Almost since the beginning of the hybrid craze, I have been wondering if it is indeed the future of the automobile. With gas prices continuing to skyrocket and with no end in sight, I still wonder more. However, it does not seem that the price of this technology is really worth the added cost of the technology. I understand that if gas prices continue to climb higher and higher, a hybrid vehicle may actually be cost effective.

But to be completely honest, I just don't see this technology being the future of the automobile. I think Europe has been on to something for quite some time. The diesel seems to be the future, to me. While Europe continues to live on diesel engines, we in the United States continue to stick up our noses (or plug them) to these oil-burners. But what for? We live in a day and age where diesel engines do not have to be noisy, smelly, anemic, clambering pieces of savage machinery, but rather, refined, quiet, and torque power horses that return 500+ miles per tank. Better still, is that there generally is a very small price difference between diesel vehicles and their petrol counterparts.

It seems however that our government doesn't really want to see the diesel expand over here. Automakers across the pond have perfected the diesel engine and are ready to provide the goods, but somehow, their engines just don't meet our stringent environmental standards. How does this work? Is Europe just not as environmentally considerate as we Americans are?

Anyway, I would really love to see more diesel vehicles offered in these parts. I know that various automakers are slowly starting to offer diesel products across the various segments, but I would just like to see more. Until hybrid vehicles become more cost effective and the technology becomes even more proven, I just do not see it catching on. And while diesel may not be the most efficient, clean, or sophisticated technology out there, it is readily available and easily implemented.

So what gives? Bring us the diesels!

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Let the discussion begin!

 

I think it will go from diesel to hybrid. America isnt ready to have pure hybrid cars, i think diesel would be a good stepping stone to hybrids. however the only nice diesels out are MB and VW.

 

I'd say electric.

 

I take it by the last phrase you mean in the US, there are a boat load of nice oil burners in Europe and many MAY come here when the sulpher content changes in 07.

I think both diesels and hybrids are just the stop gap, fuel cells or some other zero emission tech will be the ultimate winner (next 50 years) but not until about 2030.

 

I think that you're right on that one. I wonder if hydrogen really has a future...

I really wish Honda would try to play with diesel over here. Honda's well known for their efficiency mindset, so why not try some of their euro diesels on us? I'd love it if there was a rock-solid (i.e. non European) diesel product on this side of the pond...

 

the MB diesel for 2006 looks very nice, e320i I think? I think people aren't confident enough to buy hybrids because it's new technology. Diesel cars already proven that they are very durable.

 

Biodiesel using algae would be ideal, its VERY efficient at absorbing sunlight AND can use farmwaste.

 

Turbo diesels >*

My parents had a 530 turbo diesel in Germany and the thing was a rocket ship. Plus it got like 40 mpg which is pretty good considering how my dad was driving.

 

We had a Passat TDI wagon in Germany and the thing was great. It was incredibly torquey and smooth. It really is a pity we don't get these gem engines. They really are incredible--I don't think anyone understands until the experience it, because diesel still has such a stigma attached to it. With all of our clammering and obnoxious F350 Super Duty Power Stroke and Chevy Duramax diesel trucks roaming around everywhere, the American consumer just has no idea what diesel really is all about.

 

I think it depends a lot on who the consumer is. I read something saying that if you are looking to save money then a diesel is better in the long run, rather, it pays for itself sooner. I think hybrids will become more popular as we consume more and more fuel. My mom just bought a Prius (for the mpg and the env. impact, though we;ll see about the batteries when the time comes). I dont mind the prius at all, its actually kind of nice. Though I can see how diesel is still an attactive option.

 

The Prius is a very nice car indeed. You just feel smart, driving/riding in it Further, it is very practical in that it is more like a hatchback/wagon--it's incredibly roomy.

But I guess the problem I see with the best of the hybrids being offered is that they don't appeal to the masses. The Prius, Civic Hybrid, and Insight are all the most efficient, but are still rather "quirky". The more "mainstream" hybrids just don't seems to offer much better fuel efficiency; sure, the performance is improved, and the gas mileage is somewhat better. The price premium is also significant, defeating the purpose.

I think one of the manufacturers (VW, especially) better get on the ball with marketing the "new" diesel, showing how mainstream it is. Diesel could be very popular right now if someone in advertising or marketing at one of the automakers got on it.

 

Hybrid, the performance gains are awesome....instant torque.

Been driving my mom's new rx400h all day....awesome performance. 7.3 sec 0-60. power on demand with smooth gearshifts ala CVT.

Imagine what they'll do when they get those hybrid super concepts out on the tracks.

 

Diesel is awesome, but hybrid will likely be the future.

Hopefully, the future will include forums that help with spelling!

 

Diesel and Hybrids are just the next step. Fuel cells are where its going like ilitig said.

Zero emissions + electric motors with instant torque = teh win

 

The future isn't diesel. Yuck.

 

Did I mis-spell something? EDIT: Sure did...right in my thread title...is there a way I can correct that?

The exact misconception I was talking about.

 

any fuel that can be cultivated, like algae or corn or whatever would be ideal, but seriously, It will take a while before the alternative fuel is as efficiant as gasoline. I think the hybrid will help us to get the most out of gas while we explosre other alternative fuels. However, unless there is a HUGE scare and oil is ran out, we won't be switching over to anything.