Category Archives: Clean diesel

With particles filters and catalysts

BMW and Toyota, with diesels in front, batteries behind

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

BMW and Toyota were partners already, a few years ago. Toyota was providing a diesel engine to BMW. That was the diesel from the Yaris, which BMW was using in the European Mini. But that didn’t last long. The Toyota … Continue reading →

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Another diesel fuel-sipper in Europe, this time from Alfa Romeo

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

Alfa Romeo should make its return to the American market in 2013/2014, but here’s one car that should never make it in the US, that’s the smallest model: the Mito. It’s a bit larger than a Ford Fiesta, but it … Continue reading →

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2 new engines from Hyundai, downsizing and clean diesel for better fuel economy

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

The Veloster 3-door sedan has just arrived in showrooms across the country, but Hyundai already talks about the engine it will get next year. The good news is that it will have more power, and there shouldn’t be bad news … Continue reading →

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Could Peugeot race a diesel-hybrid at Le Mans to fight Toyota and Audi?

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

We learned only a few days ago that Toyota would compete in next year’s 24 Hours race of Le Mans with an hybrid car. That was great news but we shall not forget that Peugeot was there first. The French … Continue reading →

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BMW 525d and 528i: who needs more than a 2-liter inline-four?

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

BMW built its reputation on the excellence of its inline 6-cylinder engines, yet today it introduces new generations of its 525d and 528i with 4-cylinders. These engines are about to become BMW’s spearhead in the quest for better fuel efficiency. … Continue reading →

Posted in Clean diesel, CO2 emissions, Family cars, Fuel efficiency, IC Engines | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A large Jaguar XJ powered by a small diesel 4-cylinder? Get ready for the green limo

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

Mercedes launched something big last year. An S-class, its biggest model, with a small 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The S250 CDI. Some people laughed at it, but there’s a market for a car providing the best comfort and luxury available, yet … Continue reading →

Posted in Clean diesel, CO2 emissions, Luxury cars | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The European Honda Civic like you’ve never seen it before

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

On the eve of the Frankfurt show, Honda had organized an exclusive event where it unveiled the new Honda Civic to a selected few. This was about the European Civic, which is very different from the American model. It’s a … Continue reading →

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New engines focus on efficiency on the second generation Mercedes B-class

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

The new B-class will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show next month. Mercedes calls it a sports tourer, but it’s a compact hatchback to all of us. Compared to a Prius, it’s 3 inches shorter, but 3 inches taller. … Continue reading →

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Mercedes breaks the last taboo: the SLK’s getting a diesel. Welcome to the SLK 250 CDI

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

The diesel engine is a very old story at Mercedes-Benz. It started way back in 1936, and it’s been a very successful story since then, convincing most customers in Europe nowadays. But there was one little segment of the Mercedes … Continue reading →

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Honda’s taking the lead in the diesel race with new Civic, only in Europe?

Posted on August 13, 2011 by Laurent J. Masson

It’s not that often that the best of Europe is beaten at its own game, yet Honda’s about to do it. The diesel engine was invented in Europe, and all the best diesel engineers are in Europe, where the diesel … Continue reading →

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