One billion euros for a new series
This success story is set to continue with the new generation of engines. The all-new V6 and V8 engines score top marks for efficiency in the premium segment. The new V8 engine delivers 320 kW (435 hp), around 12% more than its predecessor, whilst fuel consumption is down by up to 22%. The new V6 engine delivers 225 kW (306 hp) and uses just 7.6 litres per 100 km, making it 24% more economical than its predecessor.
From the third quarter of this year, the state-of-the-art V6 and V8 engines will make their debut in the new-generation CL-Class, and later in the S-Class. In total, over €1 billion has been invested in production of the new V-engines: around €600 million in development and around €400 million in production of the new V-engine series.
One new feature in production is the assembly line: despite different angles (60 and 90 degrees, and therefore an optimum design for performance), both V-engines can be produced on one line. The result is more efficient and more flexible production using as many common components as possible for the variants of the new engine series. With a high output of unit numbers, this means reduced costs, which ultimately benefits the customer. The components undergo rigorous technological enhancement in terms of weight optimisation. A good example of this is the revamped camshaft adjuster, which is now much lighter and more compact than its predecessors. The crankcases, pistons and cylinder heads are made of weight-optimised diecast aluminium. The crankshaft, connecting rod and valves are made of special forged steel and are lighter.
Production of the series is carried out in the proven powertrain production network, consisting of the Untertürkheim, Hamburg and Berlin plants. The camshafts, camshaft adjusters, water pumps, oil pumps and fuel components originate from Berlin. The exhaust manifolds, air manifolds and clean air lines are produced in Hamburg. The camshaft and connecting rod stem from Untertürkheim, whilst the foundry in Esslingen-Mettingen produces the cylinder head, oil pan, valve housing, crankcase and starter ring gear.
Innovative technology and exemplary approach to environmental protection
At the time of its official opening, the Bad Cannstatt plant was already viewed as proof that efficient production, ecological common sense and attractive jobs were not necessarily mutually exclusive. Here, minimum energy requirements go hand in hand with the optimum use of all resources. This involves, for example, minimising waste materials and recycling process fluids and chips from mechanical processing. With its closed-loop process recycling systems, Bad Cannstatt is almost completely free of wastewater and waste materials, and the plant falls well within legal limits for clean gas values.