Volkswagen’s emissions rigging scandal nearly killed diesel car sales. But the company just reported a sharp rise in demand for diesels in 2018.

The Volkswagen 5.9-liter V12 is the most powerful mass production diesel engine to date by the automaker, sporting a rated power of up to 500 brake horsepower and a maximum torque output of 737 lb-ft.

Diesel engines have offered a fuel efficient alternative to gasoline powered engines for decades. So what was the first car ...