Reports have come out that the German car company, Mercedes Benz is working on a new kind of four-cylinder engine that combines features of petrol and diesel motors. The said engine will generate 238 horsepower while using less than six liters of standard petrol per 100 km.

Mercedes Benz said they have plans to roll out the new ‘DiesOtto’ engine “in the medium term”. The world’s fifth-biggest car maker is eager to further increase its contribution in the green campaign as environmental issues continue to rise.

Using less than six liters of fuel per 100 km is the equivalent of getting nearly 40 miles per gallon.

“This figure by no means relates to a small or compact car, but to a vehicle the size of the current [Mercedes-Benz] S-Class, with the level of comfort and safety that is typical of a Mercedes,” a company statement said.

This bold move only shows how determined car makers are to make petrol and diesel engines more efficient and less polluting, just to make sure these engine types will continue to be widely uses even if there is a large presence of alternative drivetrains such as hydrogen fuel cells.

The name DiesOtto is a combined word of diesel and petrol engines in the German language. It aims for an engine with a displacement of only 1.8 litres, turbo-charged for high performance and using petrol direct injection to boost efficiency. To achieve this a spark plug will be used to ignite the fuel/air mixture when starting the engine or at high speed. At low and medium speeds, however, the combustion process works more like that of a diesel engine, which does not use spark plugs, according to reports.

After upgrading the Mercedes E-Class station wagon in the middle of the year 2006, it is now reaping the its fruits of labor as its sales have raised to 14 percent or 16,700 units since the beginning of 2007.

Around 185,000 loyal patrons have opted for the Mercedes E-Class station wagon since the model’s launch last March 2003. Aside from its high-quality Mercedes Parts, the E-Class station wagon’s strong selling points are its elegance, comfort, and cargo volume which could hold up to 1,950 liters. Also, it offers innovative safety technologies such as the PRE-SAFE and the optional Intelligent Light System. Around three quarters of all E-Class station wagon customers drive one of the four diesel variants, the most popular engine version being the E 220 CDI, attracting 30 percent of the customers.

This year, more than half of the C and E-Class station wagons delivered by Mercedes Benz went to customers in Germany, and UK is the second most important market for the Mercedes Benz station wagons, followed by Japan. In September 2007, Mercedes Benz will present the successor model of the current C-Class station wagon at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. At the end of the year the model will be available at car dealerships in western Europe.

Ever since the birth of the first Mercedes Benz station wagon in 1946, a total of 1.6 million Mercedes Benz station wagons have been sold throughout the world. A total of 550,000 units of the current C and E-Class station wagons have been delivered to customers since their market launch.

The Geneva auto show held last March might be dominated by BMW’s introduction of carbon dioxide-reducing stop-start versions of the 1 series, but it was never too late for Mercedes Benz to fight back in the battle for the greenest car.

“We will catch up and get ahead,” said Thomas Weber, head of r&d at Mercedes parent DaimlerChrysler in an interview.

According to Weber in a press conference held at London, together with the trademark high-quality Mercedes Benz Parts, they will launch the stop-start technology across its entire lineup, beginning with the A and B-class entry premium cars in September. Stop-start systems work by shutting down the engine when the car stops. The engine restarts when the driver lifts his foot off the brake or pushes the accelerator.

All carmakers are looking for ways to reduce CO2 because the European Commission plans to introduce legislation that cuts average European fleet emissions of CO2 to 130 grams per kilometer for new cars by 2012 from about 160 now.

Weber said Mercedes would use a different solution for its larger, rear-drive models. A Mercedes official who did not wish to be named said that for these models, the company will use a so-called ISG system, which is in effect, a flywheel that functions as both starter and generator. Such a system also can reduce engine vibration and provide fill-in torque to smooth out gearshifts. The official would not reveal the supplier of the system, but it has been hinted by other sources that Valeo will supply its belt-driven stop-start system in the A and B-class models.

Mercedes Benz is on to its innovative foot again as it promised to bring the next generation of Hybrid Engines. In fact, this move by Benz is targeting petrol-driven engines, which, according to them, could be driven green too. Hence, the new DiesOtto Powertrain. This revolutionary engine has the combination of high torque and the fuel economy of a diesel engine, together with “extremely clean emissions”. This is done by the 1.8L four-cylinder wonder by lowering fuel consumption significantly.

The DiesOtto was said to have a fuel consumption of less than six liters of petrol for every 100 kilometers, with an output of 238 horsepower. It comes with features such as direct petrol injection, turbocharging, and variable compression. This engine can also be operated using conventional petrol, with a highly combustion process similar to that of a diesel.

“Our next goal will now be to make the petrol engine as economical as a diesel. All the preconditions for this are provided by our DiesOtto concept, which incorporates the foremost strengths of both the petrol engine and diesel engine,” Dr. Herbert Kohler, Head of Mercedes Benz Group Research & Advanced Engineering Vehicle and Powertrain said in an interview. “In line with the worldwide success of today’s diesel engine, vehicles equipped with petrol engines will continue to have a long-term attraction for many customers and in many markets. Accordingly, we are giving our attention to both engine types—including a full hybrid option for diesel and petrol vehicles.”

The Mercedes Benz DiesOtto concept boasts the following:

* Downsizing with fewer cylinders and a smaller displacement
* Turbocharging for superior performance
* Direct petrol injection as a further fuel economy measure
* Controlled auto ignition, a combustion process similar to that of a diesel
Variable valve control
* A variable compression ratio leading to even better fuel economy and, depending on customer needs and the type of operation,
* A hybrid module with an integrated starter/generator, which makes the drive unit even more economical

The future of Hybrid cars are bound to be in great hands with Mercedes Benz. With a lot of innovations that the high-quality Mercedes Parts have contributed to the car industry, the DiesOtto concept is sure to rise in the next generation of hybrids.

Mercedes Benz is off to make a 2008 SLK courtesy of three basic but well-impacted changes. The SLK280 is powered by a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The SLK350 features a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. High-performance enthusiasts can select the SLK55 AMG and its 355 hp engine for ultimate power.

For the gearbox, the SLK comes in six-speed manual, and seven-speed for automatic through TouchShift operation. To complete the roster of the high-quality Mercedes Benz Parts, the SLK rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and lowered port suspension, offered for more aggressive driving.

This SLK’s interior is adorned with especially designed silver trim and switchgear, with a dashboard that flows into the door panels and an instrument panel that sports large, chronograph-style gauges. Its power retractable hardtop can incorporate an optional feature that channels warm air from vents located in the driver and passenger’s headrests for open-air use on chillier days.

Standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control, side and knee airbags, and stability control. Power heated seats, a premium Harmon Kardon audio system, and run-flat tires are optional.

Meanwhile, the special version of the SLK350, the Ten Year Anniversary edition, gets an automatic gearbox, 17-inch wheels, special badging and red stitching and trim on the interior.

The most awaited Polo event has come to the Hamptons. The 2007 Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge was held at the Bridgehampton over the weekend. The Polo match is a benefit sporting challenge for the South Fork Breast Health Coalition, rendering all proceeds to help the Coalition’s advocacy for women’s health.

The season kicked off last Saturday, July 21, and will run for six consecutive Saturdays, which will be concluded on August 25. All the matches will be held at 4 pm to 6 in the evening. Sponsored by JetOne Jets, alice + olivia, The St. Regis, Jaeger-LeCoultre Watches, the Trump Organization, and Hamptons magazine, the Polo Match was simply one of the much-awaited ritzy events.

“JetOne Jets has aligned itself with this coveted event because we believe our company is in sync with the image and prestige it carries in the Hamptons, and recognize that private flying is really part of a certain type of lifestyle,” President and co-founder Anthony Ottima said in an interview.

This star-studded commencement was hosted by Actress Debra Messing and Reggie Jackson. The actress almost did not make it to the event due to heavy traffic on her way to Bridgehampton. Fortunately, she got there in the nick of time. Messing also revealed that she is currently working on a new film, the remake of the classic film “The Women.”

This event is a part of the efforts of Mercedes Benz to continue serving its patrons not only through the high-quality Mercedes Benz Parts, but also in fostering a community as well.

“We are thrilled that this year’s Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge will be held at the Jet One Jets field,” announces Neil Hirsch, President of the Bridgehampton Polo Club, “Their participation only heightens the exclusivity and luxury of the challenge experience.”

So go on, take your S-Class for a ride at the Hamptons and roll down the Mercedes Windows to check out the event.

Mercedes Benz, in cooperation with other carmakers have finally gathered to develop a system that allows cars to “communicate” to each other and give each other fast and timely warnings of impending danger and the improvement of traffic flow, through the use of a radio. In consequence, motorists will be able to detect danger even if the danger spot lies around the next curve, or they can be guided to alternative routes to avoid traffic jams.

This has now been successfully verified by Mercedes engineers in a field test conducted at the conclusion of the Prevent WILLWARN (Wireless Local Danger Warning) European research project. they will create innovative Mercedes Parts that will once again make history in the car industry.

“During the course of the test, five vehicles equipped with WLAN-based radio technology used a car-to-x communication system to radio details of critical situations, such as fog or obstacles on the road, to the cars behind them,” said Johannes Fritz, director, sales and marketing, Mercedes Car Group, Middle East in an interview. “These early warnings enabled the drivers of the following cars to prepare for the danger and adapt their speed in plenty of time.”

Mercedes Benz was the fist automotive company to test this system six years ago when the brand’s experts sent the first ever intercommunicating vehicle fleet on to the road as part of the ‘FleetNet’ research project.

One of the key benefits of this technology is that it does not require expensive fixed-installation transmitting and receiving devices, since the cars themselves act as both transmitters and receivers.

Mercedes engineers incorporated Mercedes Parts as the key groundwork laid during the course of the FleetNet project into the subsequent NOW (Network on Wheels) program and the current WILLWARN project. Moreover, direct contact with the Internet and its numerous fields of application is possible as well.

Mercedes Benz also supplied information to partners who only joined the project at a later stage, as it quickly realized that the only way to establish a fully functioning WLAN radio network that would benefit all road users was to cooperate with other car manufacturers and the relevant authorities.

With all of the innovations that Mercedes Benz is trying hard to push through, it is not impossible that cars will do wonder in the coming future, that people have not imagined to this day.

The most concrete manifestation of class and sophistication has come in the form of the Mercedes Benz CL600.

This coupe is actually a part of the S-Class family, so one can now understand just how powerful this beauty is while gracefully careening the highway in all its blessed elegance. But, to help one with his imagination, here are a few fill-ins to check out the features and the capabilities of this eye-candy.

The current generation CL-class has indeed bred another genius with high-quality Mercedes Parts, plus the CL600’s six-cylinder, 5.5-liter V12 600 engine. One will get that when he hangs turbos off each bank of six cylinders, creating a luxury two-door sports car that delivers torque that a medium-sized truck would be proud of.

It offers limo ride quality and comfort yet one can turn it into a blistering sports car at one’s wishes. There are a lot of systems and gizmos to get one’s head around besides the Active Body Control and Active Suspension. Even the multi-contour seats are “live and active”, the side bolsters pushing into one’s side when the big CL tips into corners.

Once one is able to break the CL600 out of limo mode and into attack mode it becomes blissfully evident that not an ounce of the 380kW of power and booming 830Nm of torque is wasted. It does not buck, or scream or protest and uses every bit of its considerable muscle with brutal but controlled efficiency.

There’s enough gadgetry to keep James Bond’s Q division stocked up for several more sequels, hence the reason for such a detailed owner’s book. The five-speed auto is so in harmony with the engine that it shifts by stealth.

The catch: the real price of class comes in $389,000. Of course, it is this expensive, for to pay a smaller amount would be an insult to a ride that caters to all of the satisfactions of easy-driving. Nevertheless, we all know that no matter how much this costs, it would be worth every penny.

In order to celebrate the 10th birthday of the top-notch SUV M-Class, Mercedes Benz has brought out the extra-special “Edition 10” model. The specs of this baby includes 20-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlamps and special bodywork highlights in titanium-look as well as dark-tinted tail lights. The sporty, refined interior features two-tone all-leather appointments, sports instruments and stainless steel sports pedals. The “Edition 10” can be ordered from autumn 2007.

This special edition is a wonderful way to pay tribute to the ten years of service of Mercedes Benz’ highly-acclaimed SUV, which was even recognized to be the pioneer of the premium SUV. According to the statement of Mercedes Benz, the anniversary edition sporting the special “Edition 10” logos on the wings features high-quality Mercedes Benz Parts, even higher-grade appointments and is instantly recognizable from the exterior, courtesy of its eye-catching design and engineering details, including the 20-inch light-alloy wheels shod with 265/45 R 20 V tires as one of the main highlights.

The interiors of the car were not to be ignored as well. The two-tone all-leather appointments come in cashmere beige and black, creating an interesting contrast in the interiors. The black roof lining, the sports instrument cluster and wood trim elements which were made available in “anthracite poplar” and “pale birch”, only enhanced the the inside trim of the car. Specialized Velour floor mats come with an embroidered “Edition 10” logo to welcome the occupants, while the drivers can step on brushed stainless steel sports pedals. Power-adjustable front seats and the interior lighting package round off the specification.

The first generation of the M-Class (W 163) was launched in 1997, paving the way for today’s premium SUVs. Fitted with all-wheel drive as standard, it combined the comfort and handling safety of a passenger car with the ruggedness of an off-road vehicle. The Sports Utility Vehicle also offered ample room and optimum adaptability, virtually assuring its success from the off: some 600,000 units of the first-generation M-Class were sold worldwide before it was replaced by the all-new model generation in 2005. The W 164 series consummately perpetuates this success story; around 250,000 Mercedes Benz customers have already purchased this model.

So today, Mercedes Benz lovers out there look back at the colorful journey of the M-Class as they sing a jolly “Happy 10th Birthday M-Class” while wishing that they could get their hands on this limited edition beauty.

Mercedes Benz has launched its own Internet television broadcasting service last July 12, kicking off with live reportage regarding the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin. The “Mercedes Benz TV” has already revolutionized online brand for communication by harnessing the German and English language as its medium. The broadcasting service will also cater to the future events that Mercedes will be sponsoring, with exclusive updates and special interviews, as well as sneak peeks at future cars and the latest Mercedes Parts.

This Internet TV service features a weekly news magazine hosted by Tanja Bülter, a society correspondent from the RTL television network. The magazine show will run for 20 minutes of fresh news and back door access to the world of Mercedes Benz. Internet users will also be able to enjoy the same programs 24 hours a day on the service’s five Web channels for lifestyle, cars, engines and sports, history and legends, and innovation.

“Mercedes-Benz TV opens up a new and very emotional communication channel for our customers and anyone interested in the brand,” says Dr. Olaf Goettgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars. “Our Internet television service sets new standards in terms of content and design, while using video images to convey the fascination and legends that surround the brand with the star.”

The pilot episode of the news magazine show aired last July 12 at 8 pm by a special prime time presentation of “Power Meets Fashion”, a feature presentation live from the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin. Racing celebrities were also featured such as Lewis Hamilton and Klaus Ludwig, and a special showcase of the vintage and brand-new MB cars driven by celebrities on a special course set up between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column.

The Mercedes Benz TV is the first Internet TV concept which managed to combine the “broadcasting features of regular television with the new digital possibilities offered by the Internet”. There will also be on site reporters to present the individual features for the magazine when it will be deemed appropriate. This broadcast is said to be an “intuitive system” which is easy to use. Approximately an hour of programming will be available on each channel when broadcast operations are regularized.