It has been a while since I last waxed poetically about the amazing virtues of diesel. It is the obvious choice to me for independence from petroleum today. The new Volkswagen Lupo 3L TDI not only proves this is reality, but has some nice marketing language to boot:

It wasn’t long ago the European community thought the idea of a regular production vehicle that consumes 3 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers was a mere pipe dream. A challenge was put out to European car manufacturers to produce such a vehicle and former VWAG Chairman Dr. Piech stepped up to the plate and swung hard – he usually didn’t miss too many pitches when it comes to engineering feats. What resulted is the Volkswagen Lupo 3L TDI, the worlds first 3-liter consumption production car.

Considering that the 2010 VW Golf will give 170hp at 44mpg, we’re talking real cars with really efficient engines today. This is not to say small engines are not a good idea, but the fact is that today’s typical American driver will purchase based on performance and status first, efficiency second. The fact that BMW has started pumping up the 3-series diesel is proof of this performance-orientation taking hold. Not too long ago they were carrying on about some sort of hydrogen 7-series, which will probably be a reality in like…never. Today they too see the American diesel market heating up. Next step, biodiesel blends of 5% or more. Landfills, get your conversion systems running. You don’t have to be a total veggiebus to make a significant impact. Imagine reducing dependence on foreign oil by just 10% and the positive impact to air quality and health.

Biofuels are carbon dioxide (CO2) neutral. Unlike petroleum fuels, they do not add new carbon to the atmosphere [since they come from renewable plants which consume CO2]. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and sulfates (major contributors to acid rain) are completely eliminated due to the fact that sulfur does not exist in veggie oil. Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions are reduced by 40-60% and carcinogens by 90%. Hydrocarbon emissions are reduced by 50% which reduces photochemical smog (ozone) by 50% as well. Particulate matter, a major contributor to increased asthma cases, is reduced by 45%