Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI Becomes First Mercedes Diesel Roadster

The SLK 250 CDI accelerates 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds, and gives drivers a top figure for acceleration from 50 to 75 mph in just 4.3 seconds

The all new Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI marks a first for Mercedes, combining a SLK Roadster with their famous diesel engines. The diesel roadster boasts 150 kW (204 hp) four-cylinder power unit putting the two-seater at the top of its class in many respects. Most notably, it is the most economical roadster in its segment, getting 62 miles per 1.3 gallons of diesel. Thanks to its enormous torque of 500 newton metres it accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, and gives drivers a top figure for acceleration from 50 to 75 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The new SLK 250 CDI can be ordered from September 13, 2011. The price including VAT is € 41,828.50.

Diesel drive and roadster excitement do not go together – or so a common misconception would have it. Mercedes-Benz impressively demonstrates the contrary with the new SLK 250 CDI. Its four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2143 cc generates an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 newton metres of torque – as much as a petrol engine with twice the displacement would normally generate. This makes the new SLK 250 CDI the most powerful diesel model in its class, and gives the roadster the potential for extremely sporty performance.

Equipped with the standard 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission (a six-speed manual transmission will follow in the second quarter of next year), the diesel SLK sprints from zero to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and achieves a top speed of 243 km/h. Moreover, the flexibility of the SLK 250 CDI is nothing short of phenomenal. Thanks to its enormous diesel torque it accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 4.3 seconds – easily the best figure in this class, making for safe and effortless overtaking.

Apart from this, the SLK 250 CDI is the most economical and therefore environmentally compatible roadster in its segment. It is happy with 4.9 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 128 g/km. In other words, the diesel SLK combines thoroughbred sports car performance with the fuel economy of a sub-compact. This guarantees great driving pleasure with great fuel efficiency.

The diesel engine achieves its exemplary output, torque, fuel consumption and emissions figures, as well as its highly impressive smoothness for a diesel unit, thanks to an extensive package of innovative technologies. These include fourth-generation common-rail injection with a rail pressure of 2000 bar and precise injection timing, as well as two-stage turbocharging. Like all SLK models, the SLK 250 CDI also features a start/stop system as standard.

The frugal fuel consumption makes the SLK 250 CDI a car with superior long-distance qualities. Using the European motorways, it is e.g. quite possible to drive from the North Sea to a beach on the Mediterranean non-stop. Very comfortable sports seats, a comfortable suspension setup and the largest luggage capacity in this segment also do their bit to create the right conditions.

As it shares the same genes with the other members of the successful SLK family, the SLK 250 CDI combines lightfooted sportiness with stylish comfort, a striking sports car design and absolute day-to-day suitability, while delivering top performance with exemplary ecology. This means that the diesel version too provides open-top driving enjoyment at an extraordinarily high level.

The SLK 250 CDI is likewise available with a choice of three versions of the famous vario-roof – one of them the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof can be changed from dark to transparent at the touch of a button. There are also three suspension versions available: a conventional steel suspension, a sports suspension with a stiffer spring and damper setup or a suspension with an electronically controlled, fully automatic damping system. The latter is part of the Dynamic Handling package, which also includes the Direct-Steer system and the Torque Vectoring Brake developed by Mercedes-Benz for particularly agile and predictable handling characteristics.

Externally the new SLK 250 CDI is no different in appearance from the petrol models. It even retains the twin exhaust system, and therefore has the same exciting look for which all the SLK models are known.

The new SLK 250 CDI can be ordered from September 13, 2011. The price including VAT is € 41,828.50.

Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI Receives Makeover From German Tuner Kicherer

The specialist from German tuner Kicherer have divulged information on their all new the Mercedes GL 42 Sport Black

The aftermarket specialist from German tuner Kicherer have divulged information on their all new the Mercedes GL 42 Sport Black. The Kicherer Mercedes GL 42 Sport Black is based on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 420 CDI and offers a complete package with visual and performance modifications.

The current Mercedes-Benz GL420 CDI offers a 4.2 liter V8 common rail diesel engine with 306 hp and 700 Nm of torque. With help from Kicherer, the SUV’s power output increases to 380 hp and 900 Nm of torque. The Kicherer GL 42 Sport also comes with a PowerConverter from the company that enhances acceleration pedal response.

The exterior of the GL Tuner is a matte black foil finish and the grille and Mercedes-Benz badges all re-done in black. Additional exterior features include 22-inch rims, an off-road package with electronic chassis adjustment as well as a 2-pipe sports exhaust system. On the interior is an upgraded ergonomic sports steering wheel.

Kicherer Press Release:

GL 42 Sport Black – The exception

The Mercedes Benz GL class is extremely impressive even in its serial version. At a length of 5.09 meters, width of 1.92 meters, height of 1.84 meters and a combat weight of approx. 2.5 tons, the X164 series – which has been available since 2006 – towers over nearly all the other full size SUVs without seeming plump. KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik from Stockach at the beautiful Bodensee specialize in Mercedes-Benz refinement; they emphasize the sportive characteristics of this large SUV with strategically placed tuning measures: Raise the curtain for the KICHERER GL 42 Sport Black! Send through Y!M E-mail this

The special edition based on a Mercedes Benz GL 420 CDI is powered accordingly by a 4.2 liter V8 common rail turbo diesel engine; in the series state, it has 306 HP and 700 Newton meters as maximum torque. The performance improvement by KICHERER provides the GL 42 Sport Black with a full 380 HP and 900 Newton meters on the thick crankshaft. The additionally installed KICHERER PowerConverter also sharpens the electronic gas pedal characteristic curve, causing the heavy vehicle to react even more spontaneously to acceleration commands and enabling powerful acceleration from the very bottom. The two end pipes of the two-pipe sports exhaust system give off a deeply evil roar

The serial Airmatic chassis was also given a more sportive characteristic curve, making the GL 42 Sport Black comparatively light on it wheels when going around bends of any size. The Vogue complete wheel set consisting of 10×22 inch wheel rims and XXL size 295/35R22 tires also essentially contributes to the new driving dynamics.

For a sportive look, KICHERER retrofitted the GL 42 Sport Black, which is completely covered in matte black exclusive foil, with its own off-road package. The grille and all the Mercedes stars and decorative strips are now black to perfect the SUV’s “bad boy” look. KICHERER also improved the cockpit with the contoured ergonomic sports steering wheel.

Modifications

  • KICHERER performance increase to approx. 280 kW / 380 HP / 900 Nm
  • KICHERER PowerConverter
  • Electronic chassis adjustment with sportive characteristic curve
  • KICHERER off-road package
  • KICHERER off-road exclusive foil cover in matte black
  • Sports exhaust system, 2-pipe
  • Vogue complete wheel set 10×22 inch with 295/35R22 tires
  • KICHERER ergonomic sports steering wheel

Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class Create a New Dimension of Efficiency

The new C 220 CDI now consumes a mere 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres – that’s 0.3 of a litre less than previously

At the Geneva Motor Show in March Mercedes-Benz will be presenting two new models which see the premium brand from Stuttgart taking a great leap forward with regard to consumption and CO2 emissions. The new C 220 CDI now consumes a mere 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres – that’s 0.3 of a litre less than previously. This cuts its CO2 output from 127 g/km to 119 g/km. The E 250 CDI with an automatic transmission will require just 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (129 g/km CO2) in future – as opposed to 5.8 litres currently (154 g/km CO2 – all provisional, combined figures). The high performance that characterises the four-cylinder diesel engines – and with it the driving pleasure that they generate – will remain undiminished for both models. This puts Mercedes-Benz in a new dimension of efficiency in these segments. And the new C-Class and E-Class models serve as shining examples of the fact that the combustion engine still offers vast potential – which Mercedes-Benz will be harnessing in a targeted manner for its other models, too.

The engineers’ remit was to optimise the environmentally friendly properties of the executive- and luxury-segment models from Mercedes-Benz, and the fruits of their labours speak volumes: consumption and emissions have been cut by around 16 percent (minus 0.9 litre and minus 25 grammes respectively) for the E 250 CDI and by 6 percent (minus 0.3 of a litre and minus 8 grammes) for the C 220 CDI. Both models are already known for being exceedingly economical and efficient. In the E 250 CDI the four-cylinder engine achieves 150 kW (204 hp) and develops a superb torque of 500 Nm. Drivers of the C 220 CDI have 125 kW (170 hp) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at their disposal.

Dynamism and pulling power are set to remain firmly on the scene in future, since this major leap forward in terms of efficiency is thanks largely to the consistent advancement of the diesel engine and the drive system.

Further improvements to the four-cylinder diesel engine formed one of the focal points of the optimisation measures. The characteristic features of this powerplant include a lighter crankshaft (it now has only four balance weights as opposed to eight previously), optimised oil pressure regulation and belt drive plus an exhaust gas turbocharger with a self-regulating compressor. What’s more, both the C 200 CDI and the E 250 CDI have been given a special automatic start/stop system – in conjunction with an automatic transmission for the first time in the case of the E-Class.

The work that went into enhancing the 7-speed automatic transmission in the E 250 CDI was equally intensive. The system’s highlights include a new transformer with reduced slip, a newly developed ECO shift program with better kingpin inclination and an additional oil pump which maintains the operating pressure during an automatic stop. Friction-optimised components in conjunction with fuel-efficient engine oil enable the operating pressure to be lowered. A different rear axle ratio (2.47 instead of 2.65) also contributes to the good consumption figures.

The environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI and E 250 CDI models will be available this autumn, and further BlueEFFICIENCY models from Mercedes-Benz will follow suit. The range of particularly environmentally friendly and economical Mercedes-Benz vehicles already comprises 60 BlueEFFICIENCY models from the A-Class to the S-Class.

The smart fortwo cdi Remains Among the Most Environmentally Friendly Cars

smart is the past and the present CO2 champion with record low emissions of 86 grams of CO2 per kilometre

The smart fortwo cdi is maintaining its top position among the most environmentally friendly cars with a combustion engine. The smart fortwo cdi now emits just 86 g/km of CO2 – less than all its competitors.

A high level of environmental friendliness is an innate characteristic of the successful smart fortwo cult car. The diesel model – the smart fortwo cdi – always underlined this claim with carbon dioxide emissions of just 88 grams per kilometre, the lowest figure worldwide for cars with a combustion engine. Now the smart fortwo is setting a new record with emissions of just 86 g/km or consumption of 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the manual “softip” mode which means that it keeps its title of CO2 champion.

The smart engineers have been able to improve the smart fortwo cdi’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the course of continuous further development. The measures included an improvement in the vehicle’s aerodynamics. A reduction in ride height by seven millimetres, for example, resulted in improved rolling resistance characteristics.

Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director of the smart brand says: “We continue to work hard to make our smart models even more environmentally friendly. The smart fortwo cdi – the past and the present CO2 champion – is proof of this. And the next level of sustainable drives is ready to go: the smart fortwo electric drive has already been proving itself in everyday use in London for three years. Series production of 1000 vehicles started in November 2009. From 2012 the dream of motoring with no local emissions will become a reality for everyone. Lots of people are talking about electric drive – but we already have it on the road. This confirms smart’s role as a trendsetter – ten years ago as the first true city car and now among electric vehicles. With its fleet smart has an excellent position with regard to corporate average CO2 emissions.”

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Awarded Best Power-to-Economy Ratio by Diners Club Magazine

Mercedes E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY voted "Car of the year with the best power-to-economy ratio" by Diner's Club

The readers of the Diners Club Magazine have elected the Mercedes E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY as the “Car of the year with the best power-to-economy ratio”. Thanks to its state-of-the-art diesel technology, the 150-kW/204-hp engine burns just 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres on the combined NEDC cycle. This equates to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Andreas Friedrich, chief engineer for the new Mercedes E-Class, was on hand to accept the Diners Club Magazine award at a gala ceremony held on 12 November in Munich’s GOP Varieté Theatre. “The E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is the proof that ecology and driving pleasure do not have to be mutually exclusive. The engine summons up more power from a smaller displacement while achieving the sort of fuel consumption figures previously only associated with the compact class,” remarked Friedrich. “The model’s exemplary efficiency is further enhanced by its exceptional aerodynamics, which make the E-Class the world’s most streamlined saloon.”

It is not just the readers of the Diners Club Magazine who are impressed by the new E-Class: it is highly popular with customers around the world and the market leader in its segment. Following the launch of the Saloon and Coupé, the third body variant – the Estate – is just arriving in dealer showrooms. All three are available in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY version.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with BlueEFFICIENCY technologies

Mercedes-Benz offers the Sprinter 316 NGT and 516 NGT with BlueEFFICIENCY technologies in different body variants

As in the passenger car segment, starting right now Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models which, owing to particularly sustainable technologies, stand for highest efficiency, and thus for improved fuel consumption and consequently reduced emissions, also will carry the BlueEFFICIENCY label.

The efficiency package or the NGT technology in the Sprinter are examples of this. These Sprinter models are identified by the BlueEFFICIENCY badges affixed to the sides in the area of the left and right B-pillars.

Efficiency package: new engines, new transmission and other components

BlueEFFICIENCY stands in this case for an efficiency package comprising the newly developed four-cylinder engine (OM 651) and the new transmission (ECO Gear) plus the ECO start/stop function.

New diesel engine generation: first-rate performance

Highest efficiency characterises the new diesel engines of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The centre of attention is the new four-cylinder CDI. Its three output ratings of 70 kW (95 hp), 95 kW (129 hp) and 120 kW (163 hp) cover almost all the demands on vans in the Sprinter class. The four-cylinder gets very respectable pulling power with torque of 250 Nm, 305 Nm and 360 Nm. Remarkable: the peak torque already is available at an extremely low engine speed.

On-demand control of the auxiliary units saves fuel

The Sprinter efficiency package also includes auxiliaries with on-demand control – something new in the van sector. The electrically switched oil pump regulates its delivery independently and adaptively – for the first time on a diesel engine. The piston-cooling oil spray nozzles also operate according to need, and the alternator too operates only when it is needed. The effect is that the mentioned components – unlike conventional units – only consume energy when they actually need it.

The new transmission cuts consumption, enhances dynamics

The efficiency package includes the new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission designed specifically for vans. Its outstanding feature is a particularly large ratio between first and top gear with a low-geared 1st gear and a 6th gear designed as an overdrive.

Generally speaking, with the new transmission the engine speed level is distinctly reduced in favour of lower consumption and the resultant greater economy. This goes hand in hand with lower exhaust and noise emissions and enhanced ride comfort.

ECO start/stop function: engine off at every stop saves up to eight percent fuel

The efficiency package under the BlueEFFICIENCY logo also includes the ECO start/stop function: if the vehicle is standing at idling speed, the engine is automatically shut off. The savings potential is nothing to sneeze at: on average, the Sprinter with ECO start/stop function makes do with up to eight percent less fuel in urban operation. At the same time, noise emission is reduced by cutting out the engine.

The ECO start/stop function brings its savings potential to bear mainly in city driving, and here in particular during the frequent waits in tailbacks or at red lights. As soon as the vehicle stops for at least three seconds without a gear being engaged, the ECO start/stop function shuts down the engine. When the driver steps on the clutch pedal or releases the brake so that the vehicle begins to roll, the engine is promptly restarted.

Environmentally friendly, safe and comfortable all in one

Sophisticated electronics provide for safety: if the vehicle begins to roll the engine is immediately started to ensure power assistance for the brakes and steering. Also, with a gear engaged the engine only starts running if the clutch pedal is fully depressed. To prevent cold starts and engine overheating, the system operates exclusively at coolant temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Celsius.

The Sprinter NGT: another BlueEFFICIENCY technology

Starting immediately the Sprinter NGT also proudly wears the “BlueEFFICIENCY” badge on both wings.

Both clean and economical, the vehicle drive system fuelled with natural gas unites opposites. The new Sprinter NGT with mono-fuel or bi-fuel natural gas drive confirms this assessment: sharply reduced exhaust gas and noise emissions, appreciably lower upkeep costs, and a large cruising range in combination with the standard drive are some of its advantages.

Mercedes-Benz offers the Sprinter 316 NGT and 516 NGT in different body variants. The basic engine, a four-cylinder petrol unit, develops 115 kW (156 hp) and torque of 240 Nm.

Both BlueEFFICIENCY technologies for the Sprinter can be ordered starting immediately.

Mercedes-Benz Adds Two New Four-Cylinder Models to the 2010 E-Class Lineup

Mercedes is adding two four-cylinder's to the 2010 E-Class lineup: the E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY

Mercedes has announced today that they’re adding two new four-cylinder models to the 2010 E-Class lineup:  the E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY.  Key highlights of the E200 CDI include a displacement of 2143 cc, output of 100 kW/136 hp and fuel consumption of 5.2-5.5 liters per 100 kilometers (about 44 mpg). As for performance, the E200 CDI can accelerate from 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph.

The new petrol four-cylinder E-Class – the E200 CGI – boasts a displacement of 1796 cc, output of 135 kW/184 hp and fuel consumption of 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers (about 32.5 mpg). Acceleration from 0-62 mph comes in at 8.5 seconds, while top speed is a suitable 144 mph.

Pricing for the four-cylinder E-Class variants starts at € 38,734.50 for the 2010 E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and € 39,508 for the 2010 E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, with the market launch of both expected to be in September 2009.