Because of such a sea change, even among those who drive diesel-powered vehicles, Banks Power of Azusa, Calif., has launched a new EconoMind product line designed to 'take some of the sting out of today's sky-high diesel prices,' the 50-year-old company says as it rolls out its new EconoMind Tuner. Though Banks is known for its ability to extract more power from an engine and actively runs diesel-powered trucks in drag racing, road course racing and on the salt flats, 'we've been saving fuel for quite some time,' Espino said. 'It just hasn't been chic.' At least not until recently, when diesel fuel prices exceeded those of gasoline even though it's easier to produce diesel. The EconoMind Tuner is an engine-monitoring device that plugs into the wiring harness of the typical diesel-powered pickup and, as Espino, longtime engineer and racing manager and now new business and marketing development manager for Banks puts it, 'skews' engine controls. The result, says Banks, can be as much as a 20-percent increase in fuel economy, as well as more efficient power delivery when it's needed, such as getting up to speed on an on-ramp, passing slower vehicles or climbing long hills. 'We calibrate for what we call clean-tune technology,' Espino added. While diesel has a reputation of being a dirty fuel, 'our motto has always been that those dark clouds are stupid; they're power you can see but were never able to use.' The Economind's suggested retail price 'starts from $769,' with a simple dial switch control, but can be set up to offer additional control through a PDA-type device. Espino added that in addition to enhancing economy and power, the EconoMind Tuner monitors such things as transmission and coolant temperatures as it serves as what he called a 'watchdog' on stock calibrations. Banks goal, Espino said, is to 'honor' the host vehicle by enhancing it without any ill effects. The new EconoMind line is an evolution of and will supersede Banks' long-running and successful Ottomind series of tuners. Espino hinted strongly that in addition to truck applications, Banks is working on similar technology that can be installed in the diesel-power cars and utility vehicles that are coming into production from makers ranging from Volkswagen to Honda. 'Not all diesels have a bed,' Espino said. 'We're looking at any diesel opportunity.' He said Banks sees diesel as the 'real alternative' fuel, whether it's the current clean diesel, bio-diesel or is produced via other technologies. For information, visit www.bankspower.com or call (800) 601-8072. Larry Edsall is a Phoenix-based freelance writer. You can reach him at [email protected].