The Aston Martin releases the first official images of the Aston Martin Cygnet Concept - a new luxury commuter concept car.
The Aston Martin Cygnet concept represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence - and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin's luxury brand ownership.
Work on the concept is ongoing and will continue into 2010 when it is hoped that it will become a production reality initially available to Aston Martin customers in the UK and Europe.
The E63 AMG: With Brabus B63 S engine tuning, power output of both sedan and wagon jumps to 555 hp (547 bhp) / 408 kW and their top speed jumps to 320 km/h (200 mph). Brabus also offers exclusive accessories such as sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement components, custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations up to 20 inches in diameter and custom interior options.
The fast-revving 6.3-liter V8 becomes even more powerful with the Brabus B63 S performance kit. The conversion consists of two sport air filters, free-flow metal catalysts and newly programmed engine electronics. The tuning kit bumps power output of the engine from standard 525 hp (517 bhp) / 386 kW by 30 hp (30 bhp) / 22 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 630 to 650 Nm (464 to 479 lb-ft) at 5,400 rpm. Brabus recommends fully synthetic Aral high-performance motor oil.
Equipped with the Brabus B63 S kit, the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened to 4.3 seconds and in combination with the Brabus V/max unit top speed jumps to up to 320 km/h (200 mph), depending on the speed rating of the selected tire/wheel combination.
To transfer the increased power to the road with as little slip as possible Brabus offers a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent for the E63 AMG.
Minimizing aerodynamic lift is essential in a car as fast as this one. The Brabus designers went into the wind tunnel to develop aerodynamic-enhancement components that are as stunning as they are effective. These components are manufactured from clear-coated carbon fiber. The production front apron of sedan and wagon can be upgraded with a spoiler lip. The aerodynamics of the sedan's rear can be further improved with a diffuser and a rear spoiler.
On the front axle Brabus aluminum sport fenders with lateral air outlets improve venting of the wheel houses and add a decidedly sporty note to the car's appearance.
The exclusive Brabus-refined interiors are also available for the Mercedes E63 AMG. The list of accessories ranges from stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo to a speedometer with 360-km/h (225-mph) dial. The company upholstery shop creates luxury interiors from a combination of especially soft yet durable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara to each customer's exact specifications. The perfect complements are precious-wood and carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and with various surface finishes.
As the climax of its centenary celebration ceremonies, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presented customers and opinion-makers with the Bugatti Galibier Concept, intended to be the most exclusive, elegant, and powerful four door automobile in the world last weekend in Molsheim. At the historic site where Ettore Bugatti once laid the cornerstone of his company, Bugatti's current president, Dr. Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen emphasised that the Bugatti Galibier 16C is one of several concept studies with which the company is considering for the future of the Bugatti marque.
Technique: those are the brand values to which Ettore Bugatti and his son Jean oriented themselves in order to develop even more powerful engines and even more noble body designs for each new model, which were without equal in quality, handling, speed and elegance. In the process, they experimented again and again without compromise with new materials; thus was Bugatti one of the first manufacturers to use aluminium parts for bodies, engine blocks and wheels.
Technique are also the brand values to which the design and engineering team of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. oriented themselves in the development of the Bugatti Galibier. With this new four-door concept car, Bugatti assumes anew a leading role in the use of new material combinations. Thus the body is constructed of handmade carbon fibre parts coloured dark blue so that, when illuminated, the woven structure shimmers through strikingly. Carbon fibre not only possesses unusually great rigidity but is also especially light. The wings and doors are out of polished aluminium.
The Bugatti Galibier's design masters the challenge of uniting sportiness with the comfort and elegance of a modern four-door saloon. The basic architecture picks up on the torpedo-like character of the Type 35, which was already revived in the Bugatti Veyron, and reinterprets it. With the typical Bugatti radiator grille, big round LED headlights and the clamshell running the length of the vehicle which became synonymous with the brand identity under Jean Bugatti in the Type 57, this car transports the Bugatti genes into the modern world.
Beneath the bonnet, which folds back from both sides, there resides a 16-cylinder, 8-litre engine with twostage supercharging. What makes this engine special is that it was developed as a flex-fuel engine and can optional be run on ethanol. Four-wheel drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size.
The interior reflects the elemental design of the exterior. The dash panel has been reduced to the essential; two centrally located main instruments keep even the rear passengers constantly informed of the actual speed and previous performance. Parmigiani, the Swiss maker of fine watches, created the removable Reverso Tourbillon clock for the Bugatti Galibier, which may be worn on the wrist thanks to a cleverly designed leather strap.
The new Chevrolet Cruze, which premiered at the Paris Motor Show, will continue Chevrolet's presence in the WTCC, in which the marque so far has won twelve world championship races.
Testing of the new Chevrolet Cruze WTCC race car - which is the first to start Chevrolet's new design language in Europe - has already started and is on schedule, and will continue throughout the remainder of the current season and the coming winter. Developed, built, run and driven by the same team and drivers, the Cruze will be all but guaranteed the same speed, reliability and success. The Chevrolet Cruze WTCC first competitive outing will be in Brazil at the opening WTCC in Curitiba. The WTCC will again visit twelve tracks, in South and Central-America, Africa, Europe and the Far-East.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover that blends distinctive design with outstanding efficiency. 2.4L direct injection engine helps the Chevrolet Equinox deliver expected best-in-segment estimated highway fuel economy of 30 mpg (EPA certification pending) - a 25-percent improvement over the previous model. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the efficient, 2.4L engine.
Its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover; and like those vehicles, the new Equinox complements its styling with attention to detail and unexpected features, according to Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet.
Vehicle highlights: * New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (135 kW), which delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending) * New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending) * Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups * Six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags * Standard four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control * Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio * "Smart" remote starting system that also activates the HVAC system and optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature
Design details : Designed features Chevy's signature global face - the two-tier grille and prominent gold Bowtie insignia. Strong fender shapes, a distinctive premium roofline, wraparound headlamps and dual round taillamps are additional elements that define Equinox as a true Chevrolet, Peper said.
Design features: * A multi-dimensional hood and wraparound rear side glass and a wheels-at-the-corners stance * Improved aerodynamic performance through a number of carefully designed exterior features, including moving the base of the windshield forward approximately three inches (75 mm) for a sleeker profile
The Chevy Equinox's rocker panels are integrated into the doors to make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. They narrow the area over which a passenger must step, offering protection for pant legs that could brush against dirty rockers. The select use of chrome trim and flush-fitting "exposed-edge" windshield and rear glass reinforce Equinox's build quality and reduce wind noise.
Dimensionally, the Chevrolet Equinox rides on the same 112.5-inch wheelbase (2,857 mm), but is about one inch (25 mm) shorter in length and an inch wider. It also has a wider front track that enhances the ride and handling.
The interior amenities, storage and flexibility Inside, the Chevrolet Equinox features attention to detail - including a number of storage bins, such as an oversized glove box; a closed storage bin in the instrument panel above the center stack; and closed storage under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer.
A "floating" center stack houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls. Contemporary, ice-blue ambient lighting - featured within and surrounding the center stack, encircling the center-console cupholders and within the door pull cups - accentuates the cabin. The front and rear seats, which include cloth and uplevel, perforated leather-trimmed offerings, were developed to help deliver best-in-class comfort.
The new Equinox retains its MultiFlex rear seat capability, which allows the seat to be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (203 mm), for the best rear legroom in its class. With the 60/40-split-back rear seat moved all the way forward, the cargo area offers 31.4 cubic feet (889 liters) of storage.
The Chevy Equinox's cabin is notable for its quietness. Noise-absorbing elements are built into the chassis, engine compartment and interior.
Convenience, infotainment and connectivity The variety of technologies are integrated in the Chevrolet Equinox, such as an available seven-inch touch-screen navigation system. Additional features also include:
* Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity * USB audio connectivity * DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens to enable DVD viewing on one and gaming on the other * Internal memory/hard drive on uplevel radios for storing audio selections * Power, programmable rear liftgate * Rear-vision camera system, with display in the rearview mirror or in the navigation screen * Range of premium-feature audio systems with up to eight speakers and 250 watts of output
Chassis and suspension The Equinox is built on a body-integral structure with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. Those elements form the foundation of a solid, quiet driving experience, according to Peper. The strong structure enabled engineers to tune the four-wheel-independent suspension system for greater control and driver feedback.
The rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency of on 2.4L-equipped models that saves nearly 11 miles per tank of gas, or about 572 miles per year (assuming one fill-up per week). With the Equinox's estimated 30 mpg on the highway, the electric power steering system saves the equivalent of approximately one tank of gas each year.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Ford Mustang Boss 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the Ford Mustang Boss 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.
The Ford Mustang Boss 302R is a serialized off-road-only vehicle ready to race.
With a special Grand-Am Homologation Package (M-FR500-Boss R1), it will also be ready to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge), starting with the season-opening race in Daytona on Jan. 29, 2010. Five Boss 302R race cars will be delivered to customers ready to race in Daytona.
The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Ford Mustang Boss 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.
The Ford Mustang Boss 302R follows in the very successful footsteps of its most recent road racing predecessor - the Ford Mustang FR500C from Ford Racing. In 2005, when the Mustang FR500C debuted at Daytona, the first car was delivered on Wednesday of that week and won the KONI Challenge race on Friday.
In five years of competition since then, the Mustang FR500C has won three Triple Crown championships of driver, team and manufacturer's titles in KONI competition including back-to-back (2008 and 2009). The FR500C has also seen success in FIA GT4 competition winning the 2007 and 2008 driver's championships.
The FR500C and FR500S road racing Mustangs, and the Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the Boss 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing.
Each Ford Racing factory-built production-based turnkey race car has won its competition debut.
Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford Mustang Cobra Jet has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph.
The 40th Anniversary 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet lived up to the legend of the original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating drag strips across the land.
Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind "SEMA Special" silver Ford Mustang Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.
The Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country.
The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.
Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don't have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option.
The Lexus LFA
At four times the strength of aluminium, CFRP gives the Lexus LFA an exceptionally stiff and strong structure, and also delivers major weight advantages, saving around 100kg on an equivalent aluminium body. CFRP accounts for 65 per cent of the body-in-white, with aluminium alloy used for the remaining 35 per cent.
The Lexus LFA uses the same advanced resin technology favoured by cutting-edge aerospace programmes for its unmatched weight and strength properties.
The engine
The heart of the Lexus LFA is a bespoke, naturally aspirated V10 engine that sets new standards for compact dimensions, lightweight architecture and scintillating performance. From the outset it was determined the engine should have a 4,805cc capacity, develop 552bhp and rev to a wailing 9,000rpm red line. A 72-degree angle between the cylinder heads is ideal for achieving balance in the engine for exceptionally smooth running, while providing individual, electronically controlled throttle bodies for each cylinder gives excellent throttle response.
The V10 produces 480Nm of torque at 6,800rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 3,700rpm all the way to the 9,000rpm red line, thanks to Dual VVT-i technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high-volume, 12-hole fuel injectors. This gives searing in-hear acceleration at all engine speeds and in any gear: nought to 62mph takes just 3.7 seconds and maximum speed is 202mph.
The Transmission
The formidable performance of the V10 is managed through an equally advanced transmission, a purpose-designed six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that drives the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. To help achieve the optimum 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution, it is contained in a transaxle mounted over the rear axle.
The ASG is operated by paddle shifts mounted on the steering column and is engineered for exceptionally fast shifts: an upshift can be effected in just 0.2 seconds.
The Sound
The Lexus LFA's acoustics, induction system and exhaust notes have been specially tuned to deliver an awesome "soundtrack" that expresses the car's extreme performance, both outside and inside the cabin. Referred to by the acoustic team as "Octave Harmony", it is inspired by the sound of a Formula 1 engine at full revs and is unlike that of any other road car, with different harmonic qualities created as the engine moves up towards its maximum 9,000rpm.
Braking
The Lexus LFA has one of the most advanced and powerful braking systems fitted to any production car, appropriate to meet the demands of its 200mph-plus performance capabilities.
The brake discs are made of Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM), which as well as being lighter than steel, gives fade-free performance in all conditions. The front discs are 390mm in diameter and 34mm thick, gripped by six-piston aluminium callipers; the rear discs measure 306mm across, are 28mm thick and are fitted with four-pot callipers. All use high-friction micron pads, manufactured exclusively for use with CCM brakes.
SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TYRES
The track-tuned suspension is the result of intensive development work carried out by Lexus at the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit to give the best possible balance between control and comfort.
AERODYNAMICS
The Lexus LFA boasts class-leading aerodynamics to achieve drivetrain cooling and superb high-speed handling and stability. Extensive wind tunnel testing helped produce a wind-cheating profile with a drag coefficient of 0.31, a remarkable achievement given the degree of downforce the car creates at high speed.
The airflow is precisely controlled over, under and around the car. A carbon fibre rear diffuser and flat underbody generate significant downforce, with an active rear wing, complete with a gurney flap on the leading edge, boosting the level further still.
The Interior Design
The low-slung cabin is divided into three zones: the mechanical zone, which includes the skeleton of the car's construction; the human zone, with two seats placed right at the centre of the car; and the driving zone, with high-tech instrumentation that brings driver and machine together.
The cabin is hand-built, with driver-focused ergonomics. The seats, upholstered in fine leather and Alcantara, provide the high level of back and side support needed in a car capable of 200mph-plus performance. The trim echoes the advanced materials used in the Lexus LFA's construction, with exposed areas of both matt and gloss carbon fibre. Trim details are finished in brushed metal and the floor-hinged brake and throttle pedals are made of forged aluminium. As with the exterior finish, owners can choose different interior colours and details to suit personal taste.
SAFETY
Passive and active safety provisions are in line with the Lexus LFA's exceptional performance. The central carbon fibre reinforced plastic central structure is extremely strong and provides excellent impact protection. Crash boxes are fitted front and rear that are designed to deform in a controlled fashion in the event of an impact. That at the front is made of CFRP; that at the rear from extruded aluminium. Side impact protection includes strong and rigid carbon fibre side members and door structures comprising an aluminium inner panel and a Glass fibre reinforced Sheet Moulding Compound (G-SMC) outer skin.
The Lexus LFA is equipped with Lexus's Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which co-ordinates the smooth operation of the ABS, vehicle stability and traction control systems as the vehicle approaches its performance limits, based on critical data on brake operation, yaw and roll rates, individual wheel speed and longitudinal, lateral and vertical acceleration
Passive safety features include two-stage adaptive front airbags and seatbelt airbags for driver and passenger and a driver's knee airbag.
The Specifications
* ENGINE
o Engine Type: 1LR-GSE
o Cylinders/arrangement: V10
o Valve mechanism: 40-valve DOHC
o Displacement: 4,805 cc
o Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 79.0 mm
o Compression ratio: 12.0:1
o Fuel Injection Type: EFI
o Octane Rating : 95 or higher
o Max. Power: 552 bhp @ 8,700 rpm
o Max Torque: 480 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
o Max. engine speed: 9,000 rpm
o Exhaust emissions certification: Euro 5
* PERFORMANCE
o 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.7 s
o Max. speed: 202 mph (325 km/h)
* DIMENSIONS
o Overall length: 4,505 mm
o Overall width: 1,895 mm
o Overall height: 1,220 mm
o Wheelbase: 2,605 mm
o Track
+ front: 1,580 mm
+ rear: 1,570 mm
o Overhang
+ front: 940 mm
+ rear: 960 mm
o Coefficient of Drag: 0.31 Cd
o Fuel tank capacity: 73 l (16.1 gallons)
* WEIGHTS (kg)
o Kerb weight: 1,480 - 1,580 kg
o Gross vehicle weight: 1,700/1,750 kg
* TRANSMISSION
o Gearbox type: 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox
o Front counter gear ratio: 1.259
o Gear ratios
+ 1st: 3.231
+ 2nd: 2.188
+ 3rd: 1.609
+ 4th: 1.233
+ 5th: 0.970
+ 6th: 0.795
o Final drive ratio: 3.417
o Maximum permissible speed
+ 1st: 52 mph
+ 2nd: 76 mph
+ 3rd: 104 mph
+ 4th: 136 mph
+ 5th: 172 mph
+ 6th: -
* BRAKES
o Front: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 399 x 34 mm
o Rear: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 360 x 28 mm
* SUSPENSION
* Front: Double wishbone with anti-roll bar
* Rear: Multilink with anti-roll bar
* STEERING
* Steering gear type: Rack and pinion
* Power steering type: Electric
* Ratio: 14.3
* Turns lock to lock: 2.35
* ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
* Battery capacity: 12V-48AH
* Alternator output: 2,640 W
* Starter output: 1.7 kW
* TYRES AND WHEELS
* Wheels
* Front: 20x9.5J BBS alloy
* Rear: 20x11.5J BBS alloy
* Tyres
* Front: 265/35R20 95Y
* Rear: 305/30R20 99Y
With snow, sleet, freezing fog, black ice, temperatures hovering around zero and severe frosts, the winter months hold some unpleasant road conditions in store for drivers. Despite these impediments, however, drivers of Mercedes models equipped with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system can set off for the daily commute to work or savour the drive to the next winter wonderland with complete peace of mind. This is because the 4MATIC drive concept boasts formidable performance on snow-covered or icy roads. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4MATIC in particular stands out for its blend of high traction reserves, excellent directional stability, peerless safety and exceptional comfort levels. Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating the capa-bilities of the Saloon and Estate models by staging a 4MATIC Workshop in extreme winter conditions on the Timmelsjoch high alpine road in Austria.
The 4MATIC system's set-up on a dry or wet road, directional stability and, therefore, active safety are paramount at all times when wintry conditions prevail, too. The mechanical principle of the 4MATIC system, featuring a 45:55 torque split between the front and rear axles and a multi-disc limited-slip centre differential with a basic locking torque of 50 Nm, offers all the right ingredients. The basic design enables high levels of traction, as the dynamic shift in axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration is harnessed to deliver more drive torque to the rear wheels. However, the multi-disc differential lock is also able to shift the drive torque between the front and rear axles, varying the split between 30:70 and 70:30 as the road conditions dictate.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4MATIC: stable handling on snow and ice. When pulling away in wintry conditions, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4MATIC models are designed to develop maximum traction. To this end, certain road conditions are automatically detected and the interventions of the 4ETS electronic traction control system adjusted so as to achieve the greatest possible acceleration while minimising wheel slip, ensuring optimum directional stability in the process. This strategy also allows the vehicle to pull away under the most adverse conditions, such as when one side of the vehicle is on an icy slope (µ-split) or both wheels on the front or rear axle have limited grip (µ-jump).
4MATIC: cutting-edge technology breaks new ground The 4MATIC powertrain in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the best-performing permanent all-wheel-drive systems on the market. The basic design concept, with the engine installed longitudinally and the integral transmission and transfer case unit, produces a compact, lightweight arrangement that minimises frictional losses, heralding a number of benefits compared to other passenger car systems with a transverse power unit and selectable 4x4. Fuel consumption, for instance, is a mere between 0.2 and 0.6 litres more per hundred kilometres than on a com-parable model with conventional drive, while vibration and acoustic comfort meet the high standards expected of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class synonymous with supreme ride comfort in winter too. Mercedes-Benz achieves the standard of ride comfort which all versions of the E-Class are renowned for courtesy of the highly sophisticated DIRECT CONTROL suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, an intelligent body design with excellent rigidity, plus enhanced seats which are also available with massage and climate control functions. The weight-optimised DIRECT CONTROL system, featuring a three-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension, automatically adapts to the changing driving situation by varying the damping forces, resulting in a substantial improvement in ride comfort. The air suspension system - optional for all 4MATIC models and standard on the E 500 4MATIC - is combined with a continuously variable, electronically controlled damping system that processes a series of sensor signals and controls each wheel individually. So, not only do Mercedes customers experience the best in ride comfort, they reap the benefits of excellent handling safety and sporty agility too.
Carefully balanced control of the interior climate is especially important in the winter. This is why Mercedes-Benz offers THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Apart from regulating the climate separately for the driver, front passenger and passengers in the rear, this system allows individual pre-settings to be programmed too. It furthermore includes a pollutant sensor which automatically switches to air recirculation mode if it detects any sudden increase in the carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide levels in the outside air - when driving through a tunnel, for instance. Another highlight of the THERMOTRONIC system is the residual heat function: pressing the "Rest" button heats or ventilates the passenger compartment for around 30 minutes when the engine is switched off. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is equipped as standard with THERMATIC, a two-zone automatic climate control system. Here, the interior air is kept clean by a large, hermetically sealed fine-particle combination filter which is 96 to 98 percent effective. Thanks to the activated-charcoal coating, gaseous substances can also be filtered out by the fine-particle combination filter.
THERMATIC and THERMOTRONIC heat up the passenger compartment of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class extremely efficiently, even after a cold start on winter mornings. This is thanks to a heating output of eleven kilowatts, equivalent to the capacity of the central heating system in a modern family home. On the diesel models, a heat exchanger with six integral PTC heating elements (PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient) is also activated when the outside temperature falls below a certain level in order to boost the effect of the main heat exchanger with an electrical output of around 1200 watts. The assistance from the PTC heater is necessary due to the high thermal efficiency of today's CDI engines, which is precisely what makes them so economical and means that they dissipate considerably less heat to the coolant under partial load conditions than conventional engines.
All-wheel drive development expertise since 1903 There is a reason why Mercedes engineers are so skilled in the development of groundbreaking all-wheel-drive concepts. The history of all-wheel drive at Mercedes-Benz dates all the way back to 1903. Since then, the accepted maxim has been that all-wheel drive is the best technology for making quicker and safer progress under the most adverse conditions. Over the course of the years it has been successfully employed in a variety of Mercedes-Benz models. Some models, such as the G-Class and the Unimog, have attained legendary status all over the world. But all-wheel drive has its benefits in everyday operation on asphalt roads too, as demonstrated by the 4MATIC saloons from Mercedes-Benz. The innovative drive concept received its saloon premiere in the W 124 Mercedes-Benz E-Class model series back in 1987. The 4ETS system made its debut aboard the M-Class in 1997. Mercedes-Benz has therefore amassed a wealth of experience with these electronic control systems - more in fact than any other car manufacturer.
