Mercedes-Benz C-Class Features New-Generation V6 Power
TORONTO, ON – The 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan line features new-generation V6 engines for all models except the high-performance V8-powered C55 AMG. The new V6 engines use dual-overhead-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder technology with variable valve timing that produces an impressively broad power band. The 2006 line begins with the C230 sport coupe and the C230 sedan, fitted this year with a 201-horsepower, 2.5-litre version of the new V6. Next is the C280 sedan, which comes with a 228-hp, 3.0-litre V6, followed by the C350 sedan, powered by a 3.5-litre, 268-hp version of the new V6 engine family. At the top of the line is the limited-production C55 AMG, which features the 5.5-litre V8 that's specially modified by AMG, the high-performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, to produce 362 hp for 0-to-100 km/h acceleration of 5.1 seconds.
All V6-powered C-Class models are available with the highly acclaimed Mercedes-Benz seven-speed automatic transmission, while the C230 coupe and sedan and C350 sport sedan come with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. The C280 4MATIC™ all-wheel-drive and C350 4MATIC™ models come with the proven five-speed automatic transmission, and the C55 AMG sedan is fitted with an AMG-modified five-speed automatic.
Active front head restraints make their debut on all 2006 C-Class models. In the event of a rear collision exceeding the system's deployment threshold, the front head restraints move forward more than 44 mm (1¾ inches) and upward by more than 30 mm (an inch), helping to support the head and reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries.
Last year, the C-Class line was upgraded with a new dashboard, a four-gauge instrument cluster, redesigned centre console and seats that were re-contoured for additional comfort and support. The enhanced interior included redesigned switchgear and chrome accents, while the sport sedans received a three-spoke steering wheel, aluminium trim throughout the cabin and standard AMG exterior body styling. All C-Class models were fitted with redesigned, clear headlights and revised taillights to complement the updated exterior.
Shifting with Pleasure: The Six-Speed Manual
Bringing a strong sporty component to the C-Class coupe and sport sedans, the six-speed manual transmission features short gear throws and a direct shift rod for precise shifting. Mercedes engineers narrowed the gaps between each gear ratio and slightly shortened first gear (as compared to a five-speed manual) for quicker off-the-line acceleration, while maintaining an overdrive sixth gear for quiet and fuel-efficient highway cruising. Shift effort is low, thanks to multiple-cone synchromesh, easing cross-gate shifts from second to third and from fourth to fifth.
The Industry's Only Seven-Speed Automatic Transmission
Seven gear ratios provide a wider spread of ratios between first gear and top gear and, at the same time, allow the engine to run in its most favourable rev range more often. It also gives the electronic control unit more flexibility in terms of maximizing fuel efficiency and making the transmission's reaction time extremely fast. Unlike most automatic transmissions, the new seven-speed transmission will skip up to four gears if necessary when the driver downshifts, shifting directly from seventh to fifth or even sixth to second. This helps to choose the perfect gear ratio for quick acceleration and ensure smooth, almost imperceptible shifts in the process.
Grip Aplenty – 4MATIC™ All-Wheel-Drive
For unparalleled grip in most weather, the C280 4MATIC™ and C350 4MATIC™ sedans offer a full-time adaptive all-wheel-drive system that uses a standard 40/60 front/rear torque split and requires no driver intervention.
Advanced four-wheel electronic traction control is used to vary torque distribution to individual wheels under slippery conditions. Even if three wheels lose traction, 4MATIC™ can direct power to just one wheel – front or back, left or right – to keep the car moving. The system is lightweight and compact, so passenger and cargo space are unaffected.
Lightweight, Energy Absorbing Front Suspension
The C-Class suspension blends several innovations with proven Mercedes-Benz engineering triumphs. At the front, the C-Class combines a coil-spring strut with two separate lower links, twin-tube gas shocks and a stabilizer bar. By using two lower links rather than one large control arm, the car can provide better impact absorption in the case of a frontal impact. In addition, sensitivity to potential wheel imbalance or brake fluctuation is reduced. Rack-and-pinion steering is finely honed to deliver precise, direct feel and response. Like the front suspension, the steering rack provides a safety benefit. Mounted ahead of the front wheels on an aluminium subframe, the rack does not impede absorption of crash energy.
Proven Multi-Link Rear Suspension
At the rear of the C-Class, the proven multi-link independent suspension (pioneered by Mercedes-Benz) is tailored specifically to each C-Class model. Engineers designed the track links, hub carriers and the subframe as well as all the elastokinematics – the engineered wheel deflection under extreme load – to ensure optimum predictability while driven hard.
Standard on the C230 coupe and sedan,C280 and C350 sedan are 7 x 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R 16 tires, while the sport sedans feature staggered-width 7.5 x 17 front and 8.5 x 17-inch rear alloy wheels with 225/45 ZR17 and 245/40 ZR17 high-performance tires. The C55 AMG rides on staggered 7.5 x 18 front and 8.5 x 18 rear alloy wheels with 225/40 ZR18 front and 245/35 ZR18 rear high-performance tires.
Extra Braking Power in Reserve
Consistent with Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, the C-Class features four-wheel disc brakes with a standard four-channel ABS anti-lock braking system and Brake Assist – both Mercedes-Benz innovations. The C55 AMG comes with giant 345 mm (13.6-inch) vented discs in front and 300 mm (11.8-inch) vented rear discs.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Mercedes-Benz was first to introduce a true automatic stability system in 1996 with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and every 2006 Mercedes-Benz automobile comes with ESP. Tailored to each specific model, the safety system helps drivers maintain directional stability – especially on slippery or gravel-covered roads – by preventing oversteer (rear-end "fishtailing") or understeer (front-end "plowing"). ESP can sense impending loss of control – at the front or rear end – and momentarily apply the brake on only one wheel to restore stability, something that even a skilled driver cannot do. Using electronic sensors and computer logic, the system constantly monitors a vehicle's actual path against its intended path. If there's an appreciable difference between what the driver is "asking" (through the steering wheel) and what the vehicle is doing, the system works to correct with split-second speed by braking individual wheels and/or reducing engine power, even before the driver may sense any changes.
About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 900 people in 22 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 18 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 35 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 15,790 vehicles in 2005, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
For more information, visit our media site at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca or contact us at:
JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Arden Nerling 416-847-7556 nerling@mercedes-benz.ca
