Autoblog

New York: Mercedes E250 Bluetec concept would get 39 mpg highway

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Green, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz brought the new E250 BlueTEC concept sedan to the New York Auto Show today, showing the type of clean diesel sedan that could follow in the wake of last year's BlueTEC SUV mini-fleet. The E250 BlueTEC boasts a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust technology mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The small diesel motor produces big power: 369 lb-ft of torque at 1600-1800 rpm. Part of the conceptual clean diesel fun comes from a 25-liter urea solution (AdBlue) tank that sits in the exhaust stream and reduces NOx emissions, which helps make the car 50-state legal. This is key, since the E250 was created just for us Yankees, MB says. The concept would also meet Europe's strict EU6 emissions standards, which won't be enacted until the later part of 2014. Using BlueTEC in the E250 would probably get the car a 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway rating from the EPA, Mercedes estimates. Check out the press release after the jump and live, high-res images in our gallery below.

Gallery: New York 2009: Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTEC

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTEC

Continue reading New York: Mercedes E250 Bluetec concept would get 39 mpg highway

New York: Mercedes E250 Bluetec concept would get 39 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New diesels won't run when the urea tanks is dry

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:34:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a high-res gallery of the MB GL320 BlueTEC

Owners of the new crop of clean diesels will have another maintenance item to concern themselves with if their new cars are equipped with urea injection. The EPA requires that all diesels meet strict new emissions standards, which almost always requires the use of either a NOx trap or urea injection. To ensure that the system is working, a sensor checks both the level and the quality of the urea solution and will keep the car from starting if the tank is empty. The new VW Jetta TDI doesn't use urea, but the new Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC vehicles do. According to Mercedes, a counter will appear on the dash when there are twenty starts remaining. If the driver ignores the message, the car will not operate until at least two gallons of urea solution is added to the tamper-proof tank that resides in the spare tire well.

Engineers have designed the urea tanks to be large enough to last about 15,000 miles. This should be large enough that drivers never run out, as the tanks will be checked at every schedules service. As an alternative, small bottles of the urea solution will be available for owners who want to maintain the system themselves. The cost of the urea solution, which MB refers to as AdBlue, will mirror the cost of diesel fuel, so a refill shouldn't cost more than $30 or so. Before anybody asks, yes - urea is a component of urine, and no - peeing in the tank will not fool the sensors. You've been warned.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz BlueTec SUVs

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

New diesels won't run when the urea tanks is dry originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All VW and Mercedes diesels eligible for tax credit

Michael Harley — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Green, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen

We knew last month that the Jetta TDI was qualified for the tax credit. Now, word is out that all of the new-generation clean diesels for Volkswagen (TDI) and Mercedes-Benz (Bluetec) will be joining the elite handful of vehicles that qualify for a federal alternative-powertrain tax credit. Formerly reserved for just hybrid vehicles, the diesels have been designated as advanced lean-burn-technology vehicles that meet the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit standards of the IRS. The credits vary based on the vehicle. In the case of Mercedes, the ML320 qualifies for $900 while the GL320 is good for $1,800. If diesel still isn't your thing, the IRS has also qualified several Ford hybrids as eligible too. Of those, the highest credit (a sweet $3,000) goes to those consumers who take home an Escape or Mariner two-wheel drive hybrid crossover.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

All VW and Mercedes diesels eligible for tax credit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes runs out of gas by 2015

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes -- like a lot of other folks -- believes oil is going to run out eventually. But instead of waiting until the "Low on Oil" light comes on, the brand behind the three-pointed-star has set a goal to convert its entire fleet to run on alternative fuels by 2015. That's seven years to get off the drink we've all been addicted to for well over a century.

In the pipeline first are fuel-efficient technologies such as Stop/Start on the marque's next A- and B-Class models sold in Europe. Then come the BlueEfficiency vehicles with Mercedes' supremely parsimonious diesel engines, and eventually the Diesotto first shown in the F700.

And then come the real showstoppers: ethanol, electric, and fuel cell vehicles. There are electric smarts running trials in London right now, and the F600 Hygenius is expected to eventually spawn some sort of production variant. On the face of it, seven years to go diesel- and gas-optional for an entire fleet is somewhat hard to fathom -- but the prediction is coming from a company not previously known for wild daring. Even if they just get close to success, in only seven years, they might prove a nearby rival wrong about what's doable under the new CAFE laws.

[Source: The Sun via AutoblogGreen]

Mercedes runs out of gas by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: Mercedes burns oil and rubber

Dan Roth — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, SUV, Green, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for high-res gallery from Daimler's press conference

Just like any good political campaign, Mercedes came to the New York Auto Show touting nothing much as a whole lot. Actually, the faux political rally might have been less than compelling with its old news, but the new M Class sporting 50-state legal BlueTec diesel power is exciting. Almost as exciting as the very original 1965 190 D Mercedes had borrowed to illustrate its long-running experience with Rudy's coal dust motor. The senescent sedan will be helping MBZ recreate Bill Carroll's cross-country diesel-fueled journey to celebrate the U.S.-wide availability of what it's touting as the cleanest diesel ever. BlueTec allows the M-, GL- and R-class oil burners to earn ULEV and TierII/Bin 5 classification.

Mercedes says its new diesels are now as clean as gasoline powerplants, and once they drop BlueTec hybrids on us, emissions and economy will improve yet again. JD Power projects that fully 40 percent of vehicles will be diesel powered by 2017, and Mercedes wants to increase diesel sales beyond the current level of 22 percent. The newly tweaked M-Class should help move the powertrain off dealer lots. Sporting plenty of safety upgrades, new headlights, a Hannibal-Lechter inspired grille and some interior tweaks, the M-Class has returned from the gym freshly chiseled. It was not all utes and politely obscured minivans (*ahem* R-Class). Just before Mercedes wrapped the presser, they said, we're paraphrasing here, "Oh yeah, we also brought the SL, w00t."

Gallery: New York 2008: Mercedes M Class and SL

Continue reading New York 2008: Mercedes burns oil and rubber

New York 2008: Mercedes burns oil and rubber originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz USA recalling 9000 diesel models

Chris Shunk — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes sold over twelve-thousand diesel-powered vehicles in the US last year, but a crankshaft issue is sending 9,004 units back to the dealer for repair. NHTSA says the problem lies in a crankshaft sensor that can fail, which causes the engine to lose power and makes you the "disabled vehicle" the traffic reporter on the radio warns your fellow commuters about. That won't do. The recall affects 2007 E320 Bluetec, ML320 CDI, and GL320 CDI models. Since the sensor defect could leave drivers stranded, we're going to go ahead and recommend that you get this one fixed right away. We're still bullish on diesel, however, because high fuel economy and gobs of torque are a wonderful combo.

[Source: Auto News (subs. req'd)]

Mercedes-Benz USA recalling 9000 diesel models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Jeep Renegade Concept

Alex Nunez — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, SUV, Green, Chrysler, Jeep

Click image for high-res gallery

Chrysler is showing three concepts that leverage the automaker's ENVI electric vehicle tech tech today in Detroit. The Chrysler ccoVoyager and Dodge ZEO concepts will be covered in separate posts, but they share their main electric drivetrains with Jeep's open-air concept. At the center of ENVI is a 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor with a 40 mile range that's powered by lithium ion batteries. The Renegade concept uses a pair of these -- one on each axle to create a proper 4X4 -- and adds a low gear mode, locking differentials, and a Bluetec diesel "range-extender" engine that gives it the equivalent of 110 mpg when combined with the electric motors. We see a little of the 1998 Jeepster Concept in the Renegade's front end, but beyond that, the little two-seater goes its own way, putting a modern spin on the Wrangler ethos that incorporates environmental sustainability into the overall equation without sacrificing the brand's off-road roots and identity. You can read Chrysler's full press release on the Renegade after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Jeep Renegade Concept

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Jeep Renegade Concept

Detroit 2008: Jeep Renegade Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid - it's new, we think

Noah Joseph — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is confusing the blog out of us with its nomenclature. Sure, it's usually pretty straightforward: one letter for the class, three numbers for the (approximate) engine displacement. Tack on 4Matic for all-wheel-drive, chop off a zero and add AMG for the performance models. But they just about lost us on this one.

In Frankfurt Mercedes unveiled two new hybrid versions of the S-Class: the S300 Bluetec Hybrid with diesel-electric power, and the S400 Hybrid with gas-electric power. In Los Angeles, however, they took the wraps off the S400 Bluetec Hybrid. Still with us? Well, they lost us, too. This version packs a V6 diesel coupled with an electric motor to provide 265 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, resulting in what Mercedes calls V8 performance with four-cylinder economy: 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and 40.5 mpg on the highway.

While the previous S400 Hybrid unveiled in Frankfurt was gas-electric, the S300 Bluetec Hybrid unveiled with it was stated as producing 413 lb-ft of torque to this S400 Bluetec Hybrid's stated 465. Still, the press materials didn't specifically differentiate it from its Frankfurt-revealed stablemate, and nobody at the Mercedes booth here in LA could tell us if this was actually a different model. Think you can make sense of it? The press release is after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Gallery: LA 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid

Continue reading LA 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid - it's new, we think

LA 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid - it's new, we think originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz first in California with diesel

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Mercedes-Benz

click above image for more high-res pics of the MB E320 BLUETEC

You may remember that despite a promise back in January of 2006 that its E320 BLUETEC would meet emissions standards in all 50 states, Mercedes-Benz announced eight months later that its new diesel sedan wouldn't be sold in California and the contingent of states that have adopted its stricter emissions standard. Mercedes went back and tweaked the BLUETEC design and today marks the first day that the E320 BLUETEC sedan goes on sale in California. It's the first diesel powered model that meets California's strict emissions standards and certainly won't be the last. Mercedes-Benz is offering the car only as a lease vehicle for 2 years/24,000 miles for roughly $600 per month.

Merc chose to lease the car because only about 100 units will be available. This will be expanded next year along with the rest of the diesel lineup when the M, R and GL Bluetec diesels arrive in August. By January next year the E320 Bluetec will be available in all of the other states that have adopted California's stricter emissions standards. These include New York, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

The E-class is expected to go in for a redesign for the 2010 model year and will also be offered with a Bluetec diesel option when it arrives in mid-2009. Click here to view several spy shots of the next E-class including a couple of its interior.

[Source: Automotive News. sub. req'd]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC

Mercedes-Benz first in California with diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes confirms BLUETEC diesels will be in Europe by year's end

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

E-Class Bluetecs have been available for about a year, where they account for 20-percent of sales. Now Mercedes' Bluetec-engined cars will be available for purchase in Europe by the end of this year. E-Classes with Bluetec will go on sale in December in all but the UK. Right-hand drive versions are expected at some point in the future, but it is unknown when.

"Bluetec" describes Mercedes diesel engines that utilize it's AdBlue reductant and DeNOX particulate filter. The engines get better gas mileage and produce fewer emissions. Though E-Class Bluetec's will join the European market soon, and the GL-, M-, and R-Class Bluetec's will also join the US market soon, similarly-equipped C-Class, won't appear in any markets until 2009. The C250 is claimed to get 57.7 mpg, while a C300 Bluetec hybrid gets a claimed 61.4 mpg.

The hybrid wars have been going on in the US for some time now, and when asked why launch the Bluetec in America first, a Mercedes UK spokesman said "The focus has been on the big prize which is converting America." If those mileage claims are proved in real-world use, then Mercedes conversion efforts should get a huge push when the C arrives.

[Source: Merecedes-Benz]

Mercedes confirms BLUETEC diesels will be in Europe by year's end originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Mercedes-Benz S 300 BLUETEC Hybrid

Alex Nunez — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Sedan, Green, Mercedes-Benz

Click image to enlarge

The F 700 concept car is primed to be the star for Mercedes-Benz at Frankfurt with its DIESOTTO hybrid drivetrain and glitzy looks, but it's certainly not going to be alone up there on the stand. We know about the AMG C-Classes (sedan and wagon) and the ML 450 Hybrid, and you can add the S 300 BLUETEC Hybrid to the mix. Its hybridized BLUETEC 4-cylinder motivates the big sedan with a modest 224 horsepower and a not-modest-at-all 413 lb-ft of torque. The combination is good for 43.5 mpg and CO2 emissions of 142 g/km, and importantly, the system meets US emissions standards. While it's a show car, this package seems eminently doable, and it's not unreasonable to believe that it'll ultimately make it to production.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Mercedes-Benz S 300 BLUETEC Hybrid

Frankfurt Preview: Mercedes-Benz S 300 BLUETEC Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes diesel hits hurdles in three new states, temporarily

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Although Mercedes-Benz USA is still committed to diesels in all 50 states, it has had to accept the bad with the good. As the model year has rolled into 2008, they have lost three more states to the "no diesel" pack. That's because Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Rhode Island joined the 5 other states using California's stricter emissions standards that rule the Benz diesel out. But this is a short term setback for M-B. As soon as the new generation of diesels rolls out, Mercedes should have full 50-state compliance.

In about a year, the newest Bluetec ML320 CDI will arrive and be able to meet even California's emissions regulations. The diesel E-Class will continue as a 42-state model until it too receives the advanced Bluetec system. Whether or not Mercedes will figure out a way to keep the diesel premium down around $1,000 per vehicle is another potential stumbling block for the German automaker. Rumor has it this new Bluetec costs a lot more to produce and Mercedes-Benz might have to subsidize the diesels to keep them competitive pricewise.

[Source: Edmunds Auto Observer]

Mercedes diesel hits hurdles in three new states, temporarily originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW says bye-bye to Bluetec

Chris Tutor — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen

Looks like the Bluetec Alliance has lost another member. Green Car Congress was able to translate an article by German publication, "Wirtschaftswoche," which says Volkswagen will abandon Bluetec.

"Wirtschaftswoche" reports that VW feels the Bluetec name is too closely associated with Mercedes and wants to differentiate its clean diesel engines more. VW will therefore keep its TDI designation for the cleaner diesels.

With BMW dropping out of Bluetec in November and now VW, it's not entirely clear who, other than Mercedes, is left to use the badge. An Audi press release we reported on in July seems to indicate that company will follow VW and go TDI as well. But, as we said last month, Chrysler may continue to share the Bluetec name and technology with Mercedes.

[Source: Wirtschaftswoche via Green Car Congress]

VW says bye-bye to Bluetec originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus consults on Mercedes S-Class Hybrid

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:22:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz

Following spy shots of S-Class Hybrid prototypes leaving the Lotus facilities in Norwich, England, industry insiders have concluded that Mercedes has turned to the British sportscar maker and engineering firm for input on the sedan's hybrid power system.

The upcoming S-Class Hybrid's electric motor sits in front of the front-mounted transmission, and will be coupled to either a gasoline-powered 268-hp 3.5L V6 to produce a combined 300 hp and return 35 mpg, or a 2.2L 168 hp diesel incorporating the latest BLUETEC technology.

Although best known for its chassis consulting, Lotus it seems was brought on to put the finishing touches on the hybrid's sophisticated drivetrain, specifically the mechanism that switches between the conventional and electric motors. No doubt, Lotus has been developing its new specialty in the green arena thanks to its work with Tesla on the all-EV Roaster.

[Source: Autocar via German Car Scene]

Lotus consults on Mercedes S-Class Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Bluetec hybrid Mercedes M-Class possible within 2 years

Alex Nunez — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Green, Mercedes-Benz

Just -Auto reported yesterday that Mercedes-Benz could have a Bluetec diesel-electric hybrid variant of ithe M-Class on sale in the UK within the next two years. The system would probably leverage a 3.2L six-cylinder Bluetec engine in conjunction with the 2-Mode hybrid system developed jointly with BMW and GM. Fuel economy is expected to be around 40 mpg (we're assuming this measurement is in the UK's larger Imperial gallon) and CO2 emissions would likely be under 200g/km.

That would help cancel out some of the anti-SUV sentiment toward such a vehicle in UK and European markets. Now, while Mercedes wouldn't confirm that any plans for a green powertrain like this exist, Just-Auto expressed confidence in its source. Hopefully, assuming this comes to fruition, the system would comply with US standards and regulations as well, and help lead the way towards more fuel-stingy yet powerful diesel hybrid systems in the future.

[Source: Just-Auto (sub req'd)]

Report: Bluetec hybrid Mercedes M-Class possible within 2 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes expects diesels to account for 10-percent of US market

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz

Looks like Mercedes-Benz is expecting diesels to make a huge comeback in the United States over the next few years. M-B is apparently projecting that diesels will account for a whopping 10 percent of U.S. sales by 2010, up from just 3 percent last year. With the new BLUETEC-nology helping the German automakers meet stricter Bin 5 clean air standards, and gas prices continuing to hover near the $3/gallon level, it's likely diesels will become more attractive to buyers, especially in the light- and heavy-duty truck segment where the mileage and torque gains seem huge compared to gas-engined options.

New low-sulfur diesel fuel is finally becoming more widely available in States too, so look for diesels to start popping up everywhere soon. Mercedes in particular has shown off the possibilities of diesel in its E320 and will start selling diesels this fall starting in the ML320 and then the GL320 and probably the R320, as well. And Mercedes isn't the only company expecting big diesel gains. J.D. Power's Global Outlook for Diesel predicts North American diesel sales to account for 15 percent of new vehicle sales by 2015.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req]

Mercedes expects diesels to account for 10-percent of US market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Follow the Leader: DaimlerChrysler to pursue hybrid power

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

DaimlerChrysler is taking some of its eggs out of the diesel BLUETEC basket and placing them on the hybrid bandwagon, according to chairman Dieter Zetsche. The automotive giant had been banking on the success of its clean diesel technology to win over the green crowd, but DCX says the market demands hybrids. And so hybrids they shall make.

At first Mercedes will offer "mild hybrids", essentially an overgrown starter motor that will supplement the gasoline (or diesel) engine to add extra power while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. With a mild hybrid, DCX figures it can get 70 percent of the effect with 30 percent of the effort, but will eventually produce full hybrid powerplants. DaimlerChrysler plans on collaborating on its hybrid development with rivals BMW, not unlike the sharing of technology over BLUETEC, all in an effort to catch up with their mutual rival Toyota, which has harnessed hybrid power on its way to the top.

In the meantime, Mercedes plans on rolling out other tree-hugging technologies in its vehicles, including a stop/start system like that offered by BMW and PSA, and an alternator that disengages from the engine when accelerating.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Follow the Leader: DaimlerChrysler to pursue hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz Vision C 220 BLUETEC concept

Noah Joseph — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the image above to view our high-resolution image gallery.

Rival carmakers are in a race to develop the most efficient practical alternative powerplant solutions, with some Japanese carmakers focusing on hybrid technology, while their European rivals concentrate on developing efficient diesels. French carmakers have their advanced diesel particulate filters, while Mercedes-Benz has been leading the German advance with BLUETEC, the technology that enables the use of fuel-efficient diesel engines while reducing the comparatively higher emissions that have traditionally kept diesels out of the green books.

Mercedes was the first to bring BLUETEC to the American market with the E320 BLUETEC, soon after joined by BLUETEC versions of the R-Class, M-Class and GL-Class sport-utility vehicles, that can arguably stand to benefit from environmentally-conscious, fuel-efficient powertrain solution most. The latter was previewed at the Detroit show in January with the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC concept. Following on the same formula, Mercedes showcased its new C-Class with the Vision C 220 Bluetec at last week's Geneva show.

The "Vision" moniker designates this as a production preview showcar, as opposed to the design studies and styling language concepts displayed by other carmakers. This concept, details of which we brought you in advance of the show, slips a new four-cylinder diesel into the new C-Class, which has already sold over 55,000 units since its introduction in January. The smart money is on Mercedes putting the concept's 2.2-liter diesel engine, with its 170 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, behind the sportier grille in the new C-Class sometime after it hits the US market in September.

Follow the jump for the full press release, and be sure to check out our high-resolution image gallery below, including shots of the Vision C 220 BLUETEC concept from the Geneva show floor, and the freshly-updated gallery of the new C-Class below that.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Vision C 220 BLUETEC Concept

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz Vision C 220 BLUETEC concept

Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz Vision C 220 BLUETEC concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes unveils four-cylinder Vision C220 Bluetec

John Neff — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Mercedes-Benz

click above image to view a pair of high-resolution images of the MB Vision C220 BLUETEC Concept

DaimlerChrysler is proud of its BLUETEC diesel technology, and rightly so. The automaker is really the first to see the new diesel standards in the U.S. as an opportunity and not an obstacle, unveiling the Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC last year. Three more models, the R-Class, M-Class and G-Class, are scheduled to get the 3.2L BLUETEC diesel engien by early 2008. The BLUETEC technology is so attractive that almost every German automaker selling cars in the U.S. has hopped on the BLUETEC bandwagon and will be selling the engines in the near future.

In an effort to keep the ball rolling, DCX today unveiled the Vision C220 BLUETEC concept, a version of the just-unveiled next-generation C-Class with a concept four-cylinder BLUETEC engine that produces 170 hp and 295 ft-lbs. of torque. In terms of fuel economy, it sips low-sulfur diesel at the rate of 5.5 liters for every 100 kilometers. In our wacky metrics, that equates to about 42.76 miles per gallon. Hybrid who? The engine uses all the latest diesel carbon and NOx reducing technology, including four valves per cylinder, a third-gen common rail direct injection system, a variable nozzle turbine turbo, exhaust gas recirculation. The BLUETEC bit adds an NOx storage catalytic converter with a patented onboard ammonia generation system that, ulike urea injection systems, requires no additives or regular check ups.

The Vision C220 BLUETEC is technically a concept, however, that will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show next week. While technically a production piece of hardware, we have to admit its numbers are very impressive.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Vision C 220 BLUETEC Concept

Continue reading Mercedes unveils four-cylinder Vision C220 Bluetec

Mercedes unveils four-cylinder Vision C220 Bluetec originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep prices the 2007 Grand Cherokee CRD

John Neff — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Green, Daimler, Jeep

We know for sure that in a couple of years the U.S. market will have more diesel options than it's had in a very long time. They'll be powerful, efficient and clean diesels, different in every way from the ones you remember during the Reagan era. DaimlerChrysler is poised to enjoy having the broadest lineup of diesel engines available across its many brands in the coming years, and one of the first that's 50-state legal is the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, pricing for which was released today. To refresh your memory, the GC CRD's V6 is the same 3.0-liter diesel developed by Mercedes-Benz and used in many of that brand's products. It produces 215 horsepower and a stout 376 ft-lbs. of torque. For comparison's sake, the GC's available 5.7-liter V8 produces more horsepower at 330, but falls behind the 3.0-liter V6 CRD in torque with 375 ft-lbs. No doubt it will also far behind the CRD engine in fuel economy, which promises 20 city/25 highway for 4x2 models and 20/24 for 4x4 models.

Below you'll find the pricing of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, with the prices of comparable gas-powered models included, as well. The official press release from Jeep can be found after the jump.

Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Limited 4x2 $38,475 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 $35,425

Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Limited 4x4 $41,715 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 $38,015

Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland 4x2 $41,960 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2 $39,950

Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland 4x4 $45,395 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 $43,385

Gallery: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading Jeep prices the 2007 Grand Cherokee CRD

Jeep prices the 2007 Grand Cherokee CRD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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