With a peak power output of 125 kW/170 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, the most frugal C-Class of all time sets a new benchmark in fuel efficiency. Hybrid modules with various levels of power output and batteries with the right degree of capacity can be combined with the highest volume Mercedes-Benz petrol and diesel engines. Its particular benefits lie in its compact dimensions combined with a considerably higher capacity compared with existing nickel metal-hydride batteries. Alongside insufficient production capacity for powerful and safe batteries, there is also no comprehensive infrastructure of charging facilities or of hydrogen fuel stations for fuel cell vehicles. Mercedes-Benz has at its disposal all the necessary conceptual and technological means for the systematic electrification of vehicles. The main key to greater efficiency and environmental compatibility lies in driveline electrification - not only in electric cars, but also in vehicles with combustion engines. This broad-based and determined commitment also encompasses - over and above the further development of driveline technology - the testing of alternative fuels and the development of a suitable infrastructure, in respect of facilities such as battery charging points and hydrogen fuel stations. This version boasts an overall range of up to 600 kilometres and can drive on electricity alone for up to 100 kilometres - it is also completely suitable for everyday use in respect of safety and packaging.
In respect of the minimisation of CO2 emissions in road traffic, the electric car is currently being presented as the “favourite”. This is the position occupied by the S 400 HYBRID, with which Mercedes-Benz was the first European manufacturer to offer a hybrid passenger car. Equipped with the new four-cylinder diesel, the Vision E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID underscores this position with its low combined consumption of around 4.5 l/100 km (preliminary figure). The modular hybrid concept from Mercedes-Benz enables the application of petrol and diesel engines of various configurations, as demonstrated by the Vision E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. All hybrid modules are - like the high-volume four and six-cylinder combustion engines - compatible with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. For the Hamburg project, Mercedes-Benz is supplying the city with ten fuel cell buses and 20 B-Class F-CELL vehicles, while Vattenfall sources the necessary hydrogen from regenerative energies and partners Total and Shell build a total of four hydrogen fuel stations in Hamburg. The account balance of BlueEFFICIENCY models currently stands at - twelve models with a CO2 value below 140 grams per kilometre, 24 vehicles emit less than 160 grams per kilometre and a total of 36 models come in beneath 180 grams per kilometre.
One thing is clear - all advances being made mean electric vehicles will not be able to replace vehicles with combustion engines in the short term. This means that diesel and petrol engines - combined with efficient transmissions - will remain, as they have been for many decades, the backbone of road-going mobility around the globe. At the same time, the diesel hybrid generates a refined level of performance that, at 165 kW/224 hp and between 580 and 600 Nm of torque (both combined), is above that of current six-cylinder diesels. In particular, the thus-far relatively low range of batteries and their lengthy charging times are in conflict with what people have come to understand over a period of decades as “auto-mobility” and what they continue to expect - freedom, the ability to drive anywhere at any time, and to be able to refuel in virtually every part of the world. Modern diesel and petrol engines will also remain the driving force for the automobile in the longer term - in individual mobility with passenger cars, over long distances in particular, and especially in the transportation of goods with heavy trucks.
In particular, the technology for the world’s cleanest diesels has laid the foundation for the future of economical, high-torque diesel engines in the U.S. Progress is particularly evident in the newly introduced four-cylinder direct injection petrol engines in the latest E-Class. It goes without saying that the Generation EQ concept also features the latest driving aids from Mercedes, which rely on highly accurate maps from HERE. The R230 SL underwent a significant facelift in 2008 featuring new and revised engines and a new front end that evokes the classic 300SL with a large grille featuring a prominent 3-pointed star and twin "power domes" on the hood, the car also features new headlights with an optional "Intelligent Light System" and a new speed sensitive steering system. This is the positive answer to the fundamental question surrounding the future of large cars. Mercedes-Benz and AMG are providing a glimpse into the future of mobility with a range of premieres shown for the first time on the Asian continent. Even more rare is the SL70 AMG which was powered by a 7.0 L V12 engine.
AFFALTERBACH : August 21, 2011 - The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. The objective of making petrol engines as fuel-efficient as diesels and diesels as clean as petrol engines, has already been achieved in many Mercedes-Benz models. Therefore, the quality of combustion engines will also be a decisive factor in determining how much fuel can actually be saved and the degree to which emissions can be avoided. Furthermore, thanks to the innovative cooling system and temperature management, it also possesses a high degree of reliability independent of climatic conditions and outstanding cold-start characteristics. Alongside the aforementioned characteristics, it must also have a long lifespan and a high level of crash safety and be suitable for recycling. The Sprinter conversion vans are from the Mercedes Benz stable, which are renowned globally for their high standards of luxury, safety, and comfort. Mercedes-Benz is setting benchmarks with the broad range of this modular platform - from technology, through economy to safety and driving comfort.
