Mercedes-Benz will soon be extending its family of trucks by a new member, the new Mercedes-Benz Antos - a model series designed specifically for heavy-duty short-radius distribution transport use. The vehicles are currently demonstrating their capability in camouflaged guise, but the covers will come off for the Commercial Vehicle IAA in September and the start of sales. With the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Antos, Mercedes-Benz becomes the first manufacturer to have a truck series that has been specially developed for the very varied requirements of the short-radius distribution transport industry. The Mercedes-Benz Antos promises both transport operators and drivers the benefits of easy and well thought-out handling as well as outstanding efficiency. The general styling and the design idiom of the Mercedes-Benz Antos reveal its relationship with the Mercedes-Benz Actros, but the very different requirements for the cab give it an unmistakable character of its own. The 2.30-metre-wide cabs, designed specifically for the short-radius distribution transport market, are available in either short 'S' or medium-size 'M' versions. Both offer a convincing combination of easy access, optimised ergonomics and intuitive controls.
The beating heart of the new model series is provided by the latest Euro VI range of engines with "Blue Efficiency Power", produced in Mannheim and launched in March of this year. With a total of 13 power categories, the Mercedes-Benz Antos covers a broad spectrum of engine power from 175 kW (238 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp). The new vehicles are available as either platform trucks or tractor units in a total of 67 different wheelbase lengths, with the axle spacing ranging from a minimum of 2650 mm up to a maximum of 6700 mm. The driver is helped in his everyday duties by a fully automated PowerShift transmission, amongst other features. Safety can also be further improved by the addition of optional safety systems such as Active Brake Assist, which reacts to stationary obstacles. Heavy-duty short-range distribution involves, above all, the regional transportation of commodities such as food, with the retail sector one of the key areas served. The platform trucks with refrigerated or box bodies that are so often used here spend more or less equal proportions of their time in urban traffic, on country roads and on the motorway. This operating profile gives rise to very specific requirements of the optimum vehicle for heavy-duty short-radius distribution work: what is needed is a vehicle with good all-round visibility that is easy to operate and configured for single-day tours.
What Are Its Closest Competitors? Although extremely capable in terms of performance, the closest competitors for the S-Class coupe are grand touring cars that emphasize comfort and luxury over all-out speed. The BMW 6 Series is similar in size and performance, yet it starts at a lower price. Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, as well as a six-cylinder model, the 6 Series matches the style of the S-Class if not its level of overall comfort. 200K but its largely hand-made interior reflects its asking price. On the downside, there isn't much room in the backseats and it lacks some of the sophisticated electronic features found in the Mercedes. For pure style, it's worth considering the Maserati GranTurismo. Beautiful to look at inside and out, it's also powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that sings an Italian song unlike any other car in this category. Why Should You Consider This Car? This is a no-compromise coupe. It has more performance than you'll ever need and the kind of comfort that every driver wants. There's all the latest technology, too, and all of it comes tastefully wrapped in top-quality materials and a striking design. Why Should You Think Twice About This Car? As capable as it is, the S-Class coupe, even in S 63 AMG form, is no sports car. If you want something to toss around on a mountain road, there are other two-doors that will prove more satisfying.
The 4MATIC drive system in the GLK is among the most powerful all-wheel-drive systems there is; its control systems break new ground. Advantages over other systems with a transversely installed drive unit are achieved thanks to the basic compact, light and friction-loss-optimised design with its longitudinally positioned engine and integrated main and transfer case. In cooperation with the dynamic handling control systems ESP, acceleration skid control ASR and 4ETS, the basic 45:55 percent torque split between the front and rear axle ensures assured and predictable handling. A double-disc clutch achieving a basic locking torque of approximately 50 Nm between the front and rear axle is fitted to the central differential. The clutch pack is permanently preloaded via a plate spring. In the case of spinning wheels on one of the two axles, a friction torque is transmitted to the axle spinning more slowly by relative movement of the discs. A sustained improvement to traction and directional stability of the vehicle are achieved through this principle of variable torque shift. Particularly in the case of low coefficients of friction between the tyres and the road surface the traction and stabilising effect of this so-called pre-lock clutch is clearly noticeable.
The newly developed ADAPTIVE BRAKE control system encompasses the following basic functions: the anti-lock braking system ABS, acceleration skid control ASRand yaw moment control. ABSand ASR record and control the driving situation longitudinally, the yaw moment control the lateral dynamics. If ADAPTIVE BRAKE diagnoses critical operating conditions, within the limits of the laws of physics traction and directional stability are retained or reinstated through precise brake actuation and drive torque control. New additional functions make ADAPTIVE BRAKE even safer and more convenient. Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling unintentionally in the opposite direction of travel wished by the driver. A function known as priming has also been added. If the driver quickly removes his or her foot from the accelerator, the system prepares for possible panic braking by placing the brake linings on the brake discs using little pressure. Through the indirect pressure build-up when operating the brake pedal this will then shorten the stopping distance if a full brake application does occur.
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