Better Mileage

[gahunter]

A friend and I were talking the other day and he said he had a Izuzu diesel pickup truck in 1984 or bouts that got about 50 mpg. I got to wondering just what some of these trucks actually got and was able to find this.

Engines were the big news for 1981 as the 20R grew to 2.4 liters to become the 22R and a diesel engine was offered for the first time — and then only on an SR5 with the long bed.

Car and Driver found the diesel to have some virtues. "The 2.2-liter, L-series diesel utilizes an overhead camshaft and a Bosch-Nippondenso fuel-injection system," the magazine reported. "It operates at a 21.5-to-1 compression ratio, developing a reasonable 62 hp at 4,200 rpm and 93 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. The five-speed overdrive manual transmission is geared short on the low end to obtain maximum pull from the torquey diesel engine. A governor limits revs to 4,900 per minute. Basically you shift like crazy to 30 mph, then cruise in relative peace.

"Toyota's advances in diesel technology have eliminated, or at least minimized, many of the objections most of us have against diesels. For one thing, the harsh clacketing sound of most diesel engines has been virtually eliminated in the SR5 by a fabric-reinforced-rubber timing belt and increased sound insulation….

"One of the high points of the diesel is, of course, its 31 mpg (EPA city) rating which is lower than both VW's and Datsun's diesel trucks' rating but still better than the SR5 gas engine by 7 mpg. But before the diesel option will pay for itself, you have to put on at least 40,000 miles."

I haven't found the best mileage of the past yet for trucks but thought it might be an interesting topic and something some other members might like to contribute to or discuss. Seems like the auto makers could dust off some old designs and with some minor modern modifications could come up with trucks that would produce much better MPG and still meet emission requirements.

[gahunter]

Here's more info........you would think Toyota will get in on this too.............
Familar with their tractors.........





Posted February 11 2008 12:24 PM by Rory Jurnecka
Filed under: Car News, Trucks




Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has big plans to break the U.S. market, and plans to introduce a two- and four-door pickup stateside by summer 2009. We've reported on Mahindra's goals before, but recent reports from pickuptruck.com and Automotive News fill in a few details we didn't have previously.

The pickup, dubbed Appalachian and said to be comparable in size to a Toyota Tacoma, will be powered by a Bosch-developed 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine making around 145 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, although final performance numbers have not been released. We're a little concerned about using this engine stateside, as it is based on Bosch diesel technology that is untested in the U.S., and it has yet to pass Bin 5 diesel emissions standards and therefore cannot be sold in eight states (inlcuding California and New York).






Mahindra says the truck will be available in two- or four-wheel drive, come standard with a paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission, and feature a U.S.-designed interior. Fuel economy is said to be in the 30 to 35 mpg range, while the Appalachian's 7.5-foot cargo box will have a payload capacity of about 1.3 tons (2,600 lbs). It will be based on the Scorpio SUV, a vehicle that currently sells in India and is similar to a Ford Explorer dimension-wise.

Mahindra has also announced that a diesel hybrid powertrain is also slated for the same pickup truck in 2010. Should the truck proceed according to schedule, it could be the first diesel-hybrid pickup to be sold in the U.S. The diesel-hybrid version is likely to cost "several thousand more" than the diesel-only Appalachian. Plans are also underway to bring the Scorpio SUV and potentially a crossover to the global market as well.

Approximately 300 dealers have reportedly been enlisted to sell Mahindra Appalachians if they get to our shores, and an initial production date of March 15, 2009 has reportedly been set -- though with no emissions or crash testing underway, that seems a little optimistic. Final assembly of the Appalachian will be conducted in Ohio to avoid 25-percent federal import tariffs, but despite that cost-saving measure, the base price of the Appalachian will reside around $22,000 according to Global Vehicles, the U.S. importer for Mahindra.

Global says that the Appalachian represents a truck costing twice as much, but that remains to be seen. In any case, will an Indian-built pickup truck ever crack the U.S. market? From where we stand, the Appalachian may offer a multi-thousand dollar savings in the mid-size truck segment, but will serious buyers care? Just how much of a value does Mahindra have to offer the Appalachian at for buyers to care? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

[gahunter]

MORE INFO



Toyota Motor Company continues to tie up with former General Motors partners. In October of 2005, Toyota joined hands with Fuji Heavy Industries (read: Subaru), and now it is taking a 5.9 percent interest in struggling Isuzu.Toyota is acquiring 100 million shares of stock @ $3.52/share, making the deal worth $352.4 million.
The move is primarily motivated by Isuzu’s expertise in diesel engine technologies, with the idea that the Japanese truck maker will work to develop derv-burning emissions control technologies and small powerplants, leaving Toyota free to focus on gasoline and alternative-fuel engines.(Click through to the link for more details)

[kooltaco]

Powerful new diesel engines


The powerful new diesel engine range in the 007 Toyota Hilux, and the option of automatic transmission on the new 3.0 D-4D engine, offers customers a broad choice of powertrain to suit their work and leisure needs. The new engines are refined and quiet, with high torque output for maximum power both on- and off-road. They deliver smooth power throughout the rev range and, thanks to high efficiency turbochargers, balance this increased power output with low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
Both engines comply with Euro IV emissions and have been integrated into the Hilux range to enhance driving pleasure, especially in the growing leisure pick-up market.
2007 Toyota Hilux


Outstanding performance: 3.0 D-4D


The new 3.0-litre D-4D in the 007 Hilux is the latest derivative of the renowned diesel engine which also appears in the flagship Toyota Land Cruiser. It features second-generation common-rail technology, variable nozzle turbocharger and a swirl control system for maximum efficiency.
Equipped with this hi-tech advanced engine, the Toyota Hilux is the ultimate leisure and adventure vehicle with outstanding off-road capability while also delivering refined on-road driving pleasure with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness.
In its latest derivative the 3.0 D-4D ( KD-FTV engine) delivers 171 DIN hp (126kW) of power at 3600 rpm and has a flat torque output of 343 Nm right across the engine range from 1400 to 3400 rpm. This engine gives the 007 Toyota Hilux at top speed of 170 km/h (M/T) while delivering excellent fuel economy of 8.3 l/ 00km (M/T) on the combined ECE-cycle.
The 3.0-litre engine is a technically advanced iron-alloy block unit with an aluminium alloy cylinder head and four valves per cylinder. Two separate input ports of different shapes help promote fuel mix and optimise swirl.
The five journals crankshaft has eight balancing weights and there are two counter-rotating balancing shafts to reduce engine vibration, contributing to the excellent driving pleasure. The engine mounts, front and rear, have been optimised to reduce vibration transmission to the chassis and enhance ride comfort.
The second-generation, common rail system develops a high injection pressure, allowing the use of injector nozzles with smaller diameter holes to create a more homogenous air-fuel mix, improving the efficiency of the combustion process. This translates into more performance with lower emissions and lower fuel consumption.
2007 Toyota Hilux


Over a wide range of engine speeds (800- 3000 rpm) the common-rail system performs a double pilot injection per cycle (prior to the main injection), distributing the most suitable amount of fuel with three distinct injections each. This reduces the combustion noise and engine vibration, from this high performance diesel.
One key to the impressive power and torque output of the 3.0-litre D-4D is the sophisticated, variable vane, turbocharger which balances exhaust back pressure and boost pressure based on the precise demands of the engine. Toyota uses an electric DC (direct current) motor to activate the variable nozzle vane mechanism, instead of the conventional step motor. The result is sharper response from the turbocharger, particularly at lower speeds and higher precision of vane activation.
The engine also benefits from a Swirl Control System. Each cylinder is supplied with air/exhaust gas mixture through two different independent ducts. Butterfly valves operated by the Swirl Control System can shut off one of these ducts according to the engine speed and load, increasing the mixture’s swirl rate.
Further improvements to the emissions performance, particularly at cold start, are achieved by fitting an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler with integrated bypass and a switching valve to optimise EGR gas temperature.
At low engine speeds this device improves the air-fuel mixture, thus further increasing torque availability at low speeds along with lower emissions. The new 3.0 D-4D engine will be exclusively available for the 4x4 Double Cab body style in SR
grade and above.
Power boosted: 2.5 D-4D


More power, reduced emissions and lower noise levels are key enhancements to the 2.5-litre D-4D engine that remains at the heart of the Toyota Hilux appeal and have made it a best-seller worldwide. The power-boosted .5 D-4D, with remarkable torque output, will give the 2007 Hilux more performance and more driving pleasure.
2007 Toyota Hilux


Maximum engine power of the 2.5 D-4D has been increased by seventeen per cent to 120 DIN hp (88kW) at 3,600 rpm with the introduction of a high performance turbo-intercooler and other developments. As a result top speed is now 165 km/h (4x manual transmission) and 155 km/h for 4x4 version.
At the same time the torque output from this engine is now at 325 Nm. Torque output is above 300 Nm from 1600 rpm to 2600 rpm, giving the 2.5-litre D-4D Hilux a very good balance between excellent driving pleasure and low fuel consumption in real world driving conditions. On the combined cycle, the 2007 Hilux 2.5-litre D-4D will deliver from 7.4 l/ 100 km to 8.3 l/ 100km, depending on the model.
The high performance, lightweight intercooler is positioned above the engine for maximum effect. It not only increases power but also offers enhanced emissions performance. Low speed torque is boosted by the inclusion of a two-stage swirl control valve, similar to the 3.0 D-4D, in the intake manifold which improves the swirl rate at low intake pressures.
Just as with the 3.0-litre engine, additional improvements to the emissions performance are achieved by fitting an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler with integrated bypass and a switching valve to optimise EGR gas temperature.
These changes, and optimisation of the oxidation catalytic converter, ensure that the 2.5-litre D-4D is now fully compliant with Euro IV emissions standards. The 2.5-litre D-4D Hilux also offers customers excellent refinement and low noise levels, thanks to a series of measures to reduce noise and vibration. As with the .0-litre D-4D, improvements to the combustion process allow the compression ratio to be reduced to 17.4:1, giving more performance and reduced noise

[Nicky9]

I think this is great... but the US decided to use Gas as the primary fuel vs Diesel. I heard one of the DOE reps talk about it during one of the commitee hearings in DC. Which is why so many US auto manufacturers have mainly produced gasoline motors vs the Diesel powered engines. Deisle is making a come back here stateside... however have you seen the prices of diesel lately? I would think the extra mpg gained with an efficient diesel motor would be a wash for the price per gallon of the big D.

[WilsonTheDog]

I would love to see a diesel Taco here. I'd trade mine in immediately for one.

HOWEVER, there's a major difference here vs. say Europe: diesel production. One barrel of oil is split approx this way: 50% gas/25% diesel/25% other (plastics, etc). Europe is approx: 25% gas/50% diesel/25% other. This is why diesel prices are so much more than gas here. In Europe, it's the opposite.

[maxama10]

God I'd love a diesel that's about all I have to add...

[dl1027]

I'm not sure how it happened. I got 25.38 mpg on my last tank of gas and this is with a double cab Prerunner. I thought something was odd when I had 440 miles on the trip meter and still driving. Normally I must get gas around 400 miles.

[Trail Gator]

Ford is about to release a Diesel V6 in the re-designed F150.

I took my tailgate off (less drag, less weight) and don't use my A/C right now. Its changed my mileage some.

[eyedoc]

http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2005/11/e...s_cures_f.html

that was interesting to me... opened my eyes about tailgates on trucks being down for better mileage. taking your tailgate off is probably a different story though.... then the air coming over the cab doesn't have anything to push down on to reduce your mileage. Hmmmm.....

probably a repost though.... for that, i apologize.

[viet2100]

Originally Posted by Da Hui

Ford is about to release a Diesel V6 in the re-designed F150.

I took my tailgate off (less drag, less weight) and don't use my A/C right now. Its changed my mileage some.

They're also gettin rid of their performance V8s in the Mustangs and throwin in 4 cyl turbo diesels. Expectin 350 lb.-ft. Pretty nuts how the gov't not allowin big engines with low mpg.

[tacogrande]

Originally Posted by WilsonTheDog

I would love to see a diesel Taco here. I'd trade mine in immediately for one.

HOWEVER, there's a major difference here vs. say Europe: diesel production. One barrel of oil is split approx this way: 50% gas/25% diesel/25% other (plastics, etc). Europe is approx: 25% gas/50% diesel/25% other. This is why diesel prices are so much more than gas here. In Europe, it's the opposite.

Not true dude. Right now, with the exchange rate and liter to gallon conversion 1 U.S. Gallon of regular gasoline costs $8. Super plus is $11, and Diesel is (get this) $13 fucking dollars a gallon. I ride my bike a lot. I have to add, biodiesel is even more. Driving is a rich man's sport here. Even the train is ridiculously expensive. I'm going to kiss the ground when I land in the U.S.

[eyedoc]

Originally Posted by tacogrande

Not true dude. Right now, with the exchange rate and liter to gallon conversion 1 U.S. Gallon of regular gasoline costs $8. Super plus is $11, and Diesel is (get this) $13 fucking dollars a gallon. I ride my bike a lot. I have to add, biodiesel is even more. Driving is a rich man's sport here. Even the train is ridiculously expensive. I'm going to kiss the ground when I land in the U.S.

Holy Christ Freakin' Jesus!!!!!

[WilsonTheDog]

Originally Posted by tacogrande

Not true dude. Right now, with the exchange rate and liter to gallon conversion 1 U.S. Gallon of regular gasoline costs $8. Super plus is $11, and Diesel is (get this) $13 fucking dollars a gallon. I ride my bike a lot. I have to add, biodiesel is even more. Driving is a rich man's sport here. Even the train is ridiculously expensive. I'm going to kiss the ground when I land in the U.S.

But the diesel prices paid in the U.S. are a bargain compared to what drivers are paying in Europe.
Diesel averaged $6.88 a gallon in France and $8.73 a gallon in Norway Monday, according to Europe's chief car-owners group, the Automobile Association. The strain has been so bad that on Monday, thousands of Bulgarian truck drivers blockaded the entrance to their capitol city, Sophia, wire reports said.

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/app...WS01/805200326

The gas prices in those nations mentioned are actually about the same as diesel so I was a bit off. What I mentioned was what it was typically in the past, cheaper to run diesel because Europe produces more of it. However, things have changed recently, obviously, since it seems there's a bit of a shorter supply of diesel than normal.

Here's London (Essex): http://www.petrolprices.com/search.html?search=London%2C+Essex

[tacogrande]

Yeah that plus Germany taxes the shit out of everything. 19% sales tax on top of 53% income tax. You guys think you have it bad, the rest of the world is living off of top ramen and beanie weenies and riding the train to work, if there's any work at all. I love being an American and taking everything for granted.