My Perfect Automobile » Mercedes-Benz

Shanghai Auto Show Preview: Unveilings Abound

Larry Bell — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:42:49 +0000

Shanghai Auto Show: Panamera S E-Hybrid will be on display

When the Shanghai Auto Show opens this weekend, the event will play host to the debut of dozens of new cars from a variety of global automakers. Besides the much-anticipated Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid, Porsche’s first-ever plug-in, Shanghai will witness the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA crossover, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 (fiftieth anniversary edition), and two versions of the 2015 Audi A3.

Shanghai Auto Show: Video

See the video clip above for a thorough review of the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid. The plug-in version of this car will be in Shanghai, though interior styling is nearly the same, and much of the hybrid drivetrain is similar except for the plug-in capability of course. Porsche billed the S Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient vehicle the company has ever created when it was introduced. It boasts 41.5 mpg and an extremely low carbon emission level. As the reviewer notes, Panamera S Hybrid runs cleaner and more economically than the Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI. Able to reach 62 mph in just six seconds, the Panamera S Hybrid knocks out a blazing top speed of 167 mph.

Shanghai Auto Show

Adding to the barrage of unveilings, BMW will take the cover off its newest concept model, the X4, a coupe crossover. One of the concepts that is getting a lot of media attention ahead of the show is the Icona Vulcano Concept, created by an Italian design company that is based in China. The Vulcano is a supercar that burns pavement at an astonishing 217 mph and packs a whopping 900 horsepower and a V-12 engine under its hood.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid is expected to be one of the biggest crowd magnets at the Shanghai event. The car carries a sticker base price of $99,975. Shanghai is the debut for the plug-in version, Porsche’s first car of this type. The Shanghai Auto Show has become one of Asia’s premier events for the industry.

For all the latest official updates about the Shanghai Auto Show, visit the event’s English language website:
http://autoshanghai.auto-fairs.com/en/leftnavigation/information

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Smart Fortwo EV Coming to U.S.

Larry Bell — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:18:58 +0000

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive

Smart has announced that its electric Fortwo will be available in both cabriolet and hatch versions in U.S. showrooms this year. The small EV, officially called Smart Fortwo Electric Drive, can reach 60 mph in about 13 seconds, will carry a sticker price of around $25,000, and offer a per-charge range of approximately 80 miles. When it arrives in U.S. dealerships, the car will be the sole electric convertible available for retail sale in America. It features a combined 107 mpg-e and is expected to go on sale in the U.S. sometime in April.

Smart Fortwo EV: Video

The video clip above shows the Smart Electric Drive in action, doing a few maneuvers that are rather unexpected for the diminutive EV. The tiny vehicle’s ability to accelerate from a standstill is impressive, as the film abundantly displays.
First versions of the current Smart Electric Drive began development in 2006. By 2009, Car2Go was leasing the EVs in nearly 20 worldwide markets. Smart’s lithium-ion battery pack is made by Tesla Motors. The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show was the location for the modern version’s debut. The Smart Electric Drive now offers quick-charge and an 87-mile range.

Smart Fortwo

The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive car has an unusual history, having first been the idea of a company that was better known for making watches. Now a branch of Daimler AG, the early years of the vehicle’s development were overseen by Volkswagen and the company which made Swatch fashion watches. By 1993, Volkswagen decided to get out of the deal and instead focus on developing its own tiny gas-miser. One year later, Mercedes-Benz took up where Volkswagen left off. Officially, the new Smart is a product of Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz Cars division.

For more information about the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive, see the company’s official website:
http://www.smartusa.com

Larry Bell

Luxury Cars for Sale: How to Sell Your High-End Ride

Larry Bell — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:03:10 +0000

Cadillac ELR hybrid-electric luxury car

When selling a luxury car online, experts recommend using several photos along with detailed descriptions. As with any higher-priced item, potential buyers want to know exactly what they are getting for their money. That’s why it is an absolute necessity to post high quality pictures in the listing. When you place an ad under the “Luxury Cars for Sale” section, take a bit more time with the description than you would with a lower-priced model. In this case, details are very important.

How to Prep Luxury Cars for Sale: Video

For one of the better instructional videos about how to prep a car for private sale, see the clip above. Though most of the advice could apply to any car, the film tends toward luxury vehicles specifically. In fact, you might recognize the sample car if you are a luxury vehicle enthusiast.
Note: Because the video was made for a UK audience, ignore the end section about legal paperwork. There is much less red tape involved when selling a used car in the U.S.

Top 10 Luxury Cars for Sale in U.S.

The car you are trying to buy or sell need not be in the top-10 listing of 2012 luxury cars for sale, but it is good to know what shoppers are looking for. Six through ten on the list, in order, are the Infiniti G, Acura MDX, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, and the Hyundai Genesis. Number five is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while BMW vehicles hold third and fourth places. Fourth is the BMW 5-Series. Third place is BMW’s 3-Series. The number two best-selling luxury car is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Taking the top spot on the list is the elegant Lexus RS. For those keeping track, that makes four Asian brands, four German brands, and two U.S. cars (both Cadillacs!) in the top ten.

If you are preparing to sell or buy a luxury vehicle, use the following information site to acquaint yourself with the history of the segment, learn about the different types of luxury cars (compact, entry-level, mid-level, and high-end, for example), and become conversant with common jargon that goes with the territory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxury_vehicle

To shop for or sell a car of any kind, begin at one of the highest-volume vehicle transaction sites on the Internet (link below). In less than five minutes you can have your vehicle listed, or locate the ideal car to suit your needs.
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Mercedes B-Class EV Debuts in NY

Larry Bell — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:28:45 +0000

Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric car

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive car will go on sale in the U.S. in 2014, though price details have not been officially announced. At the New York International Auto Show, the EV made its debut on Wednesday, setting the stage for a competitive luxury EV market. Though Mercedes-Benz manufactures a combustion version of the B-Class in Canada and Europe, U.S. consumers will only see the electric model. The company has apparently decided to approach European and U.S. markets quite differently. No decision has been made as to whether the B-Class EV will be a lease-only car or be offered for sale outright.

Mercedes EV: Video

See the short video above for a quick rundown of the new Mercedes-Benz electric car. Developed jointly with Tesla Motors, the car in fact carries a Tesla battery, charger, and motor. M-B says that the car will only be sold in a few U.S. states at first, but then the German carmaker hopes to ramp up production and geographic availability.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Competition

General Motors’ Volt and its Cadillac ELR are widely thought to be the closest competitors for the new Mercedes-Benz EV. With a pricing range between $40,000 and $60,000, GM’s offerings in the EV niche should be able to compete with the B-Class. While the German automaker’s car is a battery-electric vehicle, many consumers will no doubt comparison-shop based upon range, price, amenities and horsepower. The B-Class Electric Drive will be the first battery electric offering from the German auto giant.

The Mercedes-Benz EV on show in New York this week is a sleek looking, 134-horsepower vehicle that can reach 60 mph in about 10 seconds and tops out at an even 100 mph. The car’s lithium battery and 100 kW motor offer a range of nearly 115 miles.

For more information about all of the vehicles that Mercedes-Benz sells, see the company’s official website:
www.mercedes-benz.com/

Larry Bell

Grammy Star Taylor Swift’s Eco Mercedes Viano

Larry Bell — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 02:28:29 +0000

Mercedes-Benz Viano owner Taylor Swift (Photo: Flynetonline)

Taylor Swift blasted open the Grammy Awards show this week with a wild, hilarious rendition of her signature hit, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

Swift, arguably the world’s most famous pop singer, at one time owned a Mercedes-Benz Viano, the environmentally friendly vehicle that comes equipped with a BlueEfficiency package which includes regenerative braking and other green components. Uber-celeb Swift has been spotted on the streets of LA in her Audi R8 as well. It comes as no surprise that the global sensation owns several hot rides, and besides the green Viano and an Audi R8, Taylor is also known to prefer the Porsche 911 as a get-around cruiser for weekend errand-running.

Taylor Swift: Video

When Swift first acquired her Mercedes-Benz Viano, the vehicle had not yet shown its Vision Diamond concept version, which was on display at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show. The video clip above offers a few rare shots of the vehicle, perfectly suited for a celebrity lifestyle. The Vision Diamond concept has a plush interior that resembles a small, upscale hotel room, complete with entertainment center, ultra-comfortable seating and plenty of legroom. One of the most luxurious vehicles at the Beijing show last year, the Viano is based on another Mercedes-Benz model, the Vito panel van. Though the Vision Diamond concept has not yet seen production, it is a good guess that many of its features and components will find their way onto other Mercedes-Benz models in the near future.

Taylor Swift and Viano

The Viano employs a so-called smart alternator that operates independently, making sure the battery gets additional power at exactly the right time. BlueEfficiency packages come standard on the Viano. With a design based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito van, the Viano provides seating for eight people yet is frugal when it comes to fuel consumption.

For more about Mercedes-Benz vehicles, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.mercedes-benz.com

Larry Bell

High-Tech Steering Wheel is for Real

Larry Bell — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:25:23 +0000

High-Tech Steering Wheel: Mercedes-Benz is already using lane-keeping systems

Researchers Eelke Folmer and Burkay Sucu at the University of Nevada have come up with a unique way to help drivers who are temporarily blinded by the sun. The scientists developed a vibrating steering wheel that alerts the car’s operator when unintentional lane changing begins to take place. Sensors on the vehicle track the lines in the road and are able to notice when the car crosses over the side or center lines unintentionally.

High-Tech Steering Wheel: Video

Mercedes-Benz has a system called Active Lane Keeping Assist (ALKA) which works much like the newer method mentioned above. In the brief video clip, notice that the warning method includes a vibration of the steering wheel. The ALKA program is able to sense when the car is drifting across the center or roadside lines. When that happens, the system immediately evaluates whether the action is intentional or not. It has a unique way of deciding whether emergency measures are called for. One of the car’s corrective methods includes braking the wheels on just one side of the car, thus pulling it back toward the center of the lane. However, if the driver has put a turn indicator on, or is accelerating as if to overtake another car, then the emergency corrective action does not kick in.

High-Tech Steering Wheel

Folmer and Sucu’s system is a bit more sophisticated than the Mercedes-Benz ALKA technology in that it gives the driver specific, directional signals via the type and speed of vibration. If the driver begins to drift to the right, the right side of the steering wheel will vibrate until a correction is made. The theory behind the method has to do with natural human aversion to uncomfortable tactile sensations, hence the harsh vibration on the side where the car has crossed over the line.

For all things Mercedes-Benz, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.mbusa.com

Larry Bell

Cost Effective Hybrids: Top Three

Larry Bell — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:05:02 +0000

Cost effective hybrid: Mercedes-Benz S400

A recent study by research company Vincentric named the Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz S400, and the Lexus HS 250h as the three most cost-efficient hybrid vehicles sold in the U.S. The study looked at the premium that buyers pay up front, compared to lower fuel and cost of ownership items over a five-year period. Surprisingly, owners of hybrid vehicles enjoy cost savings in many other categories besides fuel expenses. The Lincoln MKZ hybrid, for example, topped the list, with a cost savings of $7,001 over a non-hybrid model of the same car.

Cost Effective Hybrids: Video

For an up close and personal preview of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ hybrid, watch the brief video clip that follows. Silently, you will be taken on an exterior and interior tour of the stunning, luxurious hybrid, which happens to be offered in three separate powertrain varieties. Pick from the EcoBoost model that offers a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy over its 2012 iteration. If you prefer the V6, a 3.7-liter MKZ still outperforms its 2012 sibling in the fuel economy department by 5 percent. Finally, the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder hybrid delivers top-level fuel frugality with a whopping 41 city and 36 highway rating. Available all-wheel-drive adjusts power instantaneously.

Cost Effective Hybrids

Second on the list for cost-efficiency was the Mercedes-Benz S400, which saves its owners $4,242 over the cost of a conventional S550 Mercedes-Benz. The bronze medal, third-place, in the survey went to the Lexus HS 250h, which showed a savings of $3,747 over a five-year period. Some of the other ownership costs that were factored into the study included financing, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, fees, taxes, and repairs. For the models listed, hybrids saved many thousands of dollars for their owners.

For more information about some of the hybrid vehicles mentioned above, see the official corporate websites:
http://www.lincoln.com
http://www.lexus.com
http://www.lexus.com

Larry Bell

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force: Wow!

Larry Bell — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:31:37 +0000

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept vehicle

The LA Auto Show’s Design Challenge brings out the best in all its participants. That truth is clearly demonstrated with one of the entries from Mercedes-Benz, a law enforcement themed giant four-wheeled monster known officially as Ener-G-Force. California’s Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio came up with the concept cruiser, and there are plenty of touches to wow the crowds at this year’s show. The hydrogen-powered gladiator features emergency lights on the roof, but they look more like laser guns. The entire effect is so science-fictional that you will find yourself staring at the video clip photomontage below and wondering, hoping actually, that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class goes in this direction.

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force: Video

In the video clip below, you will see a montage of views of the Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force. Looking like a cross between a rugged spaceship and a luxury sedan on steroids, the newest concept car from M-B is unusually alluring and unique. Concept cars come and go, but you will likely agree that this one is definitely going places. The downside is that we are not sure how Mercedes-Benz will use all the amazing design innovation, or where it will end up. Part SUV from deep space, part hovercraft, and part tank, the Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force is a concept car that people will be talking about for a long time.

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force

A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz described the new concept in two words, “modern and cool.” That pretty much sums it up. In fact, the designers were hoping to evoke the look of what an off-road M-B might look like in the year 2025. A company press release referred to the Ener-G-Force as a study for a highway patrol vehicle two decades in the future. The hydrogen-propelled, super-SUV would be the perfect first-responder for the Brave New World.

For more about all the vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.mbusa.com

Larry Bell

LA Auto Show: Green, Clean, and Lean

Larry Bell — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:35:50 +0000

LA Auto Show: Toyota Avalon Hybrid will be in attendance

Spokespersons for the LA Auto Show have announced that this year’s media Ride and Drive will feature more than 24 vehicles from a dozen automakers. Each of the models will contain advanced technological systems and hybrid, electric, clean diesel, or extremely efficient combustion drivetrains. The technological wizardry on display will include radar detection systems, blind spot monitoring, crash avoidance, and drivetrain adaptive cruise control. The media drive event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29.

LA Auto Show: Video

Toyota will be a major presence at the LA Auto Show this year, and as usual will be showing off some new hybrid models. For a close-up view and nice walk-around of the 2013 Avalon hybrid, have a look at the video clip above. The heated, ventilated front seats are not something you would expect to find, but then again, this new Avalon hybrid is wonderfully appointed with extras. Toyota has obviously done a complete redesign of their flagship car’s hybrid version, tossed in a total 200-horsepower rating, as well as an impressive 40/39 mpg. The fuel efficiency alone is enough to recommend the car, but the company’s proprietary Entune audio and Star Safety system makes the offering complete. Star Safety monitors stability, traction, brakes, and stop-start features to name just a few of its wondrous powers.

LA Auto Show

A short list of the cars available at the Ride & Drive includes:
Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Smart EV, Toyota’s RAV4, Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC, Honda Civic sedan, Honda Fit EV, Fisker Karma, Fiat 500e, Chevy Volt, Acura ILX Hybrid, Toyota Prius Plug-in, Toyota Avalon hybrid, Volkswagen Jetta hybrid, VW Beetle TDI, and the VW Passat TDI with renewable diesel.

For all the latest news about the LA Auto Show, see the event’s official website:
http://www. laautoshow.com

Larry Bell

LA Auto Show Update

Larry Bell — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:18:41 +0000

LA Auto Show: Chevy Spark EV

Boasting more vehicle debuts than any other automotive event in the world, the LA Auto Show for 2012 is so big, you might want to spend several days to take it all in. Press Days are Nov. 28 and 29, but the floor opens up to the public from Nov. 30 until Dec. 9. Held in the Los Angeles Convention Center, the event draws hundreds of journalists, and hundreds of thousands of attendees. Besides all the flashy new cars and concept vehicles, there are green car awards, several design competitions, and a gigantic technology showcase.

LA Auto Show: Video

One of this year’s biggest automotive news events will take place live at the LA show when the Chevy Spark EV makes its world debut. The following video gives an artistic, graphic explanation of how the car’s electrical system works, complete with easy-to-understand diagrams and upbeat background music. A substantial portion of the piece is dedicated to showing off the Spark’s quick-charge capability, which allows the battery pack to be replenished up to 80 percent of capacity in about 20 minutes. Toward the end of the brief clip, we get a walk-through of the instrument cluster, which is about as uncluttered as you will see anywhere. While there will be plenty else to do and see at the LA Auto Show this year, the debut of the Chevy Spark will no doubt get loads of early media attention.

LA Auto Show

Some of the hottest cars on display at the show are the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, perhaps the most-anticipated of all the world debuts on the roster. Not to be outdone, GM will show off its Chevy Spark EV (see video clip above), and Fiat’s 500e electric beauty will be on hand as well. Be sure to check back with MyPerfectAutoMobile for up-to-the-minute developments live from the floor of the show on Press Days, and throughout the event.

For all the latest news about the LA Auto show, sponsor lists, debut vehicles, and other event-related information, see the official website:
http://www.laautoshow.com

Larry Bell

Start-Stop Technology Breakthrough

Larry Bell — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 22:28:43 +0000

Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC hybrid

Hella Electronics, a German automotive technology firm, is testing an advanced start-stop system which could disengage an engine even at high speeds, thus boosting fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. Start-stop technology currently works only at very low speeds, or when a car is completely stopped, and adds about 2 to 3 percent to fuel efficiency. A Hella spokesperson says the new systems could be in passenger vehicles within five years.

Start-Stop Demo: Video

It is one thing to read about start-stop technology, and quite another to see it in action. The video clip below is as simple as it gets. We see a driver in a Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC hybrid approach a red light. You literally hear the car shut off for the duration of the stop, and then start up again when he steps on the accelerator. In the meantime, we see the car’s energy flow diagram on the readout. The BlueTEC hybrid is just one of many cars that already use start-stop. Several other models, from various manufacturers, do not have hybrid drive trains, but employ all sorts of fuel-saving techniques and systems to get better mpg.

Start-Stop Technology

Steering and braking are unaffected in the Hella system because those activities are run from a backup battery. Since the debut of start-stop technology in passenger cars, manufacturers have sought additional ways to reduce fuel consumption, even in cars that are not hybrids. Hella developed the components for the stop-start system which will be available in the 2013 Ford Fusion.

For Hella, the challenge of the new science is no longer technological. The key concern now is finding ways to get consumers to accept the more advanced stop-start systems. Hella’s executives are optimistic, noting that car owners are getting used to fresh technological advancements every few years.

For a bit of background and a more detailed explanation of start-stop technology, see the following information website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Start-stop_system

Larry Bell

Clean Diesel Cars Coming to LA Auto Show

Larry Bell — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 09:20:33 +0000

Clean Diesel: Mercedes-Benz GLK350 BlueTEC SUV

Mercedes-Benz will bring its GLK250 BlueTEC to the upcoming LA Auto Show, and intends to have the cars in showrooms by the middle of 2013. Audi and Volkswagen will also display several clean diesel models at the event, following a successful sales year for the technology. This year alone, sales of clean diesel vehicles grew by nearly 30 percent, and automakers look forward to a stellar 2013 as well. Within the so-called alternative fuel sector, the two clear leaders are now hybrid-electric and clean diesel variants.

Clean Diesel: Video

For a sneak peak at the Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC, see the professionally produced clip below. Without narration, the short preview of this awesome looking car is a visual walk-around, with some ominous, suspense-movie theme music in the background. The Two-fifty is a gorgeous piece of machinery and will no doubt collect some heavy crowds at the LA event. See if you agree with what some reviewers are saying about the front view of the car: Is it unintentional, or did MB aim for a classic, 1950s roadster look? You be the judge. (To get the visual, try pausing the clip at the :33 point).

Clean Diesel

By the end of 2013, Mercedes-Benz expects nearly half of its cars to feature start-stop systems, which increase the fuel efficiency of traditional and diesel engines. Not to be outdone by VW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi has been hinting at a newsworthy announcement during the LA Show, having to do with its own efforts in clean diesel technology.

For its part, Volkswagen will bring the 2013 Beetle Cabriolet to LA, a car that offers both gasoline and diesel engines. This year’s show will also debut at least three electric cars.

For more information about all the Mercedes-Benz vehicles, see the company’s official U.S. website:
http://www.mbusa.com

Larry Bell