Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept, 2009

Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept, 2009

 

 

The near-series Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept electric car combines environment-friendly electric mobility in the city with unrestricted suitability for long-distance driving. This is made possible by the combination of the battery-electric drive with a combustion engine. The range extender gives the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept a total range of up to 600 kilometres, with 100 kilometres thereof solely under electric power and thus free of local emissions.

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept is part of a family of modularly constructed electric cars, which will enable Mercedes-Benz to meet all customer requirements for sustainable mobility in the future. In this variant of the concept vehicle, the electric motor of the purely battery-powered BlueZero E-Cell is combined with an additional three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine. Putting out 50 kW, the compact combustion engine is installed in the area of the rear axle and can charge the battery while the car is being driven. The CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode reduces the vehicle's emissions to only 32 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The range extender enables the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept to drive for up to 600 km, of which up to 100 km can be driven in electric mode with zero local emissions. The long combined range makes the BlueZero E-Cell Plus fully suitable for everyday use and assures that the customer will reach his or her destination even with a depleted battery. After all, the car can be refuelled quickly and easily at any normal filling station.

Battery with superior lithium-ion technology

During rapid charging with a charging capacity of 20 kW, the high-performance, 18 kWh lithium-ion battery of the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept can store enough power within around 30 minutes for a 50 kilometre cruising range. The complete electric range of 100 kilometres requires a charging time of somewhat more than an hour. Charging time with a standard charge cycle at a conventional household outlet with 3,3 kW is approximately 6 hours. Special on-board electronics support the intelligent charging stations and billing systems used by electric fuelling stations. Advantages of lithium-ion batteries compared to other battery technologies include their compact dimensions, high output and energy density, high charge efficiency and long service life.

BlueZero Concept - the triad of electric mobility
Mercedes-Benz is showing the way to environmentally compatible electric mobility with the near-series Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept. The vehicle's intelligent modular concept enables a single vehicle architecture to be used to create three models with different drive system configurations.

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept is equipped with an electric drive and a supplemental combustion engine with an electrical generator (range extender). The car has a total range of up to 600 kilometres, of which up to 100 kilometres can be covered solely on electricity.

Originally presented in Detroit at the beginning of the year, the BlueZero E-Cell is propelled exclusively by a battery-powered electric drive that allows the car to travel up to 200 kilometres on a single battery charge and completely free of local emissions.

The third drive version is the fuel cell powered BlueZero F-Cell, with a range of about 400 km on electric power and therefore also without any local emissions.

All three BlueZero models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical for this class of car. The drive components have been modularly organised by the Mercedes engineers and can be combined as needed. These include state-of-the-art liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with up to 35 kWh capacity, and a compact electric motor with a maximum output of 100 kW (sustained output: 70 kW). The maximum torque of 320 Nm is available from the electric motor's first revolution, and it surpasses the value attained by today's V6 petrol engines at 2,500 rpm. Like its two sister models, the BlueZero E-Cell and the BlueZero F-Cell, the BlueZero E-Cell Plus can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than eleven seconds. To ensure optimum range and energy efficiency, the top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h.

BlueZero Concept: Modular architecture for flexibility and efficiency
The three BlueZero variants were developed on the basis of the unique sandwich-floor architecture known from the A-Class and B-Class. The advantage of the enhanced design is that the key drive components are installed in the vehicle's underbody in such a way that they take up little space, ensure a good centre of gravity, and are maximally protected. The BlueZero models therefore differ considerably from conventionally designed electric cars, which have heavy and voluminous storage batteries installed in the boot, for example, or in the area of the backseat. All three BlueZero variants share key technological components and have identical designs and vehicle dimensions. Even though they have compact exterior dimensions, the 4.22-meter-long BlueZero models have a spacious and versatile interior and cargo space. The vehicles' five full-size seats, approximately 450 kilograms of payload, and more than 500 litres of cargo capacity make them suitable family cars.

Electric powered vehicles are fun to drive

Mercedes-Benz vehicles will continue to combine environmental awareness and driving fun in future. One way in which the Mercedes-Benz designers have emphasised this aspiration is by introducing paint finishes in three new ALU-BEAM colours. Each of the three variants makes its individual mark: Confident ALU-BEAM Copper was chosen for the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept. The BlueZero E-Cell is painted a fresh ALU-BEAM yellow; the BlueZero F-Cell appears in ALU-BEAM green.

Mercedes-Benz feels it won't be just one technology that paves the way to sustainable mobility in the future, however. Instead the company is responding with solutions that are every bit as varied as the demands. The individual technologies are being used in specific applications where they can provide the greatest advantage with respect to optimal consumption and emission values. Mercedes-Benz views the development of electric cars with battery and fuel cell drives for local zero-emission driving as a means of supplementing the extremely clean and economical BlueEFFICIENCY and hybrid vehicles already available today. However, the unrestricted and convenient operation of electric cars still faces a series of challenges, including high system costs, insufficient infrastructure and short cruising ranges. Advanced diesel and petrol engines will remain the driving force for automobiles for a long time to come - not only for individual mobility in passenger cars (especially over long distances), but, more importantly, for freight transport in trucks. Despite all the progress that Mercedes-Benz has once again so emphatically documented with the BlueZero Concept, electric cars will not be replacing vehicles with combustion engines any time soon. The electrification of modern, high-tech engines will, however, play an increasingly important role in the drive system mix of the future.

Technical specifications
    * Electric drive
          o CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
          o Range: up to 100/600 km
          o Battery: Lithium-ion
          o Rated output: 100 kW/136 hp
          o Max. torque: 320 Nm
          o Top speed: 150 km/h
          o Acceleration 0-100 km/h: < 11.0 seconds
    * Range extender
          o Cylinders: 3
          o Displacement: 1.0l turbo
          o Output: 50 kW at 3500 rpm

Ciento Once by GWA

GWA Tuning, a North American firm, has revealed the images of the Ciento Once. The prototype is still under development and is a revival of a famous Mercedes Gullwing prototype from the 70s. GWA has created a modern take of the same vehicle.

The Ciento Once is built upon a tubular space frame chassis, but instead of the original Wankel diesel that powered the concept car it gets aMercedes V12 with with 408 HP mounted in the middle visible through the glass hood. It is backed by a 6-speed Cima H type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust.

Wheelbase is slightly shorter than the original at 103 inches (2616 mm) and weight is similar at 1,400 kg (3086 lbs). Brakes are the same as on the S55 Mercedes-Benz.

The interior of the GWA Tuning Ciento Once offers carbon fiber seats, brushed aluminum pedals and illuminated door sills. the car has the same wheel-tire setup as the Mercedes SLS AMG (19x9 wheels with 265/35/19 tires at the front and 20x11 wheels with 295/30/20 tires at the rear.)






Exterior and Interior

The Ciento Once will come with a body made out of high-grade aluminum and an electrically operated rear adjustable wing. Other elements that will be added to this one-off vehicle include a swooping front hood, front spoiler with large air intake, a rear diffusor, and of course, those gull wing doors.

Comparing it to the 1970 Mercedes-Benz C111 from which it was based on, the Ciento Once will come with a slightly shorter wheelbase at 103 inches while maintaining the same weight – around 1,400 kg – as its inspiration. The one-off car also runs on GWA Type A wheels, 19X9 front and 20X11 rears, with 265/35/19 and 295/30/20 rubber.

As for the interior, GWA Tuning gave the Ciento Once a modern take while also taking into account a vintage retro feel. Modern items include carbon fiber seats covered in plaid, an instrument panel that’s been modeled after a W120R MB, modern dashboard accents, illuminated door sills, and brushed AMG aluminum pedals.

Performance

GWA Tuning certainly made sure to give the Ciento Once an engine worthy of its one-off status. Housed in a tubular space frame chassis, the car’s power plant is derived from a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust. Even better, the car’s powerful engine can be seen through a glass on the rear deck, making for some nice ‘ooohing’ and ‘aaahing’ from passersby.

Pricing

No word yet on how much it’s going to cost, but considering it’s most likely going to be a one-off vehicle, there’s a very big chance that it’s going to come with a steep price tag. How steep? Well, we wouldn’t be surprised if it punches a number north of six digits.

Competition

Scoff if you want, but if you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind Mercedes with gullwing doors to rival your neighbor’s SLS AMG, then GWA Tuning’s Ciento Once is the perfect candidate for that. Just make sure you call ‘dibs’ on the car before everybody else.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz - Luxurious Super Sports cars

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is one of the biggest supercar releases of the past year. But the company isn't content with just making ultra luxurious supercars for the rich and well dressed, they also plan on releasing a fully homologated GT3 race version for the gentleman racer.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The GT3 racing version of the SLS AMG is powered by the same mid-front mounted 6.3 litre V8 engine as the road car. There'll probably be a few modifications for the race unit, but Mercedes haven't yet announced final power outputs or specifications. Or even a final weight figure. That's all for the FIA to decide in the near future as part of the homologation process.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

Power transmission in the SLS AMG GT3 is done through a six-speed sequential racing transmission with steering wheel shift paddles and an integrated multi-disc locking differential. As in the SLS AMG road car, the transmission is located at the rear axle for better weight distribution: the engine and transmission are connected by a torque tube within which a carbon-fibre shaft rotates at the engine speed.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 is instantly recognizable as belonging to the SLS AMG family - as any GT3 racer is. The biggest visual changes are a new front apron, new splitter, redesigned bonnet with additional air intakes and vents, new sideskirts which have air inlets for cooling the rear brakes, rear diffuser and a prominent adjustable rear wing. The C-pillars provide housing for the standardized filler pipes for the fast-refuel system.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The communication of Daimler release says that “the AMG V8 engine with 6.3-liter is identical to that used in the serial sports car. With a low weight, however, sports car accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h for only 3.7 seconds (serial sprint for 3.9 seconds). The maximum speed was announced for 300 mph, but producers say they have more opportunities to raise her brakes are racing by AMG, as disks are ventilated. Front wheels are size 12×18, rear 13×18.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

Powering this race car is a 6.3-Liter V8 engine that produces 600HP and controlling all this power is a six speed racing transmission system with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a racing sports car for customers competing in sprints and long-distance races.

"Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a highly competitive racing car. This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer demand for a car designed for these attractive motor sports car series," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The body of the 2011 SLS AMG GT3 is the most significant difference from the road car starting with the aggressive front fascia and splitter to the massive rear spoiler. The hood of the race model is also very different from the normal SLS AMG with a large center cooling vent that helps to move air to cool the engine and the braking system. Along the side of the car, vents have been added to cool the rear brakes without compromising aerodynamics and all of these improvements to the overall cooling effort of the car makes it ideal for long road races like the 12 Hours of Sebring.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The SLS AMG GT3 is equipped with a six-speed racing transmission with sequential shift. A steering wheel with a diameter of 13 inches facilitates perfect vehicle control. Because it is open at the top, the driver always has a perfect view of the central display, which provides all relevant information such as road speed, engine speed, operating temperatures, lap times and gear selection. The SLS AMG GT3 is also equipped with precisely calculated cooling channels – openings in the front skirt and ahead of the rear wheels direct cool airflow over the brake discs. All four brake discs are ventilated, slotted and drilled.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG race car is expected to delivery scheduled prior to the start of the 2011 racing season. However, interested customers can order this awesome vehicle starting in autumn 2010. The Mercedes-Benz display at the 2010 New York Auto Show, the 2011 SLS AMG will carry a starting price-tag of $183,000 when it goes on sale.

Meet the 388HP V8-Powered and RWD Mercedes-Benz B55 【Video】

The regular Mercedes-Benz B-Class wasn’t exactly created with the motoring enthusiast’s needs in mind, but this one-off B55 special is another story. Trainees of Mercedes-Benzs Rastatt plant in Germany turned a B200 CDI diesel model into a full-blown sports car by planting in a 388 hp 5.5-liter V8 and transferring the drive from the front axle to the rear.

The idea of the project came from plant manager, Peter Wesp, while the execution fell on the shoulders of foremen Andreas Würz and Matt Rieger and a team of twelve second and third-year trainees specializing in production mechanics and automotive mechatronics.

via: carscoop




Press Release

B-Class with a V8 engine crafted by trainees in Rastatt

• Fulminating one-off: B 55 with a V8 engine and 388 hp

• Complete conversion in the training workshop

Spacious, innovative and safe, the compact models of the Mercedes A and B-Class score with their high practicality, and have found favour with more than 2.5 million customers as a result. An extraordinary one-off example has now been built at the Rastatt plant, and shows the B-Class in a completely new light: a B 55 with a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive.

The idea came from the Rastatt plant manager, Peter Wesp. He gave some of his staff the task of creating a very special vehicle on the basis of the B-Class - leaving it to their creativity to decide what and how. Andreas Würz, a foreman in the technical vocational training department, immediately took up the challenge. He took a very close look at this large compact model, enlisted the aid of a tape-measure and came up with an idea that not only surprised and delighted his boss and colleagues, but also the trainees: "Actually it should be possible to fit a V8 into the engine compartment."

Together with his fellow-foreman Matthias Rieger from the electrics/electronics installation section, he assembled a team of twelve second-year and third-year trainees specialising in production mechanics and automotive mechatronics. A book of specifications was drawn up:

• The spatial concept of the B-Class was to remain unchanged.

• On the outside too, there were only to be minor indications of the conversion work.

• The interior was to be upgraded in line with the new vehicle class being aspired to.

• And the result of the conversion was to be in large measure suitable for day-to-day driving.

HR manager Martin Spicale promised financial support, which made the project a feasible proposition in the first place. And a "victim" (Würz) for the conversion was also soon found: a B 200 CDI which had anyway been delegated to the training workshop for learning purposes. While the trainees completely disassembled the car, Würz went in search of a suitable engine and found what he was looking for. And no mistake: the 5.5-litre V8 developing 388 hp and 530 newton metres of torque was transplanted into the B-Class together with a seven-speed automatic transmission and the engine control unit. The latter proved to be quite a headache later on, as it had to be reprogrammed only to process signals from the driven rear axle.

Würz: "The V8 power unit fitted amazingly well, and we were even able to use the original engine mounts." There were serious problems with the steering, but here too, harmony was restored with a number of modifications. The exhaust system was a clever combination of various replacement part items, and took the form of a twin-pipe system emerging at the centre of the rear end. This is where the one-off, christened the B 55 gets its typical, burbling sound - once the ignition key has been turned, all heads in the vicinity are guaranteed to swivel simultaneously in the direction of the B-Class.

Intensive perusal of parts catalogues also solved the second major transplantation problem, namely the drive axle at the rear. It emerged that the rear axle of an older W 210 series E-Class would be a very good geometrical fit. Plant manager Wesp gave the go-ahead to obtain one, and Würz and his colleagues designed a subframe, which extensive forming and welding work allowed to be integrated into the B-Class bodyshell to receive the new rear axle. Elegantly concealed within the sandwich floor, the propshaft of the E-Class also fitted into the B-Class with no further modifications.

For the brakes the team also struck gold in the replacement parts catalogue, this time in the C32 AMG listing. Perforated and internally ventilated disc brakes in size 345 x 34 mm were implanted at the front, with perforated and internally ventilated disc brakes in size 300 x 30 mm at the rear. The system was combined with striking 8.5 x 18 AMG sports wheels in a five-spoke design shod with 235/40 ZR 18 Y tyres at the front and 9 x 18 wheels with 255/35 ZR 18 Y tyres at the rear. The maximum steering angle at the front axle was limited to suit. The team had recourse to a typical item from the tuner's toolbox for the suspension, installing a coil-over suspension by K&W.

Where the interior was concerned, friends from the training workshop in Sindelfingen were able to help, providing Alcantara linings for the A, B and C-pillars as well as a roof liner in the same, luxurious material. The seats in a leather/Alcantara combination were provided by the specialists at Johnson Controls, who are located on-site in Rastatt. The finishing touches were added to the B 55 in the paint shop of the Rastatt plant. In trendy white with dark-painted radiator louvres and smoked headlamp lenses, the B-Class cuts an imposing figure but only gives a discreet indication of the powerpack concealed beneath its bonnet.

The project team headed by foreman Würz are particularly proud that at 1620 kg, the weight of the B 55 is only around 180 kg greater than that of the original car. Which means that impressive performance figures can be expected. Würz: "We have not made any measurements yet, but we should manage a sprint to 100 km/h in under six seconds."

Plant manager Wesp is equally proud of the result: "The team of trainees has done a superb job, and placed a spotlight on the sporty genes of the B-Class that nobody could have imagined." Training manageress Manuela Rascher is likewise very pleased: "The B 55 shows what our training workshop can do.

And at the same time it clearly demonstrates that we not only offer young people high-quality professional training, but also highly unusual and exciting project work." Could it be that further projects of this nature are planned for the future? Rascher: "We may have some surprises in store..."

Kicherer E 50 Mercedes-Benz Spots Car E-Class Coupe

The new ex-works 500 E-Class coupé is in itself not underpowered. With 388 PS and 530 Nm torque it´s the currently most powerful production model coupé that the company can offer its customers. However, those who like it a touch more dynamisc can find what they want with the traditional refiner Kicherer in Stockach. Engineers, technicans and designers have taken on the E-Class derivative and accentuated it in all things sporty, technically and optically.

Kicherer E 50 Mercedes-Benz

Engineers, technicians and designers of the car refiner Kicherer in Stockach have taken on the 500 E-class coupé derivative. This new ex-works E-class is the currently most powerful production model coupé that Mercedes-Benz can offer with 388 PS and 530 Nm torque. Therefore, the Kicherer E 50 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is dedicated for customers who like the coupe with a more dynamic and sportier touch.

To give the E50 Coupé aerodynamics, Kicherer have employed the Kicherer Performance Series Package, a final polish with regards to performance and looks. This package includes a front lip, side skirts, a rear diffuser and special mirror casings. All are made of top quality and ultra-light carbon, including the three-bladed sports grill which is optionally available.

The elegant side view of the coupé is perfected by the sportily filigree Kicherer RS-1 20 inch wheels, behind which you get hints of the braking power of the 6 and 6 piston high performance brake system with composite discs and modified flexible steel tubes.

At the rear, an almost rectangular tail pipe can delight both eye and ear, since it produces an exciting but not obtrusive sound. Inside, Kicherer offered the interior elements and entry strips in epoxy resin laqueur complements the outer appearance of the E50 Coupé.

Finally, by means of software update and a sport exhaust system, the V8 performance of the E50 Coupé was increased by 42 PS and 20 Nm. As a result, the 430 hp engine can freely run to reach the speeds of up to 330 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Bearing the namesake of legendary British racer Stirling Moss, the McLaren SLR Stirling Moss, will be making its big debut as the newest McLaren SLR variant amongst the automotive elite (and few entries from Kia) at the 38th Annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast.

This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

A successful collaboration of engineering which is demonstrated far beyond the relatively ancillary exclusion of a windscreen, the SLR Stirling Moss is truly an equal celebration of McLaren’s both past and present. Thus in keeping with its status as a rare breed, production of the SLR Stirling Moss will be limited to only 75 units and, to further prevent your uncultured, peasant hands from touching it, each unit will be priced at a cool $1.04 million (€750,000).

This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words “Stirling Moss” in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement – just like its forebears – it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector’s item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.