Diesel, without the diesel - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

LoganSnake · 07-26-2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Diesel technology has improved by leaps and bounds, but the trouble is, it still runs on diesel. In the American market, at least, finding a diesel pump is still a pain compared to filling up with conventional gasoline. Mercedes-Benz says it's found the solution with a new developmental powertrain concept it calls DiesOtto.

We first reported on the project a couple of years ago, but the German automaker now has a functioning prototype. Rather than actually running on diesel, the DiesOtto engine is said to incorporate the benefits of a diesel engine, but runs on regular old unleaded. The prototype is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that uses direct injection, variable compression, turbocharging and something MB calls "controlled auto ignition" to deliver 238 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a claimed return of "less than 6 liters per 100 kilometers", which translates to 39.2 mpg. Those numbers, Benz claims, are not based on a small car (like the C-Class or smaller) but on a large sedan (like the S-Class). They may not be entirely revolutionary figures, but any way you look at it, they're damn impressive.

Mercedes hasn't put a timeline on producing and marketing a powertrain based on the DiesOtto prototype, but says it's a "feasible proposition in the midterm". We certainly hope so.

Certainly sounds cool.

Willravel · 07-26-2007, 09:38 AM

An S class getting almost 40mpg?! Good lord.

I had been considering getting an ML320 CDI, as I live around the corner from a biodiesel station, but this type of engine would be a much better solution.

Now if only Mercedes could come out with an electric car that uses green Lithium Ion batteries with 100% recycled technology with no negative environmental consequences.

parahy · 07-26-2007, 09:41 AM

That is amazing....

Coupe that with 98 RON, and you'll be having the drive of your life.

DEI37 · 07-26-2007, 11:06 AM

What is weird...look at how big that engine is. For being such small displacement, that engine just looks huge to me.

Willravel · 07-26-2007, 11:08 AM

I think it's kinda beautiful. Like a piece of automotive art.

QuasiMondo · 07-26-2007, 01:14 PM

I want to know how this controlled auto injection works. Sounds like they've found a way to harness the powers of detonation (a.k.a. spark knock). If that's so, that means you don't even need premium for it to run properly, it'll run better on cheapy 87 octane.

Plaid13 · 07-28-2007, 09:19 PM

seems kinda pointless to me. We should be changing to diesel since its easier to find a alterntive fuel for diesel fuel then normal unleaded.

Deltona Couple · 08-01-2007, 04:25 AM

Quote:

In the American market, at least, finding a diesel pump is still a pain compared to filling up with conventional gasoline.

I am confused by this particular statement. Where do they figure a diesel station is hard to find? I find diesel at EVERY station I ever drive by durring my travels. I take trips all over the central US as well as the Southeast, and have NEVER had trouble finding a diesel station....Just curious where they got their information.

Ilow · 08-01-2007, 06:04 AM

Deltona, diesel is at many pumps on major highways, but not always available at smaller gas stations or convenience store setups, there are certainly many stations that do not have it. So, yes you can find it pretty easily, but you do have to look for it.
About that engine, that is incredible! 238 horse out of a 1.8 liter with 40 mpg is remarkable for any engine. I can't wait to see more about this. Next, run it on vegetable oil or biodiesel! And about the size, it could be the size of a bar of soap and we wouldn't know because there's no perspective in the pic.

ziadel · 08-01-2007, 10:52 AM

I'm not so sure about this. One of the advantages to diesels is its longetivity, I'm not sure how running this thing on petrol will effect that. It's got to run much hotter, which is (so I am told anyways) why diesels last longer, not as much heat..

I'm really excited about VW's new diesels, I cant remember what they're called, but they have a Urea injection system to help get them past emissions.

Found it, its BLuetc, heres some info.

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006...es_to_int.html

I've been thinking and studying these new emission systems for diesels, and holy freaking 8lb baby jesus, this nonsense is going to be a NIGHTMARE to service.

Theres definately gonna be a delay before I would feel comfy buying one, US techs are gonna need some time to learn all this nonsense....

blade02 · 08-01-2007, 07:31 PM

I see its major advantage is that gasoline has more energy per volume, which is why it can acheive such high power ratings for such a small displacement. It should be interesting to see if this ever gets past the developemental stage. I'd happily buy a small pick-up with either a turbo diesel or this engine in it for a daily driver.

ziadel · 08-01-2007, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blade02

I see its major advantage is that gasoline has more energy per volume, which is why it can acheive such high power ratings for such a small displacement. It should be interesting to see if this ever gets past the developemental stage. I'd happily buy a small pick-up with either a turbo diesel or this engine in it for a daily driver.

GM is supposedly working on a diesel for half tons and small suv's.

blade02 · 08-02-2007, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziadel

GM is supposedly working on a diesel for half tons and small suv's.

In an effort to show how serious GM is getting about diesel, they also bought out half of an Italian diesel engine company.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/gm-purch...vm-motori.html

I've also heard rumors that Ford and Chrylser will follow suite with the diesel half tons. I'd be pretty happy driving a single cab, short wheel base, turbo diesel F-150. Especially after some purchases at places like Bully Dog.

For now, I drive a 2.5L Ranger everyday, and while I get mid to high 20s for mileage. I can't help but always think how much of a better truck it could be if it had a 4cylinder turbo diesel. More power, more torque (the ingredient trucks always need more of), and just as good if not better fuel economy.

07-26-2007, 09:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	An S class getting almost 40mpg?! Good lord. I had been considering getting an ML320 CDI, as I live around the corner from a biodiesel station, but this type of engine would be a much better solution. Now if only Mercedes could come out with an electric car that uses green Lithium Ion batteries with 100% recycled technology with no negative environmental consequences. Last edited by Willravel; 07-26-2007 at 09:57 AM..

07-26-2007, 09:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
parahy Upright Location: Northern Hemisphere	That is amazing.... Coupe that with 98 RON, and you'll be having the drive of your life. __________________ 50 % of statistics are made up; including this one.

07-26-2007, 11:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	What is weird...look at how big that engine is. For being such small displacement, that engine just looks huge to me. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

07-26-2007, 01:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
QuasiMondo Wise-ass Latino Location: Pretoria (Tshwane), RSA	I want to know how this controlled auto injection works. Sounds like they've found a way to harness the powers of detonation (a.k.a. spark knock). If that's so, that means you don't even need premium for it to run properly, it'll run better on cheapy 87 octane. __________________ Cameron originally envisioned the Terminator as a small, unremarkable man, giving it the ability to blend in more easily. As a result, his first choice for the part was Lance Henriksen. O. J. Simpson was on the shortlist but Cameron did not think that such a nice guy could be a ruthless killer. -From the Collector's Edition DVD of The Terminator

08-01-2007, 06:04 AM	#9 (permalink)
Ilow Junkie Location: Pats country	Deltona, diesel is at many pumps on major highways, but not always available at smaller gas stations or convenience store setups, there are certainly many stations that do not have it. So, yes you can find it pretty easily, but you do have to look for it. About that engine, that is incredible! 238 horse out of a 1.8 liter with 40 mpg is remarkable for any engine. I can't wait to see more about this. Next, run it on vegetable oil or biodiesel! And about the size, it could be the size of a bar of soap and we wouldn't know because there's no perspective in the pic. __________________ "Religion is the one area of our discourse in which it is considered noble to pretend to be certain about things no human being could possibly be certain about" --Sam Harris

07-26-2007, 11:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	I think it's kinda beautiful. Like a piece of automotive art.

07-28-2007, 09:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
Plaid13 I want a Plaid crayon	seems kinda pointless to me. We should be changing to diesel since its easier to find a alterntive fuel for diesel fuel then normal unleaded.

08-01-2007, 10:52 AM	#10 (permalink)
ziadel Myrmidon Location: In the twilight and mist.	I'm not so sure about this. One of the advantages to diesels is its longetivity, I'm not sure how running this thing on petrol will effect that. It's got to run much hotter, which is (so I am told anyways) why diesels last longer, not as much heat.. I'm really excited about VW's new diesels, I cant remember what they're called, but they have a Urea injection system to help get them past emissions. Found it, its BLuetc, heres some info. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006...es_to_int.html I've been thinking and studying these new emission systems for diesels, and holy freaking 8lb baby jesus, this nonsense is going to be a NIGHTMARE to service. Theres definately gonna be a delay before I would feel comfy buying one, US techs are gonna need some time to learn all this nonsense.... __________________ Ron Paul '08 Vote for Freedom Go ahead and google Dr. Ron Paul. You'll like what you read. Last edited by ziadel; 08-01-2007 at 02:50 PM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

08-01-2007, 07:31 PM	#11 (permalink)
blade02 Insane	I see its major advantage is that gasoline has more energy per volume, which is why it can acheive such high power ratings for such a small displacement. It should be interesting to see if this ever gets past the developemental stage. I'd happily buy a small pick-up with either a turbo diesel or this engine in it for a daily driver.