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Diesel fuel in Europe is both lower in sulfur and higher in cetane than the crap we are forced to buy here. Our Diesel is the equivalent of low grade Mexican Pemex compared to EuroDiesel, great for trucks with lots of filters etc., but lousy for high performance autos/truck with emissions concerns.

The new ultralow sulfur Diesel (ULSD) will likely suffer some loss of the lubricating properties inherent in the fuel we use now, or better, used to use when sulfur wasn't a bad thing. This will result in increased fuel system wear.

The beauty of biodiesel is that it will has more lubrication properties than the petrodiesel, so it will have benefits far above the simple fact it does not have to come from some Islamofascist infested region of the world. It is also a superb solvent, and will clean out your Diesel fuel system like Draino, and some fuel lines will need to be updated to newer rubber compositions to counteract decomposition by the biodiesel. That is the reason older Diesels need to either be updated or avoid using it. Any older Diesel will probably have to do a few extra fuel filter changes when it is first used. Another downside is that it is prone to wax up at temperatures higher than that of winter mix Diesel, which will be a problem for the upper half of the country in the winter. No doubt a solution will be found, such as a higher petrodiesel proportion or some sort of additive.

BMW, Honda, Nissan, and others are planning to introduce Diesels when the ULSD is phased in during 2007. Daimler Chrysler is planning to put its CRD engine into more Jeeps and possibly some autos. VW is reintroducing its superb Toureg V10 Diesel, and Mercedes will likely expand its Diesel offerings.

Diesels are demonstrably superior to the complicated and expensive hybrid solutions that are being touted as America's savior. Diesels are ideal for towing and large loads, while hybrid powertrains are fairly fragile by comparison. Try a VW TDI sometime and see what it is like.

Once you go Diesel, you never go back!