Mercedes-Benz is presenting no less than eighteen models at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show including two phenomenal show-stoppers. The ML 63 AMG will have its first public showing and another AMG coupé, the SL65 AMG ‘Black Series’ will be unveiled, a first for South Africa in its ‘World Show Premiere’.
For more than 40 years Mercedes-AMG has successfully introduced vehicles that focus on the three concepts of “Performance”, “Exclusivity” and “Individuality”.
This is the essence of a philosophy to which AMG is committed and their passion for thoroughbred cars has always been closely linked to their passion for motor racing.
The experience gained from motor racing is transferred to series production. AMG cars always contain cutting-edge technology and their latest offering will be revealed at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.
Sensational appearance, unique performance data, with light-weight design throughout and total exclusivity – that’s the new Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series. This high-performance coupé is a motorsport engineering thoroughbred, opening up new drive dynamic vistas to sports car enthusiasts.
The AMG 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine, with a maximum output of 493 kW/670 hp and 1000 Newtonmetres of torque, guarantees super sports car level performance. The powerful two-seater was developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO and represents the continuation of the highly successful Black Series strategy pursued by AMG, the Mercedes-Benz Cars Performance brand.
The ML63 AMG is an exclusive SUV that is sure to thrill show-goers with its new eye-catching AMG front apron and high-gloss chromed underguard, which continues through to the rear design. The chrome surrounds and the flared wheel arches in the body colour makes the flagship M Class even more powerful and aesthetically appealing.
With a maximum output of 375 kW/510 hp at 6800 rpm the ML 63 AMG remains the most powerful off-roader on the market two-and-a-half years after its launch. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine develops maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5200 rpm from a displacement of 6208 cc. In essence, this superior engine delivers top-notch performance. The ML 63 AMG accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power transfer is via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes.
Celebrating ten years of the smart brand, the smart fortwo sets standards in its class in terms of comfort, agility, safety and environmental friendliness.
Two models, the smart fortwo cabrio passion and the smart fortwo coupé pulse models will have show-goers in awe of its innovative technical supremacy, its one-box design, its compact dimensions, the two-colour and two-material concept with the striking tridion safety cell and the innovative and extremely practical versatile bodypanels.
The A-Class and B-Class models recently saw a successful facelift with the optional ‘Active Parking Assistant’ taking centre stage. Outstanding safety and everyday versatility has always been the strength of the A-Class. The B-Class boasts the dynamic design of a sporty saloon, the exterior dimensions of a compact car, the spaciousness of an estate and the versatility of a mini MPV. Both these models carry the trademark safety of a Mercedes-Benz and are brimming with standard and functional optional features including the fixed panoramic sunroof. These exciting innovative features set these models apart in this competitive segment.
The C-Class range demonstrates what makes this model line so attractive. A year after local launch saw an important milestone – 20 000 units – no mean feat. The complete C-Class sedan range is built in East London, including the C320 CDI six-cylinder model on display.
The C350 Estate is available in the ELEGANCE or AVANTGARDE lines as standard. The adaptability of this model, along with the new model’s distinctive design, is the vehicle’s even more dynamic chassis, which features a selective damping system that also offers great comfort. Other major selling points include a further refined telematics system with Bluetooth, and a new optional Linguatronic voice-command system. In addition, the estate takes the strengths of the sedan — including safety, agility, and comfort — and combines them with a significant increase in spaciousness and versatility. With maximum cargo capacity of 1,500 liters, the new station wagon offers more space than any other premium estate in its segment.
Mercedes-Benz will be evolving the C-Class sedan line-up in the first quarter of 2009 by adding particularly fuel-efficient BlueEFFICIENCY models: starting with the C180 KOMPRESSOR, fuel consumption is 12 percent lower in the BlueEFFICIENCY version, with no sacrifices in terms of the high level of performance, comfort and outstanding safety features so typical of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The C 180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY version (115 kW) requires 6.5 liters of fuel to travel 100 kilometers. This consumption figure corresponds to emissions of 156 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
Engineers have harnessed potentials from all fields of development to reduce weight, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance even further, and have utilised the onboard energy management systems even more efficiently.
Shirle, we need to state that the engine displacement has changed from a 1.8L to a 1.6L
An attractive entry-level variant to the Mercedes-Benz coupe family, the CLC’s sporty appearance clearly sets it apart, as the vehicle’s front and rear were completely redesigned in keeping with the ultramodern Mercedes-Benz design idiom. The CLC also meets the high standards for safety, comfort, environmental compatibility, and functionality that are a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz. The model’s technical highlights include an all-new direct steering system for even greater agility when cornering, state-of-the-art infotainment systems with a colour display, and a powerful six-cylinder engine that delivers 200 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque for the CLC 350. This model comes standard with the attractive sport package.
The culmination of more than 50 years of coupé tradition saw the introduction of the new CL-Class. The new two-door model combines peerless exclusivity and charismatic design with innovative technology. The luxury coupé enters new dimensions in vehicle safety with PRE-SAFE® Brake, a unique system which automatically brakes the coupé when a collision threatens. Standard equipment also includes Mercedes innovations such as an active ABC suspension (Active Body Control), the Intelligent Light System with five lighting functions and the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. There is a choice of two powerful engines with eight or twelve cylinders. These generate significantly more output and torque, while exhibiting an exemplary smoothness which lives up to the Mercedes heritage of superb motoring refinement.
The SLK sports roadster has long captured the hearts of motoring enthusiasts and has been the market leader since launch of the first generation in 1996. The high-revving upgraded V6 sports engine in the SLK 350 developing 224 kW and direct-steer system truly bring the bold, dynamic character of the two-seater to the fore. Innovative safety and comfort features pus this roadster in a class of its own. A newly developed direct-steer system with variable power assistance that elicits the very best from the suspension’s sporty capabilities is standard on all models of the SLK. It combines agility and manoeuvrability on twisting country roads with light steering forces when parking and sure steering characteristics at high speeds.
The SLK roadster also comes with the standard unique AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which allows open-top driving pleasure all year round.
Fascination can be described as attraction, appeal, allure and many more descriptive words. The CLS has certainly been a fascinating model and has captured the hearts and minds of many car lovers. The CLS combines the elegant design and dynamics of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a sedan in a completely unmatched way. The CLS is a model that is unique and underscores Mercedes-Benz’ role as a trendsetter in the development of new vehicle concept and design.
An old favourite and as sexy as ever is the CLK coupé. The 5.5-litre V8 engine boasts a peak torque of 530 Nm, allowing the CLK-Class to deliver a virtuoso performance: the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds, while the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). This model sees an all new-generation in 2009, but customers can update their existing models with a host of attractive accessories.
The S65 AMG – this compelling top-of-the-line model delivers 450 kW of power and a peak torque of 1 000 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 – 200 km/h in just 13.3 seconds. The standard specification of the new S 65 AMG includes a new AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the unmistakable AMG bodystyling, multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, DIRECT SELECT gearshift with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles as well as the new AMG main menu with RACETIMER.
With its poised, assured presence, the GL’s aspirations to conquer its market segment are clearly visible. The distinctive design idiom exudes power and exclusivity. Calm body surfaces, powerful, wedge-shaped features and striking details give the impression of forward motion even when stationary. The spacious body (length 5 088 mm, width 1 920 mm, height 1 840 mm) is beautifully proportioned.
The welcoming interior with top-quality materials provides passengers with that feel-good atmosphere and more than ample space for seven people. The GL offers superb comfort – whether you’re popping into town, cruising hundreds of kilometers or negotiating rough terrain.
The new Mercedes-Benz R-Class reaffirms the role of Mercedes-Benz as the visionary and trendsetter amongst automotive brands. This exceptional vehicle concept takes the acknowledged strengths of established vehicle categories, such as sporty saloon, estate, MPV and SUV, and fuses them to create a new car with a character all of its own, a car that is all about the three Ds: Design, Dimensions and Dynamism.
The Mercedes-Benz Viano X-CLUSIVE – the airy, spacious feel of an MPV coupled with the exclusive appointments of a luxury saloon and the technical and visual attributes of a sports car. The new Viano X-CLUSIVE conjures up this exceptional combination. The Viano special model appeals to all the senses without compromising the Viano’s basic values of spaciousness and supreme variability. The unmistakable look of the Viano X-CLUSIVE is an expression of dynamism and sporty flair.
The Viano X-CLUSIVE is powered by the Mercedes-Benz 3,0 V6 engine, delivering150 kW of power and producing 440 Nm of torque. The combination of the aerodynamically designed side skirts and the impressive 18 inch alloy wheels clearly defines the dynamic character of the vehicle.
As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has a special responsibility to find solutions which help to slow down global warming and ensure extremely efficient use of raw materials. We call these TrueBlueSolutions. In the field of diesel catalytic converters, Mercedes-Benz launched a revolutionary technology in the form of BlueTEC. The E300 BlueTEC demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’ research and development success in the form of the cleanest diesel car.
The Mercedes-Benz brand position has been and will continue to be, to harmonise private transport with man and his natural environment. Show-goers will be exposed to the comprehensive and holistic approach Mercedes-Benz has taken towards zero-emission mobility.
