Audi offers many of the same engines, although the A4 gets a 3.0 V6 TDI, which is also available in the Touareg - the base model comes with 204hp and 330 lb-ft. However, Oettinger chose to simply reprogram the ECU to unleash 260hp and an M5-rivalling 380 lb-ft.
The Canary wharf development in East London is reviving disused parts of the old London docks
Abt Sportsline, meanwhile, took on the Touareg V10 and created a 373hp oil-burning leviathan with a stupifying 634 lb-ft. and although it has to drag round the 5500 lb SUV, it can hit 60mph in 6.9sec.
Mercedes TuningThe manufacturer has a potent range of diesels, and was one of the first to commit to the US with the six cylinder three liter E320 CDI. But there's a host of other diesels available, including a 2.2 liter 16v four cylinder that powers the new C-Class - the only car in the world to hold a "Design for Environment" award thanks to the diligent approach to energy consumption and recycling from the factory floor to the junkyard.
Carlsson's C-Tronic software upgrade takes the C200 CDI from 140 to 168hp, and torque goes from 221 to 265 lb-ft.
Brabus has its own software packages, including one for the 3.2 liter diesel in everything from the C-Class to the off-road ML. And while emissions remain relatively unaffected, since the programming is compatible with Bluetec filtration, the engine gives up another 48hp and 59 lb-ft - that's 272hp and 435 lb-ft of torque, good enough for a 0-60mph in 6.5sec and a top end beyond 155mph in the C-Class. But it's all in an economical and environmentally-friendly package.
Thoughts from a Daily Diesel DriverEvery time you accelerate, the smoke is like election day at the Vatican. They smell, they're noisier than a gasoline engine and you can't help but associate them with a Malaga taxi. So what is it about diesels that I like so much?
Top of the list is probably the fuel economy. I drive a 150hp BMW 320d and can get 45 miles to the UK gallon (1.2 US gallons). Covering 30,000 miles a year, that's quite a saving. On top of that, you can feel good about doing your bit to preserve oil resources.
The third reason is because of how driveable they are. Diesels have significantly more torque than their equivalent gasoline counterparts and in-gear acceleration is truly impressive - even in my lowly 320d. And those three reasons more than make up for the smoke, smell and noise.
Some of the bigger diesel engines beggar belief. Get behind the wheel of a Touareg V10, Audi 4.0, Range Rover 3.6 or the BMW 335d and see for yourself. The latter boasts 286hp, more torque than the M5 and you can get 35-40mpg.
Southwark Bridge across the River Thames was first built in 1819 but was rebuilt in it's current form in 1921
Driving the 335d is a real pleasure - there's a slight diesel noise, but with a pleasant six cylinder beat. Treat it gently and it glides around town as smoothly as you wish. But throw caution to the wind and the response is near-instant. Good God, it goes.
I won't tell you it's as smooth or as quiet as a 335i, but it's nearly as fast 0-60mph and has better in-gear times. Plus it's significantly more economical.
Diesels have become the weapon of choice in the European market over recent years - helped by high fuel taxes and a punitive company car tax regime in the UK. Like it or not, the Green lobby and rising oil prices will persecute traditional gas-guzzlers and you'll end up thinking about a diesel. And if you can get a performance diesel like the BMW 335d or 535d, I doubt you could do better. Diesel is the new cool. You read it here first.Guy Emmerson