Honda to introduce a new 3.5 liter V6 diesel by 2010

[DumaRidge]

Here is the report:
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=8007

[xridgelinex]

The engine is said to be 30 percent more fuel efficient than Honda's current 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine (rated at 17/24, 15/20 and 15/20 respectively in the Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline based on 2008 EPA estimates). The new motor is also said to produce 20 percent less carbon dioxide as the 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine.

Considering 30 % better fuel economy would put the RL at a rated 19.5/26... Also it should not have any problem passing USA pollution policies considering the gasoline engine is an "ultra low" polluting engine.

[brandont]

More importantly - if it is a turbo diesel, as most diesels are, then lots more power is just a software change!

[ChrisM]

I'd like to believe this article but I'm skeptical that the RL will see the diesel engine as a Honda branded product. I think the more likely scenario might be that they rebrand a luxury version of Ridgeline as Acura product and sell it at a much higher price point. I would look for a different drivetrain as well. The VTM-4 system will be replaced by SH-AWD.

[Kodiak]

This is not a press release. This is speculation based on partial information that was extrapolated. The only information that was released was a V6 diesel is under development. No definite application plan was announced for the V6 diesel.This is completely false.

Previous press information has speculated about the V8 and V10 engines under development which have also been announced. The V10 has been announced for application in the next generation NSX. The V8 is planned for an undisclosed Acura application.

All official press releases can be found at the Honda Corporate Media site.
http://www.hondanews.com/

[ONTHEVERGE]

Will be interesting but it not like I am just going to bail outta my Ridge to jump into another. Maybe around 2015 or 2020.

[xridgelinex]

Speculation is exciting, but I guess when I see it I will believe it.

[weatherman]

With the added torque, a diesel engine will certainly increase the towing capacity of the RL as well as saving fuel. Sounds like a win-win situation.

[KUDZU]

I'm going to save my money to get me one.

[2Hondas]

They claim a 30 % improvement in mileage, but right now here, diesel is 20 % more expensive than gas, giving a real 10 % improvement. If they would look at a smaller displacement diesel, they could improve the mileage more, and still give more torque than the Ridgeline has now.
I read an article in one of our lubrication magazines about the use of 98+ octane gas for direct injection gasoline engines. According to the article, this would give mileage improvements close to diesel. I can't seem to get the article off of the internet to paste. Of course, making 98 octane would increase prices even more.