Diesel Car Lineup in the U.S. for 2013 and 2014: Preview and Report
BMW
BMW 3 Series Diesel Wagon
For the next few months the BMW X5 xDrive35d, which readers of The Diesel Driver named the 2012 Diesel Car of the Year, will continue as BMW’s lone diesel offering in the States, but that will change dramatically as the year unfolds. While BMW hasn’t officially stated which cars will be sold when, it has confirmed that it will sell diesels equipped with two new engines starting in 2013. The Bavarian automaker also confirmed it will expand the number of diesel models offered by at least two.
The smaller of the two new diesel engines will be a 2.0-liter, single-turbo, inline four, similar to what is currently available in other markets in both the BMW 320d sedan and touring. The four-banger will develop 180 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque, according to BMW.
An all-new twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six will also be introduced. Specs are similar to the engine that powers the X5 (and powered the previous generation 335d). It is said to develop 255 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and will have a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system that uses urea to meet emissions requirements.
Expect both a 3 Series and a 5 Series diesel in the course of the coming year and it isn’t inconceivable that a 7 Series diesel or an X3 diesel could also make an appearance.
Based on BMW’s traditional seven-year model cycle, a redesigned X5 is likely in 2014 and we expect it to come with the new inline-six.
Cadillac
2013 Cadillac ATS
Cadillac announced its return to diesel from its 40-plus year hiatus in January 2012 (it was the first U.S. automaker to offer cars with a diesel engine back in the 70s), with the introduction of the all-new Cadillac ATS, but the Detroit-based automaker still hasn’t told the world when to expect it. When it does eventually arrive, however, it will make its mark. Cadillac hasn’t said much about the ATS diesel other than that it is coming, but it’s likely to be powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax diesel powerplant.
Cadillac has positioned its new compact sports sedan to compete with the BMW 3 Series, which Cadillac says is the benchmark for performance in this segment. The ATS is already available at dealerships with a choice of three gasoline powerplants including a inline-four turbo and a V6.
The ATS, which continues the marque’s Art & Science design language with angular lines and flat surfaces, rides on the all-new rear- or all-wheel-drive Alpha platform and is eight inches shorter than the CTS.
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