Subaru brings diesel back to the US

[RH77]

Originally Posted by tjts1

If you don't like the message, shoot the messenger. Jeremy Clarkson has done more to promote efficient diesel fueled cars than you could ever dream of. You're just afraid to admit it because it doesn't fit in with your world view.

Again, you're not responding to the issue presented: you have one singular source (Top Gear) with a few clips. Clarkson has promoted Diesel efficiency, but it seems like it wasn't until the BMW 330d did he finally come around. The question is "why is the Subaru Boxer Diesel a POS"???

I watch Top Gear on a regular basis, but I don't base a singular source such as this program on a determination. My "Worldview" comprises of at least 3 different sources (preferably independent and International) to even form a foundation for a loose opinion. Clarkson is a paid celebrity on a TV show -- hardly a solid source IMO. Merely entertainment.

RH77

[roflwaffle]

He complained about the fact that it only comes w/ a manual trans! I've lost all respect for him I've gained when he trundled around the BBC studios in the smallest production car ever.

[tasdrouille]

Originally Posted by tjts1

Bull ****
VCAcarfueldata.org.uk - Search Results - Further Information

Urban 33.6mpg US
Extra Urban 49mpg US
Combined 41mpg US

There is no diesel Subaru that can return 50mpg US on the euro combined cycle. Not by a long shot. If you want to 'clarify' your statement about using Imperial MPG to inflate the numbers, this would be the time.

You're right, I assumed those were usmpg figures, thanks for pointing it out. I don't fear to admit it when I'm wrong.

[whokilledthejams]

Originally Posted by tjts1

Peak torque at 1800rpm and peak power at 3600rpm is pathetic and useless in a car engine.

Some diesel engines are just plain crap. This Subaru diesel is one of them. Its their first effort. They've never build a diesel engine before. I would wait until the second or third generation.

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

I guess 1997-2003 TDIs, which have peak power at 3300 rpm are pretty pathetic and useless.

Concerning my comment on Mr. Clarkson I should have specified that he burnt more fuel in cars than most of us will ever burn. Not too surprising for a man who said: "I do have a disregard for the environment. I think the world can look after itself and we should enjoy it as best as we can".

Usable power at RPMs that normal people drive at (as opposed to on a track)? Sign me up!

FWIW, at least Subaru has forced induction down pretty good.

I am at least as much of a fan of Top Gear as anyone else, but his reviews are generally pretty useless. His disdain of any vehicle that isn't a Jag E-type pretty much makes him a much better TV host than journalist.

I, for one, would really like to see a diesel Subaru. The mediocre fuel economy is just one of the reasons I ditched a non-turbo Impreza for the xB. Interestingly, though, it's right in line with other comparable cars, like the Jetta, Mazda3, Scion tC, etc. If Subaru doesn't screw up the diesel (my money says they don't), I could definitely consider one as a future car.

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by whokilledthejams

Usable power at RPMs that normal people drive at (as opposed to on a track)? Sign me up!

Oh for sure. 1800 rpm power band (1800-3600rpm) sounds totally awesome!

[RH77]

Originally Posted by tjts1

Oh for sure. 1800 rpm power band (1800-3600rpm) sounds totally awesome!

Have you driven a Diesel (anything) before?

By the way, what do you drive?

Your Vehicle Log is curiously absent

RH77

[tasdrouille]

I drive a diesel everyday and everything I need is in the 1000-2000 rpm range. The only time my engines sees over 2000 rpm is when I run out of gears.

I see as many reasons someone would rev this subaru diesel at 3600 rpm than a gasser at 7000 rpm.

[RH77]

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

I drive a diesel everyday and everything I need is in the 1000-2000 rpm range. The only time my engines sees over 2000 rpm is when I run out of gears.

I see as many reasons someone would rev this subaru diesel at 3600 rpm than a gasser at 7000 rpm.

Depending on the BSFC mapping, would you see the Subaru design as inferior? As I understand it, torque is the key component for daily driving, so you would hit that in your range of acceleration.

RH77

[tasdrouille]

Originally Posted by RH77

Depending on the BSFC mapping, would you see the Subaru design as inferior? As I understand it, torque is the key component for daily driving, so you would hit that in your range of acceleration.

I can't comment on the design of an engine, I don't know enough. But just looking at the numbers you can definately say the subaru engine is inferior, if you're Jeremy Clarkson and you're compairing it to the BMW diesel in the 535d with peak torque at 2000 rpm and peak power at 4400 rpm.

But, IMHO torque at low rpm is really what you want if you're on ecomodder.

Not so long ago a new jetta TDI was driven across all 48 states, they averaged 58 mpg, hitting 60 mpg on some tanks. Both the new Jetta TDI and the Subaru Legacy sedan get similar fuel economy on the Euro cycle.

33.6/49 USMPG for the Legacy
33.1/52 USMPG for the Jetta

It should be noted that the Subaru have 5 speeds and is awd, whereas the TDI have 6 and is front wheel drive.

So I would really not be surprised to see ecomodders pulling over 50 mpg on the highway with that car.