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Mercedes Benz S Class: A History of Charm, Good Taste and Innovation

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Archivnummer: D22188Mercedes benz s class safety testing (4)Mercedes benz s class safety testing (1)Mercedes benz s class safety testing (2)Mercedes benz s class safety testing (3)

Stuttgart – This history of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a history of vehicle safety at the highest level. A tradition of outstanding innovations which have debuted in the S-Class have made these premium cars from Stuttgart pioneers for new solutions and a worldwide benchmark in vehicle safety. Thus beyond their own vehicles, Daimler continually establish standards in active, passive and integrated safety for the entire automotive industry.

The examples range from the safety body in the 1959 “tailfin” (model series W 111) to the anti-lock braking system introduced in the S-Class (model series W 116) in 1978, the air bag (1981 premiere in the S-Class W/V 126 model series), and the Mercedes-Benz integral safety concept. This trend-setting concept was unveiled in 2005 in the S-Class (model series W/V 221) under the name PRO-SAFE™. The integral safety concept also includes the PRE-SAFE® preventive safety system, which was introduced in the S-Class W/V 220 model series in 2002.

Safety in the S-Class as a mirror of its time

Vehicle safety, for many decades after the invention of the car, meant striving for a car which was as stable as possible, with good handling characteristics, based on empirical knowledge gleaned from series production and motor racing. But in the 1950s, the company’s internal research department began stepping up its work on vehicle safety using new scientific methods. Thus it was during this period that selective crash tests and corresponding driving tests began to be conducted.
It was in the 1950s that mass motorisation became widespread in the West; road traffic was becoming heavier and faster, and accident statistics were on the rise. This prompted urgent, new questions about vehicle safety, and Mercedes-Benz engineers responded with their innovations. This ultimately resulted in solutions for series production vehicles, which often debuted in the saloons of the S-Class. Thus the top-of-the-range vehicles from Mercedes-Benz again and again became trendsetters for new safety topics. And its history also reflects the way in which the understanding of vehicle safety grew and changed with each era. Starting in the 1960s, procedures such as the digital simulation and calculation of crash performance, amongst others, were developed – highly complex and ground-breaking engineering tools.

The research and experimental vehicles also provide evidence of the importance of the S-Class in safety research. Amongst others the ESF 22 (1973) and ESF 24 (1974) experimental safety vehicles were based on the S-Class saloons in the W 116 model series. Most recently, an S 400 HYBRID W/V 221 was the basis for the ESF 2009 presented in 2009. And the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s research vehicles have repeatedly anticipated crucial aspects of safety engineering which have later gone on to debut in the saloons of the S-Class. This continued up to the F 125! from 2011, which provided a visionary view of a possible luxury Saloon in the year 2025.

The discovery of safety

In the 1950s and 1960s, engineers and researchers laid the foundation for critical safety innovations of the coming years. At tht time, there was a growing understanding and refinement of the principle of vehicle safety. For example, a conscious distinction was made between passive and active safety with the appropriate sub-speciality fields of study: whereas active safety with its aspects of driving safety, conditional safety and operational safety had always played an important role for engineers since the invention of the car, the far-reaching significance of passive safety was fully understood in the mid-20th century.

One of the first highlights in series production was the premiere of the safety body in the “tailfin” (W 111) in 1959. The safety body was developed by the mastermind of vehicle safety, Béla Barényi, who had been employed at Daimler-Benz since 1939. Amongst his most important innovations was the door lock with securing pin, which was first presented in 1951. Many of his ideas were so ahead of their time that some did not make it into series production until long after Barényi had left active service, for example, the recessed windscreen wiper when in standby mode, which was introduced in the W/V 126 model series of the S-Class in 1979.

Barényi’s safety body is based on the concept of a shape-stable passenger cell with specific deformable crumple zones at the front and rear to dissipate kinetic energy in the event of a collision. The “tailfin” premium vehicles thus heralded the first high point of vehicle safety research at Mercedes-Benz, and the safety body soon became the international standard for passive safety in the global car design industry.

Vehicle safety as an integral theme

The aspiration for even greater vehicle safety led to innovations which affected all areas of the car. Amongst other things, the Mercedes-Benz engineers established padded structures in the interior, improved the safety of the body structure with the help of increasingly sophisticated crash tests and optimised the conditional safety with improved ergonomics. The entire chassis was also further improved in terms of safety. For example, Mercedes-Benz introduced disc brakes on all four wheels in 1961. The dual-circuit braking system followed in 1963.

The company took a decisive step into the future of vehicle safety with the W 116 model series of the S-Class, which had its first public showing in 1972. This premium Saloon was characterised amongst other things by improved crash performance and extreme comfort for optimal conditional safety, plus countless detailed solutions for passive and active safety. Its front suspension with a zero scrub radius and progressive anti-dive control was an important contribution to active safety, but it also served as the basis for a further epic application: it was in the W 116 model series that the ABS anti-lock braking system made its series debut in 1978. This system ensured that the vehicle was still able to be steered even when the brakes were fully applied and it also led to the shortening of the braking distance, particularly on wet roads. It took over 20 years for ABS to be developed from the initial idea to series deployment: the first patent for the technology was filed back in 1953 by Dr. Hans Scherenberg, chief developer of the company from 1966 to 1977.

From the air bag to ESP®
Ongoing research makes vehicles safer and safer. But the work of researchers also identifies new spheres of activity. Thus it became clear that an offset collision between two vehicles is especially dangerous and presents particularly difficult challenges for the body structure. In 1979, the S-Class W/V 126 model series was the world’s first passenger car to answer these challenges with its patented forked-beam structure in the front section of the car.

This generation of the S-Class, however, truly set the standard for safety with the unveiling of its driver air bag in 1981. Housed in the impact-absorbing element of the steering wheel, the air bag inflates to a protective cushion within fractions of a second after an accident. The air bag was developed by a research group under the direction of Professor Guntram Huber, who was at the time Director of Development for Passenger Car Bodies. On the heels of the driver air bag came the passenger air bag in 1988 – also in the W/V 126 model series of the S-Class. Today, this basic principle is an integral part of all modern vehicles and is used in various locations.

In 1991, Mercedes-Benz introduced the S-Class W/V 140 model series. A crucial aspect of this car was the improved structural safety of the body to comply with legal requirements for offset frontal collisions with an overlap of 40 per cent or less. The engineers achieved this in part by developing a tapered longitudinal member at the front end which featured ribs to enable a clearly defined deformation. Moreover, the chassis subframe was elastically connected to the body in such a way that it shifted with respect to the occupant cell as soon as it was subjected to a deformation of medium severity. The car also featured numerous other details, many of which were designed to improve pedestrian protection.

In 1995, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® was introduced to a worldwide audience for the first time in the 140 model series. By selectively applying the brakes on individual wheels while at the same time intervening in the engine management, this Mercedes-Benz innovation prevents the car from skidding in critical driving situations. ESP® is one of the major inventions for active safety. Beginning with the S-Class, this ground-breaking system found its way into other models and ultimately became the international standard for modern vehicle safety throughout the world.

The S-Class on the road to integral safety

The intelligent link between innovation and the evolution of the safety-related vehicle systems also defines the W/V 220 model series of the S-Class, which had its market launch in 1998. New features included window bags and rear side bags, as well as belt tensioners with force limitation for the two outside seat belts in the rear. In addition, the DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control system as an option to the standard cruise control provided a decisive safety gain. On the basis of radar signals, the system brakes and accelerates the car such that the S-Class maintains a set safety distance from the vehicle ahead. At speeds between 40 and 160 km/h, the system operates independently of the driver’s interventions.

The Active Body Control (ABC) chassis with an active suspension system was unveiled worldwide in 1999. It mitigates the pitching and rolling motions of the vehicle and increases the safety reserves, and also helps reduce driver fatigue, even on the longest trips – a crucial aspect of conditional safety which is always an object of attention at Mercedes-Benz through the interplay of the various systems. ABC is part of the standard equipment in the S 600 and is available as an option in all other models of the S-Class.

In 2002, the PRE-SAFE® safety system had its world premiere in the facelifted S-Class of the W/V 220 model series. Based on an idea by the Mercedes-Benz engineer Karl-Heinz Baumann, this system for preventive occupant protection combines elements of both active and passive safety. The basic principle of PRE-SAFE® is the notion of protecting a vehicle’s occupants with reversible measures before a potential accident occurs. When it was introduced in 2002, PRE-SAFE® initially provided for preventive tightening of the driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts when the sensor system detected a critical driving situation. At the same time, the front passenger’s seat was moved to a more favourable position via the servomotors, and the sliding sunroof was closed.

PRE-SAFE® was an important milestone for Mercedes-Benz in the development of integral safety. In 2005, the W/V 221 model series of the S-Class showed just how this integral concept influences the design of a vehicle and its systems: PRE-SAFE® was expanded to include a number of new functions, including the adjustment of the head restraints to an optimal position, the closing of the side window, and the inflation of the side bolsters on the multi-contour seats whenever the system detects a critical situation. The S-Class now also responded to panic braking, targeted braking and critical steering manoeuvres.

In 2005, the S-Class definitively became the vehicle which was defined by an integral safety concept. Under the name PRO-SAFE™, the safety engineers grouped the whole range of elements which originated from active and passive safety and which were increasingly merging into a sophisticated system. The company later coined the term “integral safety” for this, bringing us a step closer to the vision of accident-free driving.

Amongst the innovations which were presented as elements of integral safety in the S-Class W/V 221 model series in 2005 were systems such as DISTRONIC PLUS and Night View Assist. DISTRONIC PLUS was available in combination with Brake Assist BAS PLUS. Adaptive cruise control in the S-Class now operated in a speed range from zero to 200 km/h. Even in stop-start traffic, DISTRONIC PLUS keeps a constant distance from the vehicle ahead and applies the brakes to bring the car to a standstill if needed. In 2007, Blind Spot Assist was put into series production, and the assistance system was upgraded to Active Blind Spot Assist in 2010.

In 2009, the ESF 2009 experimental safety vehicle, developed on basis of the W/V 221 model series, pointed the way to the future of safety in the S-Class. The car featured never-before-seen elements such as inflatable sheet-metal structures to replace the safety elements currently in use and the brake bag. Just before a collision occurs, this air bag inflates beneath the vehicle, doubling the braking performance with its large friction surface. Daimler is also testing head air bags between the front seats as added side-impact protection and inflatable seat belts to diminish forces acting on the upper body. These are some preliminary glimpses of the systems of the future – perhaps you will see them debut in coming generations of the S-Class.

The shaping force of modern safety engineering

Professor Guntram Huber
Born in Landshut on 20 March 1935
In his work as a design engineer, Guntram Huber devoted his entire professional life to Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles, influencing and fashioning countless safety features up to production launch. Alongside bodies developed according to the latest findings in crash safety, the important milestones of his career include various safety systems, all of which celebrated their world premiere in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Amongst these are the anti-lock braking system (ABS, presented in 1978, model series W 116), the driver air bag (1981, model series W/V 126), the front-passenger air bag (1988, also model series W/V 126) and the ESP® Electronic Stability Program (1995, model series 140).

After completing his education at a secondary school specialising in classical studies, the native of Landshut completed his mechanical engineering studies at the Technical University in Munich to become a graduate engineer. In 1959, he began working for the then Daimler-Benz AG as a test engineer in the Engineering Department for Passenger Car Bodies. At that time, the Mercedes-Benz “tailfin” (W 111), the world’s first passenger car featuring a safety body, was just about to be launched into series production, but crash tests to verify the basic idea with a shape-stable occupant cell and crumple zones at the front and rear were as yet only in the preparation stages. The young engineer was involved in these tests from the outset. The crash tests first took place outdoors, initially with a hoisting winch and then with a steam rocket as the auxiliary propulsion, and finally in a dedicated crash hall with custom-designed facilities. In March 1977, Huber succeeded Werner Breitschwerdt as Head of Engineering for Passenger Car Bodies and became a constant proponent and promoter of advances in active and passive safety measures.

Numerous safety innovations from Mercedes-Benz have made their debut in S-Class vehicles. A major milestone was ABS, which Mercedes-Benz presented as a world first in the W 116 model series in August 1978. Even at its market launch in 1972, the W 116 attracted much attention with its integral safety concept. In 1979, the S-Class W/V 126, featuring safety aspects developed under the direction of Guntram Huber, had its world premiere – the first passenger car in the world systematically developed to meet the safety requirements for an offset crash. And on the subject of air bags: in 1981, after 15 years of basic and detailed development, Mercedes-Benz were the first car brand in the world to offer their customers a driver’s air bag in the steering wheel, also in the W/V 126 model series – Huber became known as the “father of the air bag”. The front-passenger air bag followed in 1988, also in the S-Class.

From 1994, in addition to heading up body engineering, Guntram Huber also assumed responsibility for the development of axles, brakes and steering wheels for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

That same year, he was awarded a Safety Trophy by the United States Department of Transportation, in recognition of Huber’s service in introducing and implementing the first vehicle safety laws in the U.S. – he had been involved in this enormous undertaking since 1967.

ESP®, first introduced in the S-Class Coupé in 1995 and today an indispensable feature of all vehicle classes, also fell under his area of responsibility and development, as did DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, a system designed to avoid rear-end collisions with the vehicle in front and minimise the consequences of an accident, also introduced in the S-Class in 1998. Of equal importance for minimising the consequences of an accident were the air bag advances achieved under Huber, up to and including the sidebag (first introduced in 1995 in the E-Class model series W/S 210) and the window bag (also first introduced in the W/S 210 in July 1998). But the electronic drive authorisation system KEYLESS-GO and Active Body Control (ABC), aimed at avoiding lateral inclination when cornering, were also developed during Huber’s tenure as director.

In 1981, in addition to his work for Mercedes-Benz, he also accepted a teaching contract on the topic of body engineering as Chair of the Motor-Vehicle Engineering department at Darmstadt Technical University. In 1987, he was awarded the title of Honorary Professor by the Minister of Science and Art of the State of Hesse. He remained Chair of the department until July 1998 – at that time, he was already retired from his position as a design engineer, a transition he made on 31 December 1997.

Still today, he considers the Mercedes-Benz brand’s greatest service to be that it raised public awareness of the issue of vehicle safety through countless innovations and made it the norm. Indeed, many Mercedes-Benz inventions are now standard equipment in production vehicles across the globe.

C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ – Pricing Announced

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C 63 AMG edition 507

 

Continuing the success of the C 63 AMG, the ‘Edition 507’ utilises the dynamic, high-performance technology exhibited in the SLS AMG. The 507 in the name represents the number of horsepower produced by the Mercedes-AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine.

“The new C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ presents our loyal AMG customers with an exciting model variant in the highly successful C 63 AMG range” says Richard Emery, General Manager Sales Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific. “The exclusive design, high-quality interior and stunning performance continue to redefine this exceptionally popular AMG performance vehicle”

The C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ delivers a maxmimum output of 373 kW, accelerating from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds in the Saloon and Coupé models, and 4.3 seconds in the Estate. As such, the C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ outperforms the standard 336 kW model by two tenths of a second, and the 358 kW AMG performance package variants by one tenth of a second each. The top speed of all variants is 280 km/h (electronically limited).

Externally, the C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ is characterised by a number of exclusive design features, most notably the bonnet, which originates from the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. Darkened styling and new 19” AMG light-alloy cross-spoke wheels are also distinctive on the ‘Edition 507’.
The new C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ will be on sale to customers in Australia in September 2013. Sale prices will be as follows:

  • Saloon: $169,407 (MRLP)
  • Estate: $171,407 (MRLP)
  • Coupe: $172,407 (MRLP)

Important note to editors – The price detailed in this document is the current Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price (MRLP) for the C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ range.

As you may be aware, the MRLP includes GST and any LCT applicable to the base / standard specification model but EXCLUDES DEALER DELIVERY AND ALL ON ROAD COSTS such as, for example, registration fees, stamp duty, CTP and the like.

Accordingly, please ensure that when you publish the details contained in this document, your publication makes it clear to its readers that:

  • The attached pricing is an MRLP
  • That the MRLP excludes on-road costs and dealer delivery, and
  • For drive away price information, consumers should contact dealers

Whilst we are unable to provide you with drive away pricing due to the wide variation in on-road costs between states and territories, and the different ranges of dealer delivery imposed by dealers, we encourage you to contact one of our authorised Mercedes-Benz passenger car dealers in order to obtain relevant and accurate drive away information for your specific audience.

Specific details regarding the C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ will be announced closer to the vehicles launch date in September 2013.

Mercedes-Benz and Michael Schumacher: Facing the Future Together

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Mercedes-Benz and Michael Schumacher Facing the Future Together

Mercedes-Benz and Michael Schumacher today announced a long-term partnership which will extend far beyond motorsport and Formula 1. Michael Schumacher will mainly be involved with topics relating to the future, in particular the further development of the Mercedes-Benz safety and comfort systems “Intelligent Drive”, and represent them as an ambassador. For many years now the seven-times Formula 1 World Champion has been working on road safety; as a partner he will from now on be supporting Mercedes-Benz’s involvement in this field.

As a racing driver Schumacher’s motto was “If you don’t go forwards, you go backwards”. Again and again he motivated himself and his team throughout his incomparable career to achieve new developments and top performances. Now he is actively placing his expertise at the service of road users by searching for the best solutions for safety on the roads together with Mercedes-Benz.

“The future interests me much more than the present and past. During my  Formula 1 time I always believed that you must not allow yourself to rest on your laurels, but that you must continuously try to improve. In so doing I was very often able to rely on the help of all the technologies available to me in the car and use them to my advantage. That is why I am a declared supporter of driving assistance systems both in the racing car and in the road-going car”, said Schumacher of the new partnership.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing, added “We are proud that Michael Schumacher, the most successful and best-known racing driver in the world, is again joining us as our partner. Right from the time when he was a Mercedes-Benz junior and of course in the last three years as a driver in our Formula 1 team, Michael Schumacher has always been committed to our company’s projects. This is why it is only logical for both sides to pool their expertise and know-how and to use them, for instance, for enhancing driver assistance systems and thus improve safety on the roads within a partnership.”

Michael Schumacher will be making his first appearance as a partner of Mercedes-Benz together with Dr. Dieter Zetsche on 1 May 2013 at ‚Handelsblatt PATHFINDER – The future starts today.’. “I wanted to have a clearly defined remit within the new partnership and I find it very exciting to be able to contribute towards further developments and the optimisation of safety together with the inventor of the car”, said the record Formula 1 World Champion of this future working relationship.

Double Premiere for Mercedes-Benz at the Detroit Auto Show

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mercedes benz e class 2013

 

Having already reached sales of more than 13 million vehicles in its segment, the E‑Class will be celebrating its debut in its latest guise on 14 January at the International Auto Show in Detroit.  Saloon, Estate, Cabriolet and Coupé models have all been completely revised and boast a range of exceptionally efficient engines, new assistance systems and a new design idiom.  Of interest not only to the US market will be the E 63 AMG models, now available for the first time in a 4MATIC version as well. The new E-Class is the forerunner in the most comprehensive model initiative to date in the executive and luxury segment: joining the E-Class, with a world premiere towards the middle of the year, will be the new S-Class. The initiative is being flanked by the launch of the new four-door coupé, the CLA, which aims to broaden the appeal of the brand to attract younger customers. This car, too, will be celebrating its debut in Detroit and will shortly also be joining the product line-up in the US.

The new E-Class family sees numerous technical innovations for the first time, while it also demonstrates clear advances in terms of efficiency, ecology and dynamic driving. Taking the lead here, amongst other features, are a series of new and powerful BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines with direct injection technology, a new high-performance, high-torque and yet fuel-efficient six-cylinder unit, as well as even more efficient diesel engines.

All models in the E-Class family are equipped with either new or optimised assistance systems that will be found in the forthcoming S‑Class. They blend comfort and safety in a way that Mercedes-Benz calls “Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive” and include systems that, for the first time, make it possible to prevent accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians; Active Lane Keeping Assist, which can also help prevent accidents with oncoming traffic; and anti-dazzle continuous main-beam headlamps (Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus). All of which help to underline the pioneering role of Mercedes-Benz when it comes to safety.

The trendsetting engineering of the E-Class is also reflected in its design. This has been reworked in intelligent style by Mercedes-Benz and is thus now firmly embedded in the company’s current design idiom.

Although the equipment and appointments packages have been significantly enhanced, the prices for the E-Class models remain at nearly the same level as for their predecessors. Some individual models are even available at a lower price than their predecessors.  

More than 13 million vehicles sold in the E-Class segment

Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Board of Management Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Sales and Marketing: “With more than 13 million vehicles sold, the E-Class segment represents one of the key building blocks of our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy. The launches of the new E-Class family and the S-Class during 2013 mark the beginning of our most comprehensive model initiative ever in this segment and once again set clear benchmarks in terms of safety, design, quality and efficiency. The letter “E” thus continues to represent the position of leadership in this demanding segment.”

Worldwide sales of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon have reached some 11,250,000 units to date. Adding to this sales success are around 1,180,000 Estates, approximately 370,000 Coupés, 240,000 CLS and some 100,000 Cabriolets from the E-Class family. The Saloon model of the current E‑Class has been the vehicle of choice for some 600,000 buyers since its market launch in 2009, while the Estate model has found a home with around 100,000 customers over the same period.   

The most successful Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon so far was the model series W 123, of which 2.4 million units were sold over the nine-year period that this model was built, from 1976 until 1985.   

Over the years, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the recipient of numerous awards for design, engineering, quality and innovations. The first half of 2012 saw the current model series add further significant awards to the list:

  • In May, 5000 fleet managers voted for their favourites among the manufacturers and service providers represented on their fleets for the German magazine “Flottenmanagement” (Fleet Management). In the upper medium-size category the Mercedes-Benz E-Class took Silver, along with the “Flottina” Award.  
  • In June, the E-Class was revealed as the leading model in the executive luxury segment in terms of customer satisfaction according to the findings of the J.D. Power Study 2012, in a repeat of the previous year’s result.
  • Also in June, the specialist magazine FIRMENAUTO (Company Car), together with the independent expert organisation DEKRA, made the E-Class Estate E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, as the overall winner in the upper medium-size category, their “Company car of the year”.   

The new E-Class, which will be celebrating its world premiere at the Auto Show in Detroit on 14 January, continues on this successful course. The Mercedes-Benz press conference will be transmitted live from the NAIAS 2013 on Monday 14 January on www.daimler.gomexlive.com. The live stream may be used copyright-free and included as part of editorial website content via embed code.   

Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available online: www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

Mercedes Unleashes The SLS AMG Black

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Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (10)Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (1)Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (2)Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (3)Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (4)Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (5)Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (6)Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (8)Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (9)Mercedes Benz SLS AMG BlackMercedes Benz SLS AMG Black (7)

 

Mercedes-AMG presents the high-end super sports car version of the gull-wing model, the new SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing version, the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG boasts a fascinating mix of breath-taking design, outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromising lightweight construction in accordance with the “AMG Lightweight Performance” strategy. With a DIN kerb weight of 1550 kilograms, the SLS AMG Black Series achieves a power/weight ratio of 2.45 kg/hp. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generates a power output of 464 kW (631 hp) at 7400 rpm and accelerates the most dynamic gull-wing model of all time to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The coil-over AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension, the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system and the weight-optimised forged AMG light-alloy wheels with newly developed sports tyres combine with the electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring uncompromisingly emotional shift and response times to raise the SLS AMG Black Series to a new level. The AMG Aerodynamics package is optionally available to further boost the vehicle’s driving dynamics.

Black Series – a name that resonates with automobile experts and enthusiasts. Following on from the SLK 55 AMG Black Series from 2006, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007), the SL 65 AMG Black Series (2008) and the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series (2011), the fifth exponent sees the Black Series entering a new dimension with the gull-wing model.

“The new SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to the road. We have drawn inspiration from the worldwide success of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car on both a conceptual and a technological level. Boasting numerous lightweight components and fascinating driving dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees pure, unadulterated ‘Driving Performance’. The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is the ultimate choice for fast laps and highly emotional driving experiences”, says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“The most dynamic gull-wing model of all time goes by the name of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. Fans of high-performance super sports cars will be fascinated by its high-tech package.

The basis for passionate performance and supreme driving dynamics is provided by numerous new developments in the area of the engine, power transmission, suspension and aerodynamics – also according top priority to our “AMG Lightweight Performance” strategy. Great efforts in the field of lightweight design have resulted in a DIN kerb weight of 1550 kilograms,” notes Tobias Moers, head of overall vehicle development and member of the management board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine a byword for thrilling driving dynamics
The uprated AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generating a power output of 464 kW (631 hp) and 635 Newton metres of torque is a byword for thrilling driving dynamics, making the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine at present. Only the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive with a maximum output of 552 kW comes with greater power reserves.

The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The top speed stands at 315 km/h. The additional 44 kW (60 hp) of power in comparison to the 420 kW (571 hp) offered by the SLS AMG has been achieved by the following measures:

Increase in maximum engine speed from 7200 to 8000 rpm
Fully revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimised bucket tappets featuring a special coating which is otherwise exclusive to racing vehicles
Modification of the intake air ducting: derestriction and adaptation to the new maximum engine speed
Adaptation of the engine application and increase in peak pressure

The engineers at Mercedes-AMG have further optimised the crank assembly in the interests of optimum stability in tough racing use. The measures carried out here include modified oil bores in the crankshaft, new crankshaft bearings, a new oil pump and high-strength screwed connections for the conrods. The entire water and oil cooling system for the engine and transmission has also undergone further optimisation. The AMG V8 engine in the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is additionally provided with a special support system. A gas-filled strut braces the eight-cylinder engine on the body, effectively eliminating undesired load change reactions in highly dynamic driving on the race track. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is hand-built at the AMG hand-finishing section in Affalterbach, according to the philosophy “one man, one engine”. This hand-made quality is confirmed by the black AMG engine badge bearing the responsible engine fitter’s signature which is a hallmark of the Black Series models.

The key data at a glance:

SLS AMG Coupé Black SeriesDisplacement 6208 cc

Bore x stroke 102.2 x 94.6 mm

Compression ratio 11.3 : 1

Output

464 kW (631 hp) at 7400 rpm

Max. torque

635 Nm at 5500 rpm

Maximum engine speed 8000 rpm

Engine weight (dry) 205 kg

Fuel consumption, NEDC combined 13.7 l/100 km

CO2 emissions 321 g/km

Efficiency class G

Acceleration 0-100 km/h  3.6 s

Top speed 315 km/h

The eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine installed as a front mid-engine behind the front axle boasts racing car-style response and livelier than ever revving ability. The powerful AMG V8 engine’s race track aspirations are also apparent in its sound: the newly designed AMG sports exhaust system, produced in titanium for the first time, features distinctive centre and rear mufflers which provide for a more powerful and even more striking engine sound. The switch from steel to titanium has spawned substantial weight savings: at just under 17 kilograms, the new AMG sports exhaust system is around 13 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The new system features the performance-enhancing fan-type exhaust pipes which have been in use to date.

Systematic application of the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy
Lightweight at its core: with a kerb weight of 1550 kilograms (DIN), the new SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is not only 70 kilograms lighter than the SLS AMG, but also attains the best power/weight ratio of all AMG Black Series vehicles to date by far. The figure of 2.45 kg/hp will also bear up to comparison in the super sports car scene. Such a ratio is made possible by systematic application of the “AMG Lightweight Performance” strategy. Numerous body elements, such as the bonnet, the rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the diagonal braces on the underbody and the torque tube between engine and transmission consist entirely of the motorsport material carbon fibre (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic). In contrast to its 26.6-kilogram counterpart with sand-cast aluminium housing, the carbon-fibre torque tube weighs only 13.3 kilograms. As previously, power transmission between the engine and the dual clutch transmission (transaxle principle) which is flange-mounted on the rear axle is effected by means of a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP) drive shaft weighing only 4.7 kilograms. A number of parts on the aluminium spaceframe have also been replaced by CRP components. A lithium-ion battery which is used in place of the conventional starter battery saves a further eight kilograms.

Dual clutch transmission for even more emotional dynamism
The overall power transmission system is also a major contributory factor to the outstanding driving dynamics of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is installed ten millimetres lower in order to achieve a lower centre of gravity for the vehicle and is braced against the body by gas-filled struts in order to avoid stress cycles. The dual clutch transmission features four driving modes (C, S, S+ and M). “Sport plus” and “Manual” in particular provide for markedly sportier performance than with the SLS AMG and SLS AMG GT models. In addition to an increase in shifting speed, the reduced response time to shift commands from the driver and the shifting hardness provide for pure dynamism.

An even more thrilling feature is the automatic double-declutching function during downshifting: the throttle blips when shifting gear are more pronounced and more strikingly audible than ever, due to the AMG titanium sports exhaust system. There is also a new temporary M mode. In C, S or S+ mode, this enables the driver to activate manual mode without having to remove a hand from the steering wheel, by pressing the “up” or “down” shift paddle once. In temporary M mode the driver experiences the dynamism and performance of gear-shifting in manual mode in all of the automatic driving programmes, with automatic up- and down-shifting into the bargain. This allows the driver to devote his full attention to the vehicle’s impressive performance.

New, electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock
A newly developed, electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock with a shorter rear-axle ratio replaces the mechanical variant; it is integrated in the compact transmission housing. This system operates with a variable locking effect in acceleration and deceleration mode; in addition, the electronics respond more sensitively than to date, enabling excellent traction for the driven wheels at all friction levels. The electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock also benefits driving safety: in slaloms or when changing lane at high speeds the system has a stabilising effect, as it is able to attenuate the vehicle’s yaw rate around its vertical axis. The standard-fit 3-stage ESP® system featuring the functions “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT Handling Mode” and “ESP OFF” is precision-tuned to the electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock. The same applies to the RACE START function, which provides for perfect traction when accelerating from a standing start in conjunction with the electronic differential lock.

AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension and sports tyres
The chassis and suspension of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series are also new. The basic layout with double wishbones all-round in aluminium remains unchanged, but barely a component has gone untouched in the interests of much enhanced race track performance.

The new developments in detail:

AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension with tauter basic tuning and electronically controlled two-stage damping (Sport, Sport +) for individual adjustment to the preferred personal driving style
Coil-over spring retainers to enable adjustment of wheel loads for personal race track set-ups
Elastokinematics 50 / 42% more rigid (front/rear axle) for greater stability in fast double bends
Track width increased by 20 / 24 millimetres (front/rear axle) for added grip in fast bends
New wheel carriers on front axle and new front stabiliser tuning for added grip, reduced roll angle in fast cornering
AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels, in particularly light forged design with optimised strength, painted matt black with high-sheen finish, dimensions: 10×19 at fron; 12×20 at rear. Weight saving: 4.0 kilograms
Newly developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tyres. Dimensions 275/35 R 19 at front and 325/30 R 20 at rear, for added grip and sporty cornering limit
AMG speed-sensitive steering with newly defined power steering characteristic for optimum steering precision and outstanding control
of the vehicle

AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system as standard
The brake system of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series boasts excellent deceleration performance and outstanding stability. The AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system comes as standard. The ceramic brake discs measuring 402 x 39 millimetres at the front and 360 x 32 millimetres at the rear feature increased hardness for enhanced thermal stability, accompanied by a weight reduction of around 40 percent. As a result of the reduced unsprung masses, they optimise both comfort and grip. The reduced rotating masses on the front axle provide for more direct steering response. Weight savings with the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system compared to a conventional steel/aluminium brake system: 16 kilograms.

Design inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car
The design of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series derives a special fascination from its similarity to the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car. The gull-wing racing car developed in accordance with FIA GT3 rules has quickly become established as a serious contender among the super sports car elite.

In the 2012 motorsport season the SLS AMG GT3 is competing in more than 15 series on four continents. The triple victory in the 24-hour Dubai race in January 2012, three driver and team titles in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters and the FIA GT3 World Championship along with numerous places on the podium at various short-distance, 4- and 6-hour races demonstrate the SLS AMG GT3′s sporty performance in impressive style. To date, the car has notched up 37 victories in the 2012 season (as per 28 October 2012).

Wide flared wings with an added width of 13 mm (front) and 26 mm (rear) on each side create the necessary space for the 275 mm and 325 mm sports tyres. Darkened headlamps and black surrounds for the rear lights provide the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series with a muscular and aggressive look. The vehicle’s aerodynamic balance is optimised by the front apron and rear apron with diffusor along with side sill panels in Black Series-specific design featuring carbon fibre-reinforced plastic front splitter, carbon inserts in the side sills and the rear apron made of carbon fibre. The enlarged air intakes with carbon-fibre flics additionally ensure an optimum air inflow into the cooling modules at the front.

As on the SLS AMG GT3, the carbon-fibre bonnet features a central air outlet. Apart from effectively discharging the engine heat, this outlet also increases downforce at the front axle and improves the Cd value. The wing-like cross-fin and the star recess in the radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black to match the exterior mirrors and the fins on the bonnet. The carbon-fibre insert on the sides with air outlet and a black fin is also reminiscent of the GT3; this feature also helps to reduce the temperature level in the engine compartment. The upshot is maximum stability, even in tough race track use.

Matt black AMG forged wheels in Black Series-specific design
A striking feature on the sides is the attractive integration of the side skirts, which combine with the side feature line in appealing fashion. The carbon elements fitted along the bottom at the sides continue the line of the carbon-fibre front splitter along to the rear. AMG forged wheels in a series-specific 10-spoke design, painted in matt black with a high sheen finish, provide glimpses of the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system. AMG forged wheels in matt black with high-sheen rim flange are alternatively available.

The rear of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series presents a brawny appearance on a par with that of the front end. The wide wings and the striking rear diffusor are the predominant features here. The diffusor extends beyond the profile of the rear apron and produces additional downforce at the rear axle. This results in greater driving stability at high speeds. Visible air openings behind black grilles serve to control the dischrage of hot air in the area of the AMG titanium sports exhaust system. The two sets of twin chrome tailpipes with a square cross-section provide a visual demonstration of the gull-wing super sports car’s power and dynamism – an impression that is backed up by a corresponding sound. The exclusive AMG logo with contrasting Black Series lettering in black adds a discreet yet striking touch at the top right of the boot lid.

AMG Aerodynamics package with carbon-fibre components
The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series can be upgraded with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package. This package features a fixed, adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil in the style of the SLS AMG GT3 in place of the standard-fit aerofoil which extends automatically at speeds of over 120 km/h. The rear aerofoil is braced by aluminium elements on a special insert on the boot lid and provides for even greater negative lift force on the rear axle – not least of all as a result of the Gurney flap, named after its inventor, Dan Gurney, a former racing driver, designer and team owner. This eight millimetre-high spoiler lip fitted to the rear aerofoil at an angle of 90 degrees results in a further increase in downforce without significantly increasing drag. The rear aerofoil is complemented by additional carbon-fibre flics on the front apron which further reduce downforce at the front axle, as opposed to the more inward-lying standard-fit carbon-fibre flics which serve to optimise the inflow of air into the cooling modules.

The optionally available expressive colour AMG solar beam is exclusive to the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. Six other exterior paint finishes from the SLS AMG range are available, including the matt paint designo magno alanite grey.

Sporty, functional interior exuding high quality

A functional, sporty racing-car atmosphere is prevalent inside the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, with high-quality materials demonstrating precision workmanship and exquisitely designed details. There is a choice of two colour variants: Alcantara® black or Alcantara® black/red. With the two-tone variant, the door centre panels and the applications on the centre console and above the glove compartment are finished in red. The AMG Performance steering wheel with flattened bottom rim section features Alcantara® all round for a good grip. In the top section the steering wheel features a sporty red 12 o’clock marking. The real metal bezel features a high-gloss black paint finish to match the high-gloss black surrounds of the air vents. A particularly high-quality and exclusive Black Series detail is the so-called “3D seam” which runs horizontally along the dashboard: a fine Alcantara® strip in anthracite features across the entire width of the leather covering. Red contrasting stitching in the leather lend an accomplished finish to the 3D seam, underscoring the hand-crafted character.

The combination of designo leather and Alcantara® features throughout the interior – on the bottom section of the dashboard, for example, on the door centre panels and on the AMG sports bucket seats, whose centre sections are covered with Alcantara®. Embossed AMG emblems on the head restraints are further exclusive eye-catchers. In addition to providing first-class lateral support at high cornering speeds, the AMG sports bucket seats are also 15 kilograms lighter than the standard AMG sports seats.

The absence of the COMAND APS multimedia system reduces the vehicle’s weight by an additional six kilograms as a further demonstration of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series’ uncompromisingly purist character. In place of the screen between the air vents, a carbon-fibre trim element exudes an authentic racing atmosphere. COMAND APS is optionally available ex-factory. The vehicle’s occupants will also discover the motorsport material carbon fibre on the entire centre console with the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Bold highlights are added by red seat belts and red contrasting stitching on the AMG sports bucket seats, the centre console, the upper and lower section of the dashboard and the door panelling. The floor mats similarly feature red edging.

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
A highlight among the optional equipment and appointments is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, developed by Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG together with renowned Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1 enables an exclusive music experience of the very highest standard. This is made possible by a 1000 W amplifier and 11 loudspeakers in conjunction with precise distribution of the music signals by the sound processor according to the selectable seat positions – driver, co-driver or central. The DSP digital sound processor additionally enables the user to switch between the high-end studio sound (“Reference”) and a surround sound option. All functions are controlled via COMAND APS (optional item) in a special Bang & Olufsen menu. The illuminated 50 W lens tweeters are a special highlight on the dashboard. The 250 W subwoofer is accommodated in the rear shelf. High-quality loudspeaker covers sporting the Bang & Olufsen logo indicate the high-end system’s exclusive character.

Further individualisation options are also available (selection):

AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror
AMG carbon-fibre engine cover
AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package
AMG infotainment system (incl. COMAND APS, AMG Performance Media and backup camera)
Media Interface

The market launch of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series will begin in June 2013.

source: Daimler AG

New Mercedes-Benz SL – Lightweight and Athletic

Posted by gaycarboys on

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With the completely redeveloped SL, Mercedes-Benz continues a tradition that began 60 years ago. The letters “SL” have ever since been synonymous with a symbiosis of sportiness, style and comfort – and with groundbreaking innovations. The new SL has been produced for the first time almost entirely from aluminium and weighs up to 140 kilograms less than its predecessor. Its highly rigid all-aluminium bodyshell provides the basis for agile, sporty handling that has been taken to an entirely new level, coupled with exemplary roll characteristics and ride comfort. Even better driving dynamics come courtesy of the new BlueDIRECT engines; they are more powerful yet at the same time more economical when compared to the outgoing generation.

Other new features include the unique FrontBass® system, which turns the luxury sports car into a concert hall regardless of whether the top is open or closed, and the highly efficient adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system MAGIC VISION CONTROL; it supplies water from the wiper blade to the windscreen – as required and depending on the direction of wipe.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there are only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: it has class, it has style, it oozes comfort and luxury. But it blends all of this with unbelievable sportiness and dynamism. Virtually no other car can meet Gottlieb Daimler’s standard as perfectly as our SL: the best or nothing.”

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous letters “SL” – super-light – literally. Consistent weight reduction is one of the most outstanding design characteristics in the new SL – as was the case in its namesake, the original SL of 1952 with its lightweight tubular frame. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has implemented an all-aluminium bodyshell in a series-production model. Only very few components consist of other materials. The designers use the even lighter magnesium for the cover behind the tank. High-strength steel tubing is integrated in the A-pillars for safety reasons.

The new aluminium bodyshell weighs around 110 kilograms less than it would using the steel technology from the predecessor. “The effect is rather as if a heavyweight-class passenger had got out of the car” says Dr Thomas Rudlaff, responsible for the aluminium bodyshell at Mercedes-Benz. “The result is perceptible and measurable. Less weight means more dynamism and less consumption. In other words: the motoring enjoyment increases, the environmental burden decreases.”

The aluminium structure is not only lighter but also proves superior to the predecessor’s steel construction in terms of rigidity, safety and comfort. This is achieved thanks, among other things, to its intelligent lightweight construction with components optimised for their specific task. Thus, diverse processes are used to make different kinds of aluminium depending on the use the component is to be given: the parts are made by chill casting or vacuum die-casting, worked into extruded aluminium sections or into aluminium panels of different thicknesses. The result: high rigidity, high safety levels and better vibration characteristics.

Although the new SL is even more comfortable and has more safety devices on board than its predecessor and therefore does actually sacrifice some of the weight saved through the aluminium bodyshell, the scales show some astonishing figures: the new SL 500 (1785 kg) weighs around 125 kilograms less than its predecessor bearing the same name. On balance, the SL 350 (1685 kg) is even 140 kilograms lighter – all thanks to a host of other intelligent enhanced details to reduce weight, which Mercedes-Benz has also implemented in the new SL in addition to the aluminium bodyshell.

Driving pleasure: frugal, powerful engines and agile suspension

Powerful while accelerating, effortlessly superior across all speeds, nimble on winding roads – the new SL provides no end of driving pleasure. Apart from the powerful engines, the sportily tuned yet comfortable suspension, which also boasts an intelligent lightweight construction, proves outstanding. For instance, the steering knuckles and spring links on the front axle are also made out of aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. The same also applies to virtually all the wheel location components on the rear axle.

The new SL is available with two different suspension systems: the SL features semi-active adjustable damping as standard. The optional active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) is available as an alternative.

Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied across the steering wheel angle. This ensures excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a high degree of assuredness when travelling at motorway speeds and makes the SL very agile. It also reduces the amount of steering required when parking and manoeuvring.

The new V8 in the SL 500 develops 320 kW from its displacement of 4663 cc and thus around 12 percent more than its predecessor despite some 0.8 litres less displacement. The fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 22 percent. At the same time, the torque has increased from 530 Nm to 700 Nm – a gain of 32 percent. Although the displacement remains the same at 3499 cc, the new V6 engine in the new SL 350 develops 225 kW and delivers 370 Nm of torque.
Both engine variants come with a standard-fit ECO start/stop function. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has been optimised in relation to fuel consumption and comfort, also contributes to the exemplary, low fuel consumption. The fuel economy of the BlueDIRECT engines takes nothing away from the roadster’s raciness. Quite the contrary: the SL 350 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, making it three tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The SL 500 takes just 4.6 seconds – eight tenths less than the previous SL 500.

Interior: aesthetic, stylish, sporty

The new SL combines its aesthetically honed profile, which follows the Mercedes-Benz tradition, with a luxurious feel. Fine materials, perfectly finished with great attention to detail, distinguish the style and character of the interior.

Compared with its predecessor, the new generation of the SL is much longer (+50 mm to 4612 mm) and wider (+57 mm to 1877 mm), providing more room for more comfort in the interior, too. Shoulder room (+37 mm) and elbow room (+28 mm) have been increased, exceeding the dimensions normally found in this vehicle class. Clear lines create a formally coherent internal space within this comfortable interior. Generously used wood trim extends from the centre console across the dashboard into the doors, creating a pleasant wrap-around effect. Three types of wood along with two different aluminium trim finishes are available. Perfectly in tune with the roadster’s character, it combines the unpretentious atmosphere of a high-performance sports car with the comfortable, stylish ambience one comes to expect in a luxurious touring car.

Design: classic SL proportions

The designers have brought the latest generation of the SL unmistakably to life on the basis of tradition but added new perspectives and visions. The result is a stylishly sporty and elegant luxury sports car with the classic hallmark SL balanced proportions: the long bonnet gives way to a compact passenger compartment that is set well back. A wide, muscular tail end giving the impression of raciness provides the finishing touch. A handful of elaborately styled lines define the powerfully sculpted and yet calm surfaces of the flanks. Finely worked details, a striking tail end as well as ventilation grilles with chromed fins from the dynamic traditional Mercedes-Benz design heritage visually emphasise the SL legend.

An upright classic sports car radiator grille clearly marks out the new SL visually as a prestigious member of the current Mercedes-Benz sports car family. The centrally positioned star is a contemporary reinterpretation of the famous trademark, which now extends into the centre section with its organically flowing contours.

Dynamically slanting headlamps set well to the outside flank the striking front end and give the new roadster its own unmistakable face. The headlamps come as standard with the Intelligent Light System (ILS). With five different lighting functions that are tailored to typical driving and weather conditions, and are activated depending on the driving situation, they offer the driver a much better illuminated field of vision. The striking curved sidelights and the horizontal strip of the daytime running lamps in the far ends of the bumper feature LED technology.

Aerodynamics: new standards

The design of the new SL not only meets high aesthetic demands – it also boasts exemplary aerodynamic qualities.

As such, the roadster merits best marks in its segment in four important disciplines:

  • With the lowest drag coefficient (cd = 0.27 in the SL 350);
  • With the lowest wind noise that is virtually on a par with a closed saloon;
  • With the best comfort for open-top motoring so that you can still have the roof down even at high speed; 
  • With virtually no accumulation of dirt on the side windows.

Two world premieres: FrontBass® and MAGIC VISION CONTROL

With two innovations, the new SL remains true to its tradition as a technological trendsetter:

  • MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new, intelligent and highly efficient wipe/wash system. The innovative wiper blade concept always applies the washer fluid just in front of the wiper blade lip via the channels integrated into the blade – in both directions of wipe. As a result, no water is splashed onto the windscreen during spraying to disrupt the driver’s visibility, while at the same time cleaning the windscreen perfectly. The water also remains on the windscreen, thus ensuring it is cleaned without troubling the occupants, even with the roof down. For the first time an optional fully heated wiper blade which prevents snow or ice from forming on the blade in winter is available. This heating function also allows warm water to be applied directly onto the windscreen for the first time, even in cold temperatures.
  • Also unique, the FrontBass® system intelligently uses the free spaces in the aluminium structures in front of the footwell as resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers. As a result the new SL features clear, crisp bass sounds that facilitate a concert hall ambience even with the top down, and frees up space in the doors.

Both innovations are part of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL.

The safest roadster

Thanks to the crash-optimised aluminium structure, standard-fit PRE-SAFE® and assistance systems on the same high level as the S-Class, the SL is the world’s safest roadster. The rigid aluminium bodyshell forms a sturdy passenger compartment along with precisely defined deformation zones in the front and tail ends. In the event of the vehicle overturning, A-pillars made out of a mix of steel and aluminium and two roll-over bars protect the passenger compartment. The restraint systems including the two-stage driver and passenger airbags have been further developed. A headbag integrally covers the side head-impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the seat backrest can protect the upper body in the event of a side impact. Another new feature is the crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints developed by Mercedes-Benz which are fitted as standard in the SL.

An active bonnet and a front end with a large, yielding impact area help ensure pedestrian protection.

A safety highlight comes in the form of the standard-specification anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, developed by Mercedes-Benz and the only one of its kind in the world. If it recognises that there is an acute risk of an accident, it reacts reflexively by activating preventive measures to protect the occupants, so that the belts and airbags can exercise their protective effect optimally in the event of a subsequent impact which might ensue. Additional post-crash measures supplement the integral safety concept and facilitate rapid assistance: regardless of the severity of the impact, the doors can be automatically unlocked after an accident, the interior lighting activated and the side windows lowered by 50 millimetres to ventilate the interior more effectively. The steering wheel can also be moved upwards.

Standard-specification: ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE

In the new SL, too, a unique combination of driver assistance systems helps prevent accidents. These include the standard-fit drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST and the ADAPTIVE BRAKE. The latter features ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and active yaw control, and offers comfort and convenience functions in addition to safety functions.

The ADAPTIVE BRAKE works in conjunction with the equally adaptive brake lights. In emergency braking situations, it uses flashing brake lights to warn vehicles behind.

PRE-SAFE® Brake: autonomous partial and emergency braking in response to a serious risk of a rear-end collision

As an option DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is already well proven in other Mercedes-Benz models, are available. Both work on the basis of the same radar sensors. Once a serious risk of a rear-end collision is detected, the PRE-SAFE® Brake warns the driver initially and can initiate autonomous braking if the driver fails to react, and so either prevent the accident or at least mitigate its severity. PRE-SAFE® can also activate occupant protection measures.

HANDS-FREE ACCESS – ‘kick’ to open

One of the new products and features from Mercedes-Benz is a system known as HANDS-FREE ACCESS. Standard on the new SL for the first time anywhere in the world, and it allows drivers to operate the boot lid without using their hands. This work is taken care of by a hydraulic drive system, for which the control signals are given by the SL owner without touching anything, but by making as though to kick the area of the rear bumper with their foot; doing so activates this fully automatic comfort-increasing equipment. Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer to offer a system which not only opens but also closes the boot lid automatically.

With the innovative convenience function HANDS-FREE ACCESS there is no longer any need for drivers to have to get annoyed by having to put their purchases and other objects down on the – often dirty – ground when out shopping and when they literally have their hands full, in order to reach for the handle. Should an unintentional ‘kick’ result in the boot lid opening or closing without the driver wanting this to happen, a second kick will correct it. When this occurs, the automatic system interrupts the procedure and reverses the effect of the signal given in error by actuating the boot lid against the original direction of movement – in the case of unintended opening, the second kick closes the boot lid again.

An appropriate safety program facilitates unhindered use of the HANDS-FREE ACCESS system. An acoustic signal provides the information that an opening or closing procedure has been initiated, and an automatic reversing function stops the boot lid as soon as the system recognises that there is an obstacle blocking the boot lid.

Mercedes Benz: Seatbelt airbags, What next?

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Beltbag

The Beltbag, one of the highlights from the ESF 2009 Experimental Safety Vehicle, is due to go into production in a luxury-class model from Mercedes-Benz. The inflatable seat-belt strap is able to reduce the risk of injury to passengers in the rear in a head-on collision by lessening the strain placed on the ribcage.

Should the crash sensors detect a severe frontal impact, the airbag control unit will trigger deployment and inflation of the Beltbag. A gas generator then inflates the multi-layered belt strap with Velcro seams to nearly three times its normal width. The resulting larger surface area is able to better distribute the force acting on the seat occupant, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

The Beltbag can be used in exactly the same way as a conventional seat belt. The belt strap’s design is different from that of the standard belt though, and received top marks in practical trials for being extremely comfortable to wear and for its extra-soft belt strap edge.

“Mercedes-Benz is pursuing its safety initiative in the rear of vehicles with the Beltbag,” comments Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Passive Safety and Vehicle Functions at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “After all, the excellent standard of safety offered by Mercedes-Benz doesn’t just apply to all model series, but to all seats, too.”

Just like the active seat-belt buckle recently presented by Mercedes-Benz that is likewise earmarked for inclusion in a luxury model, the Beltbag was developed with a particular view toward new markets. There, the occupancy rate in the rear is as much as 30 percent, making it much higher than in Europe. By introducing the Beltbag, Mercedes-Benz is further expanding the safety system for passengers in the rear – in contrast to many other manufacturers, seat belts in the second row of Mercedes-Benz models already come equipped with belt tensioners and belt force limiters. It is not planned to introduce the Beltbag for the front occupants, as airbags are already included in the front on all models as a supplementary restraint system.

Because dummy measurement technology is not capable of quantifying the benefits resulting from a wider belt strap, such as the lower force exerted on occupants, the safety experts at Mercedes have also been working intensely with virtual human models, as such computer-generated models make it possible to obtain detailed findings on the biomechanical strain during a collision.

Luxury Car Tax has Unintended Consequences

Posted by gaycarboys on

 

 

Recent changes to the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) thresholds have reduced the amount of LCT that will be collected from higher emission vehicles whilst providing no further incentive for fuel efficient vehicles.

The Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars, Mr Horst von Sanden said “With the recent increase in the LCT threshold from $57,466 to $59,133 those vehicles impacted reflect the reduced LCT with a reduction of $500. Whilst any reduction of the impost of LCT is a very welcome development, we are disappointed that the threshold for Fuel Efficient vehicles has stayed at $75,375. The stated intention of the Government is to reduce greenhouse emissions, yet the impact of the recent threshold changes has been to disadvantage those vehicles that are 7.0L/100km or less and deliver a price reduction to vehicles that are not fuel efficient. There seems a real gap in logic and public policy occurring here.

An unintended consequence of this is that those of our vehicles (and other manufacturers and importers) over 7.0L/100km get a $500 price reduction whilst there is zero price reduction on any vehicles which are under 7.0L/100km!

We have 87 models and variants in our passenger vehicle range with 36 of them being either under the $59,133 LCT threshold or qualifying for the 7.0L/100km Fuel Efficient LCT threshold of $75,375.

The simple fact is that every single one of these 36 variants is in fact 7.0L/100km or less. In terms of our year to date sales two out of every three vehicles we have sold (65%) are 7.0L/100km or less. The new thresholds do nothing in fact to encourage low emission vehicle sales; they actively work against such an outcome” said von Sanden.

CLS Shooting Brake From Mercedes: Hideous or HOT?

Posted by gaycarboys on

The CLS has always left me wonder, why? Why not just buy the E class on which it’s based for half the price? Why not just buy a coupe if it’s a coupe you want? Why would you buy a car with questionable looks?

In any event here is the press release from the people at MB. I do like the cowhide bag though.

 

CLS Shooting Brake (6)CLS Shooting Brake (5)CLS Shooting Brake (7)CLS Shooting Brake (8)CLS Shooting Brake (2)CLS Shooting Brake (3)CLS Shooting Brake (4)CLS Shooting Brake (1)

 

 

With the new CLS Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz is once again setting an example when it comes to creativity of design, and as such highlighting its leading role in this area: in terms of its proportions, the new CLS is quite clearly a coupé, but with five doors and a roof which continues through to the rear, it promises some remarkable new possibilities. The idea of the four-door coupé – successfully introduced in 2004 with the first CLS and long imitated in the meantime – has now been taken to new heights and to innovative effect. The result is automotive independence at its most beautiful.

According to CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche: “Any memorable machine is equal parts art and science. A car has to first deliver in function – the ticket of entry – and then in fascination: the ticket to real excitement. The CLS Shooting Brake excels on both accounts – unlike any other car in the market”.

The proportions of the CLS Shooting Brake are surprising but clearly those of a coupé, and create a basic stance which makes it look ready for the off: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Break actually has five doors and offers “more” in terms of function.

In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate. It is a special proposition for people looking to differentiate themselves from the mainstream, and who do not wish to compromise on either sportiness or stowage space when it comes to travelling in style. The Shooting Brake is a further highlight in the innovative luxury vehicle series from Mercedes-Benz and, like the CLS Coupé, has the potential to become the role model for a new market segment.

“The CLS Shooting Brake is based on the great tradition of stylish sportiness which has always characterised Mercedes, and takes these unique icons an exciting step further”, explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. “It stands for the enhanced design idiom of Mercedes-Benz which is oriented towards aesthetic, avant-garde principles”. This is seen in the impressive series of market-defining new vehicle concepts, such as the SLK for example, which in 1996 established a genre as the first Roadster with a retractable steel roof, the M-Class as the first premium SUV in 1998, or the first four-door CLS Coupé in 2004.

Exclusive innovation in the interior: wooden luggage compartment floor

The second generation of the CLS set high standards in terms of the design and quality of the interior: straightforward elegance combined with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The Shooting Brake also applies this same aspiration in the luggage compartment. It is lined with high-quality carpet, and the hand-stitched material is also incorporated into the sideliners in conjunction with leather appointments. Optional designer loading rails made of aluminium give an even more exclusive look.

An extravagant and unique feature for the automotive industry is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor, which serves to underscore the hand-finished nature of the interior. Cherry tree wood is a classic among fine wood species and contrasts perfectly with the inlaid smoked oak and aluminium rails. This affords the luggage compartment a touch of elegance normally found on yachts, combined with the exciting worlds of technology and precision craftsmanship. The wood is characterised by its flexibility and elasticity, as well as its density and fine texture. For the luggage compartment floor made of American cherry tree wood, selected veneer sheets are glued and pressed together by hand in five cross-bonded layers to achieve high dimensional stability. The blanks are milled into their precise shape using a CNC machine, and the surfaces sanded to a smooth finish and waterproofed to maintain the natural beauty of the wood. Inlaid work using darker smoked oak, precisely cut into three millimetre strips using laser technology, helps to enhance the design of the wooden floor. The lavishly produced aluminium rails have a brushed finish and rubber inserts, and not only help to protect the wooden floor but also feature anti-slip properties.

The CLS coupé already set new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. The Shooting Brake also offers five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather to choose from. Customers have a choice of three exclusive wood types: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior is given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon fibre/black piano lacquer trim elements. A completely new addition comes in the form of porcelain interior appointments which afford both CLS models a sense of luxury normally found in the S-Class. The CLS Shooting Brake also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces.

A new dimension in vehicle concepts: the four-door Shooting Brake

No-one likes to have to compromise: even when the focus is not on the practical elements of the design of the Shooting Brake (length x width x height: 4956 x 1881 x 1413 mm), the new CLS model still has some trump cards up its sleeve. With a load volume of between 590 and 1550 litres, the luggage compartment offers a lot of room despite the flat, sporty lines of the roof, and is easy to use thanks to the automatically opening tailgate fitted as standard. A load compartment cover also protects luggage from prying eyes.

The standard air suspension at the rear helps to ensure optimum road holding at all times. For additional flexibility, the rear seat backrests can be folded down from the luggage compartment as standard. The rear seats themselves provide room for three people, with individual seats on the outsides and a third seat in the middle. The three saddle-type head restraints on the rear seats barely affect the view towards the rear, and can be lowered at the touch of a button by the driver. An optional trailer coupling is also available.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Board Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Sales & Marketing, sums it all up: “The new CLS Shooting Brake represents a new dimension in vehicle concepts and offers discerning customers independence at its most beautiful.”

Lightweight construction and aerodynamics: important contributions to efficiency

Intelligent lightweight construction plays a decisive role in bridging the classic conflict between the objectives of low weight and high strength in the CLS Shooting Brake. The model features frameless, all-aluminium doors made from deep-drawn aluminium panels with extruded sections, and in comparison with conventional steel doors, are some 24 kilograms lighter. The tailgate, bonnet, front wings, various support profiles and substantial parts of the suspension and engines are all made of aluminium too.

The aerodynamics also make a significant contribution to the efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. With a frontal area of 2.30 m² and a Cd value of 0.29, the drag area is 0.67 m².

Drive system: powerful and efficient

The CLS Shooting Brake is available with four different engine variants – two diesel engines and two petrol engines. Features common to all engines include the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as well as the ECO start/stop function. In addition, two models are available with all-wheel drive: the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.

The entry-level model is the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 150 kW (204 hp). Combined fuel consumption is 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, an excellent level for this performance class and equivalent to CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometre. Coming in above this are the two six-cylinder models: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY producing 225 kW (306 hp). The top-of-the-range model is the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with a V8 biturbo engine producing 300 kW (408 hp).

An overview of the engines available for the CLS Shooting Brake:

Model

CLS 250 CDI

CLS 350 CDI

CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC

CLS 350

CLS 500

CLS 500 4MATIC

Cylinder arrangement/ number

4 in-line

V6

V6

V6

V8

V8

Displacement

[cc]

2143

2987

2987

3498

4633

4633

Rated output

[kW/hp] at [rpm]

150/204 4200

195/265 3800

195/265 3800

225/306 6500

300/408 5000

300/408 5000

Rated torque

[Nm] at [rpm]

500 1600 – 1800

620 1600 – 2400

620
1600 – 2400

370 3500 – 5250

600 1600 – 4750

600 1600 – 4750

Fuel consumption, combined

[l/100 km]

5.3

6.0

6.6

7.3

9.2

9.8

CO2 emissions, combined

[g/km]

139

159

174

169

214

229

Acceleration
0-100 km/h

[s]

7.8

6.6

6.7

6.7

5.3

5.3

Top speed

[km/h]

235

250

250

250

250

250

Efficiency is also increased by the standard electro-mechanical power steering EPS (Electric Power Steering). EPS is a radical move in the relationship between the driver, car and road surface. This is because for the first time, it gives engineers the freedom to choose and programme many of the parameters that influence steering feedback. So they defined a Mercedes-Benz feeling behind the wheel. In addition to fuel economy, the result is a considerable improvement in handling and agility. The electromechanical power steering also enables another innovation to be implemented – Active Park Assist. The CLS Shooting Brake is not only able to detect parking spaces, but can also park automatically.

Another world exclusive: dynamic full LED headlamps

The CLS was the first passenger car in the world to offer optional dynamic full LED High Performance headlamps, which combine the exciting colour elements of LED technology – similar to those of daytime driving lights – with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today’s bi-xenon generation. Some 95 percent of all customers have opted for these lights in the CLS Coupé. Of course, as the world’s second car to feature this optional extra, the CLS Shooting Brake also offers the new light system. For the first time ever, it provides the Intelligent Light System already proven in Mercedes models fitted with bi-xenon headlamps in combination with LED technology. The headlamps, with their 71 LED lamps in total, look exciting; and they serve to underline the unmistakable appearance of the CLS. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time been able to use LED technology in the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist, resulting in an entirely new quality of illumination when driving at night.

In contrast to the first vehicles equipped with LED headlamps, no compromises are now necessary with respect to the functionality and performance of the lighting technology. There are further arguments for LED-based lighting technology: the average operating life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times longer than that of a xenon light; moreover, LED headlamps most closely approximate to the colour of daylight. This means that LED light is in keeping with the normal human perception patterns and that the driver experiences significantly more brightness on the road at night. Studies have shown that the closer the colour of artificial light comes to daylight, the less the strain on the eyes. With a colour temperature of 5500 kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6500 K) than xenon light (4200 K).

More than a dozen driving assistance systems help to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of an accident. Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist are available as part of the Driving Assistance package Plus, in combination with DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and the PRE-SAFE® Brake. Both assistance systems are not only able to detect an unintentional lane change or vehicles in the blind spot, but can also correct the direction of travel by gentle brake intervention if the driver ignores the visual or audible danger warnings.

It’s all in a name: the origins of the name “Shooting Break”

Break, or the homonym Brake, was the name once given to carriages used to “break” in wild horses and also to restrict (or “brake”) their urge to move, so that they could be put to use as work horses. Since the carts could easily be broken as part of this process, people tended not to use ones which they may have urgently needed for other purposes. Where necessary, “Brakes” were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Any such vehicle which was used when going out shooting was called a Shooting Brake or Shooting Break. Motorised Shooting Brakes were popular in England in the 60s and 70s – exclusive two-door sports cars, which combined the luxury and style of a coupé with a larger load compartment and large tailgate.