New diesel variant with V8 power: The S 420 CDI flagship diesel model makes its debut with 235 kW/320 hp and 730 Nm of torque

New diesel variant with V8 power: The S 420 CDI flagship diesel model makes its debut with 235 kW/320 hp and 730 Nm of torque

Stuttgart, Dec 06, 2006

Mercedes-Benz is extending its S-Class range with another diesel variant, the S 420 CDI. The new eight-cylinder model is powered by a
state-of-the-art V8 CDI engine developing 235 kW/320 hp and 730 newton metres of peak torque. This latest addition to the model line-up means that the luxury saloon range from Mercedes-Benz now encompasses two diesel engines, six petrol models and two body variants, along with the new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The new S 420 CDI is available to order now, with deliveries to customers due to start in December 2006. The short-wheelbase model is priced at € 84,448 (net price € 72,800) and the long-wheelbase version at € 92,104 (net price € 79,400).

The new V8 model’s strengths are effortlessly superior performance combined with moderate fuel consumption. The S 420 CDI powers from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and goes on to reach 250 km/h (electronically governed), all while returning fuel consumption figures below the magic ten litre threshold, burning just 9.4 to 9.6 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres on the NEDC cycle. With a fuel tank capacity of 90 litres, this equates to ranges approaching the 1000 kilometre mark.

Such impressive figures are down to the highly advanced eight-cylinder turbodiesel engine under the bonnet: from its 3996 cc displacement, the CDI unit with four-valve-per-cylinder technology delivers a maximum output of 235 kW/320 hp at 3600 rpm and a peak torque of 730 newton metres, which is on tap from 2000 rpm. Third-generation common-rail high-pressure injection technology with a maximum injection pressure of 1600 bar and an ignition pressure of 175 bar ensures efficient combustion. Optimised flow dynamics for the best possible gas cycle and twin turbochargers with variable-nozzle turbines promise high power and torque delivery. As many as five injections of diesel fuel per injection cycle, special orifice nozzles, piezoelectric injectors and highly effective exhaust gas recirculation all help to lower emissions significantly. The new V8 powerplant is equipped as standard with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter to cut untreated emissions even further, and also complies with the EU4 emissions standard. The engine development team was able to reduce noise levels by optimising the chain drive and fitting a rigid crankcase with large engine bearings as well as extra acoustic covers. The square bore-to-stroke ratio combines with a counter-rotating balancer shaft for outstandingly smooth operation.

Exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz museum: “smart story” shows the history of the brand – including the new smart fortwo

Not yet at dealerships and already a museum exhibit – those who would like to see the new smart fortwo before it is launched in April 2007 now have an opportunity to do so. From 06 December 2006 to 14 January 2007 the new smart fortwo will be part of the “smart story” exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart.

Visitors to the exhibition will see that the design language of the new smart fortwo is a consistent evolution of the original shape. This applies to the design, and it also applies to the engineering of the new car.

The new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do – but better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more environmentally friendly than its predecessor.

smart story: unusual design studies,
prototypes and show cars