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"From Edmunds;
STUTTGART, Germany — The soon-to-be-launched and much-hyped Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec has reportedly failed to meet emissions criteria in the important states of California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont.
Mercedes said its E320 CDI was "the cleanest diesel vehicle in the world," but apparently not clean enough for regulators*.
Despite their popularity in Europe, diesels have never been commonplace in the United States and have a reputation as a technology for big rigs only. But there's a more ecological explanation for the lukewarm reception. Diesel is actually more harmful to the environment than gasoline because it generates more nitrogen oxides (NOx), gases that play a major role in the formation of acid rain and haze.
It is no wonder, then, that many U.S. states impose strict emissions levels for diesel-powered vehicles. European regulators in turn have begun to demand "NOx traps" for diesel vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz tried to tackle the problem by utilizing a catalytic device that converts NOx to nitrogen. Its Bluetec system, introduced in the Vision GL320 concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in January, injects an aqueous urea fluid called AdBlue into the exhaust system. AdBlue is intended to separate NOx into hydrogen and water.
Despite the setback in the United States, Mercedes has already been using Bluetec-equipped commercial vehicles for some time, and it plans to offer Bluetec-equipped cars in Europe by 2008.
What this means to you: Diesel is more frugal, but presents unique emissions problems for engineers. Sooner or later, it's got to work — Mercedes isn't the only one desperate to get modern diesels, so popular in Europe, into the U.S.
*EPA approved but not approved by the Gang of 5,MN
The soon-to-be-released 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 320 Bluetec is billed as the cleanest diesel ever, but it produces too many emissions to be sold in five states.
The sedan is the first of 10 models expected to use the Bluetec common-rail direct injection engine, and the vehicles include an aftertreatment process to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. However, that still was not enough to meet the regulations of California, New York, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont, according to Edmunds.
The V-6 engine is powerful (400 lbs. of torque and 0-60 in 6.6 seconds) and very fuel-efficient for its class, getting an estimated 26/37 miles per gallon or going an 700 miles (wowza) on a full tank. By comparison, the Honda Accord hybrid is rated at 25/34 mpg.
The Bluetec engine was anticipated to usher in the new era of clean diesels that offer hybrid-like economy and cleanliness through the new ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) fuel, but not being able to be sold nationwide is a substantial setback for Mercedes and the category. If all 10 models expected from DaimlerChrysler that use the engines, including an SUV and a Jeep Grand Cherokee, can't be sold in California et al, it will take a long time for diesels to impact the U.S. passenger vehicle market. "
The article writter repeats some old school and incorrect stereotypes about diesel emissions, but generally has it correct about the power and fuel economy of the new diesels that should be ready by 2007 in 45 US states and hopefully in the "Gang of 5" by 2008. Chrysler is on the verge of changing the way and more importantly, "what" we drive, that will make the US much more energy independent, while at the same time providing us with more powerful motors.
MN
STUTTGART, Germany — The soon-to-be-launched and much-hyped Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec has reportedly failed to meet emissions criteria in the important states of California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont.
Mercedes said its E320 CDI was "the cleanest diesel vehicle in the world," but apparently not clean enough for regulators*.
Despite their popularity in Europe, diesels have never been commonplace in the United States and have a reputation as a technology for big rigs only. But there's a more ecological explanation for the lukewarm reception. Diesel is actually more harmful to the environment than gasoline because it generates more nitrogen oxides (NOx), gases that play a major role in the formation of acid rain and haze.
It is no wonder, then, that many U.S. states impose strict emissions levels for diesel-powered vehicles. European regulators in turn have begun to demand "NOx traps" for diesel vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz tried to tackle the problem by utilizing a catalytic device that converts NOx to nitrogen. Its Bluetec system, introduced in the Vision GL320 concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in January, injects an aqueous urea fluid called AdBlue into the exhaust system. AdBlue is intended to separate NOx into hydrogen and water.
Despite the setback in the United States, Mercedes has already been using Bluetec-equipped commercial vehicles for some time, and it plans to offer Bluetec-equipped cars in Europe by 2008.
What this means to you: Diesel is more frugal, but presents unique emissions problems for engineers. Sooner or later, it's got to work — Mercedes isn't the only one desperate to get modern diesels, so popular in Europe, into the U.S.
*EPA approved but not approved by the Gang of 5,MN
The soon-to-be-released 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 320 Bluetec is billed as the cleanest diesel ever, but it produces too many emissions to be sold in five states.
The sedan is the first of 10 models expected to use the Bluetec common-rail direct injection engine, and the vehicles include an aftertreatment process to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. However, that still was not enough to meet the regulations of California, New York, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont, according to Edmunds.
The V-6 engine is powerful (400 lbs. of torque and 0-60 in 6.6 seconds) and very fuel-efficient for its class, getting an estimated 26/37 miles per gallon or going an 700 miles (wowza) on a full tank. By comparison, the Honda Accord hybrid is rated at 25/34 mpg.
The Bluetec engine was anticipated to usher in the new era of clean diesels that offer hybrid-like economy and cleanliness through the new ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) fuel, but not being able to be sold nationwide is a substantial setback for Mercedes and the category. If all 10 models expected from DaimlerChrysler that use the engines, including an SUV and a Jeep Grand Cherokee, can't be sold in California et al, it will take a long time for diesels to impact the U.S. passenger vehicle market. "
The article writter repeats some old school and incorrect stereotypes about diesel emissions, but generally has it correct about the power and fuel economy of the new diesels that should be ready by 2007 in 45 US states and hopefully in the "Gang of 5" by 2008. Chrysler is on the verge of changing the way and more importantly, "what" we drive, that will make the US much more energy independent, while at the same time providing us with more powerful motors.
MN
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