TecDay at Mercedes-Benz – "automated driving” and BlueDIRECT engines presented

At a TecDay in Sindelfingen and Untertürkheim, Mercedes-Benz gives a press presentation on the latest in vehicle testing and engine development. In Sindelfingen there is a demonstration of "automated driving", an innovative testing method which Daimler is the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to introduce into its portfolio of testing procedures. This involves safety-critical driving manoeuvres that cannot be precisely reproduced by human drivers, being undertaken by autopilot on closed test tracks. "Automated driving" supports the development, testing and validation of assistance systems and other vehicle safety features. In Untertürkheim Mercedes-Benz introduces an all-new generation of V6 and V8 drive units to the press in the form of the M 276 and M 278 engine series. Featuring optimised direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion, multiple injection and multi-spark ignition, as well as a start/stop function as standard, the new BlueDIRECT engines reach a level of efficiency hitherto unknown in the premium segment. Although output and torque have both increased, the engines show fuel savings of 24% and 22% respectively. Their production breakpoint is in the new generation of CL-Class (C 216 series) and the new CLS (C 218 series).