Spring 2012 sees the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter adopt a number of product enhancements which underline its ambition to lead the large van segment. The tough, practical testing focuses on the key customer requirements of safety, economy and comfort.
The Sprinter is the first van in the world to be available with a seven-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is reduced even further by the BlueEFFICIENCY package and a higher axle ratio. What's more, the standard-fit ESP® has additional and enhanced functionality. Like all new components of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, these new features have to demonstrate their ability to withstand extreme testing in unforgiving conditions near the Arctic Circle.
At temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius – and even lower – the new features have to prove that they meet the high quality standards of Mercedes-Benz. Testing begins with the cold-start performance of the engine equipped with the BlueEFFICIENCY package. Then it's the turn of the new, seven-speed automatic transmission to demonstrate that it can still deliver silky smooth gearchanges when the ambient temperature is as low as that in a freezer. The same goes for the control systems. Their sensors have to be tuned with absolute precision to ensure that the systems are always ready to intervene with corrective measures – regardless of how hostile the operating conditions may be.
ADAPTIVE ESP® as standard: functionality extended once again
Mercedes-Benz has raised the already exemplary safety standard of the Sprinter to an even higher level. Since the start of the year, the van has been equipped with a new generation of ADAPTIVE ESP® with additional functions. The new features include:
- Brake Disk Wipe: in the wet, this system builds up a low level of brake pressure on a cyclical basis. This wipes the film of water off the brake disc so that the full braking power is available straight away if it should be required.
- Electronic Brake Prefill: if the driver releases the pressure on the accelerator suddenly, this is interpreted as the first step of an imminent braking process. The system reacts to this by gently applying the brake pads to the brake disc.
This means that the air gap between the two friction partners is effectively already reduced to zero by the time the driver presses the brake pedal. In this way, the reaction time for any braking which may be required is reduced.
In order to ensure that the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter meets the high standards demanded by its customers, tough quality checks are also carried out during the winter testing in Arjeplog. These concern all the vehicle systems – without exception. So along with the new ADAPTIVE ESP®, the new seven-speed torque-converter automatic transmission has to prove its ability to cope with snow and ice for the umpteenth time. The verdict of the test engineers is unequivocal: top quality performance, even under extreme winter conditions.
In a world first, the new 7G-Tronic transmission will be available as an option for a van with effect from this spring. This seven-speed automatic transmission, which has a fully electronic control system and has already proved itself in many Mercedes-Benz passenger car models, has been adapted to meet the specific requirements of use in a van.
The great advantage of the new transmission with its seven gears is that it combines a wide spread between the lowest and the highest gears with closely spaced ratios. In practice, this means that the Sprinter has a low first-gear ratio which ensures that it can pull away dynamically. At high speeds, however, it is able to run at low revs and so benefit from fuel savings, low emissions and quiet operation. At the same time, the Sprinter can call on the appropriate gear for every driving situation with only small shifts in engine speed between the different ratios.
The favourable fuel consumption achieved with the BlueEFFICIENCY package is particularly impressive: for Sprinter models with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes and a four-cylinder diesel engine, the combined consumption (depending on the model variant and axle ratio) is as low as 7.6 litres per 100 km.
BlueEFFICIENCY package reduces fuel consumption and emissions
Every Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is, of course, designed to use fuel sparingly. All the diesel models have a battery management system while both the engine and transmission are designed for low fuel consumption and low emissions.
The already favourable fuel consumption of the Sprinter equipped with a van manual transmission can be reduced by about another 0.5 litres per 100 km with the optional BlueEFFICIENCY package. This fuel saving also results in a reduction in CO2 emissions.
The BlueEFFICIENCY package comprises the ECO start/stop function, tyres with reduced rolling resistance, the ECO power steering pump, alternator management and an electrically controlled fuel pump. As a result, the combined fuel consumption for a typical Sprinter with a four-cylinder CDI diesel engine, a van manual transmission, a closed body and a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.5 t is reduced to as little as 7.4 litres per 100 km.
Exemplary: fuel consumption of only 7 litres per 100 km with new, high axle ratio and van manual transmission
Another measure to reduce fuel consumption and emissions is a new, higher, rear-axle ratio for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This is available as special equipment for various vehicle variants. The ratio of i=3.692 reduces the engine speed by about six percent and so results in an outstanding combined fuel consumption figure as low as 7 litres per 100 km with correspondingly lower CO2 emissions.
Every Mercedes-Benz has to earn the right to sport the three-pointed star by completing what is probably the most gruelling and most rigorous winter testing in the automotive industry. The new Mercedes-Benz Citan urban delivery van has successfully completed these tests. Numerous other tests are also testimony to the high quality of the body, interior, drive system and suspension.
Extreme tests at sub-zero temperatures
Sub-zero temperatures down to -40°C, metre-high snow lining both sides of the road, snow often on the road too, coupled with just a few hours of daylight – the winters in northern Sweden are bleak and harsh. The perfect conditions to put the new Mercedes-Benz Citan to the test.
Mercedes-Benz Vans has been testing every new model under extreme conditions near to the Arctic Circle for decades. Sprinter and Vito vans have undergone rigorous winter testing on numerous occasions. Now the new Citan has followed in their footsteps.
Own test centre near the Arctic Circle
In the small town of Arjeplog, Mercedes-Benz has set up its own test centre with workshops, offices and test tracks. It is hermetically sealed to keep out prying eyes. Here and on other test tracks on a nearby lake, on a challenging mountain route, as well as driving on public roads, the new Citan urban delivery van has had to prove its mettle.
Tests focusing on cold start behaviour, the heating and ventilation, the seat heating and windscreen defrosting are par for the course in the Scandinavian winter. But testing in the Artic Circle also looks at how materials respond to extreme temperatures: how do the door seals perform, for instance? At sub-zero temperatures even plastics will go brittle and can break or tear. In certain circumstances, creaking noises may occur where materials overlap.
Such shortcomings are unacceptable for a Mercedes-Benz. If the high-quality hallmark interior of the Mercedes-Benz Citan can withstand this environment, it will take even the harshest Central European winter in its stride. The Citan has passed all the tests. As a genuine Mercedes-Benz it can now stand up masterfully to even the harshest icy-cold temperatures.
Fine-tuned suspension control systems
The Scandinavian test centre with its ice-covered terrain is also the ideal place to test and fine-tune the suspension control systems. ESP® comes as standard on board the Citan, just as it does on any Mercedes-Benz. Yet ESP® is just the overarching term for a wide array of control systems, including subfunctions such as anti-lock braking system, acceleration skid control, drive and braking torque control, engine friction torque control, understeer control, rolling-moment intervention.
Each of these systems needs to interact perfectly in a Mercedes-Benz van under the most difficult conditions and different vehicle loads, and hence the need for exhaustive testing. Measuring devices and a laptop are a constant feature on board the camouflaged test vehicles. But the finesse of the experienced developers is at least just as valuable.
Punishing itinerary at the company's own test facility
The company's own test facility in Arjeplog provides the full range of punishing terrain for testing the new Citan, including roads with a 10, 15 and 20-percent incline. Covered on one side with high-grip heated asphalt, and slick ice on the other. The engineers talk in terms of ยต‑split, the different friction coefficients on the left and right. Even under these conditions, a Citan has to navigate the inclines and descents safely, just like any other Mercedes-Benz van.
Other courses with compacted snow or the long braking area with a high-grip surface on one side for high-speed braking tests push the new urban delivery van to the limit. Mercedes-Benz has precisely specified the maximum steering correction, as well as yaw-rate characteristics – rotation around the vertical axis –, including response over time and peak value. A Citan must respond safely and predictably at all times.
Icemakers prepare courses on frozen lakes
On the nearby frozen lake, local professionals – the icemakers – have prepared precisely defined courses for Mercedes-Benz, including a circuit with a diameter of 500 metres, covered with snow on the outside, roughed-up ice in the middle, slick polished ice towards the inside. Here and on the various handling circuits with their sweeping and tight bends the Citan has to demonstrate grip and handling stability. The brand's hallmark tuning of the suspension and control systems becomes apparent even at low speeds on ice.
Green light for series production
To find out for themselves about the results of this year's winter testing programme, senior management from Mercedes-Benz Vans made the journey to the far north of Sweden, among them Volker Mornhinweg. The Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans was there not only to discuss the test results and the ensuing fine-tuning measures with the development engineers.
Volker Mornhinweg also got involved in some testing himself. Two days spent in icy-cold Arjeplog behind the wheel of the Citan, putting materials and vehicle to the test. And he is impressed: "Our new suspension and our control systems are now perfectly tuned. It's something you notice on the various handling courses and when moving off or braking. I'm also extremely happy with the changes in the interior – both in terms of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as the robust materials selection. The Citan is now a bona fide Mercedes-Benz after all the tests and work our development engineers have done. And so it's ready for series production."
Apart from the new Citan and future Viano arriving in 2014, the Sprinter is also due to undergo a facelift procedure destined to keep the vehicle attractive up to 2017, when a new generation is set to enter the stage. The front fascia is the part set to change the most after the restyling process, as it gets new headlights optionally available with LED daytime running lights and a beefier radiator grille with the big Star placed in the middle. For the rest of the body, just subtle or no visual improvements are expected. The engine lineup will likely stay the same, but further tweaks in the efficiency department are bound to happen, that will help reduce the CO2 emission and improve fuel economy. At the moment, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is getting the taste of Scandinavian snow and ice, as the winter development is fully underway. Check out further spy shots after the jump!
South Korea's largest airport, Incheon, has expanded its fleet of winter service vehicles with the addition of a further seven Actros models from Mercedes-Benz. Handed over in the middle of February to Jae-Sun Ryu, the airport's Deputy Executive Director, the vehicles bring the total number of Mercedes-Benz Actros models in service at the modern airport to 28. The Mercedes-Benz Actros vehicles are fitted with CJS-type sweeper units from Aebi Schmidt. With a clearing width of up to 3560 mm, they are able to clear snow and ice from areas of the South Korean airport with the aid of snow ploughs, roller brushes and high-pressure blowers.
The 28 vehicles feature all-wheel drive and hydraulically-steered rear axles, making them ideal for driving on snow-covered surfaces. The Actros models are responsible for clearing snow from the apron areas, the four take-off and landing runways, and also the cargo areas. The international airport has again been voted the most modern and customer-friendly airport in the world. The winter service fleet from Mercedes-Benz contributes towards ensuring that each year more than 33 million passengers are able to enjoy reliable and punctual airport services, even in winter.
Incheon Airport is South Korea's largest airport and also one of the largest in Asia. The airport was opened in 2001 and last year was voted for the sixth time in a row as the airport with the world's best quality of service. In addition to 33 million passengers, each year the airport also transports around 2.7 million tons of air freight.
During April this year, Mercedes-Benz is set to launch the all new CLS Shooting Brake, a niche allrounder which announces to combine the elegant design of a coupe with the solid design of a wagon car into one very attractive, stylish and well balanced model. The decision to greenlight the new addition to Merc's portfolio was made after the Concept Shooting Break was officially showcased in 2010 as a preview for the second generation CLS. Baring the X 218 internal codename, the 'shooting brake' will moderately resemble the concept car, meaning no freakish or extreme styling details. The powertrain and all the other bits and pieces come from the 4-door coupe. There's no word on a possible CLS 63 AMG SB variant with up to 557 hp, but the standard "500" version with a total output of 408 hp should be just fine until a final decision is taken. After the jump, besides the usual spy shots, you will also find a spy video featuring the new CLS Shooting Brake while being tried and tested on what seems to be an off-road course. Which tells us one important aspect: the new model could also be equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive platform, just like its 4-door coupe sibling.
Every Mercedes-Benz has to experience a good dose of cold weather development, and the 2013 GL-Class makes no exception. The large-sized SUV from Stuttgart has been recently spotted while running on snow-covered roads in Northern Scandinavia. Judging by the amount of camouflage, the future GL will soon celebrate its world premiere, most probably at the New York Auto Show in April, right in time for summer.
When it's unveiled, the 5-meter vehicle fitted with the 4MATIC permanent 4x4 system will be equipped with the company's latest technical achievements in safety and in-car communication. In standard specification, the high-end variant will be the GL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY rated at 435 hp and capable of 700 Nm. The anticipated GL 63 AMG will follow shortly after, towards the end of 2012, and will pack no less than 544 hp out of the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. If one opts for the Performance Package, peak output rises up to 571 hp, which is more than enough to transform the "ordinary" GL-Class into an aggresive monster.
The upcoming SLS AMG Black Series is currently undergoing some winter testing programme in Northern Scandinavia, near the Arctic Circle. The furious gullwing is tipped to arrive in the second part of this year and display an outstanding technical package. Practically, this insane sports car will be hardcore in every term - from the modified suspension and dampers, the lowered ride height, the low profile tyres up to the potent V8 engine and the aggressive looks. Talking about power, engineers have decided to stick to the old, but faithful naturally aspirated unit, which they thoroughly modified to deliver a peak output of 650 hp and a maximum torque of at least 700 Nm. Top speed should reach around 325-330 km/h, whereas 0-100 km/h acceleration could take less than 4 seconds. Most probably, the waiting list for the extravagant SLS AMG Black Series will be rather long, despite the estimated price tag of €260,000.
The new CLC-Class is one of the most eagerly awaited premieres from Mercedes-Benz this year. Part of the new compact lineup of the German carmaker, the 4-door coupe can be easily considered the little brother of the popular CLS. The new model from Stuttgart uses the same successful recipe: an elegant body boasting a heavily arched roofline for creating the desired coupe-like effect. Overall length is estimated at approximately 4.5 meters which is quite a lot for a compact-sized limousine. The CLC prototypes are still in a premature phase of development, so the front fascia and the rear end are currently unfinished and thus remain hidden under the thick black cladding. We suppose the exterior styling will be more organic and unitary, with some key progressive influences for an added stance. Early reports indicate the C 117 generation will make its official debut in April, at the New York International Auto Show - we shall wait and see. In the mean time, check out more spy shots captured in Scandinavia after the break!
During spring this year, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the new A-Class which marks a complete shift from the past model. Underpinned by the new Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture (MFA) platform and boasting frugal powerplants and an unbeatable safety and technology package, the compact-sized car is set to attract new and younger customers towards the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. Latest spy shots come from Northern Scandinavia, where Mercedes-Benz tests all the future models under winter conditions.
The dynamic, yet classy silhouette proposed by the Concept A-Class show prototype will somehow make it unaffected onto the series model. Youthful and strong lines are the ones that characterize the spirit of the entire vehicle: the bold headlights with LED Intelligent Light System (as an option) and the angled grille with the big star sitting in the middle are like business cards for the new A-Class.
Inside, there's hardly any difference compared to the B-Class, at least from what we can see at the moment. The cladding on the dashboard prevents inappropriate views from getting a glimpse of the essential details. Although the chief of interior design at Mercedes-Benz suggested the W 176 would no longer feature the three-pointed star on the steering wheel, the image captured in the cabin of the prototype seems to contradict him: the 3-spoke steering wheel is borrowed from its MPV brother, as well as other components. Given the roof line and the general hatchback shape, don't expect too much leg and head room for the rear seats, but we guess two occupants sitting on them could travel quite comfortably. Measuring less than 4.5 meters in length means the luggage space in the trunk is rather restrictive, but the new A-Class is more of a lifestyle-oriented car than a practical one.
The low-end BlueEFFICIENCY units in the Mercedes-Benz engine bank will put the new A-Class into motion. For the beginning, there will be a number of four different versions as in the case of the new B-Class - the A 180 and A 200 with 122 hp and 156 hp; the A 180 CDi and A 200 CDI with 109 hp and 136 hp, respectively. Combined with the new 6-speed manual gearbox or the enhanced 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the powerplants score impressive values for CO2 emissions and combined fuel consumption: between 114 and 137 g/km and between 4.4 and 5.9 l/100 km. Rumors say Mercedes-Benz will also release more powerful A-Class versions in the first year after the official premiere: the A 250 and A 250 CDI displaying 204 hp and the high-end A 25 AMG sporting a 4x4 platform and no less than 320 hp.
