The poll is a totally unscientific effort to gauge the reaction of readers to some of the ideas for future vehicles shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit during the past two weeks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

It turns out that Eyes on the Road readers don't consider a petrol-conscious super sports car to be an oxymoron. By a nearly two to one margin, Eyes readers said "Build It" when asked about the idea of a fire breathing, V-12 diesel-powered Audi R8 sports car, and an ethanol-burning Ferrari 430.

Audi may or may not offer a 12-cylinder diesel in the U.S., but the company is serious about offering a wide array of diesel power in this country, says Jeff Kuhlman, who runs Audi communications in the U.S. He notes that "90 percent of our concepts become reality."

Audi is aiming to launch a diesel version of its Q7 sport-utility wagon late this year or early 2009, when it can get the engine certified to meet clean air standards in all 50 states. "America isn't going to be convinced that diesel is the right thing just for people movers," Mr. Kuhlman says. "We've got to come with vehicles that are still exciting and still emotional."