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Stuttgart – At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exciting design study and two new, standard production saloons to demonstrate that automotive passion and environmentally friendly technology can complement each other very convincingly.
The Concept FASCINATION study interprets the emotional appeal of a coupé with new, surprising proportions, and combines a sporty and elegant design with stylish practicality. Other highlights include the new C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition and S 400 BlueHYBRID models. Both are particularly fuel-efficient, and occupy the peak position in their segment with respect to both performance and environmental compatibility.
A new four-cylinder diesel engine is celebrating its world premiere in the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition. Developing 150 kW/204 hp from a displacement of 2.2 litres, this saloon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. Yet it consumes only 5.2 litres (NEDC) of fuel per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions 138 g/km). The S 400 BlueHYBRID, which is due to be launched in summer 2009, is the first Mercedes-Benz passenger car model with hybrid drive. A combination of a modern V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world’s most economical luxury saloon with a petrol engine (7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC), CO2 emissions 190 g/km). Mercedes-Benz is also presenting the new S 600 Pullman Guard state limousine with integrated Highest Protection features in Paris. Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h, this open two-seater puts all previous roadsters in the shade.
Sense and sensuousness – a compelling interpretation of a coupé concept
With the Concept FASCINATION design study, Mercedes-Benz has given fresh impetus to the long-established (although now rarely seen) "shooting brake". This meets two different requirements – a high utility value plus a coupé which appeals to the heart with fast, thrilling lines. Freed from the constraints of a specifications book, the designers have created an automotive sculpture with great aesthetic appeal which demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s high level of design expertise.
Concept FASCINATION is a unique jewel of compelling automotive design, yet it still offers the benefits of a large luggage compartment. A particularly notable feature of the design is that the practical load space develops organically from the exciting and elegant lines of this lifestyle coupé, giving it its special charisma. Attention to detail make this design study an incomparable gem which conveys at one and the same time a sense of sporty forward movement and elegance, savoir-vivre and exclusivity of the highest level.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, commented: "This design study continues the long tradition of exciting coupés from Mercedes-Benz in impressive style. With its emotionally appealing lines, Concept FASCINATION offers a completely new interpretation of the coupé concept. Its aesthetic, dynamic looks and painstakingly crafted details ensure that this study meets the highest design standards."
Taut, sharply contoured lines and finely sculpted surfaces
The Concept FASCINATION design study’s elongated body is dominated by the dynamic front-to-rear sweep of its lines which gives it a dynamically charged look, evoking movement even when the vehicle is stationary. This impression is emphasised by the long, frameless, side-window line which describes a continuous arc from front to rear, uninterrupted by a B-pillar. As a result, the large load space in the rear is integrated in the vehicle body cohesively and harmoniously while also increasing the impression of length and creating a remarkable sense of lightness.
New twin-headlamp face and rear with a pronounced V-shape
The distinctive front section of this gracefully built athlete is a picture of self-assurance. It remains loyal to the twin-headlamp face, but interprets it in a more contemporary way. The rhomboid headlamps which are set against a grey background reveal the fascinating technical details of the light units with LED technology.
Like the front section, the forward-sloping rear has a pronounced V-shape and features a spoiler, below which the third brake light is reflected in the rear window. Flat, horizontal LED lights which extend around the back, linking it visually with the sides, emphasise the width.
Exquisite material mix and stylish luggage compartment
Generous use of fine materials such as leather, wood and aluminium, as well as high-quality woven fabrics and many carefully crafted details, ensures that the sporty and stylish character of the show vehicle is also underlined by the interior.
The floor of the load compartment, which measures approximately one metre square and folds up on the left and right, is made of wood with brushed aluminium protective rails. The centre of the load compartment is occupied by a folding smoked glass table which rises out of the floor at the touch of a button to reveal a refrigerated compartment for drinks and champagne flutes.
C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition
Efficiency and driving pleasure on a new plane will be provided by the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition from autumn 2008 – the first model Mercedes-Benz is equipping with a power unit from a completely newly designed diesel engine generation. This new four-cylinder engine produces 150 kW/204 hp and 500 Nm of torque from a displacement of 2.2 litres. The premiere model can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds, on the way to its top speed of 250 km/h. Notwithstanding these exceptional performance figures, the Prime Edition only consumes an average of 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km. The engine impresses with its eager responsiveness and smoothness of operation. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "With the new engine, the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition sets new standards in its segment with respect to performance, environmental protection and driving pleasure – in short: efficiency at a previously unattained level."
Exemplary figures in terms of power output, consumption and emission characteristics are achieved by the new engine thanks to the implementation of a whole package of innovative technologies. These include:
* a maximum ignition pressure of 200 bar,
* fourth-generation common-rail technology with a rail pressure increased by 400 bar to 2000 bar, as well as a new piezo-injector concept with direct nozzle needle control for greater flexibility in injection timing, leading to smoother running of the engine,
* larger, variable oil spray nozzles and variable water pump,
* dual-stage supercharging.
Fine detail work of the engineers reduces fuel consumption
In the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition the new diesel engine is combined with a sporty six-speed manual transmission with overdrive. This, too, contributes to the great efficiency of the model. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz engineers have drawn up an additional package of measures in order to achieve the most exceptional consumption figures. This includes further aerodynamic fine-tuning, tyres with reduced rolling resistance and adaptive power steering.
Sporty genes, state-of-the-art engineering, extensive equipment
The basis of the new vehicle is the C-Class Saloon of the AVANTGARDE equipment line, in which the sporty genes of Mercedes-Benz come particularly to the fore. All the pioneering technical systems of the C-Class are on board as well: for instance, the AGILITY CONTROL package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system.
The C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition can be delivered in obsidian black, palladium silver or iridium silver. It is also optionally available in diamond white metallic. The edition is limited to 5000 examples.
Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID
Mercedes-Benz is launching the S 400 BlueHYBRID, its first passenger car model equipped with a hybrid drive system, in summer 2009. The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury saloon with a petrol engine.
The NEDC combined fuel consumption is 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This makes for the world's lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class – 190 grams per kilometre. These exemplary figures go hand in hand with assured performance. The 3.5-litre petrol engine develops an output of 205 kW/279 hp, the electric motor generates 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of 160 Nm. The result is a combined output of 220 kW/299 hp and a combined maximum torque of 385 newton metres.
The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. The system offers a double benefit, as it both helps to save fuel and increases driving enjoyment. This is partly due to the booster effect of the electric motor, as it powerfully backs up the petrol engine with a maximum additional torque of 160 newton metres during the high-consumption acceleration phase. The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The hybrid module also has a comfortable start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill – for example at traffic lights. When it's time to move off again, the electric motor almost imperceptibly restarts the main power unit. This likewise makes a contribution to fuel economy and environmental protection: because the engine restarts first time, and practically instantly, emissions are also minimised during the starting phase.
When the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy by a process known as recuperation. Working in finely tuned partnership, the electric motor supplements the braking effect of the petrol engine and the wheel brakes to deliver a smoothly progressive braking action. The recuperated energy is stored in a compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment, and made available when required. This complex system is managed by a high-performance control unit, which is likewise located in the engine compartment.
A milestone on the road to electrification
The centrepiece of the modular, very compact and highly efficient hybrid drive system is the new high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which was specially developed for automotive use and is the first such unit worldwide to be introduced in a series-production vehicle. In this way Mercedes-Benz is making a trailblazing contribution to the electrification of the car, with the S-Class playing the role of the technological trendsetter.
Major advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and better electrical efficiency, together with more compact dimensions and a lower weight. Thanks to space-saving installation in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery, the interior space and boot capacity of the S 400 remain unchanged.
S 600 Pullman Guard state limousine
With the new S 600 Pullman state limousine intended for governments, business and crowned heads, the world’s oldest automaker is continuing its unique tradition of building large, armoured, prestige limousines. The very first Mercedes-Benz automobile produced as a special-protection vehicle ex factory was a Pullman limousine from the Nürburg 460 series (W08) introduced in 1928. Ever since, special protection vehicles from Mercedes-Benz have served the heads of state of numerous countries, as well as royalty, as automobiles worthy of their standing.
Like the famous Pullman railway coaches, the new S 600 Pullman Guard is luxuriously spacious and outstandingly comfortable. To ensure this spaciousness, the wheelbase of the special protection long-wheelbase S-Class was extended by 115 centimetres, making it 4315 millimetres in total. With an overall length of 6356 millimetres, this means that the S 600 Pullman Guard has truly majestic proportions. In addition, the new state limousine has an increased roof height in the rear for even more comfort and headroom. Following the Pullman tradition, four occupants can be seated in comfortable face-to-face seats behind a partition. The Mercedes-Benz Guard Pullman limousine therefore offers its passengers not only a maximum of comfort, but also a superbly appointed setting for discreet meetings, equipped, of course, with all the key communications and entertainment systems.
Newly developed on the basis of the S 600
The technical basis for the Pullman limousine is provided by the S 600 Guard, the top of the Mercedes-Benz Guard range. It is powered by a twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a displacement of 5513 cubic centimetres and an output of 380 kW/517 hp with an impressive 830 Nm of torque. The suspension and basic vehicle structure have been modified to cope with the greater weight.
Furthermore, the S 600 Pullman Guard offers it’s demanding passengers effective protection from terrorist attacks. Its Highest Protection status means that it has been engineered to resistance level B6/B7, as tested and certified by state-approved organisations. Its armour resists military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive charges. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.
In order to ensure that the vehicle offers outstanding protection, specialists in Sindelfingen with many years of experience in this field apply the principle of integrated special protection to the Pullman limousine. In effect this means that, rather than retrofitting the protective elements in the doors, rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall of a vehicle which has already been built, they fully integrate them into the body shell during the assembly process. In the process the entire passenger cell receives something akin to a suit of armour. The resulting vehicle offers hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with comprehensive Highest Protection characteristics, even in those areas where retrofitting would be all but impossible. The excellent ride comfort and superior handling performance of the standard models are also retained.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S
Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes‑Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h, this open two-seater even betters the standard set for open-top super-sports cars by the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both have a fully recessible soft top suitable for high speed driving, and are made from carbon fibre. This produces a very high level of safety and extremely high torsional strength. In addition to a higher engine output, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S has an even more dynamic suspension setup and further aerodynamic improvements.
Despite the extraordinary performance of this thoroughbred roadster, its occupants suffer no compromises in terms of comfort and day-to-day suitability. With its decidedly sporty, high-quality interior appointments and manifestly obvious motor-racing genes, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, a limited edition of 150, is able to capture the heart of even the most discerning car enthusiast.
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