Mercedes

The unique Mercedes-Benz Museum concept

By Mike Hanlon

May 6, 2006 On May 19, 2006, the new Mercedes-Benz Museum will open its doors to the public putting another must-see on the map of the automobile enthusiast. This new building at the gates of the parent plant in Stuttgart-Unterturkheim (Germany) is far more than a home to 120 years of automotive history. The museum was created in a very similar process to that of a new car series. First it was conceived and rough-sketched in the mind and with computer assistance. All parties involved entered unknown territory with the concept. Prototypes of the structure were designed, some even full-scale, to test the feasibility of the idea. As everything gradually neared completion, an intensive test run was conducted to put the entire museum to the acid test. Now the new model is ready. It stands for the brand and its values and is intended to display the permanent innovative spirit of the Mercedes-Benz culture which professes that innovations are the milestones on the way to the future. Read More

The first carbon racing bike from Mercedes-Benz

By Mike Hanlon

April 6, 2006 Carbon fibre has some extraordinary properties in that it is very light and very strong. It is also very expensive, so it only gets used where the amount of money spent is immaterial compared to the performance of the product. Mercedes Benz currently uses carbon fibre in just one of its products – the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, the world’s first production car with a bodyshell made entirely of carbon fibre. Carbon fibre is also used extensively in the McLaren Mercedes F1 cars of Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya. And later this month a second Mercedes-Benz product will be available that is constructed mainly of carbon fibre – the Carbon Bike, the new flagship human-powered Merc. Thanks to its ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre frame, this US$3665 thoroughbred weighs in at a mere 8.3 kilograms. Read More

Mercedes-Benz presents the Automatic Bike 2006

By Mike Hanlon

March 1, 2006 The name Mercedes Benz is synonymous with automobiles but it should be noted that the marque is also at the forefront of bicycle development. Twelve months ago Mercedes launched an automatic pushbike, and yesterday updated the 2006 Automatic Bike with a wealth of technical modifications and a much-enhanced sporty design. With a choice of two equipment lines, it brings a whole new dimension to muscle-powered movement at the same time as reducing the weight by a full four kilograms. Read More

The new Mercedes SL 55 AMG

By Mike Hanlon

February 15, 2006 Details of the new SL 55 AMG have been announced and the exceptional high-performance roadster from Mercedes-AMG has made further substantial advances in terms of technology, design and appointments. Reengineered AMG sports suspension based on second-generation Active Body Control is the key, and more direct steering and new AMG high-performance brakes bestow the two-seater with prodigious handling abilities. Meticulous attention to detail is also a feature of the new-look body and interior, with highlights including new AMG steering-wheel shift paddles and an AMG main menu with a RACETIMER. The improved AMG 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine now has a new supercharger compressor and more efficient engine management unit to boost power from 368 kW (500 hp) to 380 kW (517 hp), while the peak torque has been increased from 700 to 720 Nm. The engine management can now set the optimum combustion point individually for each cylinder, resulting in a further improvement in the efficiency of the AMG V8 engine. The new SL 55 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (outgoing model: 4.7 seconds) and goes on to reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, though motorists with an extra-dynamic streak can opt for the AMG Performance Package which ups the limited maximum speed to 300 km/h. Read More

The new 510 hp V8 Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG

By Mike Hanlon

February 10, 2006 Mercedes-AMG unveiled the new R 63 AMG at the Chicago Auto Show yesterday. An interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, the R 63 AMG is powered by the new AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine. With an output of 375 kW/510 hp, 630 Newton metres of torque and permanent four-wheel drive, the Grand Sports Tourer offers a combination of sportiness, spaciousness and top-class comfort for up to six passengers. Following on from the unveiling of the Vision R 63 AMG at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main in September 2005, and the positive response to this show car, the series-produced model is now being launched with availability in the third quarter of 2006. Read More

Mercedes-Benz F 600 HYGENIUS fuel cell research vehicle

By Mike Hanlon

October 14, 2005 The new F 600 HYGENIUS is the latest in the series of research vehicles from Mercedes-Benz that point the way forwards for the future. Powered by a zero-emission fuel cell drive with an output of 85 kW/115 hp, the compact-class car with a family-friendly design consumes the equivalent of 2.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and has an operating range in excess of 400 kilometres. "This represents a major step towards bringing the fuel cell drive up to full production maturity, a goal that we aim to achieve some time between 2012 and 2015," remarks Dr. Thomas Weber, DaimlerChrysler AG Board Member for Research & Technology and Head of Development at the Mercedes Car Group. "By developing the fuel cell, we are creating a new basis for supplying energy in tomorrow's vehicles which will make a further lasting improvement to their environmental compatibility." In addition to the fuel cell technology, the Mercedes-Benz research vehicle also showcases an operating concept with virtual displays, new-style seats and other pioneering technologies designed to enhance safety and passenger comfort. Read More

Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet: The world’s fastest open-top four-seater

By Mike Hanlon

September 16, 2005 High technology derived from motorsport, the handling dynamism of the racetrack, a sensational visual appearance and the utmost exclusivity – the new Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet is guaranteed to make the hearts of true car lovers beat faster. A limited edition of 100, the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet is capable of a fulminating performance with its 428-kW/582-hp AMG 5.5-litre, supercharged V8, a newly developed AMG sports suspension, optional sports tyres and aerodynamics refined in the wind tunnel: this high-performance AMG sports car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited). This makes the new high-performance AMG Cabriolet the world’s fastest open-top four-seater. Read More

Two new hybrid drive concepts from Mercedes Benz

By Mike Hanlon

September 14, 2005 At the International Motor Show (IAA) 2005 in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz yesterday unveiled the “DIRECT HYBRID” and the “BLUETEC HYBRID,” two groundbreaking concept cars. Using the new S-Class as an example, the company is exhibiting unique designs for yet again markedly improving fuel consumption and emissions in the near future — while preserving high dynamic ride comfort. The focus is on combining optimised petrol and diesel engines with a hybrid system and with ultra-modern exhaust gas purification. Read More

"Vision R 63 AMG": near-series interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class

By Mike Hanlon

September 6, 2005 Aimed at the exotic end of the SUV market, the "Vision R 63 AMG" will be presented by Mercedes-AMG at the 61st Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). Powered by the all-new, completely independently developed AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with an output of 375 kW/510 hp and a maximum torque of 630 newton metres, the "Vision R 63 AMG" represents an unprecedented combination of unique, sporty driving pleasure, outstanding spaciousness and top-class comfort for up to six occupants. Read More

Mercedes-Benz at the International Motor Show: World premiere of the new S-Class

By Mike Hanlon

August 31, 2005 The new S-Class will be taking centre stage at the Mercedes-Benz presentation for the 61st International Motor Show in Frankfurt (15 to 25 September 2005). The motor show will see the world premiere of this luxury saloon, which features a number of pioneering innovations. The saloon’s options include the anticipatory Brake Assist PLUS, the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity-controlled cruise control and the Night Vision system. There’s also the preventive occupant safety system PRE-SAFE to create a unique safety system, which goes into action before a threatening accident has a chance to happen. Read More

Tests show your heart beats five beats per minute lower in a Mercedes

By Mike Hanlon

August 25, 2005 We all know that driving can be stressful and to a large extent, most of us have long since accepted it as an occupational hazard. To luxury vehicle manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz though, producing feelings of well being in the driver is one of the core values of the brand. Now Mercedes benz has released research showing the psychophysical stress experienced by drivers travelling long distances in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is lower than in other vehicles. DaimlerChrysler Research compared the S-Class and competitor models under identical driving and traffic conditions on a 500 km route and found the average heart rate of drivers was up to six per cent (or five beats per minute) lower in the Mercedes than in the vehicles it was compared with. Read More

Mercedes-Benz 375 kW/510 hp ML 63 AMG

By Mike Hanlon

August 17, 2005 The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG sets a new standard in the sporty off-roader segment. The new top-of-the–range model in the M-Class goes straight to the top of the competitive lineup with its 375 kW/510 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine. This new off-roader developed by Mercedes-AMG stands for sportiness and dynamism at the highest level, while its exclusive appointments meet even the most demanding requirements. The ML 63 AMG celebrates its world premiere at the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, and will be launched during the second quarter of 2006. Read More

Mercedes-Benz Trailer Stability Assist combats the dreaded fishtailing: Trailer towing made safe

By Mike Hanlon

July 8, 2005 Most Mercedes-Benz models can be used to tow a trailer without any problems, though few are likely to encounter a load as hevy as this M-Class did recently when Mercedes-Benz engineers set out to highlight one of the company’s new design features. The M-Class was put to the test at Stuttgart Airport pulling an Airbus A319 aeroplane weighing around 60 tonnes. The point of the exercise was to showcase the new Mercedes-Benz Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). TSA is capable of detecting the dreaded fishtailing motion swiftly and nipping it in the bud effectively. To do this, it uses the ESP program's own sensory system and initiates precision brake applications at the front left and right wheels individually and alternately to stabilise the car/trailer outfit. Read More

Mercedes A-Class gets a 2 litre turbo

By Mike Hanlon

July 7, 2005 Mercedes-Benz is adding a high-performance two litre turbo variant to the second-generation A-Class range, delivering an economy car with the performance characteristics of a sportscar - 142 kW/193 hp and a maximum speed of 228 km/h. The new Mercedes-Benz A 200 TURBO is the most powerful model in the compact A-Class, and rounds the model range off at the top end. With an output of 142 kW/193 hp, its new, up-to-date lightweight power unit with turbocharging and sodium-cooled exhaust valves is among the most powerful in its displacement class, and generates a maximum torque of 280 Newton metres which remains constant from just 1800 rpm. Accordingly the four-cylinder petrol unit guarantees outstanding performance characteristics. The A 200 TURBO takes just 7.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h from standstill and achieves a maximum speed of 228 km/h, yet its fuel consumption remains comparatively modest at 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Read More

Devilishly clever customer service from Mercedes-Benz

By Mike Hanlon

June 29, 2005 Direct from the why-didn’t they-think-of-this-sooner department comes the news that Mercedes-Benz Australia will launch a new customer service concept for Australian luxury car buyers early next year when it opens purpose-built sales and service facilities within airport precincts in Melbourne and Sydney. Based on the premise that luxury car owners travel frequently, and will appreciate the convenience of having their car serviced in the “downtime” whilst away, we think it’s very clever and a logical extension of the company’s customer service philosophy. All drop-offs and pick-ups are arranged by a Mercedes-Benz Airport Express valet and instead of sitting in a carpark, your pride and joy is being looked after with all the tender loving care of Mercedes Benz. Read More

MP3 watch from Mercedes Benz

By Mike Hanlon

June 1, 2005 Merchants of people mobility (also known as auto manufacturers) have been a little slow getting their brain cells wrapped around where the MP3 fits into the grand scheme of selling automobiles. The unanimous first step appears to be offering an iPod integration/interface kit, as VW, GM, Volvo, BMW, Mini and Mercedes have all done and we expect more to follow. Curiously, Mercedes Benz has just released a wristwatch incorporating an MP3 player, voice recorder and 512Mb of flash memory capacity, becoming the second auto manufacturer to have such a watch. Read More

Mercedes SLR300 - last chance to see (and hear)

By Mike Hanlon

UPDATED May 29, 2005 The legendary Mille Miglia road race from Brescia to Rome and back started in 1927 and continued until the mid-fifties. The record for the 1000 mile journey was set in 1955 - ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds at an average speed of 97.96 mph. The winner was Stirling Moss and Juan Manual Fangio completed a Mercedes Benz 1-2 in the fabled Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. The Mille Miglia has now been revived as a gentlemans rally, and this year Mercedes entered the car in the event for the last time, appropriately driven by Moss and F1 and Le Mans winner Jochen Mass. It will only have two more public outings before it retires to the Mercedes-Benz museum. - the Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 24 – 26) and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (August 14). Read More

Limited-edition Mercedes CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur” - 55 units with particularly exclusive equipment

By Mike Hanlon

In cooperation with the Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen, Mercedes-AMG has developed an exclusive model known as the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur”. Only 55 units of the unique four-door coupe will be produced. The car has a powerful AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine and boasts exclusive equipment details. The design of the newly designed AMG instrument cluster is based on the new “Ingenieur” watch family from IWC, which is making its world debut at the Geneva watch show in April 2005. The 55 units of the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Ingenieur” will each be customised at AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, and the first deliveries will be made in autumn 2005. Read More

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter now also with diesel-electric hybrid drive

By Mike Hanlon

April 4, 2005 Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of the development environment- and resource-friendly propulsion systems and has explored natural gas, LPG, electric propulsion and fuel cell technologies in recent times. This pioneering position will be further enhanced this year when it becomes the first manufacturer to offer a plug-in hybrid-drive version of its Sprinter commercial van. Plug-in means that the vehicle is equipped with a power socket which enables the batteries to be recharged even when the engine is not running, for example overnight. A hybrid-drive Sprinter with no recharging socket is also planned. Read More

The new R-Class Grand Sports Tourer from Mercedes-Benz

By Mike Hanlon

March 24, 2005 For the second time within the space of a month, Mercedes-Benz is lifting the wraps on another brand new model series, the new R-Class, which is making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. The R-Class founds a new and highly promising market segment in that it takes the strengths of established vehicle categories, such as sporty Saloon, Estate, MPV and SUV, and fuses them to create a new car with a character all of its own, a car that is all about the three Ds: Dimensions, Design and Dynamism. The new R-Class is being launched first in North America, in autumn 2005; deliveries to customers in Europe will begin at the beginning of 2006. Read More

Mercedes-Benz fully-automatic pushbike

By Mike Hanlon

March 10, 2005 Mercedes-Benz is launching a new push bike model with an 8-speed automatic gearshift system – a high-technology pushbike with an emphasis on elegance, safety and exceptional comfort. Through its electronically controlled air suspension, a new type of 8-speed automatic gearshift system and its sensor-controlled lights, the bike adapts automatically to prevailing conditions, delivering an enjoyable riding experience under all circumstances – just as you would expect from other Mercedes product. The central on-board computer, controlled by the “flight deck” on the front section of the handlebars lies at the heart of the “Cyber Nexus” technology. Read More

Mercedes premieres new B-Class Sports Tourer

By Mike Hanlon

February 15, 2005 The Mercedes-Benz Sports Tourer concept is to begin production as the new B-Class, beginning a new vehicle segment. The hallmarks of the Sports Tourer are generous space, exemplary comfort, excellent practicality, an exciting design and a high level of driving pleasure. The new B-Class takes the advantages of different vehicle concepts and combines them into an interesting and distinctive profile of its own: as a Compact Sports Tourer, the B-Class is a touring, family and recreational vehicle. Read More

No-expense-spared restoration of a rare G4 1939 Mercedes Benz

By Mike Hanlon

February 6, 2005 The 1939 Mercedes-Benz G4 offroader is an extremely rare vehicle: originally a gift to Spanish dictator General Franco and now owned by the Spanish royal family, it is one of just a few surviving units of this three-axle offroader originally developed for the German army – just three of the total of 57 units built are still considered absolutely authentic with a meticulously documented history. A no-expense-spared, three-year restoration was recently undertaken at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre with a correspondingly unusual request: the G4 was to be restored to a technically impeccable condition but was to retain its unique patina acquired in the course of its 66-year life. The restoration of the vehicle was a gift from Mercedes-Benz España to the Spanish Royal family and makes for fascinating reading: Read More

Mercedes-Benz F 300 Life-Jet: the three-wheeled driving machine

By Mike Hanlon

January 22, 2005 The Mercedes-Benz F 300 Life-Jet research project never saw the light of day as a showroom model, but it remains one of the most interesting and passion-invoking concepts ever displayed by the company (competing against a stellar cast). The three-wheeler research study, equipped with intelligent technology, blended the special thrill and cornering dynamics of a motor cycle with the safety and comfort of a saloon car - a combination for unrivalled driving enjoyment. Read More

Mercedes Benz to celebrate 50 years of Mercedes Sports

By Mike Hanlon

Oct 19, 2004

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary SL-Class sports car by introducing an exclusive special model, the "Edition 50."

The SL-Class was first presented to the public in 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York (February 6 - 14, 1954).

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and 190 SL sports cars were designed at the instigation of the American importer Maximilian Hoffman who had been urging the company to come up with light and dashing sports cars for his customers. Read More