Just a rumor (US Diesel!?)

Shane · 11-13-2008, 02:46 PM

I went for a smart test drive here in Florida and asked the dealer if we will ever see a Diesel smart in the US. He told me that a US smart Diesel is in development!
It is expected to get 95 Miles per US gallon..

Shane...

Jordon · 11-13-2008, 03:21 PM

I hope so, the US needs more diesels. It may cost a little more (didn't it use to be cheaper??) but it is more efficient and they last longer. MB's new diesel engines are very quiet too, had a delivery from DHL that a Sprinter with a diesel and man that did not make a sound (yes, it was on too).

Westfield 11 · 11-13-2008, 03:36 PM

Let me get this straight: with economies crashing worldwide, and car companies unable to sell product due to the unavailability of credit, Penske is going to introduce a new model? One with a new engine with all the parts, service training and warranty issues that go with it as well as the huge costs of getting it emissions certified? All this in the face of the biggest recession in over 75 years that has consumers staying away from auto dealerships all over the planet? I am a bit skeptical.......especially since due to the backlog, it won't be delivered to US buyers until sometime in 2010 and thus won't contribute to the bottom line until then.

jediknight36 · 11-13-2008, 03:36 PM

Damn skippy!

jediknight36 · 11-13-2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westfield 11

Let me get this straight: with economies crashing worldwide, and car companies unable to sell product due to the unavailability of credit, Penske is going to introduce a new model? One with a new engine with all the parts, service training and warranty issues that go with it as well as the huge costs of getting it emissions certified? All this in the face of the biggest recession in over 75 years that has consumers staying away from auto dealerships all over the planet? I am a bit skeptical.......especially since due to the backlog, it won't be delivered to US buyers until sometime in 2010 and thus won't contribute to the bottom line until then.

We are looking at 2010 at least, probably 2012. By then the flying car will be out.

Westfield 11 · 11-13-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jediknight36

We are looking at 2010 at least, probably 2012. By then the flying car will be out.

Powered by a cold fusion water to hydrogen engine, too.

PeteInLongBeach · 11-13-2008, 07:17 PM

With cars like the Toyota IQ, various hybrids and other new technologies, smart needs to do SOMEthing to further distinguish their products in the market. The diesel would be the easiest, since it's already produced for other markets.

MPrice2984 · 11-13-2008, 07:31 PM

Right on Pete. If the diesel comes available in 2012 it would be a timely replacement for my 2008. As a long distance commuter I would much rather have a diesel than the Brabus model.

xcrew229x · 11-13-2008, 08:26 PM

You show me a smart car in my lifetime that gets 95 real world mpg, and I'll perp walk the Tooth Fairy at a dentist's convention.

**Dunerunner** · 11-13-2008, 09:03 PM

VW planning 117 mpg smart-killer

Nov 6th 2008 at 8:52AM by Jeremy Korzeniewski
We expect that Volkswagen will be debuting its up! subcompact car sometime in 2011, but we're now hearing that it's not the smallest car that the German automaker has on its mind. VW would use a shortened version of its up! microcar platform for the diminutive new city car. Being smaller than the already mini NSF platform of the up! would make this machine a two-seater like the fortwo from German rival Daimler. VW would like its small 1.0-liter three cylinder diesel engine to make about 50 horses and use just 2-liters of fuel every 100 kilometers, which is more than 100 miles per gallon. 117.6 to be exact.