Those same high compression ratios also contribute to higher combustion temperatures which causes more NOx production in the exhaust gases, the big bugaboo for diesel emissions. 

For this new engine, Mazda has reduced the compression ratio to just 14:1 (compared to as much as 20:1 in traditional diesels) thus allowing for lighter internal components and lower combustion temperatures. As a result, Mazda claims they can meet exceptionally tough US emissions standards without resorting to a urea-injection system that converts NOx to nitrogen and water. Thus the overall cost of using a diesel is significantly reduced. 

Volkswagen is having great success with diesels in the Passat, Jetta and Golf and +Chevrolet is launching a diesel Cruze soon. It will be interesting to have another diesel option in the hotly contested midsize segment.

Reshared post from +Dick DeBartolo

What?? According to the Display Research Blog, the average Size of LCD TV Panels Increased by 2 Inches in 12 Months. ..Well I wish someone would tell my TV that! I just measured it, and it hasn't grown at all in 12 months. I guess I never should have bought that Lazy-Sonic brand! It just sits there 24/7.

Reshared post from +Dan Gillmor

I'm betting you won't find one of the words in this headline — "Lying" — in any traditional newspaper story this morning, which is unfortunate. The so-called mainstream media are still afraid to call things for what they are.

I asked Lutz if he thought Ghosn was a madman or a genius based on these plans. To my surprise, he replied that he thought it was a bit of both. If EVs took off, everyone would consider him a genius for jumping in with both feet. On the other hand, you have to be a bit crazy to make such a multi-billion dollar bet on battery powered cars. 

It's still way too early for a definitive judgement on electric vehicles, but I'm inclined to think that hybrids, plug-in hybrids and extended range EVs will be far more successful than pure BEVs.