In the latest incentive to move vehicles off dealer lots, Chrysler has introduced their "Let's Refuel America" plan, in which Chrysler will pay for part of your fuels for the next three years.

They will lock in a price of $2.99 for that time span. That's what you the customer will pay. Anything over that Chrysler picks up the tab. For owners of diesel-powered Dodge Rams, it could mean a savings of $3000 or so over that time span.

Full story here.

Here's AutoObserver's take: Chrysler Unveils New Gas-Price Guarantee Incentive: “Let’s Refuel America”

Suzuki too
It looks like Suzuki is jumping on the free fuel bandwagon too, at least for three months. No word yet from the other automakers.

Autoblog recently did video interviewing Ford's Powertrain boss, Dan Kapp, on diesels and their future at Ford. What I found interesting is where Kapp compares diesel to gasoline engines, some of which I already knew, but some of which I didn't.



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Jeep's Grand Cherokee gets a fuel-efficient V6 turbodiesel engine from Mercedes under its hood.

And it only costs an extra $1,655.

Do you think it's worth it?

Read the Grand Cherokee CRD Full Test on Inside Line.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

 

In talking with Mike Levine of PickupTruck.com yesterday about the F-150 diesel, some interesting tidbits—actually nothing more than rumors at this point—came to light about Toyota's upcoming diesel plans.

As I'm sure you're aware, Toyota recently introduced a new DOHC 4V 4.5L V8 twin-turbo diesel in Australia in the Land Cruiser 200 (here). Well that engine, or a variation of it, is coming here. That's not a surprise. What is a surprise is that it likely will be offered with three transmission choices.

The current 6-speed automatic is pretty much a given, that's tranny # 1. Tranny # 2 is likely a 6-speed manual. The big question is what is tranny #3? We're guessing it's a CVT, and likely based on the very powerful Lexus LS 600h, which uses a CVT—but beefed up for truck-duty.

So, if the Tundra gets this diesel I think it's safe to assume that it will also find a home in the Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX560 (probably to be re-named the LX450d).

Again, this is all rumor and speculation at this point—but check back in a year or two, and see if we're right!

Mike Levine over at PickupTruck.com has some images of test mules of the upcoming F-150 4.4L diesel up on his site. As you can see in the link, there are a couple of test trucks, one of which uses a 2010 front end clip. Straightline posted about this engine not too long ago (Ford's 4.4 diesel news leaked).

How do we know it's diesel? Check out the dual exhaust, which is a Powerstroke diesel trademark.

Also note that it has the 7-lug wheels, which currently come only with the HD F-150, which has a GVW of 8200 pounds. So I would expect big payloads and big towing as well. One more thing to note is that this HD package is shown on the 4-door Super Crew—which is not currently available in that body configuration.

Mike and I were chatting about this truck, and his feeling is that once it debuts, it could well put a hurting on the F-250 Super Duty. Sure, when push-comes-to-shove the Super Duty will likely win out for the really heavy chores. However, I bet for most customers that this F-150 diesel will be the better choice, as it has a far more up-to-date cab and chassis than the older Super Duty.

For those who still prefer the Super Duty, but like this engine, it will be available. The question is on which models? Mike seems to think it might be limited to the lighter-duty F-250, and he could be right, as it might be a bit small for F-350 or larger type of work.

Full story here.

A couple of images pertaining to the upcoming Ford 4.4L V8 diesel have made their way to the Net—with Ford's Internet police quickly chasing them down, and having them removed (here and here). Besides Straightline, they're (still as of this posting) up here, and probably elsewhere too. As the saying goes, once the genie is out of the bottle, you can't put it back in...

Here's the deal: This engine will first show up on the 2010.5 F-150. After that, it will show up on the Ford Expedition, Super Duty, Econoline, and the Lincoln Navigator. The placard shows a comparison of this engine against the 5.4L gas V8, and the diesel looks to be a great alternative to that engine. Acceleration is about the same, yet it yields a 20% increase in fuel mileage. In addition, power is up 9% and torque is up 15%.

Finally, this engine uses aqueous urea to make it a clean diesel. Ford is recommending replenishing the urea at each oil change. The urea fill port will be inside the fuel filler door. There will also be dash warnings as to when this needs to be refilled.

Update: The pics are back up over at the PickupTruck.com link (above). Interesting. Maybe Ford just caved in?

Here's Inside Line's take: Leaked: Ford 4.4-Liter Diesel Engine Specs

Volvo, as in Volvo "Truck," not Volvo "Car," is testing diesel-electric hybrid trash trucks. They are hoping to sell hybrid trucks next year. When you think about it, a trash truck is perfect for hybrid duties. The speeds are usually very low, which means the electric motor aspect is most often in use. It shuts it self down when it comes to a halt like hybrid cars, which trash trucks do a lot of. It recharges when braking, again, something trash trucks do a lot of.

Here's Green Car Advisor's take: Volvo Truck Talking Trash About Hybrids

Because of tougher emission requirements and more stringent fuel requirements, both here and in Europe, BMW is ending production of their V8 diesel. They also feel because of turbocharging and direct injection, that 6-and 4-cylinder diesels will be more than adequate for those customers. Mercedes-Benz is also rumored to be following this same path, although nothing officially has been announced yet.

Full story here.

Frankly I'm not surprised to hear this, as Audi has done wonders with diesels in racing. My guess is the Touareg V10 diesel will be the basis from which Porsche will undoubtedly tweak so that it meets their needs. In addition to this, there are rumors that there could be a Panamera hybrid as well.

The reason for doing this? Apparently it's due to the tougher upcoming emission requirements that will soon be upon Europe.

Full story here.

If Bluetec was upstaged by Sheryl Crow last night, Mercedes-Benz officials were resolutely on-message today. At no point was diesel ever not part of the discussion at this morning's press conference at New York's Javits Center. "At Mercedes we believe that Bluetec and soon Bluetec hybrids will keep the luxury SUV alive and kicking," Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, told the crowd.



Accordingly, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class has license to get a little more adventurous with its styling. "The updated M-Class appears even more confident," Lieb noted, pointing out the larger, more unsettling front fascia on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec next to him.

On the way up to the stage, we passed by a 2009 Mercedes ML63 AMG, which takes the aggression even further.

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