Gas and Diesel - Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hybrids

Top:Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid Below : Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec

On 21 December 2011 (Wednesday), two new hybrid E-Class sedans announced by Mercedes-Benz. The E300 BlueTec Hybrid and E400 Hybrid.

The Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec : is equipped with a diesel-electric powertrain, the automaker’s first to be commercialized The E300 BlueTec Hybrid combines a 201-horsepower 4-cylinder diesel engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor and can reportedly travel an estimated 100 kilometers on just 4.2 liters of diesel fuel, or roughly 56 miles per gallon. A stop-start function and regenerative braking also contribute to the car’s fuel efficiency. The combined torque of the diesel engine and the electric motor is expected to rival the level of twist produced by the brand’s high-performance V-8s.

The Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid : has a more conventional gas-electric hybrid system.
The Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid, which is scheduled to be delivered to dealerships in the United States in the second half of 2012, combines a 302-horsepower direct-injection V-6 gasoline engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor to achieve a combined fuel economy of about 27 m.p.g. Like the diesel version, it is equipped with a stop-start function and mild regenerative braking.

The Mercedes-Benz diesel hybrid would be available only in Europe, at least initially. But given the presence of BlueTec models in the United States, as well as the automaker’s investments in so-called clean-diesel technology, few would be surprised if the oil-burning model came to North America. Both hybrid powertrains were described by Mercedes as modular, an indication that they could potentially be fitted to other vehicle platforms.

Thomas Weber (A Daimler board member and head of Mercedes-Benz car development)

“With these two Mercedes-Benz E-Class models we are now continuing our comprehensive hybrid offensive,The modular technology opens up a quick way for us to complement other model series with hybrid models.”

Both Mercedes-Benz cars are scheduled to be formally introduced at the Detroit auto show, where press previews begin on Jan. 9. The price premium for the hybrids over their conventional gas-burning and BlueTec diesel equivalents was not announced, but Mercedes-Benz described the extra cost as “only moderate.”

A fine collection of billingsgates in a glass fronted display box

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL body to Slim Down

Automakers are looking for ways to strip weight out of cars, allowing them to improve performance and fuel economy with a single step. Mercedes-Benz’ solution, it seems, is to use more carbon fiber composite materials -- and it seems the next-generation 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will do just that.

Daimler AG has partnered with Toray Industries, a Japanese textile maker, to develop and produce car parts made from carbon fiber composite materials. The move mirrors BMW’s partnership with U.S.-based carbon fiber supplier SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, which is designed in part to supply components for the 2013 Megacity electric vehicle. Toray is the world’s largest carbon fiber supplier, supplying automakers that include Ferrari.

Together, Toray and Daimler will work on lightening some of Mercedes’ vehicles through the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Although Mercedes has not disclosed what parts will be made from the material, they’re likely currently made from metal. Carbon fiber parts will therefore significantly reduce the car’s weight, but may carry a substantial cost premium.

Carbon fiber could replace a number of metallic parts, but some suggest the Mercedes-Benz SL’s folding roof may be be fabricated from the material. The current steel roof is rather heavy, and also requires a large hydraulic mechanism to stow and deploy the structure. Using a carbon fiber roof could potentially allow the Mercedes-Benz SL to shed some pounds and utilize a smaller folding mechanism, which could subsequently improve cargo space.

We’ve yet to see finite details on the new Mercedes-Benz SL, but based upon spy photos of the car, it appears the next-gen roadster will bear resemblance to the SLS AMG. In fact, many upcoming Mercedes-Benz models will ape the Mercedes-Benz SLS. According to Hans-Dieter Futshik, director of Mercedes’ passenger car design, the Mercedes-Benz SLS will influence the shape of the company’s sports cars, including the Mercedes-Benz SL and Mercedes-Benz SLK.