Record-setting diesel Honda: 130 mph/24 hours
then got mixed highway/street 78* mpg

Sean King used to hate diesel engines.

They were noisy, they made cars shake and starting them up created a thick cloud of black smoke. That was 20 years ago.

“We start them up inside the dealership these days,” said King, retail sales manager for Louisville Mercedes dealer Tafel Motors.

New federal regulations are forcing major changes in the diesel market. Today, truck stops and gas stations across the country begin selling ultra-low-sulfur diesel, a cleaner version of the fuel that is expected to lead to huge reductions in harmful emissions.

In January, new diesel engine rules will force automakers to cut emissions by as much as 95 percent. As a result, new diesel-powered vehicles will run smoother and quieter than previous models. Those advances, coupled with high gasoline prices, have automakers scrambling to get models on the road.

Last week, Cummins announced it would add 600 to 800 jobs at its Columbus (Ind.) Engine Plant to build diesel engines for Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep trucks and SUVs. Cummins has provided engines for Dodge heavy duty trucks since the 1989 model year, but this will be its first foray into mass-market diesels.

On the car side, Honda has shown off a four-cylinder diesel engine that could be used in its midsized Accord sedan in the next few years. Volkswagen plans diesel Beetle compact cars and Jetta midsized sedans by 2008.

Honda can use fuel-efficient, low-emissions diesel sedans to draw buyers away from Toyota’s hybrid models, he said. Riddell added that automakers that make both diesels and hybrids will be able to offer custom-fit vehicles to buyers with environmental concerns.

“If you drive in long commutes every day, diesels are better,” Riddell said. “If you’re driving in the city every day, a hybrid is better.”

Joe Loughrey, Cummins president and chief operating officer, said he hopes drivers will give the new vehicles a try when they get on the road.

“Because of some of the things that happened in the past and some outdated images of diesels, it will take some time to gain acceptance,” Loughrey said.

If your only experience with a diesel-powered automobile is founded on a poorly maintained yuppie Volvo or Mercedes from a couple decades ago — or, even worse, absolutely anything powered by the POS diesel V8 shoved out the door by GM, long ago and unforgotten — you have a pleasant surprise coming.

When they get to your neighborhood, try one of the new generation. The diesel fuel should have arrived this weekend.

*At first, I didn’t notice the mileage was rated in Imperial gallons.  Now, correct for U.S..