As gas prices continue to soar, Mercedes-Benz unveiled earlier this week its alternative powertrain programs. The German automaker is a world leader in the development of advanced technologies and engines that meet the specific needs of its various clienteles.
Mercedes believes that, right now and in the near future, a single technology cannot satisfy everyone. That's why three different programs have been launched.
The goal of the first one is to optimize current vehicles by using the latest technologies and innovations with regard to combustion and technical operation. These include vehicle downsizing, direct injection, turbochargers and, of course, BlueTEC emission control. It's also a matter of improved aerodynamics, using more lightweight materials and developing efficient energy management systems like BlueEFFICIENCY.
The latter is a simple technology that can be applied to any car without compromising their styling or performance. The result is a significant reduction in engine displacement, rolling resistance and fuel consumption (12 percent) compared to regular models.
The second program focuses on the hybrid lineup and the stop-start system of the B-Class. The company's two-mode hybrid system will soon find its way in most large sedans and SUVs, starting with the ML450 BlueHYBRID and S400 BlueHYBRID as early as next year. The latter will use a lithium-ion battery pack and average 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
Mercedes-Benz plans on expanding its highly-acclaimed BlueTEC technology. According to company executives, this system is currently the ideal solution for heavier vehicles. BlueTEC variants of the E, R, ML and GL Classes all meet the tough emission standards in the 50 U.S. states.
Meanwhile, the F700 Concept is introducing a new and promising alternative called DIESOTTO, which combines the benefits of diesel (mainly, massive torque) and gasoline (high performance and output).
The third and final program consists of zero-emission cars, either powered by electricity or fuel cells. Mercedes-Benz also came up with an alternative fuel, SunDiesel, made from non-edible plant waste -- instead of using healthy crops that would normally feed humans. This fuel requires no engine modifications.
Mercedes-Benz currently has the largest fuel-cell vehicle fleet among all automakers. By 2010, a limited-edition B-Class Fuel Cell will be available in some markets.
With a strong commitment toward alternative powertrains, Mercedes-Benz will no doubt answer the needs of eco-minded and fuel-conscious consumers. Most impressive, though, is the fact that all the aforementioned technologies will be introduced in the very near future -- further proof of the automaker's environmental dynamism.
photo:Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes believes that, right now and in the near future, a single technology cannot satisfy everyone. That's why three different programs have been launched.
The goal of the first one is to optimize current vehicles by using the latest technologies and innovations with regard to combustion and technical operation. These include vehicle downsizing, direct injection, turbochargers and, of course, BlueTEC emission control. It's also a matter of improved aerodynamics, using more lightweight materials and developing efficient energy management systems like BlueEFFICIENCY.
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The latter is a simple technology that can be applied to any car without compromising their styling or performance. The result is a significant reduction in engine displacement, rolling resistance and fuel consumption (12 percent) compared to regular models.
The second program focuses on the hybrid lineup and the stop-start system of the B-Class. The company's two-mode hybrid system will soon find its way in most large sedans and SUVs, starting with the ML450 BlueHYBRID and S400 BlueHYBRID as early as next year. The latter will use a lithium-ion battery pack and average 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
Mercedes-Benz plans on expanding its highly-acclaimed BlueTEC technology. According to company executives, this system is currently the ideal solution for heavier vehicles. BlueTEC variants of the E, R, ML and GL Classes all meet the tough emission standards in the 50 U.S. states.
Meanwhile, the F700 Concept is introducing a new and promising alternative called DIESOTTO, which combines the benefits of diesel (mainly, massive torque) and gasoline (high performance and output).
The third and final program consists of zero-emission cars, either powered by electricity or fuel cells. Mercedes-Benz also came up with an alternative fuel, SunDiesel, made from non-edible plant waste -- instead of using healthy crops that would normally feed humans. This fuel requires no engine modifications.
Mercedes-Benz currently has the largest fuel-cell vehicle fleet among all automakers. By 2010, a limited-edition B-Class Fuel Cell will be available in some markets.
With a strong commitment toward alternative powertrains, Mercedes-Benz will no doubt answer the needs of eco-minded and fuel-conscious consumers. Most impressive, though, is the fact that all the aforementioned technologies will be introduced in the very near future -- further proof of the automaker's environmental dynamism.
photo:Mercedes-Benz
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