Mercedes-AMG and Ducati stage joint appearance at the Bologna Motor Show (3 - 11 December 2011): the new SLK 55 AMG and the new Ducati Streetfighter 848 – both finished in "Streetfighter yellow" – are to go on show to the public at the north Italian motor show in a move set to underscore the importance of the cooperation entered into by Mercedes-AMG and Ducati one year ago.
Inspired by the Ducati Streetfighter 848, the "streetfighter yellow" colour of the SLK 55 AMG ensures an exciting appearance from all angles: the exceptional paint finish is guaranteed to provide a high level of appeal. If there is sufficient demand, the special colour variant could also be made available as an individual optional extra from the AMG Performance Studio. The overall look is also perfectly complemented by the interior of the SLK 55 AMG: the contrasting yellow stitching creates a striking effect against the black nappa leather appointments, and is to be found on the door centre panels, beltlines, armrests, leather-covered roll-over bars, dashboard, the shift lever gaiter and also the AMG Performance steering wheel. Yellow illuminated AMG door sill panels featuring LED technology round off the striking effect of the interior.
The portfolio of the AMG Performance Studio ranges from special paintwork and leather appointments, through to technical solutions and extensive body modifications. The stylish vehicle upgrades are undertaken to a high level of hand-crafted perfection in accordance with individual customer requirements, while at the same time also meeting the highest safety and quality standards typical of Mercedes-Benz.
SLK 55 AMG: the most powerful SLK of all time
The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and the Ducati Streetfighter 848 complement each other not only visually but also technically. Both models are the perfect embodiment of distinctive driving dynamics, expressive design and intense driving pleasure.
The SLK 55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its newly developed AMG 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine with cylinder shut-off system combines ultimate performance with the lowest possible consumption levels. With a maximum output of 310 kW (422 hp) and maximum toque of 540 Nm, the SLK 55 AMG outperforms all of its direct competitors. Its fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) and CO2 emissions of 195 grams per kilometre are some 30 percent lower than those of its predecessor. The SLK 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). High levels of driving dynamics are ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system.
Forming part of the third-generation of the SLK, the new top-of-the range AMG model already demonstrates its individuality even at first glance: distinctive AMG light-alloy wheels, specific AMG bodystyling with AMG spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear complement the classic roadster proportions, while adding a markedly athletic touch. The expressive design of the SLK 55 AMG is both eye-catching and unmistakable.
Ducati Streetfighter 848: superior competitor – ultimate fighter
The new Ducati Streetfighter 848 provides unbridled biking pleasure in its purest form, while combining innovative technology with an outstanding appearance: a revised 848 Testastretta 11° engine with 97 kW (132 hp) and an exciting 93.5 Nm of torque as well as a modified frame geometry help to guarantee safe, agile handling. This is supported by the smooth, easy-to-manage power delivery of the engine, revised ergonomics and a specially tuned traction control (DTC) system. The features of the new Streetfighter are rounded off in visual terms by the unique Ducati styling. The Streetfighter 848 is guaranteed to cause a sensation, whether on the road or on the race track.
It was no surprise therefore when, true to its name, the Ducati Streetfighter scored an immediate knock-out on entering the ring for the first time at the EICMA show in 2008 in Milan. The impression which it left among the international press and public on its first appearance meant it was not only able to win the show's "Most Beautiful Bike" award, but it also raised the bar for powerful naked bikes even higher by becoming the new benchmark on the market.
In addition to the colour variant in traditional red with red frame, the new Streetfighter 848 is also available in yellow with frame in Racing Black. The Dark Stealth colour variant, meanwhile, with frame in Racing Black underscores the fierce attitude of the Streetfighter. With the exciting new Streetfighter 848, Ducati has succeeded in combining state-of-the-art technology and skeletal styling in a contemporary design.
The cooperation agreement between AMG and Ducati was signed in November 2010
Visible signs of the cooperation agreement between Mercedes-AMG and Ducati, which was signed at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2010, include various marketing activities as well as joint appearances at shows and customer events. In the AMG core markets of the US, China, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Great Britain and Switzerland, the announcement of the cooperation was very soon followed by the establishment of close links at market level.
The first result of the intensive exchange of ideas between the designers and engineers from Affalterbach and Bologna was the joint presentation of the CLS 63 AMG and the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main.
AMG has been the "Official Car Partner" of the Ducati MotoGP team since the start of the 2011 MotoGP season. The AMG logo appears not only on the motorcycles and racing overalls of Ducati works drivers Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi, but also on the official teamwear and in the Ducati Lounge. Furthermore, as an additional outcome of the cooperation agreement, the Ducati fleet of vehicles is being gradually switched over to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The base price (incl. 19% VAT):
- SLK 55 AMG: 72,590 euros
* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE...
Readers of MODELL FAHRZEUG, Germany's leading magazine for model cars, have declared miniature versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles the winners in no less than eight categories. Two awards went to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 1:12 scale model from model-car maker Premium Classixxs: the gullwing model from the Mercedes-Benz Collection won the overall award "Super Model Vehicle 2011" as well as achieving first place in the 1:12 category. Readers voted on a total of 162 models (including 31 Mercedes-Benz models) in 22 categories.
In addition to these accolades, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH won the award in the new category "Premium brand 2011 auto industry". For this award, which was given for the first time this year, the readers had to decide which car maker had made the best policy for model cars in 2011. "We are naturally very pleased to receive this recognition," says Christian Boucke, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. "Model cars that remain faithful to the original and are produced with great attention to detail have always had a special importance – both in our Collection and in the case of our licensed products. Over 350 models bearing the Mercedes star currently arouse the passion for perfection and design common to collectors all over the world. And models from around 130 licensed partners allow Mercedes-Benz to widen its range of products at specialist retailers."
The table below highlights the winning Mercedes models as voted for by the readers of MODELL FAHRZEUG magazine:
For collectors: Mercedes miniatures displaying great attention to detail
Since the invention of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has built its vehicles out of conviction and passion. Such is the extent of this passion that even the miniature vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz Collection are produced with enormous attention to detail – so much so that they even stand up to comparison with their larger role models. As soon as you see a new Mercedes-Benz on the road, you can be sure that a miniature version – available in a range of almost 100-percent genuine colours and a choice of scales, of course – will be waiting for enthusiasts at Mercedes-Benz outlets.
Numerous model cars produced in collaboration with licensed partners widen the range of model cars sporting the Mercedes star – not only collector's models but also miniatures in categories not currently covered by Mercedes‑Benz Accessories GmbH, such as RC cars or slot cars. When it comes to the licensed products, too, Mercedes-Benz naturally attaches great importance to attention to detail and high value: hence the developers have access to either CAD data or digitalised design data from the original. Or they are given a vehicle for photographic purposes. Aspects checked before approval is given include design, quality and logos.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE...
The Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles division is delighted to have won an unusual award: the prestigious “red dot award design concept” in Singapore went to the Unimog design concept. The “Best of Best” award went to the study presented this summer on the off-road special-purpose vehicle. The jury recognised that good ideas need to be combined with a good design to make a model successful on the market. As a top professional design competition, this award enjoys a high international reputation. Companies, institutions, research centres and design studios all take part. The winners in the different categories are selected from a total of over 3,000 project submissions. On 25 November, Kai Sieber, Head of Design Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles, accepted the award in Singapore.
A glimpse of the design idiom of the future
The design study caused quite a stir at the celebrations this summer to mark the 60th anniversary of the Unimog. It gives a glimpse of the design idiom of the future for commercial vehicle design at Mercedes-Benz, which will have a close connection with the legendary Unimog’s design features. The study thus links the past and the future, emphasising the standard, familiar unique selling propositions of the Unimog, such as high ground clearance, coiled springs (these are retained all in red) and the frame design, while at the same time incorporating some design elements of the future. In this instance, the chunky bonnet reflects the typical Mercedes-Benz lines. The mudguards are just a few sparsely drawn lines, and the overall look of the concept creates its own individual dynamics. The colour selection is also no accident. The first Unimog was green, and this has remained a very popular colour with Unimog owners right up to the present day. However, the shade of green of the design study takes its inspiration from the arrow poison frog, a rare amphibian species which, like the Unimog, can be found both on land and in water. The wheels, which in line with the Unimog design are all of equal size, feature striking and movable five-star aluminium rims, and the headlights bundle the light rather like stage lighting, giving the Unimog an all-round striking appearance.
The design concept is not intended as the prototype for a future Unimog generation, although certain details could certainly be incorporated in future. The design study continues the development history of the Unimog, displaying a highly innovative character and an exceptional degree of flexibility, just like the series production Unimog in its many applications around the world.
60 years of Mercedes-Benz Unimog – the success of an idea
Over the last twelve months, the Unimog has celebrated two important anniversaries: 60 years ago, on 3 June 1951, the first Mercedes-Benz Unimog was built in Gaggenau, and in December 2010, the 10,000th unit of the U 300/U 400/U 500 series rolled off the production line at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. A unique vehicle design was born, with a high level of cross-country capability, thanks to its all-wheel drive system, and a high speed capability on the roads. Since then, apart from winter and maintenance operations, and also municipal applications, the Unimog has proved its worth in many other areas, such as forest fire-fighting, road/rail uses, disaster management and rescue services.
Over 380,000 units of the Unimog (the name comes from the German for “Universally Applicable Motorized Implement”) have been built over the last 60 years; the model was manufactured at the Gaggenau plant until 2002, after which production was relocated to the truck plant in Wörth.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE...
The introduction of the extended ESP package for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter from January 2012 will improve brake performance in critical situations and enhance the safety of passengers and other road users. ADAPTIVE ESP 9i replaces the current ADAPTIVE ESP 8.1. This is further proof that safety is one of the fundamental values of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
The successor to ADAPTIVE ESP guarantees greater safety
The intelligent ADAPTIVE ESP safety system complements other aspects such as careful driving techniques, effective brakes and sophisticated chassis systems, to achieve the greatest possible active safety. Just like the ADAPTIVE ESP 8.1 safety system, fitted as standard ever since the current Sprinter was introduced, the new ESP 9i takes the vehicle load into account. Depending on the weight and the position of the vehicle's centre of gravity, the ESP sensors ascertain the vehicle load at any given time; this ensures that ESP 9i can stabilise the vehicle with individually modulated intervention action.
This new ESP system will also intervene selectively if a trailer begins to sway, thus helping drivers to stabilise their vehicle and trailer combination.
ADAPTIVE ESP 9i has two important additional functionalities: Brake Disc Wipe and Electronic Brake Prefill.
Brake Disc Wipe accelerates brake response time in wet conditions
In wet weather, light braking pressure is applied to the wheel brake at regular intervals to wipe the film of water off the brake disc. If emergency braking occurs, full braking power is immediately available. This gains valuable stopping distance compared with braking with wet brake discs.
Electronic Brake Prefill ensures that brakes respond rapidly
If the accelerator pedal is released suddenly and quickly, the brake pads will automatically be gently applied so as to eliminate in advance the air gap between brake pad and disc. If emergency braking then occurs, valuable milliseconds will have been won since the friction surfaces of the pads and discs will already be in contact, facilitating effective deceleration.
This functionality also reduces stopping distance which, depending on the circumstances, will either avoid an accident or diminish its severity.
The new ADAPTIVE ESP 9i will be fitted as standard from January 2012 at no additional cost.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE...
Landmark figure in Scandinavia for the Setra Bus and Coach Unit. The Ulm-based Daimler brand delivered its 1500th new vehicle to Sweden. Managing directors Lena Persson and Lennart Robertsson received the milestone vehicle, a Setra ComfortClass S 416 GT-HD, at the Customer Centre in Neu-Ulm from Michael Frey, Head of Market Management Setra Export Markets.
With the new vehicle the company "Karl Everts", which was taken over by the entrepreneurs Persson and Robertsson four years ago, currently has five Setra coaches in service. Lena Persson: "What we have come to appreciate above all about Setra is the high quality along with the comprehensive aftersales service." The coaches owned by the company based in Trollhättan, Sweden, which has been a partner of Setra since 1976, are on the road throughout the whole of Europe.
With its ComfortClass touring coaches, Setra has set the standard throughout Europe in the field of combined touring and occasional-service operations. Two trade magazines awarded the "Green Coach Award" a few weeks ago to the12-metre version, the S 415 GT-HD, as the most economical touring coach at the "Busworld" show in Kortrijk, Belgium.
Setra is now providing the S 415 GT-HD, the 13-metre-long two-axle version S 416 GT-HD and the 15-metre-long three-axle model S 419 GT-HD with a rear entrance. This configuration provides the touring coach with extra room for a generous luggage compartment, a continuous passenger compartment and for a spacious rear galley.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE...
Nine of Mercedes-Benz’ most recent car models celebrated their Japan premieres today at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show. Until December 11, the Stuttgart-based premium car manufacturer will display 23 vehicles of its Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, and smart brands at the international car and commercial vehicle show in Tokyo. These vehicles include the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class and M-Class as well as the SLS AMG Roadster and the new smart fortwo electric drive. All those vehicles will be launched in the Japanese market in 2012. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz’ Concept A-Class is providing a preview of the new A-Class, which will become available in Japan in 2013. With the F 125! research vehicle the brand is looking even further into the future. The luxury class sedan is equipped with a fuel cell plug-in hybrid with a range of 1,000 kilometers. The smart brand shows futuristic design and technologies that enhance energy efficiency, lightweight construction, and temperature management with its smart forvision concept car. Traditionally, the Tokyo Motor Show focuses more on innovative future technologies in automotive engineering than other international auto shows.
Dr. Schmidt: “At the Tokyo Motor Show we are presenting an overview of our product and technology offensive. All these new cars contribute to our growth strategy and underscore our ambition to lead in the premium segment.” As part of its “Mercedes-Benz 2020” growth strategy, the brand will expand its product portfolio with ten new models until 2015. In the future there will be five Mercedes models in the compact segment alone. By 2020 the company plans to be the leading manufacturer in the premium segment. Therefore, Mercedes-Benz also aims to grow on the Japanese market.
Japan is currently one of Mercedes-Benz’ top ten sales markets. Since January, Mercedes-Benz has posted its strongest sales growths in Japan within the C-Class segment (10,260 units, +29.7%). The C-Class estate has achieved year to date record sales of 3,456 units (+43.3%).The C-Class’ great popularity in the country is also demonstrated by the fact that it was voted among the top ten contenders for the Car of the Year 2011 award. Moreover, with the C-Class sedan Mercedes-Benz is the market leader among the importers in its segment. The new generation of the SLK, which was introduced this year, is also very well received by customers. In the luxury car segment, the S-Class sedan is leading the import manufacturers. In the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) for 2011, Mercedes-Benz was the top-ranking import brand in Japan.
Especially with regard to alternative power train systems, the Japanese market plays an important role. The demand for electric vehicles, for example, is rapidly increasing. That is why Daimler’s smart brand has been operating a test fleet of ten second generation smart electric drive in Japan since last year. The smart electric drive is currently being tested in 18 markets worldwide. From the very start, the two-seater was also designed for electric operation. The first generation of the vehicle was tested in London back in 2007. The third generation of the car will be launched in the market next year. It is the first series-produced electric vehicle from Europe and will be available in more than 30 countries. Dr. Annette Winkler, head of smart: “Response to the third generation smart fortwo electric drive has been overwhelming so far. I am really proud to present it here in Tokyo, one of the megacities the smart has been developed for. As electric mobility has a high status in Japan, we are very happy to offer our Japanese customers the innovative electric smart fortwo starting 2012.” More than 26,000 smart brand vehicles have been sold in Japan since the car was introduced into the market eleven years ago.
The wholly owned Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Japan Co., Ltd. is responsible for importing, selling, and marketing products of Mercedes-Benz Cars in the Japanese market. The company maintains a comprehensive sales and service network in Japan, encompassing 73 dealers with 204 sales outlets as well as 227 service workshops. Since 1993, Mercedes-Benz has been operating one of its five Advanced Design Centers near Yokohama. Besides Mercedes-Benz Japan Co., Ltd., Daimler AG is also represented in Japan by its subsidiaries Daimler Financial Services Japan Co., Ltd. and Mercedes-Benz Finance Co., Ltd. In addition, Daimler owns almost 90 percent of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks division of Daimler AG. All in all, Daimler employs around 13,000 men and women in Japan.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE...
The new Mercedes Benz Actros has taken the “European Transport Sustainability Prize 2012” award in the “Trucks from 7.5 tonnes” category. This is the first year the prize sponsored by the Huss-Verlag publishing house has been awarded. The jury statement highlighted the vehicle’s low fuel consumption, which was achieved in spite of the technology measures required to meet the Euro VI standard.
New Actros fulfils the Euro VI standard
This makes Mercedes-Benz the first supplier to develop a truck that meets the future Euro VI exhaust emissions standard. This achievement includes an 80-percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.
Mercedes-Benz truck sets fuel economy record
The development objective for the new Actros was to reduce fuel consumption in spite of the Euro VI technology requirements. The current Actros 1844 LS was already the record-holder as the world’s most economical series-produced truck in this context. When the two models went head-to-head in a “record run” in summer 2011, the new Actros 1845 BlueTec 6 with Euro VI technology recorded fuel consumption of 25.9 litres / 100 km, 4.5 percent better than the existing record-holder. The new Actros BlueTec 5 with Euro V technology posted an amazing 25.1 litres / 100 km, 7.6 percent below the existing record. The FleetBoard telematics system fitted as standard equipment makes economic driving even easier.
Additional safety features and enhanced driving comfort
As well as offering better fuel economy and Euro VI compliance, the new model also features a stronger focus on safety. Integrated tyre pressure monitoring for the entire vehicle train reduces the risk of blow-outs, and optimum braking performance is ensured with a new water retarder. A Proximity Control assist with stop-and-go function and mirror with manoeuvring function enhance both safety and driver comfort.
These progressive features and compliance with the future Euro VI exhaust emissions standard have made the new Actros a worthy winner of the European sustainability prize sponsored by the Munich-based Huss-Verlag publishing house. Huss-Verlag has established this prize, awarded in 11 categories, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. The firm is mainly a publisher of trade magazines in the transport and logistics sector.
The prize for the Mercedes-Benz Actros was handed to Daimler Trucks Worldwide Product Engineering Manager Georg Weiberg by Bernhard Kerscher, Managing Director of TÜV Süd Auto Service, at the German Museum in Munich.
In the words of Georg Weiberg: “We in Daimler Trucks are absolutely delighted with our victory, and we are deeply grateful to Huss-Verlag for this award. We see the prize as further confirmation that with the Actros we are already able to offer the customer a truck for the future, equipped with Euro VI technology. Our aim is to establish the new Actros in the marketplace as a worldwide best-seller on the basis of its fuel economy and safety performance.”
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE...
