Automotive Intelligence, the web for automotive professionals

This Week:

 

 

 

 

© 1998 - 2002 Copyright & 
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com  

 Automotive Intelligence News

News of  January 03, 2002

 

Mercedes-Benz at the 13th North American International Auto Show in Detroit: Exciting six-seater Mercedes Saloon study

  • Vision of a "Grand Sports Tourer" for a new market segment
  • Innovative concept for an unforgettable driving experience
  • SBC, 4-ETS, AIRMATIC and the new safety system, PRE-SAFE
  • 265 kW/360 hp of power with V8 AMG engine
  • US premiere for the new SL-Class sports car
  • M-Class and G-Class even more high-tech and with powerful V8 engines

Photos: DaimlerChrysler

Stuttgart - At the North American International Auto Show in January 2002, Mercedes-Benz will yet again be underlining its role as an innovator and trend-setter among premium-segment car manufacturers. The Stuttgart-based brand will be presenting the exciting Vision GST design study in Detroit -- a study which embodies a totally new vehicle concept, designed to meet the changing requirements and wishes of today's customers.

The abbreviation GST stands for "Grand Sports Tourer" and describes an original, new vehicle category which brings together features from established car concepts, combining them to create a new, independent profile: the Vision GST is Saloon, Estate, MPV and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in one -- but, above all, the study is a car with an unprecedented feel which gives new meaning to the concept of long-distance driving pleasure.

Elegant design with echoes of a sports car

The Vision GST is Mercedes-Benz's response to the frequently voiced demand for a stylish, active and technologically sophisticated car to suit every occasion -- for a car which offers plenty of space for the family, leisure equipment, travel needs or work, but at the same time delivers outstanding handling and supreme performance. In the design study these qualities are ensured by a sophisticated design, coupled with groundbreaking technological innovations from the Mercedes range and a high-performance, high-torque AMG engine.

The dynamic looks are dominated, above all, by the striking roof line, which links the A and C-pillars in a gentle curve. It emphasises the elongated silhouette of the vehicle study and indicates, in no uncertain terms, that under this spacious body-work beats a thoroughly sporty heart. The large, 22-inch wheels and the wedge-shaped side profile reinforce this impression.

At roof level, a large area of special electrochromic glass extends from the front windscreen to the rear, and the occupants can alter the tint at the touch of a button according to the intensity of the sun. Equally striking are the side windows of the design study: omitting the B-pillar has created a large area of glass, reinforcing the sporty appearance of the vehicle. Butterfly doors are a further highlight of the Mercedes study. They open is opposite directions, each at an angle of 90 degrees, offering unique ease of access and opening up new design possibilities for the interior.

High-tech equipment with trailblazing Mercedes innovations

Beneath the bonnet of the Vision GST is a 265-kW/360-hp 5.5-litre V8 engine from Mercedes-AMG. Other technical highlights of the vehicle study include the electronically controlled 4-ETS four-wheel drive system used in the M-Class and G-Class, the AIRMATIC air suspension system and the new high-pressure brake system, Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC). The large brake discs are made from carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramics. Occupant protection is enhanced by the new safety system, PRE-SAFE, which detects the threat of a collision in advance and activates the belt tensioners before impact.

New SL-Class makes its first appearance at an Auto Show in the USA

The new Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will be making its first public appearance in North America at the Auto Show in Detroit. The exciting two-seater celebrated its world premiere in July 2001 and has been available from European Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships since autumn last year. With cutting-edge electronic dynamic handling systems such as ABC, ESP® and SBC, working in combination for the first time, the new SL-Class sets new standards in the field of active safety. No other series-produced car offers as many groundbreaking innovations in terms of suspension and braking technology as this Mercedes Roadster. The new Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the first car world-wide to be fitted as standard with the electrohydraulic brake system, Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC).

The external design of the new SL 500 reflects the cutting-edge technology of this sports car while also evoking the fun and excitement of open-top driving. The designers have included discreet, yet effective echoes of the original 1954 model on which this series was based, ensuring a continuation of the traditionrich history of the SL-Class.

The perfect integration of the newly developed vario-roof also illustrates the high design quality of the new SL-Class, exuding the same messages with open or closed roof: pure driving pleasure and a unique elegance.

To ensure a dynamic sports car experience, the SL-Class is fitted with a powerful V8 engine which develops an output of 225 kW/306 hp and torque of 460 Newton metres from a five-litre displacement. It is among the most powerful engines in this vehicle class, complies with the stringent exhaust gas restrictions specified in the EU4 standard and accelerates the new SL 500 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds.

The SL 55 AMG offers an even higher output. Beneath the bonnet is a V8 super-charged engine which delivers 350 kW/476 hp. This makes the Roadster the most powerful model in the current range of Mercedes cars. The engine delivers a maximum torque of 700 Newton metres from a mere 2650 rpm, a value which represents the top performance among V8 sports cars. The SL 55 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

G-Class to be fitted with ESP® and electronically controlled four-wheel drive

At the Auto Show in Detroit, in addition to the model year 2002 M-Class, with enhanced design and technology, which is being launched with two powerful V8 engines, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the G 500 Cross-Country Vehicle, which is now also available in the USA.

This classic among cross-country vehicles is fitted with the powerful V8 engine from the S-Class, with an output of 218 kW/206 hp, delivering a maximum torque of 456 Newton metres from a mere 2800 rpm. From spring 2002 Mercedes-Benz will be fitting all model versions of the G-Class with the Electronic Stability Program, ESP®, and automatic Brake Assist, which means that this Cross-Country Vehicle will benefit from the best and most powerful ride safety systems currently available.

The powerful four-wheel drive of the G-Class has been optimised by Mercedes-Benz through the standard use of the electronically controlled traction system, 4-ETS, which improves roadholding when moving off and accelerating on slippery surfaces such as wet or icy roads. When driving in difficult terrain, the driver of the G-Class will still be able to select three differential locks.

(Dec 27, 2001)

[Homepage] [ News] [ Companies] [ Management] [ Publications] [ Events] [ Careers]
[Services] [Discussion] [ Guestbook] [ Search]

Hitometer