New Merc engine offers efficiency and power

Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Whenever you see a Mercedes-Benz, you'll quickly be able to tell its engine type just by looking at the serial number on its trunk.

As of August 2002, DaimlerChrysler -- which produces Mercedes- Benz, Jeep and Chrysler -- have launched the new type of C180 Kompressor.

The C-Class is promised to be more attractive for customers with the newly developed four-cylinder engines and an exterior facelift.

During a press conference on Sept. 5, PT DaimlerChrysler Distribution Indonesia deputy director for marketing Anto Nurdiyanto explained that the new innovation would help the Stuttgart-based company save on production costs.

"With only one type of engine, with a capacity of 1,796cc, we can make three C-Class variants; C180 Kompressor, C200 Kompressor and C230 Kompressor."

The new C180 Kompressor has an output of 143 horse power (hp) at 5,200 rotations per minute (rpm) and a maximum torque of 220 Newton meters (Nm) at 2,500 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The output is 15 percent bigger than the previous model.

The fuel consumption is 8.4 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers, a liter saving on the previous engine. The new car can accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) within 9.7 seconds, 1.3 seconds faster than the older version. The top speed is 223 kph compared the previous engine's 210 kph.

As for the new C200 K, with the same engine capacity but smaller compression ratio of 9.5, it has an output of 163 hp at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 240 Nm at 3,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm.

The fuel consumption advantage is more than 11 percent as it only consumes 8.6 liters of petrol per 100 km, compared to the previous model of 9.7 liters per 100 km. This type of engine can accelerate to 100 kph in 9.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than before.

The latest C230K is the most powerful because the smaller compression ratio of 8.7 helps the engine to give an output of 192 hp at 5,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 260 Nm at 3,500 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The fuel consumption is 9.2 liters per 100 km, a 0.6 liter saving.

It can accelerate to 100 kph from a standstill in 8.2 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the older version, while its top speed is 236 kph, 1 kph lower than previously. Don't forget, this new version's engine capacity is only 1,796cc compared to the old one of around 2,300cc.

What is the secret of making one engine into three types?

The answer lies in the sophisticated twinpulse system, which combines different technologies including super-charging, intercooling, variably adjustable camshafts, four-valve technology, Lanchester balancer and adaptive drive dynamics.

The compressor supercharge installed in all the new-generation powerplants helps the engine provide impressive torque from idle. This will extend the overall ratio by up to 13 percent. As a result, the new engines largely run with the throttle wider open, making them particularly economical. This is the twinpulse effect: Even higher performance and even lower fuel consumption.

The twinpulse system enables the compressor supercharger and the Lanchester balancer to resolve a further conflict of aims that arises when developing four-cylinder engines: The balancer shafts counter-balance the vibrations which would normally occur, thus ensuring a level of refinement that is exemplary in this displacement class.

The Lanchester harmonic balancer comprises of two balancer shafts which rotate in opposite directions to each other at twice the speed of the crankshaft to balance the inertia forces inherent to the four-cylinder engine. It will give smooth running characteristics and acoustics similar to a six-cylinder engines.

Unfortunately, all the advance technologies are yet to be ready for local market. Anto said that Indonesian Mercedes-Benz lovers would get the chance to enjoy the new cars, at the soonest, in late November.

"We will release our latest invention to keep Mercedes-Benz lovers updated with the most advanced technology," he said.

The price?

"Well, I still have no idea," Anto said, "But in Germany, a new C180 K is sold for between US$32,000 and $34,000. It will be a little bit more expensive with the older generation because of the advanced technology and the facelift."

Although the new C-Class will be ready by the end of this year, Anto is confident that DaimlerChrysler can sell 1,200 units.

If you're one of Mercedes-Benz lovers, just be patient. You still have three months to go to drive your new C-Class.