Ricardo has announced that it is working on an advanced research project – in collaboration with a global manufacturer – to demonstrate an advanced diesel technology capable of achieving US Super Ultra-Low Emission (SULEV) and Tier II Bin 2 requirements. The objective of this programme is to remove the diesel combustion engine from the environmental debate on regulated emissions – allowing advanced diesel engines to take their place alongside gasoline hybrid and fuel cell powered vehicles in the future of environmentally friendly automotive products.

Started in late 2005, early project focus has been on developing technologies to deliver engine-out exhaust emissions (without NOx after-treatment) that achieve stringent Tier II Bin 5 emission requirements, delivering NOx levels approximately one-sixth those currently proposed for Euro 5. In parallel, work is being carried out to develop an advanced exhaust after-treatment system.

Throughout the project, a major emphasis has been placed on achieving low emissions under transient conditions to maintain or improve the “fun to drive” responsiveness of the engine without deteriorating emissions performance. These advanced diesel technologies will be integrated into a vehicle capable of meeting the lowest current world-wide exhaust emissions standard (SULEV, Tier II Bin 2) without compromising customer appeal, while maintaining significant fuel efficiency (therefore CO2) advantage over current US equivalent gasoline products.