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when diesel gets into sport!

Although diesel is generally associated with economy and endurance rather than performance, some manufacturers have dared to create sports models powered by diesel engines. Discover these 5 sporty diesel cars that have shaken up preconceived ideas.

Ford Focus ST: diesel makes its way into sporty compacts

A few years ago, Ford offered a diesel version of its Focus ST:

  • 2.0 EcoBlue engine with 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque
  • 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission
  • 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds
  • Front differential
  • Although slightly less efficient than its petrol sister, this diesel Focus ST offered very respectable performance for a sports compact.

    Peugeot RCZ: the French diesel coupe

    The Peugeot RCZ, a 2+2 coupe with an assertive style, is also available in a diesel version:

  • 2.0 HDi engine with 163 hp and 340 Nm
  • 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive
  • 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds
  • Maximum speed of 220 km/h
  • This version offered an interesting compromise between style, performance and economy at the pump.

    Volkswagen Golf GTD: the diesel GTI version

    The latest Golf GTD, launched in 2020, was the most powerful in the model's history:

  • 2.0 TDI engine with 200 hp and 400 Nm
  • 7-speed DSG automatic transmission
  • 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds
  • Maximum speed of 245 km/h
  • This Golf GTD proved that sportiness and diesel could go well together, even in a compact.

    Bentley Bentayga Diesel: luxury at high speed

    The first diesel model in Bentley's history, the Bentayga Diesel borrowed its mechanics from the Audi SQ7 TDI:

  • V8 4.0 TDI biturbo engine with 435 hp and 900 Nm
  • Micro-hybrid technology
  • ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive
  • 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds
  • Maximum speed of 270 km/h
  • This luxury SUV demonstrated that performance and refinement could be combined with a diesel engine.

    Porsche Panamera 4S Diesel: the pinnacle of sports diesel

    The Porsche Panamera is also available in a diesel version, with a particularly impressive model:

  • 4.0 V8 engine with 422 hp and 850 Nm
  • 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds
  • Maximum speed of 285 km/h
  • Combined consumption of 6.7-6.8 l/100 km
  • This Panamera 4S Diesel was the most powerful diesel ever produced by Porsche, combining high-level performance and controlled consumption.

    These five models prove that diesel has, for a time, been able to enter the world of sports cars with original and high-performance offerings. Although this trend is now in decline in the face of the increasing electrification of the automobile fleet, these vehicles remain fascinating witnesses of an era when diesel sought to find a place in all niches of the automobile market.

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