Mercedes-Benz at the North American Auto Show 2007 January 7, 2007 / BLUETEC, new AWD Technology and a Fascinating Luxury Convertible That Dreams Are Made of

Detroit (ots) —

- Cross-reference: photo was sent via satellite and is available
at http://www.presseportal.de/galerie.html

At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit,
Mercedes-Benz presented its broad range of all-wheel drive cars and
SUVs on a 7,250 sq. ft. (570 sq. meter ice rink). This year’s show
celebrates two important centennials: the 100th anniversary of the
Detroit Auto Show, as well as the 100th anniversary of the first
all-wheel drive Mercedes automobile. Other highlights of the
Mercedes-Benz press conference included the S-Class with the latest
4MATIC all-wheel drive technology and the V8-powered “Vision GL 420
BLUETEC” SUV concept vehicle, with which the luxury brand continues
its initiative for clean diesels in the USA. As a high-point, the red
carpet was rolled out for the striking Concept Ocean Drive – a
convertible that revives the tradition of four dour luxury cars with
an open top.

“A hundred years after introducing our first automobile with
four-wheel drive, we offer one of the largest ranges of four-wheel
drive passenger cars and SUVs on the market: 48 models in seven model
series,” explained Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler AG and
head of the Mercedes Car Group, at the kick-off of the Mercedes-Benz
press conference. The new star of the four-wheel drive line-up from
Stuttgart is the S-Class 4MATIC, the first model to be equipped with
the high-tech fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz four-wheel drive
system. The new 4MATIC combines agility, comfort and enhanced
traction with considerably reduced fuel consumption which is roughly
(0.1 gallons / 0.4 litres) more than that of a comparable model with
rear-wheel drive. This is partly due to a significant reduction of
the model’s additional weight, which ranges between merely145 to 154
lbs. (66-70 kg.), depending on the type of engine. That’s
approximately 77 lbs. (35 kg.) less than its predecessor or competing
systems.

Mercedes-Benz’ four-wheel drive models also include the GL-Class,
which was introduced last year and has established itself in the USA
as one of the three best-sellers in the luxury full-size SUV segment.
The leading U.S. automobile magazine, “Motor Trend,” named it the
“SUV of the Year 2007.”

Vision GL 420 BLUETEC — another milestone of the BLUETEC
initiative

The Vision GL 420 BLUETEC concept car demonstrates that BLUETEC®
makes it possible for large and powerful vehicles in particular to
offer good fuel economy and the lowest possible emission levels. The
vehicle with the powerful V8 diesel engine delivers 216 kW (290 hp)
and generates 700 Nm (515 lb-ft) of torque, with an expected fuel
consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 km (24 mpg). This impressive
combination of top performance, high torque, fuel efficiency and
impressive range makes all Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC® ideal for the U.S.
market.

“Thanks to our second-stage BLUETEC technology, featuring AdBlue
injection to eliminate more than 80 per cent of the NOx emissions,
this powerful, clean and efficient engine complies with strict BIN 5
regulations,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, head of Development at
DaimlerChrysler. “The same goes for the three new V6 BLUETEC models —
the R 320 BLUETEC, ML 320 BLUETEC and the GL 320 BLUETEC — we will
launch in the U.S. market in 2008.”

Concept Ocean Drive concept car — a look at the design of tomorrow

With its luxury convertible Concept Ocean Drive, Mercedes-Benz
revives the tradition of large four door convertibles. This striking
concept car stands out thanks to its elegant body design and
head-turning appearance. Its clearly defined lines and vibrant
two-tone paint finish make it exceptionally charismatic. Exotic
materials and uncompromising perfection make it a showpiece for
today’s automobile connoisseurs.

The Concept Ocean Drive inspires automotive dreams — but its
purpose is also to reach out to customers and find out how the public
is reacting to new automotive ideas. That supports the designers at
Mercedes-Benz as they look into the future, develop new design
vocabularies and implement them in coming vehicles. Apart from the
four doors, the distinguishing exterior features of the concept car
include a very large and upright radiator grille, headlights and
taillights featuring LED technology, its two-tone paint finish and a
striking interplay between taut lines and large, restful surfaces.
The Concept’s dramatic profile is enhanced by the deletion of
traditional B-pillars or window frames, ensuring a seamless
continuity of the exterior – even when the top is raised. By virtue
of its long wheelbase, the 12-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600 was chosen
as the technical basis of the design study. The vehicle’s special
technical highlights include an innovative soft-top mechanism with
smooth operation and fast closing times and the unrivalled AIRSCARF
neck-level heating system at all four seats, which allows occupants
to enjoy top-down motoring even in the colder months of the
year.

Originaltext: DaimlerChryslerAG
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Contact
Norbert Giesen, phone +49 711 17-76422
norbert.giesen@daimlerchrysler.com
Wolfgang Zanker, phone +49 711 17-75847,
wolfgang.zanker@daimlerchrysler.com

Internet site
More news from DaimlerChrysler at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com