4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive for the E-Class Gets You Through Winter with Ease

Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating the capabilities of the Saloon and Estate models by staging a 4MATIC Workshops

With snow, sleet, freezing fog, black ice, temperatures hovering around zero and severe frosts, the winter months hold some unpleasant road conditions in store for drivers. Despite these impediments, however, drivers of Mercedes models equipped with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system can set off for the daily commute to work or savour the drive to the next winter wonderland with complete peace of mind. This is because the 4MATIC drive concept boasts formidable performance on snow-covered or icy roads. The E-Class 4MATIC in particular stands out for its blend of high traction reserves, excellent directional stability, peerless safety and exceptional comfort levels. Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating the capa-bilities of the Saloon and Estate models by staging a 4MATIC Workshop in extreme winter conditions on the Timmelsjoch high alpine road in Austria.

As with the 4MATIC system’s set-up on a dry or wet road, directional stability and, therefore, active safety are paramount at all times when wintry conditions prevail, too. The mechanical principle of the 4MATIC system, featuring a 45:55 torque split between the front and rear axles and a multi-disc limited-slip centre differential with a basic locking torque of 50 Nm, offers all the right ingredients. This basic design enables high levels of traction, as the dynamic shift in axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration is harnessed to deliver more drive torque to the rear wheels. However, the multi-disc differential lock is also able to shift the drive torque between the front and rear axles, varying the split between 30:70 and 70:30 as the road conditions dictate. Consequently, intervention by the ESP®, 4ETS or ASR electronic control systems can be delayed for as long as possible and the bulk of the drive torque converted into tractive power, even on slippery roads. All control system interventions go virtually unnoticed, yet drivers still know straight away if they are driving on the limit: in such instances, a yellow warning symbol flashes in the instrument cluster as a highly visible prompt to adapt their driving style to the road conditions.

The drive mechanism’s permanently engaged design offers key advantages over other systems that first need to diagnose a lack of grip before activating the 4×4 drive. The 4MATIC on the E-Class will have already made use of this valuable time to start transmitting drive torque via the wheels to the road.

E-Class 4MATIC: stable handling on snow and ice

When pulling away in wintry conditions, the E-Class 4MATIC models are designed to develop maximum traction. To this end, certain road conditions are automatically detected and the interventions of the 4ETS electronic traction control system adjusted so as to achieve the greatest possible acceleration while minimising wheel slip, ensuring optimum directional stability in the process. This strategy also allows the vehicle to pull away under the most adverse conditions, such as when one side of the vehicle is on an icy slope (µ-split) or both wheels on the front or rear axle have limited grip (µ-jump).

On twisting roads covered with snow and ice, vehicle stability is primarily controlled by the ASR acceleration skid control system’s regulation of engine torque. The ASR control thresholds are adjusted according to the driving situation based on the vehicle’s longitudinal and lateral dynamic readings as continuously measured by the ESP sensor system. If vehicle stability is to be maintained, the longitudinal force when cornering must be controlled by means of engine torque regulation in such a way that there are sufficient reserves of lateral force at all times. In order to comply with this physical correlation, when cornering on road surfaces with a low friction coefficient the control thresholds for engine torque regulation at the wheels on the outside of the bend are reduced considerably so that the tyres can develop sufficient lateral force.

4MATIC: cutting-edge technology breaks new ground

The 4MATIC powertrain in the E-Class is one of the best-performing permanent all-wheel-drive systems on the market. The basic design concept, with the engine installed longitudinally and the integral transmission and transfer case unit, produces a compact, lightweight arrangement that minimises frictional losses, heralding a number of benefits compared to other passenger car systems with a transverse power unit and selectable 4×4. Fuel consumption, for instance, is a mere between 0.2 and 0.6 litres more per hundred kilometres than on a com-parable model with conventional drive, while vibration and acoustic comfort meet the high standards expected of the E-Class.

E-Class synonymous with supreme ride comfort in winter too

Mercedes-Benz achieves the standard of ride comfort which all versions of the E‑Class are renowned for courtesy of the highly sophisticated DIRECT CONTROL suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, an intelligent body design with excellent rigidity, plus enhanced seats which are also available with massage and climate control functions. The weight-optimised DIRECT CONTROL system, featuring a three-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension, automatically adapts to the changing driving situation by varying the damping forces, resulting in a substantial improvement in ride comfort. The air suspension system – optional for all 4MATIC models and standard on the E 500 4MATIC – is combined with a continuously variable, electronically controlled damping system that processes a series of sensor signals and controls each wheel individually. So, not only do Mercedes customers experience the best in ride comfort, they reap the benefits of excellent handling safety and sporty agility too.

Carefully balanced control of the interior climate is especially important in the winter. This is why Mercedes-Benz offers THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control for the E-Class. Apart from regulating the climate separately for the driver, front passenger and passengers in the rear, this system allows individual pre-settings to be programmed too. It furthermore includes a pollutant sensor which automatically switches to air recirculation mode if it detects any sudden increase in the carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide levels in the outside air – when driving through a tunnel, for instance. Another highlight of the THERMOTRONIC system is the residual heat function: pressing the “Rest” button heats or ventilates the passenger compartment for around 30 minutes when the engine is switched off. The E-Class is equipped as standard with THERMATIC, a two-zone automatic climate control system. Here, the interior air is kept clean by a large, hermetically sealed fine-particle combination filter which is 96 to 98 percent effective. Thanks to the activated-charcoal coating, gaseous substances can also be filtered out by the fine-particle combination filter.

THERMATIC and THERMOTRONIC heat up the passenger compartment of the E‑Class extremely efficiently, even after a cold start on winter mornings. This is thanks to a heating output of eleven kilowatts, equivalent to the capacity of the central heating system in a modern family home. On the diesel models, a heat exchanger with six integral PTC heating elements (PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient) is also activated when the outside temperature falls below a certain level in order to boost the effect of the main heat exchanger with an electrical output of around 1200 watts. The assistance from the PTC heater is necessary due to the high thermal efficiency of today’s CDI engines, which is precisely what makes them so economical and means that they dissipate considerably less heat to the coolant under partial load conditions than conventional engines.

Mercedes offers 4MATIC in 52 passenger car models

The Mercedes-Benz all-wheel-drive line-up encompasses 52 passenger car models across nine model series and offers an impressively wide choice: besides the E-Class and the C-Class, which likewise comes in both a saloon and an estate variant, the 4MATIC portfolio is enriched by models from the S-Class, CL luxury coupé and R‑Class touring SUV ranges too. There is also the compact GLK as well as the GL‑Class and M-Class off-roaders. Still going strong after 30 years in production, the G-Class truly comes into its own off the beaten track and continues to rank as one of the best cross-country vehicles in the world.

All-wheel drive development expertise since 1903

There is a reason why Mercedes engineers are so skilled in the development of groundbreaking all-wheel-drive concepts. The history of all-wheel drive at Mercedes-Benz dates all the way back to 1903. Since then, the accepted maxim has been that all-wheel drive is the best technology for making quicker and safer progress under the most adverse conditions. Over the course of the years it has been successfully employed in a variety of Mercedes-Benz models. Some models, such as the G-Class and the Unimog, have attained legendary status all over the world. But all-wheel drive has its benefits in everyday operation on asphalt roads too, as demonstrated by the 4MATIC saloons from Mercedes-Benz. The innovative drive concept received its saloon premiere in the W 124 E-Class model series back in 1987. The 4ETS system made its debut aboard the M-Class in 1997. Mercedes-Benz has therefore amassed a wealth of experience with these electronic control systems – more in fact than any other car manufacturer.

Daimler Pays Settlement to Former AEG Shareholders

The court’s verdict will result in a maximum amount of 150 million euros in cash for dividends and compensation payments

Following a final verdict reached on November 17, 2009 by the higher regional court in Frankfurt am Main, Daimler AG (stock-exchange abbreviation DAI) will increase the settlement and compensation to be made to the former AEG shareholders.

The domination and profit and loss transfer agreement between the former Daimler-Benz AG and AEG AG from the year 1988 specified an exchange ratio of 5 AEG shares for one old Daimler-Benz share. In its verdict of November 17, 2009, the court specified an appropriate ratio of 2.9 AEG shares for one old Daimler-Benz share.

The compensation for foregone AEG dividends foreseen in the domination and profit and loss transfer agreement will increase accordingly. Instead of compensation of 20 percent of the Daimler dividend per old AEG share, the higher regional court has determined that 34.5 percent of the Daimler dividend is appropriate.

From today’s perspective, the court’s verdict will result in a maximum obligation for Daimler to supply 4.3 million Daimler shares and a maximum amount of 150 million euros in cash for dividends and compensation payments. The actual amount will depend, however, upon how many claims are made by eligible former AEG shareholders. Daimler has recognized provisions in its balance sheet to satisfy the claims, but the provisions are now being reviewed once again for the year-end financial statements.

Daimler intends to use treasury shares to meet these obligations.

From the share buyback program carried out in 2008, Daimler currently holds 37.1 million own shares, which were originally acquired for the purpose of redemption without reducing the share capital and possibly also to serve the stock option plan.

World premiere of David LaChapelle’s Photographs Presented by Maybach During Art Basel

This artistic work focuses on the Maybach Zeppelin limited special edition and its predecessor from the 1930s, Maybach Zeppelin DS 8

The Maybach automobile brand is accelerating its commitment to contemporary art. The focus is to work with internationally renowned artists like David LaChapelle and major institutions within the art community, like the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland.

The latest highlight of Maybach’s artistic commitment is its collaboration with David LaChapelle, one of the world’s most prominent photographers. His artistic portrayals of Maybach luxury cars entitled „Exposure of Luxury“ and „Berlin Stories” will celebrate their world premiere during Art Basel Miami Beach, where they will be first presented to Maybach guests and the press at an exclusive preview on December 5th, 2009. This artistic work focuses on the Maybach Zeppelin limited special edition and its historic predecessor from the 1930s, the Maybach Zeppelin DS 8. “After visiting the Maybach facility in Sindelfingen, I was inspired to create two iconic photographs which radiated the same seducing and dynamic appeal, as the Maybach itself,” said David LaChapelle.

The renowned American photographer has chosen to collaborate with style icon Daphne Guinness to portray both vehicles in his signature fashion. With creative freedom entrusted to LaChapelle by Maybach, he created photos that whisk the observer to a world filled with luxurious extravagance that features LaChapelle’s celebrated surreal tableaux.

New view of the Maybach

The inspiration for this project was also characteristic of David LaChapelle. During a visit to the Maybach Center of Excellence in Sindelfingen, Germany in the spring of 2009, he was so impressed by the high-end sedans that he came up with an idea for a photo shooting, which he then completed in October 2009.

Patrick Marinoff, Global Brand Manager Maybach, supported the concept of LaChapelle’s interpretation from the very start. “We are very honoured that such an exceptional artist like David LaChapelle, with his unusual and at times even rousing style, has interpreted the Maybach brand. The results speak for themselves; these are images that create a new view of the Maybach brand. I am convinced that the founder of the brand, Wilhelm Maybach – himself a great innovator in his time – would have also been delighted.”

The artist created two motifs – one of the current Maybach Zeppelin and another of the Zeppelin from the 1930s photographed against a similarly themed backdrop. These photographs will become part of David LaChapelle’s art collection, which will make their way to galleries, collectors and museums around the world. Later on a copy of each photo will go to the Daimler Art Collection. With over 1,800 works by some 600 artists – including stars such as Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons – this has grown since 1977 to become one of the leading corporate collections of abstract-constructivist, conceptualist and minimalist art of the 20th century (http://www.collection.daimler.com).

Linking art and social commitment

With this project David LaChapelle follows in the footsteps of Andy Warhol, who created a 35-part series for Daimler back in 1986 entitled “Cars” according to the theme “the car – an icon of mobility”. An outstanding feature of this was his artistic interpretation of the legendary gull-wing Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. It was in fact Andy Warhol who noticed David LaChapelle’s talent early in his career and provided him the opportunity to showcase his photography in Interview Magazine. The Wilhelm and Karl Maybach Foundation is also dedicated to this principle of supporting young and emerging artists through established mentors. In following in the same path, David LaChapelle is supporting the idea of patronage by providing the opportunity for an emerging photographer to share his experiences with him for a three months period in Hawaii – supported by Maybach.

This brings us full circle: Over a hundred years ago, Gottlieb Daimler met Wilhelm Maybach in the engineering works of an orphanage in Reutlingen, Germany and decided to take the extraordinarily talented young engineer under his wing. Maybach went on to develop a wide range of groundbreaking technical innovations.

Cooperation between Maybach and Fondation Beyeler

From 2010 Maybach will be the official partner of the renowned Fondation Beyeler in Riehen near Basel, Switzerland. “It’s wonderful that Maybach is so committed to the arts. Their collaboration with artists and art museums opens the doors to creativity and promotes culture excellence. Both – art and Maybach – unite the ideals of permanent innovation, consciousness of tradition and a highly developed sense of aesthetics and quality. Thanks to its cooperation with Maybach, the Fondation Beyeler is able to chauffeur its artists and international guests in a saloon that treats them to a motoring experience of unparalleled comfort,” said Sam Keller, director Fondation Beyeler.

A tradition of commitment to top-notch contemporary art

In 2005 Maybach supported the artist duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude with their sensational project “The Gates” in New York’s Central Park. After additional projects, in August 2009 this was followed by the presentation of the Maybach Art Cars – designed by Tim Berresheim.

Thanks to the collaboration with David LaChapelle and the partnership with the Fondation Beyeler, the luxury carmaker is consistently strengthening its commitment to contemporary art and offering customers exclusive access to the art, artists and prestigious art fairs, the brand and the limousines. This mirrors precisely what Wilhelm Maybach had in mind when he created his legendary car: luxurious, fascinating and ahead of its time.

Mercedes-Benz Receives Two Accolades In “TOPauto 2010” Awards

The E-Class Estate and SLS AMG voted the top cars of 2010 in their respective categories

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is the best business class car, while the Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the best newcomer in the “luxury” category – this is according to a top-class panel of international motoring journalists which has voted both Mercedes-Benz models the top cars of 2010 in their respective categories.

No fewer than 150 motoring journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were asked by the Motorinformationsdienst (mid) (Motor Vehicle Information Service) to cast their votes and use their expertise to decide on the top cars of 2010, choosing from among 80 passenger cars in 8 different categories.

In the “business” category, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate took top honours by quite a significant margin. The premium lifestyle estate has caused a great deal of excitement since its launch with its distinct, dynamic and at the same time elegant design, and also sets new standards in safety, comfort, quality, economy and functionality. In addition it also provides a unique combination of technical innovations in this vehicle class – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the active bonnet. On top of all this there is also air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard, as well as some innovative new features in terms of the functionality of the luggage compartment. This area can also accommodate an optional third row of seats, something unique among the competition.

The new Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG also moved effortlessly into first place in its “luxury” category. Its exciting design featuring the gullwing doors harks back to that sporting legend of the 1950’s – the 300 SL. The new super sports car also dazzles with its exquisite technology which includes such highlights as: aluminium spaceframe body shell, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid engine with dry sump lubrication as well as a maximum power of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque, seven-speed double-clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone axles. This high-tech combination helps to guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics.

Being voted the top cars of 2010 is not the first time that both Mercedes-Benz vehicles have picked up an award. The SLS AMG has won the 2009 Auto Trophy, as well as the 2009 Golden Steering Wheel award.

Other awards also received by the E-Class family include the following:

Auto Bild Design Award: Germany’s most beautiful car (Saloon)
Auto Bild Design Award: Germany’s most beautiful Coupé (Coupé)
Auto Trophy (Auto Zeitung): best luxury-class saloon
Die sportlichsten Autos (Auto Bild sportscars): best sports saloon (E 63 AMG)
EuroCarBody Award 2009: best bodyshell
Diners Club Magazine Award: best power-to-economy ratio
Großer Österreichischer Automobilpreis (Austria’s car of the year award): favourite premium saloon
International Engine of the Year Award

TOPauto 2010 awards: Double victory for Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, best business class, Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is best newcomer in the luxury category

This area can also accommodate an optional third row of seats, something unique among the competition.

This high-tech combination helps to guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics.

Being voted the top cars of 2010 is not the first time that both Mercedes-Benz vehicles have picked up an award. The SLS AMG has won the 2009 Auto

Trophy, as well as the 2009 Golden Steering Wheel award.
Other awards also received by the E-Class family include the following:
Auto Bild Design Award: Germany’s most beautiful car (Saloon)
Auto Bild Design Award: Germany’s most beautiful Coupé (Coupé)
Auto Trophy (Auto Zeitung): best luxury-class saloon
Die sportlichsten Autos (Auto Bild sportscars): best sports saloon (E 63 AMG)
EuroCarBody Award 2009: best bodyshell
Diners Club Magazine Award: best power-to-economy ratio
Großer Österreichischer Automobilpreis (Austria’s car of the year award): favourite premium saloon
International Engine of the Year Award

Brawn-Mercedes F1 Tests, Jerez

The team’s first testing action since the start of the 2009 Formula One season got underway today with the first test in Jerez

F1 Test: Jerez Day, 1

The team’s first testing action since the start of the 2009 Formula One season in March got underway today with the first day of the Young Driver test in Jerez.

Mike Conway and Marcus Ericsson are driving for the team this week in the Brawn-Mercedes BGP 001 car.

Mike began the on-track action this morning completing 58 laps as he acclimatised to the car and then worked through an aerodynamic evaluation. Marcus took over for the afternoon session for his first drive in a Formula One car and had the opportunity to familiarise himself with the BGP 001 and the circuit over 50 laps.

F1 Test: Jerez Day, 2

The second day of the Young Driver test in Jerez got underway this morning with Mike Conway continuing his driving duties in the Brawn-Mercedes BGP 001 car. Mike worked through a number of set-up changes with the car before a short rain shower briefly interrupted the track action. He continued his programme after lunch for a further three runs to complete 83 laps in total today.

Marcus Ericsson took over the BGP 001 to conclude the team’s programme for the remainder of the afternoon session. Marcus completed 37 laps as he continued his familiarisation programme with the car.

F1 Test: Jerez Day, 3

The third and final day of the Young Driver test in Jerez got underway this morning with overnight rain resulting in a damp track for the early laps. Mike Conway and Marcus Ericsson were again in action for the team with Mike completing 77 laps in the morning and Marcus taking over the car for the afternoon and completing 49 laps as the pair concluded the test programme by working through a series of set-up evaluations.

Mike Conway “I’ve really enjoyed the last few days in Jerez and it was great to be asked back by the team to take part in the testing programme. The team had a great season and the chance to drive the World Championship winning car and experience its performance for myself has been amazing. We achieved some good work and it has been a nice way to end the season. Thanks to the team for giving me this opportunity.”

Marcus Ericsson “It’s been a very exciting week and a dream come true to have the opportunity to drive a Formula One car particularly with the World Championship winning team. It’s been a really good experience for me to work with such a professional team and I am thankful to Brawn GP and Mercedes for giving me this opportunity. The car is very impressive. It’s so quick and the biggest difference from the F3 car has to be the power of the braking. I feel that I have adapted well to the car this week and I’m very happy with the progress that I have made.”

Ross Brawn “Mike and Marcus have done a very good job during the test in Jerezthis week. It has been a busy programme with a wide variety of test items to cover and their technical input has been to a very high standard. We know Mike well from his previous tests with the team and his feedback has been to his usual excellent standard. Marcus had his first opportunity in a Formula One car this week and he has performed very well showing exceptional maturity in his approach and feedback.”

BRABUS Tunes the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

The fast-revving 6.3-liter V8 becomes even more powerful with the BRABUS B63 S performance kit

Even more power and exclusive accessories for the latest top-of-the-line E-Class model, the E 63 AMG: With BRABUS B63 S engine tuning, power output of both sedan and wagon jumps to 555 hp (547 bhp) / 408 kW and their top speed jumps to 320 km/h (200 mph). BRABUS also offers exclusive accessories such as sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement components, custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations up to 20 inches in diameter and custom interior options.

The fast-revving 6.3-liter V8 becomes even more powerful with the BRABUS B63 S performance kit. The conversion consists of two sport air filters, free-flow metal catalysts and newly programmed engine electronics. The tuning kit bumps power output of the engine from standard 525 hp (517 bhp) / 386 kW by 30 hp (30 bhp) / 22 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 630 to 650 Nm (464 to 479 lb-ft) at 5,400 rpm. BRABUS recommends fully synthetic ARAL high-performance motor oil.

Equipped with the BRABUS B63 S kit, the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened to 4.3 seconds and in combination with the BRABUS V/max unit top speed jumps to up to 320 km/h (200 mph), depending on the speed rating of the selected tire/wheel combination.

To transfer the increased power to the road with as little slip as possible BRABUS offers a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent for the E 63 AMG.

Minimizing aerodynamic lift is essential in a car as fast as this one. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop aerodynamic-enhancement components that are as stunning as they are effective. These components are manufactured from clear-coated carbon fiber. The production front apron of sedan and wagon can be upgraded with a spoiler lip. The aerodynamics of the sedan’s rear can be further improved with a diffuser and a rear spoiler.

On the front axle BRABUS aluminum sport fenders with lateral air outlets improve venting of the wheel houses and add a decidedly sporty note to the car’s appearance.

BRABUS also offers custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations for all E63 models. They are available with diameters of 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest homologated version features Monoblock VI, E, Q or S wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in sizes 9.5Jx20 or 10.5Jx20 in back. They are fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance tires in size 245/30 ZR 20 in front and up to size 295/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

Exclusive BRABUS-refined interiors are also available for the Mercedes E 63 AMG. The list of accessories ranges from stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to a speedometer with 360-km/h (225-mph) dial. The company upholstery shop creates luxury interiors from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara to each customer’s exact specifications. The perfect complements are precious-wood and carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and with various surface finishes.

All components are backed by the incomparable BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers / 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

Mercedes-Benz SLR Production Coming to a Close

The SLR Stirling Moss is the latest interpretation of the 300 SLR and the last

The last examples of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss are currently being built, bringing the active era of the SLR super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and McLaren to an end. In 2004, with the swing-wing Coupé, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren jointly set out to continue the story of the legendary SLR racing sports cars of the 1950s. Five exciting variants in the SLR family have been produced – two coupés, two roadster versions and finally the uncompromisingly purist SLR Stirling Moss. This breathtaking, high-speed racer is a limited edition of 75 examples, and is the final chapter in the modern SLR story. Overall 2000 SLR models have been produced – substantially more than any other sports car in this elite category. An SLR also represents a membership ticket to the SLR. CLUB. The spirit of the SLR will live on in this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers even after production ceases.

Three letters are all it takes to make car fans go into raptures: SLR. On paper, the legendary name simply stands for “sporty”, “light” and “raceworthy”. But, for connoisseurs, this magical combination of letters designates a dream car of special standing, promising unequalled driving enjoyment – a unique symbiosis of outstanding dynamics, superior performance and exceptional comfort.

In January 2009 Mercedes-Benz presented the most spectacular and uncompromising version of the reinterpreted 300 SLR as the last model in the SLR family – the SLR Stirling Moss. With neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and front passenger from nature, allowing them to enjoy sheer high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster. Further attributes of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss include highly sophisticated technology and breathtaking design that provides a new take on the SLR legend. A V8 supercharged engine developing 478 kW (650 hp) accelerates the SLR Stirling Moss from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and is good for a top speed of 350 km/h – performance that no other standard-production car can match. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a worthy and legitimate bearer of the name of British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss, who piloted the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars to a succession of victories in the 1950s.The SLR Stirling Moss accompanied by the 300 SLR and members of the SLR. CLUB celebrated its maiden journey at this year’s Mille Miglia, in the hands of the former Mercedes Formula 1 drivers Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. Sir Stirling Moss himself had even made a return to Brescia to be an eye-witness to this historic event. The SLR Stirling Moss is a limited edition of 75 examples, and production of the SLR series will then cease at the end of 2009.

The SLR spirit lives on

The SLR project was conceived for a limited period, and as a limited edition, from the very start, and is now coming to a magnificent, entirely fitting end with the SLR Stirling Moss. The SLR spirit lives on, however, and will be perpetuated by the enthusiastic members of the SLR. CLUB. In addition to a passion for driving, the members of this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers, all of whom have an SLR model in their garages, share a discerning, sophisticated lifestyle and the enjoyment of encounters with like-minded enthusiasts. The high-quality event calendar of the SLR. CLUB includes driving events on the most demanding race circuits, participation in the Mille Miglia and tours covering the most picturesque routes in Europe. Individual, long-term backup and care at the very highest level for SLR. CLUB members is assured by dedicated Mercedes-Benz personnel well beyond the end of production.

The birth of a legend

The SLR legend was born in 1955, when Rudolf Uhlenhaut, then head of passenger-car testing and in charge of racing-car development at Mercedes-Benz, transformed a fascinating idea into reality. He combined the design and technology of the spectacular Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” model produced since 1954 with the outstanding characteristics of the 300 SLR, one of the most successful racing machines of all time, which at that time dominated all the major road races – above all the notorious Tourist Trophy in Northern Ireland and the two Italian classics: Targa Florio and Mille Miglia. Here Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson piloted the racing Mercedes to victory in a record time that still stands to this very day. But the Brits were not the only ones to achieve success in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. Juan Manuel Fangio, who went on to become Formula-1 World Champion five times, and the speedy Karl Kling drove the sports car from Untertürkheim to many a place on the rostrum.The road-going Coupé version of this legendary racing machine – better known as the “Uhlenhaut Coupé” among automotive aficionados – was at the heart of the passionate affection for the SLR held by automotive enthusiasts.

High-class synthesis of legend, performance and comfort

The models in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren family, which have been rolling off the assembly lines at the world championship-winning team’s headquarters in Woking since 2004, are the most emphatic reminders of the glory years of the SLR during the 1950s. They have brought the core values of the historic SLR models into the modern era – an exciting design featuring many details reminiscent of its predecessors, innovative technology and carefully hand-crafted, high-grade materials. They also continue the tradition of the high-class Gran Turismo models in time-honoured fashion. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models offer a beguiling mix of optimum handling, extremely high speed and outstanding acceleration, not to mention a wealth of exquisite appointments, all of which makes for a truly unique driving experience.

To keep faith with the traditionally unique standing of the SLR, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive pooled all of their extensive motor-racing know-how to produce the super sports car. By way of example, the SLR models set the very highest of standards in terms of handling, rigidity and safety for high-performance cars thanks to the extremely widespread use of exceptionally lightweight yet very strong carbon-fibre materials, including the carbon-fibre front structures based on Formula 1 monocoque constructions, which optimise the car’s crashworthiness.

Outstanding powerplant for the front-mid-engine concept

In addition to this, the front-mid-engine concept allows the masses to be concentrated near the centre of the car, which makes for a low mass moment of inertia and consequently exceptional agility and handling dynamics. This concept, together with a chassis configuration born on the racetrack, forms the basis for optimum handling and peerless driving enjoyment.Here an important part is also played by the powerful high-tech engine with motor-racing genes, which was developed at Mercedes-AMG and provides power in abundance. In the Coupé and Roadster models, the driver can call upon 460 kW (626 hp) from the eight-cylinder powerplant with a displacement of 5.5 litres, while the “722” models develop 478 kW (650 hp), ranking the SLR engines among the most powerful units for road-going production sports cars.

Exciting design and exquisite interior

The design of the SLR high-performance sports cars generates sheer excitement by virtue of the stretched bonnet, taut waistline, rear-set passenger cell and short rear end of the Coupé and Roadster – making the thrill of high-speed performance visible as well. Features born on the racetrack include the downforce-enhancing aerodynamic concept incorporating a diffuser, an enclosed underbody, a spoiler and the AIRBRAKE.

As for the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models, the designers have created a synthesis of puristic sports-car feeling and extraordinary luxury. Exquisite materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and leather developed exclusively for the SLR are of the highest quality and exclusivity. They dominate the passenger area of the Gran Turismo and further emphasise the unique nature of the car.

Mercedes-Benz is Building the Last Examples of the SLR

The last examples of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss are being built, bringing the era of the SLR super sports car to an end

The SLR spirit lives on

The birth of a legend

High-class synthesis of legend, performance and comfort

Outstanding powerplant for the front-mid-engine concept

Exciting design and exquisite interior

New Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG chosen as best sports saloon

Over 50,000 readers of German car magazine Auto Bild Sportscars have chosen the new E 63 AMG as the best sports saloon

Over 50,000 readers of German car magazine Auto Bild Sportscars have chosen the new E 63 AMG as the best sports saloon. In the “Sports Car of the Year” poll, the AMG high-performance car won a resounding victory ahead of its nearest rival in the “Production Saloons” category. The award ceremony took place this evening at the Essen Motor Show as part of the Auto Bild “Race Night”.

32.3 percent of the Auto Bild Sportscars readers voted for the E 63 AMG, putting the sports saloon some eleven percent ahead of the second-placed model in a resounding victory over the competition. The “Sports Car of the Year” award is presented annually; before being nominated for the award, the candidates had to take part in comparison tests at the Contidrom proving ground. “The nature of the victory achieved by the E 63 AMG in the readers’ poll reflects the pleasing level of acceptance across all markets. The E 63 AMG marks the addition of another exciting high-performance car to the line-up, continuing AMG’s long-standing tradition in this key segment,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Outstanding driving dynamics and unique design

The powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 386 kW (525 hp) with a peak torque of 630 Nm, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, and the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle ensure that the E 63 AMG delivers outstanding driving dynamics. An AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system is available as an option. Mercedes-AMG has rigorously implemented a raft of efficiency-enhancing measures to reduce fuel consumption by almost twelve percent compared to the previous model. A unique combination of innovative driver assistance systems enables the E 63 AMG to extend its lead in the safety stakes. Compared to the standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, the flagship AMG model differs by virtue of its unique exterior and interior design.

The E 63 AMG is available in either Saloon or Estate guise. The basic price is € 105,791 or € 108,409 for the Saloon and Estate respectively (incl. 19 % VAT in each case). While the E 63 AMG Saloon has been available since August 2009, the E 63 AMG Estate is scheduled for launch in February 2010.

Mercedes-Benz And McLaren To Part Ways In Formula 1 World Championship

Mercedes-Benz will enter the Formula 1 World Championship with its own team, beginning with the 2010 season

Mercedes-Benz will enter the Formula 1 World Championship with its own team, beginning with the 2010 season, and Daimler AG and McLaren Group will change their form of cooperation with effect as of 13 November 2009. This was announced by Daimler AG today.

Daimler AG together with Aabar Investments PJSC will take over 75.1 per cent of the Brawn GP team, with Daimler taking 45.1 per cent and Aabar 30 per cent. The rest of the 24.9 per cent will remain with the current stakeholders. With 9.1 per cent, Aabar is the biggest single shareholder of Daimler AG. This transaction is subject to the approval of the EU and the Swiss cartel authorities.

The background to this decision are the new terms and conditions for Formula 1. The “Resource Restrictions” set by FOTA and FIA effectively limit expenditure for the design, construction and running of the racing cars. In addition, there will be a significantly higher income available for a Formula 1 team generated by the commercial rights of the racing series following the signing of the new Concorde Agreement.

The partnership between McLaren Mercedes has been in place since 1995 and ended its 15th joint Formula 1 season in 2009. The change to the form of cooperation is taking place by mutual agreement. Mercedes-Benz and McLaren will continue to co-operate with each other and the supply of engines could continue until 2015.

The McLaren Group have set themselves new targets, especially in the automotive sector, and Daimler understands and respects these new strategic objectives. For this reason, it has been agreed that the buy-back by the McLaren Group of the 40 per cent McLaren share owned by Daimler AG will be completed by 2011.

By taking this decision, Mercedes-Benz resumes its marvellous motor racing history on the 75th anniversary of the Silver Arrows, the world’s most unique racing cars. Mercedes wants to continue the tradition in the style of these flawless Silver Arrows, which put their stamp on each era by winning the majority of the races they competed in.

“Mercedes-Benz is the most valued and best-known premium automotive brand in the world. This brand looks for competition of the utmost quality in all relevant fields in order to continually improve its performance in the face of such new challenges”, explains Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
“Due to the new Formula 1 environment, we will face the competition in future on the most important motor sports stage with our own Silver Arrow works team.

“Our new Silver Arrow Formula 1 team is a great sporting and technical challenge and we will tackle this with sporting spirit and full of enthusiasm.”

Mercedes-Benz will restructure their Formula 1 programme and work hard to achieve further savings, going beyond the already completed steps for significant cost reductions and improved efficiency.

Since 1995, the beginning of the partnership, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have competed in 256 Grand Prix events and have achieved 60 victories. In 1998, 1999 and 2008, the British-German team won the drivers’ World Championships, as well as the World Constructors’ Championship in 1998. The McLaren Mercedes team became runner-up in the World Championships ten times, with five times in the drivers’ and constructors’ rankings respectively.

After winning the drivers’ title with Lewis Hamilton last year, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes finished third in the World Constructors’ Championships this year. The 2008 World Champion won two races with his current car, the MP4-24, achieving a first historic victory with the brake energy-recovery system, KERS Hybrid. No other driver scored more points in the last eight races from the season’s total of 17 races than Lewis Hamilton.

“I want to thank McLaren for a successful collaboration over the last decade and a half”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “For the benefit of both Mercedes and McLaren, we will continue our partnership cooperation in future. We will be rivals on-track but, off-track, we will cooperate with McLaren and the other teams in order to create the best possible product for spectators worldwide.”

“We look back on 15 successful years of great collaboration with McLaren; in that time, we won four world-championship titles and finished ten times as runner-up in the drivers’ and constructors’ rankings,” states Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. “Since the first victory in the 1997 Australian Grand Prix, the modern Silver Arrows have achieved a total of 60 victories in 223 races to ensure that our brand symbol, the star, stands for the greatest successes in Formula 1. We thank our partner and will continue to work with McLaren based on an excellent partnership.”

Mercedes Grand Prix, the management team of the former Brawn GP team, will continue to work under the leadership of Ross Brawn, who will continue in his well-known role. The Formula 1 team, as well as the engine team of Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, will be co-ordinated by Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, headed by their Vice-President, Norbert Haug.

“Brawn GP has been through an incredible journey over the last 12 months. From fighting for our survival to forging a strong relationship with Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, winning both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Championships, and now accepting Daimler and Aabar’s offer to buy our team, which will secure its future”, Team Principal Ross Brawn looks back on a difficult beginning of the year which eventually turned into an extremely successful season.

“Both I and my fellow Directors at Brawn GP are incredibly proud of our staff, drivers and everyone associated with our team and thank them for their commitment, outstanding teamwork and their focus on achieving results in sometimes difficult circumstances. The senior management group will remain in place to lead our team and on behalf of everyone at Brawn GP, we are honoured to be representing such a prestigious brand as Mercedes-Benz in Formula One next year and will be working together to do our best to reward their faith in our team.”

The new Silver Arrow team, Mercedes Grand Prix, will compete in Formula 1 as a works team in its own right. Synergies between the 100 per cent Daimler-owned subsidiary Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines in Brixworth, UK, and the Mercedes Grand Prix team based about 28 miles from there in Brackley in the UK, will create even greater efficiency.

It is our target to develop a model for our Formula 1 activities which will initially be run with significantly reduced budgets by Mercedes-Benz and which, in the foreseeable future, will be self-financing”, comments Norbert Haug. “Furthermore, we naturally want to inspire our faithful spectators and TV viewers worldwide and maximize media coverage for our brand. With Formula 1, Mercedes-Benz can continue to clearly demonstrate its willingness to compete and win on the most important motor sports competition stage in the world.”

Khadem Al Qubaisi, Chairman, Aabar Investment PJSC comments: “Aabar is delighted to join forces with Daimler AG and its world leading brand Mercedes-Benz in order to create a new Formula One Team which follows in the footsteps of the longstanding and successful tradition of the famous ‘Silver Arrows’.

“Ever since Aabar became the largest shareholder in Daimler AG, the cooperation between our two organisations has been exemplary, and we have already co-invested in Tesla. Aabar is confident that further successes will follow in this arena.

“Bearing in mind the recent outstanding success of the Abu Dhabi GP, which brought Formula One to the United Arab Emirates for the first time, it is especially exciting to realise that next year, our own cars will be in the field, with the genius of Ross Brawn, who is still deeply involved with the team, now backed by the unrivalled excellence of Mercedes-Benz across the entire spectrum of automotive technology. It is a fantastic prospect, which makes me both pleased and proud for my country.”

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Awarded Best Power-to-Economy Ratio by Diners Club Magazine

Mercedes E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY voted "Car of the year with the best power-to-economy ratio" by Diner's Club

The readers of the Diners Club Magazine have elected the Mercedes E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY as the “Car of the year with the best power-to-economy ratio”. Thanks to its state-of-the-art diesel technology, the 150-kW/204-hp engine burns just 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres on the combined NEDC cycle. This equates to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Andreas Friedrich, chief engineer for the new Mercedes E-Class, was on hand to accept the Diners Club Magazine award at a gala ceremony held on 12 November in Munich’s GOP Varieté Theatre. “The E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is the proof that ecology and driving pleasure do not have to be mutually exclusive. The engine summons up more power from a smaller displacement while achieving the sort of fuel consumption figures previously only associated with the compact class,” remarked Friedrich. “The model’s exemplary efficiency is further enhanced by its exceptional aerodynamics, which make the E-Class the world’s most streamlined saloon.”

It is not just the readers of the Diners Club Magazine who are impressed by the new E-Class: it is highly popular with customers around the world and the market leader in its segment. Following the launch of the Saloon and Coupé, the third body variant – the Estate – is just arriving in dealer showrooms. All three are available in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY version.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Worldwide Sales Increase 4.1 Percent In October 2009

In October, global sales were up at Mercedes-Benz for the first time this year

In October, global sales were up at Mercedes-Benz for the first time this year. Mercedes-Benz was able to increase sales significantly in October by seven percent to 88,400 units (October 2008: 82,500. The smart brand sold 9,300 (October 2008: 11,300) units (minus 18 percent). With the delivery of 97,700 passenger cars (October 2008: 93,800), total sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars increased by four percent. The October sales increase was due to the E-Class and the new generation of the S-Class as well as to high growth rates in many regions such as North America and Asia/Pacific. Sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles were also above last year’s level in Western Europe.

“We will continue this positive trend in the coming months, and we expect sales in the fourth quarter to be above the level of the same period of last year,” said Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars. Contributing to this development will be the new E-Class and the new generation S-Class, as well as the ongoing strong growth rates in the Asia/Pacific region, particularly in China. By the end of September, Mercedes-Benz had already sold more vehicles in China than in all of last year. Says Schmidt: “Mercedes-Benz Cars will continue to grow at a dynamic rate in China, and we expect the increase for 2009 as a whole to amount to more than 50 percent.”

In October Mercedes-Benz once again set a sales record in China, with sales rising by 78 percent to 6,600 units (October 2008: 3,700). As a result, since the start of the year, Mercedes-Benz has been the fastest-growing premium brand in China. In October, Mercedes-Benz Cars also delivered more vehicles than ever before to the Asia/Pacific region as a whole, handing over 14,100 passenger vehicles to customers (October 2008: 10,500) for an increase of 34 percent. High growth rates were also posted in October in Australia (up 22 percent) and South Korea (up 63 percent).

In the United States, October was the best month of the year so far for Mercedes-Benz. Sales bucked the general market trend, rising by 21 percentto 18,200 units (October 2008: 15,000). This was the first time this year that sales were substantially higher than in 2008, and ensured that Mercedes-Benz remains the strongest German premium brand in the U.S. Contributing factors here included the E-Class, deliveries of which tripled to 6,100 units, and the GLK, which was once again the best-selling vehicle in its class in October, with deliveries of 1,800 units. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz posted another sales record in Canada in October, increasing customer deliveries by 28 percent to 2,200 passenger vehicles (October 2008: 1,700).

In the Western Europe region (not including Germany), Mercedes-Benz increased its sales by seven percent in October, thanks in particular to the high increases for the new E-Class. The brand enjoyed strong growth amounting to 55 percent in the UK, with a total of 5,800 units sold.

Sales of new E-Class continued to develop positively in the past month, with worldwide deliveries doubling in October to 17,100 units. Double-digit sales increases were registered in almost all markets. That made it once again the clear market leader in its segment. The company expects the launch of the new station wagon, which can be seen at dealerships starting on November 21, to give an additional positive boost to the E-Class family.

The new generation of the S-Class also got off to a successful start. Worldwide sales of the S-Class sedan were slightly above the previous year’s level. Since the beginning of this year, the sedan has been the best-selling sedan in its segment. In China, which is now the biggest market for the S-Class, 1,100 luxury sedans were delivered to customers in October alone, which represents an increase of 12 percent. The sedan also sold very well in Germany, with an increase of 42 percent, and in Japan, where October sales increased by 13 percent. Mercedes-Benz sold 15,100 units of its SUVs worldwide (2008: 14,800), with an increase of two percent. The GLK, which was especially popular, enjoyed mainly double-digit growth rates in the Western European markets.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wins EuroCarBody Award 2009

The E-Class owes its triumph to the top results in "Customer value" and "Innovative process, production and plant concepts"

At EuroCarBody, the world’s largest car body benchmarking conference, a jury made up of about 400 conference delegates and board members voted the E-Class as the car with the best bodyshell. A total of nine new series-production bodies were presented in detail and scrutinised at the EuroCarBody event held in Bad Nauheim, Germany at the end of October. The candidates included the Jaguar XJ, Audi R8 spyder and BMW 5 Series GT.

“We are delighted to receive this award. EuroCarBody is after all the foremost conference for car body experts worldwide, meaning that it attracts top-ranking delegates,” explains Dr. Jörg Langner, who heads the Detachable Front End Body Parts team at Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “Plus, it means we have come full circle: seven years ago, the previous E-Class model was crowned the winner of the first ever EuroCarBody Award, which has been presented annually ever since.”

The model series owes its triumph primarily to the top results it secured in the two voting categories “Customer value” and “Innovative process, production and plant concepts”. As for all other product characteristics, the bodyshell forms a foundation here on which the experts from the other specialist disciplines build. Dr. Langner analyses the result as follows: “It wasn’t a particular innovation which clinched it, but the harmonious overall concept.” In the “Customer value” category, for instance, the jury rewarded the exemplary safety concept and comfort level in the E-Class and its outstanding aerodynamics. For all these qualities the bodyshell is the most important element.

The active bonnet is just one of many features which illustrate how development of the E-Class body focused on customer value at all times. It reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians as well as offering E-Class owners a further crucial benefit: the active bonnet has a reversible design. So, if it is triggered by a minor parking bump, for example, Mercedes customers can simply return the bonnet to its original position – reactivating the system in the process – then continue with their journey.

“Our customer-focused approach is plain to see in the production concept for the Mercedes E-Class too,” points out Stefan Tritschler, Project Manager for Body Manufacture. “Guaranteeing supreme quality from the outset results in the ultimate in customer value.” This is made possible by sophisticated manufacturing and quality assurance methods. Besides the customary quality assurance measures, process monitoring procedures are employed for all joining operations to safeguard quality during each and every manufacturing step. The state-of-the-art RobScan robot-guided laser welding process, for example, is likewise subject to 100% monitoring. This new welding technology not only achieves a very high welding speed, it produces welding seams of the highest quality. During manufacture of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class body, RobScan welding is employed first and foremost for the doors, sidewalls and rear-end centre assembly.

The Mercedes-Benz Christmas Collection Unveiled for 2009

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled their newest Christmas Collection, making your gift selections a little easier

With Thanksgiving only days away, it’s time to make final preparations as to what gifts to give this Christmas. For the Mercedes fans in your household, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled their newest Christmas Collection, offering a variety of items aimed at making your gift selections a little easier.

Highlights include fleece-lined real nappa leather gloves (79.90 euros), a high-quality manicure set (89 euros), a stylish SLR money clip (34.90 euros) and an SLR card wallet (23.90 euros). For the kids, the Mercedes Christmas Collection also includes a highly detailed white miniature 230 SL (32.90 euros), crystal heart mobile phone charms (11.90 euros), stainless steel charm bracelet/necklace (bracelet 49 euros, necklace 79 euros), and the ultimate gift: an adjustable children’s bike, which can be converted from a push-along bike to a ride-on bike (299 euros).

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In-Depth: Chassis And Braking System

The motor sports technology found in the powertrain of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is also in the suspension and braking system

The motor sports derived technology to be found everywhere in the powertrain of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is also evident in the suspension and braking system. The aluminium suspension with double-wishbone axles is designed for uncompromising lightweight construction and outstanding handling dynamics. On request the AMG high-performance braking system is also available in a newly developed, highly stress-resistant ceramic version, with composite brake discs all-round.

The commitment of Mercedes-Benz and AMGto building a highly desirable super sports car that combines consummate racetrack performance with hallmark Mercedes long-distance comfort has given rise to an ingenious suspension layout. All four wheels are located on double wishbones with a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing right through to Formula 1. With a double-wishbone axle, the wheel location and suspension functions remain separate; the spring/damper struts are supported on the lower wishbone. The double-wishbone concept with its high camber and track rigidity positively locates the wheel with minimal elastic movements, providing the driver with an optimum sense of road contact when driving at the limits.

The suspension setup of the SLS AMG ensures optimum, low body roll and a stiff basic configuration with good suspension comfort. A Performance suspension is also available on request: compared to the standard suspension, the spring rate and damping are respectively around 10 percent and 30 percent stiffer. The Performance suspension is conducive to even more agility and lateral dynamics, as well as a further reduction in body roll when driving at high speeds – for example on the racetrack.

Long wheelbase and wide track

The long wheelbase of 2680 millimetres not only results in outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts, significantly reducing the vehicle’s tendency to dive and squat when braking and accelerating. The broad track width – front 1682, rear 1653 millimetres – ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tyres to retain more grip. The large caster angle of 11.6 degrees significantly increases negative wheel camber on the outer wheel when cornering, and also improves tyre grip – this also ensures outstanding stability when braking heavily while cornering.

Weight-optimised “Flow Forming” AMG light-alloy wheels

The weight-optimised axle design is complemented with AMG light-alloy wheels produced by the new “flow forming” process. During this production process, hot forming in the area of the rim base makes for a denser material structure, thereby improving long-term durability. This also means that lower wall thicknesses can be used. The weight saving of around 1.1 kilograms per wheel compared to conventional light-alloy wheels reduces the unsprung masses, further improving the handling dynamics and suspension comfort.

The AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 inches at the front and 11.0 x 20 inches at the rear are shod with 265/35 R 19 size tyres at the front and 295/30 R 20 at the rear. Three variants are available: AMGlight-alloy wheels in a 7-spoke design or a 5-twin-spoke design, or alternatively low-weight forged wheels in a 10-spoke design. With an approx. 14-percent lower weight than the “Flow Forming” wheels, these reduce the unsprung masses even further. The weight saving per wheel is 1.8 kilograms. Tyres developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure top performance and excellent grip.

A tyre pressure control system which continuously monitors the pressure in all four tyres is standard equipment, with the data for each wheel shown in the display. During a journey, four wheel sensors on the insides of the light-alloy wheels send out continuous radio signals with information about the air pressure, tyre temperature and direction of rotation. A control unit evaluates the data and informs the driver in the event of a deviation from the nominal values. In this case the display shows the message “Check tyres!”, or in case of a sudden pressure loss “Attention. Tyredefect!”. A yellow warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for direct feedback

With a constant mechanical steering ratio of 13.6:1, the rack-and-pinion steering of the SLS AMGprovides direct feedback and meets the high expectations for a super sports car. The servo assistance is speed-sensitive, improving the feedback to the driver as the speed increases – an indispensable factor when driving straight ahead at high speed. Perfect linear transfer of the steering angles is made possible by the constant velocity joint integrated into the steering system. The chosen geometry also provides plenty of scope for the performance-enhancing headers in the sports exhaust system.

Installing the steering gear on the subframe in front of the engine allows a particularly low engine position. The subframe is of high-strength steel, and is rigidly bolted to the side members. It not only optimises steering precision, but is also a key component in the front-end crash structure.

AMG high-performance braking system with composite technology

High deceleration performance, precise pedal feedback, perfect fade-resistance and superior safety reserves are the key attributes of the AMGhigh-performance braking system. Ventilated, grooved and perforated brake discs all-round in size 390 x 36 millimetres at the front and 360 x 26 millimetres at the rear ensure excellent deceleration performance. Brake discs in race-tested composite technology are installed at the front axle, with the grey cast iron discs radially and axially floating, and fixed to an aluminium bowl via stainless steel connections. This sophisticated technology ensures highly efficient heat conduction, and therefore outstanding fade-resistance even with a highly dynamic style of driving.

The use of aluminium also saves weight, and in the case of the brakes this has particular advantages in terms of agility and suspension responsiveness because of the considerable reduction in unsprung masses. Six-piston fixed callipers at the front and four-piston fixed callipers at the rear allow a generous brake lining surface area of 2 x 120 sq. cm and 2 x 58 sq. cm. The AMG high-performance braking system achieves a braking output of 816 kW/1109 hp during emergency braking from 250 km/h to standstill.

High-performance ceramic composite braking system as an option

A high-performance ceramic composite braking system is available as an option. This is instantly recognisable by the specially painted brake callipers with “AMGCarbon Ceramic” lettering. Thanks to the special materials and production technology used to manufacture the discs from carbon-fibre reinforced ceramics in a vacuum at 1700 degrees Celsius, the ceramic discs are much harder. This not only increases the service life many times over compared with a grey cast iron disc, but also the resistance to extreme loads and heat. The result is extremely short stopping distances, an exact pressure point and much higher fade resistance even under extreme operating conditions. The larger ceramic discs – front: 402 x 39 millimetres; rear: 360 x 32 millimetres – are of composite construction and are connected to an aluminium bowl by a floating radial mounting. At 823 kW/ 1120 hp during emergency braking from 250 km/h, their braking performance is even higher than that of the AMG composite braking system.

The ceramic brake discs are 40 percent lighter in weight than the conventional, gray cast iron brake discs. The further reduction in unsprung masses not only improves handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and tyre grip. The lower rotating masses at the front axle also ensure a more direct steering response – which is particularly noticeable when taking motorway bends at high speed. The ceramic discs are also corrosion-proof, and therefore unaffected by deicing salt and brine. Six-piston fixed callipers with a brake lining area of 2 x 154 sq. cm. are installed at the front, with four-piston fixed callipers and a lining area of 2 x 73 sq. cm. at the rear.

Both AMGhigh-performance braking systems feature precisely configured cooling ducts: the airflow entering the apertures in the front apron is conducted directly to the front brake callipers, helping to lower peak temperatures in the brake fluid – for example when driving at very high speeds on a racetrack.

Efficient anti-locking system and 3-stage ESP®

The specification of the braking system includes an anti-locking system with demand-controlled brake distribution. When braking on bends, a yawing moment is produced which counteracts and stabilises the vehicle’s tendency to turn on its own axis. The braking system uses the data supplied by the ESP®sensors in order to identify such situations reliably.

The Electronic Stability Program is designed as a sophisticated 3-stage ESP® with a sports function – a speciality exclusive to AMG. Perfectly configured to match the outstanding driving dynamics of the SLS, 3-stage ESP® has three different settings. Using the ESP® key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver is able to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – the currently active mode is shown in the display of the AMG instrument cluster. In “ESP ON” mode, there is braking intervention at one or more wheels and a reduction in engine torque if the car starts to become unstable.

Briefly pressing the ESP® key activates “ESPSPORT”. By means of over/understeer intervention accompanied by engine torque adjustment, this mode allows even more dynamic handling manoeuvres such as the appropriate drift angles. All the functions of ESP® are available as soon as the brake pedal is depressed.

Sustained pressure on the ESP® key activates “ESPOFF”. In terms of driving

dynamics, the engine torque is also no longer reduced in this case. “ESP OFF” should only be used by highly experienced drivers on closed racetracks. In this mode too, all the functions of ESP®are available as soon as the brake pedal is depressed. Acceleration skid is controlled in all three ESP® modes. As soon as a drive wheel begins to spin, traction is significantly improved by specific braking

intervention and interaction with the standard, mechanical multi-plate differential lock. This enable the engine power to be transferred to the road even more efficiently when driving in particularly dynamic style.

Hill-holder function improves comfort and safety

Numerous functions of the high-performance braking system also improve comfort and safety, for example the hill-holder function. When the sensor system detects that the driver wishes to move off on a gradient, the hill holder function is activated automatically and maintains a constant brake pressure for a short time to prevent the car from rolling backwards. This gives the driver enough time to move his foot from the brake to the accelerator without first engaging the parking brake.

If the driver suddenly takes his foot off the accelerator pedal prior to emergency braking, the braking system increases the pressure in the brake lines and applies the pads to the brake discs, so that they can grip instantly with full force when the brake pedal is pressed. The system supports the standard Brake Assist by means of this ‘priming’. Further standard features include the brake-drying function, which uses brief braking impulses to ensure that the film of water on the brake discs is removed in the wet, thus considerably improving the responsiveness of the brakes.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In-Depth: General Overview

It takes the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz into a new era and demonstrates development expertise of the highest order

Automotive fascination and high-tech at the highest level: the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which is due to be launched in spring 2010. This Gullwing model captivates with a purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, and is bound to cause a sensation in the super sports car segment. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As the first independently developed vehicle, the super sports car is the highlight in the company’s more than 40-year history. It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order.

The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG makes for an alluring proposition with its unrivalled technology package: aluminium spaceframe body with Gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/ 571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The ‘Gullwing’ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). The fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) puts it at the front of the competitive lineup.

Design: purist, distinctive and passionate

The purist design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG captivates by virtue of its passionate sportiness, and its reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL’s breathtaking design lines. The stylistic highlights are the striking gullwing doors, which lend an incomparable charisma to the SLS AMG. The long bonnet, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear end with its extendable rear aerofoil stand for dynamism, as do the long wheelbase, the wide track and large 19 and 20-inch wheels. It is not only the gullwing doors that are reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, as the wide radiator grille with its large Mercedes star, the wing-shaped cross fin and the fins on the bonnet and flanks also hark back to the legendary sports car of the 1950s.

Eyecatching features of the side view include the accented wheel arches and the pronounced shoulder line, which extends from the front to the rear end like a taut muscle. Dynamism and power are also communicated by the rear view of the SLS AMG: the gentle slope of the boot lid with the automatically extending aerofoil accentuates the impression of width, as do the flat LED tail lights.

Interior with a touch of aircraft engineering

Mercedes-Benz designers took their inspiration from the aviation world when designing the interior. The stylistic centrepiece is the dashboard, which ensures a visual impression of breadth with its muscular, wing-like profile. The four air vents with adjustable cruciform nozzles are prominently integrated into the dashboard – their shape is reminiscent of a jet engine. The design theme of an aircraft cockpit is also reflected in the long centre console of matt-finished, solid metal. Features integrated into this include the AMGDRIVE UNIT, which enables the driver of the SLS AMG to choose a personal vehicle setup. The AMGSPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is operated by the E-SELECT lever, which resembles the thrust control of a jet aircraft. Despite the low seating position typical of a sports car, the wide-opening gullwing doors allow easy access and egress. They require less opening space than conventional coupé doors, and can be fully opened in a standard-size garage.

Aluminium spaceframe for lightweight design and high strength

The SLS also breaks the mould when it comes to the body concept: for the first time, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are presenting a car with an aluminium chassis and body. Compared with the traditional steel design this results in a significant weight saving, as is clearly illustrated by the DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms.

The newly developed bodyshell consists of an aluminium spaceframe. This exclusive design combines intelligent lightweight design with outstanding strength – thus delivering superlative driving dynamics. Lightweight aluminium sections connect the frame nodes to form a sturdy structure. The large, low-set cross-sections of these aluminium sections ensure high strength, and ensure the necessary, direct transfer of drive, braking and suspension forces. The structure prevents unwanted flexibility; the vehicle responds rigidly, directly and with practically no torsion.

45 percent of the intelligent, weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe is made from aluminium sections, 31 percent from sheet aluminium, 20 percent from cast aluminium and 4 percent from steel. Maximum occupant safety requires the use of ultra-high-strength, heat-formed steel in the A-pillars. The bodyshell weighs 241 kilograms – an absolute benchmark in the super sports car segment in relation to the peak output of 420 kW/571 hp. With a DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms, the power-to-weight ratio is an extremely favourable 2.84 kilograms per hp.

Low centre of gravity and transverse reinforcing struts for superb dynamism

The entire vehicle concept has been designed to achieve a centre of gravity that is as low as possible. This applies both to the low connection of the powertrain and axles as well as to the arrangement of the rigidity-related bodyshell structure. Examples include the rigid flexural and torque connections between the front and rear sections and the safety passenger cell, which have been realised using force paths that are consistently as low as possible. This results not only in a low centre of gravity, but also in a harmonious and therefore efficient force path in the vehicle structure.

Passive safety at a high level

The aluminium spaceframe provides the basis for outstanding passive safety. The extensive safety features include three-point seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and up to eight airbags: adaptive front airbags for the driver and passenger, a kneebag for each, two seat-integrated sidebags and two windowbags deploying from the waistlines of the gullwing doors.

Fine-tuned AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp

A powerful eight-cylinder Mercedes-AMG engine forms the heart of the new SLS. The fine-tuned 6.3-litre V8 engine develops 420 kW/571 hp at 6800 rpm, making the SLS AMG one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. A power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes courtesy of the low vehicle weight. The naturally aspirated engine delivers its maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The SLSaccelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 317 km/h. Bearing the internal designation M 159, the high-revving V8 engine with its displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres has been thoroughly reengineered compared to the basic M 156 engine, and boasts all the hallmarks of powerful racing engines.

The principal measures in increasing output include the all-new intake system, the reworked valve train and camshafts, the use of flow-optimised tubular steel headers and the dethrottling of the exhaust system. This results in much better cylinder charging, which feeds through into an increase in output by almost nine percent – 34 kW/46 hp. The eight-cylinder engine responds swiftly to movements of the accelerator pedal, demonstrating much more pronounced high-revving flexibility across the entire rev range. The switch to dry sump lubrication also translates into a much lower installed engine position. And lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity has also paved the way for high lateral acceleration and exhilarating driving dynamics.

Perfect synthesis of lightweight design and strength

The use of high-strength components compensates for the increased engine loads associated with the higher output. Forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft bearing, optimised crankcase structure, along with improved lubrication thanks to a demand-controlled, high-performance oil pump ensure optimum durability. Despite these higher loads, the engine weight for the M 159 has been further reduced. The forged pistons as oscillating masses play a particularly valuable role in this respect, resulting in a kerb weight of 205 kilograms and, in turn, a power-to-weight ratio of 0.36 kg/hp – an unrivalled figure compared with the competition. Sophisticated catalytic converter technology enables current and future exhaust emission standards such as EU 5, LEV 2 and ULEV to be met.

Enables demanding fuel consumption targets to be met

Despite its uncompromisingly sporty character, very ambitious fuel consumption targets have been met. The SLS AMG consumes 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined, provisional figure), earning it a place at the top of the competitive ranking. Efficiency-enhancing measures include the familiar AMG-exclusive, friction-optimised twin-wire arc-sprayed coating on the cylinder walls as well as the on-demand, map-optimised oil supply and intelligent generator management: during the engine’s overrun phases and braking, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery, rather than being wasted by simply generating heat. Conversely, the generator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the engine.

Double-declutch transmission with transaxle configuration and torque tube

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers its abundant power to the rear axle via an ultra-light carbon-fibre driveshaft – similar to the setup used in the DTM C‑Class racing touring car. The double-declutch transmission is mounted at the rear (transaxle principle), and connected to the engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fibre shaft rotates at engine speed in the torque tube. The advantages of this sophisticated solution lie in the rigid link between the engine and transmission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and torque generated.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission boasts fast gear changes with virtually no loss of tractive force – in as little as 100 milliseconds. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) or “M” (Manual). In the Sport, Sport plus and Manual modes the automatic double-declutching function is active; all the modes can be selected conveniently via the rotary control in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The RACE START function provides optimum traction — as does the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing.

Sophisticated suspension layout with double-wishbone axles

The chosen solution with a front-mid-engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for consummate driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low inertia with spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction. All four wheels are located on double wishbones with a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing right through to Formula 1. With a double-wishbone axle, the wheel location and suspension functions remain separate; the spring/damper struts are supported on the lower wishbone. The double-wishbone concept with its high camber and track rigidity positively locates the wheel with minimal elastic movements, providing the driver with an optimum sense of road contact when driving at the limits.

Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers at the front and rear are made entirely from forged aluminium – substantially reducing the unsprung masses; this configuration also notably improves the suspension response. The long wheelbase of 2680 millimetres not only results in outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts, significantly reducing the vehicle’s tendency to dive and squat when braking and accelerating. The broad track width – front 1682, rear 1653 millimetres – ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tyres to retain more grip.

Direct steering, differential lock and 3-stage ESP®

The rack-and-pinion steering gear provides a consistently direct steering feel with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1, in tune with the high expectations placed on a super sports car. The power steering provides speed-sensitive assistance and improves feedback for the driver as the road speed increases: an indispensable factor for high-speed straight-line driving. Mounting the steering gear in front of the engine on the integral subframe enables the engine to be set down very low. The Gullwing model comes with 3-stage ESP® as standard, and the driver can choose the three “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” modes at the touch of a button. In “ESP OFF” mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP® functions.

Acceleration skid is controlled in all three ESP® modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to improve traction significantly – especially in conjunction with the standard-fit mechanical multi-disc limited-slip differential. This means that the engine power is transferred to the road even more effectively when driving in a particularly dynamic style.

AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system available as an option

The AMG high-performance braking system with composite brake discs at the front ensures extremely short stopping distances even under high loads. The newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with even larger brake discs guarantee even better braking performance. The ceramic brake discs perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Reducing the unsprung masses has further improved both comfort and grip, and the reduced rotating masses at the front axle ensure a more direct steering response.

Lightweight construction was also key when it came to the wheels: weight-optimised AMG light-alloy wheels – 9.5 x 19 inch (front) and 11.0 x 20 inch (rear) – based on the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the unsprung masses while improving driving dynamics and suspension comfort. In addition to the standard-fit AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels, 5-twin-spoke wheels and weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels are available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure optimum performance. A tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard to permanently monitor tyre pressure in all four wheels; individual tyres are shown on the display.

The SLS AMG as a masterpiece in AMG’s more than 40-year history

The new SLS AMG is a true masterpiece on the part of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As the first independently developed car, the super sports car is the highlight of the company’s more than 40-year history. With this car AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is not only entering a new era, but also demonstrating development expertise of the highest order.

AMG was established in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and is considered a pioneer in the field of vehicle tuning for motorsports. Following the cooperation agreement concluded in 1990 with Daimler-Benz AG, the company was gradually incorporated into what at the time was DaimlerChrysler AG in 1999. On 1 January 2005, DaimlerChrysler AG acquired 100 percent of the shares. Today Mercedes-AMG GmbH is a vehicle manufacturer in its own right, and AMG is the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars. This subsidiary of Daimler AG specialises in unique, high-performance vehicles; its sporty saloons, SUVs, coupés, cabriolets, roadsters and specially built one-off models constitute a product portfolio which meets its customers’ every wish. The product range encompasses a total of 16 AMG high-performance models with outputs ranging from 265 kW/360 hp to 450 kW/612 hp.

Mercedes-AMG has overall responsibility for developing the design, aerodynamics, interior as well as the powertrain, engine, suspension, brakes and electronics – right up to granting final approval for production of the complete AMG vehicle. The company is also in charge of all marketing and sales-related activities for its products.

Sales of the SLS AMG in Germany will commence on 16 November 2009

The SLS AMG can be ordered from Mercedes-Benz own-retail outlets and dealerships in Germany from 16 November 2009. The purchase price is 177,310 EUR (incl. 19 % VAT); the market launch commences in spring 2010.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In-Depth: Design

The styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG enthrals with its sportiness and reinterprets the lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

The distinctive styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG enthrals with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design the new SLS AMG reflects the philosophy of contemporary sports car engineering: the bonnet which measures just under two metres, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear end with an extendable aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short overhangs feed through into the proportions, just as does the design of the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid-engine set well back and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An undoubted styling highlight comes courtesy of the gullwing doors, which lend the SLS AMG its incomparable charisma – making a unique statement in this vehicle segment.

The gullwing doors are not alone in rekindling memories of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL; the hallmark wide radiator grille with the large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross fins are a throwback to the front-end of the sports car legend. The three-dimensional, sculptured front-end with its low-set, swept-back front apron set well into the sides lends the SLS its powerful stance on the road. Six large cooling air intakes and the vertically arranged headlamps set well to the outside with their alluring inner ambience provide a dominant aura: the central bi-xenon low-beam headlamp with its metallic wing section is framed at the top by two LED indicators and by the LED daytime driving lights at the bottom.

Influences from aircraft engineering

Allusions to aircraft construction come courtesy of the prominent Mercedes star, whose tubular section is reminiscent of the air intake on a jet engine when viewed from the side, as well as the long bonnet: as the eye is drawn forward, so the observer becomes more aware of the curve. The design of the four fins with their Silver Shadow finish that adorn the two air outlet grilles on the end of the bonnet create the same visual impression. These aircraft-style lines also visually accelerate the air that flows past – and make the SLS AMG appear extremely dynamic even while stationary.

The fins on the bonnet are taken up on the vehicle flanks: the connoisseur also discovers here a hallmark styling feature of the 300 SL. The “6.3” lettering placed between the fins provides a clear reference to the high-displacement, naturally aspirated V8 engine. The side air outlet feeds through into a stylistically prominent feature line, which together with the convex flanks and the exhilarating surface treatment, combines aesthetics with power. The compact passenger compartment proves as alluring as it is unmistakable. With its high beltline, low side windows and steeply angled windscreen it comes across as a kind of visor. The forward-angled B-pillar with its stylish flowing sweep to the rear window exudes pure dynamism.

Side view dominated by muscle and shoulder

Viewing the SLS from the side, the eye is drawn to the prominent vehicle shoulder, which stretches from the front to the rear like a taut muscle. Distinctive 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) light-alloy wheels fill the wheel arches, which stand out prominently from the sidewall. Three different wheel variants all provide a good view of the large high-performance composite brakes. Seen from above, a prominent, uninterrupted line runs from the muscle to the rear. This styling feature is also picked up on the bonnet where the eye follows a distinctive contour which flows over the roof between the gullwing doors, right through to the third brake light. On the right, a sporty filler cap of solid metal provides another visual highlight.

Rear view that emphasises width

The rear view of the SLS also exudes dynamism and power: the gently sloping boot lid emphasises a sense of width, an impression reinforced by the prominent vehicle shoulder and the sleek tail lights: fitted with LED technology, the horizontally structured lighting units provide a scintillating view. Wing-shaped LED lighting elements ensure a distinctive, enthralling night design. The Formula-1-style LED fog lamp/reversing light is set down low in the centre. Similarly inspired by motor racing are the black diffuser insert and the two chromed tailpipes of the sports exhaust system. The strikingly tapered rear apron provides an unimpeded view of the wide rear wheels, lending the SLS its self-assured stance on the road. The spoiler integrated in the boot lid is automatically deployed from a speed of 120 km/h to ensure optimum stability at high speeds. As the aerials for radio, navigation and telephone reception are invisibly integrated into the boot lid, they do not disrupt the car’s silhouette.

New colours: “AMG alubeam silver” and two matt finishes

The colour charts for the SLS include nine exclusive paint finishes. The highlight comes in the shape of the unique “AMG alubeam silver” paintwork: the new, unique process makes the paint shine like liquid metal. The paint covers the body panels like a metallic skin, emphasises the scintillating design lines of the SLS more strongly than any previous paint job and makes them even livelier by means of targeted light reflections. This effect is made possible by tiny pigment particles measuring between 30 and 50 nanometres.

The two matt finishes “designo magno allanite grey” and “AMG monza magno grey” are just as eye-catching: with their matt-silk surface they reinforce the sporty character of the two-seater through specific contouring of the crease lines.

Interior with allusions to aircraft engineering and motor sports practicality

You only need to open the gullwing doors on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and ease into the sports seats to experience a whole new level of interior. The Mercedes-Benz designers took their inspiration from aircraft engineering when styling the interior – immediately bringing an aircraft cockpit to mind. The characteristic styling feature is the dashboard, whose powerful and dramatic wing shape makes for an impression of width. Strikingly integrated into the dashboard are the galvanised air vents with their adjustable, cruciform nozzles and Silver Shadow finish – their shape reminiscent of a jet’s engines. The instrument cluster with its LED upshift indicator and two white backlit dial instruments add another decidedly sporty touch with their metallic Silver Shadow finish. The silver dials have red needles and a 360 km/h speedometer scale. As a central feature of the cockpit, the COMAND APS multimedia system with its 7-inch screen is integrated between the two centre air vents.

The elongated centre console in matt metal similarly picks up the design theme of an aircraft cockpit. It is home to the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is inclined towards the SLS driver and allows him to choose his personal vehicle setup. The E‑SELECT shift lever, whose styling recalls the thrust control of a jet, controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. All the controls are made from solid metal, with a high-sheen Silver Shadow surface. On request the centre console and other interior features such as the door sill panels, the trim on the interior door panels and the seat back trim are available in carbon-fibre.

Authentic cockpit atmosphere in the interior of the SLS AMG

The concave interior panels of the gullwing doors and the high beltline provide an authentic cockpit atmosphere. Together with the roof-integrated gullwing doors, the high sideskirts and the wide centre tunnel extending well to the rear, they reinforce the feeling of safety and security. Decorative and contrasting stitching, as well as fine designo leather on the sports seats, create a luxurious visual impression and accentuate the “hand-built” look. All surfaces such as the interior door panels and armrests are softly padded for a pleasant feel. All keys and switches are surfaced with Softtouch paint for a silky sheen and soft contact surface. The homogeneous, amber-coloured illumination of the switch symbols ensures clear recognition and enhances the high-quality appearance of the interior when driving at night.

Dynamic steering wheel design and leather in five different colours

An authentic racing car touch is provided by the AMG Performance steering wheel, which has a diameter of only 365 millimetres. The rim has a flattened lower section and an oval cross-section, plus perforated leather in the ergonomically formed grip area, for outstanding vehicle control. The shift paddles and lower insert are of metal. The unmistakable attention to detail for which Mercedes designers are known is very evident in the tasteful colour combinations of the SLS AMG interior. Five different designo leather colours are available to meet individual preferences: black, classic red, sand, porcelain and light brown. The sports seats with integrated head restraints and sporty transverse fluting are upholstered in designo leather – and two-tone designo leather seats are also available in classic red, sand and porcelain. If light brown is chosen as an interior colour, the sports seats are upholstered in natural leather with particularly high-quality woven leather on the centre seat panels. Depending on the colour combination, fluorescent or black piping provides another sporty touch.

The A-pillars, roof lining and parcel shelf are lined in anthracite Alcantara, heightening the functional motor sports atmosphere. These surfaces are complemented with the sporty carpeting and floor mats bearing the AMG logo.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In-Depth: Engine And Power Transfer

The SLS accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited)

Eight cylinders and a displacement of 6.3 litres in a front-mid-engine arrangement, a high-revving concept, dry sump lubrication and a performance-oriented intake and exhaust system: opening the almost two-metre long bonnet of the SLS AMG affords a view of an outstanding high-performance engine spefically developed by AMG for the new Gullwing model. With a peak output of 420 kW/571 hp at 6800 rpm and 650 newton metres of torque at 4750 rpm, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 unit sets new standards and is also the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated series production engine. The SLS accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). The DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms produces an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio of only 2.84 kilograms per hp.

The use of specific fuel economy measures has enabled a fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) to be achieved. Power transfer in the SLSAMGis by a new, seven-speed AMGdouble-declutch transmission located at the rear axle in a transaxle arrangement. It is rigidly connected to the engine by a torque tube.

Based on the M156, which develops 386 kW/525 hp and 630 newton metres in e.g. the E 63 AMG, the new, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine is a comprehensive further development specifically for the SLS AMG. The most important modifications affect the intake and exhaust systems, the oil supply and the crankshaft drive. A total of more than 120 parts and components were redesigned on the basis of major findings obtained from more than 40 years of motor racing experience.

In design terms the M159 is a completely autonomous AMG development, as was the M156. This unique combination of a fast-running concept and a large displacement achieves the best of both worlds: exhilarating flexibility accompanied by high torque at low engine speeds. The new AMG V8 already delivers 545 newton metres to the crankshaft at 2500 rpm, with the maximum of 650 newton metres on tap from 4750 rpm – more than any other naturally aspirated engine in this output and displacement class. In short, the new AMG eight-cylinder guarantees dynamic acceleration, rapid intermediate sprints and sheer driving pleasure at the highest level, or relaxed, day-to-day cruising when preferred

Optimum cylinder charging thanks to newly designed intake air ducting

One key aspect of the increase in output and torque is the optimised cylinder charging. The new, more flow-efficient design of the intake air ducting leads to a reduction in pressure losses, while the completely revised valve drive improves the gas dynamics. The newly developed magnesium intake manifold features precisely coordinated resonance tube lengths. Eight velocity stacks with a length of 290 millimetres and a diameter of 51.5 millimetres supply the combustion chambers with fresh air. Behind the new air filters with a volume of just under 9500 cubic centimetres there are two throttle flaps with a diameter of 74 millimetres. Their electronic adjustment is practically instantaneous: it takes only 150 milliseconds to open the two throttle flaps to their maximum. The result is exhilarating responsiveness. Two hot-film air mass sensors located behind the air filters supply the engine electronics with the necessary temperature and density data for the intake air.

One special characteristic of the V8 engine is its sophisticated valve drive, which borrows features from the powerful AMGracing engines. The 32 valves in the cylinder heads are operated by bucket tappets. Their space-saving design allows a stiff valve train and therefore high engine speeds with large valve opening cross-sections, which in turn benefits output and torque. The large intake valves have a diameter of 40 millimetres, while their opposite numbers on the exhaust side measure 34 millimetres. In contrast to a racing engine, the valve drive is maintenance-free with hydraulic valve clearance compensation.

Four continuously variable overhead camshafts

All four overhead camshafts are continuously variable over a range of 42 degrees. Both the intake and exhaust camshafts are adjusted as a function of engine load and engine speed, ensuring extremely high output and torque values as well as smooth idling and especially low exhaust emissions. Depending on the engine speed, the valve overlap can be varied to ensure an optimal supply of fuel/air mixture to the combustion chambers and efficient venting of the exhaust gases. The variable camshaft adjustment is controlled electrohydraulically, and monitored by the engine control unit.

Distinctive exhaust note with two exhaust headers

Optimised performance and an emotional sound signature: these were the requirements when developing the sports exhaust system. Exhaust headers with precisely coordinated tube lengths – a further technology transfer from motor racing – ensure a significant increase in output and torque by improving the gas cycle. The large pipe cross-sections of the newly developed twin exhaust system effectively reduce the exhaust counterpressure. Two relatively small pre-silencers on the underbody and a large, transversely installed main silencer at the rear help to ensure optimum weight distribution.

The AMGspecialists attached particular importance to the sound signature of the large-displacement eight-cylinder power unit, and exhaustive tests were carried out to achieve a synthesis of immediately perceptible dynamism and the long-distance qualities typical of a Mercedes. Great attention was also paid to the elimination of irritating noises, while accentuating the frequencies perceived as pleasant and typical of a sports car. At the same time it was of course necessary to comply with the legal requirements – for example when measuring passing noise. The two exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron emit a characteristic eight-cylinder sound that leaves the real car-lover in no doubt: here comes a true AMG.

Two ceramic catalytic converters optimised for counterpressure and located at the firewall directly by the exhaust header, plus two metal catalytic converters on the underbody, provide effective exhaust gas aftertreatment and ensure compliance with current and future limits such as EU 5, LEV 2 and ULEV. The new AMGengine also easily meets specific requirements for the US market, such as Onboard Diagnosis II and lambda sensor diagnosis.

Dry sump lubrication to lower the centre of gravity

One major criterion when formulating the technical concept for the SLS AMGwas the installed position of the engine. The requirement was for the engine to be positioned low down and well to the rear, so as to lower the car’s centre of gravity significantly and achieve a balanced weight distribution between the front and rear axles. The solution found, namely to install the eight-cylinder power unit as a front-mid-engine behind the front axle, combining it with a transmission in a transaxle layout, led to a weight distribution of 47 percent at the front and 53 percent at the rear which is typical of a sports car.

The low installed position of the V8 engine is the result of a changeover to dry sump lubrication – which eliminates the usual oil sump. The dry sump lubrication system of the M159 consists of a suction pump, a pressure pump and an external 5‑litre oil tank located in front of the engine. All in all, 13.5 litres of engine oil circulate around the complete system. The oil scavenging pump sucks the oil directly from the crankcase and cylinder heads, delivering it to the external oil tank at a maximum rate of 700 litres per minute. The efficient oil scavenging further improves the efficiency of an already very efficient engine.

The reciprocating pressure pump conveys the oil from the external oil tank back to the engine, ensuring effective lubrication even under the high lateral acceleration forces that usually occur on racetracks. The demand-related control of the oil pressure pump is based on the engine speeds programmed into the control unit, as well as the characteristic maps for temperature and engine load. This leads to a reduction in the engine’s power dissipation, and a considerable reduction in fuel consumption. Two large coolers in the front wheel arches, each with a blower fan integrated on one side, ensure that the engine oil is efficiently cooled.

Another innovation used in the engine of the SLS AMGfor the first time is the so-called “gas-spring principle”, where the air compressed beneath the piston as it moves down the gas-tight crank chamber is prevented from escaping. On the upstroke the rebound energy is almost completely returned to the pistons. This principle prevents flow losses. Another positive effect is the much greater rigidity of the crankcase. The gas-spring principle has enabled fuel consumption to be reduced by 1.5 percent – while increasing output by 7 kW/9.5 hp.

Outstanding strength and optimised lightweight construction also for the engine

As another new development, the eight forged pistons are a total of 0.5 kilograms lighter than cast pistons. The reduction in oscillating masses improves both responsiveness and flexibility. Optimum cooling of the severely stressed piston crowns is by means of pressure-controlled oil-spray nozzles in the crankcase. As another specific weight-saving measure, there are no steel liners locating the main crankshaft bearings. The crankcase of the M159 is wholly of aluminium, and around 4 kilograms lighter than its counterpart in the M156. To reduce weight even further, aluminium bolts are mainly used in the M159. This saves another 0.6 kilograms or so compared to steel bolts. The weight of the V8 engine in the SLS is 205 kg, producing a first-class power-to-weight ratio of 0.36 kg/hp.

As is usual in motor sports, the crankcase is a rigid bedplate design of closed-deck construction. The engine block and cylinder heads are of cast aluminium-silicon alloys (AlSi7 and AlSi17) which represent the state of the art in terms of weight, thermal and mechanical resistance and long-term strength. As in the M156, the engine specialists at Mercedes-AMGuse a particularly advanced process for the eight cylinder walls to produce a tribologically optimal surface, namely a coating applied by twin wire arc spraying (TWAS). The advantages of this technology patented by AMG are extremely low friction and wear accompanied by outstanding long-term durability. A considerably harder surface is achieved compared to conventionally coated cylinder walls. In fact the cylinder walls of the new AMGV8‑engine are twice as hard as conventional cast iron liners – a quantum leap for engine specialists.

Other high-tech components and systems adopted from the M156 include:

the finely balanced crankshaft of forged steel;
water-cooling of the cylinder head using the thermally very efficient crossflow principle familiar from the motor racing world;
variable coolant control for optimised efficiency;
computer-controlled fuel delivery, with the fuel integrated into the fuel tank.

Newly developed cooler module of weight-optimised design

The coolant is cooled by a large cooler module located behind the radiator grille. The condenser for the air conditioning and the cooler for the steering servo fluid are also integrated into this module. As a particular bonus, this completely new development has reduced the weight by around 4 kilograms compared to the previous components – while improving efficiency at the same time. A large suction fan located directly behind the radiator conducts the hot air away as required.

Efficient control unit for generator management

The Bosch ME 9.7 AMG control unit also has a generator management function as a further system that helps to save fuel. Sensors monitor the charge status of the vehicle battery, and reduce the output of the generator if the battery has sufficient charge. The system uses the overrun phases of the engine to recharge the battery, kinetic energy being converted into electrical energy by recuperation.

Careful combination of efficiency-enhancing measures has enabled an NEDC combined fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 km (premium petrol) to be achieved. This is an outstanding figure, as the new SLS AMGis after all one of the most powerful cars in the super sports car segment.

Engine production at the Affalterbach plant

The new V8 powerpack for the SLS is produced in the ultra-modern AMG engine shop, on the “one man, one engine” principle. This means that a single technician assembles the engine by hand from start to finish – as witness the high-quality AMG engine plate bearing the signature of the technician responsible. The design of the AMG eight-cylinder is also a feast for the eyes, starting with the new, titanium grey cover of the magnesium intake manifold with its two prominent AMG logos, and the optional carbon-fibre engine compartment cover that frames the high-performance power unit so attractively.

AMG seven-speed double-declutch transmission with RACE START

The ideal partner for the powerful, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission – a newly developed double-declutch transmission with seven gears, four driving modes and a RACESTART function. The advantages of this technology, which is once again derived from motor racing, include highly responsive gearchanges without any interruption in tractive power, a tailor-made control strategy and improved gearshifting comfort. Specifically configured for the high-revving nature of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, the AMGSPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission provides optimum ratios with only small rpm changes. In short, the new transmission gives the driver even more dynamic acceleration for maximum driving pleasure.

AMG DRIVE UNIT with four driving modes for maximum pleasure

The central control point for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and all dynamic control functions is the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The rotary electronic control for selection of the four driving modes and activation of the RACE START function is located to the left of the E-SELECT shift lever.

The double-declutch transmission allows upshifts under full load both in automated and manual mode, where the gears can be shifted using the AMGshift paddles on the steering wheel. There is a choice of four driving modes for maximum driving pleasure and comfort: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual). In Controlled Efficiency mode the high torque already available at low engine speeds is used to shift up to the highest viable gear. The resulting dethrottling effect on the intake side lowers fuel consumption, with accompanying benefits in terms of engine noise. Controlled Efficiency also means comfortable gearchanges and “soft” accelerator characteristics for relaxed cruising.

In “S” mode the transmission remains in each gear to a higher speed, downshifts are faster and gearshifts are performed around 20 percent more rapidly than in “C” mode. Switching to “S+” mode shortens gearshift times by a further 20 percent, while “M” is the most sporty mode of all: the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine now responds with even more “bite”, and the AMG double-declutch transmission changes the gears another 10 percent faster – a total reduction of 50 percent compared to “C” mode. In “M” mode the transmission performs gearchanges in less than 100 milliseconds. The upshift indicator integrated into the AMG instrument cluster informs the driver when a manual gearchange is advisable: seven LEDs coloured white, yellow and red indicate the necessary action. The faster the engine speed approaches the maximum of 7200 rpm, the more LEDs light up.

Best possible traction thanks to the RACE START function

The RACE START function delivers maximum dynamism: in order to use it, the driver has to activate the ESP® Sport function while the vehicle is at a standstill, and press the brake pedal with his left foot. Having preselected the RACE START program using the rotary switch, the driver is presented with a confirmation message in the AMG central display. After confirming the RACESTART function by pulling the “Up” shift paddle once, all he has to do is depress the accelerator fully and take his foot off the brake. The optimum start-up engine speed is set fully automatically, and the SLS AMGaccelerates away with flawless traction – all the way up to top speed if required. The driver does not need to shift the gears manually, as the DCT transmission performs lightning-fast gearchanges.

Automatic double-declutching function for even more emotional appeal

In the “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) modes, the automatic double-declutching function is active. Every manual or automatic downshift is accompanied by precisely metered double-declutching – incrementally from “S” through “S+” to “M”. This not only adds to the driver’s emotional experience: the load-free downshift minimises load-change reactions, which pays dividends – particularly when braking into a bend on the racetrack – and also enhances safety in the wet or on ice.

The new AMGdouble-declutch transmission excels with compact dimensions and a low weight of only 136 kilograms, including the differential. Aluminium construction and the absence of a conventional torque converter improve efficiency and make a significant reduction in fuel consumption possible. A mechanical, multi-plate differential lock configured for sporty performance at the physical limits is also integrated into the transmission housing.

Torque tube with carbon-fibre drive shaft between the engine and transmission

The torque tube turns the AMGSPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and the V8 engine into a fixed unit. The engine and the transmission installed in a transaxle arrangement at the rear axle are firmly connected with very low flexural and torsional flexibility, and support each other. This has decisive advantages in terms of handling dynamics and driving comfort, as this sophisticated solution makes it possible to eliminate much more free play from the entire powertrain. The 1.64-metre long torque tube consists of a one-piece sand-cast aluminium housing, and weighs less than 25 kilograms. A drive shaft rotates at engine speed inside the housing. As in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM racing touring cars, the shaft is made from carbon-fibre. One of the key advantages of this high-tech material is that despite its high strength, the shaft tips the scales at only 4.7 kilograms. This means that the 1.71-metre long drive shaft, which is required to transfer no less than 650 newton metres of torque from the engine to the double-declutch transmission, is around 30 percent lighter than a steel version would be.

A specially developed torsional damper is also active within the torque tube. This reliably eliminates resonances and vibrations, thereby optimising ride and noise comfort.

Mercedes-Benz Museum To Present Two Special Winter Exhibitions

In winter 2009/ 2010 the Mercedes-Benz Museum will present two special exhibitions focusing on innovations and technologies

If you plan on visiting the Mercedes-Benz Museum this winter, two special exhibitions will be on hand, depending on when you go. The first takes place from November 2009 through March 2010, and is entitled “A Journey of Innovations.” A total of nine vehicles will be featured in this exhibit, including the Benz Patent Motor Car of 1886, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL of 1955, the E 250 CDI of 2009 and the S 400 HYBRID, all of which highlight how the concept of mobility has been redefined over the course of time.

The second exhibit – this one entitled Concept BlueZERO – takes place from mid December 2009 through January 2010, and features a three unique vehicles. The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and auxiliary internal combustion engine, the BlueZERO E-CELL equipped purely with a battery electric drive and the BlueZERO F-CELL equipped with fuel cell technology will all be on display, with the purpose to showcase developments in the field of alternative drive systems.

If you’re interested in attending, both exhibitions are bilingual (German/ English). The Mercedes-Benz Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m (it’s closed Mondays).