http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan06/30DetailsOnMercedesSprinter.htmlThe new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Versatility, power, safety and comfort. Eleven years and approximately 1.3 million units after making its debut in 1995
Stuttgart, Jan 30, 2006
In the NAFTA region last year, 28,100 Sprinters were sold under the Mercedes-Benz, Dodge and Freightliner brands, a 49% increase over the 2004 total (18,900 units). DaimlerChrysler recently announced it will be dedicating its Charleston/South Carolina facility to assembly of the next generation Dodge Sprinter van in response to growing demand in the North American markets.
New standards in this class are also set by the Sprinter's standard specification – amongst many other features, every model now comes with electrically operated windows, radio remote control central locking, driver's airbag, six-speed transmission, wide-angle mirrors and ADAPTIVE ESP®. Materials and build quality are likewise impressive. The new seats are anatomically contoured and provide good support. The driver's seat also has infinitely variable height adjustment. Optionally, for example for the parcel delivery sector, flip-up co-driver's seats are available.
Outstanding ergonomics and seating comfort
Taking centre stage in the cockpit is the centre console, which includes three DIN slots, a cup holder and a switch strip. The instrument cluster includes a clearly legible speedometer and rev counter dials. If the multifunction steering wheel is specified, a wide range of additional information can be shown in the large displays of the HighLine instrument cluster.
Excellent driver convenience is provided by an all-new stowage concept based on a real-world "basket" of driver and co-driver requirements. There are door compartments for large drink bottles, a spacious stowage area on the instrument panel, which is divided into three segments, and stowage compartments above the windscreen for driver and co-driver.
High-tech diesel engines: powerful and clean
The new Sprinter's engines are a milestone in the van segment. The four-cylinder 2148 cc OM 646 CDI turbodiesel engine is now available in four output ratings, ranging from 65 kW (88 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp). Strong points of these engines include powerful low-end torque and excellent fuel economy.
The new top-of-the-line diesel engine is the OM 642, a 3.0-litre V6 unit developing a maximum output of 135 kW (184 hp) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. While the four-cylinder units are already noted for their state-of-the-art engineering, the V6 goes a step further with an aluminium crankcase, a balancer shaft and two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank.
All the diesel engines have Euro 4 or EU 4/III low emissions rating and are equipped as standard with a particulate filter.
A new dimension: 190 kW (258 hp) petrol engine
The M 272 V6 petrol engine opens a new performance dimension for vans. With a displacement of 3.5 l delivering a maximum output of 190 kW (258 hp), it sets new standards. As well as impressive power delivery, a further feature of this high-tech engine is its exceptional smoothness. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is also optionally available for the diesel engines, which are fitted as standard with a six-speed manual unit. Up to three final-drive ratios are available for each model, allowing the Sprinter to be closely matched to its application.
