Ok I’m a little late on this land speed record thing, but on the 23rd JCB Dieselmax posted the results of their fastest run yet at an average run of 350mph. They hit 365mph at the start of the run and 335 coming back to average to 350mph. They’re pretty happy about his and still as of yet to use their sixth gear so be waiting for more to come from JCB!
With clean diesels on the way I think the tide is shifting for diesel engines. Cummins is now building an engine plant and says they can already meet the 2007 stricter emissions to be legal in all 50 states. With plans to build a smaller diesel for the auto market I think Cummins is in the perfect place to gain an early market share, and make a name for themselves to more than just the heavy duty truck driving crowd.
Honda is also sensing the change in the wind. Like I said before I think when Honda steps into the game that’ll be the big name consumers need to think “Maybe I should get a diesel?”. How can anyone that’s aware of the benefits of diesel not buy one already?(besides the current inflated price) When the low sulphur diesel hits the stations, and the oil changes can be spread even farther apart maintenance alone should sway some people. Couple that with the mileage that only a hybrid sitting in stop and go traffic can touch and the extra $1000 or whatever premium for diesel will pay for itself quickly.
By 2009 Honda is going to sell it’s first diesel car that’s clean enough to be sold in all 50 states, and with economy a third higher than similar gasoline powered vehicles. They are not interested in ethanol because of the cost and energy intensive way required to produce it. A lso, Honda’s image of fuel efficiency probably does not go well with “flex-fuel” since with current technology ethanol powered vehicles are not as fuel efficient as a gasoline counterpart. I’m sure if Honda starts selling diesel cars that will help change the publics view of dirty, ol’ diesel.
Honda has also expressed that hydrogen powered vehicles is another good technology for them to have their resources work on. Interestingly enough they do already sell “flex-fuel” cars in Brazil, and could bring them to the U.S. if demand merits it.