During a media preview of the new BlueTec diesel powered Mercedes SUVs here in Vermont, Thomas Ruhl Director of R-Class, SUV hybrid and BlueTec discussed some of the alternative drive systems coming from Stuttgart in the near future. While he didn't get into any of the electric car programs that have been discussed recently, he did talk about hybrids. Ruhl confirmed that the S400 BlueHybrid and ML450 BlueHybrid will be launched in the U.S. in 2009. BlueHybrid does not mean these are diesel hybrids, Blue is just the color that Mercedes and others are using to denote their cleaner, more efficient vehicles. When a diesel hybrid arrives it will be called a BlueTec Hybrid.

The S400 will use the mild hybrid system jointly developed by Mercedes and BMW and will be equipped with a lithium ion battery. The ML450 will be the first Mercedes application of the Two-Mode hybrid system. General Motors is building the Two-Mode hybrid transmissions for its own applications as well as supplying Chrylser. Similarly, Ruhl revealed that Mercedes would build the Two-Mode transmissions for both its own and BMW's vehicles. The X6 will be the first Munich model to get the hybrid treatment. The guts of the Mercedes-built units will be identical for both German brands and, like the American version, the only difference is the mechanical interface to connect the respective automakers engines as well as the control software. One item Ruhl declined to discuss is the battery for use with the Two-Mode hybrids. GM and Chrysler are both using nickel metal hydride. Mercedes is using lithium ion for the mild hybrid and the 'no comment' from Ruhl indicates that the same may be true for the Two-Mode.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

By the middle of the next decade Mercedes-Benz wants its entire lineup to be able to operate entirely free of petroleum. The German giant is working on a variety of technologies that will help provide crude oil free transport such as battery electrics, fuel cells and highly efficient internal combustion engines that can operate on biofuels. Mercedes has recently been letting European journalists sample some of these new powertrains at a test facility in Spain.

The F700 concept that debuted last fall in Frankfurt is powered by a turbocharged DiesOtto engine. The DiesOtto is Mercedes' branding for a combined HCCI and spark ignition engine that provides nearly the same efficiency as a diesel without the need for the expensive after-treatment systems. This and conventional diesel engines can run on biofuels and Mercedes hopes to launch the DiesOtto in production by 2010. Mercedes is also currently field testing electrically-driven vehicles with both batteries alone and fuel cells each of which they also plan to launch at the beginning of the decade. While it may well be that all Mercedes models in 2015 will be capable of running petroleum free, the reality is that many - if not most - will still be using fossil fuels much of the time. That may come in the form of coal for electricity, natural gas reformed into hydrogen, or petroleum fuels blended with biofuels. But you have to start somewhere.

[Source: The Sun]

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

While Mercedes-Benz is a leader in clean diesel technology, the German luxury brand has been lagging behind its arch-rival BMW when it comes to the adoption of green technology such as stop/start in its lower-end models. This omission will soon change, as the A-Class and B-Class models, which are not sold in the U.S. market, will be granted the technology shortly. While consumers will likely appreciate the fuel savings most, the brand will be happy to report the reduction in carbon dioxide, which is regulated in most of the world.

The stop/start technology that will be used by Mercedes-Benz is a very basic system and is shared with the smart brand. Because the starter will be used much more often than normal, a larger starter motor and battery is required. BMW harnesses a portion of the energy usually lost when braking to recharge this more powerful battery. Mercedes' system does not allow this capability, though the automaker claims it is hard at work on the next-generation version of this technology which they say will incorporate regenerative braking.

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

Click above for high-res shots of the Actros

Quick: Name the most fuel efficient 40 ton truck in the world. Any guesses? A quick consultation with the good people from the Guinness World Records publication would tell you that its the new Mercedes-Benz Actros, which managed to achieve an average of 12.39 miles per gallon while hauling a 25 ton payload. The record-setting drive was achieved at the Nardo test track in Italy, where a steady speed of fifty miles per hour was kept over a seven-day round-the-clock test session. Not only was the fuel efficiency tested, but so were the emissions. Results of the tests found that CO₂ emissions registered at 20.5 grams per ton of payload and kilometer. We're not really used to seeing statistics presented this way, so Mercedes-Benz includes a note that modern hybrid vehicles emit 297 g/tkm of CO₂, making the new Actros, with its BlueTec diesel technology and automated manual transmission, seem a very efficient method of transporting goods.

Click on the image for high-res shots of this diesel 1967 Mercury Cougar

Much of the vegetable oil and biodiesel movement centers around the classic Mercedes-Benz inline six cylinder engine, but fine examples of the genre are getting tougher to find. As is always the case with older machines, time and driving in general take their toll on the bodies and chassis of our favorite classics. But, these old Mercedes lumps can be rebuilt to fine running order. Wondering what to do with that good-running or rebuilt turbodiesel engine? How about dropping it into the engine bay of some classic Detroit iron? Many of these older American vehicles were built with engine-bays capable of accepting everything from a straight-six to a huge big block V8 engine. If that sounds like too much trouble, perhaps you should take a look at an example that's already been converted. Right now on Craigslist in L.A. is a cherry 1967 Mercury Cougar with a Mercedes OM617 cast iron turbodiesel engine from a Mercedes-Benz 300SD. Mated to a four-speed manual tranny, we'd imagine that many trouble-free miles of burbling diesel goodness are in store for this particular gem. Thanks for the tip, Geeky1!


[Source: Craigslist]

Click on the image to view high-resolution shots

Mercedes-Benz often appears on our pages, but we're not sure if the Trailblazer has ever been mentioned here before. Today, we fix that. OK, not that Trailblazer, but a new bicycle from Mercedes-Benz with the assistance of German cycle manufacturer ADP Engineering GmbH. Offered in both mens and womens versions, the full-suspension mountain bike features the tried-and-true four-link arrangement at the rear along with an air-shock and comes fully equipped for whatever you could throw at it with an aluminum and magnesium frame, Rock Shox front suspension and fully hydraulic Avid Juicy Five disc brakes. As you may expect from any machine carrying the three-pointed star, it ain't cheap, starting at $4,400 in Europe, but it likely the cheapest way to bring a new Benz into your garage. Full press release and technical details after the break.

Click on the image to view high-res shots of the Mercedes F700 concept

As part of an annual meeting held in Berlin, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche says that the company will increase its R&D spending to $21 billion for the year 2010. A major part of those expenses will go towards alternative powerplants. Hydrogen and lithium ion batteries will make up a good chunk of these charges, and Zetsche claims that Daimler has made "a major breakthrough in battery technology." Regarding the heat generated by lithium ion batteries, Zetsche adds, "Daimler has solved the problem. Thanks to the integration of the vehicle's cooling system, the batteries can now operate continually at optimal system temperatures. This maximizes their power output; extends their service life, and make it possible to use this high-performance technology in automotive applications. We've protected this innovation with 25 patents."

Mercedes-Benz will continue to offer large, powerful and luxurious vehicles in each of the market segments in which it competes. What's more, Dr. Z adds, the company "aims to offer at least one model in each of the Mercedes-Benz core model series that is a leader in fuel consumption." We're reminded of the F700 concept that the company recently introduced. We would add that DiesOtto, or HCCI engines, could make a dent in Mercedes' overall fuel consumption statistics.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Click the new Mercedes diesel for a high res gallery

Mercedes-Benz was the first automaker to bring diesel engines to automobiles and just after the 150th anniversary of the birth of Rudolf Diesel, they are announcing a redesigned four cylinder diesel line. The new trio of four cylinder turbo diesels all displace 2143cc and have power outputs ranging from 136hp to 204hp and up to 369lb-ft of torque in the most powerful version. That puts output on a par with the latest four cylinder diesels from arch-rival BMW. In spite of the increased output from 168 to 204hp in the most powerful version, fuel consumption has been reduced. In the C250 CDI that debuts this fall, the EU combined fuel consumption is rated at 43.6 mpg (U.S.), an improvement of almost 4 mpg. The mid-level 170hp goes 46.1 miles on every American-sized gallon of diesel. Carbon dioxide emissions for the two engines are rated at 143 and 136 g/km respectively.

The improved output comes courtesy of a number of changes in the design. For the first time, Mercedes four cylinder diesels will get two-stage turbocharging to provide faster low end response as well as more top end power. The latest fourth-generation Bosch common-rail injection system bumps the fuel pressure from 23,000psi to 29,000psi. The increased pressure head allows for more accurate and precise metering of the fuel being sprayed into combustion chambers. Further improvements in precision come courtesy of the piezo-electric injectors which replace the solenoid units previously used. Tiny piezo crystals expand when electrically charged, moving the plunger that allows fuel flow. The piezo injectors react more quickly and consistently than the older electromagnetic solenoids. Mercedes engineers have also reduced parasitic losses by adding control of the oil and water pumps to regulate the pressure and reduce loads. Internal components have also been strengthened and lightened for reduced vibration and smoother running. NOx production has also been reduced at the source, by optimizing the shape of the combustion chamber and reducing compression ratio from 17.5 to 16.2:1. The lower compression reduces combustion temperatures and hence NOx production. The full details from Mercedes are after the jump.

click to enlarge and see more high-res images

The news out this morning that the three Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUVs will be available in all fifty states in the fall (aka election time) was turned into faux political rally during the Benz press event here at the New York Auto Show. The spiel was that the diesel SUVs - the R 320 BlueTEC, the ML 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC - are the "clean" candidates for your vote/dollar. Somehow Benz roped in about 80 people to wear "Vote For BlueTEC" buttons and cheer for the cars. We'll have a video of all this hoopla later after the jump, but we wanted to bring you pictures straightaway.

Not too long ago, Mercedes announced that the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid, pictured, would be the (likely) first production hybrid that uses lithium-ion batteries. The li-ion steak may be juicier that we expected, if this post over at Benz Insider is on target. BI is saying that a source within MB's Stuttgart Research Center has revealed that Daimler AG is developing a mid- or large-size electric-powered luxury vehicle. While a plug will certainly charge the battery packs, a "small dynamo like device" in the vehicle can also provide energy to - but not fully recharge - the battery. Sounds like a range extender to us, but with a rumored battery-only range of 105 miles, who will need it? We've put in a request to Daimler for more info, because, um, I think we're pretty interested in a car like this.

[Source: Benz Insider]

From time to time, technology has the ability to both improve the specific power output of an engine while also reducing its emissions. Such is the case with direct injection, so we are not surprised to hear that the high-performance tuning arm of Mercedes Benz, AMG, has decided to implement it on their line of engines. Another possible performance-generating and emissions-reducing technology lies with the electric motor, which makes up half of a hybrid drivetrain. While the idea of an AMG hybrid may sound odd at first, remember that electric motors can offer up large quantities of torque just off idle, allowing engineers to make a free-breathing, high-RPM engine without sacrificing around-town drivability.

While stop/start technology does not improve performance, it is an easy-to-implement technology which will further reduce the emissions while increasing the fuel efficiency of whatever car it is applied to. So, AMG is also considering fitment of this hybrid-staple as well. These types of inclusions will likely saturate the performance market soon enough as these automakers will be forced to comply with the same regulations as their lesser-performing counterparts. If AMG does decide to go green, expect to see the fruits of their labor around the year 2012 or so.

Related:

• Mercedes could be jumping into the high-performance diesel race with AMG

[Source: Inside Line]

So, Ford has those cool gas caps which are actually environmentally friendly... so I suppose that they could be considered interesting just because of that. But, what about the gas caps of the Mercedes Benz C300? That cap has a yellow ring (see picture after the jump) and tells potential gasoline-pumpers that they must either use premium or E85. That makes sense considering that the E85 fuel actually has a higher octane rating than the premium fuel does.

Getting back to the Ford gas cap -- Since when did Ford recommend BP gasoline? Is there any reason for that other than a marketing deal? I doubt it, but I did think that it was interesting.

[Source: Inside Line]

The video above is a local news report about Fly Bo, a Chinese all-electric car, available for sale in Michigan. The speedometer on the car goes to 40 MPH and in the video Dave Latarte, owner of Great Lakes Auto Sales, which sells the Fly Bo, says the car has a range of 70 to 150 miles. Do you think Fly Bo looks a little like the Smart? So does DaimlerChrysler and they did threaten to sue.

We have kept you updated of the controversy since October 2006 and now this news report and the Great Lakes Auto Sales website seem to prove you can pick one up in red, green or yellow for $10,000. Although, I would not recommend it because I am a little concerned about the quality of the cars. The news report says they are not recommended for use in the Winter.

... who decided to sell Fly Bo in balmy Michigan of all places?

Related:

• Mercedes may sue to stop Euro sales of Chinese Smart clone
  
• Chinese Smart cloner backs down
  
• Electric Smart coming from China without DCX?
  

[Source: ClipSyndicate via Ecoegg]

The video above is a review of the Dynasty electric car by Driver's Seat TV. The review of Dynasty's low speed electric car is really complete and has great shots of the interior. Below the fold is a Driver's Seat TV review of the Mercedes-Benz BMW Smart car. The reviewer Jen Horsey was impressed by the Smart's large interior and power on the highway (take that TTAC!). Also below the fold is a Driver's Seat TV video with two of the show's hosts going furniture shopping in the Smart and a Hummer and discover, oddly enough, that the Smart is actually not bad for shipping furniture. If you live in Canada, check your local TV listing for Driver's Seat TV. It looks like a really green car review show.

[Source: YouTube]

Our millionaire readers must be upset with the lack of luxury, green cars. Do they have to degrade their standards and settle for the paltry Lexus hybrid? There are many promised green, luxury cars and we are keeping on top of the news but until then, for your consideration, we offer the Maybach 57 and 62. The Maybach has 30 solar cells in the roof that supplies 63 watts of electricity that powers the air conditioning system fan, cooling the car 15 degrees in the hot sun.

Don't confuse the solar panel with liquid crystal sun roof that turns clear at the touch of a button. That's just one of the 2 million equipment options of the $300,000 Maybach. There is a video below the fold with the meeting you must have to configure your car. Check the couch for change and pick one up so you will have something to mention to Al Gore at the Nobel after-party.

[Source: Inside Line]