Evening time. Time for conversations, drinks, jokes and . . . spreadsheets? Apparently so. I’ve caught this nasty computerized bug lately. The symptoms are harder to shake than swine flu and almost as appealing. It’s figuring out my ‘cost to own’ for a variety of cars. The goal: get my cost down to 10 cents a mile. Three hours and too much wine later, I wondered. “Can it really happen in this world of $3 gas?” With purchase price, insurance, gas, opportunity cost, maintenance, repairs, and government fees aplenty, not to mention a junker selling price with inflation to boot, I wasn’t quite sure. In fact my head was spinning. The final answer?
It’s BMW’s most efficient 3 series yet, which means it’s a brand-killer stateside Not to worry though, the new M5 will have 600hp. We’ll get that. Anyway, the two liter BMW oil burner gets 62.8mpg (52 miles per US gallon, non-EPA testing) and emits fewer than 120 grams of carbon per kilometer. Too bad it still starts at about $38K (in the UK). And takes 10.9 seconds to reach 62 mph. And since we’re in the realm of Euro-diesel fantasy, wouldn’t you just as soon cough up $40-42K for a 123d five-door? It may only get 50 mpg (41 US, etc), but it’s the first diesel to produce 100 hp per liter, and “a gem of an engine,” according to Autocar. Back in the stark reality of the American market though, that new M5 is going to have a twin-turbo V10. And in case that’s not enough, it will also boast a boost button based on the F1 KERS system. Good times.
Autoweek figures that the “dramatic decline in diesel fuel price” is what’s causing VW and Mercedes diesel sales to increase as a percentage of total sales in recent months. But only VW’s Jetta, and M-B’s ML, GL and R Classes have diesel options to take advantage of the mini-boom. To be fair, though, not many would have predicted a year ago that Jetta diesel sales would approach 4k units per month (3,862 in May). But will it last?
Anyone remember energy independence? You know: oil addiction? Freeing America from the oppressive yoke of foreign oil importation? I guess the yoke’s on us, isn’t it children? You know, at one time, energy independence was, as Paris Hilton used to say, hot. The issue was used to justify spending billions of federal tax dollars to help our nice agribusinesspeople brew ethanol from corn. Hands up those of you who’ve heard your Mommy or Daddy saying “no one ever died defending a corn field?” Well, times change. Although the E85 federal subsidies and mandates are still there, and our corn growers are doing all they can do to ruin engines with mandatory E15 gasoline blends, you just don’t hear so much about energy independence as you used to. That’s all going to change now! I know: isn’t it exciting? And you’ll never guess who’s going to ping the people? Audi. Yes, Katy, truth in engineering. Only now it’s truth in TDI Clean Diesel!
Cleveland Business News reports that ChryCo will cancel its contract with Cummins for diesel engines slated to power its Ram 1500 line of pickup trucks. This news comes as OEMs are abandoning diesel trucks in droves. Ford and GM have recently backed away from diesel light-duty trucks, while Toyota and Nissan have canceled heavy-duty diesel truck plans. “From a business case, I don’t think anyone can make one right now,” says IHS Global Insight’s Paul Lacy. “We are still negotiating with the new Chrysler group,” retorts Cummins spokesman Mark Land optimistically. “I don’t think they’re forever gone. I don’t think they’ll just throw all of this investment money away.” Right.
The latest statistics from the Energy Information Administration show that diesel is actually .03 cents per gallon cheaper than gasoline on a national average. Whereas gas prices have risen considerably since their December low, the drop in diesel prices was slower, making the bounceback less extreme. According to CNN, the price parity can be traced to inventory levels. Gasoline inventory has been dropping bringing prices up more sharply. Meanwhile, diesel-making distillate supplies are increasing. Longer term, the Department of Energy expects diesel and gasoline prices to rise but not by as much as had been previously anticipated.
“d” as in diesel. So, no, this bud’s not for you, American oil burner fans. But it does represent a general trend for the Roundelians. See if you can spot it: “The arrival of the BMW X3 xDrive18d represents a new entry point for X3 ownership and is a significant draw for those new car buyers looking to balance economy with performance. Powered by a 143hp 2.0-litre diesel engine, it is capable of 45.6mpg on the combined cycle and records CO2 emissions of just 165g/km. With a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the BMW X3 xDrive18d offers 350Nm of torque from 1,750rpm through to 2,500rpm which makes for effortless overtaking and town driving.” Yes, “a new entry point for XXX ownership” is the new way of saying “look out down below!” Or, if you prefer, “I spit on your brand equity!” Anyone know the cheapest BMW for sale in the US and UK? Cheapest as in least expensive.
While Honda preps a beefed-up, AWD Venza-alike for the US market, this is the Accord Wagon that Europeans get to look forward to. The Type S comes with a 2.2 liter turbodiesel that makes 180 hp and pulls 280 factotums of torque [Ed. ha ha] at 2k RPM. Not your typical Honda screamer, eh? Anyway, while Europe yawns at the coming of the Acura brand and the US version of the Euro Accord gets the dismal reception it deserves, Honda seems set on playing me-too with a crossoverized version of the Accord wagon. To which I say fiddlesticks. Even if a diesel isn’t in the cards for the US, just bring us this freaking wagon. Have you seen Acura’s CUV sales?
Trying to eke out the best mileage whilst in a major city proves difficult. Trying to get the best mileage possible while on the Strip in Las Vegas proves downright impossible. No matter, as my car has Oklahoma plates and I’m in the biggest tourist destination in Nevada. So I consign myself to appear confused and lost as I trundle down to the Mandalay Bay for their awesome buffet.
Ion - I wonder if SAIC is still intrested in the Rover moniker, Tata may be able to sell that. They probably could sell Land Rover and Jaguar to GM, once GM drops the...
Nutsaboutcars - I have a ton of respect for Mr. Ratan Tata, but his Jaguar remarks are wishful thinking and whistling in the dark. Jag and L-R could not make a dime well...
Nutsaboutcars - After Driving the previous Prius for 3 days in the LAX area in April and June, my opinion of the car went up by a huge amount. Well behaved,...
bollocks - Sherman lin “I had a 91 EX with automatic and I miss it dearly. That car was head and shoulders above every other midsize offering then. I wish I had...
Bulldog Drummond - Hi there, driving in the uk is hardly the same as hammering the back roads but interested to read your comments on the Merc steering....
bollocks - I think some of you are being too hard on Sajeev. Until a few years ago, I never understood why people went gaga over the 911. It’s archaic. It’s not...
mpresley - That may be true, but no one could match the number of snaps (half of them not working) on the top of my old MG Midge. Besides, what’s a little water between...
ragtopman - I’m practical but want a little fun out of life. Getting there is sometimes more important than being there. Has to be a convertible. My wife found...
Recent Comments
Ion - I wonder if SAIC is still intrested in the Rover moniker, Tata may be able to sell that. They probably could sell Land Rover and Jaguar to GM, once GM drops the...
Nutsaboutcars - There was nothing speculative in what I said. It was based on tons of past data that prove my point,...
Nutsaboutcars - I have a ton of respect for Mr. Ratan Tata, but his Jaguar remarks are wishful thinking and whistling in the dark. Jag and L-R could not make a dime well...
Nutsaboutcars - After Driving the previous Prius for 3 days in the LAX area in April and June, my opinion of the car went up by a huge amount. Well behaved,...
bollocks - Sherman lin “I had a 91 EX with automatic and I miss it dearly. That car was head and shoulders above every other midsize offering then. I wish I had...
Bulldog Drummond - Hi there, driving in the uk is hardly the same as hammering the back roads but interested to read your comments on the Merc steering....
oldowl - Was: mid-1980s Saab 99L (lime green) Am: 2010 Prius IV (winter gray)
bollocks - I think some of you are being too hard on Sajeev. Until a few years ago, I never understood why people went gaga over the 911. It’s archaic. It’s not...
mpresley - That may be true, but no one could match the number of snaps (half of them not working) on the top of my old MG Midge. Besides, what’s a little water between...
ragtopman - I’m practical but want a little fun out of life. Getting there is sometimes more important than being there. Has to be a convertible. My wife found...