Audi made history this year when its diesel-stuffed R10 racer won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Well, put a cork in that champagne bottle because the show-runner, Automobile Club de l'Ouest, has decided to analyze how a diesel could pull off such a win and whether it had an advantage. Don't be surprised if the rules change for 2007 to ensure more "equal" performance of gas and diesel engines. Most likely, the capacity of the fuel tank will be change number one. And other races this year are also beating down Audi, which has threatened to quit the American Le Mans Series over things such as weight breaks given to its competitors, since Audi's diesel technology has been deemed to have the upper hand.
The Future of Military
This is not a Jeep. Sure, it looks like one, and its creator is better known (at least at the moment) for its M151-based Growler buggy, but this is not a Jeep. It's the Light Strike Vehicle (LSV), which comes in short and long wheelbases and is designed to fit inside smaller cargo planes and helicopters since the Humvee can't handle that chore.
American Growler is building the short LSV to be able to tow a 120mm rifled mortar attached to the vehicle inside the Marines' V-22 Osprey aircraft. The longer LSV is the same basic design, save for a gun-mount post with a gunner's seat and deck at the back for firing a .50-caliber machine gun or 40mm grenade launcher. Specs include a 132hp diesel made by MWM (now owned by International) in Brazil, an air-ride suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, a two-speed transfer case, and a central tire-inflation system.
Rumor Squashed
The North American '07 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger won't run Volkswagen's 2.0L TDI engine. VW's engine won't meet the new U.S. emissions standards-which is why even VW isn't using it in its cars next year. | 
Soot Patrol
The North End Outreach Network of Springfield, Massachusetts, is on a mission to decrease diesel pollution. It has launched the Soot Patrol to monitor emissions in the neighborhood from buses, trucks, and construction equipment. |
Diesels On the Rise
Bosch has pontificated on diesel technology, predicting the market share for cars and light commercial vehicles will jump from five percent to 15 percent by 2015. Proof that the company doesn't plan to eat its words? It will be expanding its U.S. capacity for diesel fuel-injection systems. | |
World's Fastest Diesel, Round 2
SPAL's Rocket Ranger is going for it again. The second try at World's Fastest Diesel Pickup will happen at Bonneville Salt Flats by the time you read this, and the goal will be to take down Gale Banks Engineering's record from 2002 with its Sidewinder Dodge Dakota. SPAL is keeping its eyes on the prize...more than 213.583 mph.
The Rocket Ranger Ford Ranger features the 6.0L Power Stroke with a custom HyperMax intercooled twin turbocharger, dual SPAL 12-inch high-performance cooling fans, and a six-speed transmission. The Rocket Ranger's initial brush with greatness was in 2001, when it set its first land-speed record with a Roush-built NASCAR Nextel Cup engine bumped to 371 ci, screaming to 205.208 mph. The Power Stroke Ranger made the trip to Bonneville in 2003, where it was clocked at 222 mph, but technical difficulties foiled any records.
The Sub Goes Down
Down for the count, that is. The Navy's USS Dolphin (AGSS 555 for you number freaks) is best known for being the only operational diesel-electric submarine in the United States Naval Fleet. But, despite a very recent $50-mil upgrade, it's bound for the big ocean in the sky. Unfortunately, what made it extra cool (diesel-electric) is also what caused it to be decommissioned (pricey to operate). Not long after she was deployed in 1968, the Dolphin set a world depth record, then lived a life of deep-submergence research and development. She was propelled by two Detroit Diesel 12V71 engines. Look for our exclusive tour of the USS Dolphin in the next issue of Diesel Power.