Mercedes-Benz has just introduced a new dual-fueled version of the Sprinter van that can run on either gasoline or natural gas. The big van is powered by a 156hp supercharged 1.8L four cylinder with 177lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claims the Sprinter NGT has thirty percent lower operating costs than the diesel version thanks to tax breaks on natural gas. The Sprinter is available in wide range of configurations including the panel van shown, low and tall roof cargo vans, and passenger vans. Depending on the body style, up to six CNG tanks can be fitted below the floor providing a range of up to 745 miles. The Sprint NGT will be available starting in May.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

OK, they kinda still do ignore the green-set. But, if you consider the SMART car green, or a diesel Sprinter van green... well then, they have you covered. See here and here for proof.

I'm not really convinced that the Brabus version of the SMART car is a good idea, I mean it defeats the intended purpose of the vehicle. There are better choices out there, in my opinion, than the SMART for a high-performance conversion. How about a MINI Cooper S for instance?

But, the Sprinter conversion, on the other hand, I think that may have a place in the market, if it indeed used as a commercial vehicle as they are intended. According to Autoblog, the top performing engine for the vehicle is the gasoline option giving the Sprinter 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. For us, though, the top performing engines are diesels, ranging from the PowerXtra D3 to the PowerXtra D6 for the 2.2 liter CDI engine. The maximum amount of torque is 354 lb-ft from that engine.

We have covered the Brabus SMART car before, so here is the link. The short version: 101 hp and 11 seconds or so for the 0-60 mph sprint. Here are additional cars that have been touched by the hands at Brabus.

Related:

• Smart Brabus edition red coupé and cabrio now available

[Source: Gizmag, Autoblog and Brabus]