Paris, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a wide variety of new products and technical innovations at this years Paris Motor Show, where exclusive high-performance models such as the CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG or the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition super sports car are celebrating their world debut. The new edition of the CL-Class also has its first public appearance under the motto “Masterly luxury Coupe”. With the anniversary showcar SLK “Edition 10”, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the tenth birthday of the worlds most successful roadster. Other highlights include the newly developed permanent four-wheel drive 4MATIC, which has its debut in the S-Class. In the S 320 CDI 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz is also offering a combination of a diesel engine and four-wheel drive for the first time in the S-Class. In addition, standard production versions of the E-Class will be presented for a most unusual endurance test: a total of 33 models will take the starting line here in Paris on October 21. Following the traces of the first transcontinental car race held in 1907, the 13,600-kilometre route from Paris to Beijing passes through stretches of difficult terrain.
Mercedes-AMG is presenting two powerful eight-cylinder flagship models in the form of the CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG. Dynamic progress is guaranteed by the 100% Mercedes-AMG developed 6.3-litre V8-engine with a peak output of 386 kW/ 525 hp and 630 newton metres of torque. The exclusive nature of the unique AMG high-performance cars is amply demonstrated by their high-tech appoint-ments: standard equipment includes AMG bodystyling, AMG light-alloy wheels and an AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system and an AMG-specific interior. The preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE is also included with the new PRE-SAFE brake and DISTRONIC PLUS available as options. The CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG are the current highlights of the 2006 strategic model initiative by Mercedes-AMG with ten brand-new AMG high-performance cars to date.
The heart of both top-of-the-line eight-cylinder models is the 100% AMG-developed AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine. From a displacement of 6208 cc, this high-revving, naturally aspirated engine delivers an output of 386 kW/525 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5200 rpm. This gives the AMG powerpack a higher specific output and specific torque than any other series-produced naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine in the world. Accordingly the eight-cylinder unit from Affalterbach has a fulminating performance potential: both AMG models will accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The market launch of the CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG in Mercedes-Benz sales offices and dealerships will commence in January 2007. The S 63 AMG comes in two body variants: a particularly lively, 130-millimetre shorter version is available in addition to the more prestigious version with a long wheelbase.
SLR McLaren 722 Edition: legendary start number for a legendary super sports car
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition displays thoroughbred motor-racing attributes, having been developed in close cooperation with the motorsport specialists at the headquarters of the McLaren Formula-1 team in England. Featuring more than 300 modified components, the super sports car serves up a boost in output, more dynamic chassis tuning, improved aerodynamics and distinctly sporty interior appointments to thrill even the most demanding of sports-car enthusiasts. For Mercedes-Benz, “SLR 722 Edition” was an obvious name for the new model variant, as it evokes memories of the unforgettable victory achieved in 1955 by the British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-pilot Denis Jenkinson at Mille Miglia, at the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the start number 722 (indicating a starting time of 07.22 hours). Boasting an impressive output of 478 kW/650 hp, the new SLR McLaren 722 Edition super sports car not only out-performs its historic forefather, it even outstrips the scintillating peak performance of the current SLR model. The new limited-edition series only 150 models are being produced, for the most part hand-crafted, in collaboration with McLaren in Woking is the brand’s response to calls from highly discerning SLR customers for even more sportiness combined with the same high level of everyday practicality.
At the heart of the SLR 722 Edition is a 5.5-litre V8 supercharged powerplant which gives this high-end sports car a fulminating performance: the SLR 722 Edition completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.6 seconds (SLR 3.8 seconds), going on to achieve 200 km/h in just 10.2 seconds (SLR 10.6 seconds) and 300 km/h in a mere 28.0 seconds (SLR 28.8 seconds). Plus the top speed of 337 km/h is even higher than that of the current SLR (334 km/h).
SLK “Edition 10”: Showcar to mark the tenth anniversary of the Roadster
With its matt-grey metallic paint finish, the anniversary showcar is immediately distinguishable from a standard SLK sports car and illustrates a trend in the future colour styling of automobiles. The exterior also features dark-grey painted, high-sheen light-alloy wheels in a ten-spoke design, shod with wide-base tyres in size 225/45 R 17 (front) and 245/40 R 17 (rear). The wheels are also embellished with black-and-silver emblems bearing the Mercedes star. Dark-tinted rear light clusters also contribute to the exclusive appearance of the “Edition 10” showcar.
In the interior the driver and passenger are treated to a selection of fine materials. The seats and the armrest in the centre console are covered with black leather. Silver-coloured underlays beneath the centre panels of the seat cushions and backrests discreetly yet effectively accentuate the perforations in the leather. This sporty and elegant black-silver contrast is heightened further by the silver thread used for the decorative seams of the SLK sports seats. The liner of the vario-roof and the rear window surround are painted in black. Mercedes designers opted for a black trim strip on the drivers side of the dashboard, and above the glove compartment a woven metallic structure under matt lacquer pleases the eye.
In the anniversary showcar, Mercedes-Benz also shows what the SLK-Class has to offer in technical terms. The showcar features the absolutely unique head-level heating system AIRSCARF, the luxury automatic climate control system THERMOTRONIC and the COMAND system with Europe-wide navigation. Other appointments from the SLK range include the PARKTRONIC parking aid, electrically adjustable seats with a memory function, a heated steering wheel and an MP3-capable CD-changer.
More than 311,000 units of the first-generation SLK-Class were produced between autumn 1996 and March 2004. To date Mercedes-Benz has produced around 148, 000 examples of the current SLK-Class, and is the world market leader with an average share of 30 percent.
CL-Class: Public debut of the masterpiece among luxury coupes
The large Mercedes Coupes have been the epitome of elegance and exclusivity in automotive engineering for many decades. They set standards in design and equipment, combining outstanding safety with the greatest comfort and a superior driving experience. The new CL-Class is yet another masterpiece by Mercedes-Benz. Just as this luxury coupe points the way into the future with its innovative technology, its design is a protagonist for a new aesthetic appearance a new Mercedes style. This is characterised by an interplay between taut, striking lines and large, tranquil surfaces.
The same elegance is found in the interior: it is immediately apparent that everything in the interior of the new CL-Class is designed for comfort and relaxation. There is a choice of five stylish colour combinations, while automatic climate control, COMAND with a car radio and CD/DVD player and a glass sliding sunroof are other standard equipment items which contribute to the uniquely comfortable driving experience.
In the top-of-the-line model CL 600, an interior in PASSION leather, specially selected poplar wood trim and an Alcantara roof liner with quilted seams contribute to a luxurious, first-class atmosphere which is also echoed by designo seats, chromed door sill panels and deep-pile floor mats with leather edging. The standard specification also includes dynamic multicontour seats with massage function and seat ventilation, the hard-disc navigation system COMAND APS, the LOGIC7 surround sound system with DVD changer and the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system.
The standard specification in the new Mercedes Coupe features technological innovations that no other manufacturer can match anywhere in the world. First and foremost is the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, which in its latest, even more sophisticated guise delivers unprecedented handling dynamics while offering an equally appreciable improvement in ride comfort.
Standard features also include the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, which recognises a potential accident situation in its early stages and initiates appropriate preventive measures. Mercedes-Benz has just made this multi-award-winning anticipatory protection system even better in the CL-Class with the newly developed PRE-SAFE Brake system. This operates in tandem with Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which visually and acoustically warns the driver of an imminent rear-end collision. If the driver operates the brakes immediately, BAS PLUS automatically makes the necessary brake pressure available to avoid a crash if possible. If the driver does not react to the BAS PLUS warnings, the PRE-SAFE Brake system triggers automatic partial braking where an accident is imminent, and slows the CL Class down using around 40 percent of the maximum braking power. The automatic partial braking provides the driver with another clear warning to act. If the driver then applies the brakes, the maximum braking force is made available through BAS Plus and the accident can – depending on the situation – be averted at the last moment. If an accident is unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE Brake system reduces the impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
The new luxury Coupe is ready for any challenge on motorways and rural roads, thanks to the most powerful Mercedes engines to date. The eight-cylinder powerplant in the CL 500 delivers 285 kW/388 hp and generates a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres from 2800 rpm. The CL 500 takes just 5.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (previous model: 6.3 seconds). An ultra-modern biturbo twelve-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the new CL 600 generates its impressive power. Mercedes engineers have enhanced numerous details of this power unit. Output has now increased to 380 kW/517 hp, while the maximum torque is an enormous 830 newton metres from 1900 rpm. The CL 600 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in only 4.6 seconds. And despite the significant performance boost the V12 engine consumes 0.4 litres less fuel than the previous CL 600 per 100 kilometres.
S-Class 4MATIC: Comfort and driving dynamics attain a new level of perfection
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now available with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. This all-new drive system combines perfect traction, first-class comfort and impressive driving dynamics with good fuel economy. In the S 500 4MATIC, the advanced 5.5-litre V8-engine with four valves per cylinder, 285 kW/388 hp and 530 Newton metres offers first-class performance: the new S 500 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. With figures of 12.1 to 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) compared with 11.7 to 11.9 litres per 100 km for the S 500 without all-wheel-drive, it is clear that the new drive system is able to offer impressive savings. The S 450 4MATIC is powered by a 4663-cc, eight-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder which develops 250 kW/340 hp and 460 Newton metres of torque. 100 km/h is reached in just 5.9 seconds. With NEDC combined fuel consumption of 11.6 to 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, the additional fuel consumption as in the case of the S 500 4MATIC is only 0.4 litres. An even more economical choice is available in the form of the new S 320 CDI 4MATIC a V6 model which marks a first for the S-Class by combining four-wheel drive with a diesel engine. Its advanced V6 CDI-engine generates 173 kW/235 hp and 540 newton metres of torque, accelerating the saloon to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds; the top speed is 245 km/h. With fuel consumption of 8.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, this model has a range of more than 1000 kilometres. Like the V8 petrol models, the S 320 CDI 4MATIC consumes just 0.4 litres more fuel than the equivalent model with a standard drive system. The S 500 4MATIC, S 450 4MATIC and S 320 CDI 4MATIC are available in short and long wheelbase versions. The market launch of the V8 models in Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and authorised dealerships will start in September 2006. The diesel variant will appear in December 2006.
The permanent 4MATIC four-wheel drive system in the S-Class has a planetary-type central differential which splits the power between the front and rear wheels in a fixed ratio of 45 to 55 percent. As a result, the S-Class 4MATIC offers assured, clearly defined handling which is always predictable on all road surfaces. An integral multiplate clutch provides additional traction and optimised handling stability when slip begins. In conjunction with the electronic handling safety systems ESP, ASR and 4ETS, the S-Class 4MATIC remains reassuringly dynamic, comfortable and safe even in the most difficult road conditions.
The extended choice of all-wheel-drive vehicles from Mercedes-Benz now comprises seven model series and impresses with its great diversity: it starts with the C and E-Class, both of which are available with 4MATIC in Saloon and Estate form, and includes the new S-Class and the R-Class touring SUV, both of which are available in two body variants. Furthermore, the Stuttgart-based auto maker produces three off-roaders the new GL-Class, the M-Class and the G-Class, a classic among cross-country vehicles. In total, therefore, Mercedes-Benz offers no less than 48 all-wheel-drive models.
13,200 km endurance test : 33 E-Class models right across Europe and Asia
On October 21, 2006, 33 E-Class cars with V6 diesel drive start on a long-distance drive from Paris to Beijing. Over long stretches of the journey, the symbolic bridging between Europe and Asia follows the route of the first transcontinental car race in history, which was started exactly 99 years ago and led from Beijing to Paris in 62 days. With the modern E-Class cars, Mercedes-Benz aims to accomplish this journey, which in parts runs through roadless terrain, in only 26 days.
The long-distance drive Paris Beijing 2006 will start in the heart of Paris and spans a total distance of approximately 13,600 kilometres, crossing the borders of eight countries, to finish in Beijing where the teams are expected to arrive on November 17th. Added together, the 33 E-Classes will drive more than 450,000 kilometres in 28 days, two of which are resting days for the teams. This equals more than eleven times the circumference of the equator. Altogether 330 drivers will be sitting behind the steering wheels of the cars, taking the stages in turns. They include Mercedes customers from many different countries as well as journalists, taxi-drivers and celebrities.
On November 17 the drivers are expected to reach the destination of their exceptional long-distance drive: the walls of the Forbidden City in the centre of Beijing. On the following day, AutoChina 2006, the most important Chinese motor show at which the new-generation E-Class will also be presented, opens its doors.
