The Evolution of Diesel

The Past

• In response to the 1970s OPEC crisis, GM hastily rolls out diesel engines.
  
  
• Badly engineered diesel technology produces a horrid stench and a lot of noise.
  
  
• Nitrogen-oxide (NOx) emissions cause dense smog in major cities.
  
  
• Diesels get better mileage (25 mpg) but have low horsepower and feel puny.

The Present

• Modern diesel engines achieve up to 40% better fuel efficiency than gas, with 20% lower CO₂ emissions.
  
  
• Mercedes's BlueTec technology--together with modern, low-sulfur diesel--removes virtually all smog-producing emissions.
  
  
• High performance: 388 foot-pounds of torque take the E320 Benz, for example, from zero to 60 in 6.6 seconds.
  
  
• "Diesel smell" is gone, and engines are quieter than gas-powered counterparts.

The Future

• Biodiesel engines burn renewable fuel grown domestically, yet produce a stunning 800 hp.
  
  
• Hydrogen-injection system cuts biodiesel use by 50%, doubling already killer mpgs.
  
  
• Electric-hybrid technology brings fuel consumption still lower.
  
  
• End result: an SUV-class vehicle that gets well over 100 mpg and pushes C0₂ emissions down 95% or even more.