Focus 1: Optimization of the combustion engine
In 2011 we launched a completely new series of four-cylinder gasoline engines. Their combustion processes are shaped by the third generation of Mercedes-Benz direct injection technology, which was introduced in 2010 in the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines. A host of improvements are helping to significantly boost these engines’ energy efficiency. In addition to low engine weight, low friction, and ancillary components that are switched on as needed, the main improvement is the low-end torque design, which makes it possible to have a high torque at low engine speeds. In addition, the ECO start-stop function is included in the standard equipment.
The B-Class consumes only 4.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Like the economical four-cylinder gasoline engines and the new four-cylinder diesel engine, which is an enhanced version of the third-generation common-rail direct injection system, are used in the new A-Class and B-Class cars . Supported by new transmissions – the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission and the new six-speed manual transmission – the two diesel models of the B-Class (the B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) consume only 4.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. This is noticeably less than their predecessors, which consumed 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers.
Highly efficient engines for trucks. The Mercedes-Benz OM 471 is the first member of the New Engine Generation – an all-new series of heavy-duty engines. In 2011 this engine was installed in the new Mercedes-Benz Actros for the first time. As a result, the fuel consumption of the Euro V version of the truck is about 6 to 7 percent lower than that of its predecessor, while the Euro VI version consumes between 3 and 4 percent less fuel than its predecessor.
Natural gas drives – an alternative for city driving
Natural gas technology (NGT) offers clear environmental benefits compared to conventional drive concepts. Not only does natural gas contain less carbon than conventional diesel and gasoline fuels, it also generates fewer emissions during combustion. However, storing the fuel in vehicles is very complicated, and the limited fuel supply infrastructure is a considerable drawback. This is why our NGT passenger cars are equipped with a bivalent drive system that can run on either natural gas or premium-grade gasoline. We believe that natural gas will continue to be an alternative to conventional fuels. NGT drives are currently available for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and are scheduled to be provided for the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class as well.
In terms of commercial vehicles, natural gas drives are showing what they can do, especially in cities and suburban areas. For these applications we offer the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter NGT in monovalent and bivalent versions. Our lineup of natural gas vehicles is rounded out by the Mercedes-Benz Citaro CNG, the Econic NGT, the Freightliner MT-45 walk-in vans, and the Saf-T-Liner HDX CNG from Thomas Built Buses. In addition to the low pollutant emissions of natural gas, the world’s large deposits of this fuel guarantee that natural gas engines will have a future in commercial vehicles.
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