Why not a Saturn diesel?

jaj1940 · 11-08-2005, 11:06 PM

My '92 SL1 has 325,000 on it and I have every expectation that it will go another 250,000. But......someday it WILL die or become so obsolete that I won't be able to get parts for it. I know whereof I speak. My other "new" car is a '68 Dodge van which I bought new and still have. Parts it are tough to find. Anyway, when my '92 does finally go South, I will not be buying another (Saturn local dealer hires mechanics who break more than they fix) unless they can tempt me with a diesel. I will NOT buy foreign-made and no one in America makes a small diesel that I am aware of. My son has a VW Jetta which gets 51 mpg and drives great, so I know that it can be done. To H--- with hybrids, lobrids and co-gens. They aren't that reliable, are costly and don't have the performance. Saturn could run away with the high-mpg market if they made a diesel that is as reliable as my '91.

BlackBlueSW · 11-09-2005, 01:38 AM

i do think they should make a saturn diesel replacment engine, or a like a ION diesel...

that whould rock... like, 56 mpg, at $2.64 a gallon(here anyways for diesel i think)...

PurdueGuy · 11-09-2005, 01:51 AM

I'd like to see a US company do something with diesel too. I believe the idea that has kept it from happening so far is that there wouldn't be enough demand. Not sure if that's true or not, but I think it'd be neat. They'd have to be careful, though, since they're not used to making small diesels like that - a lot of risk in making one poorly and having it flop. Could end up being like the Olds Aurora - great concept, beautiful car, but doomed to poor image due to bugs that come with a new platform, engine, and controls. Would hate to see the concept of a small american diesel get an even worse image because of one company trying to do it poorly.

the Shaolin UWP · 11-09-2005, 05:47 AM

Saturns are underpowered as it is

Cool1Net6 · 11-09-2005, 05:57 AM

Dont think GM will waste time turning a Saturn into diesel. In fact, I think most American companies dont really want to waste time on diesel. For what reason I couldnt tell you. Thats just my $0.02.

-Cool-

Artificialist · 11-14-2005, 02:41 PM

Diesels are highly popular in Europe, and that has driven the builders to make better engines. However, much of the improvement in diesel engines can be credited to computer technology and advanced injectors. By raising the injection pressure, and dividing it up into multiple events, the pressures in the combustion chamber are more effectively managed, resulting in a quieter engine with reduced vibration. Electronically controled wastegates aid the turbocharger in spooling up quickly, while still allowing low EGT and backpressure at cruising. In addittion, advanced aerodynamic design of turbos has enabled them to spool more quickly, reach a higher maximum boost, and lower backperssure simultaneously. The result is more power, and nearly non-existant black smoke. In addition, Europe's tuning compaines have made great strides in making more power with diesels. Since diesels have no throttle plate, intake and exhaust streamlining is even more effective when compared to gasoline engines.

In addition, the Dodge Ram with Cummins engine is a real hit with American tuning compaines. The Fords and Chevys are not as big a hit because they are not as reliable, however, they still have attracted tuners. Bankspower.com has matched assemblies so that beginers with little tuning knowledge can still get their truck to make more power without a sacrifice in durability or driveability. Other businesses have parts for the hardcore tuner, which is willing to take a chance to get the most awesome machine. Ported heads, special reground cams, and sequential twin turbos exist.

sc2uned · 03-20-2007, 05:03 AM

i thought about a deisel becouse my girl is a manager at a resturant... i could take their used fry oil and make my own bio deisel, free gas and great mpg win win for me... even thought about a deisel swap in my saturn but its just a dream

gibsonguy05 · 03-20-2007, 11:16 AM

does opel have a deisel?

cuz that would be much easier to bring over than to make a new one

PurdueGuy · 03-20-2007, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gibsonguy05

does opel have a deisel?

cuz that would be much easier to bring over than to make a new one

Yes, but they don't meet stringent US emissions standards...yet. Hard to tell what they may be up to, and as Saturn is more & more being lined up in a more VW-esque fashion, as well as seemingly being made a "green" brand (we got the first mild hybrid SUV, car, and soon the first 2-mode hybrid and plug-in hybrid in GM) they may consider it.

the Shaolin UWP · 03-20-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurdueGuy

Quote:

Originally Posted by gibsonguy05

does opel have a deisel?

cuz that would be much easier to bring over than to make a new one

Yes, but they don't meet stringent US emissions standards...yet. Hard to tell what they may be up to, and as Saturn is more & more being lined up in a more VW-esque fashion, as well as seemingly being made a "green" brand (we got the first mild hybrid SUV, car, and soon the first 2-mode hybrid and plug-in hybrid in GM) they may consider it.

Yeah, I can't believe I didn't mention that in my first reply in this thread.

The US laws against diesel emissions are crazy strict over here. In Europe, they're the same for gas and diesel. That's why there's so fewer diesels over here than the rest of the world.