The cold time of the year makes the hearts of many winter sports fans beat faster: soon they'll go on holiday and head for the ski runs, half-pipes or cross-country trails. Mercedes drivers are well prepared thanks to state-of-the-art driving assistance systems and the 4MATIC all-wheel drive available in many model series. New products from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH suitable for the recently launched new generations of the B and M-Class, and the programme of Mercedes-Benz Driving Events also are fully adapted to the requirements of car drivers during the cold season.
For instance, together with the new M-Class the "450" roof box is coming on the market with a revised design. It can hold as many as four pairs of skis. The "dropping line" of the roof box takes up the current Mercedes-Benz design idiom. An alternative for winter sports enthusiasts is the New Alustyle ski and snowboard rack, now also available for the new-generation B and M-Class.
Traction under the most adverse conditions is ensured by the two snow chains which Mercedes-Benz carries in its accessories range. For the B-Class, for example, there is the easy2go model from chain world market leader RUD. Its patented fitting device makes manual retensioning of the chain unnecessary now. And with winter tyres and snow chains on board, skiing holidaymakers don't have to worry about the compulsory winter equipment rules existing in many European countries.
The winter training courses of Mercedes-Benz Driving Events train the participants to react intuitively and skilfully at the wheel specifically so that they can handle difficult road conditions. With the confidence that comes from being in the hands of experienced instructors, the participants explore their personal limits in the breathtaking winter scenery of Austria or Sweden with various vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz model range.
And finally, the winter products of the Mercedes-Benz Collection bring warmth to the cold season. For example, the insulated Thermo Mug and a stainless steel thermos flask in brown/silver. The latter has a capacity of 750 ml and a button-off leather cover, embossed with vintage Mercedes-Benz star logo. Icy temperatures are no match for the AMG windcheater and the AMG fleece jacket that combines with it (both for men).
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Bodybuilders are discovering the virtues of local emission-free driving: refrigerator van specialist Kerstner is presenting the first refrigerator van variant of the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL at the Solutrans trade show in Lyon/France from 29 November to 3 December.
Refrigerator van that runs totally local emission-free
Their business is in the city: compact refrigerator vans based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito supply specialist stores and restaurants with fresh and temperature-sensitive foods. Urban settings are also the natural habitat of the local emission-free Vito
E-CELL. Kerstner, a leading brand for refrigerator vans, has now taken the logical step of building the first refrigerator van variant of the Vito E-CELL, generating zero local emissions.
With this vehicle, Mercedes-Benz is responding to customers' calls for a zero-emission refrigerator vehicle. The refrigerator body from Kerstner represents yet another customer-oriented solution from Mercedes-Benz.
Refrigerator unit powered by separate battery
The refrigeration set-up from Kerstner is based on the familiar and proven complete solution which is already being marketed successfully by Mercedes-Benz branches and partners under the Mercedes-Benz VanSolution programme. Here, the flat refrigerator unit on the roof of the Vito is supplied with power from a separate lithium-ion battery, however. This battery operates independently of the Vito E-CELL's traction battery, providing autonomous cooling for six to ten hours, after which it can be recharged at the mains in a maximum of four hours. The refrigeration unit does not impose any restrictions on the Vito E-CELL's range.
Kerstner puts the battery's service life at 3000 charging cycles. At one charging cycle per day over 240 working days a year, this amounts to a lifespan of around twelve years. The battery is supplied with power independently of the traction battery, via a separate charging system. The additional battery and the separate charger reduce the refrigerator van's maximum payload by only 75 kg.
Conversion based on tried and tested equipment
The body is based on Kerstner's tried and tested equipment. With an overall height of 2000 mm including refrigerator unit, the refrigerator van variant of the Vito E-CELL is also suitable for underground garages. The load compartment has a volume of 3.5 m³. Its floor is fitted with diamond-tread aluminium sheeting. Based in Gross-Rohrheim to the south of Frankfurt, Kerstner has been developing air-conditioning and cooling systems and insulating fit-outs for over 20 years. Insulation and cooling technology thus originate from the same manufacturer.
Vito E-CELL: first van to be factory-fitted with electric drive
The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is the first van to be factory-fitted with an electric drive. It is based on the medium-length Vito panel van with a wheelbase of 3200 mm. Its electric motor generates a continuous output of 60 kW and maximum power of 70 kW. The peak torque stands at 280 Nm.
The traction batteries are accommodated under the floor, without interfering with the load compartment. The Vito E-CELL's high maximum payload of 850 kg ensures that it is fully suitable for commercial use. The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries stands at 36 kWh, resulting in a range of around 130 km, which is fully adequate for urban delivery operations.
The multiple award-winning Vito E-CELL is produced at the Vitoria plant in Spain's Basque region, on the same production lines as all other Vitos. As previously announced, Mercedes-Benz has begun production of a series of 2000 Vito E-CELLs this year. Almost 400 of these vehicles have been built to date.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Style & Performance: that’s the guiding principle for BRABUS to refine the new Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster now as well. The exclusive program comprises an aerodynamic-enhancement kit made from clear-coated carbon fiber, extremely lightweight BRABUS forged wheels with a comfortable sport suspension, engine tuning that produces a maximum power output of 611 hp (600 bhp) / 448 kW, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronic sound management, and a fully customiz interior tailored to the owner’s individual preferences in every last detail.
The BRABUS designers have adapted the aerodynamic-enhancement program originally developed for the coupe version of the SLS to the new roadster. Just like in top-flight motorsports the various components are manufactured from extremely lightweight carbon fiber. Customers can choose between aerodynamic-enhancement components with a high-gloss finish or with a matte finish for undiluted racing looks. Upon request the components can also be painted in body or contrasting color.
The BRABUS front spoiler attaches to the underside of the production bumper. It lends the two-seat car a more striking front end and reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds. The two BRABUS carbon-fiber covers for the upper air ducts in the front fascia add further thrilling highlights.
On the sides the BRABUS side skirts create an optimal aerodynamic transition between the front and rear wheel wells. But that’s not all: together with the air vents in the front fenders that were newly designed by BRABUS they lend the sports car an even more dynamic profile. A special feature of these components stands out particularly in the dark: pushing the unlock button on the keyless remote or pulling on a door handle activates the blue-backlit BRABUS lettering in the new air vents and the LED entrance lights, which facilitate safe entering and exiting the vehicle in low-light conditions.
The rear end of the SLS Roadster adds even more sporty character as well: the modifications include the understated BRABUS rear spoiler, the side air vents for the rear fascia and the BRABUS diffuser with custom-tailored cutouts for the four distinctive tailpipes of the BRABUS quad sport exhaust.
The more exclusive appearance is to no small extent also the merit of the BRABUS forged wheels, which were custom-developed for the SLS. To add even more emphasis to the wedge shape of the car the wheels are mounted in a staggered combination with diameters of 21 inches on the front axle and 22 inches in the rear. The BRABUS Monoblock F "Platinum Edition" cross-spoke wheels are manufactured using a high-tech forging process, making them more than just stunning eye-catchers. Their low weight also contributes to even sportier handling. Compared to the production SLS wheels they represent weight savings of up to 12 percent. The wheels in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11Jx21 on the rear axle are available either with a high-gloss, ceramic polished or with a brushed finish. The suitable high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21 are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.
Also contributing to even more agile handling is the BRABUS Ride Control smooth-ride suspension that was developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN. It can lower the ride height by up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). At the push of a button on the center console the driver can choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride than the production car.
The sport suspension and the production suspension can be upgraded with the BRABUS Front Lift System for added convenience. At the push of a button, a hydraulics system raises the front end of the roadster by 50 millimeters (2.0 inches) in just a couple of seconds. This makes it possible to safely navigate past speed bumps or parking garage ramps without any unwanted contact of the front end with the obstacle. The suspension reverts to its original position at a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph).
The sportier handling offers the perfect basis for more power. The BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS B63 S tuning kit for the 6.3-liter fast-revving V8 engine. The performance kit consists of newly calibrated engine electronics with special BRABUS mapping for ignition and injection, and the BRABUS high-performance exhaust system. This exhaust system, which can also be combined with the non-tuned production engine, features four tailpipes with a diameter of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) and enhances power output. But that’s not all: the sport exhaust is manufactured from titanium, making it 12 kilograms (26.5 lbs.) or 40 percent lighter than the production exhaust. In addition, an integrated butterfly valve provides a sound management option controlled by the driver from the cockpit: apart from the 'Sport' setting, which lends the eight-cylinder an even more thrilling exhaust note, there is also a discreet, deliberately soft 'Coming Home' mode. BRABUS B63 S tuning bumps maximum power output from standard 571 hp (563 bhp) / 420 kW to 611 hp (600 bhp) / 448 kW, making the SLS even more dynamic.
The BRABUS interior design studio gives the SLS cockpit an equally sporty and exclusive ambiance. Among the upgrades are striking accessories such as a speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and matte-anodized pedals.
The BRABUS upholstery shop can fulfill requests for custom interiors in any color and design. The artisans meticulously transform leather and Alcantara by hand into interior appointments custom-tailored to the customer’s individual preferences. Carbon-fiber and exotic-wood trim sets in any desired color and with every type of surface finish are yet another particular BRABUS specialty.
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Exclusive, individual and ecofriendly strong in compliance with EURO VI emission standards: these three attributes best describe the latest BRABUS tuning program for the new Mercedes W 166-series M-Class. From a visual standpoint the SUV receives an upgrade with a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program and custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters of up to 22 inches. The program also includes engine tuning for the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC that is as powerful as it is ecofriendly. Further on offer are stainless-steel sport exhaust systems for all models and striking interior designs including an all-leather interior in any desired color. BRABUS backs all components with the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles.
To give the new M-Class a more customized and exclusive look BRABUS offers an innovative and striking appearance package. The front bumper of the sport version can receive some added profile with the BRABUS ‘On Road’ front spoiler and attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia.
To give the new 4x4 seemingly a longer, sleeker stance the BRABUS designers have developed new sill skirts. They combine elegant design with a safety feature: entrance lights integrated into the underside are activated by pulling on a door handle or by pushing the unlock button on the keyless remote. This also activates the BRABUS logo optionally integrated into the sill skirts and the BRABUS lettering in the fender attachments that are a new development as well.
The rear end of the M-Class is upgraded with the BRABUS ‘On Road’ rear fascia that is available in two versions. Depending on the type of engine the rear fascia comes with a cutout on the left or with a cutout on either side to provide the perfect backdrop for the BRABUS dual or quad sport exhaust system. A BRABUS rear spoiler that attaches to the liftgate will be available in the near future. The entire appearance package is manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics.
The exclusive looks are also characterized by the custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The largest version BRABUS offers for the new M-Class features king-size 10Jx22 wheels. The cast wheels are available in three different designs as Monoblock VI, E and Q wheels. As an alternative BRABUS offers the Monoblock G "Platinum Edition" forged wheels in the same size. State-of-the-art forging technology makes these wheels with five double spokes the perfect symbiosis of low weight and maximum strength. BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA supply suitable high-performance tires up to size 295/30 ZR 22 front and back for all BRABUS wheels.
The BRABUS suspension components, developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN, are specifically calibrated to this tire/wheel combination. For vehicles with conventional steel suspension BRABUS offers a choice of sport springs for a ride-height lowering by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) or a sporty yet comfortable sport suspension. For M-Class vehicles with AIRMATIC air suspension the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed a custom control module that lowers the ride height of the SUV by some 30 – 40 millimeters (1.2 – 1.6 inches).
For further optimizing the off roader’s already impressive active safety BRABUS offers a high-performance brake system. The front axle combines six-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 34 millimeters (16 x 1.3 inches). Together with four-piston fixed aluminum calipers and brake discs measuring 380 x 28 mm (15 x 1.1 inches) on the rear axle the brake system provides stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars. The BRABUS system also delivers maximum fade-free endurance.
BRABUS offers the world’s most extensive program of engine tuning for Mercedes-Benz automobiles and so it is no wonder that the program was also adapted to the new M-Class. For the V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine of the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC the BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit that falls into the same EURO VI emissions class as the production car.
The engineers developed the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S module for the direct-injection engine in the BRABUS engine development department using state-of-the-art test bench technology and a cutting-edge emissions lab. The plug-and-play auxiliary control unit is integrated into the CAN bus of the SUV. The BRABUS mapping was calibrated specifically to the ecofriendly BlueTEC concept that uses AdBlue® reactant to purify exhaust gases.
The BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit bumps peak torque from standard 620 Nm to 690 Nm (457 to 509 lb-ft), available on a plateau between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. At the same time maximum power output jumps from 258 hp (254 bhp) / 190 kW to 306 hp (301 bhp) / 225 kW at just 3,600 rpm.
Performance with BRABUS D6S tuning improves enormously: with a sprint time of just 6.0 seconds the SUV takes exactly 1.4 seconds less for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) than the production car. Top speed increases to 229 km/h (142 mph).
Further BRABUS engine tuning versions for the other engines of the M-Class are in the final stages of development. All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil. Custom-calibrated stainless-steel sport exhaust systems with two or four distinctive BRABUS tailpipes are available for all M-Class engines.
Yet another particular BRABUS specialty are exclusive interior options for the new M-Class: bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins and foot rest are part of the refinement repertoire as are exclusive BRABUS interiors masterfully crafted from a combination of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara. In addition, there are exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surfaces from open-pored and matte to high-gloss finishes.
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
JENSON BUTTON
- MP4-26A-03
- Started: 3rd
- Finished: 3rd
- Fastest lap: 1m15.580s (+0.256s, 2nd)
- Pitstops: Three: laps 15, 31 and 52 (Op-Op-Pr-Pr)
- 2011 points: 270 (2nd)“I couldn’t really get the soft tyre working around here – we had massive degradation on each set – and that prompted the decision to run two sets of Primes in my final two stints. My pace on the Prime was great – and using two sets really meant I could find a good balance and work out where the grip was.
“Earlier in the race, it was disappointing to be passed by Fernando [Alonso]. Out of Turn Five, I saw lots of debris on the circuit, and I didn’t know what it was. I didn’t want to drive over it, and I couldn’t pull to the left because Fernando was there, so I had to back out of it and fall behind. It was a pretty easy move for Fernando to make after that.
“But the Prime was working really well and that helped me chase Fernando down in the final stint and pass him out of Turn Three. Ideally, I wanted to get him into Turn One, because it’s more fun to pass someone without using DRS, but I set him up and got him out of Turn Three after getting a good run along the straight.
“We gave it everything today – and a podium is a great way to end the year. I’ve had 12 podiums from this season’s 19 Grands Prix – and I didn’t finish two of them due to reliability issues. All in all, it’s been a good, consistent season for us.
“There are a lot of positives to take away from this year. We’ll have a strong winter and come out fighting from the first race. We’ve just got to start the season a bit more strongly, that’s all, and that’s what we’ll be aiming to do. We want to make it hard for Red Bull in 2012.
“Finally, I want to say a big thank-you to the whole team – we’ve really grown together this year. I really feel like I’m part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes family now: there’s an awful lot of passion in our organisation, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
LEWIS HAMILTON
- MP4-26A-04
- Started: 4th
- Finished: Ret, 46 laps – gearbox
- Fastest lap: 1m17.209s (+1.885s, 11th)
- Pitstops: Three: laps 16, 33 and 44 (Op-Op-Op-Pr)
- 2011 points: 227 (5th)
“At the start I wanted to avoid any aggro, and that meant I lost a position to Fernando. After that I had reasonably decent pace, and I was able to stay close to Fernando and Jenson until I encountered a gearbox problem.
“It occurred quite early on – I was having problems with first and second – and it meant I started losing quite a lot of time and Fernando and Jenson were able to pull away from me. The problem meant I stopped being able to make good, clean gearshifts. Then I lost seventh, and then the whole thing just let go.
“Of course, it’s not the way I’d like to have ended the season, but it wasn’t so bad. I enjoyed my race while it lasted. I was challenging Felipe and I was hoping I’d get him, but then the gearbox failure stopped me.
“It’s been a long year, and I want to say a huge thank-you to the team. They’ve never given up, and they’ve worked incredibly hard all season. We didn’t get the ultimate result we wanted, but we had some great times along the way.
“I’ll be attacking next season; 2012 will be my year.”
MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“Today we saw yet another brilliant performance from Jenson, who has driven magnificently all season but particularly in the second half of it. It was his eighth podium finish in the past nine grands prix – and the odd race out in that splendidly consistent sequence was the Korean Grand Prix, in which he finished a fighting fourth.
“Today he drove cleanly, shrewdly and patiently – but forcefully too – and the way he optimised his pace on the Prime tyre was masterful. He drove his two final stints on the Prime, in fact, which enabled him to hunt down Fernando’s Ferrari in the closing stages of the race to take a beautifully judged third place.
“Lewis drove extremely well today too, but unfortunately he was let down by gearbox failure. Quite early on, we noticed a loss of oil pressure, then he lost seventh gear, and then he lost all drive and was forced to call it a day. But prior to that he was improvising intelligently and never gave up. Moreover, his typically combative approach played a significant part in the afternoon’s entertainment, and surely thrilled TV viewers worldwide.
“Lewis has had a challenging year – but his gutsy performances here and, in particular, in Abu Dhabi, where he took his third win of the season, represent an eloquent testimony to an emphatic return to form on his part. He’s already focusing on 2012, and I’m sure he’ll prepare for the new season with his customary determination and will to win.
“The same can be said for all at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines, in fact. We’ve been concentrating our energies on MP4-27 for some time now, and we’ll maintain that intensive effort throughout the winter months.
“All things considered, 2011 was a pretty decent year for us – we finished second in the constructors’ world championship, 122 points ahead of the third-placed team and 332 points ahead of the fourth-placed team – but we aim to win outright.
“Next season we intend to do just that.”
* Official photos and report courtesy of VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
