The world premiere of the new SL and two all-new hybrid
models took centre stage on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the
opening of the 2012 North American International Auto Show
in Detroit. The new models from Mercedes-Benz delivered a
strong impetus for the new automotive year and for the
future of the brand as a whole - directly in the wake of
the best sales year in company history. For the first time,
the all-new SL Roadster is made almost entirely from
aluminium and weighs up to 140 kg less than its predecessor
thanks to intelligent lightweight design. The result is
more agility and dynamic character combined with improved
comfort and increased crash safety. The new BlueDIRECT
engines are more powerful, yet up to 29 percent more fuel
efficient than the engines in the outgoing model. More
driving fun with even lower fuel consumption is also on
offer from the two new E-Class hybrid models - the E 300
BlueTEC HYBRID is the world's most fuel-efficient
full-size
car, consuming just 4.2 litres of diesel per 100 km (109 g
CO2/km). The gasoline-powered E 400 HYBRID, which will be
launched first in the USA, delivers fuel economy of 27 mpg
(combined).
"In 2011 we sold more than 1.36 million cars worldwide
- more than ever before. 2012 will see us push forward with
our product offensive and repeat two things that worked
extremely well last year - we will launch another six new
models and we will set the bar even higher by making green
cars cooler and cool cars greener," said Dr. Dieter
Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG
and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the NAIAS press
conference. To back this up, Mercedes-Benz presented the
sixth generation SL. Compared with its highly successful
predecessor, the new model offers a considerable boost in
sporting character and comfort and sets new benchmarks in
the luxury roadster class. Plus, it comes with a full
serving of everyday usability.
Classic proportions and outstanding aerodynamics
The stylish luxury sports car has classic proportions with
a long hood and a compact cockpit set well back. Finely
honed details and air vents with chromed fins from the
dynamic tradition of Mercedes-Benz Design add visual
emphasis to the SL legend.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche: "There are around 900 million cars
on this earth and thousands of models. But there is but a
handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them - it has
class, it has style, it is the embodiment of comfort and
luxury. But it combines all of that with an unbelievably
sporty and dynamic character."
Moreover, the new SL boasts outstanding aerodynamics.
Alongside the lowest drag coefficient (cd = 0.27 in the SL
350), it also offers the lowest level of wind noise -
almost on par with a closed saloon - as well as the very
best airflow and noise characteristics with the top down.
"The new SL offers everything that defines an
absolutely top-class premium roadster," said Dr.
Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz
Cars, Sales and Marketing. "It is two things rolled
into one - a dynamic sports roadster and a luxurious coupé.
Or, as we say, it is both athlete and connoisseur."
Mercedes-Benz hybrid offensive with the E-Class
With its two new E-Class hybrid models, Mercedes-Benz is
turning a new chapter in the brand's core segment and
thereby setting new benchmarks for full-size business
saloons. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which is available as
both a saloon and estate, sets new records with its
efficiency. The world's most fuel-efficient full-size
model boasts exceptional fuel consumption figures (4.2
l/100 km) and outstanding performance. The four-cylinder
diesel in the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID delivers 150 kW (204 hp)
and generates 500 Nm of torque. The electric motor develops
20 kW and 250 Nm.
The V6 spark-ignition engine in the E 400 HYBRID delivers
225 kW (306 hp) and generates 370 Nm of torque, plus a
further 20 kW and 250 Nm from the electric motor. The fuel
economy in accordance with American CAFE standards stands
at 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined.
"This modular hybrid technology opens the way for us
to add hybrid models to other model ranges in the near
future," said Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the
Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group
Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development."With a
clear focus on the varying needs of the global markets, we
can offer precisely those models that our customers are
demanding. Alongside a considerable reduction in fuel
consumption, the E