Mercedes insiders have revealed that the next generation C-Class will have a hybrid setup on every model. The move is intended to drive down consumption and emission figures to class-leading lows. New friction reduction and weight saving technology is also being developed, and Mercedes engineers are currently considering whether three-cylinder engines could be used in the family saloon and estate range. Mercedes has apparently set strict emissions targets for the new cars, and is aiming for the diesel-engined cars in the range to have an average of 100 g/km CO2 emissions. The current C-Class has just been facelifted, but the next-generation car is due in 2013. Source: Fifth Gear
Great! But why limit it to the C class? By limiting a hybrid powertrain to Mercedes' entry level junk, people will continue to only look down on it (hybrids AND the C class).
They do. They haven't exactly caught the US on fire. See February 2011 Dashboard: Hybrid Sales Outpace Growing Auto Market | Hybrid Cars. The S400 hybrid actually uses lithium ion batteries. I've seen one at an auto show.
they haven't limited it to the C class. several months back, it was reported that the S class will turn into hybrids.
One way or another, in 2016 when the EPA mandate of 35mpg CAFE comes into effect and Mercedes still has large cars on the road, the smaller C-class will have to get stellar gas mileage for Mercedes to meet the requirement. Question: Does anyone know how diesel is treated in the new CAFE requirement? Does diesel have to meet a higher requirement, or can an automaker put V8 diesel in every car that gets 35mpg but still destroys the environment?
You think its junk?? *cries in a corner* Reasons I believe it is an intelligent move: They probably sell more C-classes than any other model. They probably also want to test out how it will fare before moving on to other models. They probably want to allow those who spend money for more expensive models keep their performance oriented gas engines (even if its just perception). I dont necessarily think they are "limiting" hybrids to the C-class. The OP just said their wont be a standalone gasoline engine C-class.
Mercedes corporate average fuel econome (CAFE) has been in the toilet so long ... I was beginning to think they felt it was a status symbol. "We don't NEED no fuel economy". As though they were proud of paying more, vis a vis CAFE penalties. Hybrid offerings might insult Mercedes owners, and their way of life.
Citroën has adopted that "reference", also. I find it unnaceptable, instead. Only ICE propels the vehicle. It's a marketing abuse.
Agree. I've noticed every car ad now touts the "fuel efficient <insert car name>". Doesn't matter if it's a huge truck or whatevs, but calling cars that stop when idling a "micro-hybrid" isn't just greasy it's an outright lie. It's like calling somebody micro-pregnant. You are or you're not.
I can manually start/stop my conventional vehicle right now. In theory, if I kill the ignition to the engine during slow-downs, it will still spin the alternator and charge the battery. Regen anyone? That doesn't make it a hybrid.
That does not cut it. The battery and starter are not up to the task. The electronics are trivial so those doing these auto stop start are adding beefier starters and advanced lead acid batteries. If they do it fleet wide as ford is doing the incremental cost is not very large. It does make replacement batteries more expensive. Mercedes is using a small lithium battery and a flywheel motor, similar to the honda ima system. It is likely they are adding a second clutch like hyundai and may be removing the torque converter. This can improve combined fuel economy about 20%. By using an electronic airconditioning more fuel is saved, and it provides a luxury feature.
Right ... my point was it has to provide some motive force from a secondary power source to be a hybrid. My post was in response to Skoorb ... i should have quoted it:
