Mercedes-Benz at the 76th Geneva International Motor Show in 2006: High-performance and exemplary efficiency
Mercedes-Benz premiered numerous models and presented a wealth of new technology at the 76th International Motor Show in Geneva. Mercedes-AMG unveiled two world firsts in the shape of the CLS 63 AMG and the CLK 63 AMG, the latter in both Coupé and Cabriolet guise. Like the R 63 AMG high-performance Sports Tourer – also on show in Geneva – the CLS and CLK models are equipped with the new AMG-developed V8 engine with a peak output of 378 kW/514 hp. In addition, the high-performance specialists paraded the SL 65 AMG, the flagship model of the new SL generation, whose peak output of 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque of 1000 Nm make it still the most powerful production Roadster in the world. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, focussed on extremely clean and economical internal combustion engines: the Stuttgart-based brand presented the Vision CLS 320 BLUETEC and the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC. These two vehicles pave the way for a new diesel generation – the cleanest diesels in the world. Exceptionally high efficiency is also one of the main traits of the CLS 350 CGI. The state-of-the-art V6 engine with second-generation direct petrol injection will be launched later this year. European premieres in Geneva included the GL-Class, the first full-size SUV from Mercedes-Benz. And the Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI marked the first appearance of the 225 kW/306-hp V8 diesel engine which, despite its high output, returns a fuel consumption figure of just 11.6 litres per 100 km.
"AMG builds automotive powerplants that many people dream about. Others see the bicycle as the best solution for individual mobility. We, on the other hand, believe that the key is having the right product mix", explained Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the Mercedes Car Group. Zetsche's appearances at the Mercedes-Benz press conference in Geneva were symbolic in this respect: for his opening act, he drove an AMG racing car – a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 from 1971 – onto the stage. For his second presentation he rode into the spotlight on the high-comfort Automatic Bike from the Mercedes-Benz Accessories range. "Our product line-up includes just the right vehicle for everyone", added Zetsche. "However, most of our customers want cars. Specifically cars that combine driving pleasure with environmental compatibility. Nowadays in western Europe, more than 40 percent of all Mercedes models sold already consume just 6 litres of fuel or less per 100 km."
AMG: peak performance is its hallmark
The wide range of models available from the high-performance brand based in Affalterbach near Stuttgart was presented by Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH since September 2005: "This year we are introducing a wealth of exciting new products that offer a unique blend of design, technology and performance. Today AMG has the expertise to develop and construct complete vehicles."
Mornhinweg also pointed out that the engines would remain a major focus. Examples of this include the new 6.3-litre V8 powerplant, the first to be entirely developed in-house at AMG. The unique combination of a high-rpm concept with a large displacement makes this unit the world's most powerful eight-cylinder naturally aspirated production engine in terms of output and torque. The engine also spans a wide power output range from 354 kW/481 hp in the CLK 63 AMG Coupé and Cabriolet and 375 kW/510 hp in the R 63 AMG and ML 63 AMG to 378 kW/514 hp in the new CLS 63 AMG which is being launched this summer. "But even these heady heights are not the pinnacle of what can be achieved in series production", says Mornhinweg.
Mercedes-Benz: powerful, economical and clean drive technologies
At the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz once again demonstrated its ability to produce leading-edge technology in all relevant vehicle areas, especially in terms of efficiency and environmental compatibility. BLUETEC, the highly efficient technology developed by Mercedes-Benz to minimise nitrogen oxide emissions, represents a new generation of sophisticated diesel drive systems. State-of-the-art passenger car diesel engines made by Mercedes-Benz are economical, powerful and, even now, extremely clean – not least thanks to the standard-fit particulate filter.
With its latest BLUETEC innovation, Mercedes-Benz has produced the world's cleanest diesel engine. Dieter Zetsche: "Our first production model, the E 320 BLUETEC, will be launched in the US from Model Year 2007. Plus we are currently adapting this technology, both to meet European market requirements and for use in further Mercedes-Benz models. Our objective is to make BLUETEC available for a passenger car in Europe by 2008 at the latest." The wide range of possibilities opened up by this new technology were demonstrated in Geneva by the elegant four-door “Vision CLS 320 BLUETEC” Coupé and the “Vision GL 320 BLUETEC” full-size SUV. Mercedes-Benz showcased another highly efficient drive technology in the form of its second-generation direct-injection petrol engine. The V6 petrol powerplant at the heart of the new CLS 350 CGI is based on the jet-guided combustion principle. Zetsche: "In terms of economy, this Mercedes-Benz-developed technology currently offers the greatest potential of all petrol engines by reducing fuel consumption by ten to twelve percent."
The new GL-Class: first class on and off the road
The new GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz' first venture into the luxurious full-size SUV segment, celebrated its European premiere in Geneva. Scheduled for US launch in May and due to arrive on the European market in September, the seven-seater GL-Class offers a generous amount of space and ride comfort on a par with a saloon car. 4MATIC – the permanent all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz – enables the GL-Class to deliver superlative handling dynamics under all conditions. A further milestone is achieved courtesy of the comprehensive PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system, a first in this market segment.
The sophisticated engine line-up – four powerplants will be available in Europe at market launch – ensures that all GL-Class models offer a high level of ride comfort and outstanding performance in combination with extremely low fuel consumption figures for this vehicle category. The 165-kW/224-hp V6 unit in the GL 320 CDI is joined by a second diesel engine in the shape of the new V8 in the GL 420 CDI, which boasts an output of 225 kW/306 hp and develops a peak torque of 700 Nm. Both CDI powerplants comply with the EU4 emission standard and incorporate a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. There is also a choice of two state-of-the-art V8 petrol engines for the GL-Class, including the 5.5-litre unit first seen in the new S-Class. In the GL 500 too, it delivers an output of 285 kW/388 hp. The 250-kW/340-hp 4.6-litre powerplant in the GL 450 belongs to the same sophisticated V8 engine family.
