One of Merc’s highlights at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, is the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY study vehicle which gives us a glimpse of what the German automaker is preparing for its next generation vans. As with the company’s BlueEFFICIENCY passenger vehicles, the diesel-powered Vito has received a package of measures in order to achieve lower consumption and emission figures. These measures include a new six-speed manual transmission with a wide ratio range, low rolling-resistance tires, power-saving LED headlamps and tail lights and the ECO start/stop function, which switches the engine off automatically as soon as the vehicle is at a standstill.

Moreover, the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY features an extensive aerodynamics package that helps reduce drag. The package includes underfloor paneling, side and floor mounted ventilators that dissipate the heat given off by the engine and differential, and three louvres on the radiator grille that open or close as a function of the vehicle speed and coolant temperature.

Further components of the aerodynamics package include windscreen wipers that remain in a concealed position when at rest as well as a roof with a smooth plastic surface, recessed roof carrier bars, a rear spoiler lip and a camera system that replaces the conventional exterior mirrors.

According to Mercedes-Benz, overall, the fuel-efficiency measures implemented for the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY show vehicle result to a saving of up to 1.5 liters/100 km and a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 40 grams/km compared to a standard Vito.

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Mercedes Benz-Benz will enter the Paris arena next month with the ConceptFASCINATION, it previews the design for the next generation E-Class, the first model variant of which will be launched in 2010.

The German automaker is looking to extend the body range of its mid-size luxury car by re branding the next generation CLK as an E-Class coupe, it will join the sedan and estate model variants already offered. It is an attempt by Mercedes to return the E class to the legendary status once achieved by the W124 E-Class, however the new E-Class Coupe will still boast the underpinnings of the current generation C-Class.

A shooting brake body style has been used in the ConceptFASCINATION, but don’t let that fool you, a more conventional coupe style will return come production time of the E-Class Coupe. The V shape front end adds to the sportiness of the model and continues the design evolution of the Mercedes brand which has already been seen on the SL facelift. The twin headlight design which has graced the previous two generations of the E-Class remains but the rounded design has been replaced with rhomboid shaped headlamps.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, commented: “This design study continues the long tradition of exciting coupés from Mercedes-Benz in impressive style. With its emotionally ap-pealing lines, ConceptFASCINATION offers a completely new interpretation of the coupé. Its aesthetic, dynamic looks and painstakingly crafted details ensure that this study meets the highest design standards.”

Mercedes previews a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder Bluetec diesel engine in the engine bay of the ConceptFASCINATION, a production version will make its way to the E-Class range come 2010 possibly carrying the label 250 CDI. It generates the kind of power currently achieved by the 3.0-liter CDI with an output of 204 horsepower (150kW) and its lower displacement means we can expect some pretty impressive fuel economy and CO2 emission figures.

The Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION will be unveiled to the public at the Paris Motor Show at the beginning of next month when we will present further details and images of the model.

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