|
Sprinter for 12
Sprinter Page
|
Clean, economical and powerful: the new-generation diesel engines for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Mercedes now offers its new four cylinder diesel OM651, together with a
6 speed manual transmission especially developed for commercial vehicles,
in its Sprinter models. The OM651 replaces the OM646. The six cylinder
diesel OM642 was further refined, and like the OM651 now meets Euro 5.
The new OM651 is available in three power levels:
Together with the new Eco Gear 360, developed for commercial vehicles,
and the new Eco Gear 480 for the six cylinder models powered by the OM642,
the new Sprinters save between 0.5 to 1.0 liters per 100 kilometers compared
to the predecessors.
May 29, 2009
|
Sprinter-Source
"The best reSource for Sprinter van owners and enthusiasts"
| Midwest Automotive Designs: In Pursuit of Perfection
Midwest Automotive Designs sent in an update with their new 2009
models. They are pioneering the future in Limousine, Executive, Private
travel, and Luxury Conversion Sprinter Vans by introducing the new
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van. "Under Dodge, Freightliner, and Mercedes-Benz
Marques our Sprinter vans can fill your transportation needs with a
European vehicle which far surpasses any other for versatility, luxury,
and low cost of operation," they write.
The photos show Midwest Automotive Designs' Sprinter G-55 luxury van
showing its large Mercedes-Benz star mounted on its grille.
The attractive interior of the G-55 is shown below, the front as well
as the rear, while parked under palm trees on a beach. Note the natural
matte wood panelled floor.
Midwest Automotive Designs explains their design and engineering philosophy
for these luxurious vans on their site: "From personal use luxury family
vans to executive limousines, we insure quality, comfort, and durability.
We offer use of exquisite leathers, exotic burled woods, and more than
fifty options. Midwest Automotive Designs will insure your complete
satisfaction as you are completely involved in helping us build a
Sprinter van others will envy. We are more than just two models and
three colors. With our in-house design and engineering team we can
help you make your transportation needs a reality."
January 31, 2009
Resources
|
From the Online Operating Instructions: Low outside temperatures
At very low outside temperatures, paraffin may separate from the diesel
fuel and prevent it from flowing freely. To prevent operating problems,
diesel with better flow qualities is offered during the winter months.
In Germany, the available winter diesel fuels remain reliable in
operation down to about -20°C / -4°F. Winter diesel, which can be used
without difficulties at the temperatures normally encountered, is available
in most countries.
January 18, 2009
|
Clean and quiet as a whisper through the city
Mercedes issued an update on its second-generation Sprinter Plug-In
Hybrid or range extended electric vehicle (RE-EV). Customer trials
of the Sprinter Plug-In with a diesel engine are now being followed by
similar trials of a version equipped with a gasoline engine. The
Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid can cover around 30 km / 20 miles at a stretch under
electric power alone, and therefore with zero emissions.
Eleven vehicles will enter
trials in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and Washington DC, in service and
shuttle operations and to cover a variety of operating profiles.
The architecture retains an unmodified gasoline tank with a capacity of
100 liter / 26.4 gal US between the axles. A pack of lithium-ion batteries
is installed
immediately behind the rear axle. While providing a comparable capacity,
this battery technology weighs only 175 kg / 386 lbs, i.e. half as much as the
nickel metal hydride batteries used in the first hybrid generation.
Thanks to this innovative battery technology, the curb weight of the
Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid panel van with the standard 140" wheelbase is
just under 2.2 t. Given a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.88 t,
and including the driver, this leaves a payload of around 1.6 t, which
is only slightly less than that of the Sprinter with a conventional engine.
At the same time this battery technology occupies considerably less space:
in contrast to the first-generation hybrid vans, the load compartment of
the new Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid can now be used to the full. The battery
pack is cooled. Other special features of the new Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid
include electrically powered ancillary units such as the steering servo
pump, brake servo unit and air conditioning compressor. This is a
precondition for vehicle operation under electric power alone.
The batteries are recharged in three ways: by the internal combustion
engine when on the move, by energy recuperation when braking and via
the grid overnight or during breaks.
The potential fuel savings are quite astonishing. During a practical
operational test conducted with FedEx over a
demanding inner-city route in Paris, fuel consumption fell by 40
percent to just 10.1 liter per 100 km compared to diesel operation alone.
62 percent of the journey was absolved under electric power only. The
developers expect a similar reduction in fuel consumption during the
latest trials in the USA. Their realistic assumptions are in part based
on earlier trials of the first-generation Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid in
New York: in that case fuel consumption fell by 36 percent compared
to conventional operation, when one third of the route was covered under
electric power alone.
The six-cylinder gasoline engine of the Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid develops
an output of 190 kW / 258 hp from a displacement of 3.5 litres. Maximum
torque is 340 Nm / 251 lb-ft over a wide engine speed range of 2500 to
5000 rpm. As in the standard model, power transfer in the Sprinter
Plug-In Hybrid is via a comfortable five-speed torque converter transmission.
The electric motor is not just able to get the Sprinter up to speed in
particularly environmentally friendly fashion, however: it can also be
used as a mobile generator and energy source for machinery - for example
to power a pump or other electrical equipment used by tradesmen.
June 30, 2008
|
|
Daimler invests in expansion of Sprinter production
Daimler is expanding the Sprinter plants in Düsseldorf and
Ludwigsfelde due to demand. So that the panel van can also be produced
in Ludwigsfelde in the future, both a new bodyshell
facility and a new painting plant will be installed. The assembly area
will be enlarged by around 9500 sqm. The alterations will be completed
by mid-2011 and will bring an increase in capacity in Ludwigsfelde by
around 50 percent. At the Düsseldorf factory there will be additions
to plant and equipment. For instance, the dryer and cooler of the cathodic
dip painting facility will be extended to raise the capacity and
efficiency of the facilities. The additional production capacity of
around 12 percent already will be available at the end of 2009.
The good, successful cooperation with partner Volkswagen also will
be further enhanced by the increase in production, said Daimler.
Daimler builds the Crafter for Volkswagen.
The Sprinter offers more than 1000 basic models in the 3 to 5 t
permissible gross vehicle weight category. The different body, drive
system and weight variants, together with the model variants panel van,
crewbus and pickup, add up to this imposing figure.
June 16, 2008
|
Sprinter NGT with bivalent CNG and
gasoline powered drivetrain
|
Sprinter NGT: The Sprinter really steps on the gas
Clean and economical at the same time - the natural-gas drive
reconciles these apparent contradictions. The new Sprinter NGT with bivalent
natural-gas drive system underscores this view: substantially lower exhaust
and noise emissions, considerably lower operating costs and a long range
combined with the standard-fit drive are just some of the benefits.
The Sprinter NGT's operating costs are substantially lower
than the diesel-engined equivalent, due to a number of incentives available
in Europe, like reduced tax rate, fuel vouchers, direct subsidies or
inexpensive loans, which taken together can add up to a savings of up to
30% compared to an equivalent diesel version. And compared with the
petrol-engined model the cost savings are even greater.
Mercedes-Benz has gone for a bivalent drive on the Sprinter NGT. The basic
engine, a four-cylinder unit with a displacement of 1.8 litres, will also
run on petrol, extending the range up to 1200 kilometres. The driver can
switch between the fuels by pressing a button to the left of the ignition
lock. An indicator lamp comes on when in natural-gas mode. A display in
the cockpit also lets the driver know how much gas is left in the tank.
Filling up with natural gas is also easy using the filler connection just
above the filler neck for the petrol tank.
Thanks to the belt-driven supercharger with a compressor, the unit develops
115 kW (156 hp) and reaches maximum torque of 240 Nm. Both figures apply
both to gas and petrol mode. As such, the new Sprinter NGT comfortably
exceeds the figures of its predecessor (rated output 95 kW/129 hp, torque
185 Nm). The engine on the Sprinter NGT has already proven its worth in
the Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The natural gas-powered Sprinter is
fitted with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and comes with
the option of a driver-friendly torque converter.
The gas tanks are installed beneath the floor to save space and avoid
restricting the cargo load at all. The 3.5-tonne Sprinter can accommodate
up to six tanks that hold a maximum of 46 kg or a volume of 294 litres.
The model with a gross vehicle weight of 5.0 tonnes uses three tanks that
hold 39 kg or 246 litres. A constantly expanding filling station network
- there are currently around 2500 filling stations throughout Europe, and
785 in the USA - ensures an extensive supply of natural gas in
urban areas.
A wide range of variants is available for the Sprinter NGT: the Sprinter
316 NGT, for instance, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 3.5 tonnes
comes as a panel van, crewbus, pickup and chassis in the standard length.
A long-version panel van, pickup and chassis are also available. A pickup
and chassis are also available under the designation Sprinter 516 NGT
with a gross vehicle weight rating of 5.0 tonnes. The new models will
be launched from May 2008 in certain countries and with certain equipment
specifications.
The drivetrain is fitted in Daimler's competence
center for zero emission commercial vehicles (abbreviation KEN in German)
in Mannheim. The Sprinter NGT joins the E200 NGT introduced in 2004,
the Econic NGT and soon the B170 NGT. Daimler's compressed natural gas
powered vehicle sales are expected to climb from 300 in 2003 to 5000
forecast for 2008.
March 11, 2008
|
165,900 Sprinters sold in 2007
Sprinters reached a new record in 2007, and almost all markets
contributed to it.
The large increase - by 179% to 165,900 units - was achieved by the new
Sprinter, which is produced in the plants in Düsseldorf and
Ludwigsfelde. The reasons for this large increase were a high level of
demand and the achievement of full production capacity following the model
changeover in 2006. In 2008 a new variant of the Sprinter with environmentally
friendly natural gas drive will be launched.
January 15, 2008
CMI's Sprinter Medical Lab
| Sprinters' Popularity and Diversity Keep Growing at CMI
Creative Mobile Interiors, the pioneer in Sprinter luxury conversions,
describes their recent Sprinter custom van
conversions. In 2002 CMI created the first Sprinter
based luxury conversion in the United States, and they also built the Sea
of Glass Sprinter familiar to readers of this page.
Their latest models include a Sprinter Medical Lab with examination
room, onboard refrigeration and 6500 Watt Honda generator, a high-end
executive Sprinter for business and family needs with Avonite counter
tops and state-of-the-art electronics including surround sound audio
system and in motion satellite receiver. CMI continues to lead the
way in converting luxury motor homes and mobile offices on the Sprinter
chassis and also has spearheaded some very unconventional conversions.
January 11, 2008
|
|
Winnebago Introduces New 2008 Itasca Navion iQ
The 2008 Navion iQ is unlike anything on the market today. This
24 foot Class C motor home is built on a 11,030 lb GVWR Sprinter chassis
with a Mercedes Benz 3.0 liter turbodiesel engine providing power,
performance and fuel economy. The 24CL floorplan features full body
paint and an aerodynamic front end. A front skylight adds a modern touch
and abundant natural lighting that can be controlled with a convenient
built in shade. The European-inspired interior features well-appointed,
curved cabinetry that's not only beautiful but provides plenty of storage,
while the rear dinette easily converts into a comfortable 50 inch by
82 inch sleeping space at night. Plus, the rear of the coach features
a large, panoramic window for a great view. A 19 inch LCD TV mounted in
the dinette area tilts and swivels for optimal viewing throughout the
coach and operates on 12 Volt DC power so you can watch TV without
generator or shoreline power.
"The new Itasca Navion iQ is going to take the RV market by storm,"
said Winnebago Industries Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin.
"This one-of-a-kind coach is a great complement to our current Winnebago
View and Itasca Navion product lines that also are built on the Dodge
Sprinter chassis. What sets the Navion iQ apart is its stylish, aerodynamic
front end, original floorplans and stylish interior appointments."
September 7, 2007
|
Becker Automotive Design: Sprinter Jetvan® Luxury Coach
Exclusive luxury van conversion manufacturer Becker Automotive Design in
Oxnard California updated their website and included several animated
shots of their amazing Sprinter Jetvan corporate luxury coach, based
on several different layouts and many available custom options, like custom
contured full recliner Maybach leather chairs, heated and ventilated,
with lumbar and back massage systems, Nappa leather wrapped, fully electric
leg extensions, Becker armouring options, video, satellite TV,
entertainment and audiophile sound systems with speakers from Dynaudio
in Denmark, McIntosh amplifiers and Kimber Kable audio wiring tuned to
individual client's preferences.
"The Sprinter is a very exciting vehicle for us", said Cole Crockwell,
director of Becker Automotive Design, Research and Development, "and we
are having a lot of fun working with it. It has such great engineering
that went into it and it is revolutionary on so many levels. The safety
features it combines, etc...make it a truly better choice when compared
with the competition..."
Becker Automotive Design Sprinter Jetvan® Luxury Coach
July 25, 2007
Van joint venture in China receives license
Fujian Daimler Automotive received a business license from
the Fujian Provincial Administration for Industry & Commerce.
It is a joint venture founded by Fujian Motor, Daimler and
China Motors. With total investment of around Euro 200 million,
the initial product portfolio includes the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter,
Vito and Viano for the local market. The factory is planned in
Fuzhou with an annual capacity of 40,000 and an expected start mid 2009.
June 13, 2007
The new Winnebago View®
Experience motorhoming at a new level in the 2008 Winnebago View®,
featuring the new Dodge® Sprinter chassis with the 3.0 liter V6 diesel
and load adaptive ESP. Winnebago seems to be out first with the new
Sprinter chassis.
2008 Winnebago View
April 11, 2007
|
New Sprinter four cylinder diesel with twin-turbos
Mercedes recently introduced regulated two stage turbocharging
on the four cylinder diesels of the new Sprinter van. It's also planned
for Mercedes new 4 cylinder engine, the OM651 expected around 2010.
To meet the growing demands regarding performance and economy, it solves
the conflict of optimum output and high boost from low rpm with two
sequential small and large turbos, and provides spontaneous response
with no turbo lag. R2S turbocharging was developed in cooperation
with Borg Warner Turbo Systems in Kirchheimbolanden.
A further development of regulated 2-stage turbocharging is the
self-regulating compressor bypass. This is being used for the first time
in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. It takes over the job of the vacuum-controlled
compressor bypass valve, which has the function of bypassing the high-pressure
turbocharger at high engine loads. Eliminating the need for external control
not only cuts production costs but also allows a greater amount of
flexibility in arranging the components.
April 4, 2007
|
Daimler Opens Sprinter Assembly Plant in Charleston, SC
Daimler today officially kicked off the production of
the new Sprinter under the Dodge and Freightliner brands at the
new assembly plant in Ladson near Charleston, South Carolina. The inauguration
ceremonies took place with South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford.
The Sprinter has been assembled and sold in the U.S. since 2001.
The former plant in Gaffney, annual capacity around 22,000 units,
no longer could cope with the growing sales. A production capacity
of 32,000 units now is available at the new plant where 180 employees
are working to reassemble the Sprinter on a 42,780 square meter
(460,000 sq. ft.) site. $35 million was invested in the plant.
The all-new Sprinter goes on sale this spring.
March 27, 2007
|
Daimler Expands Plug-in Hybrid Program to New Sprinter
The next generation plug-in hybrid concept, a range extended electric
vehicle Srpinter will be built on the all
new 2007 Dodge Sprinter platform and up to 20 will be put into service
between now and 2008. A number of them use lithium-ion batteries. The
Dodge Sprinter can drive up to 20
miles on electric only power and is an industry first: combined with
diesel for maximum fuel efficiency. So far DaimlerChrysler is the only
automaker to test this plug-in technology in the United States with
customers, according to Daimler. Johnson Controls Saft supplies the
lithium ion batteries. AVCON in Wisconsin makes the power plug.
With the second-generation Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz
is strengthening its leading position in the development of hybrid
drives in commercial vehicles. The drive system is configured as a
parallel hybrid, with an electric motor situated between the internal
combustion engine and the automatic transmission. A set of lithium-ion
batteries is housed immediately aft of the rear axle. The van has a
range of up to 30 km (20 miles) in electric mode, meaning that the Sprinter
can be operated with zero emissions in environmentally
sensitive areas. The electric motor achieves a continuous output of
42 kW with a torque of 182 Nm. The short-term maximum output is 71 kW,
while the peak torque is 280 Nm, so the electric motor alone is easily
able to cover the majority of driving requirements.
March 27, 2007
|
Chevron Delo 400 LE 15W-40 Gains Mercedes Benz Approval
Chevron Delo 400 LE 15W-40 has received approval for Mercedes Benz
diesel engine oil specification 228.31, covering commercial Mercedes-Benz
diesel engines using diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and is thus suitable
for the new 2007 Sprinter. It was approved without reformulation.
March 7, 2007
Midway's Sprinter - Bar & Cafe On Wheels
Custom upfitter Midway Specialties sent in some pictures of their
new Sprinter Bar & Cafe on Wheels showing two windows which can be
folded upwards on the side, a large foldable roof attaches above it,
a roof mounted cooling unit and in the interior installed bar and cafe
hardware. Also shown is a site plan of their facility
in Ladson, SC near the Sprinter assembly plant. Recently Midway
launched an Online Message Board to enable their customers to ask
questions and post comments online.
Midway Specialties Vehicles LLC
Mar 1, 2007
Dodge Introduces All-new 2007 Sprinter
Some of the features of the new Sprinter:
--'Super-sized' Sprinter is Longer, Wider and taller; Offers More Space, Choices, Features and Innovations
--Increase in maximum width (two inches), interior height (11 inches), exterior height (13 inches), door opening height (5 inches), cargo area length (19 inches), vehicle length (30 inches), cargo volume (127 cu. ft.), and towing capacity (2,500 lbs.)
--Three vehicle lengths (233, 273 and 289 inches)
--Two new wheelbases: 144 inches, 170 inches or 170 inches extended with 15-inch longer rear overhang
--Three interior roof height options: standard (65 inches), high (76 inches) and new mega (84 inches)
--Choice of two all-new engines: new 3.0-liter V-6 diesel or 3.5-liter V-6 gas engine
--Three Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) configurations include new higher maximum (11,030 lbs.)
--All-new ADAPTIVE ESP(R) takes electronic stability programs to the next level
Read the full press release here:
Chrysler Group press release
Feb 14, 2007
U.S. Is Second-Largest Market for Sprinter
The Sprinter gained a loyal following in the last few years
in the North American commercial market.
The Chrysler Group announced this morning: "With its 2003
introduction, Dodge Sprinter marked the return
of the Dodge brand to the commercial vehicle market. Domestic sales
in the U.S. have increased ten-fold to 21,961 units in 2006 and the
United States now ranks as the world's second-largest market for
Sprinter vans, second only to Germany." Read the full press release
here:
Chrysler Group press release
Feb 14, 2007
Dodge announces pricing of All-New 2007 Sprinter
The Chrysler Group announced the pricing for the all new
2007 Sprinter this morning starting at $30,950 and including
all-new Adaptive ESP®. As expected gasoline and turbodiesel
versions are offered, and the price difference is $1840. The
3.5 liter V6 produces 254 hp and 250 lb.-ft. and the 3.0 liter
V6 turbodiesel 154 hp and 280 lb.-ft. "As the foundation for
Dodge's commercial vehicle strategy, the all-new 2007 Dodge
Sprinter boasts expanded versatility and offers more choices,
features and value while re-establishing the new commercial
standard for full- size vans," said Tom Loveless, Director --
Dodge Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group.
The full press release is here:
Chrysler Group press release
Feb 14, 2007
Sprinter voted Semperit Irish Van of the Year 2007
The new Sprinter was voted the Irish Van of the Year by
a panel from the Irish Motor Writers Association garnering
more points than the Ford Transit in second place.
Galway Independant
Jan 3, 2007
Continue to page 2
Wolfgang's MB Page
|
|
