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This week the very first Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupes are hitting the road. Complete with bold AMG styling and a standard panorama sunroof, the new two-door coupe marks the first time Mercedes-Benz has offered a traditional coupe in this market segment. Also arriving is the popular four-door C-Class sedan which has undergone a major restyling involving 2,000 new parts, including new bumpers, headlights, front grille, an aluminum hood, LED taillights and a redesigned interior that incorporates color gauges, a new 5.8-inch display and new-generation telematics.
More Convenience, More Safety
In addition, there are 13 new standard equipment features on the 2012 C-Class sedan and coupe line, as well as five new safety systems. Standard-equipment Attention Assist warns drivers when they get drowsy, and a new HOLD feature for the Adaptive Brake system allows the driver to remove their foot from the brake pedal at a stop. Optional Blind Spot Assist provides a warning whenever a turn signal is activated with a car in a blind spot, while Lane Keeping Assist alerts drivers if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. PARKTRONIC now incorporates a parking guidance system that can identify right-size parking spaces and provide helpful steering guidance in the instrument cluster.
Two Body Styles, Seven Models
Both the C-Class coupe and sedan are available in three different versions: the C250, powered by a new direct-injection, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (201 horsepower, 229 lb.-ft. of torque); the C350 Sport, with a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.); and the high-performance C63 AMG with a normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 (451 hp, 443 lb.- ft.) and AMG's MCT multi-clutch transmission. With an optional AMG Development Package, the C63 AMG jumps to 481 hp.
In addition, the C-Class sedan is available as a C300, with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the familiar 3.0-liter V6 engine (228 hp, 221 lb.-ft.). The C250 and C300 sedans are available in a choice of Luxury or Sport trim. Sport models feature staggered-width, fivespoke 17-inch wheels; sport shocks; springs and stabilizer bars that provide a crisper ride and more than a half-inch lower ride height; and standard AMG styling, including deeper front and rear aprons as well as sculpted rocker panels. Inside, Sport models are equipped with a three-spoke steering wheel and metallic trim, while Luxury models come with a fourspoke steering wheel and burl walnut trim. In addition to the standard body styling, Luxury models have equal-width tires, front and rear.
New Transmission
All 2012 C-Class models (except the C63 AMG with its high-performance MCT transmission) feature a new seven-speed automatic transmission with a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid - colored blue instead of the usual red. Together with new planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the "FE-ATF" fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage.
New-Generation Telematics
All C-Class models for 2012 are equipped with a new 5.8-inch color display that's located at the top of the console. The new head unit includes a Bluetooth interface for wireless audio streaming and hands-free phone operation, an FM phase-diversity twin tuner, HD/AM/ weatherband radio, an MP3-compatible CD drive and a USB port in the center console.
ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions "Time For A Rest?"
Among the many standard life-saving features on the C-Class is the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system that can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S.
The software receives signals from the steering sensor and monitors 70 different parameters that have proven to be strong contributors to fatigue and drowsiness. Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a "Time for a Rest?" message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.
More Safety Systems Assist the Driver
Other examples of trailblazing C-Class innovations include: Lane Keeping Assist, which alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibration in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. It operates at speeds above 37 mph via a system that recognizes lane markings, thanks to a small camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the video images.
Also available is Blind Spot Assist, which monitors both blind spots behind and to the side of the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a small video camera to sense both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically transitions between high and low beam operation to avoid dazzling other drivers. With this system, the range of the headlights can be varied infinitely from their current 220 feet to up to 1,000 feet.
An Agile C-Class
All C-Class models boast Agility Control, which provides the benefits of both soft and stiff shock absorbers. Each twin-tube shock absorber is fitted with a hydraulic by-pass piston that acts like a very soft shock absorber to effectively dampen road noise and tire vibration. However, over bumpy or uneven roads, the by-pass piston is out of the picture, which preserves the outstanding steering and handling response of a stiffer shock absorber.
Source: Mercedes-Benz USA
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Concept Car of a Powerful and Efficient Luxury Sedan with All-Wheel Electric Drive Based on the E-Class
320 kW of power and a peak torque of 3,200 Nm (2,360 lb-ft) from four electric wheel hub motors point the way to the powerful, efficient and ecofriendly luxury sedan of the future. Based on the latest Mercedes E-Class, BRABUS ZERO EMISSION, a business division of BRABUS, has developed the fully operational BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric concept car. The all-wheel-drive vehicle, which celebrates its world debut at the 2011 IAA, accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph) – and all without emitting as much as a single gram of CO2. A powerful 56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides an operating range of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles). There are plans for a small-series production run of this unique automobile.
For more than three decades BRABUS has ranked as one the top addresses worldwide for exclusive high-performance automobiles. Since 2008 the BRABUS ZERO EMISSION business division of BRABUS, recognized by the German Federal Motor Vehicle Department as an automobile manufacturer, deals with the development of vehicle concepts for alternative-drive cars.
For the electric drive of the BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric the BRABUS vehicle and electrical engineers decided on four wheel hub motors from English manufacturer Protean ELECTRIC.
A low weight of just 31 kilograms (68 pounds), a compact diameter of only 42 centimeters (16.5 inches) and a thickness of merely 11.5 centimeters (4.5 in.) make these motors perfectly suited for this project. They are positioned in the BRABUS Monoblock Q wheels in size 8.5Jx19 front and back.
With a peak power of 80 kW and a peak torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) in Sport mode these motors are ideal for meeting the high-performance requirements that BRABUS is renowned for. In recuperation mode under braking each of the motors contributes up to 70 kW to the energy recovery system and therefore to recharging the batteries.
The concept car is equipped with an electro-hydraulic BRABUS brake system that was custom developed for this type of drive layout. The four vented bake discs are attached to the rear of the wheel hub motors, and gripped by two internal brake calipers each.
Controlling the four wheel hub motors presented a special challenge. They are coordinated by a high-tech electronic control unit and give the E-Class sedan an innovative all-wheel-drive system that defies any kind of weather and all road surface conditions. But that’s not all: the independent drive of each wheel provides the vehicle with torque vectoring capabilities, the active controlling of the yaw angle, for impressive driving dynamics and particularly safe handling.
The power output of the four electric motors adds up to a peak output of 320 kW and a whopping peak torque of 3,200 Nm (2360 lb-ft). In comparison: the 6.3-liter V12 Biturbo engine of the new 370-km/h plus (230-mph) BRABUS ROCKET 800, one of the most powerful gasoline car engines in the world, produces a peak torque of “just” 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft).
Despite its enormous performance potential the wheel hub drive is particularly ecofriendly because of its carbon neutrality. Based on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), energy consumption of all four motors combined is a low 0.24 kWh/km (0.38 kWh/mile), giving the car an NEDC operating range of some 240 kilometers (150 miles). In Eco mode, which is more than sufficient for normal operations, a continuous output of 200 kW allows operating ranges of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles) without recharging.
This substantial operating range is the credit of the powerful 56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The individual cells, connected via state-of-the-art power electronics, were placed in various locations throughout the entire Mercedes E-Class body to achieve optimal weight distribution. The space gained under the hood by eliminating the conventional engine is utilized for the cells as is the now superfluous driveshaft tunnel and the areas that normally house the fuel tank and the spare wheel.
External charging of the battery pack is handled by two separate systems. For the garage at home there is a quick charger for ecofriendly eco electricity from German energy company RWE. After one-and-a-half hours of being plugged into the 380 V three-phase grid with a charging capacity of 50 kW the eco sedan again has an operating range of 350 km (217 miles). For charging on the road at any normal 220 V AC outlet or on a 380 V three-phase outlet the car is equipped with an integrated charger that recharges the batteries fully in five hours.
On the road the BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric exhibits the dynamic performance one can rightfully expect from a BRABUS high-performance automobile and one that has been unheard of in an electrically powered sedan of this size until now.
The electrically powered sedan delivers excellent performance: the four-door car weighing 2,190 kilograms (4,828 pounds) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds. The BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric also delivers superior pulling power: the intermediate sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37 to 74 mph) takes just 5.0 seconds. In comparison: a Mercedes E 500 4MATIC takes 5.2 seconds.
The wheel hub motors’ redline speed of 2,000 rpm effectively limits the car’s top speed to 220 km/h (137 mph).
The strong performance and low energy consumption also benefit from the aerodynamic efficiency of the BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components, which were fine-tuned in the wind tunnel. The BRABUS front fascia lends the E-Class sedan a more slipstreamed nose and reduces lift on the front axle, contributing to outstanding directional stability. The integrated LED daytime running lights are extremely economical but ensure that the BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric is recognizable from afar.
BRABUS aluminum front sport fenders with integrated clear-coated carbon-fiber inserts create a distinctly sporty look. The BRABUS side skirts calm the airflow between the wheel wells and feature highly convenient, visually striking LED entrance lights.
Another custom development is the suspension of BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric. A height-adjustable coilover suspension calibrated to the higher vehicle weight was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. It offers individual ride-height settings and a sporty yet comfortable ride.
The BRABUS Monoblock Q 19-inch wheels are mounted with high-performance tires from technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA in size 245/35 ZR 19 front and back.
The interior of the concept car is supplemented by a special instrument cluster, which provides the driver with the most essential information about the battery, the electric motors and other driving parameters such as speed etc. A new center console housing the controls an electric vehicle requires was manufactured as well.
The ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals and footrest add sporty highlights. Stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric logo and velour floor mats sporting the identical marks are further exclusive accessories.
BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric
Technical Data
Body
Four-door sedan based on the Mercedes-Benz W 212 series E-Class.
Steel unibody with mounts for lithium-ion batteries in engine bay, trunk and driveshaft tunnel. BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit with front fascia, air vents in the front fenders, side skirts, rear spoiler lip and rear diffuser.
Dimensions
Length: 4.868 mm (191.6 in)
Width: 1.841 mm (72.4 in)
Height: 1.464 mm (57.6 in)
Curb weight: 2,190 kg (4,828 lbs.)
Electric Drive
Four electronically controlled Protean ELECTRIC wheel hub motors and 56 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging by external or on-board charger.
Peak power in Sport mode: 4 x 80 kW = 320 kW system power
Continuous power in Eco mode: 4 x 50 kW = 200 kW system power
Maximum recuperation power: 4 x 70 kW = 280 kW total recuperation power
Peak torque: 4 x 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) = 3,200 Nm (2,360 lb-ft) system torque
Maximum rpm: 2,000
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Power supply: Lithium-ion (LiCoMn) battery pack
Nominal voltage: 355 V
Capacity: 56 kWh
External charger: RWE Combi Station, 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity: 50 kW (limited)
Charging time: 1.5 hours (limited)
Internal charger: Delta ES three-phase on-board charger, 220 V AC or 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity: 12.4 kW (limited)
Charging time: 5 hours
Suspension
Independent front and rear suspension with height-adjustable BRABUS coilover sport suspension.
Front axle:
Three-link suspension, anti-dive geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.
Rear axle:
Multi-link suspension, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.
Wheels:
BRABUS Monoblock Q 8.5J x 19 H2 alloy wheels with Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance brake system.
Front: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19
Rear: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19
Brake System
Dual-circuit brake system with BRABUS high-performance brake system assisted by the wheel hub motors in each wheel.
Performance
0 - 100 km/h (62 mph): 6.9 sec.
60 - 120 km/h (37 – 74 mph): 5.0 sec.
Top speed Eco mode: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Top speed Sport mode: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Energy Consumption and Operating Range
Energy consumption based on NEDC incl. recuperation: 0.24 kWh/km (0.38 kWh/mile)
Operating range based on NEDC: 240 km (150 miles)
Operating range at a constant 100 km/h (62 mph): 350 km (217 miles)
Price
Prototype not for sale
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
BRABUS combines the best of two worlds, an efficient direct-injection diesel with BRABUS ECO tuning and two electric wheel hub motors, in a world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show IAA. The project vehicle HYBRID was developed by the BRABUS ZERO EMISSION business division, which works on alternative drive technologies, in cooperation with the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. This car is an innovative hybrid version of the Mercedes E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY known for its outstanding fuel economy ex-factory. The project vehicle has been developed to small-series-production maturity.
The BRABUS development engineers have adapted two supplemental wheel hub motors from English manufacturer Protean ELECTRIC to the rear axle of the E-Class sedan.
These alternative drives, which in Eco mode each produce 50 kW of continuous power and 80 kW in Sport mode, are designed to fit in the BRABUS Monoblock Q 19-inch wheels.
With a combined peak power output of 160 kW and a total peak torque of 1,600 Nm (1,180 lb-ft) the two electric motors supplement the existing 2.2-liter common-rail turbodiesel engine, which was equipped with a BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D3 (V) performance kit. This tuning kit consists of an auxiliary control unit that features engine mapping developed on state-of-the-art engine test benches for optimizing fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The objective of this measure was less the power increase by 30 hp (29 bhp / 22 kW) to 200 hp (197 bhp / 147 kW) produced by the plug-and-play module. Much more important is the increase in peak torque from standard 400 to 450 Nm (295 to 332 lb-ft). It gives the vehicle even more pulling power, regardless of whether the vehicle is in hybrid or conventional operating mode, and results in better fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
The two wheel hub motors turn the four-door car into the even more fuel efficient and ecofriendly BRABUS HYBRID. The various operating modes can be preselected from the cockpit.
During all-electric operation the car is powered by an 18.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack housed in a custom-made well in the underbody. It gives the BRABUS HYBRID in all-electric Eco mode a maximum operating range of 120 kilometers (75 miles) without any CO2 emissions. Even in Sport mode the car has an all-electric range of 80 kilometers (50 miles), which easily meets the requirements of the majority of motorists who on average drive less than 60 kilometers (37 miles) a day.
During all-electric operation the batteries are charged by energy recuperation. While coasting or braking the system reaches a maximum recuperation power of 140 kW. For charging at home with ecofriendly eco electricity the use of the car charger from German energy provider RWE is recommended. It can recharge the battery pack with a current of 380 volts and a charging capacity of 50 kW in 30 minutes. On the road the batteries can be recharged with the on-board charger on any standard 220 V AC outlet or on a 380 V three-phase power supply.
In hybrid mode, the 200 hp (197 bhp) / 147 kW of the diesel engine and the maximum 160 kW of the electric drive in Sport mode work together in highly efficient fashion. Acceleration time for 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) improves from standard 8.7 to 7.4 seconds.
Despite of the added weight of 255 kilograms (562 lbs.) compared to a stock E 220 CDI, the BRABUS HYBRID also shines in the area of pulling power thanks to its supplemental electric drive: the intermediate sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37 to 74 mph) now only takes 5.6 seconds.
At the same time the combination with the electric motors eases the load on the combustion engine, significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions further. Naturally drivers have the option to operate solely in diesel mode. In this case the batteries can also be recharged by the wheel hub motors which also function as alternators.
The work of the BRABUS development team was not limited to the integration of the two electric motors for all-electric or hybrid operation alone.
The higher vehicle weight and the altered weight distribution resulting from the installation of the wheel hub motors and the batteries in the rear necessitated the development of a new suspension. A height-adjustable comfortable sports suspension with variable damper rates was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN.
The tires are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA. They are mounted front and back in size 245/35 ZR 19 on BRABUS Monoblock Q alloy wheels with five double spokes.
The brakes are a BRABUS custom development as well. Special brake discs gripped by two calipers per wheel are attached to the rear of the wheel hub motors on the rear axle. All standard driver assist systems such as ABS and Brake Assist are retained.
The BRABUS front fascia, manufactured like all body components in OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics, is designed to replace the production bumper in its entirety. Its sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle and also lends the sedan an even more striking nose. An innovative lighting concept with economical LED daytime running lights furthermore optimizes active safety.
BRABUS front aluminum sport fenders emphasize the sporty appearance of the concept car. BRABUS side skirts give the sedan a longer, sleeker appearance. Integrated LED entrance lights ensure safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark. A blue-backlit BRABUS logo is integrated into each sill and activated together with the entrance lights.
BRABUS aluminum pedals and footrest add sporty highlights to the interior. A newly developed instrument cluster provides information about the state of charge of the battery pack. A control panel in the cockpit gives drivers the option to select all-electric mode, hybrid operation or diesel engine only.
BRABUS Technology Project HYBRID
Technical Data
Body
Four-door sedan based on the Mercedes-Benz W 212 series E-Class (E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY).
Steel unibody with mounts for lithium-ion batteries in the trunk. BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit with front fascia, air vents in the front fenders, side skirts, rear spoiler lip and rear diffuser.
Dimensions
Length: 4.868 mm (191.6 in)
Width: 1.841 mm (72.4 in)
Height: 1.464 mm (57.6 in)
Curb weight: 1,990 kg (4,387 lbs.)
Electric Drive
Two electronically controlled Protean ELECTRIC wheel hub motors on the rear axle and 18.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging by external or on-board charger.
Peak power in Sport mode: 2 x 80 kW = 160 kW system power
Continuous power in Eco mode: 2 x 50 kW = 100 kW system power
Maximum recuperation power: 2 x 70 kW = 140 kW total recuperation power
Peak torque: 2 x 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) = 1,600 Nm (1,180 lb-ft) system torque
Maximum rpm: 2,000
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Power supply: Lithium-ion (LiCoMn) battery pack
Nominal voltage: 355 V
Capacity: 18.6 kWh
External charger: BRABUS RWE car charger, 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity: 50 kW (limited)
Charging time: 0.5 hours (limited)
Internal charger: Brusa one-phase on-board charger, 220 V AC or 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity: 3.3 kW (limited)
Charging time: 5.6 hours
Engine
2.2-liter common-rail turbodiesel engine; based on Mercedes E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY; with BRABUS PowerXtra D3 (V) performance kit.
4-cylinder 4-valve alloy engine with one turbocharger
Displacement: 2,134 cm³ (130.2 cu. in.)
Compression ratio: 16.2 : 1
Rated power output: 200 hp (197 bhp) / 147 kW at 3,000 – 4,200 rpm
Peak torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) from 1,400 rpm
CO2 emissions in diesel operation: 130 - 139 g/km (208 – 224 g/mile)
Fuel type: diesel
Motor oil: ARAL
Power Transfer
Rear-wheel drive with ESP and supplemental electric drive by two electric wheel hub motors on the rear axle
Six-speed manual gearbox for the diesel engine
Suspension
Independent front and rear suspension with height-adjustable BRABUS coilover sport suspension.
Front axle:
Three-link suspension, anti-dive geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.
Rear axle:
Multi-link suspension, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.
Wheels:
BRABUS Monoblock Q 8.5J x 19 H2 alloy wheels with Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance brake system.
Front: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19
Rear: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19
Brake System
Dual-circuit brake system with BRABUS high-performance brake system assisted by the wheel hub motors on the rear axle.
Performance
0 - 100 km/h (62 mph): 7.4 sec.
60 - 120 km/h (37 – 74 mph): 5.6 sec.
Top speed Eco mode: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Top speed Sport mode: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Energy Consumption and Operating Range
Electric Mode:
Energy consumption of the
electric motors based on NEDC
incl. recuperation: 0.19 kWh/km (0.30 kWh/mile)
Operating range based on NEDC: 80 km (50 miles)
Operating range at a constant 100 km/h (62 mph): 120 km (75 miles)
Price
Prototype not for sale
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
