Launching the world’s most fuel-efficient full-size car and a brand-new groundbreaking roadster is not a bad way to draw people to your stand and that’s exactly what Mercedes-Benz did at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show with the two hybrid versions of the E-Class and the sixth generation of the SL roadster.
The diesel-powered E300 BlueTEC Hybrid returns a fuel economy of 4.2 lt/100 km on the European combined cycle (54.6mpg US). Its powertrain combines a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with an output of 204HP and 500 Nm (368.7 lb-ft) of torque with a 20 kW (27HP) and 184.3 lb-ft (250 Nm) electric motor, and features an auto stop/start system, regenerative braking, a pure electric mode and a “sailing” function.
Since diesel models are not yet popular in the North American market,Mercedes also launched the E 400 Hybrid as well. The internal combustion unit is a 306HP and 272.9 lb-ft (370 Nm) V6 that runs on gasoline fuel, while the electric motor is the same as the E 300 BlueTec’s. The E400 Hybrid’s average fuel economy in accordance with American CAFE standards is 27 mpg (8.7 lt/100 km).During the presentation, Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said: “In 2011 we sold more than 1.36 million cars worldwide – more than ever before. 2012 will see us push forward with our product offensive and repeat two things that worked extremely well last year – we will launch another six new models and we will set the bar even higher by making green cars cooler and cool cars greener.”
Zetsche wasn’t referring only to the two hybrid saloons, but also to the sixth generation of Mercedes-Benz’ SL luxury convertible. Although it’s not available with a hybrid drivetrain (at least not yet), the all-new SL is ground-breaking because it is the three-pointed star’s first-ever mainstream model made almost entirely from aluminum.
“There are around 900 million cars on this earth and thousands of models. But there is but a handful of automotive icons”, said Dr. Zetsche. “Our SL is one of them – it has class, it has style, it is the embodiment of comfort and luxury. But it combines all of that with an unbelievably sporty and dynamic character.”
The new SL is up to 308 pounds (140 kg) lighter than its predecessor, something that Mercedes claims has reduced fuel consumption and improved its luxury roadster’s agility and handling.
Mercedes’ latest convertible will be launched in the U.S. this spring and will be available with two gasoline engines. The SL 350 is propelled by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 302HP and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque that consumes 6.8-liters of fuel for every 100km (34.6 mpg US) on the combined European cycle. Those looking for more power can opt for the SL 550 with the twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8, which accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds.
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