Acura to Get Diesel Power

Acura announced at the Detroit auto show today that it will market a clean-diesel engine in North America beginning in 2009. The diesel engine, dubbed i-DTEC, complies with U.S. emissions standards even without having a separate urea storage system that would have to be refilled periodically.

Acura has not named which of its models will receive the diesel engine, but the MDX is a logical choice. The improved efficiency and low-end torque offered by diesels would be especially beneficial in that luxury SUV.

—Mike Hanley