Mercedes-Benz: Development and Technology News
:sqnteek: 
Thats thing sucks!!
10-08-2003, 08:08 AM
#87
Kabachitare!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mercedes Quality News **chief may drop goal to top quality survey (page 1)**
Mercedes fights to restore luster
By Christine Tierney, The Detroit News
STUTTGART, Germany — Nearly five years since the DaimlerChrysler union, venerable Mercedes-Benz is creaking under the pressure of sustaining the DaimlerChrysler automotive empire.
Mercedes is still raking in cash and building great cars, like the sleek and powerful SLR sports car unveiled at the recent Frankfurt auto show. But it's no longer the untouchable marque it was in the 1950s.
Once renowned for their reliability, Mercedes cars now exhibit nagging defects. In Mercedes' most lucrative market, the United States, the brand trails BMW and Toyota Motor's Lexus in sales and is barely ahead of General Motors' Cadillac brand.
With its biggest rival, BMW, churning out a slew of new models, some analysts believe BMW might overtake Mercedes as the world's best-selling luxury carmaker as early as next year.
Can it all be blamed on the merger? Probably not, but there's a growing sense inside the company and among analysts that the automaker would be in a stronger competitive position if it weren't the main profit center for all of DaimlerChrysler.
In the first half of 2003, Mercedes earned $1.8 billion — or more than three-fourths of DaimlerChrysler's operating profit — even though it accounts for less than half of the group's revenue.
That's because Chrysler is losing money again, DaimlerChrysler's commercial vehicles division is barely profitable, and the company's stake in Japan's Mitsubishi Motors contributes little to the bottom line.
"The people at Mercedes-Benz don't see any benefit. For them, Chrysler's just a huge drain," says Christoph Stuermer, a former Mercedes executive who works for the Global Insight consulting and forecasting firm in Frankfurt. These days, Mercedes has its hands full fending off rivals — not just aggressive BMW and cash-rich Lexus, but also Audi and Japanese relative newcomers Infiniti and Acura. Executives are working flat-out on a product offensive that will include two new Mercedes SUVs, one of them larger than the current M-Class, and a sport-ute under the Smart brand.
At the Frankfurt auto show, Mercedes also unveiled a four-door coupe, the CLS, with a crafted interior that's far more stylish than anything currently available in the lineup. It's expected to debut in late 2004.
But the high-volume heavy hitters will not be rolling out until late next year. Meanwhile, Mercedes sales are slipping this year, dragged down by slumping demand for older models. The recent launches of the E-Class sedan and Maybach super-limo have not offset a 26% drop in M-Class SUV sales, a 15% drop in sales of C-Class cars and a 31% drop in sales of the C-Class sport coupe worldwide.
"This is another example that the company is not only facing challenges at Chrysler and Mitsubishi, but also back home at Mercedes-Benz," said Merrill Lynch analyst Stephen Reitman.
Publicly, Mercedes executives say their plans have not been affected by Chrysler's cash burn — estimated by analysts at more than $1 billion this year. But privately, executives say Mercedes is slowing down technological innovation, its hallmark for the past century. Furthermore, efforts to wring out more savings through joint purchasing efforts with Chrysler and other brands seem to be hurting Mercedes' quality.
That's Mercedes biggest problem now. In a recent survey of German car owners conducted by Auto Motor und Sport motoring magazine, Lexus, Porsche, Honda and BMW captured the four top slots, while Mercedes came in 17th. In J.D. Power and Associates' 2003 U.S. vehicle dependability survey, Mercedes sank to 26th place, from 16th a year ago.
"It's such a stark contrast to where they had been. In 1990, they were No. 1," said Brian Walters, J.D. Power's research director. "They just haven't been able to keep up with the likes of Lexus and Toyota as a whole."
By Christine Tierney, The Detroit News
STUTTGART, Germany — Nearly five years since the DaimlerChrysler union, venerable Mercedes-Benz is creaking under the pressure of sustaining the DaimlerChrysler automotive empire.
Mercedes is still raking in cash and building great cars, like the sleek and powerful SLR sports car unveiled at the recent Frankfurt auto show. But it's no longer the untouchable marque it was in the 1950s.
Once renowned for their reliability, Mercedes cars now exhibit nagging defects. In Mercedes' most lucrative market, the United States, the brand trails BMW and Toyota Motor's Lexus in sales and is barely ahead of General Motors' Cadillac brand.
With its biggest rival, BMW, churning out a slew of new models, some analysts believe BMW might overtake Mercedes as the world's best-selling luxury carmaker as early as next year.
Can it all be blamed on the merger? Probably not, but there's a growing sense inside the company and among analysts that the automaker would be in a stronger competitive position if it weren't the main profit center for all of DaimlerChrysler.
In the first half of 2003, Mercedes earned $1.8 billion — or more than three-fourths of DaimlerChrysler's operating profit — even though it accounts for less than half of the group's revenue.
That's because Chrysler is losing money again, DaimlerChrysler's commercial vehicles division is barely profitable, and the company's stake in Japan's Mitsubishi Motors contributes little to the bottom line.
"The people at Mercedes-Benz don't see any benefit. For them, Chrysler's just a huge drain," says Christoph Stuermer, a former Mercedes executive who works for the Global Insight consulting and forecasting firm in Frankfurt. These days, Mercedes has its hands full fending off rivals — not just aggressive BMW and cash-rich Lexus, but also Audi and Japanese relative newcomers Infiniti and Acura. Executives are working flat-out on a product offensive that will include two new Mercedes SUVs, one of them larger than the current M-Class, and a sport-ute under the Smart brand.
At the Frankfurt auto show, Mercedes also unveiled a four-door coupe, the CLS, with a crafted interior that's far more stylish than anything currently available in the lineup. It's expected to debut in late 2004.
But the high-volume heavy hitters will not be rolling out until late next year. Meanwhile, Mercedes sales are slipping this year, dragged down by slumping demand for older models. The recent launches of the E-Class sedan and Maybach super-limo have not offset a 26% drop in M-Class SUV sales, a 15% drop in sales of C-Class cars and a 31% drop in sales of the C-Class sport coupe worldwide.
"This is another example that the company is not only facing challenges at Chrysler and Mitsubishi, but also back home at Mercedes-Benz," said Merrill Lynch analyst Stephen Reitman.
Publicly, Mercedes executives say their plans have not been affected by Chrysler's cash burn — estimated by analysts at more than $1 billion this year. But privately, executives say Mercedes is slowing down technological innovation, its hallmark for the past century. Furthermore, efforts to wring out more savings through joint purchasing efforts with Chrysler and other brands seem to be hurting Mercedes' quality.
That's Mercedes biggest problem now. In a recent survey of German car owners conducted by Auto Motor und Sport motoring magazine, Lexus, Porsche, Honda and BMW captured the four top slots, while Mercedes came in 17th. In J.D. Power and Associates' 2003 U.S. vehicle dependability survey, Mercedes sank to 26th place, from 16th a year ago.
"It's such a stark contrast to where they had been. In 1990, they were No. 1," said Brian Walters, J.D. Power's research director. "They just haven't been able to keep up with the likes of Lexus and Toyota as a whole."
11-13-2003, 10:10 AM
#89
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Sounds like the 5.0 liter V8 from Mercedes will be upped to 400HP
Secret New S-Class Piles On Pounds
By Dan Strong
The new top secret S-Class has only just begun to venture out on test, but that hasn't stopped Auto Express getting hold of exclusive images, (see the current issue) which have been created with the help of a source close to the project.
They show that the next-generation car will look chunkier than the current model, and will feature a raised bootline similar to that of its arch rival, the BMW 7-Series. We've also managed to snap the interior for the first time, (see magazine) and the picture indicates how it draws on the look of the cabin created for the recently unveiled F500 Mind concept.
Set for launch in 2005, the new S-Class will share its platform with the forthcoming R-Class people carrier, and have an enhanced engine line-up, including 3.5-litre V6 and 4.0-litre V8 diesel units with 231bhp and 275bhp respectively. The petrol range will feature a 3.5-litre V6 with 258bhp, plus a reworked 5.0-litre 400bhp V8.
The S-Class will be equipped with air-suspension and electric brakes. And to improve refinement in traffic, it will use the firm's Stop and Go technology, which allows the driver to accelerate and brake using only the throttle. The firm is also said to be revising its COMAND information system by basing it on a simplified version of BMW's iDrive.
By Dan Strong
The new top secret S-Class has only just begun to venture out on test, but that hasn't stopped Auto Express getting hold of exclusive images, (see the current issue) which have been created with the help of a source close to the project.
They show that the next-generation car will look chunkier than the current model, and will feature a raised bootline similar to that of its arch rival, the BMW 7-Series. We've also managed to snap the interior for the first time, (see magazine) and the picture indicates how it draws on the look of the cabin created for the recently unveiled F500 Mind concept.
Set for launch in 2005, the new S-Class will share its platform with the forthcoming R-Class people carrier, and have an enhanced engine line-up, including 3.5-litre V6 and 4.0-litre V8 diesel units with 231bhp and 275bhp respectively. The petrol range will feature a 3.5-litre V6 with 258bhp, plus a reworked 5.0-litre 400bhp V8.
The S-Class will be equipped with air-suspension and electric brakes. And to improve refinement in traffic, it will use the firm's Stop and Go technology, which allows the driver to accelerate and brake using only the throttle. The firm is also said to be revising its COMAND information system by basing it on a simplified version of BMW's iDrive.
11-13-2003, 10:12 AM
#90
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Another clear sign that Mercedes has gone all-out when it comes to power from its engines. I would exclude the NA V6 engines from that.
11-13-2003, 02:53 PM
#94
IS300
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bay Area, CA (Atherton)
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"SBC Hold" prevents the vehicle from moving forward or backwards on hills or during stops at traffic lights. It's no longer necessary for the driver to hold down the brake pedal or use the parking brake.
"SBC Stop" function brakes the car gently to a standstill when the accelerator pedal is released -- a beneficial feature in stop-and-go driving at up to 15 km/h.
"SBC Stop" function brakes the car gently to a standstill when the accelerator pedal is released -- a beneficial feature in stop-and-go driving at up to 15 km/h.
11-13-2003, 11:56 PM
#96
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 8,546
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by scottschoe
"SBC Hold" prevents the vehicle from moving forward or backwards on hills or during stops at traffic lights. It's no longer necessary for the driver to hold down the brake pedal or use the parking brake.
"SBC Stop" function brakes the car gently to a standstill when the accelerator pedal is released -- a beneficial feature in stop-and-go driving at up to 15 km/h.
"SBC Hold" prevents the vehicle from moving forward or backwards on hills or during stops at traffic lights. It's no longer necessary for the driver to hold down the brake pedal or use the parking brake.
"SBC Stop" function brakes the car gently to a standstill when the accelerator pedal is released -- a beneficial feature in stop-and-go driving at up to 15 km/h.
imagine if u had other cars and were accustomed to not holding the brake down.
11-14-2003, 04:59 PM
#97
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally posted by danny25
we won't get those v6 engines here anyway
we won't get those v6 engines here anyway
11-14-2003, 10:51 PM
#99
I love my G sedan
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: CA
Age: 46
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A reworked 5.0L V8? The one in the current E500? If this news is true, I want to know how does the company produce 98hp more without doing forced-induction.
11-15-2003, 05:00 PM
#101
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally posted by SilverCL225hp
A reworked 5.0L V8? The one in the current E500? If this news is true, I want to know how does the company produce 98hp more without doing forced-induction.
A reworked 5.0L V8? The one in the current E500? If this news is true, I want to know how does the company produce 98hp more without doing forced-induction.
07-28-2004, 11:15 AM
#102
Senior Moderator
Mercedes-Benz drops Kompressor Engine...
FYI...
============
Mercedes Drops Kompressor engines
Having taken the unusual decision to choose supercharging over turbocharging for the C-Class, E-Class and SLK, Mercedes has decided to go back to turbocharging in future. A new 2.0 turbo will be introduced in the next-generation A-Class and will progressively spread across the range, despite the fact that the current supercharged engine is only a couple of years old. This is the second time Mercedes has had to re-adopt turbos: in the mid 1990s, it made the bizarre decision that 16 valve non-turbo diesels were the future. That engine didn't last long, either - an expensive diesel without a turbo proved about as saleable as a car with no heater.
Source: www.carmagazine.co.uk
============
Mercedes Drops Kompressor engines
Having taken the unusual decision to choose supercharging over turbocharging for the C-Class, E-Class and SLK, Mercedes has decided to go back to turbocharging in future. A new 2.0 turbo will be introduced in the next-generation A-Class and will progressively spread across the range, despite the fact that the current supercharged engine is only a couple of years old. This is the second time Mercedes has had to re-adopt turbos: in the mid 1990s, it made the bizarre decision that 16 valve non-turbo diesels were the future. That engine didn't last long, either - an expensive diesel without a turbo proved about as saleable as a car with no heater.
Source: www.carmagazine.co.uk
07-28-2004, 04:42 PM
#106
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 45
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Shotgun3131
Wonder what this will mean for the AMG cars...
07-28-2004, 05:12 PM
#107
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by cusdaddy
I remember reading a while back that MB wanted the next release of AMG cars to be NA... Not sure if that's still the case though
08-02-2004, 11:47 AM
#108
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Mercedes to drop Kompressor supercharger technology in favor of turbos
Mercedes to drop Kompressor supercharger technology in favor of turbos - - By JENS MEINERS | Automotive News Europe - -Source: Autoweek
STUTTGART -- Mercedes-Benz will drop supercharged Kompressor gasoline-powered engines from its lineup in favor of turbochargers.
Mercedes will add a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the A Class subcompact that debuts in Europe this autumn.
"Turbochargers are superior to superchargers in terms of noise and cost," said Juergen Frey, head of engine development for the A class. "When we introduced the supercharged engines it was the right decision. Turbocharging has greatly improved in the meantime, and we have virtually no turbo lag anymore."
Mercedes plans to introduce an entry-level B Class model in the United States next year. It would be based on the A class, but it is not clear whether a turbocharged version will be available.
Jim Resnick, a spokesman for Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, declined to comment on the company's U.S. plans.
Turbochargers are cheaper than superchargers for gasoline engines. Turbos also generally deliver better fuel economy. That's why turbochargers are making a comeback in Europe. Teamed with smaller gasoline engines, turbochargers will help automakers meet stricter carbon dioxide emission rules that take effect in Europe in 2008.
The U.S. government has not imposed similar standards. But the California Air Resources Board has announced plans to limit carbon dioxide emissions, triggering a major battle with automakers.
Turbochargers and superchargers both pump mixtures of air and fuel into engine cylinders, substantially boosting power.
Both use rotary fan blades to drive the air-fuel mixture, but the blades are powered differently. Superchargers are mechanically driven, typically by a belt connected to the crankshaft. Turbochargers are driven by air pressure from the engine's exhaust.
Either device allows automakers to increase the power of small engines.
Many diesel engines are turbocharged, but virtually none are supercharged. On the gasoline side, Mercedes, Jaguar, Mini and General Motors offer a few supercharged models.
But automakers generally prefer to use turbochargers with gasoline engines.
Turbocharged gasoline engines became popular in the early 1980s, when Renault, Mitsubishi, Volvo and Saab adopted them. Their popularity faded because of high fuel consumption, lack of engine responsiveness and reliability problems.
Modern turbochargers have reduced the delayed throttle response of earlier models. Supplier Robert Bosch predicts that 40 percent of gasoline-powered cars sold in Europe will be turbocharged by 2008.
Mercedes and Maybach models equipped with V12 gasoline engines already use turbochargers. As Mercedes switches to turbochargers, it eventually will stop using the supercharged engines it markets under the name Kompressor.
Kompressor -- which means supercharger in German -- evokes memories of supercharged Mercedes cars in the 1920s and 1930s. In Europe, Mercedes currently offers superchargers on the 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine sold in the C and E classes, and on several AMG 5.5-liter V8 engines.
In the United States, Mercedes sells the C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe and the C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. AMG will drop its supercharged V6 in the United States after the 2004 model year but will continue to sell a supercharged V8.
STUTTGART -- Mercedes-Benz will drop supercharged Kompressor gasoline-powered engines from its lineup in favor of turbochargers.
Mercedes will add a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the A Class subcompact that debuts in Europe this autumn.
"Turbochargers are superior to superchargers in terms of noise and cost," said Juergen Frey, head of engine development for the A class. "When we introduced the supercharged engines it was the right decision. Turbocharging has greatly improved in the meantime, and we have virtually no turbo lag anymore."
Mercedes plans to introduce an entry-level B Class model in the United States next year. It would be based on the A class, but it is not clear whether a turbocharged version will be available.
Jim Resnick, a spokesman for Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, declined to comment on the company's U.S. plans.
Turbochargers are cheaper than superchargers for gasoline engines. Turbos also generally deliver better fuel economy. That's why turbochargers are making a comeback in Europe. Teamed with smaller gasoline engines, turbochargers will help automakers meet stricter carbon dioxide emission rules that take effect in Europe in 2008.
The U.S. government has not imposed similar standards. But the California Air Resources Board has announced plans to limit carbon dioxide emissions, triggering a major battle with automakers.
Turbochargers and superchargers both pump mixtures of air and fuel into engine cylinders, substantially boosting power.
Both use rotary fan blades to drive the air-fuel mixture, but the blades are powered differently. Superchargers are mechanically driven, typically by a belt connected to the crankshaft. Turbochargers are driven by air pressure from the engine's exhaust.
Either device allows automakers to increase the power of small engines.
Many diesel engines are turbocharged, but virtually none are supercharged. On the gasoline side, Mercedes, Jaguar, Mini and General Motors offer a few supercharged models.
But automakers generally prefer to use turbochargers with gasoline engines.
Turbocharged gasoline engines became popular in the early 1980s, when Renault, Mitsubishi, Volvo and Saab adopted them. Their popularity faded because of high fuel consumption, lack of engine responsiveness and reliability problems.
Modern turbochargers have reduced the delayed throttle response of earlier models. Supplier Robert Bosch predicts that 40 percent of gasoline-powered cars sold in Europe will be turbocharged by 2008.
Mercedes and Maybach models equipped with V12 gasoline engines already use turbochargers. As Mercedes switches to turbochargers, it eventually will stop using the supercharged engines it markets under the name Kompressor.
Kompressor -- which means supercharger in German -- evokes memories of supercharged Mercedes cars in the 1920s and 1930s. In Europe, Mercedes currently offers superchargers on the 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine sold in the C and E classes, and on several AMG 5.5-liter V8 engines.
In the United States, Mercedes sells the C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe and the C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. AMG will drop its supercharged V6 in the United States after the 2004 model year but will continue to sell a supercharged V8.
08-02-2004, 11:51 AM
#109
Senior Moderator
I love turbos.. 
01-25-2005, 07:23 PM
#110
_____ like a rabbit
New Mercedes chief seeks $650 million in cost cuts, and improved quality
Mercedes-Benz's new passenger cars chief, Eckhard Cordes, says he wants to cut about $650 million in costs to boost profits.
Cordes, who became head of the Mercedes-Benz car group on Oct. 1, says cutting costs and improving quality are his top priorities.
The savings are essential because the weakness of the dollar compared to the euro is likely to "prevail for a while," Cordes says.
Cuts beyond the $650 million may be needed, he adds.
"Whether this is enough remains to be seen," he says. "My assumption is that it is not enough."
The weak dollar hurts importers selling goods in the United States, forcing them to raise prices, accept lower profit margins or trim costs.
Cordes says the cuts will be made in every area.
Mercedes has identified its quality issues and is working to repair problems, Cordes says. But, he adds, "We do not have a general quality problem."
Mercedes-Benz has developed computer simulations to test its electronics, Cordes says.
Glitches in the increasingly complex electronic systems in Mercedes vehicles have hurt the brand's quality image.
"We have a system to simulate the interaction of electronic systems, and we feel we are now in a position that 99.99 percent of things work," he says.
Cordes says the vehicles being produced "have the best quality level we have made in Mercedes-Benz history."
(autoweek)
Cordes, who became head of the Mercedes-Benz car group on Oct. 1, says cutting costs and improving quality are his top priorities.
The savings are essential because the weakness of the dollar compared to the euro is likely to "prevail for a while," Cordes says.
Cuts beyond the $650 million may be needed, he adds.
"Whether this is enough remains to be seen," he says. "My assumption is that it is not enough."
The weak dollar hurts importers selling goods in the United States, forcing them to raise prices, accept lower profit margins or trim costs.
Cordes says the cuts will be made in every area.
Mercedes has identified its quality issues and is working to repair problems, Cordes says. But, he adds, "We do not have a general quality problem."
Mercedes-Benz has developed computer simulations to test its electronics, Cordes says.
Glitches in the increasingly complex electronic systems in Mercedes vehicles have hurt the brand's quality image.
"We have a system to simulate the interaction of electronic systems, and we feel we are now in a position that 99.99 percent of things work," he says.
Cordes says the vehicles being produced "have the best quality level we have made in Mercedes-Benz history."
(autoweek)
01-25-2005, 08:30 PM
#112
_____ like a rabbit
Haha! thats exactly right. I think someone got jealous with that article in Autoweek, what was it like 6 pages long. It was a great article and made look like a god. Dont get me wrong, what Ghosn did was remarkable and 
worthy. But i understand why Cordes would feel that way, he is in charge of Mercedes-Benz, IMO the most respectable and classiest automaker out there and im sure he feels the same
Ghosn----->
<-----Cordes
worthy. But i understand why Cordes would feel that way, he is in charge of Mercedes-Benz, IMO the most respectable and classiest automaker out there and im sure he feels the same Ghosn----->
<-----Cordes
01-25-2005, 08:58 PM
#113
I feel the need...
Good luck to Cordes, he'll have trouble matching the Gaijin Ghosn. The turnabout at Nissan was made easier because it was viewed as a cash 'crisis' and it was easier for an outsider to come in, clean house and make difficult decisions to shut down excess capacity. Cordes is an insider and the problems at Mercedes are I think a bit more systemic.
01-25-2005, 09:43 PM
#114
101 years of heartache...
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Chicago's North Side/Champaign, IL
Age: 36
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ghosn would rip Cordes apart. Then, in yet another cost-cutting move by Nissan, he'd use his Cordes' skin as the leather of Nissan's newest concept.
Carlos Ghosn is my hero
Carlos Ghosn is my hero
01-25-2005, 10:03 PM
#115
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: H-town
Posts: 1,010
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thats like every company's, manufacture's,etc. dream....improve quality and cut cost at the same time? good luck with that...MB should already be making a ton of money off of their entry level cars like the C230 and C240...i see them all over the place, not much car for the money IMO, but they still sell like hotcakes
03-12-2005, 05:21 PM
#116
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
New Mercedes Diesel Triturbo Concept Engine
Mercedes-Benz goes diesel mad - - Source: Autocar
This year’s Geneva show marked the 70th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz’s first ever diesel engine – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 45bhp in the 1935 260D – and it celebrated the occasion by revealing five new diesel models and two diesel concepts.
Headlining the diesel offensive was a triple-turbo concept version of Mercedes-Benz’s recently introduced 3.0-litre V6 common-rail engine, making its premiere in the AMG-kitted SLK320 CDI Vision. The four-valve-per-cylinder engine kicks out 286bhp and 464lb ft of torque.
That’s 42bhp and 67lb ft up on Mercedes-Benz’s standard single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 oil-burner, and trumps BMW’s new twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line six by14bhp and 51lb ft. It’s enough, according to Mercedes-Benz, to provide the compact roadster with 0-62mph acceleration in 5.3sec, just 0.4sec slower than the V8 petrol powered SLK55 AMG. Top speed is put at 155mph, with fuel consumption said to average 37.7mpg.
Mercedes-Benz’s engine development boss, Leopold Mukulic, described the new engine as ‘a breakthrough in diesel performance’. However, he stopped short of confirming the triple turbo was ready to be placed into production. ‘We’re confident about its ability in a production environment, but the cost of assembly is extremely high,’ he said.
Also basking in the limelight was the SL400 CDI Vision fitted with a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 common-rail diesel. Ready for production, this powerful new engine will appear in new models including the E-, M-, R-, S- and G-class. With 315bhp and 538lb ft it develops 65bhp and 125lb ft more than the existing 4.0-litre V8 diesel.
On the production car front, Mercedes showed the C320 CDI, E320 CDI 4Matic Estate, CLK320 CDI convertible and ML320 CDI – all powered by the company’s new 3.0-litre V6 diesel. Slightly overshadowed was the new B-class, which was making its world debut at Geneva after being revealed in concept car form at last year’s Paris Motor Show. It provided a fifth new diesel model in the form of the B200 CDI, which is fitted with a 140bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder.
Headlining the diesel offensive was a triple-turbo concept version of Mercedes-Benz’s recently introduced 3.0-litre V6 common-rail engine, making its premiere in the AMG-kitted SLK320 CDI Vision. The four-valve-per-cylinder engine kicks out 286bhp and 464lb ft of torque.
That’s 42bhp and 67lb ft up on Mercedes-Benz’s standard single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 oil-burner, and trumps BMW’s new twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line six by14bhp and 51lb ft. It’s enough, according to Mercedes-Benz, to provide the compact roadster with 0-62mph acceleration in 5.3sec, just 0.4sec slower than the V8 petrol powered SLK55 AMG. Top speed is put at 155mph, with fuel consumption said to average 37.7mpg.
Mercedes-Benz’s engine development boss, Leopold Mukulic, described the new engine as ‘a breakthrough in diesel performance’. However, he stopped short of confirming the triple turbo was ready to be placed into production. ‘We’re confident about its ability in a production environment, but the cost of assembly is extremely high,’ he said.
Also basking in the limelight was the SL400 CDI Vision fitted with a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 common-rail diesel. Ready for production, this powerful new engine will appear in new models including the E-, M-, R-, S- and G-class. With 315bhp and 538lb ft it develops 65bhp and 125lb ft more than the existing 4.0-litre V8 diesel.
On the production car front, Mercedes showed the C320 CDI, E320 CDI 4Matic Estate, CLK320 CDI convertible and ML320 CDI – all powered by the company’s new 3.0-litre V6 diesel. Slightly overshadowed was the new B-class, which was making its world debut at Geneva after being revealed in concept car form at last year’s Paris Motor Show. It provided a fifth new diesel model in the form of the B200 CDI, which is fitted with a 140bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder.
03-12-2005, 05:24 PM
#117
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
If that 3.2L Diesel engine were production ready, I'd say that it'd be safe to assume that at this point, the gas NA IC engine has lost the performance battle when compared to the force fed Diesel engine. Excluding emissions related factors.
Still, that 4.0L diesel, which is production ready, looks pretty impressive on paper.
Imagine the future possibilities with Diesel/Electric hybrid applications! We think HP wars are on now, but when the above happens in our market, say hello to crazy torque numbers. That's when AWD will make a TON of sense.
Still, that 4.0L diesel, which is production ready, looks pretty impressive on paper.
Imagine the future possibilities with Diesel/Electric hybrid applications! We think HP wars are on now, but when the above happens in our market, say hello to crazy torque numbers. That's when AWD will make a TON of sense.
03-14-2005, 10:08 AM
#118
_____ like a rabbit
that sounds crazy, a tri-turbo!!!!
i would love to see this on the side of my car...
especially when it looks like this....
this thing is hot.......................
i would love to see this on the side of my car...
especially when it looks like this....
this thing is hot.......................
03-15-2005, 03:59 AM
#119
Race Director
The BMW535d has better 40-70 mph passing number than a 911Turbo and many other very high performance cars. Torque on diesel cars is just incredible.
04-28-2005, 12:06 PM
#120
Senior Moderator
Here's the press release for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 400 CDI:
At the International Motor Show in Geneva, Mercedes-Benz, the inventor of the diesel engine for passenger cars, is showing the future of the modern diesel engine and its wide range of possible uses. In mid-2005, Mercedes-Benz will become the first automobile brand in the world to equip all of its diesel passenger cars with particulate filters as standard. This
initiative will not only apply to Germany; it will also be in effect in Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
In Geneva, seven gleaming silver show cars, including even purebred sports cars such as the SL- and SLK-Classes, represent the most advanced diesel technology. At the same time, these vehicles are the latest highpoint in the extraordinary development of the diesel.
The new drive in the Vision SL 400 CDI also belongs to Mercedes-Benz’ third generation of CDI engines. To create this system, the engineers took the familiar four-litre V8 diesel and enhanced many of its components while also adding state-of-the-art piezo injectors, new turbochargers and an optimised water/charge-air cooling system. Taken together, all of these measures allow the engine to bring forth its power and torque in an even more harmonious fashion. The SL 400 CDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. As such, this diesel sports car justifiably bears the legendary letters “SL”.
initiative will not only apply to Germany; it will also be in effect in Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
In Geneva, seven gleaming silver show cars, including even purebred sports cars such as the SL- and SLK-Classes, represent the most advanced diesel technology. At the same time, these vehicles are the latest highpoint in the extraordinary development of the diesel.
The new drive in the Vision SL 400 CDI also belongs to Mercedes-Benz’ third generation of CDI engines. To create this system, the engineers took the familiar four-litre V8 diesel and enhanced many of its components while also adding state-of-the-art piezo injectors, new turbochargers and an optimised water/charge-air cooling system. Taken together, all of these measures allow the engine to bring forth its power and torque in an even more harmonious fashion. The SL 400 CDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. As such, this diesel sports car justifiably bears the legendary letters “SL”.