DaimlerChrysler has invested more than $2 billion in the development of a new model, which will be launched at the end of March.
The Sprinter has been built at two German factories, but Daimler-Chrysler recently announced it is dedicating its Charleston,S.C., facility to assembly of the next-generation Dodge Sprinter van in response to growing demand in the North American markets. In the NAFTA region last year, 28,100 Sprinters were sold under the Mercedes-Benz, Dodge and Freightliner brands, a 49 percent increase over the 2004 total (18,900 units).
The new Sprinter has benefited by input from the Mercedes-Benz styling department, the company said. For example, the side view and the rearlights, which blend in with the contours of the vehicle, and the taper in the lower part of the rear view are typical Mercedes-Benz styling features.
It may be misleading to talk about “the new Sprinter” when there will actually be many versions of the new vehicle. For example, the Sprinter is available in three wheelbase versions (128-, 144- and 170-in.), body lengths from 206 to 289 inches and with a choice of standard roof, high roof or the new super-high roof. With GVW ratings from 6,600 to 11,000 lbs., the new Sprinter is designed to be suitable for many applications. Panel vans offer load space from 247 to 600 cu. ft.
Sprinter’s standard specs include electrically operated windows, keyless entry, driver’s airbag, six-speed transmission, wide-angle mirrors, ergonomic seats and Adaptive ESP.
According to the manufacturer, the new Sprinter’s four-cylinder 2.1-liter OM 646 CDI turbodiesel engine is available in four outputs, ranging from 88 HP to 150 HP. It noted that these engines deliver powerful low-end torque and good fuel economy. The new top-of-the-line diesel engine is the OM 642, a 3.0-liter V6 developing a maximum output of 184 HP and a torque of 400 nm. All the diesel engines have low emissions rating and are equipped as standard with a particulate filter, the OEM added.
According to the maker, in an accident, the side members and the powertrain provide controlled energy absorption. Intelligent repair systems like the bolted-on front-end module allow sectional replacement of the side members, and divided sidewall paneling all help to reduce the cost of repairing accident damage. See www.dodge.com/sprinter/ for more information.
