Chevrolet’s decision to offer a diesel-powered Cruze compact in the U.S. is a sign that GM is testing the waters to see how American’s react to the gasoline alternative. Chrysler, says company CEO Sergio Marchionne, has much more ambitious goals for the often-criticized fuel.

Starting with the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Chrysler Group will re-introduce diesel models to the U.S. The big Jeep will be followed by a diesel powertrain option for most of the company’s large vehicles.

Chrysler predicts that compared to global diesel sales that made up 8 percent of total production in 2009, the American automaker will increase that number to 14 percent by 2014.

In addition, Marchionne admits he has little choice but to also offer hybrids in the near future. Skeptical of the technology, its cost to produce and its ability to sell in significant volumes, Marchionne says new tough fuel economy standards, that will rise from a 35.5-mpg CAFE average in 2016 to a 54.5-mpg rating in 2015, are forcing his hand. “I have no other way of getting to 2025 numbers than by going to hybrids,” he said.

The first of these hybrids set to arrive is believed to be the Chrysler 300 Hybrid, which is rumored to launch in 2013.

[Source: AutoNews via CNET]

When it does go on sale next year Chevy‘s new Cruze Diesel model will reportedly be called the ‘Eco-D’.

While early rumors suggested GM would bill the diesel model as a performance option, due in part to it’s impressive torque, this latest bit of info signifies the automaker will instead promote diesel as a fuel-efficient alternative its gasoline counterpart. Currently Chevy offers a special Cruze Eco gasoline model, capable of achieving 42-mpg on the highway when equipped with a manual transmission. An Eco-D model could offer up to 50-mpg highway as the flagship of the Eco line.

Current diesel-powered Cruze models, like the Australian Holden Cruze, are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine making 160-hp and 265 -lb-ft of torque. Look for the Cruze Eco-D to hit the market in late 2012 as a 2013 model year car.

[Source: GMAuthority]

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2011 Chevy Cruze review

GM may be looking to brand its new Chevy Cruze Diesel as a performance option for enthusiasts, but that doesn’t mean it won’t deliver impressive fuel economy. In fact, quite the opposite, with the new oil burner, due out next year, targeted at the lofty 50-mpg mark.

Aimed directly at the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, the Cruze diesel will get the same powerplant offered in Europe, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making nearly identical numbers with 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. In Europe the car gets 42-mpg with a 5-speed manual or 36-mpg with an automatic. Those numbers are rather misleading, however, as they’re based on the less strict European test cycle, however, they’re also a “combined” number, averaging out the very high highway mpg rating and the less impressive city number.

“If we’re getting 42 (mpg) on the Eco, we’ll do better on the diesel,” a source tells Ward’s Automotive. “You could envision 50 mpg.”

While the Cruze diesel is expected to cost a premium (priced a few thousand above a comparable gasoline model), according to diesel parts supplier Bosch, the technology pays for itself within just 18 months of purchase.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Discuss this story at CruzeTalk.com

Diesel sales have vastly improved through the end of July, up 38.5 percent, compared to the same seven- month cycle in 2010. Volkswagen has been leading the sales with the Jetta TDI and Golf TDI.

Volkswagen sold 5,206 Jetta TDI models in July, bringing the diesel powered sedan’s year-to-date total to 56,717. On the other hand, the Golf TDI did not perform as well, with only 966 units being sold, but did land second place among all diesel vehicles sold in the U.S. Bringing up the rear, in third place was the BMW X5 xDrive35d with 562 units sold.

Through the first half of the year diesel sales have had a significant advantage, with sales of hybrids suffering due to limited supply as a result of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Still, the Prius managed to move a total of 74,427 units year-to-date, well ahead of the Jetta TDI.

[Source: Hybrid Cars]

Mazda will reveal its new CX-5 model at the Frankfurt Motor Show, adding a third crossover to its lineup. The compact softroader will be the first of a new line of Mazdas to use the brand’s new Kodo design language and make use of the complete suite of SkyActiv technology innovations.

Promising to carry on Mazda’s fun-to-drive spirit, the CX-5 will not only get Mazda’s new SkyActiv body and chassis, but also new transmissions and new engines. At a recent technology seminar in Vancouver, Canada Mazda previewed its 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G gasoline engine making around 160-hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D diesel engine with 165-hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. Plus, there’s the new KOKO design language first shown on the stunning Shinari concept.

The Frankfurt Motor Show opens September 13th.

GALLERY: Mazda CX-5

Diesels are starting to make a serious push in the U.S. marketplace and while both the Japanese (Mazda) and Americans (General Motors) are planning oil burners for our shores, it’s the Germans that have always cornered the market on diesel options for passenger cars.

While VW has offered diesels for years, its Audi luxury brand has only had the A3 TDI on the market for a relatively short while. Audi is now looking to expand its diesel lineup, adding a TDI option for the new A6 luxury sedan.

According to the latest reports the A6 will get a 3.0-liter turbo diesel making between 225 and 250-hp. But that’s not all. Audi is also looking to introduce a 313-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel that would produce well over 400 lb-ft of torque and deliver a 0-60 time of around 5.5 seconds.

Audi has not given any indication of when this diesel A6 might hit our shores.

[Source: Car&Driver]

BMW is working on a new engine for its diesel cars, and it’ll be packing three turbos for the X6 and the 7-Series—just like the next M3.

The Tri-Turbo will be a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with more turbochargers than BMW’s twin-turbo models, but less than Bugatti’s quad-turbo engine. Combined, power of these pinwheels will be between 350 and 400 horsepower.

The engine is currently being tested in the 750d and 750ld flagships, which will be introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, and Europeans will be able to three-ball it starting next spring.

[Source: BMW Blog]

In a pleasantly surprising move, Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for the new 2012 M-Class SUV, stating that its starting price will remain the same as its 2011 model, despite offering more than its predecessor. At launch, Mercedes will offer two different models in North America, the ML350 4MATIC and the diesel BlueTEC ML350.

For its third generation, the 2012 M-Class sits .75-inch lower than the previous model, is nearly an inch longer and a half-inch wider. In addition, the SUV gets a styling refresh all around, most noticeably in its front end with a bolder yet more elegant design. The newly refreshed headlights are flush-mounted in the fenders and daytime LED running lights find their way onto the front bumper.

The standard ML350 4MATIC will come powered by a 302-hp 3.5L V6 engine with 273 lb-ft of torque. That’s 13-percent more power for 2012 at an MSRP of $49,865. The diesel BlueTEC features a 3.0L V6 powerplant with 240-hp and an impressive 455 lb-ft of torque with 30-percent better fuel economy than a gasoline counterpart. The ML350 BlueTEC starts at a very reasonable $51,365.

Tech-heads will be happy to hear that the new M-Class also features an all new iPad docking station behind the headrests of the front seats. The docking station can be rotated up to 90-degrees and tilted while being charged through the vehicle.

Look for AutoGuide’s 2012 M-Class review soon.

GALLERY: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Chevrolet will bring a diesel-powered version of the Cruze compact sedan to the U.S. market. The news comes via two sources briefed on GM’s future product plans and is not the first indication of an oil-burner Cruze for America. Back in February GMInsideNews was first to break the story and this latest info only adds to that report’s credibility.

The Cruze diesel is likely to use the same powerplant found under the hood of the Australian version of the Cruze (which is sold under the Holden brand). That car uses a 2.0-liter diesel engine making 147-hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet is reportedly targeting a 50-mpg highway rating in a bid to meet increasingly strict CAFE requirements.

Set to go on sale in late 2012 as a 2013 model year car, look for a starting price several thousand above the current Cruze model, as diesel engines cost more to produce. Chevrolet may look to follow Volkswagen in offering a high-content level for the diesel models in order to offset the added cost of the engine.

If the reports prove true, this would mark the first time since the 1980s that a diesel-powered passenger car was a part of GM’s North American lineup.

[Source: Forbes]

Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Review Here

Get more Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

BMW claims it is the cleanest 5-Series ever and out performs its closest rivals by 10 percent when it comes to mpg. The 520d EfficientDynamics sedan achieves 62.8 mpg and emits 119g/km of CO2 emissions.  The car still uses the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine which produces 184-hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The 520d can accelerate to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds.

The BMW will also feature auto start-stop technology, an optimum gearshift indicator, brake energy regeneration and active aerodynamics. The vehicle has a longer final drive ratio to reduce engine revs at highway speeds and low rolling resistance tires on streamline-design alloy rims.

The ECO-PRO Mode allows economical and comfortable driving at low speeds by adjusting the engine mapping, throttle sensitivity, automatic gearshift points, climate control and heated seats.

The 520d will go on sale in September from £30,435.

[Source: Auto Express]

Mazda has confirmed the Minagi-inspired CX-5 will be sold in North America and execs have also revealed that in the future the company will sell a diesel-powered model on our shores. Are these two announcements one in the same? We’ll have to wait and see.

Regardless of what package it comes in, details of Mazda’s new SkyActiv diesel engine are coming to light, with an impressive improvement over the previous diesel 4-cylinder that has been available in other markets. According to AutoCar the new 2.2-liter diesel engine will make 173-hp at 4500 rpm and a tremendous 310 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm. Those numbers make it a functional engine option for anything from the next-gen Mazda3 to the larger Mazda6 and several of the brand’s crossovers.

When the CX-5 does launch in the Spring of 2012, it is expected to first be available with Mazda’s new 2.0-liter direct-injection engine that will join the Mazda lineup later this year in the Mazda3.

GALLERY: Mazda Minagi

[Source: AutoCar]

For those wanting an oil burning Tiguan in the United States, it seems that Volkswagen is full of empty promises. When its baby SUV was first introduced here in 2008, execs said that adding a diesel variant to the U.S. line up was a possibility.

Now, more than three years on, the Tiguan is into its first makeover and there’s still no diesel available, though VW is saying that it might be on the cards for 2015.

According to VW product planner John Ryan, the problem isn’t due to lack of customer interest, far from it in fact. “Everybody is asking for one,” he says. “Dealers are asking, customers are asking.” No doubt interest in a diesel Tiguan has been spurred by rising gas prices across the U.S. this year.

However, the problem of actually selling one on these shores is down to two major factors: emissions requirements and supply. In order to meet U.S. smog standards, an oil burning Tiguan would have to incorporate an Ad Blue type Urea injection system, which costs significantly more than the Nitrous Oxide canisters found on the Jetta and Golf TDI models. This would bump up the price of the Tiguan and likely render it uncompetitive against other small SUVs stateside. (It’s already one of the most expensive in the segment).

The other problem is being able to build enough of them to satisfy demand. Given that Tiguans for our market are imported for Europe and most home market sales are diesels, the largest market needs feeding first, which could hamper availability for American buyers.

Nevertheless, Ryan says that these obstacles could be overcome, though it will probably be another three years before a TDI Tiguan could actually materialize on these shores, as part of the next generation lineup. Third time lucky? Let’s hope so.

[Source: Automobile]

With consumers in search of higher fuel economy from their vehicles, diesel sales are projected to rise drastically over the next few years. That, at least, is the opinion of Peter Marks, CEO of Bosch operations for North and South America, a supplier of diesel engine parts and one that has significant stake in seeing this prediction come true.

Speaking at an Automotive Press Association lunch in Detroit on Thursday, Marks said that diesel vehicle sales could account for up to 10 percent of new vehicle sales in the U.S. by 2015, an incredible jump from the current 3 percent.

Touting the benefits of diesels, he indicated that such engines could get more than 54 mpg by 2015, and that while diesel cars would likely cost $1,200 to $2,800 more than a conventional gasoline engine, the significant savings at the pump could make the technology pay for itself in just 14 months.

By 2015 Marks said he expects the current number of diesel cars on offer by automakers in America will double, rising from roughly 20 right now to 40. While European brands have been pushing diesels for decades, several other automakers are about to join in, with Mazda announcing recently it would offer a diesel-powered car, while Chevrolet has also said a diesel-powered Cruze will make its way to America. In addition Jeep is believed to be mulling the return of diesels.

[Source: FreeP]

Porsche has just announced the latest version of its sports sedan, the Panamera Diesel. Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel, the engine makes 250-hp from 3800 rpm, with torque of 406 lb-ft from 1750 rpm.

The more important numbers for this car, however, are in the fuel economy department, with Porsche claiming a 1200 km (745 mile) range thanks to a 6.3 l/100 km fuel economy rating, or 37-mpg. That is, however, on the less-strict Euro rating system.

Using Porsche’s 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, this diesel machine is no performance slouch though and a sprint to 60 takes a respectable 6.8 seconds.

Priced at 80,183 Euros, Porsche has not indicated it will sell the Panamera Diesel in North America.

GALLERY: Porsche Panamera Diesel

Read AutoGuide’s Porsche Panamera Review Here

Based on the high price of hybrid and electric vehicles, not to mention how long it takes to recoup the added cost through fuel savings (if ever), the number one reason to purchase one should be environmental concerns. The opposite appears to be true for the majority of green car buyers, 75 percent of whom say fuel savings is the number one reason they would consider an “alternative powertrain” model.

This statistic comes from the first annual J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Green Automotive Study, which looks at consumer interest and reaction to hybrid electric vehicles, clean diesel models, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. In the survey  total of 75 percent of those polled listed lower fuel costs as a main factor in buying a hybrid, compared to 50 percent who listed “better for the environment.”

Of note, consumers who said they are not looking to switch to an alternative powertrain vehicle cited price, increased maintenance cost and range anxiety.

“Alternative powertrains face an array of challenges as they attempt to gain widespread acceptance in the market,” said Mike VanNieuwkuyk, executive director of global vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates. “It is the financial issues that most often resonate with consumers, whether it is the higher price of the vehicle itself, the cost to fuel or charge the vehicle, or the fear of higher maintenance costs. The bottom line is that most consumers want to be green, but not if there is a significant personal cost to them.” In addition VanNieuwkuyk says that for alternative powertrains to succeed they need to be economically sustainable.

Yet despite increased interest in alternative powertrain vehicles, overall sales continue to be slow and according to J.D. Power, hybrid and electric vehicles are expected to make up less than 10 percent of the U.S. market though 2016.

Consumers are reacting rapidly to rising gas prices, switching gears away from gas guzzlers and instead purchasing small, fuel efficient cars. According to the latest statistics released by Baum and Associates, sales of hybrid and diesel models saw the biggest jump, climbing at three times the industry average in the month of March.

Compared to a year ago, hybrid and clean diesel sales are up 46 percent, compared to the 17 percent industry average. Small cars, like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, also saw big gains, with March sales up 30 percent (nearly double the industry average).

As a result of this growth the ‘very small car segment’, combined with hybrids and diesels now make up 7 percent of the total vehicle market, or roughly the size of the shrinking true SUV market.

Increased demand for small cars, diesels and hybrids has also resulted in increased residual values. The Prius stands as a particular example, with the best residual value of any car after three years.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee will once again be offered with a diesel powerplant says Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. Jeep cut the diesel option from its flagship SUV when it introduced the current generation model and Jeep has been officially quiet on its return – until Marchionne’s comments now. An exact date for the new diesel model’s introduction was not revealed, but Marchionne did say it would arrive before 2013.

The new diesel powerplant will be the same 3.0-liter turbo V6 offered in Europe, with 237-hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the old diesel, fuel economy is up 19 percent while the total tow rating would lead the Grand Cherokee pack at 7,700 lbs.

[Source: Autoblog]

Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review here.

Despite plans by both Mazda and General Motors to bring diesel passenger cars to North America, Ford isn’t biting. The moves made by both automakers are partially in response to demand, but more importantly in response to increasingly strict CAFE standards that they need to meet.

According to Ford global product boss Derrick Kuzak, the automaker doesn’t need to sell diesels, (like the 65-mpg Fiesta EcoNetic offered in the U.K.), in the U.S. because of its EcoBoost gasoline engine technology.

“We could easily bring diesels to the U.S. market,” he said in an interview with Automotive News but, “We are not going to force it on customers.”

According to Kuzak, Ford’s fuel efficient powertrain plan is, “driven by affordability,” and at current fuel prices and the added cost of a diesel powertrain, he estimates it could take up to 10 years for customers to see the benefits of diesel.

While skyrocketing gas prices may change that, in the mean time Ford is committed to its EcoBoost plan of adding direct-injection and turbochargers to smaller engines to achieve fuel economy close to that found in modern diesels.

[Source: Automotive News]

Audi and parent company Volkswagen have long been proponents of diesel-powered vehicles, and now the German automaker is looking to further the penetration of the original gas-alternative in North America.

During a press conference today, Audi of America boss Johan de Nysschen confirmed that along with the current A3 and Q7 clean diesel models, the U.S. will get diesel versions of the A6 and A8 luxury sedans, as well as a diesel version of the Q5.

The expansion of Audi’s TDI portfolio will take place over the next 24-36 months says de Nysschen.

Unfortunately no diesel A4 will be available, at least not until the next generation of the car in 2015.

Revealed today at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Mazda has confirmed that the SkyActiv-equipped Mazda3 will arrive at dealers in the U.S. and Canada this Fall. In addition, a diesel SkyActiv engine will be available a year later, with Mazda joining Volkswagen as the only non-premium automaker to offer a diesel in a passenger car.

Robert T. Davis, Senior VP for Quality, Research and Development at Mazda made the announcement and provided a few more details on the new technology and the SkyActiv gasoline engine, confirming that it is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes use of direct injection.

Compared to the current Mazda3, the SkyActiv model will achieve a roughly 20 percent improvement in fuel economy, with 15 percent coming from the engine itself, while an additional four to seven percent improvement is attributed to the new SkyActiv-drive transmission.

Davis commented that price makes electric and hybrid technology prohibitive and so Mazda is pursuing improvements to its internal combustion engines and will look to add start-stop systems and cut weight in the near future. Speaking to reporters he explained that Mazda will deliver the fuel economy of a B segment car in the C segment, the fuel economy of a diesel engine in a gasoline one, and the fuel economy of a hybrid in a diesel.

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Mazda has long been rumored to be planning to offer diesel-powered vehicles in North America and an official announcement is expected at the New York Auto Show in April.

With relatively low fuel economy across its fleet, Mazda no longer has access to Ford’s more advanced hybrid powertrains. The company is working with Toyota to bring a hybrid model to market, but needs a stop-gap to help bolster its CAFE rating.

Diesels will do the trick, especially with Mazda’s new Sky-D diesel powertrain that is expected to deliver as much as 43-mpg.

What isn’t yet clear is what vehicles Mazda will offer the diesel engine in, and while the CX-9 and Mazda3 are candidates, the CX-7 is the most likely at this point.

[Source: LeftLane]

At the recent Qatar Motor Show, Volkswagen proudly showed off the XL1 Prototype, which according to its maker can manage 260-mpg. While the XL1 might not be headed to production per say, VW is working on a more conventional car that will cost only pennies to run.

The Up mini-car concept has been around for a few years already and it seems that a production version is about to get launched. According to reports, the Up e-motion will get the same powertrain as the XL1 Prototype, but since it is a bigger vehicle, will manage a much more modest 95-mpg. The powertrain in question is a 0.8-liter, two-cylinder diesel motor which produces just 47-hp. However, a 26-hp electric motor will also kick in to give the car extra performance while also allowing it to give better mileage. While most hybrids make use of a CVT gearbox, the Up will get a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The exact specifications are being kept under wraps by VW, but expect to see this model get the official unveiling at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: Autocar]

MINI has confirmed the launch of a new SD line of performance diesels for all of its models. Using a new 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, the oil burner will deliver 143-hp and a significant 225 ft-lbs of torque at from 1750 rpm. This new diesel engine sits above the current Cooper D with 112-hp.

The SD trim will be available on the Cooper, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman and use added fuel-saving technology as well, including brake energy regeneration, an auto start-stop system and electric power steering. In addition, it will get features like a detachable alternator to cut drag on the engine.

With a focus on performance and fuel economy, MINI rates the Cooper SD at a 0-62 mph time of 8.1 seconds and 4.3 l/100 km (55-mpg); the Cooper SD Clubman at 8.6 seconds to 62-mph and 4.4 l/100 km (54-mpg); the Cooper SD Convertible at 8.7 second to 62-mph and 4.5 l/100 km (52-mpg) and finally the Cooper SD Countryman at 9.3 seconds to 62-mph (9.4 seconds with ALL4 AWD) and a 4.6 l/100 km rating (51-mpg), or 4.9 l/100 km (48-mpg)

Those Europeans, they do love their oil burners. And so far they’re really the only ones who’ve made serious attempts at selling diesel powered passenger vehicles stateside.

Mercedes-Benz, perhaps the biggest proponent of the technology in the New World, currently offers four amongst its U.S. lineup. These include the R, ML and GL class SUVs, as well as the new E-class sedan. All use M-B’s Bluetec system which injects a urea like substance into the exhaust stream, along with Nitrogen Oxide reducers to help these vehicles meet ultra stringent North American emissions standards.

However, the Stuttgart automaker now plans to bolster its diesel offerings over here; a facelifted S-class will be available with a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6, likely sometime in the fall, alongside an oil burning GLK.

The latter is an interesting one, for it will probably use a version of the 2.1-liter diesel unit currently offered on European market GLKs. Rated at 204 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque across the pond, this engine allows the premium crossover to scoot to 60 mph in under 8 seconds and top more than 30 mpg on the highway.

However, it will be interesting to see how American buyers take to more diesel models, though in Mercedes’ defense, the company has had more success than most at peddling them here. The company’s original 300 SD turbo diesel sedan became an icon in the late 1970s and 1980s and many are still in use today.

Beyond the S-class and GLK, Mercedes plans to offer a diesel version of its smallest car sold in the U.S., the C-class, which will likely arrive on these shores as well, though probably not until 2013 at the earliest. A further possibility, bolstering the total to eight U.S. oil burning offerings is the GLC baby crossover, though sources from within the company didn’t give any specifics, a spokesperson simply stating “there’s a lot of calendar between now and 2014.”

[Source: Car & Driver]