Auto development firm MBtech debuted a demonstrator model for a natural gas sports car at the Innovationsschau Erdgas presented by TUV Rheinland on April 29th. This event allowed industry experts to view demonstrators, study findings and prototypes of machinery powered by natural gas. MBtech’s natural gas demonstrator used the Mercedes-Benz SLK as its frame due to the vehicle’s light weight and low profile.
MBtech used innovative engine and compression technology to power its SLK demonstrator. The four-cylinder compression engine is paired with five injectors that transfer natural gas smoothly. The fifth injector pumps gas directly into the central air intake to distribute fuel more evenly to the engine during acceleration. The development team created a sensor and actuator unit within the engine compartment to regulate fuel distribution from tank to engine. This unit is designed to work in perfect unison with the turbocharger and pistons to get every mile out of the CNG tanks.
The single limitation for the MBtech development team on the SLK project was the vehicle’s diminutive frame. The SLK demonstrator has multiple carbon CNG tanks stored in the trunk, forcing out the lifting unit for the convertible roof. MBtech replaced the convertible roof with a fixed composite roof that serves the secondary purpose of lowering the vehicle’s profile. While demonstration drivers may not be able to feel the breeze in their hair, the lower profile reduces drag on the SLK demonstrator for a smoother ride.
The MBtech SLK demonstrator sacrifices little in the way of performance in its conversion to CNG. The demonstrator can produce continuous power of 196 horsepower with the pedal to the floor, which is sufficient to reach a maximum speed of 152 miles per hour. Speed junkies may be bummed at the 0-100km time of 7.8 seconds but future generations of CNG sports cars will improve on that time.
The positive reception at the Innovationsschau Erdgas speaks as much to MBtech’s choice of vehicle as its technical capabilities. The Mercedes-Benz SLK is a popular sports car that was perfectly suited to MBtech’s innovative use of sensors, injectors and CNG tanks. While the SLK demonstrator is merely an experimental vehicle, MBtech has done a service to every retrofitter and researcher trying to convert fuel guzzlers into CNG vehicles.
