Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener is starting to reshape the future look of the Stuttgart carmaker. As such, some of the firm’s show cars of the recent past, such as the 2005 Bionic Car or the 2007 F700, primarily must be interpreted as design exercises. But with Wagener taking the helm in mid-2008, the direction of Mercedes styling has been whittled down to some precisely defined, common themes.

Indeed, the latest Mercedes concepts—for example, the BlueZero and the somewhat presumptuously named F800 Style—indicate more clearly where Wagener wants to take the brand. Long wheelbases, short overhangs, and fluid convex and concave surfaces will define the next generation of Mercedes cars.

These renderings demonstrate what shape the next C- and E-class are likely to take once they reach production. Our examples are based on the F800 Style, which is the most road-ready take on the new styling language. The concept slots in between the current C- and E-class in length, although it’s wider and has a longer wheelbase than both. Despite their coupe-like rooflines, the future C and E would offer very generous interior space thanks to the extra length between the wheels.

As the renderings show, the F800’s sliding rear doors will be subbed out for a conventionally hinged setup on production models. And if your favorite view of the road is through a three-pointed star, don’t despair. While cars spec’d with the grille shown here—which currently is available on sporty coupes, convertibles, and the C-class—ditch the traditional hood ornament, the look won’t replace the classic M-B grille altogether. We are assured from within the company that the latter grille will prevail on the E-class.

Look for advanced versions of Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system inside the car. There will be even fewer buttons, and voice activation—which works surprisingly well even today—will become even more of a focal point. The army of nanny systems Mercedes has planted into its current cars is there to stay; we just hope the next generation of the tech will still keep the secrets of our irresponsible driving habits to itself.

Under the hood of the next-generation C-class and E-class we expect to find turbocharged four- and six-cylinder diesel or gasoline engines, and hybrids will play a big role, too. The traditional hybrids will without exception be full hybrids, says Mercedes’ R&D chief Thomas Weber, and range-extending and plug-in variations are in the plans. And model designations will be further disconnected from actual engine displacement. Given the greener, earth-friendlier tone of the powertrain lineup, the attractive E550-style exhausts on these renderings are unlikely to see much use in real life.

Source (article): CARANDDRIVER

Source (picture): CARANDDRIVER

Facing stricter fuel economy standards, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are considering bringing four-cylinder engines back to the United States.

BMW stopped offering four-cylinders in 1999 when its 318ti hatchback flopped. Mercedes-Benz had four-cylinder engines on the 2005 C230 and SLK230 but dropped them in favor of six-cylinder models.

BMW of North America is considering a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder gasoline engine for U.S. vehicles, said CEO Jim O’Donnell.

“The plans will be firmed up when we have definite news from Washington on what the fuel standards are going to be,” he said.

O’Donnell said the engine could be used in 1- and 3-Series cars and the X1 and X3 crossovers. BMW is designing the four-cylinder to have as much power as its current inline six-cylinder family, but with better fuel economy and lower emissions, he said.

One potential snag: The four-cylinder costs more to build than the six-cylinder family, and BMW would pass along that cost to consumers. O’Donnell said buyers may not be willing to pay more for advanced technology.

Mercedes-Benz is deciding whether to offer the four-cylinder diesel from the E250 Bluetec concept at the New York auto show this month.

The show car, based on the new E-Class sedan, has a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel with 204 hp and a fuel economy rating of nearly 40 mpg on the highway.

Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said the E class may not be the right car for the engine in the United States. But, he said, it is well-suited for the C-Class sedan and GLK compact SUV and could be used in the current generation of both vehicles.

Source (article): MSN

Source (picture): BUSINESSWEEK