Diesel lovers, your dreams are about to come true. Nearly every major automaker is planning to sell diesel models in the U.S. by 2010, and many of the oil-burning cars, trucks, and SUVs that will soon hit our roads were revealed at the 101st annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Some of the new diesels are concept models that may not make it to the open market, but most are glimpses of future production vehicles that will hit dealer lots as soon as the fall of this year. Official power and torque ratings are not yet available for all of the models unveiled, so where needed, we've included estimates based on preliminary information and overseas model specifications.
Audi R8 V-12 TDI concept
Engine: 6.0L V-12 TDI twin-turbo
Power: 500 hp
Torque: 738 lb-ft |  |  |
Audi
Audi plans to sell the most powerful diesel engine ever to be offered in a passenger vehicle, and they may put it into the street-legal, LeMans-inspired R8 supercar. The 60-degree 6.0L V-12 twin variable-geometry turbo engine shown in this concept is rated at an incredible 500 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. That's more twisting force than you'll get in the new supercharged Corvette ZR1, and the Audi has Quattro all-wheel-drive to help all that power get to the ground for a 0-60mph time of just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of more than 186 mph. The first new Audi diesel to come to the U.S. will be a Q7 with a 3.0L V-6 TDI SUV, which may also be the first Audi to get the V-12 diesel under the hood.
2009 BMW 335d
Engine: 3.0L inline-6 cylinder twin-turbo
Power: 265hp
Torque: 425 lb-ft
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2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d
Engine: 3.0L inline-6 cylinder twin-turbo
Power: 265 hp
Torque: 425 lb-ft |  |
BMW
In Europe, 90 percent of BMW X5 customers and more than 60 percent of 3-Series customers order their Bimmers with diesel engines. Now, drivers in all 50 U.S. states will have the same option starting later this year with the debut of the '09 335d sedan and '09 X5 xDrive35d all-wheel-drive SUV. Both will come equipped with a 3.0L inline-six diesel engine with twin variable turbos that crank out 425 lb-ft of torque. BMW says the X5 diesel has been clocked at 7.2 seconds going from 0-62 mph and gets up to 25 mpg on the highway, while the 335d races to 62 mph in only 6.2 seconds and sips diesel at just 33 mpg.