It would be great to get some of the sophisticated European common rail diesels in North America, especially with the declining dollar driving fuel costs up. Performance is equal to gas and fuel economy is great.

However it cannot happen until the North American diesel fuel supply is improved. The modern European engines cannot run on the cruder high sulphur fuel found in the US (Canada too, I believe). Mercedes has to make a special old design low tech diesel for the US market.

There is talk about changing the US diesel fuel standards, but it will take time (assuming such a plan is not derailed by special interests).

 

Right now, here in GA, diesel is just as expensive as gasoline if not more. Now you can find off-road for $1.89/gallon.

But you're right, a more efficent, perhaps a turbo-diesel, would be an excellent option.

 

I work in an oil refinery and they've been talking about the conversion to low-sulfur diesel production coming soon.