Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC: R 320, ML 320, and GL 320 At The New York Auto Show
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Mercedes-Benz, New York International Auto Show, SUVs
Tags: bluetec, German, gl 320, ml 320, r 320
Mercedes-Benz presented three new SUVs equipped with the world’s latest and cleanest diesel engine at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The new R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC, and GL 320 BlueTEC use the highly efficient AdBlue exhaust aftertreatment system that meets the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.
Whether it’s the newly restyled ML320 BlueTEC family SUV, the larger GL320 BlueTEC or the versatile R320 BlueTEC, the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz sport utilities get 20-30 percent better fuel economy, surprisingly good performance and extremely low exhaust emissions. This latest generation of electronically injected CDI engines is changing consumers’ dated perceptions about diesel engines. The BlueTEC diesels have impressive cruising range up to 600 miles traveling at highway speeds, and these well-appointed SUVs can do all that without sacrificing performance. In addition, V8-like pulling power makes the BlueTEC diesels ideal for towing.
BlueTEC is a modular system that includes an oxidation catalytic converter and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions – the last type of exhaust gas that’s higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. The BlueTEC diesels use an NOx storage catalytic converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions.
The AdBlue system injects an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. Its tank only needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during routine maintenance intervals.
Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK BLUETEC Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Videos, Concept Cars, Mercedes-Benz, SUVs
Tags: Detroit, freeside, German, GLK, townside
Watch our live auto show video coverage from the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI, where Mercedes-Benz presented their compact SUV study with the Vision GLK FREESIDE and TOWNSIDE with the help of Sex In The City star Kim Cattrell. The Vision GLK FREESIDE is an all-rounder that showcases the capabilities of today’s SUV vehicles both on and off the road, while the TOWNSIDE version is designed to make its mark with dynamic performance on the tarmac.
Click here to see more on the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK FREESIDE and TOWNSIDE.
2008 Mercedes SLK-Class Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Sports Coupes
Tags: AMG, Detroit, German, SLK
The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class did not disappoint at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.
Watch the video debut of the 2008 SLK-Class and let us know what you think of the restyled front bumper featuring the modified segmentation of the air intakes and a more pronounced V-shape or the remodeled tail, with the diffuser-look styling at the bottom.
Click here for more on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK At The Detroit Auto Show
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Convertibles, Mercedes-Benz, Sports Coupes
Tags: Detroit, German, SLK
The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK blazes a trail of new sporty highlights, and bestows yet greater appeal on this thriving two-seater sports car with the trend-setting vario-roof that transforms it from roadster to weatherproof coupe in a matter of seconds.
The designers have honed the looks of the cult two-seater for added sportiness. Especially eye-catching is the restyled front bumper featuring modified segmentation of the air intakes and a more pronounced V-shape, while the area around the Mercedes star now stands out more boldly. The designers have also remodeled the vehicle’s tail, with the diffuser-look styling at the bottom giving the Roadster an even more powerful appearance from the rear too.
Many of the interior’s details have also undergone remodeling, and the interior has been refined as a whole by meticulous material selection. Particular care was taken to optimize the interior in such a way as to make it that much more driver-focused again. The focal point in this respect is formed by a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction controls, as well as a new instrument cluster with intriguing-looking bezels.
For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is equipping the SLK with the new NTG 2.5 generation of audio and telematics components. This boasts improved user friendliness together with even more handy functions. All audio systems come complete with a built-in hands-free facility with Bluetooth technology, plus a new media interface in the glove compartment, which enables mobile audio devices such as the iPod to be fully integrated into the audio system and operated from its control panel. The switch to the new telematics generation now sees Mercedes-Benz offering the optimized LINGUATRONIC voice control system, renowned for its outstanding operation, as an option for the SLK-Class for the first time.
Customers who wish to enjoy the ultimate acoustic experience, whether driving with the vario-roof up or down, can opt for the harman kardon® Logic7® sound system. Here, the passenger compartment is filled by a rich surround sound, delivering crystal-clear listening pleasure of unprecedented quality for a roadster.
Making a mighty contribution to the sporty billing of the 2008 generation of the SLK are three re-engineered drive units which all stand out by virtue of their lower fuel consumption, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions. Both the four-cylinder engine in the SLK 200 Kompressor and the six-cylinder sports engine in the SLK 350 benefit from a substantial increase in output and torque. Only the familiar eight-cylinder powerplant in the SLK 55 AMG remains unchanged, despite which it has lost absolutely none of its thrill and continues to be a unique selling point in the SLK segment.
The Mercedes-Benz engineers devoted particular attention to the V6 sports engine with high-revving concept, which is making its debut in the new-generation SLK. By performing a major overhaul of the engine’s mechanics, the engineers succeeded in giving the V6 unit a completely new lease of life. From an unaltered displacement of 3498 cubic centimetres it now musters 224 kW/305 hp at 6500 rpm, a whole 24 kW (33 hp) more than in the engine it replaces. Torque has been upped too (+ 10 Nm) and now peaks at 360 Nm at 4900 rpm.
This has been achieved by raising the rev speed limit to 7200 rpm, at the same time as increasing the compression ratio, fitting a new intake manifold and making extensive modifications to the valve gear.
The new engine also strikes a far more emotive-sounding note after being deliberately tuned to deliver resonant sports engine acoustics, with overrun mode producing a particularly emotion-stirring sound. When partnered by the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the engine management furthermore blips the throttle automatically during downshifts – not only does this create a very sporty soundtrack, it helps to limit load-alteration effects too.
Yet despite its higher power output and such high-calibre performance, fuel consumption in the SLK 350 has been cut by a sizeable margin. In conjunction with the six-speed manual transmission, it now burns just 9.5 litres of fuel per 100 km on the combined cycle, meaning that consumption has been reduced by a remarkable 1.1 litres per 100 km. When coupled to the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the sports engine limits itself to a mere 9.2 litres for every 100 km on the combined cycle, 0.9 litres less than previously. The cut in fuel consumption lowers CO2 emissions by 23 g/km to 219 g/km on the automatic model (manual transmission: 227 g/km, a reduction of 28 g/km).
Following the facelift, the engine line-up for the second generation of the successful SLK-Class will comprise three further variants:
- The four-cylinder supercharged engine delivers an extra 15 kW/21 hp of output (135 kW/184 hp), with torque increasing from 240 to 250 Newton metres. Combined fuel consumption has dropped by 1.0 litre to 7.7 l/100 km. This in turn reduces CO2 emissions by 27 g /km to 182 g/km.
-The SLK 280 has likewise been optimized for lower fuel consumption, and therefore CO2 emissions. Fuel consumption has dropped by 0.4 litres to 9.3 l/100 km (automatic: -0.2 l to 9.1 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions by 11 g to 220 g/km (automatic: -6 g to 216 g/km)
-At work under the hood of the SLK 55 AMG is the familiar 5.5-litre V8 powerplant delivering 265 kW/360 hp and 510 Nm of torque.
The three new models in the SLK range all come with a precision six-speed manual gearshift. The SLK 55 AMG retains the 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic transmission. The SLK 200 can be specified with an optional five-speed automatic, while the two V6 models – the SLK 280 and SLK 350 sports engine – offer the option of the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, or alternatively the 7G-TRONIC Sport with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
A newly developed direct-steer system with variable power assistance that elicits the very best from the suspension’s sporty capabilities is optionally available (standard on SLK AMG 55). It combines agility and maneuverability on twisting country roads with low steering forces when parking and sure steering characteristics at high speeds.
The direct-steer system is derived from the previous speed-sensitive power steering and operates purely mechanically. This dispenses with the need for sophisticated actuator units and complex sensors, which interfere with the direct flow of power between wheel and hand and therefore have a detrimental effect on steering precision. At the heart of the system is a new rack with ingeniously devised toothing, that is designed to alter the steering gear ratio as the steering angle changes. Around the central position, the steering has an indirect ratio for good straight-line stability, resulting in excellent safety at high speeds. As soon as the steering wheel is turned to an angle of 5 degrees, the ratio increases rapidly and the steering feels far more direct. In this way, the number of steering wheel turns from lock to lock is reduced by around 25 per cent with the new direct-steer system. Consequently, relatively small turns of the steering wheel are sufficient for changing course when driving in city traffic. Meanwhile, high-speed twisty sections of country roads can be negotiated safely, precisely and with enormous pleasure using relatively small steering movements, all in almost intuitive fashion.
Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK FREESIDE and Vision GLK TOWNSIDE Concepts At The Detroit Auto Show
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, Mercedes-Benz, SUVs
Tags: Detroit, freeside, German, GLK, townside, vision
The Vision GLK FREESIDE and Vision GLK TOWNSIDE are two breeds of the same vehicle which are set to take the SUV world by storm. Both of these studies are celebrating their world premiere at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Whereas the Vision GLK FREESIDE is an all-rounder that showcases the capabilities of today’s SUV vehicles both on and off the road, the TOWNSIDE version is designed to make its mark with dynamic performance on the tarmac. By presenting two such different profiles, Mercedes-Benz is seeking to demonstrate the tremendous potential of the compact SUV study.
The Vision GLK FREESIDE and Vision GLK TOWNSIDE provide a stylistic preview of a future compact SUV model bursting with character. What makes them just so fascinating is the way they fuse different design worlds. The two studies incorporate elements taken from the original angular design of the G-Class, whilst at the same time impressing with design features typical of today’s Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Both stem from the same gene pool, yet each distinguishes itself with a personality all of its own. In the words of Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: “The Vision GLK FREESIDE and TOWNSIDE reveal new possibilities for the logical progression of our extremely successful model strategy in the SUV segment.”
The FREESIDE and TOWNSIDE take trademark SUV characteristics, such as solidity and off-road capability, and unite them with refined motoring culture on “regular” roads. In both cases, the agility control suspension promises exceptional driving dynamics and agility, coupled with exemplary ride comfort plus pioneering standards of active safety. The GLK FREESIDE version brings the off-road abilities more to the fore with its special detachable body parts and rugged underride guard, while the Vision GLK TOWNSIDE with sports suspension unleashes its strengths in tarmac terrain. Forming the backbone of both variants is a highly robust bodyshell that forms a solid basis for a number of other key characteristics too: handling stability as well as vibration and acoustic comfort, which are equally as impressive under all driving conditions, plus passive safety, which is up to the brand’s usual impeccably high standard.
Responsive performance is guaranteed in both model versions regardless of the conditions thanks to the latest generation of economical and eco-friendly BLUETEC four-cylinder drive units under the bonnet, which operate in unison with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and the new 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The compact-sized concept models also feature a number of technical highlights which are normally the preserve of the more exclusive vehicle categories. Quite apart from the PRE-SAFE anticipatory safety concept and the ILS Intelligent Light System, these include the COMAND APS infotainment centre with its intuitive operating concept, a rear-seat entertainment system including two screens, plus THERMOTRONIC 3-zone automatic climate control.
The interiors of the two studies match the expressive design of the exterior, and present an enticing mix of high-grade materials plus an ergonomically coherent overall concept. Both instantly convey that characteristic Mercedes feel of wellbeing, but interpret it in two completely different styles. The Vision GLK FREESIDE immerses its occupants in an ambiance of luxury and comfort, with white leather appointments and wood trim elements in a matte finish. The light aquamarine leather upholstery and brushed aluminum trim elements in the interior of the TOWNSIDE, on the other hand, set a more sporty tone.
2008 Detroit International Auto Show Preview
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, BMW, Chrysler, Concept Cars, Crossovers, Dodge, Ford, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, SUVs, Toyota
With the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) quickly approaching, we thought we would give you a quick preview of a few vehicles that will be making debuts.
Chrysler will have a trio of eco-friendly debuts: The Jeep Renegade which is a small two-seater that runs on electricity stored in a lithium-ion battery that is supplemented by a small diesel engine, the Dodge ZEO which is a two-plus-two wagon that runs solely on electricity from a lithium-ion battery, and the Chrysler ecoVoyager people mover that runs on electricity from batteries supplemented by a fuel cell.
Ford is set to unveil its next-generation F-150 pickup truck and the small crossover Verve concept.
Nissan will be introducing its Forum concept which is a next-generation family mover. Some of the innovations featured in the concept include trackless sliding doors and no pillars between the front and second row seats.
Mitsubishi will reveal a new sports-car concept derived from the infamous Evo X. The concept uses Mitsubishi’s S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual tranny that is used in the Lancer Evolution X. The unnamed concept is built on an aluminum space frame structure and will be powered by a turbo-diesel engine.
Both Toyota and Kia plan to unveil all-new production models. While Toyota has stayed mum on their premiere, Kia has confirmed that theirs will be a new seven-passenger SUV called the Borrego.
BMW will be introducing several vehicles, including new diesel-powered models while Mercedes-Benz will be premiering a small luxury SUV concept.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Video and Photos
Filed under: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Sports/GT
Tags: C63 AMG, German
The C63 AMG just made its North American premiere at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. Like any AMG vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG packs a lot of power under its hood. The naturally-aspirated 6.3L engine produces 451 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and a maximum 443 lb-ft of torque. For more on performance and design improvements to the C63 AMG, watch our video coverage and browse the photo gallery.
Watch the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Video on YouTube.
The 2008 C63 AMG Video is also available on Roadfly.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Video
Filed under: Auto Show Videos, Mercedes-Benz, New York International Auto Show, Sports Sedans
Check out the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sports Sedan. Roadfly is proud to bring you video from the 2007 New York International Auto Show!
Video: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
