Merc’s New GPS-Based Cruise Control Touts Gear-Shifting and Fuel Efficiency
Ryan Joseph Ramos May 15, 2012
Predictive Powertrain Control—mark that down as the latest of new technologies Mercedes-Benz is bringing to its vehicles. This is found in the cruise control system offered with the Actros truck, and it has the ability to shift the gears on a vehicle based on the topography scanned by the GPS on the unit. This way, the truck—as well as other vehicles the system will be put inside in the future—can get the optimal gears depending on location, thus saving fuel in the process.
According to numbers released by Mercedes-Benz, Predictive Powertrain Control has a claimed fuel efficiency boost of three percent. In addition, the system comes with something called EcoRoll that allows for automatic single and double downshifts. The system makes a big enough difference for fleet operators that are looking to cut back on those fuel costs.
With other automakers trying to make their respective cruise control systems smarter, each one is trying to add that little bit of extra to make things more attractive for prospective purchasers. Predictive Powertrain Control could just be that feature that puts Merc cruise control systems over the top, although it is not known if this system will be applied to Merc’s passenger cars.
