[Ruediger]

The political situation in the Arabic world and increasing oil prices because of this have convinced Lotus that it is advisable to provide a Diesel engine for the US Elise.
Negotiations with VAG / Audi and Honda are still going on.

 

[mslpilot]

Are you smokin' dope?

Where did you read this? I think Ferrari is considering a Solar powered offering. And McLaren is almost ready with their electric. Oh, right April Fool's now I'm with ya!!!

 

[Ruediger]

Also see this :

http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=10199

 

[roadrunner]

Let's not knock diesels...

I have it on good authority that this turbocharged 2-stroke diesel is being seriously considered as the powerplant for the next Dodge Viper.

http://www.bath.ac.uk/~ccsshb/12cyl/

It reaches an incredible 50% thermal efficiency! That's double what most car powerplants currently get.

 

[slacy]

Ya know, in all seriousness, it is possible to have a high performance (and really really fun to drive) diesel car. A friend of mine has a modded VW Golf Diesel, and although its HP is only at somethig like 150, it gets nearly 400 foot pounds of torque. Amazing. Remember torque = low end acceleration, and hp = highend speed.

So, diesels have lots of torque, and they can really sprint off the line fast. Unfortunately, the thing has a redline of like 4k, which really blows.

Steve

 

[babak]

Real Diseal Lambo, most people don't know that Lambo makes great tractors as well as great cars.