First test of the Freightliner Sprinter
If you are aware of what's new in commercial vehicles, you might have read that the German Mercedes-Benz Sprinter delivery van will be sold in America starting in December 2001 under the Freightliner brand. Finally, heavy-duty truck dealers will have a light-duty vehicle to offer to their customers. But the Sprinter will also be available as a real van, a people mover. And not surprinsingly, many RV conversion shops are looking at the Sprinter too. That is why its maker, DaimlerChrysler, thinks it will sell some 20% of its North-American production to passenger car buyers.
The Sprinter will come in many versions, mostly cargo delivery vans (FedEX has already bought 1900 of them!).There will be a few passenger vans versions on two wheelbases with normal or raised roof. The new Sprinter will be able to carry up to 10 passengers in an environment unknown up to now to North American travelers. Obviously you will see more Sprinters at airports but quite a few units will also be seen on the highways, and probably in campings.
All the Sprinters sold in America will be powered by a 154 horspower (but 243 ft-lb torque) five-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Sportshift capabilities, the same unit you will find under an S-Class Mercedes car. Power is transmitted to the road by a solid rear axle with leaf spring suspension. Tires are commercial Cargo G26 225/70R15 Goodyear. Steering is of the rack and pinion type. Braking goes through ABS on all four wheels and traction control is part of the standard equipment