2006's Most Fuel-Efficient RidesThe EPA and the Department of Energy buddied up to compile a list of the '06 vehicles in the U.S. that will get the best gas mileage. There's a mix of diesel and hybrid, but even a gasoline-powered car made the No. 10 spot:
Top 10 (in order)1. Honda Insight (hybrid)2. Toyota Prius (hybrid)3. Volkswagen New Beetle and Golf (diesel/manual)4. Volkswagen Jetta (diesel)5. Ford Escape Hybrid FWD6. Volkswagen New Beetle and Jetta (diesel, automatic)7. Volkswagen Golf (diesel, automatic)8. Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD (also Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner 4WD hybrids)9. Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2WD10. Toyota Corolla (manual)
Lubricants UniversityChevron has launched Lubricants University-please don't ask us about the mascot-which offers fleet and dealer mechanics online courses to better understand heavy-duty diesel-engine lubrication. But, why you'll care is because the education is also available to the public. E-students will learn how a diesel engine works, what are the important parts, and all about oil on the move (as in, where it goes and what it does along the way). Down the road, courses will include coolants, hydraulics, and gear oils. Check it out at www.lubricantsuniversity.com
Diesel Rumblings* Starting later this year, the EPA is forcing refineries to make on-highway diesel fuel with significantly lower sulfur content-to the tune of about 97 percent lower. That's because diesel and gas engines have been mandated to get even better emissions starting in 2007, so cleaner fuel will be needed to match the improved technology. DaimlerChrysler is one automaker said to be thinking of offering more diesel engines when low sulfur is readily available.
* Peugeot is on a soapbox. It has warned via Financial Times that more European regulations on diesel emissions (Euro 5, coming around 2010) might make diesel too costly an option for buyers.
* Sales of the Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI increased more than 3 percent in 2005.
*The Energy Information Administration has published its Annual Energy Outlook 2006, and the outlook is that it projects light-duty diesel-vehicle sales to be up 29 percent by 2025.
* European shoppers can get a Volkswagen Touareg in Kong skin. Yes, as in the giant gorilla. It's the special-edition King Kong-themed Touareg Kong. Showing one's outer geek means a lot more silver and chrome on the body and a badge on the B-pillar.
*The Kelley Blue Book and Automotive Lease Guide have analyzed, surmised, and calcul-ized to determine which '06 vehicles they anticipate will depreciate the most, but who cares? What matters is that they're noticing vehicles equipped with a diesel engine are appreciating.
* It's true: Japanese scientists have figured out how to produce biodiesel on the cheap. Vegetable oil can be converted to fuel once the fatty acids have become a chemical compound, but those acids are pricey to develop. However, their research has led to common sugars making a recyclable solid acid that does the same thing for less.