2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 CDI Tri-Turbo Vision Concept

A Long Name for a Revolutionary Powertrain

For the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz's theme was diesel power. The show marked the three-pointed star's 70th anniversary

The 2005 Geneva Motor Show marked Mercedes-Benz' 70th anniversary of producing diesel-powered cars, and they decided to celebrate with something special. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

of producing diesel-powered cars, which all started back in 1935 with the 260D, a midsize sedan powered by a 45-horsepower 2.5-litre inline-four cylinder version of Rudolph Diesel's namesake invention that was pioneered 38 years prior. Aside from showcasing the original diesel-powered Benz, the firm celebrated the occasion by debuting five new models, and two special diesel-powered concept cars.

Headlining the show was a 2005 SLK-class roadster. While the car in stock 3.5-litre gasoline powered form has received great praise, the vehicle is hardly headline-making news anymore as it's been in production for nearly a year. Likewise, the concept shown at the Geneva show looked no different than a 2005 SLK 55 AMG with multi-spoke wheels and the AMG body kit. Inside, it was trimmed with the same materials and

The SLK 320 CDI Tri-Turbo Vision is powered by an all-new 3.0-litre common-rail diesel V6 with four valves per cylinder. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

featured the same high-spec options as the top production SLK. It was the same car except for one major point, its diesel powerplant, with not one or two, but three turbochargers.

The SLK 320 CDI Tri-Turbo Vision (Mercedes-Benz slang for concept) is powered by an all-new 3.0-litre common-rail diesel V6 with four valves per cylinder, which was also debuted at the show for use in the CLK, E-Class, M-Class and C-Class. This special concept, however, features three turbochargers in order to minimize turbo lag, maximize performance and demonstrate the potential of advanced diesel technology.