‘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.
11/06, 5:19 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
I don’t like small car’s nor big woman, but I always find my self in them…
Now that I got a big car and a small woman I’m trying to keep it like that…
11/06, 6:44 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Busch has one more reason for raising the Gas price.
11/06, 9:56 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
‘…the two terms will finally meet.’?! WTF?!
LLN, doesn’t BMW 3-Series Coupe and Cabrio (started with last generation E46, 320Cd, 330Cd) and a year ago launched 635d not considered to be a ‘Sports car’ and ‘diesel’?! Well, what is it then a minivan? A far as I know they’re known to be a Sports Coupe and a Convertible (Cabrio).
11/07, 2:56 AM
posted by:
Stinky007
I think a diesel coupe is a matter of choice but a diesel cabriolet is starting to go the wrong way. I thought that a cabrio is the car to ideally drive along the coastline with the top down and a partner next to you. Imagine doing that in a diesel. I know the modern ones have good sound proofing for interiors, but they still sound like tractors from the outside, so driving with the top down will just increase that “I run on wooden chips” low-rpm sound…
Again, some diesel fans argue they like that sound better than the silence of a gas engine as low rpm. To each their own!
11/07, 4:27 AM
posted by:
desertdriver
Will the diesel engine be offered to USA consumers?