Mercedes-Benz has set a new diesel world record and has once again succeeded in highlighting the performance, reliability and environmental compatibility of today's advanced diesel engines. The three standard-production Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI models completed the 30-day, 100,000-mile, marathon at an average speed of 139,699 mph (224,823 km/h) without suffering any problems.  

Mercedes-Benz set three cars at once on course for a record at the high-speed cir-cuit in Laredo, Texas; all three successfully covered the record distance, thereby providing proof of the E- Class's reliability three times over. To do so each of the three candidates did no fewer than 20,000 laps. In addition to their powertrain, their chassis and body structure was also pushed to the limit. Dramatic climatic variations, with temperatures up to 45°C (113° F) and the con-tinuous vibration caused by the uneven road surface provided additional challenges for the vehicles. This ordeal proved the durability of the new, 165 kW/224 hp V6 CDI diesel engine as well as the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic trans-mission. This world-record run allows premium manufacturer Mercedes-Benz to demonstrate once again that today's diesel engines are among the most advanced drive systems available.  
The world-record run was supervised by the FIA, which sets and enforces strict rules for tests of this kind.

Source: www.daimlerchrysler.com