We are rubbing our collective chins at the discovery of these 2017 Mercedes-Benz Vito vans that we caught testing at high elevation. We’re talking about 12,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains. The question is, being that these 2017 Mercedes-Benz Vito prototypes are (basically) 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans, why all the hubbub? What is so special about these 2017 Mercedes-Benz Vito prototype vans that warrants masking, testing equipment and secrecy?
You can read about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris van at TFLtruck.
Here’s a possibility: currently, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris’ I4 produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is a seven-speed automatic. Now, many of you and many experts know that Mercedes-Benz makes a few diesels that would work with the Metris. What if the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Vito prototypes were testing diesels for emissions and high altitude capability? Perhaps they are using a different transmission too?
Nothing is out of the realm of possibilities.
There is one more possibility: the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Vito prototypes we caught testing are simply European models that are being tested here as it’s a good place to test. It would not be the first time we caught an automaker testing a vehicle, that wan not slated for our market, here.
What do you think?
Check out this video. Poor Roman is winded as he ran to the vans at about 12,000 feet above sea level. Get that man some oxygen!
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