Zetsche Unveils The E 320 BLUETEC And GL 320 BLUETEC
Posted by www.eMercedesBenz.com on January 9, 2006 at 11:15 AM CST As we told you earlier, the Detroit Auto Show marked the introduction of four new Mercedes models. In addition to the GL-Class and the S 65 AMG that we've already brought you, Zetsche unveiled two new additional models yesterday: the Mercedes E 320 BLUETEC and the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC. If you're unfamilliar with BLUETEC, it's Mercedes' newest diesel technology. According to Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler AG: "As a powerful, economical and clean drive system, BLUETEC can significantly help American drivers continue to enjoy large, powerful cars for many years to come – whether you are looking at large sedans, vans, light trucks or SUVs. BLUETEC diesel vehicles have the potential to meet the world’s most stringent exhaust emissions standards, including those of all 50 US States." Although it's true Mercedes has showcased BLUETEC diesels in the past, this fall will mark BLUETEC's debut in a production passenger car, courtesy of the E 320. Based on the powerful 320 CDI V6-engine, the Mercedes engineers have created the world’s cleanest diesel engine to date, and soon this technology will be made available to American consumers. In addition to the E 320 BLUETEC, Zetsche also unveiled the concept Vision GL 320 BLUETEC. The GL again showcases Mercedes' newest diesel technology, but also demonstrates the diversity of vehicles that are capable of benefitting from the BLUETEC technology's cleaner-burning emissions. For more info on the E 320 BLUETEC as well as the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC, you can find photos and the full press release below. http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan06/09ZetscheUnveilsE320andGLBLUETEC.html OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE Mercedes-Benz at the North American International Auto Show 2006: GL- Class and E 320 BLUETEC in the spotlight Detroit, Jan 08, 2006 Today, Mercedes-Benz showcased four world premieres at the opening of the North American International Auto Show 2006 in Detroit: The innovative E 320 BLUETEC is equipped with the cleanest diesel engine in the world and will be launched this fall in the US market. The German premium brand’s first full-size SUV- the GL-Class - was also presented to the international media. Coming to the United States in spring 2006 the GL-Class will be introduced to other markets over the course of the year. Mercedes also revealed its concept of the world’s most fuel efficient and cleanest full-size Diesel-SUV named Vision GL 320 BLUETEC and the 612-hp S 65 AMG which is the flagship model of the new S-Class. “My main priority for his year is to strengthen the competitiveness of DaimlerChrysler in general and Mercedes-Benz in particular,” Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Head of the Mercedes Car Group and CEO of DaimlerChrysler AG since January 1st, emphasized during his first official engagement in his new double role at DaimlerChrysler. “With this aim, weŽll get all of our business units on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean cooperating even more intensive. And this will further improve our ability to build vehicles that offer everything customers all over the world are looking for.” An example for this is the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class which extended the traditional leading role of this carline in the luxury segment right from its market debut. The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG, having its world premiere in Detroit, embodies exclusivity and dynamism in a new dimension. The compelling top-of-the-line model of the S-Class reaches peak torque of 1000 Nm– more than any other vehicle in this segment. The new GL-Class: first class on and off-road Mercedes-Benz enters the segment of luxury Full Size SUVs with the all-new GL-Class. Thanks to its unibody design the GL-Class offers seating for up to seven passengers, an exceptional level of comfort and outstanding passive safety. 4MATIC – the permanent all-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz – provides the GL-Class with superior handling in any condition. The GL-Class’ modern engine line-up provides smooth ride comfort and superior performance coupled with great fuel economy. This is especially true for the 224-hp V6 engine in the GL 320 CDI which comes with a standard maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. It offers an outstanding 26 mpg making it the most economical Full Size SUV in the world. At the time of its market introduction the GL-Class is also available with two modern V8 gas engines, including the 5.5-litre engine launched recently in the new S-Class, which also has an output of 285 kW/388 hp in the GL 500. The second and youngest member of this V8 family has its world premiere in the 250-kW/340-hp 4.6-litre engine in the GL 450. Both V8 comply with stringent US LEV II emission standards and EU4 limits. BLUETEC: a new formula for powerful, efficient and clean diesel technology The E 320 BLUETEC which will be launched in fall 2006 in the US is the first BLUETEC passenger car going into series production. Based on the powerful 320 CDI V6-engine the Mercedes engineers have created the world’s cleanest diesel engine to date. The crucial factor for this is the latest innovation in the E 320 BLUETEC, a highly efficient technology that significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. BLUETEC technology for the world’s cleanest diesels “As a powerful, economical and clean drive system, BLUETEC can significantly help American drivers continue to enjoy large, powerful cars for many years to come – whether you are looking at large sedans, vans, light trucks or SUVs”, Dr. Zetsche explained. “BLUETEC diesel vehicles have the potential to meet the world’s most stringent exhaust emissions standards, including those of all 50 US States.” As a result of rising fuel prices, more and more car buyers in America are considering the option of a modern diesel vehicle. Proof of this is the success of the current E 320 CDI since its market launch in April 2004. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz in the USA has seen growing demand for a wider range of the brand’s diesel offerings. Mercedes answers this demand by launching the M-Class and R-Class variants with a 320 CDI engine in the fourth quarter of 2006. Other models are set to follow. The DaimlerChrysler plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has just what it takes to respond quickly to the new market situation in the USA. The Mercedes plant produces the M- Class, R-Class and GL-Class for all markets around the world – including the economical and clean diesel versions. For more Mercedes-Benz news and information, visit eMercedesBenz at www.eMercedesBenz.com