Acura has announced plans to introduce the 2012 TSX Special Edition at the Orange County International Auto Show on September 22nd.
The 2012 Acura TSX Special Edition Package adds a new front spoiler, a new rear bumper fascia, side sills and an ‘Special Edition’ badge on the trunklid. It also adds 17×7.5-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels with dark gray background.
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine remains, producing 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Both manual and automatic transmissions are offered.
Inside, Acura has pumped up the interior with black suede inserts on the seats that's contrasted by red stitching. More of the red color makes its way to the steering wheel and shift knob, as well as the lighting of the gauges, footwell and cabin. That footwell area also see the addition of aluminum pedal covers.
Press Release
Acura Announces Special Edition Model for TSX Sports Sedan
Exterior and Interior Upgrades Make for an Even Sportier TSX
08/29/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
Continuing the celebration of its 25th anniversary, Acura today announced the availability of a new version of the popular TSX sports sedan for the 2012 model year. Designed to evoke the fun-to-drive 4-cylinder Acuras of the past, the TSX Special Edition will add even more sportiness to the TSX lineup thanks to numerous exterior and interior upgrades for Acura's entry-level sedan.
"The Acura TSX has long been known for its high-revving 4-cylinder engines and sporty driving nature," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "With the new Special Edition, the TSX becomes even more youthful and sporty in character, furthering its appeal to performance-minded buyers."
The 2012 TSX Special Edition package consists of numerous upgrades to the exterior including a more aggressive front spoiler, a new rear bumper fascia, unique side sills and an exclusive "Special Edition" badge on the trunklid. Finally, the TSX's 17x7.5-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels will feature a polished finish with dark grey background, unique to the Special Edition model.
Inside, the TSX Special Edition makes use of sport-minded appointments including exclusive seating surfaces with perforated black Lux Suede® inserts with red backing. Unique red stitching, used for the seats, steering wheel and the shift knob, combines with red lighting for the instrument cluster gauges, overhead lighting and footwell lighting. Adding more appeal to the driver's footwell are aluminum pedal covers with a race-inspired look. Rounding out the Special Edition's interior upgrades is the use of bright silver plating for the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters along with black headliner material (standard TSX have grey headliner material).
The TSX Special Edition package makes use of Acura's acclaimed K24 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and will be available with either the close-ratio 6-speed manual or Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmissions. The TSX Special Edition will go on sale in late September and will make its public debut at the Orange County International Auto Show on September 22nd.
Unveiled at the Rock En Seine music festival, Renault and Gibson collaborate to create a one-off special based on the Renault Wind Gordini. Some otakus are familiar because this is the brand of the guitar Yui Hirasawa used on K-ON (take note, the Gibson Les Paul).
Wind ‘Gordini by Gibson’ features a blue livery with two white stripes, yet the colours and materials it employs also explore one or two other ideas.
The Wind Gordini by Gibson’s interior is a little more original. Six real guitar strings are hand-stitched into each leather seat back and the radio knobs are replaced with Gibson guitar knobs. The Gibson logo is proudly featured on the leather-upholstered dashboard and on the seat backs, just above the Gordini logo. There are other minor changes like chrome air vents, chrome door handles and white seat belts.
Press Release
Renault Gordini and Gibson in tune with a special show car and guitar at the Rock En Seine Festival
To mark its second year at the Rock En Seine music festival, near Paris, France, Gordini has teamed up with Gibson to produce a one-off show car and an equally unique 'Gordini by Gibson' electric guitar. Gates open at 2:30pm on August 26, 2011.
- The leather seats of the Renault Wind-based 'Gordini by Gibson' show car incorporate real guitar strings, in addition to a host of other rocking details.
- Gibson's iconic SG model from 1961 has been treated to a stunning makeover featuring the familiar Gordini blue with white stripes.
Gordini and Gibson: a shared passion for innovation
There will be plenty to please the ears and eyes of Parisian festival goers this weekend thanks to a display comprising the one-off Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' show car plus five striking Gibson SG '61 guitars in Gordini colours. The early 1960s saw Gordini and Gibson both revolutionise their respective worlds with the introduction of a sporting version of the Renault 8 for the former and the release of the SG electric guitar in the case of Gibson. The two brands have long been reputed for the accent they place on innovation and their open-minded approach to the future is founded on the same sense of freedom. The fact that Gibson and Gordini have joined forces for this project could but inspire Renault's designers...
"We had tremendous fun designing the Wind-based 'Gordini by Gibson' show car and carrying Gordini's visual identity over to the Gibson SG '61 guitar," says Julia Macfarlane, colours and materials designer at Renault. "I hope that we succeed in conveying the passion that fired us throughout the project and that visitors to the Rock en Seine festival will like the result."
Guitar strings for the Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' show car's leather seats
Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' is a two-part harmony based on the two brands' respective styling cues. Unsurprisingly, Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' features a blue livery with two white stripes, yet the colours and materials it employs also explore one or two other ideas. In addition to the two hallmark white stripes which extend over the bonnet and blue roof, hints of gloss black feature across the bodywork, while Gibson logos are visible on the doors. An original attraction of the show car's blue and white leather upholstery is the incorporation of genuine guitar strings which have been hand-sewn into the leather seats. Meanwhile, embroidered Gibson logos feature on the seat backs and blue leather-trimmed dashboard, while the seat belt straps are white and chrome has been used for the air vents and door handles. Last but not least, the guitar potentiometer knob used for the audio system's volume control adds a 'fun' touch to the intrinsically switched-on and off-beat Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' show car.
Gordini treatment for the SG '61 electric guitar
The guitar selected by Gibson to fly Gordini's colours is a reissue of the original 1961 SG, a radical electric guitar in its day which went on to make its own contribution to the Gibson legend. The striking graphics formed by the Gordini blue and two white stripes lend themselves perfectly to a variety of schemes, as illustrated by the special Gordini SG '61's blue solid body and two white stripes, plus a Gordini logo on the headstock which tops its ebony neck. As they play this magnificent object, those festival goers who take part in the Gordini guitar solo competition will get a chance to sample the model's timeless looks, playability and technical strengths. Contestants also stand a chance to win one these fine guitars as a function of the number of votes they receive on the web for their playing.
The 2012 Camry is still pretty conservative looking (especially compared to the extroverted styling of the Hyundai Sonata, for example), but its new sheetmetal is understatedly handsome. And while the 2012 Camry's exterior dimensions are basically the same as the 2011's, incremental tweaks inside have actually increased overall interior volume by two cubic feet. It's not just roomier, either. Subtle changes like reshaping the pillars help deliver very good outward visibility, too.
The new 2.5-litre four-cylinder ‘Toyota Direct Ignition’ petrol engine that Toyota say is both more powerful and more fuel-efficient, but details of its output won’t be released to the press until nearer to the launch date in November. However, we suspect that the US version, which develops 133kW and 230Nm, will be similar, if not identical to what we can expect for Australian-built versions.
The 2012 Camry's single biggest improvement is its interior. Rather than an exercise in computer-aided ergonomics, the cabin's styling looks as though it was created by a human -- a stylist, even -- able to convince the bean counters to splurge a little. There's an unnecessary, but hugely welcome, band of contrasting thread stitched into the Camry's attractive, horizontally themed upper dash. The center stack pours down over the middle of the dashboard, riding atop the rest of the soft-touch material. It feels several classes richer than the last Camry's cabin, and the elegant styling sacrifices nothing in terms of usability.
Press Release
(Translated from Russian)
Toyota Camry new generation is available for order in the official dealer network!
KIEV, August 23, 2011 - As the official dealer network FDI "Toyota-Ukraine" opened a booking on business-class sedan Toyota Camry new generation.
The new Camry has become more expressive and elegant exterior design, more comfortable and spacious interior, one of the best in class noise insulation and a unique set of multimedia equipment.
The car will be presented in Ukraine with a new 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine and an advanced 3.5-liter six-cylinder gasoline V-twin engine in five versions to choose from. Business-class sedan Toyota Camry is available for order at a price of 33,050 dollars. U.S. *.
Sedan Camry, which was first released in 1982 and has now reached the 7th generation, has won numerous awards and is the flagship sedans produced by the company "Toyota". He is the leader in sales volumes in the segment of business-class sedans: to date has sold over 14 million vehicles of this model worldwide, making it the second most car companies selling model after the Toyota Corolla.
Camry has achieved worldwide recognition in the market for sedans in its class leading levels of quality, comfort, reliability and performance. In Ukraine, the new Camry in addition to improving these key attributes will have a different exterior and interior in comparison with the model, which will be presented to the American market. In her eloquent and elegant exterior design is the perfect accompaniment to the exquisite interior design, enhancing the feeling of luxury and prestige.
The new Camry was designed so that its owners could enjoy the highest level of comfort while in motion, resistance on the road, vibration control body, agile and responsive steering. The new 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an advanced 3.5-liter six-cylinder V-twin engine designed to work with 6-speed automatic transmission that combines enhanced performance and a significant reduction in fuel consumption.
Despite the fact that the wheelbase has not changed, the space for a back row has been optimized, mainly in the legs and over the head of passengers. The driver's seat provides optimal ergonomic, gear change and visibility. A high quality materials and finishes in the cabin provides comfort befitting a sedan in business class.
New comprehensive measures to combat noise, vibration, stiffness and subtle acoustic tuning shop makes the new Camry is very quiet. The new Toyota sedan is equipped with high-end systems to ensure comfort. Increased passenger comfort is provided by second-row heated seats, a separate control panels for sound system and climate system, and adjustable sun blinds: for side windows - with a mechanical drive, and for the rear window - with elektroprivodom.
The new Camry buyers are also offered a unique range of multimedia equipment: touch screen Toyota Touch and new top-grade energy-saving speaker system with 10 speakers JBL.
The climate system has a unique system of air purification «nano-e» (nano-), which not only purifies the air in the cabin, but it moisturizes, providing a refreshing effect.
The new Toyota Camry is equipped with most modern systems of active and passive safety. The car is equipped with nine airbags, including the first in its class side airbags for the rear seats, front seats that provide protection against whiplash in rear impacts, adaptive headlights system (AFS), parking assistant and rearview camera.
Car Toyota Camry new generation will be introduced in showrooms authorized dealers of FDI, "Toyota-Ukraine" in October 2011.
Aston Martin has announced the road-going variant of the V12 Zagato which will be making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month.
Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.
Aston Martin Zagato uses its 5.9-litre V12 engine, which sends 510bhp and 420lb ft to the rear wheels. That’s enough to give the V12 Vantage a 4.4sec 0-60mph time and 190mph top speed, though the Zagato’s handcrafted aluminium and carbonfibre body should give it a kerb weight around 100kg lighter than its donor car’s 1680kg, boosting performance figures.
The car is priced at £330,000 (€376,500 / $544,000), not including local taxes.
Press Release
Aston Martin V12 Zagato set for Motor Show Debut at Frankfurt
25 August 2011: Gaydon - The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be appearing in September at the
64th IAA International Motor Show at Frankfurt. Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.
Hand assembled at the company's global headquarters in Gaydon, England, the V12 Zagato is based on the highly acclaimed V12 Vantage and features a beautiful 'handcrafted‘ aluminium and carbon fibre body. Combining traditional craftsmanship and high technology, the V12 Zagato also boasts Aston Martin's most dynamic bonded aluminium platform and the power of the company's acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.
Following extremely positive initial customer reaction, the V12 Zagato is being offered for sale at £330,000 GBP (excluding local taxes) and will go into strictly limited production of up to 150 cars in summer 2012. 50 years on from the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity which underpinned the original collaboration.
Launched successfully in late May at the famous Villa D'Este Concours on Lake Como, Italy, the V12 Zagato saw off tough competition to be awarded the coveted Design Award for the concept and prototypes class. Just a week later, the V12 Zagato made its racing debut at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the historic Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. Following other appearances in the series, both prototypes of the V12 Zagato were entered into the gruelling 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour on 25/26 June, successfully amassing a combined 230 laps and over 3,700 miles of intense durability testing - both taking the chequered flag to maintain Aston Martin's 100% finish record in the race.
The first of the two V12 Zagatos being shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, finished in its distinctive green livery is the full endurance race car concept specification as campaigned at the Nürburgring. The car, nicknamed ‘Zig' by the factory team features a full aerodynamic package including front splitter, dive planes, large rear diffuser and spoiler designed to make the most of the Nürburgring's multitude of corners and lengthy straights.
The second of the cars, nicknamed ‘Zag', was originally shown at the Villa D'Este before being converted into the same full racing specification as the sister car. Since the 24 hour race, Zag, has been returned to its original show specification which, although showing a racing car interior, has an exterior more representative of the exclusive road car currently offered for order. In addition to this, Aston Martin today releases the first conceptual illustrations of the road car variant that will go into production from mid 2012.
The pair of V12 Zagatos will join the Aston Martin stand at Frankfurt in September alongside the stunning One-77 supercar and the recently launched Virage and Vantage S.
The world premiere of the new B-Class (length/width/height: 4359/1786/1557 millimetres) will take place at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (13 to 25 September 2011). It will be making its way to European dealers in November 2011
The new model is lower than the outgoing B-Class, and should provide drivers with a sportier experience behind the wheel. It's 14'3" long, just over 5 feet high, and 5'10" wide, and Mercedes-Benz claims a drag coefficient of just 0.26, admirably low for a relatively short car.
The new Mercedes-Benz B Class gets a new direct injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coming in two different flavors, one producing 122 horsepower and 147 ft-lbs. of torque or 156 horsepower and 184 ft-lbs. of torque. Two new 1.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine options will also be available with 107 horsepower / 184 ft. lbs. of torque and a version with 134 horsepower / 221 ft. lbs. of torque.
Press Release
Compact sports tourer: the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz - Heralding a new era in the compact class
Stuttgart, Aug 25, 2011
Agile: space and dynamics abound
Efficient: drive system with new engines and dual clutch transmission
Safe: radar-based collision warning system as standard, PRE-SAFE® featuring for the first time
Sensational: outstanding aerodynamics set a new benchmark in the segment
Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever - the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts. The vehicle's lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer's dynamic credentials.
With a new four-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new diesel engine, a new dual clutch transmission, a new manual transmission and new assistance systems, the front-wheel-drive car also rings in a new technological era for compact cars from Mercedes-Benz. "No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," stresses Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Development, Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class."
The world premiere of the new B-Class (length/width/height: 4359/1786/1557 millimetres) will take place at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (13 to 25 September 2011). It will be making its way to European dealers in November 2011.
The exterior design: perfect space in a most attractive guise
The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill.
The new sportiness and the outstanding aerodynamics are particularly evident in the side line: the bonnet flows seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking roof spoiler. The roof features a swage line which lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the beltline are a sporty interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz. The bottom edge of the body features dynamic side skirts which add a light touch to the vehicle's appearance. Refined details such as the exquisitely designed headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.
Outstanding aerodynamics: astounding cd value despite station wagon rear end
An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new B-Class at the forefront of its market segment. Apart from the aerodynamic exterior design, numerous optimisation measures on points of detail such as the air flow around the front wheels, the underbody design and the cooling air flow are also crucial contributory factors to this excellent aerodynamic performance. Patents are pending for innovative details such as the serrated wheel arch spoiler. With the optional ECO Technology package which will be available in due course, the B-Class is even on a par with the world-class aerodynamic credentials of the E-Class Coupé, attaining a drag coefficient of cd = 0.24 which is nothing short of sensational for a vehicle with a station wagon rear end.
New concept: lower overall height but more space inside
The new vehicle concept underscores the dynamic aspirations of the new B-Class. The most striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1557 millimetres, the new model crouches almost five centimetres lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced (minus 86 mm) in order to facilitate boarding, while maintaining a clear overview of the vehicle's contours.
In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is more upright, however. At the same time, the headroom has been further improved. With maximum headroom of 1047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline, too. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position in combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor at the rear leads to a segment-leading degree of legroom (976 mm) which even surpasses that of the S- and E-Class.
The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system. This enables simple reorganisation of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres (thereby increasing the luggage compartment volume from 488 to 666 litres) and a front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the seat cushion.
The interior design: superior quality in a new dimension
High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship and a new spaciousness - the interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact segment.
Many features have been the reserve of higher classes of vehicle to date and embody Mercedes-Benz's special definition of quality and aesthetics. The dashboard is optionally available in ARTICO man-made leather finish and features stitching, for example. Four equipment packages (Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night package) enable individualisation according to personal tastes.
In the interior, the large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the eye. It is available in four variants, covering a broad spectrum from modern through sporty to classic. Common to all versions is a high-class appeal combining an attractive look and feel with easy care and durability.
The three large round vents in the middle and their uniquely designed cruciform nozzles add a sporty attribute to the interior's emotional design idiom. The display, which is available in two sizes (5.8- and 7-inch) appears to hover over the vents. With its stylish design - the trim frame with galvanised finish contrasting with the piano black of the front panel - and slender lines, the colour display (TFT) is a highly attractive feature in the cockpit.
The 3-spoke steering wheel, which always incorporates a silver chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster with four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in 6 o'clock position and the seats with contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.
The drive: designed for maximum efficiency
The new B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as new manual and automatic transmissions. All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house, with production taking place at the plants in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden and Kölleda/Thuringia. The simultaneous development process enabled perfect coordination of engines and transmissions, e.g. with regard to implementation of the ECO start/stop function which features as standard on all B-Class models.
Common features of the new drive systems are the use of state-of-the-art technologies for maximum efficiency, very smooth running, high tractive power right from low revs, sustainability in terms of impending emissions standards and low weight. For the purposes of transverse installation the engines, all of which are turbocharged, and the two transmissions are very compactly designed, providing the B-Class with an exemplary small turning circle for a front-wheel drive vehicle of eleven metres. The engine and transmission suspension disposes of a four-point mounting system comprising engine mount, transmission mount and two self-aligning supports. This
suspension system has been designed specifically to meet the requirements of the high-torque engines with regard to minimum noise levels. The hydraulic damping integrated in the transmission mount is a key contributory factor to the exceptionally high ride comfort.
The new four-cylinder petrol engines (internal designation M270) mark the launch of a completely new engine series. The combustion process is based on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz direct injection system which was introduced last year with the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines. Its use in the B-Class marks this technology's debut in the compact segment. The new four-cylinder engines have been designed for both transverse and longitudinal installation. In the new B-Class they are initially available with a displacement of 1.6 litres, as the B 180 rated at 90 kW (122 hp) and the B 200 with an output of 115 kW (156 hp). Their maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1250 rpm.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine is a further development of the OM651 deployed in the C- to the S-Class, a common rail direct-injection engine of the third generation. With its displacement scaled down to 1.8 litres and numerous optimised points of detail, this is the first time that the compression-ignition engine has been mounted transversely in a Mercedes-Benz car. The B 180 CDI generates 80 kW (109 hp) of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 100 kW (136 hp). The maximum torque stands at 250 Nm from 1400 rpm for the 80 kW variant and 300 Nm from 1600 rpm for the 100 kW variant.
Another Mercedes-Benz premiere is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in the
B-Class. This transmission is extremely compact, extremely variable with regard to adaptation of the engine speed thanks to seven gears, features an electric oil pump for start/stop capability, shifts gear without any interruptions in tractive power and combines the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission.
The new 6-speed manual transmission designed along similarly compact lines as a three-shaft transmission is a close relative of the DCT. Extremely easy gear shifting, low shift forces, low internal friction and a low weight are among its most important characteristics.
The chassis and suspension: refined sportiness now for the sports tourer, too
"Fascinatingly agile" is the assessment of all test drivers who have put the new B-Class through its paces to date. Three factors are instrumental to the substantially enhanced dynamic performance in comparison to its predecessor, which does not come at the cost of any compromises on comfort: the lowered centre of gravity, the new four-link rear axle and the upgraded ESP® Electronic Stability Programme. A sports suspension is optionally available for further enhanced agility. The centre of gravity has been lowered by a further 20 mm and the suspension additionally features sports dampers with amplitude-selective damping and a Direct-Steer system to emphasize the car's sporty character.
Steering: mechanical with electric assistance
The electromechanical steering of the B-Class has been redesigned. The electric motor of the servo assistance system is now located directly on the steering gear as a dual pinion EPS system, thereby optimising the package as a whole. A Direct-Steer system is available in combination with the sports package. The steering ratio becomes noticeably more direct at greater steering angles, enhancing the vehicle's handling and agility substantially.
The electromechanical steering system makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall efficiency, as the steering assist function only requires energy when steering actually takes place.
New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions
As a world first in the compact segment, the B-Class features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist as standard, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system outputs a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to identified obstacles, and prepares Brake Assist for the most precise possible braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver emphatically operates the brake pedal.
In contrast to systems currently on the market in the compact class, the new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST brake assist feature is not merely a system intended to minimise minor damage in urban traffic. Rather, this innovative solution is aimed at protecting motorists from typical rear-end collisions in dangerous traffic situations. Mercedes-Benz expects the new safety system to have a significant positive effect on accident statistics.
The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other assistance systems which have been adopted into the B-Class from the larger model series. These include:
Adaptive Headlamp Assist
Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition)
Active Parking Assist
Brake HOLD function (standard with 7G-DCT)
Hill Hold function
LINGUATRONIC
Reversing camera
DISTRONIC PLUS
Premiere in the compact class: PRE-SAFE® available for the first time
The PRE-SAFE®preventive occupant protection system which features in the
B-Class is available for the first time in this vehicle category. This represents a further step in the ongoing democratisation of this innovation, which was premiered in the S-Class in 2002.
Core features of PRE-SAFE®are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in case of critical lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat with memory function to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. PRE-SAFE®is always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention by certain assistance functions.
The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the B-Class' use as a family car. Great importance has been attached to the safety of the rear occupants. Belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and belt height adjusters come as standard on the outer seats. Rear sidebags are optionally available. Integrated child seats and automatic child seat recognition are available as in the predecessor. Driver and co-driver are provided with new pelvis bags which are able to cover the pelvis and the entire upper part of the body. For head protection, a windowbag is fitted as standard.
COMAND Online multimedia system with internet access
Internet access, the convenient LINGUATRONIC voice control system, two navigation solutions tailored to different budgets, connection for mobile audio devices and an intuitive operating concept - the information and communication systems in the
B-Class offers excellent user-friendliness and a superior level of functionality which has been the reserve of higher categories of vehicle to date. It is the new multimedia generation from Mercedes-Benz which delivers these standards. The operating concept featuring the turn/push control in front of the armrest and the control knob on the head unit is also familiar from other Mercedes model series.
The COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access. Customers can either surf the web as they wish while the car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly fast page loading and simple operation make it suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps include GoogleTM Local Search and Weather, and the facility for downloading a route which has previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car.
All set for the future: modular "Energy Space" concept
The modular "Energy Space" concept means that the new B-Class is already designed to accommodate versions with an alternative drive: appropriate interfaces in the body shell enable the main floor panel to be modified and a step to be produced for the versions with alternative drive. An underfloor compartment covering part of the area under the rear bench seat offers space for alternative energy accumulators.
