Mercedes-Benz E500 2008 News

Benz execs are not talking about the Brabus version of the Coupe because it's not officially sanctioned. But the company has partnered with Brabus in the past to produce other high-performance models including one of the tiny Smart. It makes us wonder whether there may in future be room for two performance lines in the Benz lineup — a move that would surely add much-needed sales? Drivetrain A 6.1-litre Brabus V8 replaces the standard 5.5-litre unit in the top of the line E500 that will be fitted with an AMG kit as standard when it arrives in our showrooms in July. The bigger V8 puts out 340kW of power and boasts an impressive top speed of 315km/h. The 6.1-litre engine is a bored and stroked version of the E500's 5.5-litre V8, with a maximum 340kW of power and 615Nm of torque — the latter available from 3100 revs. It'll do the dash from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The increase in engine displacement has been achieved through the installation of a billet crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons. The four-valve cylinder heads have also been machined and fitted with custom camshafts. Contributing to the higher power output, the engine management system has been reprogrammed and a sports exhaust system fitted with high-performance metal catalysts. Appearance The Brabus model has also been fitted with an aero kit developed after extensive wind tunnel testing. Further highlights include custom wheels up to 20 inches in diameter, sporty yet comfortable suspension solutions and exclusive interior options. Exterior enhancements include a Brabus front spoiler with LED daytime runners that not only gives the car a more striking appearance, but also reduce lift at high speed. New aluminium front sport quarter panels with integrated clear-coated carbon-fibre inserts have also been added. Together with new rocker panels that incorporate LED entrance lights into their undersides, it give the coupe a lower and sleeker stance. You can also option rockers with an integrated illuminated BRABUS logo. Down the back the Brabus rear apron features a centrally mounted reflector and custom-tailored cutouts either side for the quad tailpipes. One-piece or multi-piece monoblock light-alloy wheels round out the look, ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches. The larger 20-inchers are fitted with Pirelli or Yokohama rubber, shod with 235/30 ZR 20 in front and 265/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle. The list of interior options includes stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and an entirely new interior crafted from especially soft yet durable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara. Platform A variety of suspension solutions are offered, tailored to the various engines available in the new E-Class. The kits range from simple lowering springs to complete height-adjustable coil-over sport suspension. Brabus even offers a high-performance brake package, with six-piston aluminium fixed calipers and 360mm vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops with four-piston aluminium fixed calipers.

Mercedes-Benz swamped the Frankfurt Motor Show with a range of eco-friendly cars, including seven hybrid cars, eight ultra-clean diesel Bluetec models and several new engines that meet Euro 5 emissions targets due in 2009.However, show goers were stunned by the striking F700 concept sedan, which uses an innovative DiesOtto and hybrid drive system that uses just 5.3 litres per 100km and delivers 127g/km CO2 emissions.The DiesOtto engine, housed in a sleek luxury body called the F700 research vehicle, is claimed to provide the best elements of both diesel and petrol engines. The engine is mated to a new hybrid starter/generator and seven-speed automatic transmission. It is a four-cylinder, 1.8-litre two-stage charging petrol engine that Mercedes says combines the frugal virtues of a diesel with the low emissions of a petrol engine.It can deliver 175kW with the electric motor producing an extra 15kW while torque is 400Nm.Mercedes executives say the car will accelerate to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 200km/h. Apart from the engine and powertrain, the F700 has a sophisticated suspension that uses two laser scanners to view the road ahead and adjust the suspension.The luxury Mercedes also uses a new “human machine interface” with a virtual operating assistant called the avatar which can assist the driver with specific functions, such as adjusting the airconditioning or dialling a phone number.Visually, the F700 is based on the S-Class sedan but has an extra 285mm built into the wheelbase. The rear doors are rear hinged to allow for easy access to the roomy cabin.The big Merc is one of the varied ways carmakers at the show are attempting to create greener machines. Car industry green expert Ted Grozier says the show illustrates how the industry is faring in its efforts to reduce its reliance on gas-guzzling larger vehicles.“The conventional wisdom is that the US will go hybrid and in Europe the diesel is being challenged,” says Grozier, of Green Order, a New York-based advisory group that counts General Motors, among others, as clients for its advice on how to make cars cleaner. “This may be a pivotal year for the industry in the battle for greener cars and the gloves have come off.”Indeed, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler are among those showing cars with low-emission diesel engines and hybrids, featuring electricity to augment traditional fuel motors, as well as hydrogen fuel cell concepts that BMW is researching. It is all part of the effort to make high-mileage, cleaner cars that also meet drivers' expectations for performance.Nissan showed its Mixim concept car, an electric car powered by lithium ion batteries, with the driver's seat in the middle and steering controls inspired by video-game controllers.Unsurprisingly, it is geared toward younger drivers who spend a lot of time behind a computer keyboard. Ford showed off the current models under its ECOnetic label that produces a lower level of emissions.France's PSA Peugeot-Citroen has its 308 BioFlex compact at the show. The car uses biofuels, or fuel obtained from crops. GM goes a step further with a car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The show is also a chance for carmakers to explore new concepts and designs that may or may not take shape on the assembly line. Ford is eager to pique consumer interest in its new subcompact concept car, the Verve.If successful, it could be the basis of a new small car for global sales. It would come to Australia as the next generation Fiesta.Designed in Europe, the Verve concept has a rounded design and is demonstrably smaller than most cars on US roads.The president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry Matthias Wissmann says 1081 companies are at the Frankfurt Motor Show.In total, 88 new models are debuting at the biennial event which runs until September 23.