FAB Design: Custom SL based on Mercedes-Benz SL600

The expert hand of the designer is needed to show off the existing characteristic features of the SL 600. The “Mega Wing” bodykit of FAB DESIGN creates a distinct accentuation without wiping off the existing qualities of the luxury Roadster.

The Design: with the innovated bodykit FAB DESIGN reaches a noticeable connection between design and function as well as the harmonious integration of the basis models.

The FAB DESIGN front skirt forms a unit together with the fender and takes up the line guidance of the SL. A big opening placed in the middle provides a lot of fresh air for the coolers. The left and right side intakes serve a lot of cooling for the brakes. Despite the enlargement of the fender, the harmony and elegance of the basic vehicle is fully preserved. The side openings with the integrated flippers below the salient enlargement act as additional cooling elements. The lightly over standing side skirts at the door bottom edge make the SL look not only sporty, but also dynamical and optically lower. Besides its creates a running transition to the clearly enlarged wheel housing of the Roadster. The cooling intakes on the rear fender provides a lot of ventilation , for a sufficient cooling for the back brake system.

The sophisticated and unique design of the rear bumper convert the SL next to the efficient aerodynamic also a breath taking optic. The lightly supported foundation of the spoiler produces an excellent down force value. Lateral cooling slits reduce the whirlwind in the wheel house, at high speed.

The design integrated four end pipes of the exhaust are a world premiere and in their kind single. The entire rear spoiler becomes a convincing composition of art (form) and aerodynamic function.

FAB DESIGN goes own ways also for the light alloy wheel. The 3-pces forged FAB DESIGN type 6 EVOLINE wheel fascinates through its own and athletically optic. The aluminium wheels look through the low bed particularly big, the polished wheelcenter gives simultaneously elegance and spirit. The visible titan screws look technical and give a sporty finish The front axle is fitted with wheels in dimensions of 10J x 20, the rear axle even with 12J x 20 inch. Dunlop Sportmax tires in the dimensions of 255/30 ZR 20 for the front axle and 305/25 ZR 20 for the rear axle, providing sufficient “Grip” by all speeds. Combined with the modificated suspension results an indescribable curvening pleasure without influencing negatively the straight run.

The already from FAB DESIGN well known Butterfly, sideways sliding doors to the top, have been consequently further developed through the FAB DESIGN engineers, so that the hinges are integrated in the fender and invisible. They let appear the car in an extravagant appearance. An own developed electronically device open the sliding doors by simply touch a button. If required they can be opened also manually.

The interior equipment is impressive at first, in harmony with the vehicle’s outside colour. The interior dominates the utilized FAB DESIGN red crocolook and make matching the outside colour . The red coloured crocostyle leather and the red piping are binding fluently with the precious surface, producing a surpassing effect.

The performance: the engineers from FAB DESIGN have developed a costly conversion that upgrades the performance of the V12 Biturbo to 650 PS and the torque to fabulous 1120 Newtonmeter. In the FAB DESIGN S60 BT performance kit only strengthen or new constructed parts are used, which in spite of high strain guarantee a long life duration, as they are usually in the (OEM) set. The mechanic and electronic of the gear unit belongs also to the extend of the upgraded performance package as well as the power of the adaptation of the brake system.




















[Source: Seriouswheels.com]

Mercedes Benz R350

2008 Model: Mercedes Benz R350

The all new R Class is the latest addition to the successful Mercedes-Benz stable. Like the luxurious and spacious SUVs, the new R-Class treats its occupants to a traveling environment characterized by generous accommodation and highest comfort while ensuring maximum occupant safety.


2010 Model: Mercedes Benz R350

Go off-road in a Mercedes

Mercedes Benz is one of the most well known car manufacturers in the world. It has been producing the highest quality of motors for over a century. In that time Mercedes has conquered the road, the track and the heart of many petrol heads. With the G-Class you can dominate the great outdoors in style!

Car manufacturers like Mercedes and BMW, who have long set the standards for the highest quality of driving experiences, have long been foiled by anything other than a flat road. Just looking at a hill or even a bit of dirt is enough to make some of their cars throw a wobbly. The Mercedes G-Class however is rugged, rough and ready for action. First created for use by the German Army, the G-Class is as comfortable on the road as it is driving up a mountain. In short, it’s just awesome.

With a selection of big engines ranging from a V6 to a V8, the G-Class really is one of the hidden gems of the 4x4 market. While Land Rover Defenders and Toyota Hiluxes are loud and proud, the G-Class is more of a silent warrior, until you turn on the engine! To drive the G is a spectacular vehicle; off-road it has the power to move planets and drive up even the steepest of slopes, and it is just as happy cruising around town, just don’t expect a smooth ride if you get the extreme
tyres.

The G-Class is certainly at the top end of the 4x4 price range, after all it is a Mercedes. However with a used Mercedes you can get a lot of bang for your buck and not have to bankrupt yourself. The best place to find bargains is definitely the internet; there’s a huge selection available in pretty much any colour. Popular sites such as Teletextcars list thousands of cars, and some degree of vetting goes on so you can be 99% sure you’re looking at a fantastic deal.

The bottom line is that the G-Class is a breathtaking off-road machine. If you buy a used Mercedes G, you’ll have enough money left over to kit it out with all the best outdoor gear. Mercedes really have conquered the frontier with this beast!

Mercedes Benz G Class

The G - Class : a legend wrought from metal. It has remained resolutely true to itself and goes against the flow with its distinctive, angular lines. Long since elevated to cult status, it stands out in even the most striking surroundings. Under the steel winding tower of the Zollern mine, for example, or on the hexagonal stones of the “ Giant’s Causeway ” – settings which, like the G - Class, reflect the triumph of form over conformity.

The world’s only cross-country convert-ible in its class, the G-Class Cabriolet is equipped as standard with a black, electro-hydraulically operated soft top – optional blue or green versions are also available – which can be opened or closed in less than 30 seconds at the touch of a switch. The standard draught-stop keeps air turbulence at bay in windy conditions.



The G320 CDI is fitted with a latest-generation V6 diesel engine. Its piezo-electric injectors ensure precise injection times and, therefore, efficient metering of the fuel. Not only economical, but also powerful: with an output of 165kW (224hp), the G320 CDI has a top speed of 180km/h.

Aboard the G-Class, you really feel that you are on top of every situation. Not least thanks to the comfortable, elevated position of the front seats which are electrically adjustable as standard. Multi-contour seats for the driver and front passenger are available as an option. Heated front seats are standard in the G500 and G55 AMG. The convenient buttons on the multifunction steering wheel allow you to call up information on the central display of the instrument cluster, program convenience functions and operate the radio. For easier entry and exit, the steering wheel (optionally available with heating) automatically moves to its highest position on removal of the ignition key.
































[Source: autogaragenews]

Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan

Edgy design uses cubist cues

The design of the new E-Class sedan begins with a “cubist” treatment of the trademark Mercedes-Benz twin-headlight face. Two parallelogram lights are recessed into the front fenders, bracketing the three-dimensional frame of the front grille.

The overall body shape features a sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces. Taut, clearly defined lines help define large concave and convex surfaces. In particular, a graceful line follows each rear wheel opening and shapes the muscular contours of the rear fenders. While the car looks futuristic, aficionados might recognize styling cues reminiscent of the famous “Ponton Mercedes” of the 1950s. The E-Class four-door sedan also still prominently displays a three-pointed star on the front hood above its familiar louvered front grille.

Individual climatization modes at the touch of a button

Mercedes-Benz has developed a climate control system for the E-Class that allows individual temperatures to be set in four zones for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. THERMOTRONIC is standard on V8 models and offers the following climatization modes at the touch of a button: "Diffuse", "Medium", or "Focus". This advanced system adapts the air volume and distribution to the occupants’ personal preference without sacrificing the convenience of automatic mode. The E350 4MATIC comes standard with a two-zone THERMATIC automatic climate control system.
Model range: High level of standard appointments and individual variants

Individuality and variety have always been two of the outstanding attributes of the E-Class. The new sedan not only provides Mercedes-Benz customers with a vast choice of engines and suspension variants, but also dynamic wheel/tire combinations in 18 or 19-inch size, numerous exterior paint finishes, upholstery colours and interior trims.
New safety systems assist the driver

The Technology Package for the new E-Class includes Blind Spot Assist familiar from the S-Class, and the new Lane Keeping Assist system, which alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibration in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. At speeds above 60 km/h, the system recognizes lane markings, thanks to a small camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the video images.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a small video camera to sense both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically transitions between high and low beam operation to avoid dazzling other drivers. The system uses a camera on the windshield to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles moving ahead, and controls the headlamps so that their beams do not reach the other vehicle. This achieves the best possible road illumination in for any given situation. The range of the dipped headlamp beams can be extended from 65 to up to 300 metres. If the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam. This standard system includes active bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime driving lights.

Night View Assist PLUS can now allow a driver to see pedestrians up to 90 metres (300 ft) earlier than before. When the system recognizes pedestrians, they appear in the display with an outlined frame highlighting each person. In contrast to passive systems that rely on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible infra-red light from two beams mounted in the headlights. Extending the driver’s ability to see ahead to nearly 150 metres (500 ft), Night View Assist PLUS uses an infra-red camera in the windshield and displays the reflected images as highly detailed black & white video images in the instrument cluster.

The standard PARKTRONIC system incorporates Parking Guidance, which utilizes six radar sensors mounted behind the front and rear bumpers. At low speeds, the system scans available parking spaces and displays a “P” in the dash if the car will fit in the space. When the car is in reverse, Park Assist displays a pictogram of the steering wheel and provides helpful steering guidance.
ATTENTION ASSIST: “Time for a rest?”

Among the many standard life-saving features on the E-Class is the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system that can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in North America. A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 80 and 180 km/h, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a “Time for a Rest?” message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.
PRE-SAFE® Brake can automatically apply 100 percent braking in emergencies

When the E-Class is equipped with optional Distronic Plus, another revolutionary Mercedes-Benz safety feature – PRE-SAFE® Brake – can now apply full braking automatically in emergencies to reduce accident severity. When PRE-SAFE Brake senses an impending collision, the system sounds three warning tones.

If the driver fails to respond to the warnings and a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated. About 1.6 seconds before impact is likely, partial braking is automatically initiated, and the PRE-SAFE occupant protection systems are activated. If the driver still fails to react, full-power braking is initiated about 0.6 seconds before the collision, reducing the impact and effectively acting as an “electronic crumple zone.”

All E-Class models are equipped with “basic” PRE-SAFE – the world’s first system that can sense and take protective measures before a crash. The innovative PRE-SAFE system first automatically tensions the seatbelts if the car senses an impending collision. PRE-SAFE uses resettable electric tensioners in addition to the existing pyrotechnic belt tensioners.

In addition, if the front passenger seat is overly reclined or forward, PRE-SAFE automatically moves it to a more favourable crash position. If the seat cushion angle of the front passenger seat is too shallow, it is also re-adjusted to help prevent submarining. If the vehicle skids (often a precursor to rollover), the system closes the sunroof and side windows. If a crash is averted, the electric belt tensioners automatically relax and are ready to deploy again.

If necessary, PRE-SAFE reacts to fishtailing (or oversteer) as well as “plowing” (or understeer) by using existing sensors for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to measure steering angle, vehicle yaw and lateral acceleration.

Emergency braking can also trigger PRE-SAFE, which monitors sensors for the Brake Assist system as well.
Nine air bags for front and side protection

The 2010 E-Class now comes with front air bags, a new knee air bag for the driver that minimizes leg injuries in frontal collisions, and new pelvic air bags that work with the existing curtains and side air bags to provide extra protection for front passengers in dangerous side-impact collisions.
Comfort: Further progresses with adaptive shock absorbers and improved air suspension

Standard on the E350 4MATIC sedan, DIRECT CONTROL suspension provides the best of both worlds for a conventional coil-spring suspension. A small piston is connected to a bypass port in the hydraulic flow of each shock absorber. Its design provides a softer, quieter ride on normal roads but retains full shock damping over dips and twisty roads when it’s really needed.

All of this is taken to an even higher level with standard AIRMATIC DC air suspension on the E550 4MATIC. AIRMATIC DC uses the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) to reduce body roll when cornering. If the sensors detect a sporty driving style, the comfortable default suspension setting is automatically firmed up. The system is self-levelling and maintains a constant ride height for greater stability and improved handling. At high speeds, the body is automatically lowered to reduce roll and pitch.
The world’s most aerodynamic luxury sedan

With an impressive aerodynamic drag coefficient of only 0.25, the base European model of the new E-Class is literally the slickest luxury sedan on the planet. While the wider tires of the North American model give it a Cd of 0.27, the car’s still slippery profile means even better fuel economy and less wind noise at highway speeds. The new E-Class body is also 30 percent stronger, thanks to intelligent body construction, which includes liberal use of lightweight, high-tensile-strength steel, while the doors, front hood and trunk lid are aluminium.
Luxury defined

Mercedes-Benz designers paid careful attention to the E-Class sedan interior to ensure that every surface is appealing in form, colour and material. The cockpit features five analog gauges, including two pairs that overlap each other. Standard equipment includes a premium leather-covered steering wheel with integrated multi-function switches and a Direct Select electronic shift lever mounted on the steering column.

Also standard is a new COMAND system featuring a large seven-inch colour display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD/DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car’s audio system. Using a console-mounted controller, the central display in the dash can be operated by either the driver or front passenger.

The COMAND system can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius satellite radio, and an advanced voice control system for the audio, navigation and phone systems. The new system can also display maps and directions for the GPS navigation system (optional on the E350 4MATIC).
First-class seating

Newly designed 14-way adjustable power front seats feature divided stylish seat cushions that cover steel seat frames with integrated suspension. The optional multicontour driver seat offers impressively variable seat adjustments through a series of air bladders and mechanical bolsters that are integrated into the bottom cushion and seat back. Additional controls for the multicontour seats are tucked between the seat cushions and centre console.

To provide extra support during spirited driving, multicontour seat includes a Drive-Dynamic feature that inflates the right-side bolster in a left turn (or the left bolster in a right turn). The multi-contour seat is also designed to respond to steering input and cornering forces.

In addition, the E550 4MATIC and E63 AMG sedans offer Climate Comfort Seats, an option first introduced in the S-Class. Small electric fans inside each of the front seats draw up cool air from the footwell. The air passes through special plastic ducting and permeable fabric to flow evenly from the perforated leather seat upholstery. Seats that have been warmed up by direct sunlight cool down quickly.

When the Active feature is on, the centre lumbar air chamber “breathes,” inflating and deflating fully about twice each minute. This slight movement has proven to be an effective orthopedic way to relax the spine and back muscles, making a long trip more relaxing.
Four versatile engines for the E-Class

The E350 4MATIC uses the latest four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, while the E550 4MATIC model is powered by a 32-valve 5.5-litre V8 delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. The E350 BlueTEC comes with an innovative V6 turbo-diesel that develops 210 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.

The high-performance E63 AMG sedan is fitted with the first engine developed entirely by AMG – a 6.2-litre V8 that makes 518 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the engine boasts a wealth of features derived from AMG’s successful racing efforts. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminium alloy, the 6.2litre features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, “bucket” followers (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold.


BlueTEC – A blueprint for the world’s cleanest diesels

The E350 BlueTEC is powered by a purpose-built 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel with 210 horsepower, an astonishing 400 lb.-ft. of torque and 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Using several technologies to minimize diesel exhaust emissions, the E350 BlueTEC begins with a four-valveper-cylinder diesel featuring centrally located piezo-electric injectors, CDI direct injection, a variable-nozzle turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation.

Building on this foundation of advanced engine design, the E350 BlueTEC incorporates several modular after-treatment units in the exhaust stream – an oxidizing catalytic converter, a maintenance-free particulate filter, an SCR converter and a NOx storage converter. In the “denox” storage converter, nitrogen oxides are absorbed temporarily, and during brief regeneration pulses of a richer fuel-air mixture, the nitrogen oxides are released, reacting with other exhaust gas to form harmless nitrogen. These regeneration pulses also raise temperatures in the particulate filter, which automatically burns off the deposits.
4MATIC four-wheel drive sets a trend

The new-generation E350 4MATIC and E550 4MATIC sedans are equipped with the award-winning 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. As modern all-wheel-drive systems become more refined, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel drive provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads.

The latest Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is cleanly integrated into the automatic transmission so it fits right into the standard body and utilizes the existing front suspension. Fuel efficiency has been improved due to a number of innovative measures that minimize the energy needed to turn the extra gears and shafts.
Award-winning MCT sports transmission – The best of both worlds

The high-performance E63 AMG sedan also features a cutting-edge AMG transmission. With a start-up clutch that replaces the torque converter, the new seven-speed MCT sports transmission provides the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience of an automatic, offering impressive versatility and even faster shift times. Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps the transmission respond instantaneously and dynamically, with no slip.

The MCT AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS transmission features seven speeds, four shift modes, an automatic rev-matching function and a Race Start mode. With four drive modes: “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), the MCT provides customized shift control for maximum driving pleasure, and does so with no interruption of power.

In Comfort mode, smooth shifts coupled with a “soft” accelerator response are set up for smooth power transfer. In Sport mode, the engine and transmission interact quicker – upshifts and downshifts take place at higher engine speed. Gearshifts are around 20 percent faster than in Comfort mode. Switching to Sport Plus cuts another 20 percent off shift times, while the most aggressive mode, Manual, reduces shifting times by another 10 percent – a total reduction of 50 percent compared with Comfort mode. In Manual mode, the gearshifts take only 100 milliseconds.

The rev-matching function provides precisely computerized matching of engine speed with every manual or automatic downshift, and is active in the “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) modes. Not only does this smooth downshifting make driving more fun, but it also minimizes jerking, a special benefit when braking into a curve.

The E63 AMG sedan even comes with a Race Start feature that helps maintain full-throttle acceleration and optimal traction during race competition. After selecting the Race Start mode, the driver steps on the brake with the left foot and pushes the ESP Sport switch. When confirmation appears in the central display, the driver reconfirms Race Start by pulling the upshift paddle once, flooring the accelerator and releasing the brake. Engine speed is set automatically, and the car launches with full acceleration.
About Mercedes-Benz Canada

[Source: mercedesbenz canada]