‘Sports car’ and ‘diesel’ have largely been two mutually exclusive terms over the years, but thanks to a growing demand for fuel efficient engine choices and upcoming emissions regulations, the two terms will finally meet. Audi is planning on launching a diesel version of its TT sports car, and Mercedes-Benz will rival the TT with an oil burner of its own.
According to Automotive News, the next-generation Mercedes SLK roadster will be available with a diesel engine option. Set to hit the road in 2010, the diesel-powered SLK will use the same 2.2L four-cylinder turbo diesel used in the company’s recently launched C250 CDI.
In C250 CDI-guise, the diesel – which Mercedes-Benz calls BlueEfficiency – generates 204 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, but still returns an impressive 54 mpg and emits just 138 g/km of CO2.
No word if Mercedes will wring a few more ponies out of the 2.2L for SLK use, but 369 lb-ft of torque should help the SLK move along at a brisk pace, especially from a standstill.
