PORTLAND, OREGON…Freightliner Trucks today unveiled the 2004 model Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 and MBE900 diesel engines for Freightliner heavy- and medium-duty trucks. These engines are lighter and more powerful than other engines in their class, offering superb performance, excellent fuel economy, low operating costs and lasting durability. The 2004 model MBE4000 and MBE900 will be available in the first quarter of 2004.

“The Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 and MBE900 engines have become very popular among North American medium- and heavy-duty truck operators,” said Mark Lampert, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Freightliner Trucks. “Customers appreciate the performance capacity, fuel economy, weight savings, quiet operation and reliability of these engines and are impressed with the bottom line benefits. The MBE4000 and MBE900 are proven engines that will continue to prove their benefits to commercial vehicle operators across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.”

The 12.8-liter MBE4000 is a heavy-duty engine that can be used for regional distribution, vocational, truckload and bulk-haul applications. In the Freightliner Trucks product line, the engine is offered in the Century Class S/T and Columbia, as well as in heavier-duty Business Class M2® vehicles.

The 4.3- through 7.2-liter MBE900 is ideal for use in medium-duty truck applications including distribution, food and beverage delivery, towing, utilities and fire and emergency service. In the Freightliner Trucks product line, the MBE900 is offered in Freightliner Business Class M2 vehicles.

Both engines combine advanced electronic controls, sophisticated fuel injection and extended maintenance cycles to provide an ideal solution for numerous commercial vehicle applications.

The MBE4000 delivers high torque at low RPM. It develops 90 percent of its peak torque at 1,000 RPM, giving it excellent acceleration and impressive gradeability, all with reduced shifting. The high-output turbocharger is matched with high-pressure injectors for better driveability, improved fuel economy and low emissions. The MBE4000 has a horsepower range from 350 to 450 hp and torque range from 1350 to 1550 lb. ft.

The MBE900 diesel engines are available in 4- and 6-cylinder configurations and offer horsepower ratings from 170 to 330 hp and torque range from 420 to 1,000 lb. ft. The MBE900 also delivers this range of torque at a low RPM, allowing for fewer, smoother shifts, better driveability and more capacity to climb hills and negotiate stop-and-go traffic.

Both the MBE4000 and MBE900 will use an Exhaust Gas Recirculation system (EGR) to achieve the upcoming 2004 emission standards. EGR works by routing an amount of exhaust gas to the intake manifold. The exhaust gas mixes with the incoming fresh air and displaces some of the oxygen. With slightly less oxygen in the air, the peak temperature created in the combustion chamber is reduced, thus reducing the amount of NOx created.

The MBE4000 and MBE900 will meet all applicable 2004 EPA emission regulations.

Both engines offer robust engine braking capabilities. The MBE900 features an exhaust brake, compression brake or combination exhaust / compression brake options for improved vehicle control and less service brake wear. The combination exhaust / compression brake produces up to 215 braking horsepower (182 bhp @ 2300 RPM), the most powerful engine braking available for the most demanding applications. The MBE4000 offers best-in-class engine braking, featuring the standard exhaust / compression brake with an optional, lightweight turbo brake which produces over 500 braking horsepower, contributing to shorter stopping distances and increased brake life. Both brakes operate at noise levels significantly below that of typical engine brakes.

The MBE engines also feature a sophisticated electronic control system that provides the ability to customize the engine for peak efficiency. The engines feature full diagnostics to assist maintenance personnel in quickly and accurately diagnosing any problems. The fully electronic engine management system is self-diagnosing and self-protecting. Additionally, the Detroit Diesel Diagnostic Link software allows the operator to run periodic reports for a comprehensive view of vehicle operation, assisting in the maintenance of efficiency and performance.

The engines are also designed to be durable over the long run. Core components include induction-hardened cylinder bores (MBE900); cam and crankshafts; forged steel connecting rods; chrome ceramic-coated piston rings and a cast iron engine block optimized for lightweight strength.

Both the MBE4000 and MBE900 are backed by comprehensive warranties. The MBE4000 comes with a full two-year, unlimited mileage standard warranty. The MBE900 features a base three-year, 150,000 mile warranty for on-highway applications. The engines are supported by the vast Freightliner Trucks dealer network and the wide-ranging Detroit Diesel parts and service network.

“The MBE4000 and MBE900 will continue to deliver benefits in numerous heavy- and medium-duty truck applications,” Lampert said. “These engines deliver superb power-to-weight ratios allowing for excellent performance and increased payloads. This results in increased driver satisfaction and better driver and vehicle productivity.”

Freightliner Trucks is a division of Freightliner LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and is the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America. Freightliner Trucks produces and markets Class 3-8 trucks and is a company of DaimlerChrysler, the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.