I saw this in the SLK press release. I wonder if this is making it to the C-Class and if there are going to be differences ? Fuel consumption ?

"Fast-running sports engine: higher output and much lower fuel consumption

The sporty credentials of the 2008 SLK generation are further enhanced by three modified powerplants that consume less fuel and, therefore, emit less CO2. The four-cylinder powerplant in the SLK 200 Kompressor and the six-cylinder sports engine in the SLK 350 both offer substantially more power and torque. Only the SLK 55 AMG retains its familiar engine – an eight-cylinder unit that has lost none of its mesmerising performance capability and remains a unique selling point in the SLK segment.

The Mercedes-Benz engineers paid special attention to the fast-running V6 sports engine that makes its debut in the new-generation SLK, totally altering the six-cylinder unit's character by making sweeping changes to the mechanical setup. Although the displacement remains the same at 3498 cc, the engine now develops 224 kW/305 hp at 6500 rpm – some 24 kW (33 hp) more than its predecessor. The peak torque has also been boosted, by 10 Nm, and now stands at 360 Nm when the engine is running at 4900 rpm.

This result was achieved by raising the engine speed limit to 6800 rpm; it can even be increased to 7200 rpm for a brief period – oil temperature and other engine parameters permitting. Other changes introduced include a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and an extensively modified valve train.

Further aspects which add to the emotionally charged appeal of the new engine include deliberately powerful sports-engine acoustics with a strikingly emotive sound design when decelerating. In combination with the 7G?TRONIC automatic transmission, the engine management system also blips the throttle automatically during downshifts. As well as producing an extremely sporty sound, this throttle-blipping function reduces load alteration effects.

Despite the higher output and high-calibre performance, the SLK 350 consumes considerably less fuel. With the six-speed manual transmission on board, combined fuel consumption is just 29.7 mpg; if the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission is fitted, the sports powerplant returns a combined fuel consumption of just 30.7 mpg. Lower fuel consumption means that CO2 emissions are also reduced – by 23 g/km to 219 g/km in the automatic version and by 28 g/km to 227 g/km in the manual version."

from germancarzone.com

lifted from the following page

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This engine will definitely make it into the W204 C-Class. Possibly even before the official facelift (MB has done such things before).

I just wish it will be soon since the C-Class is getting slaughtered (verbally mostly) from a performance POV when compared to the competition although from a physical performance perspective the "outdated" engines have done quite well against the more powerful competition.

yhea that is what i am thinking too, it is loosing these stupid mock ups due to the engine. Also I wish they give it more options in the U.S

I would assume that the cost of the modified, 305 hp engine should be the same as the current 350's. Therefore, from a manufacturing efficiency standpoint, it would be cheaper to make them all the 305 hp version. Apparently the CGI engines do cost more so this modified engine may be the answer to meeting competition without increasing factory cost. The much improved fuel economy is reason enough to make the switch.

trust mb on cost cutting. wouldnt suprise me. well if you can improve your product AND save money,....... Kinda reminds me of Arsene Wenger

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Clearly this engine is due for 2009 C-Class in the U.S and as others have pointed out, not a moment too soon. I'm waiting on Mercedes to really razzle-dazzle us with a new engine. This is nice, but others have a solid lead in engine development. I'd love to know why Mercedes is resisting direct-injection for the U.S. market.

M

Yes i am

it sounds like too little too late....to be honest

The torque difference isnt much better-it will probably wpnt be as quick as the 335.

Although if that mpg number has any truth in it-then it may turn quite well..

Different gear ratios can fix that. I doubt the "new C350" will still directly compete with the 335i. The 335i still strikes me a as an extreme sports sedan with luxury pretensions while the C350 with this new engine would still be a luxury car with sporty pretensions.

Magazines can compare these two against each other, but the people who buy them are very, very different.