Diesel Smart for the US market

[knutliott]

The US has new regulations that make new diesels excessively difficult to get certified. Both of the existing processes are somewhat cumbersome and expensive, and neither will fit easily into a smart car.

A similar problem is about to exist in Europe, which until now has been diesel-happy. Their new regulations kick in over the next few years and will bring them up to (and eventually surpass) the US regulations. As I recall, even the current US-approved Mercedes Bluetec system won't meet the upcoming European regulations, so everyone is scrambling to figure out something that will work.

The Canadian 450 diesels don't pass even the old US diesel regulations, which is why they cannot be imported into the US.

The smart microhybrid only improves mileage by 10-15%. The 89 mpg hybrid that I suspect bentoutofshape is talking about is the VW Golf diesel hybrid concept that was shown at the Geneva auto show. Fantastic application of technology, but VW hasn't committed to making it at all yet, let alone to importing it for the US.

[pbinpcb]

I got a call from my Smart dealer that my car had arrived today... Went to take a look at it, and was definitely cool... however, at 41mpg highway, it really falls short of the 60mpg I get right now in my Jetta TDI... Here's hoping the Smart USA people read these message boards and will consider bringing the a Smart Diesel over, even if it's only a special order option!

[spdickey]

With diesel now nearing $4.50 here in Los Angeles, the EPA requirements for NOx being nearly impossible to meet and the overall status of the US Dollar vs the Euro, I don't expect the diesel to be do-able in the USA anytime soon.

[JPaul]

That's right, spdickey! Confirmed by Smartville.

[wismartones]

Looking to see why teh EPA can't be met on a diesel??? Would love to own one from canada... please let me know...

[smartah]

How can VW bring in a diesel in it's rabbit and smart can't bring their diesel in? I don't get it.

[scdaf]

The VW diesel is far cleaner.

Engine has to be engineered from the beginning to meet the new standards and the smart diesel wasn't.

[Smartdavis]

EPA standards are going to get tougher too now. Not sure what the manufacturers are going to do about it but my guess is that hybrids are going to be more common than diesels, with the goal of having far more pure electrics.

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by Smartdavis

EPA standards are going to get tougher too now. Not sure what the manufacturers are going to do about it but my guess is that hybrids are going to be more common than diesels, with the goal of having far more pure electrics.

Not sure how Hybrids will help unless we all drive in the city. At Hyway speeds they are not all theat impressive. And At true Hyway speeds they get even worse.

[Smartdavis]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

Not sure how Hybrids will help unless we all drive in the city. At Hyway speeds they are not all theat impressive. And At true Hyway speeds they get even worse.

I would not be at all surprised to see new rules and regulations limiting horsepower and acceleration on combustion engines. It's the next logical step. I remember the days when you couldn't drive over 55 mph. Here we go again.