Mercedes-Benz will take the luxury car to a new level with the sixth-generation S-class, revealed here ahead of its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Ditching the familiar appearance of today’s six-year-old model, the new S-class, codenamed W221, adopts a leaner, more edgy look. While the shape of the front end is refreshingly sleek, the rear has more than a passing resemblance to the Maybach über-limo.

At the forefront of the S-class’s technological offensive is a series of new safety features that form part of Mercedes’ upgraded Pre-Safe system. They include an early warning set-up that uses an upgraded Distronic cruise control system to identify objects in front of the car. When it detects a car pulling in front suddenly at motorway speeds, it automatically triggers the Pre-Safe system, tightening the seat belts, moving the seats to a pre-determined position and closing the windows. The same process is triggered when the ESP (electronic stability program) determines a total loss of traction for a prolonged period.

The new S-class will also be equipped with a lane-departure system which will monitor road markings and warn about unintended lane changes. Also set for introduction is an optional night vision system, which projects enhanced images of the road ahead onto a dashboard monitor. Merc’s system is based around a newly developed infra-red sensor that is claimed to identify objects quicker and deliver much sharper images than existing thermal systems.

Inside, Mercedes plans to improve the S-class’s already impressive safety credentials with a knee airbag, together with improved front, side and curtain ’bags.

The S-class will also get a boost in performance. In come Mercedes’ new four-valve-per-cylinder V6 and V8 engines, replacing the existing three-valve-per-cylinder units. From the outset there will be a 3.5-litre V6 as well as 4.6-litre and 5.5-litre V8s. Later on there are plans to extend the range of engines with a twin-turbocharged version of the new 5.5-litre V8 and, as with today’s model, a similarly configured V12.

Topping the line-up will be a tweaked version of today’s 6.5-litre V12 from AMG. It is rumoured to produce up to 630bhp and a massive 810lb ft of torque. Of greater importance to UK buyers will be two new common-rail diesel engines. They include a 3.0-litre V6 in place of today’s 3.2-litre in-line six and a new 4.0-litre V8 that replaces today’s similarly sized engine (which is not available in the UK).

All models will get Mercedes’ 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox, with the lever mounted on the steering column and operated by a new shift-by-wire arrangement. This set-up was first aired on the R-class concept, which uses the space freed up between the driver and front-seat passenger for additional oddment stowage areas.

Rear-wheel drive will be supplemented by an optional 4Matic four-wheel-drive system. Problems with the hydraulic-electric SBC braking system (see panel, right) forced Merc to revert to traditional hydraulic stoppers. However, they will be upgraded to include ‘wet braking’ (where the calipers are lightly applied in wet conditions to clear water from the discs) and a development of the traffic-jam friendly ‘stop-and-start’ braking system, used on the E-class.

Also included is a further development of ESP and new-generation anti-lock brakes, the latter reworked so that the pulsating effect felt through the pedal when it kicks in is reduced.

More aluminium ensures weight won’t be much up on the 1735kg of today’s entry-level S350 petrol. And, in keeping with tradition, there will be standard and long-wheelbase versions. UK sales begin at the end of 2005.

AUTOWEEK
Posted Date: 1/26/05

Staring at another 11 months or so of selling the current, outgoing S-Class, Mercedes-Benz will draw on some of our favorite selling tools—major horsepower and maximum performance in the S65 AMG—to keep S-Class sales perking until the next-generation 2006 model arrives next January.

The S65 makes its North American debut at the Chicago auto show in February, and goes on sale in March starting at $170,000. The S65 is powered by a hand-assembled 6.0-liter, 604-hp, 738-lb-ft twin-turbo V12 good for 0-to-60-mph times of 4.2 seconds.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY MERCEDES-BENZ


MERCEDES-BENZ LAUNCHES WORLD’S QUICKEST FOUR-DOOR CAR
New S65 AMG Sedan Features Six-Liter Twin-Turbo V12 Engine

CHICAGO – Mercedes-Benz is debuting the world’s quickest four-door sedan during news media activities preceding the opening of the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, open to the public February 11-20 at McCormick Place. The new S65 AMG melds the whisper-smooth luxury of the top Mercedes-Benz four-door sedan with the astonishing power of AMG’s six-liter twin-turbo V12 engine. The AMG engine produces 604 horsepower and an unbelievable 738 lb-ft of torque, for a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds.

AMG is the renowned high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz that combines its ingenuity and quality with the global resources of Mercedes-Benz to take engine, braking and handling performance technology to the highest level.

The new S65 AMG joins the S-Class sedan line, which includes three V8 models – the S430, S500 and S55 AMG – as well as one other V12-powered car, the S600. The S65 AMG sedan is equipped with ABC active suspension that uses special AMG spring struts with firmer damping. Reworked ESP stability control and ASR traction control systems complement the enhanced chassis setup. As on all Mercedes-Benz models, a standard ABS anti-lock brake system helps maintain directional stability in emergencies, while Brake Assist can reduce braking distances in “panic” stops.

To handle the high speed potential of the AMG twin-turbo engine, the front brakes of the AMG V12 model are equipped with high-performance eight-piston calipers and compound brake rotors. Staggered-size AMG twin-spoke wheels – 8.5 x 19 up front and 9.5 x 19 at the rear – carry high-performance tires – 245/40 ZR 19 in front and 275/35 ZR 19 at the rear.

AMG V12 Engine Rewrites Sedan Performance

While the S65 AMG can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, its super-smooth V12 power plant is also ideally suited for relaxed cruising as well. The twelve-cylinder engine of the S65 AMG is hand-assembled at the AMG engine facility using the “one-man, one-engine” approach – to guarantee the highest standards of quality and workmanship, each engine is assembled start-to-finish by one AMG engine specialist. This philosophy is symbolized by an unusual plate mounted on the engine that bears the signature of the craftsman who assembled the engine.

The S65 AMG’s twin-turbo engine features a number of high-tech modifications over the standard V12 powerplant: a precision-balanced crankshaft with a longer stroke, larger-bore forged pistons and an upgraded system for oil-spray cooling and bearing lubrication are but a few of its technological highlights. The newly designed engine cover is made from deep-drawn aluminum and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic.

Stopping Power To Match Go Power

For the design of the AMG high-performance braking system, engineers drew on their extensive racing experience acquired through more than three decades of motorsports competition. The internally ventilated and perforated front discs measure 15.4 inches in diameter and are fitted with eight-piston fixed calipers. The

S65 AMG front brakes use two-piece rotors and hubs made from cast iron and aluminum. Compared with conventional brake systems, this compound technology allows for expansion of the brake discs and offers a weight saving of some 20 percent, while the brakes’ increased capacity to handle thermal stress measurably increases durability. The rear brakes use 13.7-inch internally ventilated and perforated discs with four-piston fixed calipers.

Design Distinguishes AMG

Especially in light of the design awards bestowed on the current S-Class since its launch in 2000, the primary task facing AMG designers was to make subtle enhancements to the S65 AMG body while remaining true to the car’s fundamental design. First, an AMG front apron with a large cooling air intake and the integral front clear-lens fog lamps gives the vehicle a distinctive appearance.


The dynamic side view of the S65 AMG is emphasized by AMG side skirts, which follow the line of the front apron, and by a chromed “V12 Biturbo” badge on each front fender. The powerful lines of the AMG rear apron is finished off by two sets of AMG chrome twin tailpipes, and attractive 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with twin-spoke design complement the overall appearance.

ABC Active Suspension

Mercedes-Benz was the first automaker to develop active-suspension technology for production cars. Today, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, CL-Class, and SL-Class model lines offer one of the world’s most advanced active suspension systems, and the new S65 AMG comes with firmer AMG spring struts.

Reconciling the conflicting goals of dynamic handling and ride comfort, ABC active suspension uses high-pressure hydraulics, sophisticated sensors, and powerful microprocessors to adjust suspension response to current driving conditions with split-second accuracy. ABC active suspension virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration, and dive during braking.

While active suspension technology has the potential to actually bank a car into every turn (like a motorcycle or airplane), Mercedes-Benz engineers use its interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent, ensuring that the suspension still provides the driver with feedback through the vehicle chassis, and a switch on the console allows the driver to further reduce body roll by 95 percent.

Safety Innovation

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class makes use of up-front crash sensors to help determine impact severity and deployment speed of the two-stage front air bags with higher precision than ever. A sensor in the front passenger seat classifies occupant weight and also helps to vary front air bag deployment accordingly.

Although frontal collisions are by far the most common type of accident, side impacts are more likely to cause serious injury. All S-Class sedans come with head-protection curtain side air bags that span both sides of the car, as well as a side impact air bag mounted in each door. The curtain air bags deploy like an air mattress to protect the head and shoulders in a side collision, and work in conjunction with the door-mounted side air bags, which provide protection for the chest and hip area.


Innovation in Luxury, Too

The overall design theme of the S-Class interior conveys warmth and comfort, from its standard full leather upholstery to the sweeping lines of the instrument panel. Wood trim is standard, with burl walnut accompanying dark interiors and chestnut with lighter interior colors. The S-Class comes with standard pneumatic door- and trunk-closing assists, while an electronic trunk closer is optional.

Active ventilated seats circulate air through the seat cushion to reduce perspiration in hot weather. The climate seat also features an active lumbar mode in which air chambers built into the seatback can be programmed to breathe, inflating and deflating fully about twice each minute. This slight movement has proven to be an effective orthopedic way to relax the spine and back muscles.

About AMG

AMG has been a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler since 1999 and is located near Stuttgart in Affalterbach, Germany. AMG employs 650 specialists in development, production and administrative areas.

AMG develops each of its models, from the engine and driveline to suspension, brakes, chassis and aerodynamics. Each engine is produced and tested at AMG's headquarters in Affalterbach, and AMG models are assembled at the main Mercedes-Benz vehicle manufacturing plants. Spanning almost all Mercedes-Benz model lines, more than 10,000 AMG models were sold in the United States in 2004. With over 40 percent of AMG sales, the U.S. is the top market for AMG worldwide.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2004, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 221,610 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving eleven consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at

www.mbusa.com

and www.maybachusa.com.