Benz Faqs

In order for Mercedes-Benz to continue to reduce emissions they are missing one vital ingredient - urea. They discovered that this fluid is a must have to operate not only the exhaust system - but also to start up one of their Bluetec cars.

Mercedes stated this week that they will be designing each Bluetec Diesel to only turn on when it has been given the proper amount of urea. Drivers can check the supply the same way they would check their oil levels. The new system will even be built with sensors that will monitor that the exhaust is properly neutralized. That way owners know not to fill the urea tank with water.

Thomas Weber - the head of Daimler AG’s development and research for Mercedes - stated the plans that they have to offer turbocharged engine for their entire line-up. Their deadline for this goal is 2010.

Unlike Mercedes-Benz’s current supercharged engines, these turbocharged motors won’t be built in the name of performance, but rather to meet upcoming emission standards. Not only does the automaker have to worry about the new CAFE mandate in the U.S., but also new legislation in Europe that will require Daimler to cut its average fleet emissions by 33 percent by 2012.

The Chrysler Pacifica Advance Design Center opened its doors in 1983 and is famous for creating the designs for the Plymouth Prowler, Jeep Compass, Doge Challenger concept (pictured above), and the Dodge Intrepid concept. This year we were sad to see it close down. However, that might not have been the end of them.

Mercedes-Benz will bring it back to life as they move their design studio from its current 13,000 square foot location in Irvine, to the larger 35,000 square foot former Chrysler location in Carlsbad, California. While both parties have confirmed the pending sale, terms and move-in dates have not been released.