New CDI Likely to Change North American Perceptions about Diesels
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| The new E320 CDI will look nearly identical to the current E320 gasoline powered Mercedes-Benz, with the exception of new rear badging. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
Mercedes-Benz recently announced that they will release another diesel-powered vehicle for the American market starting in 2004. The E320 CDI is 'a more fuel-efficient diesel version of its highly successful E-Class sedan'. Previously offered in the US market was the E300 Turbodiesel, which was launched in 1999.
Mercedes-Benz originally lobbied for a one-year hiatus for the diesel E-Class until the new CDI engine was prepared. Unfortunately, due to U.S. emission standards, the car was delayed from entering the market. However, M-B's new diesel technology is now definitely up to standards. The CDI, which stands for "common-rail", is a term which describes the fuel line loop that supplies constant fuel pressure to each of the six solenoid injector valves. The CDI will also have a new turbocharged six-cylinder fuel injection system.
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| The new diesel powered Mercedes will offer up to 30% percent better fuel efficiency than comparable gasoline engines, which means that a larger midsize luxury sedan such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class can achieve well over 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km ) on the highway and cruise nearly 700 miles (1,127 km) before refueling. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
As good as the engine is the technology in the E320 CDI is not perfect, yet! Mercedes-Benz remarks that even with its meticulous electronic control of fuel delivery, which works symbiotically with an oxidation catalyst, the new model is only equipped to pass emission standards in 45 states. However, in the future when low sulphur-diesel fuel is accessible for the public, scheduled for 2007, the engineers of Mercedes-Benz are confident that the CDI will pass emissions testing in all 50 states with flying colors. The company didn't mention specifics on Canadian certification but its plans to offer the new model above the 49th parallel indicate no major conflicts.
With the arrival if the new diesel car to the American market, Mercedes-Benz hopes to annihilate all preconceived notions people have about diesel cars. The company remarked that the new engines in the CDI are 'likely to change [North American] consumers' dated perceptions about diesel engines', and open their mind to an alternative car/fuel market.