ImageSuper-Clean Grand Cherokee

Jeep revealed that the Grand Cherokee will get the Daimler-Chrysler Bluetec powertrain for North American use, making it the cleanest diesel powertrain in its class. The Bluetec Grand Cherokee is the latest engineering concept in advanced powertrain from the Chrysler Group incorporating the clean-diesel technology developed by DaimlerChrysler.

"The Bluetec Jeep Grand Cherokee engineering concept demonstrates yet another possibility for ultra-clean diesel passenger vehicles in the U.S. and our commitment to finding the right solution for our customers," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President Vehicle Development. "In addition to best-in-class tractive capability and power, the Grand Cherokee adds the potential capability of best-in-class diesel-vehicle emissions."

The DaimlerChrysler Bluetec technology will be capable of producing the cleanest diesel vehicles in the world. These next-generation innovations have the potential to meet the most stringent emissions regulations worldwide, including emissions standards in all 50 U.S. states. According to industry sources, the Mercedes-Benz E- 320 will become the first super-clean diesel vehicle in North America with Bluetec exhaust gas treatment. Jeep vehicles, and presumably Dodge trucks, will follow quickly.

Bluetec is a host of DaimlerChrysler technologies for diesel passenger vehicles, beginning with completely modern, efficient diesel engines. Bluetec may also include an oxidizing catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter and an innovative system for reducing nitrogen-oxide emissions - a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. SCR is an exhaust gas treatment system that converts nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water vapor by adding ammonia as a reducing agent in a catalytic converter. These technologies can be used in various combinations depending on the specific needs of the vehicle, packaging and market requirements. The Bluetec Jeep Grand Cherokee Engineering Concept is built with all of these technologies.


ImageVW To Sell Fewer Diesels in U.S.

In 2007, VW will have to develop and test new diesel engines with electronic fuel injection to replace the current the current engines now available on the Golf, New Beetle and Passat.  While VW sweats the details, the diesel option will be unavailable in VW showrooms throughout most of 2007. The diesel cars will be returning in early 2008 with engines that will burn low-sulfur diesel and meet 2007 emissions requirements.

Between now and then, there will be a limited number of 2006 diesels built and sold in the North American market.  The Toureg diesel, certified for use in 45 states, will remain on sale throughout 2007.

ImageGarmon Cummins Racer

Owned and driven by Jeff Garmon, one of the top racers in the diesel circuit, this truck will race in the DHRA sanctioned pro-street series across the country. This truck is primed to run the quarter-mile in less than 10 seconds-an amazing feat since it runs on #2 diesel only (no power boosters such as nitrous, propane, water, or water/meth combo or water injection). Silverline by ANSA Automotive is the major sponsor of Garmon's Performance Racing Dodge Cummins Diesel drag racing truck. Visit www.SilverlineExhaust.com to see more pictures of the truck and the racing schedule or for more information call 800-841-9166.

ImageFord Building High-Tech Diesels

Ford is planning on replacing the current 6.0 liter International diesel engine with an advanced 6.4-liter V-8 diesel with piezo ceramic injectors. International will also produce the new engine. According to industry sources, the new engine will become available in early 2007.  Ford sells roughly 35,000 diesel-powered Super Duty trucks a year similar to the 2006 F-350 shown here.

The new injectors will allow for much quicker pulsing of fuel into the combustion bowls. The ceramic material responds to electrical current, allowing very rapid, computer-controlled fuel spray.  With more controlled fuel delivery, the new engine will run quieter, with less vibration, smoke and better emissions.

ImageScheid Diesel Motorsports Dragster

Featuring a 300-inch wheelbase, three-speed Lencodrive transmission, and a fully race-prepared #2 diesel-burning engine with a twin-turbo setup, the Scheid dragster is capable of running over 200mph in the quarter mile. Currently, the rail dragster is also the world's fastest 1320-foot sprinter powered by a diesel engine.  Silverline brand of stainless steel performance exhaust, an ANSA Automotive brand, is one of the major sponsors of Scheid Diesel Motorsport's diesel dragster. Visit www.SilverlineExhaust.com and click on the library link to see more pictures of the dragster and the racing schedule or for more information call 800-841-9166.

ImageB20 Approved For Use In Dodge Ram Fleets

DaimlerChrysler will expand the use of clean, renewable biodiesel fuel by approving use of B20 (20 percent biodiesel) in Dodge Ram diesel pickup trucks.

Use of B20 is approved effective with the 2007 Model Year and will require use of biodiesel fuel that meets the fuel specifications established by the U.S. military.

Initially, DaimlerChrysler is approving use of B20 in Dodge Ram pickups equipped with Cummins diesel engines for its military, government and commercial fleet customers only. The company is working with the government, automotive suppliers, energy providers, universities and independent agencies on a national fuel standard that would make B20 an option for all owners of Dodge Ram diesels.

"Biofuels represent a huge opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and our dependence on foreign oil," said Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda in remarks prepared for the Economic Club of Detroit Jan. 23 meeting.

In addition, biofuels reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases and tailpipe emissions of particulates and smog-forming compounds. And use of biofuels supports the American agricultural economy.

Promoting increased use of biodiesel is a part of DaimlerChrysler's campaign to re-introduce diesel-powered passenger vehicles to U.S. consumers. Modern, clean diesel vehicles offer fuel economy improvements of 30 percent and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, compared with gas-powered vehicles. At the same time, diesel vehicles provide the power and performance valued by American consumers.

"While diesel technology alone can make big strides toward helping us meet our national energy, environment and security objectives, when you add biodiesel and other biofuels, it gets really interesting" LaSorda said.

Chrysler Group has previously endorsed use of B5 (5 percent biodiesel) fuel in the Jeep Liberty CRD diesel SUV, and every vehicle is fueled with B5 at the assembly plant in Toledo. In addition, use of B2 is approved for the diesel-powered Dodge Sprinter vans.

Most U.S. biodiesel is made from soy beans. However, DaimlerChrysler is participating in research programs in Germany and India to develop processes for producing high-quality biodiesel from non-food agricultural products.

In the United States, Chrysler Group is participating in an extensive biodiesel research program, including development of a national B20 specification. The research partnership includes Detroit-based nonprofit NextEnergy; Biodiesel Industries, the nation's largest chain of biodiesel refineries; automotive suppliers Bosch, Delphi and Cummins, along with researchers based at Wayne State and Michigan State universities, with initial work to include much-needed research and field testing of biodiesel fuels.