Spy Shots: 2008 Mercedes C-Class

[giagastormer]

http://www.thecarconnection.com/inde...&sid=178&n=158

I don't think I've ever seen a car so disguised in my life, Mercedes-Benz is really trying to cover up the new C-Class.

[OzoneGTX]

Danm, you're right. That camo seems much mor effectice than the tight vinyl stuff that usually give away some lines.

If all companies start using these, it'll be the end of the fun of spy shots.

[RWD60]

this is gonna be one competitive segement come 08 model year... there's the 06 3 and IS, the 07 CTS and G, and the 08 C class. i hope caddy can keep up their good work (and add a better interior and such), since it's really the redesign of a good car that tells if the brand/company truely is doing well since just about anyone can pull off a good try once.

[cemaxc]

Hehe...
Isn't it completely obvious what the next C class is going to look like.

Valveless???? = Reliability problem

[Dumb_Ass_2003]

Originally Posted by cemaxc

Valveless???? = Reliability problem

Unless it's a 2 stroke all engines need valves. I think you meant no camshaft. I've read lots about elctronically actuated valves being one of the next big evolutions of the internal combustion engine, but didnt think it would be avaiable by MY08.

[Squachy]

that could be like the next presidential limo.....

It looks like its decked out in full body armor.

[driverblogger]

looks bullet-proof

[awalbert88]

"electronic valvetrain without camshafts; supercharged and direct-injected"

Wow, I didn't know the camless design was that close to being production ready. I agree this is going to be a reliability issue. MB has enough problems with the technology they're pushing out right now. Mercedes and BMW seem to be having a pissing contest when it comes to who gets the new technology out first. BMW has been working on magneticly-actuated valves for awhile now, but I don't believe their system is ready for primetime. Hopefully for both of these companies, the system works and doesn't break down. How long before the 12V system is abandoned and we move to a 42V electrical system? The amount of power (and thus the amount of wire) required by some of these new technologies is really adding a whole lot of unnecessary weight to the vehicle. Heck, if you removed all the wiring from a modern luxury car, you'd save 2-300lbs if not more.

[Nocturn_Bird]

Well look at it this way, if the electronics fail its no longer an electronics problem as the valves will fail and the result is what would basically be throwing a timming belt on a DOHC engine. The valves will hit still in motion pistons and make electronic repairs turn into major engine repairs.

Eitherway

[Slack]

Originally Posted by Nocturn_Bird

Well look at it this way, if the electronics fail its no longer an electronics problem as the valves will fail and the result is what would basically be throwing a timming belt on a DOHC engine. The valves will hit still in motion pistons and make electronic repairs turn into major engine repairs.

Eitherway

Can't wait to see the tap the first time that happens. That is some serious camo. I think MB is serious about keeping this under wraps.

[barcodedorganic]

from what i can make out it's going to be a beautioful car

[1BadPig]

Actually I believe Caterpillar have a "cam-less" diesel engine. The injectors are powered by energizing coils and then uses hydraulic fluid to actuate the valves. I believe Siemens & Bosch also worked on such project in the mid-90s.

[jokuvaan]

It's hard to believe that Mercedes Benz would use supercharger when they have said that turbos are better and superchargers were mistake.

[ByTheLake]

I like it just the way it is ... with all the camo. Looks really tough. Would make others get out of your way.

[big swede]

Originally Posted by Nocturn_Bird

Well look at it this way, if the electronics fail its no longer an electronics problem as the valves will fail and the result is what would basically be throwing a timming belt on a DOHC engine. The valves will hit still in motion pistons and make electronic repairs turn into major engine repairs.

Eitherway

Not all OHC engines are interfearance engines. In fact fewer and fewer engines are. This engine is too new to know if it is or not but you can go to Gates belts website to find out what current engines are and what aren't. I agree with you though that if it is you could have one minor failure that creates a huge repair bill.