Ti range finally launched Ricardo opens
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• Mercedes-Benz has finally launched the more powerful five-cylinder versions of its T1 van and chassis-cab range. The four-cylinder 3081) has been joined by the new 3101) at 3.5tonnes GVW, while the 4.6tonne 410D takes over from the 408D.
The new vehicles are aimed at the high-speed van market, which until now has been dominated by powerful turbodiesels. The new Mercedes does without a turbocharger, but by producing 71kW (95hp) with 192Nm (1411bft) from its 2.87-litre capacity, it has enough power to compete.
The outputs represent an increase of 20% over the 2.3litre found in the 3081).
The larger engined vehicles gain about 50kg in unladen weight, some of which is accounted for by larger rear drum brakes. While performance has undoubtedly been improved, Mercedes claims that fuel consumption will not be greatly affected by the increase in capacity.
No official prices have been announced yet, but the new models promise to be among the most expensive light commercials on the market.
The additions should, however, help consolidate Mercedes' position in the heavy van market; the line-up still includes the 210, 310 and 410 petrolengined versions.
A four-speed automatic transmission is now available on the four-cylinder dieselpowered 208D and 308D vans and chassis cabs. The W4A028 transmission is derived from that in Mercedes cars.