Those of you that follow the news closely are probably aware that Congress passed and president Bush signed a significant energy bill raising the average fuel economy standard to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. Already, the forums and blogs are weeping and gnashing their teeth that this means the end of the musclecar as we know it.

Well, it depends on your definition of musclecar. If muscle car is defined by a domestic two-door coupe with rear-wheel drive and a large-displacement normally-aspirated gasoline V-8, then yes, things might be changing somewhat.

Obviously, posting that I am on a diesel enthusiast blog, I'm expecting a somewhat open-minded reception to my proposal, but if I were to post it on Hot Rod, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords or Super Chevy, I'm wondering if the reaction would be the same.

I think to help meet the imminent fuel economy standards but still give the leadfoot musclecar fans the power they crave, that the Detroit 3 offer diesel options in their musclecars.

As soon as I saw the details on the new 4.5L Duramax, I immediately thought that it would make a terrific passenger-car engine. As compact as a Gen-IV small-block, not a whole lot heavier, with more than 300 horsepower and 500 lb./ft. of torque. Imagine that level of power with highway fuel economy approaching or surpassing 30 miles per gallon, and more than 20 mpg in the city.

The last time a Camaro came close to that level of fuel efficiency was in the '80s, when the 2.5L Iron Duke four-cylinder was offered that cranked out a rousing 90 horsepower.

Same idea with the Mustang. The coming 4.4L half-ton Power Stroke would make one heck of a musclecar engine.

The new Dodge Challenger? It's well-known that Cummins is developing some half-ton powerplants for the new Ram. Why not slide one under the hood of this retro-inspired legend?

Do whaddaya say? Are you ready for a Camaro D28 and Mustang TD?