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Mercedes to unveil a hybrid-diesel GLK at Geneva
By Yoann Besnard on 3 March 2008 | 
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After the petrol hybrids, diesel hybrids seems to be the next hype and this time, European carmakers plan to lead the way. After Peugeot and its hybrid-diesel-powered 308, Mercedes will unveil the Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid at Geneva.
The Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid is powered by a mild hybrid system combining a diesel engine and an electric motor. The diesel engine is a four-cylinder CDI diesel unit with a displacement of 2.2 litres. Both engines have combined power output of 224bhp and a torque output of 413lb ft. The electric motor can’t move the car on its own but acts as both a generator and starter and backs up the internal combustion engine during the fuel-intensive acceleration phase. In addition the system features a comfortable start-stop function which switches the engine off in certain circumstances - for example when the car is stopped at traffic lights. When it comes to braking, the procedures are reversed: the electric motor acts as a generator, using a regenerative braking system.
All these technologies enable the GLK to emit only 157 grams of CO2 per kilometre despite reaching a top speed of 134mph and running the 0-62mph in juts 7.3 seconds.
The Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid is expected to hit the showrooms in 2010.
