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SERIOUS ASSAULT ON FRANKFURT BY MERCEDES-BENZ |
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Mercedes' assault includes the following:
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New twelve-cylinder production star on the Mercedes stand
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Mercedes engineers have also made significant progress in the area of fuel consumption: the new S600 uses 13.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the new European driving cycle (NEDC overall) - i.e. around 20 per cent less than the predecessor model. The new V12 power plant also already complies with the strict EU 4 emission limits that will not take effect until the year 2005. Active Body Control, which Mercedes-Benz will in future also be fitting as standard to the new CL coupe, endows the S600 with a unique handling/ride compromise. The system reduces body movements when pulling away or braking as well as during cornering. Active Body Control is part of the standard equipment of the S600 and will in future also be available as an option for the S320, S430 and S500 models. Further standard features of the V12 flagship include the innovative 'command' control and display concept, xenon headlamps, dynamic multi-contour backrests for the driver and front-seat passenger as well as the 'Exclusive Leather' interior trim. The S600 is available only as a long-wheelbase version. We also report on Audi's answer to this car this week. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz will present its new flagship saloon in the special protection 'M Guard' version for those S-class buyers afraid that someone may be trying to assassinate them... |
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New direct-injection diesels with six and eight cylinders
The direct injection system of this eight-cylinder diesel engine works according to the common-rail principle. A bi-turbo system with electrically |
adjustable guide vanes, water charge-air cooling and the Mercedes four-valve-technology for diesel engines combine to make this engine more than just a tractor unit. The new S400 CDI will enter production in a few months time. The six-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the Mercedes-Benz S320 CDI which will go on sale in late 1999 also boasts direct injection, VNT turbocharger and intercooler. It develops 197bhp and provides its maximum torque of 470Nm from 1800rpm for powerful acceleration. With a fuel consumption of only 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall) the S320 CDI is capable of covering around 1,100 kilometres on a full 88 litre tank. |
Market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz CL in a few weeks
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Standard equipment includes the Active Body Control suspension system, high-intensity bi-xenon headlamps for high beam and low beam as well as integral molded seats for the driver and front passenger. In addition, all the technical highlights from the S-class may also be specified for the flagship coupe. Available options include the intelligent autonomous cruise control known as 'distronic', actively ventilated seats, dynamic route guidance system and the chip card controlled drive authorisation system 'Keyless Go'. The CL is available with either the 5.0-litre engine (306bhp) or with the new V12 power plant (367bhp) out of the S600. Click here to read about Mercedes' new technology on display at Frankfurt. |
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