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Minggu, 02 Oktober 2011

2012 - Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

The expressive Mercedes C-Class Coupé sees Mercedes-Benz, now in its 125th year of corporate history, entering a new market segment and for the first time offering a compact, classic coupé. This youthful, sporty two-door car was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The new model deploys the progressive technology featured on the soon to be launched new generation of the C-Class to deliver an impressive coupé format that combines pure fun at the wheel with exemplary efficiency. In terms of attitude, this debuting model is tailored to a customer group aged 35 to 45 for whom professional success, love of life and a strong sense of responsibility are all important.

"By extending the C-Class portfolio, we are consciously targeting new customers," says Dr Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"The new model is youthful, stylish and dynamic. What we are offering is an exceptionally sporty way to enter the world of the Mercedes-Benz coupé."

The design: dynamic with classic coupé proportions

From the side, the new coupé beguiles the onlooker with its compact proportions, low silhouette (41 mm flatter than the saloon) with powerful shoulders and a narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design. Typical coupé features include the short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched out roof. The cabin extends far beyond the rear axle over the rear window in its flat position to a sportily short tail end.

While the wedge-shaped, sloping beltline demonstrates affinity with the C-Class, its strong upsweep into the C-pillar is an entirely distinctive element. The final part of the beltline trim moves sharply upwards to meet the roofline trim. This upsweep not only adds a sporty flourish to the way the side windows look; the shaping at the bottom of the C-pillar also enhances the powerful shoulders.

Front and rear: truly a coupé, truly C-Class

At the front, the new coupé shares the same styling as the latest C-Class and yet still has its own twist. The front view is dominated by the prominent radiator grille surround including the bumper. The centre air intake opens upwards, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille which has the double-louvre style typical of a coupé. Two chrome louvres extend left and right either side of the central star, tapering off at the outer edges and creating a sporty, arrow-shaped horizontal sweep which gives the front end a pronounced V-shape.

This continues into the side sections which extend from beneath the headlamps and blend into the feature lines along the vehicle flanks, thereby linking the front end with the sides. The side air intakes in the bumper featuring integrated, horizontal daytime running lamps are positioned low down, giving the coupé a road-hugging appearance. The shape of the clear-lens headlamps creates a dynamic impression, and acts together with the bonnet, radiator grille and bumper trim to reinforce the pronounced front section.

From the rear, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé looks sportily short. Because the roof flows beyond the rear axle with the steeply raked rear window and fluid C-pillars, the appearance of length is reduced. A wide chamfer at the top of the boot lid, which is based on the side panel, highlights the rear's compactness. Positioning the tail lights as far apart as possible emphasises width. The particular impression of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in front of the red upper and lower light bands with their more deeply set LEDs. Continuous, horizontal light-catching contours in the bumper further accentuate the broad, deep-set effect. The AMG rear skirt between the exhaust system's tailpipe trim makes the rear end look lighter and gives the vehicle a distinctively sporty and dynamic quality.

In the UK the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé will feature the AMG Sports Package as standard which further enhances the look of the car with AMG bodystyling and 18" AMG alloys.

The interior: highest quality with exclusive colour accents

The dashboard instrument panel features a strong, sporty and high-quality design. Three tube rings with a galvanised finish demonstrate the car's sporty credentials to the driver. As standard, the coupé comes with the new generation of three-spoke steering wheel with its chromed central spoke that first appeared on the new CLS. The touch surfaces of the controls are finely detailed and galvanised. The stepped top of the instrument cluster also accommodates the central display and continues onto the front passenger side as a discreet light-catching contour. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanised trim. The control panel of the new-generation communication and information unit has silver-coloured keys. The combination of matt keys, high-gloss areas and a new thumbwheel design underlines the high perceived value of the interior.

A large section of trim is a high-quality part of the dashboard instrument panel. This extends from the centre air vents across the front passenger side to the outer air vent, emphasising the interior's generous proportions.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé is a fully fledged four-seater featuring four sporty, comfortable integral seats. If desired, the backrests in the rear can be folded down to make the boot larger.

2013 - Skoda Citigo

Škoda is continuing its product offensive by introducing its seventh model line. With the Škoda Citigo, at 3.56m long, the Mladá Boleslav automaker is entering the A00 segment. The Škoda Citigo will debut on the domestic Czech market by the end of 2011. Other European countries will follow at the beginning of summer 2012. The Škoda Citigo offers maximum utilisation of space and seats for four passengers. The Škoda Citigo will be launched as a three-door, with a five-door version to come in 2012.

"The Škoda Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy. It paves the way for our brand to enter a very promising segment," said Škoda Board Chairman Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland "The new product fully meets the corporate philosophy of the Škoda Brand expressed through the "Simply Clever" slogan. Despite its small size, it offers ample interior space, but is surprisingly agile, and attractive in terms of trims and technologies used. Although the Škoda Citigo is a small car, it is a typical Škoda—and as such fits perfectly with our plans."The designers managed to give the car a distinct look that declares at first glance: this is the new Škoda. The finned grille set in a chrome-plated frame and precisely shaped headlamps give the car the typical Škoda look. The designers have done a fantastic job on the rest of the car's body. With a length of 3.56 metres, width of 1.65 metres and height of 1.48 metres, the Škoda Citigo is one of the smallest vehicles in its segment. The volume of the luggage compartment is 251 litres. It can be extended to 951 litres by folding down the rear seats.

The key target groups are young drivers, young families looking to get themselves a second or even third car, and also "best agers." They are customers who are rather cost-sensitive and have a rational approach to cars on the one hand but high demands for quality, practicality, design and safety on the other. Škoda did not have much to offer such groups of customers in the small car segment. Prof. Vahland: "We can see that the demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price and with reasonable operating costs is growing. Škoda's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Škoda Citigo will attract a lot of customers mainly in our European markets. "The Škoda Citigo places great emphasis on safety. For the first time in a Škoda vehicle, the designers have used a Head-Thorax side airbag to protect the heads of both the driver and the front seat passenger and together with other elements it forms an exemplary safety packet in its class. In addition, active safety is significantly enhanced by the new "City Safe Drive" brake assistant. The system is automatically activated at speeds below 30 km/h and a laser sensor identifies a danger of collision. Along with the Volkswagen up!, the Škoda Citigo is currently the only car in the small vehicle segment to offer the emergency braking functionality.

Two new, three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engines will be available after the Škoda Citigo's launch: both have a volume of 1.0 litre and their power outputs are 44 kW/60 HP and 55 kW/75 HP. In the economical Green Tec version average consumption is 4.2l/100km and 4.3l/100km respectively. Emissions are 97g and 99g CO2/km respectively. Fuel consumption and emissions are 4.5l/100km and 105g CO2 per km for the 44kW engine. The engine with a power output of 55kW consumes 4.7l/100km and emits 108g of CO2 per km.

2012 - Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

AMG is presenting a new dream-car: the 2012MY Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. This super sports car thrills with a perfect combination of open-top driving pleasure, outstanding driving dynamics and sophisticated lightweight construction. The 2012 SLS AMG Roadster will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2011.

The technological highlights of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster include an aluminum spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication developing a peak output of 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transaxle transmission and a sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones - all of which will raise the pulse of sports car enthusiasts while providing outstanding driving dynamics and driving pleasure.

The compact fabric soft top of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an attractive optional extra. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose his own suspension setup. Three modes are available: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus".

"AMG Performance Media" is a unique new feature: this innovative, motorsport-inspired multimedia system offers an unrivalled combination of numerous telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various engine data and lap times on a racetrack.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one. In its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz."

Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure - the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The gullwing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the convertible version is bound to cause a sensation."

Pure roadster design with perfect proportions

The new Roadster adds a second exciting dream-car to the SLS AMG family. Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener: "As in the gullwing model, the pure, athletic design immediately catches the eye. Whether with the roof open or closed, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is an impressive visual delight!" The perfect proportions are particularly memorable: a long hood, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and a short rear end. Plus the automatically extending rear wing, long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs - in short, the convertible SLS AMG exudes effortless performance and an authentic charisma. The pronounced shoulder sections are reminiscent of tensed muscles, and suggest sheer power in combination with the large wheels - 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear). The attractive AMG Sepang brown metallic paint finish and weight-optimized forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matte black with a high-sheen rim flange, are available as new optional extras.

Features reminiscent of the 300 SL Roadster, the classic dream-car from the 1950s, include not only the wide radiator grille with its large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross-fin, but also the fins on the hood and on the vehicle sides. Like the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, the 300 SL Roadster appeared slightly later than the original gullwing 300 SL, but unlike the SL's both AMG dream cars are available at the same time.

Interior atmosphere like an aircraft cockpit

The interior continues the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and awakens associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent features include the dashboard in the shape of a wing and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines. The extended center console of matte, solid metal and the new E-SELECT lever in the shape of an aircraft's thrust control are also design features adopted from the world of aviation. Another discreet, fine detail is the embossed AMG emblem on the leather-lined selector lever.

The AMG DRIVE UNIT - which like numerous other interior features is available in genuine carbon-fiber - is the central control unit in the center console: it allows the driver to choose a personal vehicle setup, including adjustment of the optional Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension. The AMG Performance steering wheel with its high-grade premium leather lining and flattened bottom rim section provides perfect vehicle control. The shift paddles and lower steering wheel bezel are made of solid metal.

Sabtu, 01 Oktober 2011

2012 - Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

The successful Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is now more attractive than ever: the modified design of the top-of-the-range C-Class model is complemented by numerous enhancements to its technology which deliver even more driving enjoyment while reducing fuel consumption significantly. The introduction of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with the "Controlled Efficiency" mode as standard along with a new power steering pump helps to reduce the combined NEDC fuel consumption by about ten percent to 12.0 l/100 km (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km). The output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is unchanged at 336 kW (457 hp) and can be increased to a maximum of 358 kW (487 hp) with the optional AMG Performance package. Agility, grip and ride comfort have been enhanced as a result of numerous measures to optimise the AMG sports suspension. New assistance systems and a new generation of telematics with internet access increase both safety and comfort.

The latest generation of the C63 AMG is now more dynamic and athletic than ever. Thanks to its new radiator grille with a large Mercedes star and a wing-type transverse louvre, as well as a new AMG front apron with a lower cross member painted in high-gloss black, special AMG daytime running lights and side air outlets, the front section recalls the look of the SL63 AMG high-performance roadster. The new bonnet with its modified powerdomes is now made of aluminium. New clear-lens headlamps emphasise the car's distinctive, self-confident presence, especially when the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) is also specified. The wide front wings with the "6.3 AMG" legend and the new 5 twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels which are painted in titanium grey and have a high-sheen finish dominate the side view. Good contact with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 and 255/35 R 18 tyres at front and rear respectively.

The rear view of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG also evokes the SL63 AMG: the new AMG rear apron has a distinctive, black diffuser insert with three pronounced diffuser fins. The two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system are as pleasing to the ear as they are to the eye.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission from the SL63 AMG

Under the skin, too, the top C-Class model boasts a wealth of new technology including the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission - another advanced feature adopted from the SL63 AMG. Rather than using a torque converter, this innovative transmission has a wet start-off clutch which allows it to deliver a much more efficient, agile and direct response. Fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced significantly thanks to the "Controlled Efficiency" mode and a new power steering pump: at 12.0 litres per 100 km (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km) the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is 1.4 litres (Estate: 1.3 litres) lower than that of the predecessor model; this represents a reduction in fuel consumption of some ten percent. The CO2 emissions figure is now 280 (Estate: 288) grams per kilometre. Both power variants have identical fuel consumption and emission figures.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission impresses with its exceptional flexibility: with four driving modes as well as double-declutching and RACE START functions it is as compatible with a relaxed, fuel-saving driving style as it is with high-speed laps on a closed racing circuit and extremely dynamic overtaking manoeuvres. The Controlled Efficiency "C" mode is programmed to provide early, comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed to help the driver keep fuel consumption down. The "S", "S+" and "M" modes deliver increased agility through fast, responsive gear changes and higher revs. Gear changes in the "S+" and "M" modes take just 100 milliseconds.

The naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with its large displacement of 6208 cc develops 336 kW (457 hp) at 6800 rpm and attains a peak torque of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm. A look at the performance figures confirms that the new C63 AMG retains its predecessor's position as the top performing model in its segment: acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 4.5 seconds (Estate: 4.6 s) while the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

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