83-509: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) is the internal designation for a range of compact executive cars manufactured and marketed by DaimlerChrysler from 1999 to 2010, as the second generation of the C-Class — in sedan/saloon, three-door hatchback coupé (marketed as the SportCoupé and sub-designated CL203 ) and station wagon/estate (sub-designated S203 ) body styles. Design work on
166-513: A company car . They may have performance features and are often viewed as status symbols. A high percentage of the "executive cars" market share consists of corporate-owned cars, or vehicles provided by a firm for the business and sometimes private use by employees. The "compact executive car" description is not often used in the United States, but it describes certain models imported from Europe. The Cadillac ATS has been described as
249-480: A power valve system to get similar results to VVT. The valves within an internal combustion engine are used to control the flow of the intake and exhaust gases into and out of the combustion chamber . The timing, duration and lift of these valve events has a significant impact on engine performance. Without variable valve timing or variable valve lift , the valve timing is the same for all engine speeds and conditions, therefore compromises are necessary to achieve
332-478: A 4.4 L engine for a proposed replacement for the existing 30-98 model to be called the H-Type. In this engine the single overhead camshaft was to move longitudinally to allow different camshaft lobes to be engaged. It was in the 1920s that the first patents for variable duration valve opening started appearing – for example United States patent U.S. patent 1,527,456 . In 1958 Porsche made application for
415-478: A German Patent, also applied for and published as British Patent GB861369 in 1959. The Porsche patent used an oscillating cam to increase the valve lift and duration. The desmodromic cam driven via a push/pull rod from an eccentric shaft or swashplate . It is unknown if any working prototype was ever made. Fiat was the first auto manufacturer to patent a functional automotive variable valve timing system which included variable lift. Developed by Giovanni Torazza in
498-415: A VVT system requires a complex system, such as multiple cam profiles or oscillating cams. Late intake valve closing (LIVC) The first variation of continuous variable valve timing involves holding the intake valve open slightly longer than a traditional engine. This results in the piston actually pushing air out of the cylinder and back into the intake manifold during the compression stroke. The air which
581-539: A cam phaser, controlled by the ECM, which continuously varies advancement or retardation of the camshaft timing. In 2007, Caterpillar developed the C13 and C15 Acert engines which used VVT technology to reduce NOx emissions, to avoid the use of EGR after 2002 EPA requirements. In 2010, Mitsubishi developed and started mass production of its 4N13 1.8 L DOHC I4, the world's first passenger car diesel engine that features
664-798: A compact executive car. The ATS was succeeded by the Cadillac CT4 . Before the ATS, a heavily badge engineered version of the Saab 9-3 was sold in Europe as the Cadillac BLS (2005–2009). The BLS was both developed and manufactured by Saab in Trollhättan , Sweden . The model was never sold in the Northern American market. Cadillac's previous attempt at a compact executive car for
747-521: A conventional cam lobe, while others use an eccentric cam lobe and a connecting rod. The principle is similar to steam engines, where the amount of steam entering the cylinder was regulated by the steam "cut-off" point. The advantage of this design is that adjustment of lift and duration is continuous. However, in these systems, lift is proportional to duration, so lift and duration cannot be separately adjusted. The BMW ( valvetronic ), Nissan ( VVEL ), and Toyota ( valvematic ) oscillating cam systems act on
830-401: A functional rear spoiler to provide downforce at high speeds. The Sportcoupé was seven inches (178 mm) shorter overall than the sedan, while sharing the same wheelbase length. Initial SportCoupé engine configurations included the C 180 (129 PS), C 220 (143 PS), C 200 Kompressor, and C 230 Kompressor. In 2003, Mercedes-Benz added the C 180 Kompressor, the C 200 CGI, and C 30 CDI AMG. In 2005
913-451: A mechanical VVT system. The system was engineered by Ing Giampaolo Garcea in the 1970s. All Alfa Romeo Spider models from 1983 onward used electronic VVT. In 1989, Honda released the VTEC system. While the earlier Nissan NVCS alters the phasing of the camshaft, VTEC switches to a separate cam profile at high engine speeds to improve peak power. The first VTEC engine Honda produced was
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#1732783801845996-514: A three-door hatchback coupe , based on the regular W203 C-Class range. North American sales began in 2001 for the 2002 model year. Whereas the C-Class sedan and wagon had the traditional Mercedes horizontal bar grille with the hood ornament, the SportCoupé had a star-grille front end giving it a sportier look. [1] The Sportcoupé also had a fastback roofline, an optional panoramic sunroof, and
1079-574: A total of 230,000 SportCoupé were built in the Bremen factory and in Brazil. As of 20 September 2006, over two million C-Class vehicles (including sedan, station wagon and SportCoupé) had been sold since March 2000, with 1.4 million sedans since May 2000, 330,000 wagons since spring 2001, and 283,000 of SportCoupé since spring 2001. Over 30 percent of total sales occurred in Germany, and over 20 percent in
1162-403: A variable valve timing system. Manufacturers use many different names to describe their implementation of the various types of variable valve timing systems. These names include: This method uses two cam profiles, with an actuator to swap between the profiles (usually at a specific engine speed). Cam switching can also provide variable valve lift and variable duration, however the adjustment
1245-715: A wide variety of both petrol and diesel engine options. Most of the petrol engines were turbocharged and supported the use of ethanol fuel , which were both relatively uncommon features for a mass production car in the 00's . The 9-3 also had high emphasis on car safety , which was a high priority in the design of all Saab cars. Also the previous Saab 99 and Saab 900 could be considered as compact executive cars at some markets, while especially in Northern Europe these models were more commonly seen as ordinary small family cars. An early compact executive car produced in Japan
1328-471: Is acted on by two lobes simultaneously. Each camshaft has a phasing mechanism which allows its angular position relative to the engine's crankshaft to be adjusted. One lobe controls the opening of a valve and the other controls the closing of the same valve, therefore variable duration is achieved through the spacing of these two events. The drawbacks to this design include: This system is not known to be used in any production engines. The operating principle
1411-419: Is discrete rather than continuous. The first production use of this system was Honda's VTEC system. VTEC changes hydraulic pressure to actuate a pin that locks the high lift, high duration rocker arm to an adjacent low lift, low duration rocker arm(s). Many production VVT systems are the cam phasing type, using a device known as a variator which changes the phase (Phase refers to the relative timing between
1494-429: Is driven by the crankshaft through timing belts , gears or chains . An engine requires large amounts of air when operating at high speeds. However, the intake valves may close before enough air has entered each combustion chamber, reducing performance. On the other hand, if the camshaft keeps the valves open for longer periods of time, as with a racing cam, problems start to occur at the lower engine speeds. Opening
1577-449: Is expelled fills the manifold with higher pressure, and on subsequent intake strokes the air which is taken in is at a higher pressure. Late intake valve closing has been shown to reduce pumping losses by 40% during partial load conditions, and to decrease nitric oxide ( NOx ) emissions by 24%. Peak engine torque showed only a 1% decline, and hydrocarbon emissions were unchanged. Early intake valve closing (EIVC) Another way to decrease
1660-413: Is freed from this constraint, allowing performance to be improved over the engine operating range. Piston engines normally use valves which are driven by camshafts . The cams open ( lift ) the valves kind for a certain amount of time ( duration ) during each intake and exhaust cycle. The timing of the valve opening and closing, relative to the position of the crankshaft, is important. The camshaft
1743-446: Is of this type. Also known as "combined two shaft coaxial combined profile with helical movement", this system is not known to be used in any production engines. It has a similar principle to the previous type, and can use the same base duration lobe profile. However instead of rotation in a single plane, the adjustment is both axial and rotational giving a helical or three-dimensional aspect to its movement. This movement overcomes
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#17327838018451826-475: Is one of two AMG models to feature different structure than its base Mercedes platform, the other being the W204 C 63 with its custom elongated engine bay. The C 55 was the first AMG C-Class to feature quad exhaust outlets and an external differential cooler. The Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time seen on List of Nürburgring Nordschleife lap times for the C 55 AMG is 8:22 compared to 8:37 for the C 32 AMG mainly due to
1909-607: Is rated at 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) and torque is rated at 235 N⋅m (173 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800 rpm ***Performance may vary in vehicles designated as "flexible fuel" or flex-fuel. Based on premium fuel. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating as specified in Operator's Manual. Please see 2007 Operator's Manual C-Class Please see 2005 Operator's Manual C-Class Please see 2004 Operator's Manual C-Class Please see 2003 Operator's Manual C-Class Mercedes-Benz began offering their flexible fuel (flex-fuel) option in
1992-405: Is that it significantly lowers the temperature of the combustion chamber, which can increase hydrocarbon emissions. Early intake valve opening Early intake valve opening is another variation that has significant potential to reduce emissions. In a traditional engine, a process called valve overlap is used to aid in controlling the cylinder temperature. By opening the intake valve early, some of
2075-435: Is that the cam and follower profiles must be carefully designed to minimise contact stress (due to the varying profile). Ferrari is commonly associated with this system, however it is unknown whether any production models to date have used this system. This system is not known to be used in any production engines. It consists of two (closely spaced) parallel camshafts, with a pivoting follower that spans both camshafts and
2158-408: Is that the one follower spans the pair of closely spaced lobes. Up to the angular limit of the nose radius the follower 'sees' the combined surface of the two lobes as a continuous, smooth surface. When the lobes are exactly aligned the duration is at a minimum (and equal to that of each lobe alone) and when at the extreme extent of their misalignment the duration is at a maximum. The basic limitation of
2241-580: Is the 1972 Lancia Beta (Type 828) . The Beta morphed into the Lancia Trevi , which was produced from 1980 to 1984. Following an absence from the segment for five years, Lancia returned in 1989 when the Lancia Dedra replaced the smaller Lancia Prisma . The Dedra was replaced by the Lancia Lybra , which was produced from 1998 to 2005. An early compact executive car produced in Germany was
2324-653: Is the category of the smallest premium cars. It is part of the C-segment in the European car classification. Examples include the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLA-Class , Audi A3 , Volvo S40 , BMW 1 Series , and 2 Series . Premium compacts compete with well-equipped mid-size cars , and highly optioned premium compact cars can have pricing and features that overlaps with compact executive cars. Variable valve timing Variable valve timing ( VVT )
2407-506: Is the process of altering the timing of a valve lift event in an internal combustion engine , and is often used to improve performance, fuel economy or emissions. It is increasingly being used in combination with variable valve lift systems. There are many ways in which this can be achieved, ranging from mechanical devices to electro-hydraulic and camless systems. Increasingly strict emissions regulations are causing many automotive manufacturers to use VVT systems. Two-stroke engines use
2490-414: Is two eccentric drives and controllers are needed for each cylinder (one for the intake valves and one for the exhaust valves), which increases complexity and cost. MG Rover is the only manufacturer that has released engines using this system. This system consists of a cam lobe that varies along its length (similar to a cone shape). One end of the cam lobe has a short duration/reduced lift profile, and
2573-639: The OM642 V6 engines were introduced later in the year. In North America, the changes took effect for the 2006 model year. The C230, C280, C350 replaced the C240 and C320, the new-generation six-cylinder engines developed substantially more power than the older versions, by as much as 24 percent, whilst also increasing fuel economy and reducing CO 2 emissions. The C230, C280 and C350 developed 150 kW (204 PS), 170 kW (231 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS) respectively. The three-valve twin spark design
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) - Misplaced Pages Continue
2656-576: The B16A which was installed in the Integra , CRX , and Civic hatchback available in Japan and Europe. In 1992, Porsche first introduced VarioCam , which was the first system to provide continuous adjustment (all previous systems used discrete adjustment). The system was released in the Porsche 968 and operated on the intake valves only. Variable valve timing has been applied to motorcycle engines but
2739-513: The BMW 1 Series . Compact executive car A compact executive car , also known as a compact luxury car , is a premium car larger than a premium compact and smaller than an executive car . Compact executive car is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in the European car classification. An executive car generally needs to be comfortable and well-equipped while also being cheap to run as
2822-642: The W204 series C-Class. The refresh reworked the rear and front along with some other refinements and new details (Mercedes claimed around 1,100 components), including a steering system borrowed from the SLK-Class and a revised suspension. Out of the sheetmetal of the CLC-Class, only the doors, roof and quarter panels were carried over from the C-Class Sportcoupé. The interior is still largely similar to
2905-417: The camshaft 25 times per second, so the valve timing events have to occur at precise times to offer performance benefits. Electromagnetic and pneumatic camless valve actuators offer the greatest control of precise valve timing, but, in 2016, are not cost-effective for production vehicles. The history of the search for a method of variable valve opening duration goes back to the age of steam engines when
2988-635: The "feel of an authentic Mercedes-Benz, which is more than I’d say about the A-Class and B-Class front-wheel-drive hatchbacks". Due to the age of the W203 platform which "exudes a level of float and wallow" not found in the W204 C-Class, the CLC received mixed reviews against sportier rivals such as the BMW 1 Series coupé (a successful replacement of the 3 Series hatchback ). In 2009 the CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY
3071-537: The 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time has dropped to 4.7 seconds. Unlike the less-powerful V6s in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the C 55 AMG continued to use the five-speed automatic with AMG Speedshift. The C 55 shares its longer engine bay and front end design with the CLK 55 AMG to accommodate the larger 5.4-litre V8 engine. The front of the car had to be extended by about 80 millimetres. The C 55 AMG
3154-548: The 1920s when maximum allowable RPM limits were generally starting to rise. Until about this time an engine's idle RPM and its operating RPM were very similar, meaning that there was little need for variable valve duration. The first use of variable valve timing was on the 1903 Cadillac Runabout and Tonneau created by Alanson Partridge Brush Patent 767,794 “INLET VALVE GEAR FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES” filed August 3, 1903, and granted August 16, 1904. Some time prior to 1919 Lawrence Pomeroy, Vauxhall's Chief Designer, had designed
3237-567: The 1966 BMW 02 Series , followed by the BMW 3 Series in 1975. In 1965 Audi introduced their first compact executive model Audi 72 . The 1983 Mercedes-Benz W201 range (also known as the "Mercedes-Benz 190") was the first compact executive car from Mercedes-Benz. In 1993, the W201 was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range. DS Automobiles offers a compact executive with its DS 4 hatchback. From earlier models also
3320-416: The 2003 model year, a new family of supercharged four cylinder engines, dubbed M271 , debuted for the entire C-Class range. All of them used the same 1.8-litre engine, with different designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas . The C 230 Kompressor variant sported 141 kW (189 hp). The newer 1.8-litre was less powerful but smoother and more efficient than
3403-483: The C 160 Kompressor was made available. There was also the C 32 AMG with 260 kW (354 PS) and 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) which was available only by special order from AMG STUDIO for the 2003 model year, making the C 32 AMG SportCoupé much rarer than its saloon and wagon counterparts.) The C 230 SportCoupé was powered by a 2.3-litre supercharged, four-cylinder motor (M111) with output of 143 kW (192 hp) and 281 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) of torque, which
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) - Misplaced Pages Continue
3486-409: The C 32, it was available in all three body styles, but this diesel model did not reach sales expectations and was retired in 2004. The car's exterior resembled that of the C 32 AMG. To this day, it is the only diesel AMG ever offered, except for the pre merger AMG modified MB100 van, which used AMG tuned OM616 and OM617 engines. Along with the mid-generation refresh of the C-Class in 2005, the C 32 AMG
3569-521: The C 320 Sedan, C 320 Sport Sedan, C 320 wagon, and C320 Sport Coupe from 2003 until 2005. Mercedes-Benz offered the flexible fuel (flex-fuel) option in the C 240 Sedan and Wagon in 2005 only. Mercedes-Benz later offered the flexible fuel (flex-fuel) option to the 2007 C 230 Sport Sedan. After the performance of the AMG models in the previous generation, Mercedes-Benz attempted to increase sales among high-end buyers by introducing two different AMG versions of
3652-530: The C-Class SportCoupé and given the internal designation CL203 (see below). The US model, labeled C 230 Kompressor, became available for the 2002 model year with the M111.981 engine, a 2.3 -litre supercharged inline-four making 145 kW (194 hp) at 5500 rpm and 280 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft) at 2500–4800 rpm. The third body variant, a station wagon codenamed S203 arrived in 2001. Then in 2002 for
3735-503: The US market was the Cimarron manufactured in between 1981–1988. The Cimarron is largely considered to be a market failure and also at least partially responsible for the market struggles that Cadillac faced during and after its production. The 1971 Triumph Dolomite is an early compact executive car. Jaguar's first compact executive car (although larger than the 1960s' Jaguar Mark 2 )
3818-495: The United States. The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on 14 December 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant, although US-market sedans were made as late as March 2007. The C-Class W203 was refreshed in early 2004. In North America, the refresh took effect for the 2005 model year. The interior styling was changed in all three body styles. The instrument cluster was revised to display four chrome gauges with multifunction display in
3901-623: The W203 C-Class began in mid-1994, with the final design being approved in December 1995 by the executive board. Design patents were filed on 20 April 1998 and 4 March 1999. Testing began in 1997, with development concluding in 2000. The second generation C-Class was unveiled on March 21, 2000, going on sale starting in September 2000. The sedan debuted with a range of inline-four and V6 petrol engines and inline-four and -five diesels. Most of
3984-500: The camshaft by the governor. The Serpollet steamcars produced very hot high pressure steam, requiring poppet valves, and these used a patented sliding camshaft mechanism, which not only varied the inlet valve cut-off but allowed the engine to be reversed. An early experimental 200 hp Clerget V-8 from the 1910s used a sliding camshaft to change the valve timing . Some versions of the Bristol Jupiter radial engine of
4067-449: The car similarly as expensive as the BMW 325Ci Coupe and Audi TT both of which had better handling. The SportCoupé's liftback profile was seen as sleeker and more graceful while providing ample passenger room and storage space, compared to its closest competitor in the BMW 3 Series Compact which was derisively regarded as a truncated regular BMW 3 Series Coupé. Although the hatchback body style
4150-430: The desired result in intake and exhaust efficiency . This has been described in simulations. Practical results will vary based on available ambient combustion cycle gases in a naturally aspirated system, or forced air geometry as well as fuel pulse width timing and other factors which may or may not be available on vehicles equipped with variable valve timing. An engine equipped with a variable valve timing actuation system
4233-484: The development of the Corliss valve . These were widely used in constant speed variable load stationary engines, with admission cutoff, and therefore torque, mechanically controlled by a centrifugal governor and trip valves . As poppet valves came into use, a simplified valve gear using a camshaft came into use. With such engines, variable cutoff could be achieved with variable profile cams that were shifted along
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#17327838018454316-489: The earlier model substantially, as it is a small crossover SUV . The Volvo S60 as well as its estate version Volvo V60 are considered to be compact executive cars. Saab Automobile , which went defunct in 2011, had the 9-3 -model which was a compact executive car. Based on heavily modified GM engines and platforms, the 9-3 was available as a convertible , hatchback (first generation), sedan (second generation) and station wagon (second generation). The 9-3 had
4399-470: The early 1920s incorporated variable valve timing gear, mainly to vary the inlet valve timing in connection with higher compression ratios. The Lycoming R-7755 engine had a Variable Valve Timing system consisting of two cams that can be selected by the pilot. One for take off, pursuit and escape, the other for economical cruising. The desirability of being able to vary the valve opening duration to match an engine's rotational speed first became apparent in
4482-596: The engines were carried over from the W202, but the C 320 was exclusive, offering 160 kW (218 PS). The diesels now featured common rail direct fuel injection and variable geometry turbochargers . Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for the entire range, except the C 320. There was a version of this car that was made in Korea. Mercedes-Benz debuted a coupe variant in October 2000 (launching in 2001), labelled
4565-421: The exhaust valve opens, and exhaust gas is pushed out of the cylinder and into the exhaust manifold by the piston as it travels upward. By manipulating the timing of the exhaust valve, engineers can control how much exhaust gas is left in the cylinder. By holding the exhaust valve open slightly longer, the cylinder is emptied more and ready to be filled with a bigger air/fuel charge on the intake stroke. By closing
4648-493: The first-generation SportCoupé, although it did receive the Steering wheel from the facelifted W219 and an updated optional navigation system. Some auto journalists noted that the improvements were limited in order to differentiate the CLC-Class and protect the status of the more lucrative marques in the lineup; one reviewer stated the "CLC does just about enough to introduce new customers to the world of Mercedes" and that it had
4731-550: The inert/combusted exhaust gas will back flow out of the cylinder via the intake valve, where it cools momentarily in the intake manifold. This inert gas then fills the cylinder in the subsequent intake stroke, which aids in controlling the temperature of the cylinder and nitric oxide emissions. It also improves volumetric efficiency, because there is less exhaust gas to be expelled on the exhaust stroke. Early/late exhaust valve closing Early and late exhaust valve closing timing can be manipulated to reduce emissions. Traditionally,
4814-437: The inlet and exhaust camshafts, expressed as an angular measure.) of the camshaft and valves. This allows continuous adjustment of the cam timing (although many early systems only used discrete adjustment), however the duration and lift cannot be adjusted. These designs use an oscillating or rocking motion in a part cam lobe, which acts on a follower. This follower then opens and closes the valve. Some oscillating cam systems use
4897-687: The intake valve while the exhaust valve is still open may cause unburnt fuel to exit the engine, leading to lower engine performance and increased emissions. According to engineer David Vizard's book "Building Horsepower", when both intake & exhaust are open simultaneously, the much-higher-pressure exhaust pushes the intake-charge back, out from the cylinder, polluting the intake-manifold with exhaust, in worst cases. Early variable valve timing systems used discrete (stepped) adjustment. For example, one timing would be used below 3500 rpm and another used above 3500 rpm. More advanced "continuous variable valve timing" systems offer continuous (infinite) adjustment of
4980-412: The intake valves only. Eccentric cam drive systems operates through an eccentric disc mechanism which slows and speeds up the angular speed of the cam lobe during its rotation. Arranging the lobe to slow during its open period is equivalent to lengthening its duration. The advantage of this system is that duration can be varied independent of lift (however this system does not vary lift). The drawback
5063-602: The larger DS 5 (sold until 2018) could be considered a compact executive car. The DS brand used to be a sub-marque of Citroën , and thus earlier model years (before 2015 for the DS 4 and DS 5, but the change depends on the model) carry the Citroën logo. The smallest model offered by DS has been the DS 3 (sold until 2019), which could be considered to be a subcompact or even supermini executive car. The current DS 3 Crossback differs from
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#17327838018455146-421: The late 1960s, the system used hydraulic pressure to vary the fulcrum of the cam followers (US Patent 3,641,988). The hydraulic pressure changed according to engine speed and intake pressure. The typical opening variation was 37%. Alfa Romeo was the first manufacturer to use a variable valve timing system in production cars (US Patent 4,231,330). The fuel injected models of the 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 had
5229-613: The middle. Centre console revision with new radio and climate control designs were also included. A fully integrated iPod connection kit was available as was a better Bluetooth phone system made optional. For the North American market C230, the "sport" package was made standard which included AMG edition bumpers, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. The exterior had changes of different wheel designs, grills and clear lens headlights. New more aggressive front, rear bumpers and side skirting were also installed. Several all-new M272 and
5312-491: The new model in 2001. To match the BMW E46 M3 displacement and improve weight distribution, the C 32 AMG scaled back down to a 3.2-litre V6 engine with a twin-screw type supercharger (manufactured by IHI) to reach 260 kW (354 PS) and 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft). Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic, helping it to complete a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) sprint in 5.2 seconds. The C 32 AMG
5395-546: The older 2.3-litre engine (143 kW (194 PS) compared to 140 kW (190 PS). For the C 240 and C 320, 4MATIC four-wheel drive versions were also offered in addition to rear-wheel drive. Along with the C-Class Estate (wagon), the SportCoupé was discontinued in Canada and the United States after the 2005 model year. The SportCoupé continued on sale in other markets until 2008. From October 2000 until 2007,
5478-483: The other end has a longer duration/greater lift profile. In between, the lobe provides a smooth transition between these two profiles. By shifting area of the cam lobe which is in contact with the follower, the lift and duration can be continuously altered. This is achieved by moving the camshaft axially (sliding it across the engine) so a stationary follower is exposed to a varying lobe profile to produce different amounts of lift and duration. The downside to this arrangement
5561-616: The pumping losses associated with low engine speed, high vacuum conditions is by closing the intake valve earlier than normal. This involves closing the intake valve midway through the intake stroke. Air/fuel demands are so low at low-load conditions and the work required to fill the cylinder is relatively high, so Early intake valve closing greatly reduces pumping losses. Studies have shown early intake valve closing reduces pumping losses by 40%, and increases fuel economy by 7%. It also reduced nitric oxide emissions by 24% at partial load conditions. A possible downside to early intake valve closing
5644-508: The revised suspension and extra torque. The C 55 was mainly sold as a sedan with a portion of wagons being sold in European markets. Although only offered for a brief period of time the C 55 AMG has been praised for its reliability, as the preceding C 32 AMG (W203) and the succeeding C 63 AMG (W204) were plagued by engine issues. Mercedes introduced the C-Class Sport-Coupé (codenamed "Peanut" ver. CL203) to Europe in October 2000 as
5727-497: The scheme is that only a duration variation equal to that of the lobe nose true radius (in camshaft degrees or double this value in crankshaft degrees) is possible. In practice this type of variable cam has a maximum range of duration variation of about forty crankshaft degrees. This is the principle behind what seems to be the very first variable cam suggestion appearing in the USPTO patent files in 1925 (1527456). The "Clemson camshaft"
5810-484: The time, although at least some noted the idea of an "inexpensive Mercedes" undermined the marque's association in certain markets with expensive cars. The C 230 base trim enabled the automaker to reach a lower price point than existing models sold in North America, although it lacked standard leather seats and a CD player which were amenities typically expected of German luxury imports, and adding those options made
5893-435: The valve opening duration was referred to as "steam cut-off ”. The Stephenson valve gear , as used on early steam locomotives, supported variable cutoff , that is, changes to the time at which the admission of steam to the cylinders is cut off during the power stroke. Early approaches to variable cutoff coupled variations in admission cutoff with variations in exhaust cutoff. Admission and exhaust cutoff were decoupled with
5976-437: The valve slightly early, more exhaust gas remains in the cylinder which increases fuel efficiency. This allows for more efficient operation under all conditions. The main factor preventing this technology from wide use in production automobiles is the ability to produce a cost-effective means of controlling the valve timing under the conditions internal to an engine. An engine operating at 3000 revolutions per minute will rotate
6059-422: The valve timing. Therefore, the timing can be optimized to suit all engine speeds and conditions. The simplest form of VVT is cam-phasing , whereby the phase angle of the camshaft is rotated forwards or backwards relative to the crankshaft. Thus the valves open and close earlier or later; however, the camshaft lift and duration cannot be altered solely with a cam-phasing system. Achieving variable duration on
6142-479: Was added to the range, and the CLC 230 was rechristened as the CLC 250. Daimler AG decided that the CLC would not continue production. Instead, the W204 C-Class received a traditionally designed coupé added to the lineup for the 2012 model year, coinciding with the facelifted W204 sedan/saloon in the fourth quarter of 2011. The 2012 C-Class Coupe is positioned directly against the BMW 3 Series Coupé (later 4 Series ). The A-Class would be redesigned to match up against
6225-543: Was also replaced, giving way to a new 5.4-litre naturally aspirated V8-powered C 55 AMG. This was an evolution of the V8 engine found in the previous E-Class , with power raised to 270 kW (367 PS) and torque climbing to 510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft). The C 55 AMG uses a V8 from the same engine family as the W202 generation C 43 AMG, the M113 . Though maximum speed is still electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph),
6308-1045: Was considered a non-useful "technological showpiece" as late as 2004 due to the system's weight penalty. Since then, motorcycles including VVT have included the Kawasaki 1400GTR/Concours 14 (2007), the Ducati Multistrada 1200 (2015), the BMW R1250GS (2019) and the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 (2017), the Suzuki GSX-R1000R 2017 L7, the Moto Guzzi V85TT, the Harley Davidson Milwaukee-Eight, the KTM 1390 Super Duke. Variable valve timing has begun to trickle down to marine engines. Volvo Penta 's VVT marine engine uses
6391-478: Was declining in popularity among North American customers during the late 1990s, resulting in the first generation 3 Series Compact being pulled from that market in 1999 after a short sales run, Mercedes offered the SportCoupé for the 2002 model year onward alongside other W203 C-Class models. Mercedes found that the C-Class SportCoupé was a popular first Mercedes for new customers, 40% of whom reportedly return to subsequently buy more expensive models. The SportCoupé
6474-417: Was more powerful than the C 240 sedan's 175 PS (129 kW; 173 hp) V6 engine, although the M111 was coarse and noisy at the high end. In 2003 the M111 was replaced with a quieter and more efficient DOHC supercharged 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine (M271). The C 230 Sport Coupe and the C 320 Sport Coupe were the two most inexpensive models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup of the United States and Canada at
6557-408: Was produced as a sedan/saloon (6,695 made), station wagon (1,556 made) only for European markets, and SportCoupé (liftback) which was only offered in 2002 and 2003 by special request as an AMG STUDIO order with the production numbers unknown. Another version was the C 30 CDI AMG, using a 3.0-litre five-cylinder diesel engine, capable of 170 kW (231 PS) and 540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft). Like
6640-658: Was replaced by a four-valve design, now with variable valve timing . On the diesel side, Mercedes-Benz released a brand-new 3.0-litre V6. Fitted to the 320 CDI, the new diesel cut CO 2 emissions and fuel consumption over the old C270 CDI. The C220 CDI received a power increase from 105 to 110 kW (143 to 150 PS). In addition, the V6 engines also received the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. C 230 w/ Flex Fuel option (2007 only) C 240 w/ Flex Fuel option (2005 only) C 320 w/ Flex Fuel option (2003-2005 only) *Electronically limited **For fleet vehicles, power
6723-524: Was spun off into its own separate line called the CLC-Class in 2008. The car was presented at the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, which took place from 27 to 31 January. The CLC was produced in Brazil at the company's plant in Juiz de Fora , close to the state border with Rio de Janeiro . Although the CLC is still based on the W203 platform, it was refreshed with an updated front and tail inspired by
6806-612: Was the 1988 Mazda Persona / Eunos 300 . The first Japanese compact executive car to be successful in overseas markets is the 1998 Lexus IS / Toyota Altezza . Other Japanese compact executive cars include the Infiniti Q50 (by Nissan), Acura TLX (by Honda) and Mazda Xedos 6 . Compact executive cars produced in South Korea include the Genesis G70 . Subcompact executive cars , also called premium compacts ,
6889-654: Was the 2001 Jaguar X-Type . Sales, however, were disappointing. The X-type was replaced by the Jaguar XE in 2014, competing in the same sector. Alfa Romeo's models 75 and 155 are considered compact executive cars in the United Kingdom. The 1996 Alfa Romeo 156 has been classified as such. This was followed by the Alfa Romeo 159 and then the Giulia (Type 952) . An early compact executive car from Lancia
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