Sprinter runs away from Dodge, Ford builds new turbodiesel
(Daimler)
In the United States, the Mercedes-built Sprinter has been marketed as the Dodge Sprinter. But not for much longer.
Now that Fiat has replaced Mercedes-Benz as a Chrysler owner, the Sprinter is moving back into the Mercedes lineup.
You have to wonder whether Mercedes will put the famed three-star emblem on the US-spec Sprinter – fearing some dilution of the brand’s image? – or keep selling it through its heavy-duty subsidiary Freightliner.
Speaking of boxy trucks with a Euro flair, the Ford Transit Connect is now on sale in the United States. The company sold 2,000 in the first full month on the market and vehicles are selling after fewer than 10 days on the lot.
We spotted one with temporary New Hampshire plates in downtown Newburyport. The owner didn't return while we were admiring the vehicle, but other passersby stopped to check it out, too.
Diesels keep getting quieter, smoother and less (ob)noxious.
One of the newest is a 6.7-liter turbocharged V-8 from Ford that will come to market in F-Series Super Duty trucks. The engine is designed for ease of accessibility to all components, important as the engine life is projected to be at least 250,000 miles.
The exhaust manifolds, instead of emptying on the sides of the engine, travel in the valley between the cylinder banks, with the intakes outside. That means overall exhaust system volume is reduced, making it easier to feed the exhaust air into the single turbocharger (with its dual compressors), meaning quicker spool up and less lag.
About Boston Overdrive
Video
Contributors
Clifford Atiyeh is the automotive editor for The Boston Globe and Boston.com. He has spent his entire life driving cars he doesn't own.In the garage: 1995 21-speed Iron Horse, 2002 Jeep Wrangler X (by association). Bill Griffith has reviewed cars for more than 10 years. He was also the Globe's assistant sports editor for 25 years and the paper's sports media columnist.
In the garage: 2006 Subaru Baja. John Paul is public affairs manager for AAA Southern New England and an automotive columnist for The Boston Globe. A certified mechanic, Paul tests dozens of new cars each year and also hosts a radio show on WROL.
In the garage: Hyundai Sante Fe, Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible Keith Griffin is president of the New England Motor Press Association and edits the used car section on About.com. He is also founder of the Internet Car and Truck of the Year awards and contributes to various weekly newspapers in Connecticut.
In the garage: Mazda 5, Dodge Neon George Kennedy is a senior writer for WheelsTV in Acton, which produces video reviews for Yahoo, MSN, and other auto websites.
In the garage: Lifted 1999 Jeep Cherokee with 33-inch tires
|
|
Boston.com racing coverage
