The German automaker Mercedes Benz will unveil the pre-production version BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS Electric Car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The E-Cell is an electric vehicle that according to the manufacturer can travel ut to 100 kilometers on electricity alone.
The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS is powered by a 18 kWh lithium-ion battery that is recharged by a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 67 hp. The battery is connected to an electric motor that produces 100 kw. The concept sprints from 0 to 60 MPH in just 11 seconds and can hit a top speed of 93 MPH.
During rapid charging with a charging capacity of 20 kW, the high-performance, 18 kWh lithium-ion battery of the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can store enough power within around 30 minutes for a 50 kilometre cruising range. The complete electric range of 100 kilometres requires a charging time of somewhat more than an hour. Charging time with a standard charge cycle at a conventional household outlet with 3.3 kW is approximately 6 hours.
Press release after the jump.
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Mercedes will unveil at the Detroit Auto Show the Concept BlueZERO. This a modular concept that allows three models with different drive configurations: the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometres using electric drive alone, the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of 250 miles using electric drive and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender). Mercedes seems to be very serious about the possibilities about getting this car into production.
All three BlueZERO variants share the same key technical components, while the design and vehicle dimensions are identical. Measuring just 4.22 metres in length, the BlueZERO models combine compact exterior dimensions with a generously proportioned and variable interior and luggage compartment.
All three BlueZERO models feature front-wheel drive. It is powered by a modular system that includes a liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with a storage capacity of up to 35 kWh and the compact electric motor with a maximum output of 134 hp (continuous output 93 hp), which develops a peak torque of 320 Nm. All three variants accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 11 seconds. Their top speed is electronically limited to 93 mph.
Press release after the jump.
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Mercedes wants to make sure that those who need to downsize their cars don’t have to miss their SUVs. That’s why future A-Class and B-Class will have multiple versions, including (according to AutoCar) a small soft-roader, provisionally called BLK. It is supposed to be launched in 2011 and set to compete with models like the forthcoming BMW X1 and Land Rover LRX.
The BLK will be based on the B-Class and will be offered as a four-wheel drive model. It should have a range of four-cylinder direct-injection gas and diesel engines, sized between 1.6 liters and 2.2 liters.
Mercedes is the latest victim of high gas prices and a slowing U.S. economy. Sales in USA went down in the past few months and big gas-guzzling cars can’t be sold. As already reported, Mercedes sees its future in small cars around the world, and now it seems the USA may be a part of the plan. This is why the company is considering bringing the A-Class and B-Class here, probably sometime in 2011.
The move may help give Mercedes a much needed sales boost. "We have had higher list-price increases than our competitors, and we will continue to go for pricing and lose some volume rather than see our contributions deteriorate," Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Mercedes Benz said in a conference call last week.
The new generation of the front-wheel-drive subcompacts, due in 2011, will include a small crossover and a coupe. Those models are expected to come to the United States to compete with BMW’s 1 series and a future BMW crossover dubbed the X1, as well as small SUVs from Volkswagen and Audi. An electric car also is expected.
The next generation A-Class and B-Class are scheduled to be launched in 2011. And the company had big expectations from the future model, as they made quite some changes to the cars.
According to a German newspaper, Mercedes is "working on a complete new concept" for its supermini- and small family-sized ranges, with small coupes and cabriolets under consideration as well as hatchbacks, an MPV and even a mini-SUV.
Both future models will be built on the rear-wheel-drive C-Class platform in order to make them sportier and more able to compete with cars like BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and upcoming Saab 9-2 for the B-Class and Alfa MiTo, Audi A1 for the A-Class.
Also, the C-Class Sport Coupe will be discontinued.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class with fuel-cell drive has passed its winter testing in northern Sweden with flying colours. At double-digit, below-zero temperatures, the zero-emission drive showed what it could do in the comprehensive test programmes. For example, cold start behaviour was subjected to thorough scrutiny. Although Daimler Research had already found a technical solution to the fuel cell’s start capability at -25 degrees Celsius, the engineers’ focus here was on the interaction between the different components under real-life winter conditions.
Mercedes will be launching the first series vehicle with a local, zero-emission fuel-cell drive in the summer of 2010. Small-series production of the B-Class F-CELL will commence in early 2010. A new generation of fuel-cell drive will be used to power this innovative vehicle. It is much more compact, while at the same time offering greater performance and is completely suitable for everyday use.
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After three successful years, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the design and engineering of the B-Class. The facelift programme focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort, with further advances being made in each of these areas. Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously, and distinguish themselves with remarkably low exhaust emissions that undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 percent.
Mercedes-Benz has developed a new ECO start/stop function for the high-volume B 150 and B 170 models. This switches off the engine when stopped at traffic lights, for example, producing a fuel saving of up to nine percent in practical use. Additional new developments include the bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas drive in the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY, along with active parking assist which helps drivers to both find a suitable parking spot, and then manoeuvre into it.
The B-Class continues to be available with a choice of six engines – two direct-injection diesel units (109 hp and 140 hp) delivering up to 300 Nm of torque, as well as four petrol engines with a peak power output of up to 193 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. The four-cylinder power units have undergone a series of detailed improvements in order to further reduce fuel consumption.
A further new addition to the B-Class range bears the initials "NGT" on the right-hand side of its tailgate. They stand for "Natural Gas Technology" and identify a model variant which is as economical as it is environmentally compatible, courtesy of its bi-fuel drive: the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is able to run on both natural gas and premium grade petrol while delivering an identical maximum output of 116 hp.
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Mercedes B-Class’s sales are pretty good, but the competition is also pretty tough. To remain leader in the category, Mercedes needs to take attitude. And they will! A four-wheel drive model will follow, and also a 300 hp AMG version starting 2012.
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Mercedes-Benz will be using the
BMW engine developed for the
Mini in its next generation of B Class small cars, according to a report in AutoBild, a German motoring magazine. This means that Mercedes likely will not be using engines sourced from Fiat, though Fiat’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne still seemed hopeful that the company would reach a sourcing deal with
Mercedes.
The new B Class is due as a 2011 model, replacing both the current B Class and the current A Class with a line up (.
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