Automotive Design Studios Visualize Auto Racing In The Year 2025
24th October 2008 2:00 pm mercedes
Today’s race cars have ground-breaking technology to improve speed, power, performance and safety but what a difference 17 years into the future can make. Imagine race cars that go beyond the expectations and challenges of racing today, such as never needing to stop for re-fueling or collision avoidance assistance technology for enhanced safety.
Nine of Southern California’s automotive design studios did just that, predicting how auto racing will change by the year 2025. The designs are part of the fifth annual Los Angeles Auto Show’s Design Challenge, where studios including Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen are pitted against each other to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design.
“Automotive designers have always been fascinated with Motor Sports and this year’s Design Challenge has provided them with the opportunity to use their creative talent to look at these cars with new eyes, using innovative technologies and approaches,” said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc. “This adds to the excitement, interest and personal involvement in the sport that has thrilled people of all ages for many years…and many more years to come.”
Entries in this year’s Motor Sports 2025 Design Challenge include:
• Audi of America Design Center California: The Audi R25 incorporates innovative features such as high-velocity banks and tunnels, which allow cars to race “inverted” and the opportunity to pass anywhere with aerodynamic racecars.
• BMW Group DesignworksUSA: The BMW Hydrogen Powered Salt Flat Racer reuses existing, ordinary and mundane materials such as old oil barrels and BBQ lids to whimsical and sustainable by employing goldfish as “co-pilots” to ensure that the vehicle is running clean emissions.
• General Motors Advanced Design: The GM Chaparral Volt collects and generates its own energy from three different clean, renewable and abundant California resources: Earth, Wind and Fire to create an entirely new category of racing - the eco-triathlon.
• Honda Research and Development, North America: The Great Race 2025’s sonar/echolocation sensors are able to detect changes in speed, terrain, and altitude, allowing it to switch to any configuration to circumnavigate the globe in 24 hours on land through the U.S., by sea through Asia and by air over Europe.
• Mazda R&D of North America: The MAZDA KAAN is an electric race car that has a patented electronic tire system to reach 250 mph with no harmful emissions. The vehicles are piloted by individual drivers but teams are made up of thirty cars, all on the track together.
• Mitsubishi Research & Design of North America: The MMR25’s multi-terrain, omnidirectional wheels consist of eight independently-controlled motors, allowing for “8 x 4” wheel drive so that the car can be driven forward while pointing in any direction.
• Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America: Luxury racing arrives in the Formula Zero Racer by incorporating the thrill of Formula One, the track dynamics of the bobsled or luge, and the grace and efficiency of yacht racing.
• Toyota’s Calty Design Research: The Toyota Le Mans Racer is the ultimate race car that never needs to stop. Powered by highly efficient hydrogen fuel cell electric motors, each of its body panels is embedded with photovoltaic panels to supply electricity when extra energy is needed.
• Volkswagen of America Design Center: In the Bio Runner, the rider is positioned inside a protective cage on a motorcycle-like saddle with controls attached to the hands and feet. These controls manipulate all wheels via synthetic muscle-based suspension which offers unparalleled control and traction.
Entries will be judged by Tom Matano of San Francisco’s Academy of Art University, Imre Molner of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies and Stewart Reed of Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design. Daniel Simon, an established car designer and founder of Cosmic Motors, is the special guest judge this year. Simon began his design career at Volkswagen and recently published his first book: Cosmic Motors-Spaceships, Cars and Pilots of Another Galaxy.
The winning design will be announced at the Design Los Angeles conference Nov. 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
About the Design Challenge
The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers’ conference that has evolved into an integral element of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Entering its fifth year, Design Los Angeles provides designers with leading design speakers and the opportunity to address common issues. More than 500 designers attended last year’s event.
Mercedes-Benz Offers New Clean Diesel SUV
15th October 2008 6:50 pm mercedes
A new generation of alternative fuel vehicles are hitting Mercedes-Benz dealer showrooms this week. Designed to provide 20-30 percent higher fuel economy than gasoline engines and up to a 600-mile driving range, the new 50-state BlueTEC clean-diesel technology debuts on three of the company’s SUV models: the 2009 ML320, GL320 and R320.
The BlueTEC technology is so efficient that the Internal Revenue Service has designated it “Advanced Lean Burn Technology” which allows it to qualify for the same type of tax credit that hybrids receive. Depending on the model purchased and an individual’s tax status, buyers of the new BlueTEC clean diesel SUVs can apply for tax credits of up to $1,800.
Building on the company’s 50-year legacy of diesel technology, BlueTEC represents the most sophisticated, cleanest and most performance oriented-diesel SUVs ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. The next-generation BlueTEC vehicles feature AdBlue injection, a process that reduces nitrogen oxide, a main cause of smog, by nearly 80 percent. BlueTEC allows drivers to enjoy the utility of large vehicles with reduced fuel consumption, reduced carbon footprint, added torque, and extended fuel range.
When compared with ‘yesterday’s diesel,’ many consumers are not aware of the phenomenal advances in diesel technology and its positive impact on the environment. Very few are aware that hybrids achieve their fuel efficiency enhancements only in stop-and-go driving as opposed to diesel which yields a fuel efficiency advantage in any type of driving scenario.
As a result, as part of its launch initiative which is aimed at increasing awareness of the benefits of clean diesel, MBUSA is putting a fleet of 750 BlueTEC vehicles into dealer hands to facilitate getting customers behind the wheel.
In addition, the company will begin integrated marketing initiatives designed to introduce this revolutionary technology. This autumn, Mercedes-Benz USA is running two wide-scale print executions - “Live Green to Save Green” and “Check, Check, Check” - to raise awareness about the fuel economy of the vehicles. The ads are running in a variety of publications, including Architectural Digest, National Geographic, and Vanity Fair, as well as daily papers in top markets. These advertisements introduce the launch of the 50-State BlueTEC SUVs, highlighting how they set the standard for superior performance, noteworthy fuel efficiency, and environmentally-friendly technology.
The BlueTEC advertising campaign began in March 2008 in conjunction with the New York International Auto Show’s world premiere of the first vehicles to meet the stringent federal emissions requirements: the 2009 ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC, and R320 BlueTEC. During that time, a BlueTEC print advertisement “Why you should go blue if you want to go green,” ran in national newspapers, including USA Today and The New York Times.
Two national launch mailings tied to the BlueTEC SUV launch also raise awareness of the significant value these vehicles offer while also promoting The Nature Conservancy’s Adopt an Acre program. The mailing includes an invitation for drivers to take a test drive of a BlueTEC vehicle at their local dealerships. For each of the BlueTEC test drives resulting from the mailing, Mercedes-Benz USA will make a $100 contribution to The Nature Conservancy’s Adopt an Acre program in the driver’s name.
The mailings also help drive visitors to the BlueTEC microsite on http://www.MBUSA.com/BlueTEC where they will be able to use a “Distance Calculator” to see just how far they can go from home on a tank full of fuel in the new BlueTEC models.
With characteristics such as low-end torque, improved fuel economy and high performance, the diesel engine has proven itself as an attractive alternative to gasoline engines even in the U.S. during times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity toward CO2 emissions. In the land of minivans, pickups and SUVs - where driving habits generally feature consistent highway speeds and long distances cross-country - the benefits of diesel present an attractive solution.
Mercedes-Benz developed BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection for its large, high-performance SUVs to meet the limits set by the U.S. BIN5 standard, bringing the benefits of this newest diesel technology to states such as California and New York where diesels have not been sold for over a decade.
In 2009, MBUSA will introduce the S400 BlueHYBRID, the world’s first passenger hybrid vehicle to be powered by a lithium-ion battery. Specially developed for automotive use, the BlueHYBRID engine will be the first worldwide to be introduced in a series-production vehicle - once again establishing Mercedes-Benz as a trailblazer in automotive technology.
The BlueTEC and BlueHYBRID vehicles represent the first steps in Mercedes-Benz “Road to the Future” initiative, a full portfolio of alternative-fuel vehicles set to roll out over the next few years. These new vehicles are part of the more than 20 billion dollars Mercedes-Benz will have invested in clean-technology research and zero-emission technology by 2010.
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Wins Another Award
10th October 2008 4:31 pm mercedes
Mercedes-Benz USA announced that it has received a CNET Editors’ Choice award for its 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The coveted CNET Editors’ Choice award recognizes outstanding consumer electronics choices for quality, performance, design, service, value, and its logo is a mark of excellence denoting the best possible investment for consumers.
CNET Editors’ Choice winners are recognized as top products in their respective technology categories, and contribute to the standard by which all future products are judged. A key selection requirement is that it must also change the competitive landscape of its market, whether through innovative features, exceptional value for the price, remarkable ease of use, or a demonstrable boost to the lives of its users.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG features a hand-built 6.3-liter V-8 engine that produces 451 horsepower at 6,800rpm, with a 7,200rpm redline, and 443 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000rpm. An optional feature on the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is its COMAND control and display system that allows the driver to access vehicle functions including the navigation system, and
Harmon Kardon LOGIC7 professional surround sound audio system, complete with 40GB, DVD-based music storage technology.
CNET Editor Wayne Cunningham’s report highlights several features of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and its COMAND interface. The report highlights the navigation system, which stores map data on an in-dash hard drive allowing much more data than a DVD-based system and extra space for music storage.
The report also provides high-marks for the navigation systems’ maps, which are presented in high-resolution graphics including easy-to-read street names with white outline around black lettering. The CNET reviewers noted in their report that they were impressed with how quickly the Mercedes-Benz COMAND navigation system calculated and recalculated routes, and provided clear lane guidance on freeways. The C63 AMG Harman Kardon audio system received accolades for its amazing sound and the report stated, “listening to some lossless music from our connected iPod, we were blown away with the separation and clarity…there were moments when the system had us looking at where we had heard a particular instrument in the cabin.”
Beyond the audio system’s amazing sound, it was also the engine and exhaust note that had the CNET team’s undivided attention. The CNET report declared, “the C63 AMG’s engine produced a vicious bark when fired up, the kind of sound that sends small dogs running, makes any ninjas in the vicinity go into a fighting crouch, and puts even the most macho gearheads into a swoon.”
“We are very excited about this honor from CNET as their Editors’ Choice award has become the hallmark of technology quality and innovation, and its logo is a symbol consumers know and trust,” said Rob Allan Manager of AMG at Mercedes-Benz USA. “This is an exceptional achievement and we are very proud to be recognized for Mercedes-Benz and AMG’s dedication and commitment to producing the highest quality products available today.”
Would you like to know more about Car Leasing and Car Finance? If so, visit Hit Car Search for your Car Leasing needs.
Symphony of the Senses graces Mercedes-Benz World
8th October 2008 3:00 pm mercedes
Visitors to Mercedes-Benz World in the coming month may be treated to the privilege of experiencing a live performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
On Saturday October 25th, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be performing at the Weybridge venue for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.
The event will kick-off at 18:15 BST and will also include pre-performance champagne and canapés, while more live music and a three-course meal will be available to guests.
Peter O’Halloran, managing director of Mercedes-Benz World, said: “Following the success of the Brooklands Motoring Festival in June and the Elton John concerts in July, Mercedes-Benz World is now firmly on the map as an established venue to host some of the UK’s most prestigious events.
“We are excited to welcome the BSO to Surrey, and delighted to offer our guests, local residents and businesses the opportunity to experience the music of such a recognised ensemble.”
Spaces are limited for the event, called Symphony of the Senses, and tickets cost £95 per person.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes learn from last season
8th October 2008 1:00 pm mercedes
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes chief executive Martin Whitmarsh has stated that the team will not make the same mistakes as last season as the formula one season reaches its conclusion.
Last year, Hamilton found a way of throwing away a 17 point lead in the drivers’ championship with two races remaining.
This time around he has a seven point cushion with races in Japan, China and Brazil still to come, and Whitmarsh believes the team will not be pushing for too much in the final races if it is unnecessary.
He said: “If we criticise ourselves for last year, it was because we didn’t have that discipline. We wanted to win and we pushed too hard when we didn’t need to - and championships aren’t won like that.
“Arguably last year was an example of that. And while it is excusable for Lewis in his first year, it was not excusable for us as a team.”
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes proved their new formula at the weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, as Hamilton was happy to settle for third place and six points after his main championship rival failed to finish the race.
Mercedes-Benz Employees Take Action Against Hunger
17th September 2008 5:36 pm mercedes
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) employees are filling three new SUV models with nonperishable food items for those in need. The food drive, which benefits Action Against Hunger, a community service program administered locally by North Jersey Media Group, is underway today at the company’s Fall Fest employee picnic held at the Platzl Brauhaus in Pomona, New York.
Items such as rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, canned soups and vegetables, as well as paper goods, baby formula, and diapers are being collected and will be donated to the Center for Food Action in New Jersey (CFA), one of the food pantries served
by Action Against Hunger. The donations will help feed children, the elderly, and the low-income working poor in Bergen County.
“Despite tough economic times recently, we have been able to maintain a leadership position in our industry this year which reflects the power of the team here at MBUSA,” said Ernst Lieb, MBUSA President and CEO. “Seeing our employees volunteer to overstuff these SUVs with food donations during our annual employee picnic is just another example of what is possible when
they put the same sort of passion and drive for our brand behind benefiting the community.”
“Within the past year, we are seeing many more families in need of support,” said Irwin Vogelman, Director of Food Resources and Systems, Center for Food Action in New Jersey. “Many families are fighting a losing battle each month trying to stretch their paychecks to buy food. The wages of the working poor have not kept up with rent and utility increases or rising gas and food prices. That’s why it’s so important for companies in our area, like Mercedes-Benz, to reach out and lend a hand.”
This Action Against Hunger(TM) program, sponsored by the North Jersey Media Group Foundation, helps emergency food pantries in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Morris counties provide food to people and families in urgent need. CFA estimates that each year it provides 40,000 emergency food packages to neighbors who are struggling to put food on their tables.
According to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), there are more than 250,000 people living below the federal poverty level in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Morris counties.
The Center for Food Action in New Jersey (CFA), which aims to prevent hunger and homelessness and improve the lives of individuals and families living in poverty, is the direct recipient organization of MBUSA’s food drive. CFA provides emergency food packages, rental and utility assistance, counseling, advocacy and other essential services to those in need living in northern New Jersey.
Mercedes Fascination Concept - the new E-class coupe
12th September 2008 11:36 am mercedes
The new Mercedes-Benz Fascination concept car revealed on 11 September 2008.According to autoexpress.co.uk, Mercedes has given us a glimpse into its future – and it looks fascinating. Merc took the wraps of its new Fascination concept for the first time today, and it’s set to be the blueprint for the next-generation of E-class.
The concept is not due to make it as far as production but its main purpose is to give off hints as to what to expect from the new E-class range. More specifically it is the best indicator yet as to what the new coupe will look like when it replaces the current CLK.
A combination of the front end from the new coupe and the rear end from the forthcoming estate, the Fascination shows off Mercedes’ fresh, sportier looking stance within the E-class range with is much more angular outline.Under the bonnet the concept will carry a 2.2-litre four-cylinder BlueTec diesel unit giving out 201bhp and it will also include Mercedes’ AdBlue system to help reduce emissions. It has been confirmed this 2.2 engline will make it into the production version of the coupe too.
The Fascination will make its world premiere at this year’s Paris Motor Show in October with the new E-class range following at next year’s Geneva show.
Mercedes-Benz Breaks Ground On Vehicle Preparation Center
28th August 2008 9:32 pm mercedes
In the latest of a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) broke ground today in Brunswick, Georgia, officially commencing construction of a new Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC). The target date for completion of the new facility is the summer of 2009. It will replace the company’s existing facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
The new Glynn County facility will deliver improved efficiencies in the company’s inspection and vehicle preparation service as MBUSA prepares for continued sales volume growth in the U.S. market.
“Our top priority is optimizing our capability to meet the demand of our customers while ensuring that we continue to affect higher and higher levels of customer satisfaction,” said MBUSA Vice President of Finance Norbert Litzkow at the ground breaking ceremony today. “Our new preparation facility in Brunswick will play an important role in maintaining a competitive advantage.”
The new dockside 70,000 square-foot facility is planned to be built on 50 acres of land recently acquired by MBUSA. Due to its proximity to the port, vehicle processing time will be improved, thereby delivering vehicles to the market more efficiently. It is estimated that the facility will process approximately 50,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles annually. The VPC will also be capable of accessory installation, full body shop operations, homologation operations, and vehicle detailing and distribution operations.
“Georgia’s logistics advantages have once again attracted a great company and new jobs for our citizens,” said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. “This underscores the ability of our ports to expand and our people to efficiently attract and handle new business. We are confident Mercedes-Benz USA will thrive in Georgia.”
Vehicle Preparation Centers are the first stop — after U.S. Customs — for new Mercedes-Benz vehicles destined for Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout the United States. It is the final quality inspection point, equipped with advanced computerized control systems and inspection facilities designed to ensure the high quality condition of each new vehicle. Vehicles are released only after they have been thoroughly inspected and have met the high standard of Mercedes-Benz. The Brunswick
VPC will process vehicles headed for Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout the Southern Region, Texas and Oklahoma.
Following the standard of excellence established in other Mercedes-Benz facilities, such as the Baltimore VPC and Robbinsville, New Jersey Regional Master Parts Distribution Center, the new Brunswick facility will be built to combine functional design and efficiency. Plans for the building will optimize the employees’ work environment while the latest in automotive computerized control systems will aid in vehicle preparation; ultimately delivering the best new vehicles to the consumer.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. With over 1,400 employees in the U.S., MBUSA has approximately 25 facilities around the nation representing approximately 2.5 million square feet in New Jersey, New York, California, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Maryland, and Illinois.
Mercedes-Benz SL — the enduring classic
28th August 2008 10:54 am mercedes
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL isn’t strictly a new generation, but it has received a comprehensive reworking — not just in its styling but also in the driving experience. Keeping the same 2003 body style, the re-worked 2009 SL is a driver’s car again. Not necessarily an all-or-nothing, tightly focused terror on the tarmac, but it can lope along an interstate or attack a canyon road with the same high degree of finesse.
The suspension has been tuned for the better, blending comfort with control and poise. A new seven-speed automatic gearbox handles shifting duties with extreme efficiency and the engines — in keeping with the times — manage to perform the trick of developing more power yet returning better fuel consumption and fewer emissions.
As an entry-level model starting at $95,900, the SL 550 is perfectly fine with a 5.5-liter V-8 and 382 horsepower. Then again, the SL63 AMG (6.2 liters, 525 hp), with an even more driver-focused chassis, does sound tempting, as long as the check for $132,000 isn’t an issue. If that isn’t enough, the SL 600 (5.5-liter V-12, 510 hp) goes for $136,000. Or the SL65 AMG (6.0-liter V-12, 604 hp) won’t leave the showroom for less than $190,700. But if this current generation performs like SLs of the past, each model should retain much of its value and, one day, may even sell for way more than its original price.
Mercedes-Benz Unveils New Lounge at Pebble Beach
15th August 2008 6:14 am mercedes
The 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has a new attraction this year from Mercedes-Benz, official automotive sponsor of the festivities, which was unveiled today to car enthusiasts attending the world renowned event.
Positioned on the third fairway at Pebble Beach, the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, a grand display distinguished by its transparent front entrance, provides a striking view of the Pebble Beach course from the interior and more than 20 classic and new vehicles throughout the structure.
One of this year’s stand-out classic cars on display is the Mercedes-Benz 1935 500 K Touring, which has a one-hundred horsepower, supercharged engine and three speed transmission. The 500K is one of only sixteen built in this configuration. Also on display is the C291 Group C racecar with a 12-cylinder boxer engine capable of producing 650 hp and speeds of 239 mph. Along with the F700 concept car and McLaren SLR roadster on display at the Star Lounge, car enthusiasts can also see an iconic 1955 300 SL Coupe Gullwing, a car sought after by collectors from around the world.
The Star Lounge will open to the public from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 14th through Sunday, August 17th.
The Pebble Beach region plays hosts to many activities during the Concours d’Elegance, bringing new and old vehicles for all to see. The event begins with the Tour d’Elegance on Thursday morning, which includes a 50 mile scenic drive down the coast of California that will be led by famed raced car driver, Jochen Mass, in a CLK63 Black Series F1 pace car and Sir Stirling Moss in a 1957 300Sc Cabriolet.
Mercedes-Benz will host an AMG drive event at the Quail on Thursday, August 14th from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM that includes test drives of high-performance vehicles including the new 2009 AMG SL63 and C63. On Friday, August 15th, Mercedes-Benz will hold its annual, invite only gala to honor this year’s Pebble Beach Star Driver, Jochen Mass. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Jutta Benz, great granddaughter of Carl and Bertha Benz, and drive with her in a Benz Patent Motorcar from 1886.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2005, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 224,421 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 12 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com and http://www.maybachusa.com.
|
Car Deals
|
Hit Car Search RSS