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Mercedes Changes Model Designations To Reflect Performance Potential
With new model designations, beginning in 2009 Mercedes-Benz successively plans to emphasise the technical innovations in its automobiles and the benefits they provide for customers.

The number used in the model name then no longer will refer to the displacement of the internal combustion engine, but will indicate its actual performance potential. Addenda such as “BLUETEC” or “HYBRID” indicate the employed drive system technology.

As shown at the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), Mercedes-Benz is equipping future cars with combined drivetrains, like the S 400 HYBRID, for example.

In this car, the performance range of the well-known V6 petrol engine in combination with a hybrid module not only ensures effortlessly superior and especially environment-friendly driving, but simultaneously enables a higher performance potential.

In this case the number “400“ used in place of the previously accustomed displacement figure “350” signals the tremendous performance potential of 220 kW/299 hp and maximum torque of 375 Newton metres.

The addition “BLUETEC” stands for the world’s cleanest diesel technology. Mercedes-Benz cars equipped with it have the potential to meet even the most stringent future emission standards like EU6 and the American BIN-5 standard.

“HYBRID” points to the electric motor which effectively supports the internal combustion engine and so helps to cut fuel consumption and emissions. As modular drive concept, “BLUETEC HYBRID” makes possible the world’s most economical and cleanest cars with internal combustion engine. The letter at the beginning of the model designation, which indicates the model series, remains unchanged.


Mercedes Changes Model Designations To Reflect Performance Potential



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07mcs07mcs - 9/26/2007 11:18:07 AM
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i don't like it either, but MB has been doing this a few years ago already, with their C class cars, even now they have the SLK280, which in reality is a 3.0 liter V6 and not a 2.8

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budfrogS4budfrogS4 - 9/26/2007 11:24:28 AMView My AgentSpace
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BMW too for a few models. ie. 328, 330, 335 all have the 3L inline 6 just with varying levels of power. Lexus seems to just add 100 to their hybrid models too...ie GS450h has a 3.5L V6.

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EnnNorakEnnNorak - 9/26/2007 1:44:14 PM
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Add me to those who are against this move. I suspect that Mercedes started out with good intentions re the 320 CDI designation and ended up scrambling for an excuse to explain away the use of 3 litre diesel engines on 320 CDI models. I was expecting all 320 CDI models to have the larger 3.2 litre engine.

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MonkMonk - 9/26/2007 11:35:44 AMView My AgentSpace
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well it sorta makes sense but it's wierd at the same time
of course, if you had the 1.8 liter DiesOtto engine in your S-class, and had a S180 badge on your car, I guess it would be pretty embarressing

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 9/26/2007 11:47:39 AMView My AgentSpace
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Is this making it to the gas-powered models, or just the hybrid/Bluetec models?

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RupertRupert - 9/26/2007 1:16:38 PMView My AgentSpace
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They already do it...200k is a 1.8, 200 cdi a 2.2, 240 was a 2.6, 280/320 cdi are both 3 litres, 63 amg is a 6.2, 65 amg is a 5.9, 600 a 5.5 etc etc

they all do it, like the 320d and 318d are both 2.2 litres.

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lenkunlenkun - 9/26/2007 1:23:38 PM
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Ferrari and Lamborghini are doing it too.
Ferrari 355/360/430, 612, F40, F50, and Enzo.
Lamborghini LP640

Infiniti Q45 had a 4.1L V8.
Volvo 740, 840, etc. all had 3.0L inline-6.

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huu76huu76 - 9/27/2007 12:30:43 AM
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budfrog,
The difference is that BMW charges 5 different prices for the same engine.
Lexus and MB will atleast give you something more with the new designation.

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EnnNorakEnnNorak - 9/27/2007 10:51:33 PM
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huu76, it looks that way at first glance for the 2008 in-line 6 BMW engines on the 5 series. Actually there is an N52 and an N54 engine. I prefer the N54 engine block because it is aluminum with cast iron cylinder liners. I don't like silicon impregnated blocks like BMW's V8 engines because that material is too brittle for the block in my opinion.


DaHarderDaHarder - 9/27/2007 5:03:45 AM
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Ok...

AMD did this a few years back, and it fooled NO ONE!

Stupid Idea... NEXT!

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