MERCEDES-BENZ Mexico announced at Expo Transporte 2000 that the MBE4000 engine now will be available in Freightliner Class 8 trucks that are sold in Mexico. The engine was introduced in the US and Canadian markets in March 2000 and is offered with an initial horsepower range of 350 to 450.
Rated at 12.8 liters, the six-cylinder diesel engine was developed specifically for Freightliner trucks in the North American market. It is designed for traditional linehaul applications, as well as for regional freight transportation, bulk hauling, grocery distribution, and vocational applications.
"The MBE4000 is one of the most advanced heavy-duty motors in the world," said Jose Vieira Lima, president of Mercedes-Benz Mexico. "Engineers at Mercedes-Benz developed an engine that combines power with weight efficiency."
Manufactured in Brazil, the MBE4000 is now standard in Freightliner Columbia, and it is available in the Century Class S/T, Argosy cabover, and FL 112. The engine provides customers with numerous benefits in terms of weight, performance, fuel efficiency, information management, low maintenance, and long life.
With its advanced materials and componentry, the engine is up to 600 pounds lighter than some engines in its class, while delivering the sort of performance found in larger powerplants. The engine reaches nearly 100% of torque at 1000 rpm for superb low-end power and excellent hill-climbing capability.
The MBE4000 comes standard with an engine brake that delivers 325 horsepower at 2100 rpm. Individually controlled unit injection pumps deliver precise fuel injection. Fully integrated electronics consist of an electronic control unit and a vehicle control unit.
Ensuring uptime and long life are durable components, including a cast iron engine block; induction-hardened cylinder bores, cam shaft, and crank shaft; forged steel connecting rods; and a ceramic-coated piston. The cylinders are wet-sleeved, and the seal ring under the liner flange is made from stainless steel.