Mercedes-Benz at the North American Auto Show 2007
08 Janvier 2007 - 9:09AM
PR Newswire (US)
BLUETEC, New AWD Technology and a Fascinating Luxury Convertible
That Dreams are Made of DETROIT, Michigan, January 8
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At the North American International Auto
Show in Detroit, Mercedes-Benz presented its broad range of
all-wheel drive cars and SUVs on a 7,250 sq. ft. (570 sq. meter ice
rink). This year's show celebrates two important centennials: the
100th anniversary of the Detroit Auto Show, as well as the 100th
anniversary of the first all-wheel drive Mercedes automobile. Other
highlights of the Mercedes-Benz press conference included the
S-Class with the latest 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology and the
V8-powered "Vision GL 420 BLUETEC" SUV concept vehicle, with which
the luxury brand continues its initiative for clean diesels in the
USA. As a high-point, the red carpet was rolled out for the
striking Concept Ocean Drive - a convertible that revives the
tradition of four dour luxury cars with an open top. Photo: (
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070107/240302 ) "A hundred
years after introducing our first automobile with four-wheel drive,
we offer one of the largest ranges of four-wheel drive passenger
cars and SUVs on the market: 48 models in seven model series,"
explained Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler AG and head of
the Mercedes Car Group, at the kick-off of the Mercedes-Benz press
conference. The new star of the four-wheel drive line-up from
Stuttgart is the S-Class 4MATIC, the first model to be equipped
with the high-tech fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz
four-wheel drive system. The new 4MATIC combines agility, comfort
and enhanced traction with considerably reduced fuel consumption
which is roughly (0.1 gallons / 0.4 litres) more than that of a
comparable model with rear-wheel drive. This is partly due to a
significant reduction of the model's additional weight, which
ranges between merely145 to 154 lbs. (66-70 kg.), depending on the
type of engine. That's approximately 77 lbs. (35 kg.) less than its
predecessor or competing systems. Mercedes-Benz' four-wheel drive
models also include the GL-Class, which was introduced last year
and has established itself in the USA as one of the three
best-sellers in the luxury full-size SUV segment. The leading U.S.
automobile magazine, "Motor Trend," named it the "SUV of the Year
2007." Vision GL 420 BLUETEC - another milestone of the BLUETEC
initiative The Vision GL 420 BLUETEC concept car demonstrates that
BLUETEC(R) makes it possible for large and powerful vehicles in
particular to offer good fuel economy and the lowest possible
emission levels. The vehicle with the powerful V8 diesel engine
delivers 216 kW (290 hp) and generates 700 Nm (515 lb-ft) of
torque, with an expected fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 km
(24 mpg). This impressive combination of top performance, high
torque, fuel efficiency and impressive range makes all
Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC(R) ideal for the U.S. market. "Thanks to our
second-stage BLUETEC technology, featuring AdBlue injection to
eliminate more than 80 per cent of the NOx emissions, this
powerful, clean and efficient engine complies with strict BIN 5
regulations," said Dr. Thomas Weber, head of Development at
DaimlerChrysler. "The same goes for the three new V6 BLUETEC models
- the R 320 BLUETEC, ML 320 BLUETEC and the GL 320 BLUETEC - we
will launch in the U.S. market in 2008." Concept Ocean Drive
concept car - a look at the design of tomorrow With its luxury
convertible Concept Ocean Drive, Mercedes-Benz revives the
tradition of large four door convertibles. This striking concept
car stands out thanks to its elegant body design and head-turning
appearance. Its clearly defined lines and vibrant two-tone paint
finish make it exceptionally charismatic. Exotic materials and
uncompromising perfection make it a showpiece for today's
automobile connoisseurs. The Concept Ocean Drive inspires
automotive dreams - but its purpose is also to reach out to
customers and find out how the public is reacting to new automotive
ideas. That supports the designers at Mercedes-Benz as they look
into the future, develop new design vocabularies and implement them
in coming vehicles. Apart from the four doors, the distinguishing
exterior features of the concept car include a very large and
upright radiator grille, headlights and taillights featuring LED
technology, its two-tone paint finish and a striking interplay
between taut lines and large, restful surfaces. The Concept's
dramatic profile is enhanced by the deletion of traditional
B-pillars or window frames, ensuring a seamless continuity of the
exterior - even when the top is raised. By virtue of its long
wheelbase, the 12-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600 was chosen as the
technical basis of the design study. The vehicle's special
technical highlights include an innovative soft-top mechanism with
smooth operation and fast closing times and the unrivalled AIRSCARF
neck-level heating system at all four seats, which allows occupants
to enjoy top-down motoring even in the colder months of the year.
Contact Norbert Giesen, phone +49-711-17-76422 Wolfgang Zanker,
phone +49-711-17-75847, Internet site More news from
DaimlerChrysler at: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
DATASOURCE: DaimlerChrysler AG CONTACT: ContactL: Norbert Giesen,
phone +49-711-17-76422, ; Wolfgang Zanker, phone +49-711-17-75847,
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