Mercedes S-Class: the car that needs no driver

A car that drives himself. This is the big news from Mercedes for next year, with the new Mercedes S-Class as figurehead of a novel technology called autonomous steering system.

This is made ​​possible by a large number of sensors - 26 - distributed throughout the body and whose tasks are, among others, by the traffic control and the distance to the nearest vehicle. By compiling all this information, the system will be able to control the car.

Mercedes reinforces production in Germany and Finland

The launch of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been, according to the brand, the most successful ever, forcing the Rastatt plant in Germany, to increase shifts due to more than 70 000 orders.

The model, modified by Mercedes to compete with the direct competitors Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, but also with the generalist cars Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra and Renault Mégane, has received an investment of 1.2 billion euros and started a new generation of Mercedes cars.

The increase in orders forced Mercedes to increase the Rastatt teams "to deliver the vehicles as quickly as possible," explained Peter WESP, general director of the factory.

Furthermore, the factory of Kecskemét, Hungary, which produces mainly the Mercedes Class B, is also operate "at full capacity" to produce the new Mercedes Benz A-Class

In view of orders, Daimler, owner of Mercedes-Benz, recently asked the Finnish supplier Valmet Automotive to produce over 100 000 units between 2013 and 2016.

The chief executive of Daimler, Joachim Schmidt, said in presenting accounts of the company 'sales increased due to the launch of the new Mercedes Class A and Class B, " hoping, with these results surpass a new sales record.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class by Brabus

The Mercedes A-Class is still new in the market, but Brabus has long been working on components of performance. The unveil in full at the next Essen Motor Show, within a month, these accessories include a rear spoiler and a front baffle whose profiles were developed and tested in a wind tunnel by engineers from Brabus.

Wheels with various designs and diameters between 17 and 19 inches, the maximum affordable at Mercedes A-Class. The clipping of the suspension was reduced in height and adapted for use with low profile tires.

But the most important innovations are certainly in the engine, and Brabus only disclosed to date the presence of a double tailpipe. We'll see what the addition of power in reserve, from the 1st of December.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class pictures

Mercedes C-Class Cabrio.

Mercedes-Benz is already working on the next C-Class generation , which should emerge next year . However said Steve Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA to USA Today, among the variants of the new Mercedes C-Class is a convertible.

This will be the most affordable Mercedes-Benz cabrio.

The entry version of Mercedes-Benz C-Class convertible should have a turbocharged four cylinders engine and, in addition, the range will include a new V6, Diesel and a hybrid engine between the range of options.

McLaren seeks alternative to Mercedes

McLaren prepares to put end to the deal with Mercedes, which covers the supply of F1 engines until 2015.

The McLaren team will return to use Honda engines starting in 2013, the season in which the builder will start to pay the German partnership that began in 1995.

The British media revealed that McLaren does not intend to include in their cost 8 million pounds turning to a builder with whom achieved remarkable success between 1988 and 1992, seasons in which it won four world titles - three with Ayrton Senna and one with Alain Prost.

From 2014, the technical regulation of F1 provides a significant change when it comes to engines, which will be turbo 1.6-liter V4 - they are currently 2.4-liter V8.

New Mercedes-Benz A Class 180 CDI

The exterior lines of the new Mercedes A-Class, as the interior, mark a breakthrough with all previous models, which were taller and narrower. This has a much more sporty design, with the front in "V", a low center of gravity, and a road behavior that is closer to a two-door compact car than a five-door car. But his strongest argument comes from the engine with 1.5 liter, made by Renault, which is very economical, with moderate consumption in all types of use. It is, therefore, a German "star" with a French heart.

Compared to the previous model, the new Mercedes A-Class has less than 18 centimeters tall, and has 4.292 meters in length and 1.78 meters wide.

Also the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz Class A received a better level of detail than the previous designs, being perceptive the quality of the materials used.

Mercedes-Benz hits sales record

Mercedes-Benz announced increased sales in the first nine months of the year, at 4.7%, compared to the same period in 2011, selling 1.04 million cars.

The automotive group which includes the brands Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach notes, also in September, an increase of 2.4% over the same month in last year, selling 132,606 units.

"So we are on track to reach a new record level of total sales at the end of this year," said sales director at Mercedes, Joachim Schmidt.

Mercedes supports investigation in U.S.

Mercedes is supporting the implementation of the technology vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) through the participation in the U.S. Department of Transportation program .

The initiative was launched last August in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The U.S. Transportation Department has equipped eight passenger cars, Mercedes C-300, and three Freightliner trucks with systems DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) of 5.9 GHz wireless technology V2V project.

The cars have LED lighting on the instrument panel that lights in case of possible collision. The commercials have a warning system installed on tablet devices in the cockpit. Residents of Ann Arbor will drive these models for a year, while researchers collect data to evaluate the effectiveness of systems.

Mercedes strengthens this technology support with the research project, simTD (Safe Intelligent Mobility) to implement in Europe. The goal will be to test the suitability of the V2V system in daily use of real traffic situations on the road.

Mercedes presents SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive was one of the world premieres promoted by Daimler in the 2012 edition of the Paris Motor Show.

This super sports car 100% electric can accelerate from 0 to 100km / h in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed (limited) of 250 km / h. The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive has 751 horsepower and a torque of 1000nm.

The Mercedes SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive offers a range of 250 kilometers and can be charged in three hours with a special 22kW socket . In a conventional socket, it takes 20 hours to full charging.

More Mercedes Benz SLS AMG pictures

Mercedes confirms Lewis Hamilton instead of Schumacher

The Mercedes AMG Petronas confirmed, this Friday, the rumor that had been reported in Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton signed a contract with McLaren valid for three seasons, starting in 2013.

Hamilton, will replace Michael Schumacher, who leaves Mercedes after three years.

"Unfortunately things did not go as we all wanted in sporting terms," said Schumacher, wishing the best luck to both Mercedes AMG and Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton showed up enthusiastic about this new challenge: "Mercedes-Benz has an incredible heritage in motor sport, plus a huge passion for winning, with which I identify. Together we can grow in this new challenge and I believe I can help the team reach the top. "

Mercedes presents project of luxury yacht

Mercedes-Benz, in partnership with the studio Silver Arrows Marine, presented at the Monaco Yacht Show their luxury yacht project. With 14 meters long (46 feet), the Granturismo must become a reality in 2013, according to the brand.

"Our challenge was to apply the visual language of Mercedes-Benz in the proportions and specific requirements of a boat," said Gorden Wagener, chief designer of the car division. The Silver Arrows Marine was responsible for the technical part and the construction of the yacht .

Since 2010, Mercedes tries to diversify its product range. The first was the Eurocopter EC145, which had recently delivered the first units. The carmaker announced this year a collection of furniture, in partnership with Formitalia Luxury Group.

Mercedes GP

Taking advantage of the three day test at Magny-Cours, Mercedes began to experience a new layout for the exhaust on W03. The new exhaust utilizes the Coanda effect, which describes the attraction of liquid jets for other liquids. Sauber, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren already use escapes that exploit this effect. Force India and Ferrari are also taking advantage of the Magny-Cours tests to try out new technology options.

According to the team director, Ross Brawn, the new exhaust will improve adhesion at low speeds and should reduce tire degradation.

"We think it is quite significant in terms of traction at low speed. The effect of the exhaust gas is more significant at lower speeds than at higher speeds. Moreover also brings the balance that you might need on the rear tire," said Brawn.

Mercedes is also continuing the development of a double DRS system that channels air for some front wing of the car when the DRS is open.

In W03, the Coanda effect is probably being used to duplicate the exhaust car in a specific direction using the aerodynamics of the car. You can see a demonstration of the effect below. The blue line is a jet of liquid. In the case of this line represent the Mercedes exhaust gas. The red circle is a venturi air leaving the car. The Coanda effect describes a way for air to be directed through the air around it.

Mercedes shows new heavy truck in Germany

Adicionar legenda

Mercedes-Benz anticipated images and information about the new heavy truck Antos, with the world premiere scheduled for the hall of Hannover, which opens the doors between 20 and 27 September in Germany.

According to the German manufacturer, the Antos is the first line Mercedes truck developed specifically for distribution with heavy trucks. With gross weight which may vary between 18 and 26 t, the model is especially suitable for transporting food products, fuels and construction materials.

In Europe, the Antos cabin has 2.30 m, and the Classic Space version can have short and medium lengths. To equip the heavy Mercedes the engines have six cylinders in line - 7,7 l, 10.7 l and 12.8 l - with powers between 241 and 517 horses that meet the Euro 6 legislation and promise to increase the maintenance intervals to about 120,000 km. To work with this engines automatic transmissions are available with eight to twelve speeds.

Among the standard equipment are the heavy ABS brakes with electronic brake control, electronic stability control and traction control system.
Mercedes-Benz has not released prices.

Mercedes and the emerging markets

Mercedes has announced it will proceed with the installation of M-Class and GL outside the Tuscaloosa plant in the U.S. in three units in India, Thailand and Indonesia.

Later this year, the final assembly of the Mercedes-benz M-Class, using SKD kits, acronym for semi-knocked-down, ie full body and other vehicle components, will begin in each of these markets. The kits are produced in Tuscaloosa, prepared for shipment and sent to the factory for final assembly.

After the start of production of the M-Class Mercedes in India, Thailand and Indonesia later this year, the first units of the new GL-Class produced from SKD kits will leave the assembly line in India and Indonesia during 2013.

The local assembly include SKD current system in Egypt (Classes C, E, S and GLK), India (C, E and S, which will be added soon the M and GL), Indonesia (C, E and S); Malaysia (C, E and S), Thailand (C, E and S), and Vietnam (C, E, and GLK).

Mercedes shows electric Class B

This concept car, which first image was now revealed, will be one of the first models to incorporate the German brand name Electric Drive, which in future will be extended to other proposals from the group Daimler. Incidentally, will be present at the event the French also 100% electric SLS AMG Coupé Smart Brabus Electric Drive and Electric Drive. In all Mercedes Class B equal to traditional second generation, equipped with a combustion engine, the electric version is powered by lithium-ion batteries mounted on the bottom of the passenger in front of the rear axle, not to compromise the space for occupants and tailgate, besides benefiting the center of gravity (in a scheme similar to the Smart electric). These batteries power the motor of 147 hp and 310 Nm of torque, a version that has autonomy of 200 km on a single charge.

The recharge of this small electric MPV developed in partnership with Tesla can be done in a standard 230 V outlet, there is also the possibility of making a quick charge taken in 400 V. The production version is scheduled for early 2014.

New Mercedes Benz Class B

Mercedes-Benz will launch the new Mercedes Class B in Brazil between the 3rd and 4th of October. The minivan, which anticipated and appeared in the brand's booth at this year's Winter Festival in Campos do Jordao, remain one of the gateways to the German mark.

Although no information about its mechanical part, it is not hard to believe that the model comes equipped with the new 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo, since he is the only gasoline-powered vehicle available for the European market. The only doubt lies with its power, which can be 122 hp or 156 hp, depending on the version that will be sold in our market.

To improve its aerodynamics, in its new generation, the Mercedes Class B had its reduced weight and lowered their ceiling (before he measured 1.60 meters, its height is now 1.56 meters) and, therefore, beyond their appearance Tues become more sporty, its drag coefficient fell from 0.26 to 0.24 cx cx.

Remember that the platform used in the Mercedes-Benz MPV is also used by the new generation of Mercedes Class A, which even can be manufactured in Brazil.

Schumacher may have administrative position in Mercedes

Speculation surrounding the renewal of the contract between Michael Schumacher and Mercedes gained new episode. According to the head of the German racing team, Ross Brawn, the seven times champion can play a role in your current administrative staff when announcing his retirement. The statement, however, has no connection with the renewal or not Schumi with the team, he says.

"It's possible," Brawn admits in an interview with the Daily Mail. "The day will come that he will have to stop, but we did not discuss this in detail because we do not consider this possibility at the moment," he says.

According to Brawn, the technical director of Schumacher in his seven titles in the category, knowledge and experience would be great triumphs of German in his new role. The ruling, however, does not know if Schumi could handle the day-to-day Formula 1.

"Michael has experience of the track, his trial would be an asset to any team," he says. "I'm not sure he could handle the day-to-day some of us stand, but I know he wants to stay involved. He loves the sport, loves to run and develop cars, how the team works, "he adds.

Despite speculation surrounding his final retirement, the greatest champion in the history of Formula 1 wants to remain in the category until 2014. According to the German newspaper Bild, Schumacher is excited about the new development program and Mercedes would have sent the renewal for 2013 with Mercedes, in their contract a clause that would allow automatic renewal for another year.

Thus, the wave of Nico Rosberg is now threatened by Lewis Hamilton in advanced talks with German racing team. With another year of contract, the pilot would have terminated the agreement for its replacement by English.

Mercedes-Benz history

The origins of Mercedes-Benz back to the late nineteenth century when two car manufacturers, Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz, founded separately businesses Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (1890) and Benz und Cie. Rheinische Automobil und Motoren-Fabrik AG (1883) the first engines to make light quick scheme to incorporate in the first motorized vehicles.

Gottlieb Daimler was born in Schorndorf on 17 March 1834. Besides having studied in primary school of Schorndorf, attended drawing classes on Sundays. In 1848, Gottlieb Daimler began as an apprentice gunsmith in Schorndorf, probably with the Master gunsmith Wilke. He finished his apprenticeship in 1852, presenting a piece that had created a double-barreled pistol.
After a stay in France, where Daimler acquired experience in mechanical engineering, attended the Polytechnic School in Stuttgart from 1857 to 1859.
After having worked in France and England, began as technical designer in 1862, in the town of Geislingen. In late 1863, became a factory worker at the orphanage Bruderhaus in the city of Reutlingen. Here he met Wilhelm Maybach in 1865.

  Karl Benz was born on November 25, 1844. His father was a locomotive driver and died when he was two years old. Despite limited financial resources, his mother assured him a good education. Karl Benz attended primary school and later the Technical University of Karlsruhe.
Conducted a two-year internship in mechanical engineering company Maschinenbau-Gesellschaft, based in Karlsruhe. It started as a draftsman and designer factory in Mannheim. Left this factory in 1868 and began working in a company that specializes in building bridges. Later, he went to Vienna to work in a iron construction company.

  Wilhelm Maybach was born on February 9, 1846. He attended school at Reutlinger Bruderhaus where Gustav Werner, the founder and director of the school, educated young people with technical talent.
 In 1865, Maybach met Gottlieb Daimler in Reutlingen and became classmates. Maybach has always been a close friend of Daimler, until his death in 1900. In September 1869, he worked with Daimler in Karlsruhe, and later moved to the Deutz engine factory. This inspired him to work on high-speed engines, suitable for use in water, land and air.