Mercedes modded C-class: Cd 0.25. Up 7.5 mpg over regular model (with other mods).

[MetroMPG]

Via AutoWeek... Mercedes wrings more efficiency out of C-Class cars - Less weight, better aerodynamics are part of Blue Efficiency strategy

Mercedes has joined the ranks of manufacturers who have modded existing models to create "eco" models that boast improved efficiency.

In Merc's case, they took the bread and butter C200 with a standard combined rating of 38.6 mpg (imperial, I believe), and boosted it dramatically, to 46.1 mpg.

How? Lowering weight, optimizing aerodynamics, cutting rolling resistance and improving driveline efficiency (including taller final drive ratio).

In doing so, they claim a Cd. of 0.25, not seen in a production car since the Honda Insight.



Aero tweaks will be familiar to ecomodders:

• partial grille block
• sealed joints around headlights
• tweaked side mirror housings
• full underbody panels
• lower ride height
• optimized wheel design

[Daox]

Can we now state Mercedes is copying us?

[basjoos]

Originally Posted by Daox

Can we now state Mercedes is copying us?

No, they are finally starting to use some of the aerodynamics technology that they and the other car manufacturers have known about since the 1930's, but have never bothered to use on their production cars.

[Daox]

Sorry, forgot to add the [sarcasm] tags I guess.

I agree though, its about freakin time they start making this stuff STANDARD PROCEDURE.

[MetroMPG]

Why are they only aero tweaking the "eco" models, though?

[tasdrouille]

It seems like all those aero mods should have lead to more than a .02 improvement in Cd over the previous model.

The old one probably already had a pretty smooth underbody, and good aero design overall to start with.

The problem with aeromods in general is that, let's face it, the most effective ones look fugly to the general public.

I'm glad MB got it right and came up with a car that's eco friendly, yet extremely desirable from an aesthetic standpoint.

[MetroMPG]

I wonder if the vented tail lights (that relieve undercar pressure and supposedly energize the boundary layer at the back of the car) are part of their aero bag of tricks that they showed off a year of so ago.

[s2man]

Oh great. My wife walked in and saw me reading this thread. Now she want's to know if we're going to get a Benz. I told her it's "only" a C class

(in her previous marriage she drove an E class and her husband drove a H2)

[aerohead]

Hope the other automakers follow suit.

[Silveredwings]

6-speed manual and a taller final drive?

Yeah... um...we'll see that in America real soon.