Goodbye Diesel?

A recent report by pickuptrucks.com has got my attention as of late. It turns out they have uncovered a future engine program that could potentially put an end to the need for diesel engines. The reason we use diesel in the states is primarily to power large trucks as the high power output enables them to do more work at higher efficiency. Recently, America has learned from our neighbors across the pond (Europe) and started to adopt the idea of using small diesels with efficiency in mind for cars. The TDI Volkswagen Jetta gets 42 mpg highway for example. The "problem" with diesel engines is that the EPA and many "green minded" folk do not particularly like the emissions they spew from the tailpipe and thus extremely expensive and complicated smog reducing equipment must be installed on every vehicle. So complicated that they sometimes roll off the assembly line with hilarious results as witnessed by Ford's "thermic event" issue. (Don't worry, if you pass by on of these on the road your paint should be safe as the problem has been solved.)

The future engine is code named "Bobcat" and it is essentially Ford's new 5.0 liter V8 with twin turbos, direct injection, and direct ethanol injection. The last part of injecting ethanol into the cylinders is what should grab your attention, as without it, the motor is nothing more than an eco-boost V8. With all crazy tech jargon aside, the end result is a huge power output from a relatively small engine. The current 6.4 liter diesel V8 from Ford produces a whopping 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The 5.0 liter gas V8 with the new ethanol injection tech is said to be able to produce over 500 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque. All of this power with higher fuel efficiency and no need for expensive emissions equipment that modern diesels require. The real question in my mind, however, is that if they can do this with a big V8, why not put it in a smaller 1.5 liter 4-cylinder. I wouldn't mind driving a car that puts out over 200 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque all while getting 40 mpg on the highway. Especially if the only extra work for me is to fill a small ethanol tank every so often. Sounds like too good of an idea for anyone on the engine program not to consider.