September 2008 | Mercedes Benz Car

Mercedes-Benz Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

The Prius is too plebian and the LS600h is too Japanese. Here comes the boys at Stuttgart to the rescue with the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid. The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid is based on the S350 but adds an electric motor and also the first application of a lithium ion battery in a production car, for a combined NEDC fuel consumption of 7.9 liters per 100km (up by 2.2 liters per 100km compared to the S350) and emissions of 190g/km. Because of the high-voltage electric components that have been added to the car, Mercedes-Benz engineers have added what they call a â€œ7-stage safety conceptâ€ to the car.
1) All wiring is colour coded and marked with safety instructions.
2) Comprehensive contact protection via insulation and newly developed dedicated connectors.
3) Battery is enclosed in high-strength steel housing. Battery cells are bedded in a special gel to dampen any knocks. Battery has a blow-off vent, a rupture disc and a separate cooling circuit. Battery conditions are continuously monitored for safety. 4) Separation of battery terminals, individual safety-wiring for all high-voltage components. In event of malfunction, the entire high-voltaage system is switched off.
5) Active discharging of high-voltage system when ignition is off.
6) During accident, high-voltage system is quickly switched off within fractions of a second.
7) Continuous monitoring for short circuits.

Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

The 3.5 liter V6 from the S350 now runs on the Atkinson cycle and is tuned to produce 279 horsepower (via a new cylinder head, different pistons and a modified camshaft and cam control) and is aided by an electric motor rated for 20 horsepower and a starting torque of 160Nm. Combined torque output for the petrol engine and electric motor is 385Nm, the equivalent of a conservatively-tuned 4.0 liter engine, so you could say the S400 deserves its badge.

Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

Unlike other petrol-electric hybrids which typically use a CVT transmission, the S400 BlueHybrid uses the 7G-TRONIC seven speed automatic transmission. The electric motor also functions as a device for brake energy regeneration for the lithium ion battery, and a starter for the combustion engine, allowing start-stop ability for further fuel savings. The start-stop function is switched off in Reverse gear to prevent it from repeatedly turning on and off during maneuvers such as parking.

The history of Mercedes-Benz F1 Safety Cars

Given the fact that yesterday Mercedes-Benz released the first details of the new SL 63 AMG F1â„¢ Safety Car, I thought it would a good idea to show our readers which were the previous the F1â„¢ Safety Cars used. So, I scanned the internet and I have found really fascinating photos. From the collection the only car that misses is the 1996 C 36 AMG F1â„¢ Safety Car;I was not able to find any photos with it, but I don't give up so easy. Anyway, let's begin the 'countdown'!
1997-1999 Season:Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG F1â„¢ Safety Car

2000 Season:Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG F1â„¢ Safety Car

2001-2002 Seasons:Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG F1â„¢ Safety Car

2003 Season:Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG F1â„¢ Safety Car

2004-2005 Seasons:Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG F1â„¢ Safety Car

2006-2007 Seasons:Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG F1â„¢ Safety Car

2008 Season:Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG F1â„¢ Safety Car

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

The SLK 55 AMG is now even more dynamic: a new front apron and dark-tinted headlamps give this unique eight-cylinder roadster an even more athletic look even at a standstill. The handling dynamics of the SLK 55 AMG have also been sharpened. For the first time the car features the new direct steering with variable servo assistance, which makes the 360-bhp two-seater even more agile and responsive. The SLK 55 AMG is also the only car in its class to feature a V8 engine, while the improved AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission now offers even faster gearchanges. The appearance of the sporty roadster now reinforces the carâ€™s claim to special status even more emphatically. The redesigned front apron with a more pronounced arrow-shape, the modified Mercedes star, enlarged air dams and a black-painted transverse fin on the lower section ensure a distinctly masculine aura. Large, round foglamps with chrome surrounds are now positioned further outwards, enhancing the impression of width. The hot air from the integral engine oil cooler is vented via side outlets in the front apron. The specific AMG body styling also includes AMG side skirts, the muscular AMG rear apron with a black insert and the AMG spoiler lip.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

The striking bonnet with its characteristic longitudinal fins conceals the 5.5-liter AMG eight-cylinder engine, which has an output of 360 bhp and develops 376 lb-ft of torque â€“ figures which remain unrivaled in this segment. Enormous torque, immediate responsiveness and the typical AMG V8 sound characterize the driving experience, together with outstanding performance: the two-seater accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, reaches the 124 mph mark in 17.5 seconds and has a top speed (electronically limited) of 155 mph. Power is transferred by the AMG SPEED SHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles, which now ensures even greater agility: gear changes in the \"S\" (Sport) and \"M\" (Manual) driving modes are around ten percent faster than before. This is not only thanks to the new components in the seven-speed automatic transmission, but also to the new engine and transmission management, which also ensures that the gearshifts are smoother.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

In the functional and sporty interior of the SLK 55 AMG, the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its three-spoke design gives a visual hint of the direct steering feature. The grip area is specially shaped and lined with perforated leather, while the vertical spoke is embellished by a silver-colored insert. Two aluminum AMG shift paddles allow manual gear selection. The AMG instrument cluster, silver/red needles and AMG lettering also has a new look, and the new graphics ensure that vehicle speed and rpm are even more easily legible. In \"M\" mode, the AMG main menu is able to display the currently selected gear including an up shift recommendation, as well as the engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the RACETIMER. The AMG sports seats with their special upholstery layout feature pronounced side bolsters for improved lateral support when cornering at speed; Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas improve this lateral support even further. Fine nappa leather upholstery is part of the standard appointments of the SLK 55 AMG. It is available in a choice of four attractive colors, with a stylish combination of black/gull wing red as a new entrant to the range.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

After undergoing a facelift, the majestic 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is confident to make other cars quiver on the ramp. A fresh look and enhanced dynamics are the highlights of Mercedesâ€™ latest update to its long-lived SLK roadster. Its 360hp V8 carries over, providing ample power to its AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic transmission, which has been tuned to shift even faster than before. Handling is improved by a new â€˜direct steeringâ€™ system that Mercedes says improves feel and agility. However the mechanics remain largely unchanged while the new look is most obvious from the front of the car. The front fascia is now even more sloped and angular, with larger air dams and foglamps pushed further outboard. Slits in the side of the front apron vent hot air after it has passed through the intercooler. A new rear end and spoiler lip complete the meaner, more aggressive appearance of the new SLK 55 AMG. Other new tweaks include new 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels painted titanium grey shod that are capable of accelerating your car to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

Inside, a new AMG-styled instrument cluster goes to 320km/h (198mph), with silver/red needles and AMG lettering. New graphics make rpm and speed even easier to read. If you put the car into â€œMâ€ mode, the AMG menu displays the current gear and an upshift light. Performance seats and nappa leather upholstery complete Mercedesâ€™ marriage of speed and luxury. If you opt for all this luxury on wheels then you can order the SLK 55 AMG now for about $101,000 (69,049 Euro). But you gotto wait for sitting behind its wheel as the market launch is scheduled for March 2008.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

Mercedesâ€™ factory tuner AMG released a special version of the SLK, the Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG Back Edition. Powered by a modified 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers 400 hp, the roadster also has modified air intake, reduced-resistance sports air filters, new high-performance headers and a new valve-timing scheme. Fitted with an AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic with manual drive program the car goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 4.5 seconds. The car also features a non-retractable carbon-fiber roof, wider front fenders made of reinforced plastic and ultralight carbon-fiber composite, carbon fiber side outlets and 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The tires are 235/35ZR19 in front and 265/30ZR19 in the rear. The car is already available in Germany, at a starting price of $145,600, including VAT.

2008 Mercedes CLS550

Mercedes CLS550

The 2008 Mercedes CLS-Class is a 4-door, 4-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in two trims, the CLS550 4-Door Coupe and the CLS63 AMG 4-Door Coupe. Upon introduction, the CLS550 4-Door Coupe is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 382-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. The CLS63 AMG 4-Door Coupe is equipped with a standard 6.2-liter, V8, 507-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. The 2008 CLS-Class is a carryover from 2007.

Mercedes CLS550

When the CLS500 first appeared on the scene nearly two years ago, I was intrigued. Architecturally, it was as if Mercedes had grabbed the E-Class at both ends and pulled, compressing the passenger cabin and elongating the design. When I got up close and personal, I discovered that the resulting interior spaces were wide yet useless, with limited head and legroom. The carâ€™s curvaceous roofline and tiny windows also restricted rear visibility, while huge side mirrors hampered the view at eight oâ€™ clock and two oâ€™ clock. And without the optional electronic parking assist, backing into a parking space was an expensive game of blind manâ€™s bluff.

Mercedes CLS550

The CLSâ€™ cabin distinguishes itself from its E-Class cousin with a huge swath of burled wood across the dash. Along with its higher door and dash panels, the design delivers a dramatic cocooning effect, magnified by the carâ€™s machine gun slit windows. The Mercmeisters have dressed the cabin in acres of sumptuous leather, including the top of the dash. Overall, the CLS offers more of a sense of occasion than the E, albeit with more than little arrogance. And nowâ€¦ I love driving this car. For one thing, the CLS550â€™s steering has gained much-needed heft and driver communication. The rack-and-pinion set-up integrates speed-sensitive power assistance and hydraulic dampers. It leapfrogs BMWâ€™s Novocained tiller, returning to the gold standard set by the previous generation BMW 5-Series (go figure). The wheel itself is as addictively caressable as a babyâ€™s head. The CLS550â€™s Adaptive Damping System II does a Mad Max, proving that a sequel can be better than the original. Combined with Airmatic semi-active suspension, the CLS550â€™s does the near impossible: eliminates body dive, roll and squat; smoothes out all but the most vicious potholes and delivers outstanding road feel. The two-ton Teuton wonâ€™t give a Porsche Cayman any trouble, but the CLS550 is as fast and nimble a luxobarge as money can buy. In terms of acceleration, the CLS550 is a velvet hammer; it accelerates to ridiculous speeds with imperious ease. Equally important, the new, non-newfangled stoppers shed speed with genuine authority and perfectly modulated feel.