Lexus Cars And Automotive Reviews

DaimlerChrysler AG’s Mercedes-Benz luxury car brand has finally come up with a decision that involves their entry into the hybrid powertrain class. The Stuttgart-based automaker will develop a hybrid model for their several vehicle classes ranging from the subcompact A-Class models up to the S-Class luxury sedans.

Last week, Thomas Weber, the head of development for Mercedes Car Group has told the automotive press at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show about the Mercedes-Benz hybrid. He said: “In 2009, we will have the first Mercedes-branded hybrid on the market.”

Meanwhile, here is what Dieter Zetsche, Chief Executive Officer of DaimlerChrysler AG said in a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport, one of Germany’s premiere automotive publications: “We will not develop new vehicles without including a hybrid model option. We will offer out customers the right product.”

Zetsche also said that the environment is very important for the company, and developing a Mercedes-Benz hybrid model will allow them to significantly contribute to the environment.

DaimlerChrysler’s plan to focus on cars with diesel engines instead of focusing in hybrid powertrain technology was earlier dismissed due to some customer demands, according to the German automaker.

Zetsche also commented on the announcement made by Mercedes-Benz and BMW last week regarding the collaboration on the development of hybrid system. He said: “We will combine our knowledge and skills with BMW Group in order to accelerate the development of the hybrid project. With the mild hybrid, we can obtain 70 percent of the effect of a full hybrid with only 30 percent of the effort.”

Zetsche further explains that the new models that will be offered some time in 2009 are equipped with mild hybrid powertrain systems, which include a diesel of petrol engine combined with an electric motor, unlike full hybrid models developed by other automakers that can run solely on electric power in a limited range. A mild hybrid powertrain system provides an increased acceleration and performance along with low fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions.

Unfortunately, Mr. Zetsche said he will not give more details about the Mercedes-Benz’s hybrid plans in the future. In fact, he did not include the exact schedule for the launch of their first ever mild hybrid model.

Along with the mild hybrid power train system, Zetsch also said that they will introduce other innovative car technologies in the future including the start/stop system and new alternator that can be disconnected from the engine during acceleration. These new technologies are being developed at the company’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

After reading this article, car enthusiasts will watch out for the Mercedes-Benz model equipped with Mercedes hybrid powertrain parts, probably Mercedes C230 parts to roll out in dealer showrooms around the world.

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Mercedes-Benz has recently launched its all new C-Class saloon in Germany and will be presenting the same C-Class in South Africa in August this year. The C-Class emphasizes three elements and these are comfort, agility, and safety.

Each of the Avantgarde, Elegance, and Classic lines emphasize a unique characteristic but share the same technologies such as the “Agility Control” package which includes a situation-sensor shock absorber control, an Intelligent Light System with five distinct functions and the Pre-Safe preventive occupant protection system. The new C-Class range is also equipped with the same quality auto components such as Mercedes Benz heater core. The Mercedes heater core is a small radiator that helps the primary radiator in cooling the coolant to prevent the possible overheating of the car.

The local specs are to be announced at a later stage and some options may differ from overseas markets. For the overseas there’s a choice of four and six-cylinder engines with up to 13 percent more output than the previous model coupled with a six percent lower fuel consumption.

The C-Class Saloon has a length measuring 4581mm and approximately 55mm longer than its predecessor. The body width has also increased by 42mm to 1770mm while the wheelbase has an additional 45mm to 2760mm. these dimensions have enabled the front shoulder room to grow by 40mm.

The design of the new C-Class was derived from the modern Mercedes-Benz approach that includes “taut lines, and large tranquil surfaces” with the front end highlighting a pronounced wedge-shape. And for the first time in Mercedes Saloon, the radiator grille was used as a distinctive feature to make the model variants more visible in the market.

The sporty Avantgarde model features three extended, horizontal louvers and a big centrally positioned Mercedes-Benz star. The Elegance for its part gets a three-dimensional, louvered radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish which accentuates comfort and luxury. The Classic model as the name suggests has designed that is traditional despite the fact that it is similar to the other two C-Class models in terms of ride and technical specs.

The engines of the C-Class have been increased by around 18 percent in torque while the four and six cylinder units also feature an improved smoothness. Great attention was also given to the further development of the four-cylinder mills. In the petrol range output of the entry-level C 180 Kompressor has been increased from 105kW to 115kW with maximum torque improved 4.5 percent from the previous 220 to 230 Nm, while the C 200 Kompressor develops 15kW more than before.

It also delivers an output of 135kW and revs up a maximum torque of 250 Nm from 2800rpm. It can sprint from 0 to 100km/h by 0.5 seconds faster that any of the previous models. The new C-Class were also made more economical, the C 180 Kompressor consumes 0.31/100km less than the before. On the other hand the combined fuel consumption of the C 200 Kompressor has been reduced by 0.51/100km.

The C-Class diesel option will focus on enhancement of the four-cylinder unit. There are already several improvements done to the engine, turbocharger and common rail direct injection altering more than 90 components in the process. The said modifications were done by engineers at Stuttgart. And as result of the conducted modification is a new C 220 CDI with a peak output of 125kW from the 110kW previously and delivers a potent torque of 400Nm from the previous 2000rpm—again an 18 percent increase power than before. Similarly fuel consumption has been further reduced by up to 0.31/100km and according to Mercedes Benz the C 220 CDI is capable of traveling 100 km on just 6.1 liters of fuel.

The C-Class offered in Europe remains unchanged with a choice of three petrol units developing 200kW, 170kW, and 150 kW. The new C 320 CDI with its six-cylinder engine has an output of 165 kW. All models in the new C-Class except for the C 350 are equipped with a six-sped transmission featuring Agility Control gearshift as standard. Instead the C350 will get a 7G –Tronic—the world’s only 7-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. This feature is also available for the rest of the six-cylinder C-Class models on request.