The good news: there are more diesel vehicles than ever before for the North American market. The bad news: 2007 marks the model year in which a number of them will not be produced. But world domination is bound to have temporary setbacks.
You can expect this lapse to be temporary-the switch to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and notable improvements in emissions technology and engine design should soon offer even more diesel options from current diesel-producing automakers and encourage others that have been scared off by emissions standards in the past. Within the next three years, Honda will introduce a 2.4L four-cylinder mill, and we hear a diesel engine is coming from Volvo (although not immediately). We also expect the new seven-seater Mercedes-Benz GL450 to use the V-6 from the E-Class and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
But until then, this story will focus on '07 models. Any diesels not listed here are either momentarily out to pasture (the Jeep Liberty) or are simply '06 models from overstock (the Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, and Beetle, and the killed-off Hummer H1). We've included specs for 4x4 models, where applicable, and mostly in base/standard form except where noted.
Dodge To Sum it Up: A brand-new Cummins!
What's New
The new 6.7L six-cylinder will replace the 5.9L inline-six for the heavy-duty Rams in January. Spec'd at 350 horses and up to 650 lb-ft of torque, it can be mated to a new, optional six-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the Sprinter van will see changes mid-2007, but the info listed here is relevant until then.
Ram HD Quick Specs
Engine type: OHV 6.7L inline six-cylinderDisplacement: 408 ciBore x stroke: 4.21 x 4.88 inCompression ratio: 17.3:1Horsepower: 350 @ 3,013 rpmTorque: 650 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm (six-speed auto); 610 lb-ft @ 1,400 (six-speed manual)Transmission: Six-speed automatic or manualSteering: Recirculating ballSuspension: Solid axles; Quadra Link leading arms in front, longitudinal leaf springs at the rear. The 3500 has auxiliary springs; 3.73 gears4WD system: Part-time; 2.72 low-range Wheelbase: Starts at 140.5 in.Length: Starts at 227.7 inWidth: Starts at 79.5 in.Height: Starts at 78.6 inCurb weight: 6,851 lbsTowing capacity: 16,250 lbs. (Regular Cab)
Sprinter Quick Specs
Engine type: DOHC 2.5L inline five-cylinderDisplacement: 164 ciBore x stroke: 3.46 x 3.48 in.Compression ratio: 18.0:1Horsepower: 154 @ 3,800 rpmTorque: 243 lb-ft @ 1,600-2,400 rpmTransmission (standard): Five-speed automaticSteering: Rack-and-pinionSuspension: Independent front with leaf springs,rigid-axle rear with leaf springs; 3.72 gearsWheelbase: 118 (eight passengers), 140,or 158 (10 passengers) inLength: Starts at 197 inWidth: Starts at 76.1 inHeight: Starts at 93.1 inCurb weight: 4,600 lbsTowing capacity: 5,000 lbs.
Ford To Sum it Up
The big deal for the Super Duty Fords is a new 6.4L Power Stroke-except it's a big deal for the '08 model year, making it technically not relevant for this story, even though it will be available in early 2007. Follow that? Therefore, we'll have all the specs in our next issue. For now, we can tell you it'll have twin turbos, high-pressure, common rail fuel-injection and piezo-electric injectors.