air-cooled diesel 911, anyone?

[alniki]

This may be a stupid question but with lots of new-generation low-emission diesels entering the auto market, I cannot help wonder if Porsche has or will ever consider an air-cooled diesel 911 that will last million miles without any trouble from the ignition system.

Anyone knowledgeable in diesel engines would like to comment on this?

[sig_a]

Originally posted by alniki
This may be a stupid question but with lots of new-generation low-emission diesels entering the auto market, I cannot help wonder if Porsche has or will ever consider an air-cooled diesel 911 that will last million miles without any trouble from the ignition system.

Anyone knowledgeable in diesel engines would like to comment on this?

I like the idea, but it may be a long wait.

Not with the Audi R10 TDI giving Porsche all they can handle at ALMS events. After losing numerous races throughout the world to the Audi's, the Spyder teams are complaining of being "victimized" by rule bias aimed at favoring the diesel Audis.

In today's feminized world, even a great company like Porsche feels the urge to get caught up in post modernism.

[81 911 SC]

Unfortunately I think the days of air cooled 911's are long gone, never to return again.

[rvanderpyl]

Air cooled motors cannot meet current noise or emmission regulations without a lot of expensive add-ons that you don't need with water cooled. And Porsche has said that a diesel does not work within their concept of what a sporting vehicle is. Although when the Panamerica comes out they may change their minds given that the market segment it is to compete in is rife with diesels in Europe.

[sig_a]

Originally posted by rvanderpyl
Porsche has said that a diesel does not work within their concept of what a sporting vehicle is.

And Audi looks at diesel engines for racing sports from a different point of view.

http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/experience/motorsport/r10.html

[Paulporsche]

Never say "Never".

[kach22i]

Subaru is coming out with one (Diesel Boxer), Porsche had one a long time ago but it was never brought to market.

Link:
Subaru Boxer Turbo Diesel Engine Set for Geneva Premiere

[304065]

Porsche already built a diesel. . . the Junior (a Tractor.)

Seriously, members of the Board, as recently as last summer, have said they will NEVER do this.

[notfarnow]

Originally posted by john_cramer
Porsche already built a diesel. . . the Junior (a Tractor.)

Porsche also designed a horizontally opposed diesel for the VW beetle in '51. Apparently, it was slow.



Legend also has it that Ferry had one in a 356, so it wouldn't be the first diesel Porsche.

[randywebb]

Not soon that's for sure. What is interesting is that Porsche has once again adopted diesel technology to their gas engines.

In the early 1970's it was the Bosch diesel injection pump - we know it as MFI. Now it is the concept of direct fuel injection - right into the cylinder. It gives more power, more economy & lower emissions.

[304065]