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It is believed the second decade of the 21st century will rewrite all the basic principles of automotive engineering. Nowadays, car companies are rushing to launch new and innovative technologies in order to save the planet and contribute to making driver's tasks much easier to accomplish - if driving is perhaps seen as a risky challenge rather than sheer pleasure and automotive passion. Systems that make the engine run cleaner improve efficiency targets - but the overall weight of a car is one crucial aspect engineers must take into consideration if they ever want to meet the stringent targets they've set themselves. Using light mass materials to develop the chassis and main components is the path Mercedes-Benz will supposedly follow with the advent of the new generation E-Class by 2015.
Early this year, Daimler AG has put a solid foundation after it signed an official cooperation agreement with Toray Industries, a Japan-based professional multinational company centered around technologies in chemistry, electronics and advanced composite materials. The two giants have already developed an innovative molding process for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) which shall be used in the new models Mercedes-Benz will premiere beginning with 2012. Lightweight construction is another goal of the partnership and hereby one of the decisive statements in the German carmaker's plan for sustainability.
It has been recently reported Mercedes-Benz could be planning a special version of the future E-Class. The 'Superlight' limousine, as it might be called, will feature a lightweight chassis made up of CFRP and composite materials, which help to decrease the total mass of the car by 350 kilograms - reaching a final 1300 kilograms. Strengthness and body rigidity won't give any headaches to engineers, as it is well known that carbon fiber performs superbly in these two categories. Together with the constant breakthroughs in safety achieved by Mercedes-Benz, we could be in for one impressive automobile if the Superlight E-Class comes true in approximately four years from now.
The innovations don't end just here. The use of carbon fiber will create more interior space and it is highly possible the athletic sedan will adopt a different exterior styling compared to the standard model. Moreover, the Superlight E-Class is expected to feature alternative, efficient powertrains - fuel-cell, electric and hybrid versions are said to be on the decision table. If the project goes well, chances are more bespoke lightweight models from Mercedes-Benz will be revealed towards 2016-2017, including a sensational supercar, dubbed SCS.
Photo: Autobild
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
One year ago, we were reporting on Mercedes-Benz's plans to offer a new variant in the E-Class portfolio beginning with the next generation (W 213) due in 2016: a versatile van. According to the article, that particular model would also serve as a replacement for the slow-selling R-Class. Now, it appears Mercedes-Benz is working on a new sports van version for the future generation C-Class as well, which is prone to arrive in 3-4 years.
This is not the first time we hear this kind of 'gossip': in March 2010 we were revealing the carmaker's intention to produce a C-Class W 205 based van possibly dubbed CLR. Given the portfolio expansion in the premium segment of the last years and the anticipated growth based on niche models, it does not sound too fictional that Mercedes-Benz wants to reposition the lineup of models to customer demands. And the new C-Class van, a family-oriented car with dynamic potential and a versatile interior, could be the first to enter a new class in 2015. Together with the rumored E-Class Van that follows one year after, it will build up a serious competition for BMW's 5er GT and 3er GT. It remains much of a mystery whether Mercedes-Benz will discontinue the R-Class, as last week's press release expressed clearly the introduction of a fifth model to be assembled at Tuscaloosa alongside the M-, R-, GL- and C-Class. Which could spell a better fortune for the Grand Sports Tourer in the new sports vans family from Mercedes-Benz.
Illustration: Autozeitung
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Following previous week's official announcement on the addition of a new model assembled at the US plant starting 2015, Mercedes-Benz chose to display a teaser image inside the Tuscaloosa factory. The banner showcases a liquid sculpture of the anticipated SUV coupe, that will be developed on the underpinnings of the new M-Class and will compete with BMW X6 and the upcoming Audi Q6. The definitive designation is yet to be decided, but we can speculate the car may be entitled MLC or GLS. Given past experiences, we expect Mercedes-Benz to release, in the coming years, a series of artistic sculptures and concept showcars to preview the new 4x4 model.
Image: @Dawn_Kent
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
An interesting news appeared these days: Mercedes-Benz is said to launch a new series of 6-cylinder engines in 2015 which will reportedly switch from the current "V" architecture in favour of the in-line solution. The information was revealed by a company engineer at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
If it happens to be true, the introduction of I6 diesel and petrol units into Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles will entirely be an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise. Even though such powerplants need some extra space in the engine bay, issues regarding a smooth and efficient functioning don't pose serious challenges for the engineers as the V6s do. With the use of state-of-the-art materials and casting technics, the unit's kerb weight can be further optimized. Moreover, the new straight-six engines from Mercedes-Benz will feature turbocharging, which brings extra advantages related to fuel economy, CO2 emission levels, maximum output, high-end torque and dynamic performance compared to the current direct injection found in the 3.5-litre gasoline V6 with 306 hp.
It will take time to digest this report and even more to convince Daimler officials to reveal, little by little, the secrets behind the future I6 engines, if they will eventually be launched. The Blue Efficiency Power units developed specially for the new generation of the Actros truck make use of the six-cylinder in-line arrangement and could serve as a solid knowledge basis to develop similar engines for Mercedes-Benz cars.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Daimler will further expand its U.S. plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama: as of 2015, an entirely new Mercedes-Benz model will roll off the production line as its fifth product. The plant has been the traditional production site of the brand’s M-, GL-, and R-Class SUVs and will also build the C-Class for the North American market beginning 2014. For the production of the new model, Daimler will additionally invest US$ 350 million, and will create some 400 further jobs at the plant.
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “This new model from the Tuscaloosa plant is an important element of our growth strategy. It is one of the ten additional models which we will introduce within the next four years alone across all segments.” Referring to the Tuscaloosa plant’s role within the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Zetsche added: “At the same time, we are systematically broadening our manufacturing footprint in the NAFTA region.”
Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama: "Since the time Mercedes-Benz chose Tuscaloosa County for its first US assembly plant 18 years ago, the company has proven to be an outstanding partner for the state. We join MBUSI in celebrating this milestone, and welcome the hundreds of jobs this announcement brings to Alabama."
Just earlier this year, on the occasion of the Job #1 ceremony of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class in July, Daimler had announced the decision to invest more than US$2 billion in the Tuscaloosa plant (Mercedes-Benz U.S. International – MBUSI). In total, investment in the plant between 2010 and 2014 will thus amount to US$2.4 billion, while the number of newly created jobs will add up to 1,400.
Markus Schaefer, President and CEO of MBUSI, commented on these decisions: “The entire MBUSI team is proud of its role in the success of the models made in Tuscaloosa. We are looking forward to making further important contributions to the product offensive of Mercedes-Benz.”
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Rumors hinting at a new supercar in the Affalterbach yard appeared recently after the world premiere of the SLS AMG Gullwing in September 2009. Several scenarios were advanced by so-called company insiders in the last year: some were claiming the new hyper vehicle will feature a mid-engine architecture and possibly a hybrid powertrain with a 9-speed gearbox. It now looks the situation is far simpler and less fictional: lightweight construction, biturbo V8 unit, AMG double-clutch transmission with 7 gears and further helpful systems to enhance sports driving pleasure.
In a recent interview, Christoph Jung, responsible for performance models' development at Mercedes-AMG, revealed company execs are seriously taking into consideration slotting a new supercar under the current SLS to gun for the Porsche 911. Unlike the Zuffenhausen rival, the future SLC will receive a radical exterior styling to highlight the thoroughly-bred dynamics. Inside, there will be room for only two passengers, but that's fairly enough as along with the extensive use of lightweight materials (aluminium, CFRP etc.), the car's overall mass will be kept as low as possible. Under the front bonnet, engineers will fit a powerful V8 engine, sporting biturbocharging and probably cylinder shut-off technology (for the sake of efficiency) and at least 500 hp of peak output. Other top figures include around 4 seconds to reach 100 km/h and 300 km/h maximum speed. Base price could start from 80,000 euros, which is half the amount of money you'd spend on a SLS AMG. The SLC AMG is tipped to be unveiled in the next two to three years, which means 2014 or 2015. The usual coupe version could be followed shortly by a roadster version. Look for the first camouflaged test prototypes to hit streets beginning with 2013.
Illustration: Auto Express
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
