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.
What's NewThe 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.
DodgeTo Sum it Up: A brand-new Cummins!
Ram HD Quick Specs
Engine type: OHV 6.7L inline six-cylinder
Displacement: 408 ci
Bore x stroke: 4.21 x 4.88 in.
Compression ratio: 17.3:1
Horsepower: 350 @ 3,013 rpm
Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm (six-speed auto); 610 lb-ft @ 1,400 (six-speed manual)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic or manual
Steering: Recirculating ball
Suspension: Solid axles; Quadra Link leading arms in front, longitudinal leaf springs at the rear. The 3500 has auxiliary springs; 3.73 gears
4WD system: Part-time; 2.72 low-range
Wheelbase: Starts at 140.5 in.
Length: Starts at 227.7 in.
Width: Starts at 79.5 in.
Height: Starts at 78.6 in.
Curb weight: 6,851 lbs.
Towing capacity: 16,250 lbs. (Regular Cab)
Sprinter Quick Specs
Engine type: DOHC 2.5L inline five-cylinder
Displacement: 164 ci
Bore x stroke: 3.46 x 3.48 in.
Compression ratio: 18.0:1
Horsepower: 154 @ 3,800 rpm
Torque: 243 lb-ft @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
Transmission (standard): Five-speed automatic
Steering: Rack-and-pinion
Suspension: Independent front with leaf springs, rigid-axle rear with leaf springs; 3.72 gears
Wheelbase: 118 (eight passengers), 140, or 158 (10 passengers) in.
Length: Starts at 197 in.
Width: Starts at 76.1 in.
Height: Starts at 93.1 in.
Curb weight: 4,600 lbs.
Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs.