The New Headlights

The New Headlights

This time, apart from capturing a test prototype of the R172, photographers managed to snap 3 photos of a weird test mule, probably designated to the rumoured baby SLS AMG. As expected, the 2012 SLK-Klasse will embrace the design philosophy that was premierly showcased on the recently launched SLS AMG, in the same way the current SLK was SLR McLaren's little brother, with the F1-inspired nose. Sticking to a more classic look won't neccessarily mean this upcoming Stuttgart roadster would lose its sporty appearance. The new headlights, the LED projectors and, last but not least, the giant radiator grille a la SLS-all of them will add to a very dynamic stance. The rear end will be a bit toned down, in order to counterbalance the front end. It also appears that the interior and dashboard of the future SLK will be an evolution of the SLS's ones. In the photos there also appears a very intriguing SLK prototype, that may hide the underpinnings of a new niche supercar, placed below the SLS AMG. The test mule is depicted by the differently-shaped front and rear wings(with the white-black tape on them), which probably feature improved air intakes, as well as camouflaging the measuring instruments. We shall learn more as more test prototypes will hit the streets.

When the car is stationary - ECO start/stop: the internal combustion engine switches off when coasting at speeds up to 160 km/h, since ancillaries such as the steering, brakes and refrigerant compressor operate electrically. It is restarted quickly, smoothly and virtually silently. Manoeuvring: in most cases, the car uses electric power alone for manoeuvring and parking. Accelerating: electrical power alone is used for moving off and driving under low load. Acceleration from standstill is particularly powerful, since the electric motor's full torque of up to 250 Nm is available instantaneously. Boost function: the electric motor supports the combustion engine during acceleration, e.g. in the course of overtaking. Cruising: when the car is being driven at a constant speed, the engine control unit shifts the operating points towards exceptionally low specific fuel consumption levels. Sailing "sailing", as it has come to be known, is possible at speeds below 160 km/h. The combustion engine shuts down and the desired speed is maintained by the electric鈥憁otor alone until the battery needs recharging. Kinetic energy recuperation when coasting or braking: when the car is coasting (decelerating), the electric motor acts as a generator. When the brake pedal is pressed, the generator output is initially increased proportionally for greater deceleration. Only when increased brake pressure is applied are the wheel brakes additionally deployed. Information: an additional savings effect arises after a relatively short period of time, as drivers come to apply the above-stated functions in an increasingly more purposeful and effective manner. They are supported here by the display concept in the hybrid models - the central display provides information on the current energy flow and the charge status of the battery. 65 mm). The omission of the converter allows all-electric motoring as well as "sailing", thus significantly boosting the potential to reduce fuel consumption.

Such a great concept is possible only in the minds of those people who are motivated by perfection, like at Mercedes Benz, and no one else could have seen it through. Build a vehicle that has to carry a super-racing car to events all over Europe, and turn it in to the swiftest and the most desirable transporter anyone has ever seen. But how could the company have had invested so much time and money in to something that was clearly not of any commercial value to them? Why didn't they use a basic van? The story of creating the transporter has the elements of dignity, perseverance, and practicality. In the days before World War I, there was stiff competition between Mercedes Benz and the other groups in Germany involved in racing. However, the V-12 powered W-154 released by Mercedes proved itself to be the car that became everyone's envy, winning 12 of the 17 events before the war.

To announce its return, Benz chose to design a special haulier that will carry its all-new W-196 racer, a racing model that had a famous Argentinean racer as its pilot. The transporter had to be fast, unique and clearly identifiable as a Mercedes production. It had to be the fastest of its kind, as well as one of the fastest on the Western European highways. When you reached the tracks in advance you gained more time for run-throughs and other preparations. This also meant that if a racer needed to be sent to the plants, it could be done easily, and without worries From a technical viewpoint, the carrier had the best of what Mercedes could rally. The 300 S sedan's X-shaped frame was the inspiration behind the transporter's own frame, but the 3.0 liter, 6-cylinder engine, and the four speed manual transmission was that of the 300 SL sports cars with gull wings. The four wheels were set up with hydraulic brakes that were power-assisted as an extra measure. But the really eye-catching characteristic of the carrier was its remarkable body work. The steel panels used on it were inspired from most of the other panels of the day.