The SLS AMG Formula-1 Safety Car

In recent years, AMG-Mercedes have been the chosen ones to lead the Formula1 pack as the official safety car. In the recently concluded 2010 Formula1 season, AMG-Mercedes pulled out a very special weapon in their arsenal - The SLS AMG super sports car.

                           Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

During the safety car period, the race cars have to be slowed down to a speed where their components are under severe stress. This is because, a Formula1 Race Car is a finely tuned hyper-sports machine built to extremely tight tolerances. While performing at the best under the optimal temperature range; outside it, they are left vulnerable to over-heating, tire-cooling, brake inefficiencies, etc. On the other hand, the safety car is literally moving along at max speed. Such are the opposite perspectives of the Race track and on the Road. Thus, any car aspiring for the safety car slot in Formula1 has to be supremely exceptional in all aspects.

                               Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

The engineering brilliance of the production SLS AMG has warmed the hearts of every Mercedes connoisseur and Formula 1 fans the world over.Featuring the same power-train package as the production car, the SLS AMG acting as the Safety Car 2010 ended up covering a distance of 88 laps, equivalent to a distance longer than a Formula 1 Race! The exceptional technology package for the super sports car ensured perfect driving dynamics and meant that no further technical modifications or lightweight-design measures were necessary. The sole exception was the all-new rear silencer, which allowed the high-revving AMG V8 naturally aspirated engine to breathe more easily and offered Formula-1 fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience.

                                Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

While the performance measures were unchanged from the commercially available car, there were other changes made, which are a pre-requisite for an exceptional Formula 1 Safety Car. The two centrally positioned green lights in the aerodynamically optimized light bar illuminated when the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car joined the field and needed to overtake all the racing cars in front of it. Once the SLS AMG assumed the leading position, the outer orange flashing lights were switched on to signal to the Formula-1 drivers that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed. The white stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights perform a general signalling function in that they always flash whilst the safety car was deployed. A special number plate at the rear, with "Safety Car" lettering and 700 LEDs, provided additional safety in darkness or wet weather. A reversing camera was integrated to the left of the number plate, allowing those in the cockpit of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car to keep an eye on the Formula-1 cars behind via monitor.

                                Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

Two central monitors in the SLS AMG cockpit were used to monitor the progress of the race. To the left and right of the lower monitor were the controls for the radio system, which allowed the driver and co-driver to communicate with Race Control as well as with each other. A second interior mirror allowed the co-driver to keep an eye on the Formula-1 cars behind. Meanwhile, the "Marshalling System" was integrated in the central display on the instrument cluster and in the lid of the glove compartment: here the driver and co-driver could see exactly the same signals as the Formula-1 drivers in their cockpits. For instance, the various LEDs indicate when yellow or green flags are being waved. LEDs indicating the status of the roof light bar, along with an on-board camera angled towards the driver are mounted at the front end of the dashboard.

4 Wheel Drive - The Mercedes Way

 
     (Image Source: Mercedes Benz.com)

In the mid-1980s the time was right to introduce four-wheel drive in other Mercedes-Benz passenger cars; to meet the requirements for saloon cars, however, it would be necessary to redesign the system.It was the anti-lock braking system (ABS) that had laid the foundations for this technology in 1978.

It formed the basis for acceleration skid control (ASR in 1981). It was followed by Automatic Differential Lock (ASD in 1985) and in that very same year, that the innovative 4-MATIC four-wheel drive system made its debut.

A common thread of these applications was that they registered and limited wheel slip with the help of the latest microelectronics and hydraulics, in order to improve the linear dynamics of an automobile. 4-MATIC was permanently active and distributed the drive torque between the front and rear axles during normal driving on a grippy surface. This maintained the dynamic advantages of rear-wheel-drive while giving the driver additional safety reserves.

4-MATIC was premiered in the 124 series in 1987. 4-MATIC showed its strengths particularly in unfavourable weather conditions such as wet roads, ice or snow, by ensuring exemplary handling stability and perfect traction. By providing traction on such difficult situations the permanent four-wheel-drive system supported the already outstanding handling characteristics of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, also ensuring typical Mercedes safety and surefootedness when confronted with unusual dynamic requirements.

 Although the additional technology carried a small weight penalty and led to slightly higher fuel consumption, it proved extremely popular – especially in the mountainous regions of Europe and particularly North America.

 The 4-Matic went on to provide traction across the Mercedes-Benz product range. The S Class, The E Class, the baby C-Class all the three main saloons have benefited from the superior traction of the 4-Matic AWD system.

The latest in the prestigious lineup to benefit from the traction-enhancing feel of the 4-Matic system is the 2010 R-Class that is the newest model to be launched in the Indian Luxury touring class. Thus, the Indian customers are the chosen ones this festive season to experience the superior traction benefits while touring, the Mercedes-Benz way.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: A versatile answer to the Which Car? Query

                           (Image Source: RockingTeam.com)

The positive response to the new 2010 R-Class at the world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in March this year has convinced Mercedes-Benz that they have a winner on their hands. Featuring a redesigned front end to complement the over all look that is a tribute to the mercedes-benz saloons and suv's; the "twenty-ten" R-Class combines the spaciousness of modern day MPV's with the comfort, high-class appeal and prestige of classic Mercedes-Benz luxury saloons.

At the same time, this latest generation retains the interior versatility of its predecessor, whilst also benefiting from the robustness and all-wheel drive capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz SUV's. Thus, the 2010 R-Class combines the best of the Mercedes-Benz heritage and performance into one exciting all-round package.

 

                                   (Image Source:Google Images)


The Indian line-up features the R 350 4MATIC. Featuring a 3498cc V6 Engine with 272 bhp redlining at 6000rpm and 350 nm torque at 2400rpm this is one powerful beast. This engine is mated to the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission with a new torque converter that decouples at standstill. Such features help reduce engine stress, provide a quieter ride with smoother idling and reduced fuel consumption habits that make this vehicle a winner.

 
 (Image Source: Google Images)

The designers of the 2010 R-Class were focused on providing an integrity of design while encapsulating the unique personality of this super-versatile vehicle. They have completely revamped the front end with a horizontally structured bonnet while making use of the extra width of the vehicle to give it a harmonious, powerful and well planted look. The side view with its flowing coupe like lines is a pleasant contrast to the existing MPV's in the market. The design idiom of the front is carried over to the rear section where, a new
bumper covering, modified tail-lamps and integrated tail-light trim help accentuate the squat, well planted look.


Once the designers were done with the exterior, they decided to focus on lavishing attention on the interiors. Working on a wellness program concept, they envisioned the R-Class interiors to be a relaxed environment for both, longer journeys as well as everyday use.

                             (Image Courtesy: Google Images)
Touring with your loved ones is easy with the flexi-seating options. The R-Class can easily seat from two to 7 people while its luggage compartment can swallow 1950 litres of luggage with a separate stowage compartment under the load compartment floor.
 

                           (Image Courtesy: Google Images)

The R-Class has options like multi-zone 'Thermotronic' climate control system, 'Disctronic' proximity control system, memory function for the front seats, mirrors and steering wheel. The pilot in the captain's chair can control all the functions from the conveniently placed 'Comand' centre that places all the multi-media and sat-nav system.The bright, classic interior - which seems even more spacious when fitted with the optional panoramic glass sunroof - makes use of new materials and colour combination to enhance the high-class appeal and quality of this luxury tourer. At the same time they underline the sense of wellbeing inside the vehicle which is so typical of a Mercedes-Benz.

                             (Image Courtesy: Google Images)

The R-Class provides the most comprehensive model range in the premium long-distance saloon segment. Together with the significantly more appealing body design, the complete range of standard equipment and the numerous individualisation options, the R-Class can be tailored specifically to meet individual requirements.

Indeed, if there was such a thing as a vehicle versatility test, then the R-Class would certainly be the favourite to
take first place.

'Shooting-Brake'

                                 (Image Source: Google Images)

In the olden days, carriages were used to ''break'' in wild horses and restrict (brake) their urge to move, before being used as work horses. Given the wild nature of the horses, carts that were not immediately in need were used for this task. Where necessary, "Brakes" were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Thus, the vehicles used when going out shooting were called Shooting Brake or Shooting Break.

The popularity of motorized shooting brakes was high in Great Britain, way back in the 1960s and 1970s. These were designed as exclusive cross-over vehicles, which combined the luxuriousness of a coupe with extended space on offer and additional variability.

Mercedes-Benz already had their CLS which still turns heads with its fascinating design and wows customers the world over. Mercedes decided to take the CLS design into the new decade with the announcement of the CLS Shooting Brake.

Based on the great tradition of stylish, cultivated sportiness in reverence to the great Mercedes coupes, the new CLS Shooting Brake takes this unique legacy an exciting step further. In addition, it also points the way towards the future design language that Mercedes is moving towards since the past couple of years.

Scheduled for introduction in 2012, the CLS Shooting Brake is yet another feather in the cap for Mercedes' premier plant in Sindelfingen. This model will be built on the same production line as the CLS and the E-Class saloon; where it will be joined by the Mercedes-Benz SL in 2014. This decision further underlines the significance of the plant as the competence centre for the luxury
class.

First the SLS AMG and now the CLS Shooting Brake. This exciting design philosophy reiterates the role of Mercedes-Benz as a leader in innovative passenger car concepts and design.

Gullwing Magic from the Three-Pointed Star

The origin of the legend has its roots in the early fifties when Mercedes were looking to regain their exalted position in motor-sports that they had held in the 1930’s. Those efforts bore fruit in the form of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing Coupe 300SL.

                          (image source: themotorreport.com)

The brain child of development engineer, Rudi Uhlenhaut; the Mercedes 300 SL originally began life as a sedan, then morphed into a race car before being touched by Rudi, the automotive alchemist. Rudi and his team of magicians conjured up an intricate design made up of small tubes welded together. The team soon hit upon a roadblock, as the design of the frame left no room for traditional doors. This was in contravention to the race rules prevalent at that time, which stated that operational doors were a must on every race car.

                                  (image source: flickr.com)

Utilizing a loophole where the rules left out the detail over how the doors of a car should open; Rudi and his team came up with a solution that is celebrated by enthusiasts as one of the most iconic feature of the car in automotive history. The resultant “Gullwing Doors” became the most distinctive feature of the car. The single minded devotion to aerodynamic efficiency resulted in the absence of external door handles and even rear-view mirrors were post-factory add-ons. This design has gone down in the annals of automotive history and fans over the world have been clamoring for an encore.

The powers-that-be at Mercedes-Benz decided to delight their fans in the form of the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS.

                                 (image source:dymee.com) 

Employing an aluminum space-frame, the entire body shell weighs in at a mere 241 kilograms. From the forged AMG wheels, the magnesium backrests and even the high performance ceramic brakes, the pursuit for weight reduction has been relentless. The construction of each and every component is closely monitored with wall thickness reduced in less stressful areas. Multi-part components are dispensed with to save weight; while simplifying the production process and reducing the burden on the environment.

All this has been backed by a high performance AMG heart supported by a dry-sump to help you slide out of those corners on the race-track without caring about any performance drops. Moreover, the flat underbody together with the underbody diffuser, help channelize air-flow to the seamlessly integrated rear aerofoil which is automatically deployed as you cross speeds over 120KMPH.

While all this technology helps you outperform the competition on the race-track, the AMG SLS is designed to pamper you off the race-track. The two-zoned seat cushions together with four-way lumbar supports cosset you for those long drives. To help serenade you further, the 11-speaker 1000-watt Bang and Olufsen Sound System provides you an exclusive listening experience at the highest level. And as you arrive at your destination, those alluring ‘Gull-wing’ doors and the shimmering ‘alubeam silver’ paint finish ensure that you remain the cynosure of all eyes.

The financials behind a new car purchase!

A common misconception amongst people is that of a new car purchase being cheaper than holding onto your old car.

Most people's knowledge of a new car's cost begins at the ex-showroom price and continues with the on-road price. What they fail to realize is that the true cost of a new car involves much more than just its purchase price.

To the ex-showroom price, one must add duties and taxes. Then comes the insurance cost. For a small hatch, these two components easily add up to around 40,000/- With the B-Segment offerings and those above, this amount keeps increasing.

But the biggest component and the one most neglected is Depreciation. A car is a depreciating asset and for the salaried class owner, Depreciation is the biggest value eroding component in a new-car owner's life.

A quick look at the used car price charts will give one a good insight into the depreciated value of cars in the Indian market. You will notice that the compact hatch segment depreciates the least while the depreciation increases in direct proportion with the size of the vehicle.

On the other hand, the European Marques see their value being eroded quicker than the Japs or the Koreans even in the A & B segments.

So, a new car does not make much economic sense especially in our example of Sameer Patel. So What then should Sameer do ?

Keep your 8 Year old Car or Replace it?

The festive season is just getting into high gear for the grand finale for the year. With Diwali being celebrated around the country starting today, its the time for shopping around. Tempted by mouth-watering deals and the sheer variety of cars on offer, a lot many of the new car buyers splurge on their cars during this auspicious time.

Which brings us to Sameer Patel. A banking executive in his late twenties who lives in suburban Mumbai. Having had a Zen in his family since the past eight years, he's now being harrowed by the 'Joneses' in his apartment complex to upgrade to snazzier wheels.

I'm sure that there must be more like Sameer in a similar predicament: Keep your 7-8 year old car or replace it!

Most petrol engines usually have a usable life of 2,00,000 kms. So long as the scheduled maintenance of replenishing essential fluids and other consumables is followed at the prescribed intervals, these engines are pretty happy to chug along.

Sameer's Zen is the MG410 engined carb version. Its clocked up 98,000 kms by now. In these eight years, the car has been cared for in the same garage at the prescribed intervals. Thus the cypress blue car has really been pampered with all essential parts being MGA OEM ones.

Today, she is looking her age. Her paint is not as lustrous. Various sounds are heard as she goes through her paces along the pot-holed roads of this city. Her suspension is making noises of the wrong kind, her fiber panels are rattling, the AC cooling is not as good as new. Besides, the entire She is in dire need of some TLC and a mid-life make-over.

Her list of woes seems to be never ending and what has aggravated her situation is the new-car scene currently.

Sameer has proved to be a fabulous employee and his company has rewarded him by fast-tracking his career in the past two years. He is also looking to ask his lady for her hand in marriage early next year. His folks are due for retirement by mid next year and his younger sister has just begun senior college. Thus, he is in a pretty stable position in life; both monetary as well as with respect to other responsibilities.

Further, he recently went on a drive with a colleague in his Ford Fiesta. Ever since then he has been thinking of upgrading from his Zen to a suitable mid-size alternative.

In the next installment, we shall take a closer look at the argument in support of a new car purchase.