9-12 mpg gas tow rig is parked. the '83' diesel ranger 35-39 mpg, is on the road every time i need to go somewhere. at 190,000 miles i won't need to buy anouther, for anouther 20+ years. but a new diesel ranger would tempt me.

 

I found this a bit interesting... I was reading an article from the Chrysler dealer about the new Liberty TDI... It said they have "Super Glow Plugs" that make them perfect for those cold starts... Hrm...

 

I really appreciate the Merc E320 CDI. I was with my parents outside of a bicycle shop while one pulled up, passed us, and parked. The ONLY way you could tell it was a diesel was a slight turbo whistle. I mentione to my Mom, "Nice diesel, eh?" And she cast a faraway glance at the car and said "That's a diesel?!" EXCATLY the response that is needed! My parents would drive a diesel,. if it did't sound, smell, or "act" like a diesel. This is true progress, that may actually begin to change people's minds.

Oh, the owner, who had only filled up once so far, said he and his wife achieved 33mpg on the way back from Michigan where they purchased. Sid he expects about 37+ once it's fully broken in.

 

I hate VW's but I got my girlfriend a new 04 Jetta TDI. I wouldn't have her driving a gasser, and it gets 40+ MPG. Still breaking it in (5000 miles). I hope it to see 50 MPG on the highway eventually.

I found out that biodiesel will void the warranty on the new TDI and furthermore, you are forced to buy some stupid $6/quart engine oil otherwise you will also void the warranty (my 2002 TDI could use Mobil 1 or Delvac 1 no problem and was supposedly biodiesel freindly).

Unfortunately, the choices in the USA are so limited...

 

I saw one of the new Liberty's and one of the C classes on a photo-road trip that DC was doing to promote the new "Get the Torque" Campaign they are working on for the States.