280 CDI 6x6
I just thought that I would share with you some information that has come from a brochure produced by Daimler Chrysler Australia as they tender for the Australian Defence Force Contract - Project Overlander.
The Australian Gelandewagen Owners Association (AGOA) Newsletter, G'ocentric, reports:
"Since 1979 more than 60,000 Mercede-Benz G Wagens have been sold to military customers worldwide and the new 280 CDI looks like it is set to increase those numbers. It is available as a light weight vehicle in either 2850mm or 3120mm wheelbases. For the Light Vehicle category (6x6 driveline) it has a wheelbase of 4230mm with the intermediate axle being at 3120mm. An armour kit is available as an option. Either chassis boasts permanent all wheel drive, 2 speed transfer case and electrically operated differential locks all round. Transmission is the W5 A 580, 5 Speed Auto with touchshift. Standard fuel capacity is 96 litres but additional capacity is available on request.
The G Wagen runs both 12V and 24V systems in each vehicle via two alternators (one 12V and the other 24V) and three batteries. The 280CDI is a 6 cylinder with 2987cc displacement which is rated at 135kW (184 hp). Torque is rated at 400Nm at 1600 – 2600 RPM. Payload is between 1,000 and 3,000Kg and the top speed (limited by the 285/75R16 tyres) is 120 km. Standard fording depth is rated at 600mm."
I had a PDF of the brocure cover but unfortunately this forum will not allow PDF's. Check either American forum for it though.
John
will that find its way into the civilian market john?
pictures, pictures , pictures please some one.
It's funny to see how things happen all over again in the GWagen world. Gosh, it's twenty years ago that the Australian military considered to buy the GWagen for the first time! Back then I think a number of 300 GD LWB autos were imported to test the waters but MB lost interest in the continuing importation of civilian Gs when they lost the contract to Land Rover, no less
I am sure lightning is going to strike me down for correcting Mortinson.... but it is actually 25 years next November that the G was released officially in Australia. Like Mortinson we all believed that a bit over 300 vehicles were sold here (I think that the press at the time suggested that MB Australia would sell an initial bunch of 300). However, also released in the December G'ocentric (AGOA Newsletter) were the official sale figures from Mercedes Benz. A total of 159 G Wagens were officially sold here between 1982 and 1989! Of course these have been supplemented with quite a few personal import vehicles but I still think we are looking at a total less than 200 vehicles in the country. I think that the extremely high cost, relatively slow cruising speed (long roads here!) and stranglehold of LR and Landcruiser made it virtually impossible for the G to take-off.
Let's hope a new Army Contract will fix that. I think that the decision is due in the second half of 2007.
John
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Part of the contract specification for Project Overlander (the Military Tender) is that the vehicles are built here, so we are talking about these vehicles coming in CKD. I am not sure whether this bodes well for the reintroduction of RHD G Wagens here or not. Let's hope the G wins the contract and we can at least hope that we see non-military vehicles available (this did occur with the Unimog during the last tender so fingers crossed).
John