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May
25, 2005
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- 2005 Copyright & |
Under the supervision of the USAC**, which had already continuously monitored the world record breaking run on behalf of the FIA*, the unmodified vehicles drove from Laredo on the Mexican border to Houston, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Mobile and Tallahassee. At the start of this tour through the five US states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, USAC** employees sealed the full 80-litre standard fuel tanks of the three vehicles. In addition the experienced test monitors calibrated the speedometers and supervised the 2-day economy drive along the speed-controlled American highways in accompanying vehicles. The result was that on just one full tank, the three E 320 CDI models covered a distance of 1039 miles corresponding to a range of 1672 kilometres. The average fuel consumption of all three vehicles was under 4.8 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres, the best figure being 4.75 l/100 km. However, the Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI also puts on a convincing performance during day-to-day driving in the very varied conditions of central Europe - here the NEDC combined consumption is an extremely modest 7.3 litres of diesel fuel per hundred kilometres. Outstanding world records
On April 1, 2005 Mercedes-Benz lined up three cars for a world record breaking attempt on the high-speed circuit in Laredo, Texas. All of them completed 100,000 miles without problems, providing triple proof of the reliability of the E-Class. Each of the record-breakers covered 20,000 laps, testing the powertrain, suspension, electronic components and body structure to the utmost. In addition to 22 international records in their class, the Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI models established world records by covering 50,000 miles (80,467 kilometres) at 225.456 km/h, 100,000 kilometres at 225.903 km/h and 100,000 miles (160,934 kilometres) at 224.823 km/h.* Full range of diesel models with a particulate filter Modern diesel engines with a diesel particulate filter and an EU-4 exhaust emissions rating are both economical and environment-friendly, and are outstandingly suitable for all vehicle classes, as a look at the current range of diesel models by Mercedes-Benz will confirm. The range begins with the 60 kW/82 hp A 160 CDI and extends right up to the new E 420 CDI with 231 kW/314 hp. From summer 2005, 40 Mercedes-Benz CDI models in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland will be equipped with this technology as standard. A particulate filter will be available as optional equipment for up to 35 diesel models in all the other diesel markets. This means that Mercedes-Benz offers more vehicles with a diesel particulate filter than any other manufacturer. In autumn 2003 Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer worldwide to offer a diesel particulate filter in combination with the EU 4 exhaust emission standard. A promising future in the USA The savings resulting from a more widespread introduction of diesel engines in the USA would be gigantic. An increase in the market share held by diesel-powered cars and light commercial vehicles - from the current one percent to 50 percent as in western Europe - would reduce the annual level of American oil imports by approx. 133 billion litres! Diesel models by Mercedes-Benz are increasingly gaining the attention of American buyers. As a clear indication of growing interest, the annual sales figure of 3000 vehicles envisaged for 2004 was already reached after five months. The most convincing attributes for these customers are the sporty and agile performance, the excellent fuel economy and the high level of comfort. The recent record-breaking run will give additional emphasis to the low fuel consumption of diesel models - 49.9 mpg is a phenomenal figure which many American consumers have previously considered to be absolutely impossible in this vehicle class. The diesel engine is set to gain further impetus from recent initiatives by the Bush administration. In view of dramatically increasing fuel prices, the American President has announced a programme to encourage economical, low-emission vehicles. In the coming years "Clean Diesel" models like the Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI and hybrid-drive vehicles are to be supported with a tax incentive of 2.5 billion dollars. *subject to FIA recognition **United States Auto Club (May 20, 2005)
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