common rail direct inject diesel engines made by mercedes are being modified by Thielert Aircraft Engine Company and used in general aviation. for example:
http://www.diamond-air.at/en/products/DA42/
" As far as general aviation in Europe is concerned, the future belongs to Jet-A1 and Diesel fuel. " the FAA here in usa has declared the same, stating that at some undisclosed point in the future it will begin to phase out AVGAS 100 in general aviation.

the 05 mercedes CDI, which produces 500 Nm of torque (369 lb-ft) at 1,800 rpm, and a published top speed of 150mph, with a mere 201hp, yet comparable in performace with 300hp gas engines.

or for that matter, any of the TDI/CDI engines made by mercedes, bmw, audi, vw, peugeot, skoda, etc, all of which are sold all over the rest of the civilized world, but not here in usa - do you wonder why?

our faithful old mbz are old technology!