Mercedes Develops New Diesel Petrol Engine Will Show on Frankfurt Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to display several new frugal drivetrain concepts at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, the latest being a new 'DiesOtto' engine that will be revealed for the first time later this month.

The new engine features engine concepts that characterize both diesel and petrol motors, and promises to be as clean as petrol enginesbut as efficient as diesels.

The technology is similar to Volkswagen's recently announced Gasoline Compression Ignition system, which works by using spark plugs during start-up and hard acceleration, while relying on sparkless compression ignition, like a diesel, during low load situation

In an interview with Automotive News, a Mercedesofficial explained that VW's technology is still several years away because it requires a special synthetic fuel that's still in development, while the Mercedeswill run on regular petrol.

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 10 years of operation at its Tuscaloosa

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 10 years of operation at its Tuscaloosa, AL facility, which is best known for producing the M-Class SUV. At a press event held at the plant and presided over by Dr. Z himself, the automaker presented a special edition version of its SUV stalwart dubbed "Edition10." The Edition10 limited-edition package is a paint-and-trim deal that's quite good-looking, actually. The requisite badges are joined by other visual highlights such as darkened trim around the headlamps, darker taillamp lenses, a black chrome look to the grille, and a similar treatment on the hood vents. A two-tone interior and metallic pedals are also included, and based on what we see in the photos released, a metal steprail is also part of the package. No pricing for the Edition10 option has been released yet, and we'd expect to see some additional shots of the SUV before all is said and done.

Mercedes Benz seeks 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox

Mercedes is considering outsourcing production of transmissions for its next-gen A, B and C-class models, which could also lead to the closure of its current transmission plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany. The decision is said to be backed by CEO Dieter Zetsche, who considers the development of new transmissions as non-core to Mercedes. By outsourcing the development and manufacturing process to an outside supplier, engineers could potentially reduce costs and improvement innovation, a Mercedes insider revealed to Auto Motor und Sport.
According to the source, Mercedes is also seeking a supplier for a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, giving it an edge over both Lexus and BMW who both plan to rely on fully-automatic eight-speed transmissions. A dual-clutch gearbox is better in both fuel-consumption and straight-line speed when compared with conventional autos. Mercedes is hoping that either Getrag or ZF develops and manufactures the new gearbox as designing the box itself would be too costly for the carmaker.

Mercedes launches Search & Send downloadable maps

In a bid to compete with BMW and its own Google Maps-based ConnectedDrive navigation package, rival Mercedes-Benz today announced that it has teamed up with both Yahoo and Google Maps to deliver an easy to use in-car navigation system.



The system will be available on The C, CL and S-class models from September 5th. Called Search & Send, the new system will let you send your favorite places to the cars Navigation system using a new ‘send to car’ icon on your home PC loaded with the Mercedes’ software.


The waypoint can then be downloaded using a special button attached to the car’s nav-system.
We are hoping that it also integrates a feature like the one found in BMW’s Google based system, which allows the driver to perform in-car Google searches so that drivers will be able to find locations they need whilst on the go.

Mercedes intoduces Search & Send technology

Mercedes-Benz USA today announced a first for U.S. drivers: the ability to send directions directly from their computers to their vehicles. The new technology, called Search & Send, which will be available September 5, has been developed in partnership with Google, Yahoo! and DaimlerChrysler Research, Engineering and Design North America (Palo Alto, CA).
It is being phased into the Mercedes-Benz model line starting with select vehicles equipped with Tele Aid, the company’s telematics and emergency response system.The Search & Send feature allows drivers to plot destinations, addresses and points of interest through the highly popular map sections of the Google or Yahoo! Maps websites and then simply click on a newly introduced “Send to Car” icon. The information is then sent directly to the vehicle’s GPS navigation unit. When the driver gets into the vehicle, pushing the i-button of the Tele Aid system downloads the destination directly to the vehicle’s navigation system and prompts the driver as to whether to start route guidance immediately or save the information for later use.