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Showing posts with label mercedes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mercedes. Show all posts
Friday, May 4, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Report: Mercedes-Benz to Overhaul Naming Scheme
Think you have Mercedes-Benz’s model names and conventions down pat? You’re going to need to learn them all over again, as the company is preparing a new wave of alphabet soup.Presently, Benz’s lineup originally consisted of the familiar one-letter models, like the S-Class and the G-Class. But as the company’s portfolio grew, Mercedes-Benz felt compelled to introduce two-letter badges, like CL and GL. When that wasn’t enough to accommodate new model lines and variants, the marketing department started inventing three-letter designations, like CLC or CLS. Predictably, not all of these compilations make sense: some are downright misleading, and there is very little room for future evolution.
That’s why Mercedes is now attempting to introduce some kind of new order to its acronym maze. From now on, we should see logic dictate the naming process: G is the new common marker for SUVs and crossovers, C is the new prefix for coupes and convertibles, SL remains the prefix for all sports cars. Still with us? Brace yourself, as it’s only the beginning.
According to the revised ABCs of Mercedes-Benz, the upcoming four-door coupe based on the new front-wheel drive MFA architecture that underpins the A- and B-Classes is no longer badged CLC. Why? Because that second new C is supposed to denote the model range, and this is no C-Class derivative. Now, according to the new scheme, CLA is the correct name.
In the same vein, the MFA-based GLC crossover due in 2014 will now be marketed as the GLA. What about the rumored CLA-based shooting brake? Like its bigger CLS-based brother, it won’t gain a unique three-letter code.
But what of the rumored A-Class based coupe and cabriolet models? CLA comes to mind, but this name is already spoken for. Would it make more sense if the CLC-turned-CLA is renamed once again to become the CLB, since its MFA platform is also shared with the B-Class? If so, Benz has to move quickly, as the concept car that previews the CLC/CLA/CLB is supposed to make its official debut in a few weeks at the 2012 Beijing motor show.
What about other coupes? As far as the C-Class range goes, the next coupe and cabrio will receive the same CLC moniker formerly used by the deceased C-Class three-door hatch. A CLE would indicate a two-door version of the E-Class. Currently, that model is sold as an E-Class coupe and cabriolet, despite the fact the model blends a C-Class architecture with E-Class styling cues and powertrain.
In theory, a two-door based off S-Class mechanicals would be a CLS, but since that name conflicts with the existing CLS model – which won’t receive a new name – expect the big two-door model to gain a new name. Expect the CL to regain the traditional SLC moniker, while a forthcoming, scaled-down follow-up to the SLS AMG – once rumored to be called the SLC – could use the SLR badge.
The question still remains how exactly the SUV lineup will parse out, given that the M-, R-, GL-classes have no relation to any of the sedan classes. It’, the next GLK will most likely become the GLC, given that it rides on the C-Class platform. It’s also a sure bet that the G-Class will retain its single-letter name as it will remain flagship of all Benz SUV models.
-Georg Kacher
Read more: automobilemag.com
MERCEDES CONCEPT STYLE COUPÉ: THE STYLE REBEL
The heartbeat of a new generation grows stronger all the time: with its Concept Style Coupé, appearing at this year's Auto China (23 April to 2 May 2012), Mercedes-Benz will be making a convincing statement in favour of avantgarde design among sporty executive coupés.
The four-door coupé is a rebel when it comes to style: nonconformist, provocative and masculine. Technical highlights include its striking headlamp design featuring innovative indicators, the new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 211 hp and the all-wheel drive system 4MATIC.
"The Concept Style Coupé is expressive and powerful in its design," said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "We are staking our claim very clearly here. This is the model against which sporty vehicles in the executive segment will have to measure themselves in future."
"The almost production-standard Concept Style Coupé sets a new benchmark for avantgarde design in the executive segment," emphasised Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. "Its breathtaking proportions, sinewy fluid surfaces and sculptural lines are the physical expression of our dynamic design idiom."
Following a brief appearance at the Avant/Garde Diaries event in Los Angeles (19 April to 10 May 2012), the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupé (length/width/height: 4637/1891/1398) will be celebrating its official world premiere at Auto China in Beijing (23 April to 2 May 2012).
Provocative and masculine: the exterior
Its breathtakingly sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design idiom, featuring the interplay between concave and convex surfaces that is so typical for Mercedes, give this four-door coupé its unmistakable look.
One of the most striking features is the way the bonnet with its powerdomes is set right into the front end assembly, as well as its diamond-look grille, which follows through on design cues set by the Concept A-CLASS. The paint finish of the concept vehicle is in Alubeam - a colour that helps to emphasise the sculptural quality of its lines.
The innovative headlamps of the Concept Style Coupé are reminiscent of the ever wary, almost intimidating eyes of a predatory animal. In standby mode they shine red. Another special feature is the indicators: individual points of light light up in succession, rather like a piano keyboard.
Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side: the front structural edge over the wings flows towards the rear end in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third line extends upward in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. Together, these lines lend more depth and dynamism to the side profile. The ripple design of the prominent exterior mirrors takes advantage of the design freedoms enjoyed by a concept car.
The same is true of the 21-inch wheels, with their very sporty turbine design. Perforated pins on the spokes pick up once again on the diamond-theme of the radiator grille. The Concept Style Coupé features frameless side windows and has no B-pillar.
A large panoramic roof creates a light and airy interior. A metal rib, the shape of which evokes a roll-over bar, separates the roof from the rear windscreen, which in turn flows down to merge smoothly into the tail end. The avantgarde lines of the Coupé are further emphasised by the way the tail lights, with their metallic-red colouring, taper to a sharp point both to the front and toward the rear centre. An integrated dual-flow exhaust system underlines the car's sporty credentials and gives added width to the tail end. A narrow rear diffuser picks up again on the dotted pattern of the diamond grille.
High-grade sportiness: the interior
The interior opens up to reveal taut, expressively sculptured surfaces. The structure of the instrument panel is reminiscent of an outstretched wing, with a large carbon-fibre trim panel that spans its full width, giving it the elegance and distinctive appeal of a coupé. Standing proud from the instrument cluster are two tubes, similarly in carbon fibre and individually glazed. When the indicator is activated, a ring lights up in the tubes.
Flowing back in a long, continuous wave from the instrument panel is the centre console. Embedded in this is an intricately designed fan module for the two rear seats, which also incorporates a stowage compartment.
The world of fashion provided the inspiration for the colour mix of light grey and anthracite. A fresh, sporty touch is added by neon green piping and topstitching, which appear on the instrument panel, steering wheel, seat and door centre panels, amongst other places.
Fine materials combine with high-grade workmanship to set a new benchmark for quality. There has been no stinting on the use of leather, either: the instrument panel is upholstered in white nubuck leather, providing an interesting contrast with the anthracite-coloured Alcantara®used on the upper section of the instrument panel. Suede is used on the sports steering wheel to ensure better grip. All chrome trim elements and control panels now for the first time feature a black anodised finish, as seen on top-of-the-range limited Sports Edition chronograph watches. The surfaces around the HMI control panel have the glossy shimmer of black anodised aluminium.
The four integral seats with integrated head restraints are already familiar from the Sports version of the new A-Class. An electroplated insert in the upper part of the seat adds to the impression of lightness and is illuminated.
The design of the air vents in the instrument panel evokes an aircraft jet engine. As in the Concept A-CLASS they are backlit and change colour according to the temperature set by the occupants for the climate control system. When cool, fresh air is being brought into the car, they are blue, but they light up red when the airflow is warm. At a mid-range temperature setting the vents are illuminated in fluorescent yellow, and thus match the colour of the piping perfectly.
"Always on", even in the car: the multimedia systemWith COMAND Online and the various Mercedes-Benz apps developed specifically to be used and controlled while on the move, as well as with the ability to browse the internet when the vehicle is stationary, the occupants of the Concept Style Coupé are "always on" and able to maintain their digital lifestyle at all times.
Mercedes-Benz is firmly convinced that the future lies with cloud computing. The software for the COMAND Online applications is not stored in the vehicle, but runs off the Daimler Vehicle Backend. The advantage is that the system can be updated with new applications "over-the-air" (OTA) through a mobile phone connection, without needing to take the car into the workshop. The software is thus always up to date, irrespective of the development cycles of either the vehicles or the consumer electronic devices.
Sportiness in tune with the times: the engine
Sporty driving dynamics coupled with exemplary efficiency are the hallmarks of the engine of the Concept Style Coupé. Powerful wheel-hub drive is provided by the 2.0-litre version of the new petrol engine generation with 211 hp, combined here with the efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.
Among the highlights of the four-cylinder engine are its direct-injection system with exhaust gas turbocharging, an enhanced combustion system and extended stratification ranges for lean-burn operation using fast-acting injectors for the multiple fuel injections, and multi-spark ignition according
to need.
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