Mercedes AMG engineers to redirect efforts to developing hybrids.

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Rybold, Jun 13, 2008.

  1. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    Mercedes' AMG engineers to redirect efforts, and begin developing hybrids.

    AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg boldly announced that the fleet of performance cars will achieve a 30 percent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2012. Smaller engines, hybrid systems, and diesels are all on the table for Mercedes' thriving performance sub-brand.

    Mornhinweg leveled a shot at BMW's claim to “efficient dynamics†which is spawning products such as the X5 Vision diesel hybrid concept.

    But that kind of technology is just the beginning. AMG is working on full hybrid cars that can drive short distances with just the electric motor.

    Mercedes did not want to launch its version of the two-mode system in the M-class, as there already are hybrid SUVs on the market, and “we don't want to be a follower,†says Mornhinweg. For AMG, look for the technology to bow on a low, sporty car like the CL, the SL, or the CLS.

    Porsche has announced a CO2 reduction of 30 percent for its V-6 hybrid powertrain over the regular V-6.

    Meanwhile, Daimler AG is claiming a breakthrough in battery technology, saying it has achieved the Holy Grail of adapting lithium-ion technology for automotive use--crucial to winning the race to offering hybrid, electric, and fuel-cell vehicles. It will be used in the Mercedes S 400 BlueHybrid staring in 2009.

    AMG's Green Initiatives Include Possibility of... - Yahoo! Autos
     
    #1 Rybold, Jun 13, 2008
  2. stevecaz

    stevecaz New Member

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    Again another manufacturer stating they now have an unbelievable battery technology ready to go.

    Do you ever get the sense that all of these have been siting on a shelf for years, and finally they are dusting it off and putting to good use.

    Offering in the S Class only at first seems odd, although a lot of "breakthrough" technology that we now consider common place first appeared in the S Class, so maybe they are using it as the intro platform for a year just to strut their technical abilities.
     
    #2 stevecaz, Jun 13, 2008
  3. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    As you stated, Mercedes has always introduced new technology in the S-Class and then allowed it to filter down to the other models. This makes sense because new technology is generally expensive. By offering it in the S-Class first, M-B has a lot of room to hide or absorb that additional cost. Luxury car buyers are also usually after the latest in high-tech gadgets, so automakers are constantly updating their flagship model with the latest gizmo's.

    When I worked for a supplier to MBUSI (Mercedes-Benz USA International located in Vance, AL) I got to talk to quite a few M-B engineers. The S-400 Blue Hybrid was already in road tests back in the 3Q of 2007. I see no reason that they won't have it in dealerships by 3Q of 2009 as a 2010 model.
     
    #3 JSH, Jun 13, 2008
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    so they've axed the M-Class Hybrid? great...

    well an AMG hybrid should be interesting cause if it's high performance (and I know Toyota already has a Supra Hybrid and a GS450h race car), Toyota could learn some new tricks too.
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Jun 13, 2008
  5. hiremichaelreid

    hiremichaelreid New Member

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    Are they stressing the ecological impacts because Mercedes customers wouldn't be caught dead trying to save money with a gas sipper ?

    Is this the new "eco-chique" ?
     
    #5 hiremichaelreid, Jun 13, 2008
  6. Vincent

    Vincent Don't Wait Until Tomorrow

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    Mercedes will be left in the dust selling luxury boats in the US.

    They don't even have the vision to offer their new C Class cars in the US with one of the 3 existing four cylinder gas, 3 existing diesel motors or the new BluEfficiency models they offer elsewhere in the world. IF they do develop more efficient cars and follow the pattern of only selling "luxury" cars in the US, it will likely be years before MB offers any high MPG cars in the States.
     
    #6 Vincent, Jun 13, 2008
  7. PriusSport

    PriusSport senior member

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    Those short distance--full electric hybrids can save a bundle on gas, because the ICE is so fuel inefficient when cold. That's when you use most of your gas--on short trips. The ICE just isn't designed for short trips. You can see that on any car with an on-board computer.
     
    #7 PriusSport, Jun 13, 2008
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Do you guys get the E320 CDI though? It does the same mileage as a Corolla and does 1,000kms to the tank
     
    #8 Tideland Prius, Jun 13, 2008
  9. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    Mercedes is selling the E320 CDI as well as diesel version of all their SUV's in the US. With BMW bringing a diesel version of their 3-Series to the US this year, I expect a diesel C-Class will follow shortly.
     
    #9 JSH, Jun 14, 2008
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    ahh ok thanks. Yeah the 335d should be fun to drive. Better than the 525d anyway.
     
    #10 Tideland Prius, Jun 14, 2008
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