Dodge Nitro diesel not getting BlueTec
The new Dodge Nitro is essentially a stretched version of the Jeep Liberty and is going on sale in Europe next spring. As with most previous Chrysler-built SUVs sold in Europe, such as as the Liberty, it will be available with a diesel as an option over the base 3.7L gas V-6. Unlike the 2008 Mercedes SUVs that will be getting BlueTec diesels in US market, the Nitro will not get the clean diesel technology. Instead, the estimated 80 percent of Nitros that are expected to be equipped with diesels will use a four cylinder Detroit Diesel engine that will be manufactured by VM Motori in Italy. The Liberty, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee have all previously been equipped with VM Motori engines in the European market. The new engine is different from the previous one and should be more refined, cleaner and efficient.
[Source: Automotive News - subscription required]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Quad 12:23PM (10/13/2006)
I'm glad to see BlueTec diesels being added to the Daimler/Chrysler, particularly the Dodge products. When is the Dodge Caliber and its' cousin Jeep Compass going to get a BlueTec diesel?
With Honda supposedly coming out in 2008 with an Ultra Low Emission diesel, it would be good for an alternative. I like Honda's, but I do like going into a dealership with alternatives as a bargaining chip.
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66coronet 2:51PM (10/13/2006)
I guess time will tell. I've always read that it will get the new MB 3.0L crd over the VM 2.8L crd.
As for liberty ie.= cherokee (over seas) , it used the VM 2.5L crd & VM 2.8L crd (European sales only). Wrangler only offered both VM 2.5L & 2.8L as a military option only. There has been pictures with wrangler CRD being tested. But no official announcement yet.
Grand cherokee went from 1999-2001 VM 3.1L I-5 to 2002-2004 MB 2.7L crd to 2005 - present MB 3.0L crd.
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66coronet 2:53PM (10/13/2006)
As for caliber and compass and patriot VW 2.0L crd. Look at the VW jetta 2.0L crd. When it gets passed by US emissions. Then we can pester DCX. So far it's 2008 jetta.
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MikeW 8:55PM (10/13/2006)
How about a 6 speed automatic(find one, buy one, make one), or a trickle down 7g-tronic?
The 4 speed automatic with the 3.7, and an old MB 5 speed automatic with the 4.0 are an insult.
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w.mitchell 8:26PM (10/24/2006)
What is causing the cost of diesel fuel in the usa to be so high? Do you think big oil has something to do with it? Just about everything here (usa) is transported by a diesel powered vehicle. My opinion is big oil is trying to discourge the use of diesel fuel.
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Mark 10:57PM (12/04/2006)
Diesel is more costly during the winter as it comes from the same portion of the distillate stack as home heating oil during its refining operation. While many areas use natural gas for heating, Heating oil is still the traditional chioce in the cold NorthEastern portion of the US. For the same reason, diesel is less costly in the spring and summer. I would think the US government should encourage the use of diesel as it produces about 30% better fuel economy as compared to a similar displacement gasoline engine. Also, biodiesel has a very minor drop in petro based diesel. E85 has about a 40% mileage penalty as compared to normal gasoline. So, i'm in for a diesel vehicle this time around. I don't trust the longevity of the hybrids yet. Someone else canbe the guinny pig, thank you.
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DarbyWalters 7:45PM (6/05/2007)
Don't hold your breath for Bluetec in Chysler products npw they are sold. Mercedes will be filling thier own cars.
The new 2.8L CRD will be the Panther design. Lighter, more power, smoother, ect. I have the 2.8L in my Jeep Liberty and am very happy with it.
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