Redesigned Sprinter Has New Engines, More Versions

DaimlerChrysler Vans has unveiled a larger and restyled Sprinter, with new diesel and gasoline engines, more interior space and lower lifting heights through bigger side and rear doors.

Made in Germany by Mercedes-Benz, the 2007-model Sprinter vans will be available from many Dodge and Freightliner dealers in cargo and bus versions with unibody construction in three heights and lengths, while a cab-chassis variant can mount a variety of bodies.
Compared to the previous model, the new Sprinter is 2 inches wider and as much as 13 inches taller and 30 inches longer. It has 127 cubic feet more cargo volume and 19 inches more cargo length, and can tow up to 2,500 pounds. Sprinter is available in three vehicle lengths (233, 273 and 289 inches) on two new wheelbases of 144 inches or 170 inches, or 170 inches extended with a 15-inch longer rear overhang.
It also has three interior roof height options: standard (65 inches), high (76 inches) and new mega (84 inches).The mega version's floor-to-ceiling height is 7 feet.
A van's cargo capacity is up to 600 cubic feet and maximum payload is 5,770 pounds - both said to be the most in the van class. The sliding side door is 51 inches wide - 5 inches more than before - allowing the loading of many pallets. Clam-shell rear doors open a full 270 degrees, for easy unloading at docks and on streets. Standard on all vans is a Cargo Protection load-securing and lashing rail system, allowing straps to be attached at multiple locations.
Standard comfort and safety features include power windows and locks, integrated wide-angle mirrors, a tilt- and height-adjustable steering wheel, CD radio, one-touch triple-flash function turn signals, halogen headlamps and 16-inch wheels.
An Adaptive Electronic Stability Program that takes into account the way the Sprinter is loaded; sensors ascertain the vehicle's mass and center of gravity, and the program adjusts engine power and braking.
A new 154-horsepower, 3-liter V-6 diesel replaces the current 2.7-liter inline 5-cylinder diesel, while a lower-cost 254-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine is available for the first time. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with either engine. Three different Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings are offered, including a new higher maximum rating of up to 11,030 pounds for cargo vans and chassis-cabs.
About 400 Dodge Commercial Vehicle dealers using the Business Link system and 45 Freightliner Truck dealers will begin selling the new Sprinters in April.
Freightliner, which calls the Sprinter a commercial utility vehicle, will offer an online tool called eQuip. This will allow small-business owners to configure the interior of the cargo models with shelving, work areas and other equipment. These items will be installed before the vans are delivered.
Sprinters are built at plants in Germany and cargo vans sent in kit form, with bodies and powertrains on separate ships, to Ladson, S.C., for reassembly, in order to reduce import duties. Bus versions will come in fully assembled. The new Sprinters were introduced in Europe last year, and they are the largest-selling vehicles of their type, DC Vans said. About 1.2 million Sprinters have been sold in 100 countries since the original version went into production a decade ago.