MERCEDES-BENZ CHANGES ITS SPOTS

MERCEDES-BENZ SAYS: The newly developed and modified four-cylinder powerplant for the Mercedes-Benz C180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY has the same output as the previous C180 KOMPRESSOR unit, despite the reduction in displacement. The engine returns impressive fuel-consumption figures that were previously only achievable in the compact-car class.

“The Mercedes-Benz strategy is to optimise consumption and emission levels by addressing powertrain, aerodynamics and weight reduction. The key benefits of this concept includes lighter weight, reduced internal friction and a more economical fuel-consumption map,” says Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“Our engine strategy falls in line with the nomenclature - vehicle badging – used by Mercedes-Benz world-wide. We started off with the C180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY model in February 2009, and are extremely pleased with the feedback from our customers,” adds Mayer.

The C180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY engine has a displacement 1.6-litre (1597cc) compared to 1.8-litre (1796cc) of the previous C180 KOMPRESSOR. The 1.6-litre (1597cc) displacement engine delivers 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque, the same as the previous C180 KOMPRESSOR.

“The reasons for the nomenclature changes being put in place, is due to changes that have resulted from some engine and BlueEFFICIENCY upgrades. Going forward, the vehicle's nomenclature will depict the model’s status in terms of positioning and power output within each class type. In certain cases there will not be any physical changes but only nomenclature changes, to aid the positioning logic within each class type,” adds Mayer.

“Further to the above, we will have nomenclature changes affecting the A-Class and B-Class petrol range where we will go from an A170 to a A180, and a B170 to a B180. These examples of positioning logic, have no impact on engine or drive train. The displacement of both the A170/A180 and B170/B180 is 1.7-litre (1699cc), delivering 85kW of power and 155Nm of torque. These nomenclature changes come into effect as of June 2009 orders,” adds Mayer.

With the upcoming launch of the new E-Class in June there will also be further nomenclature changes with the introduction of the E300.

The E300 is based completely on the current E280 V6 engine with engine size 3.0-litre (2996cc). There is no change in power, 170kW – 300Nm torque, but it also forms part of the new engine model naming strategy. All that changes is the nomenclature.

“Our product strategy will see further changes across our model range in light of nomenclature repositioning as models evolve,” concludes Mayer.