The New Generation Of Mercedes-Benz Viano

New interior trim materials improve the look of the Viano significantly and improve its inherent functionality still further. A key feature of a new lighting concept for the passenger compartment is the impressive ambient lighting system. This comprises individual LED reading lamps as well as fibre optic units, while the whole system can be dimmed. New optional extras such as the Rear Seat Entertainment system enhance passenger travel comfort. Both driver and passengers ride in style on seats with redesigned upholstery. The upgrading of the cockpit ranges from new control buttons to a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel. All vehicle occupants benefit from significantly reduced noise levels. At the heart of the new suspension is a combination of ride comfort, driving enjoyment and active safety that takes the handling safety as well as the comfort of the vehicle to hitherto unknown levels. Both front and rear axles have been revised in every detail and specially tuned to match each specific model.

As a result the Viano's handling is precise, predictable and safe, while it also delivers excellent performance in terms of comfort, ride and noise. Exceptional efficiency, delivering low emissions and fuel consumption, is key to the new drive system. In all versions, the Viano meets EU 5 emission standards. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption could be reduced by up to 15 percent compared with the previous models, giving record figures. In conjunction with the sophisticated engineering of the current generation of four and six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engines, this is achieved through the BlueEFFICIENCY technology that comes as standard on the Viano. This encompasses on-demand activation of major assemblies, an ECO start/stop system and optimised low-resistance tyres. The new six-speed transmission, standard in combination with all four-cylinder diesel engines, also helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Its broad gear ratio spread allows excellent traction at low speeds, while at higher speeds revs and thus fuel consumption are reduced. The smooth-running four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines in the Viano range in output from 100 kW (126 hp) to 190 kW (258 hp). Mercedes-Benz passenger car range and by a redesigned rear end. Mercedes-Benz Viano a more independent character than ever before.

Perhaps with a huge waiting list for the more profitable XJ6 saloon led Jaguar to switch some E-type production capacity over to the newer car? Tragically in July 1970, Jaguar aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer suffered a fatal heart attack. He was already working on the E-type’s successor which had mutated from the XJ21 into the larger XJ27/XJ-S. Limited for the future? But engineering this into the ageing E-type was proving problematical as Jaguar Deputy Chairman FRW Lofty England told author Philip Porter. ” “Well, there ain’t much room in the cockpit area. Although it had originally planned to replace the E-type with the XJ21, finances dictated that that Jaguar examined the possibility of using a shortened XJ saloon floor pan and the forthcoming V12 engine. This made perfect sense as it enabled a degree of rationalization to take place and produce a roomier car with space for all the equipment consumers demanded. Also, Sir William Lyons wanted a more refined GT car which could retail at a higher price and generate more profit for the company. This became project XJ27 which evolved into the XJ-S. A direct E-type replacement would have to wait until the funds became available to develop one.

As related earlier, Jaguar was working on a modular 60 degree V8/V12 engine, although the V8 was to prove a blind alley. For more information on the V8/V12 saga, please look at the XJ6/12 development story. Originally the V12 was intended for the XJ saloon, but in 1968 Technical Director William Heynes pushed for the V12 engine to be used in the E-type. The shoehorning of the V12 into the E-type became project XJ25. The XJ25 was launched in March 1971 as the Series 3 Jaguar E-type and became the first car to use the new 5343cc V12 engine. The V12 was fitted with four Zenith Stromberg 175CD carburetors and was rated at 314bhp (SAE) at 5850 rpm, but by now Jaguar was admitting it was in reality 272bhp DIN. Transmission was the Jaguar four-speed manual or the optional Borg-Warner 12J three-speed automatic. At launch, Jaguar stated that the XK engined E-type would remain available in Series 3 form, but in reality only three were manufactured. Visually the Series 3 E-type was recognizable by its enlarged air intake which was fitted with a chrome grille, similar in style to that fitted to the XJ6 saloon.