Preview-Mercedes-Benz S320 CDI BlueEfficiency 2009

From the end of 2008, Mercedes-Benz will be adding to its range one of the most fuel-efficient and therefore economical luxury saloons around in the form of the new S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. Effective detailed modifications and advanced technology have lowered the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the new model variant by some ten per cent compared to its predecessor, which was itself very economical. Features of the first BlueEFFICIENCY model in the S-Class range include on-demand power steering, an automatic transmission with standstill decoupling, as well as tires with reduced rolling resistance. All without compromising the high standards of comfort, performance and driving pleasure in any way.

By bringing out the new S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Mercedes-Benz is carefully pursuing its strategy for developing environmentally sound premium models that also encompasses the S-Class. The latest variant of the luxury saloon, which is due to supersede the S 320 CDI model from the end of this year, is more fuel-efficient and, as a result, even more economical than its predecessor. With fuel consumption of 7.6 liters per 100 km (a reduction of 0.7 liters) and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (a reduction of 21 g), the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is set to achieve top marks in the luxury class. Mercedes-Benz has achieved such exemplary economy by incorporating a tailor-made BlueEFFICIENCY package. The package’s key components:

The power steering’s hydraulic pump that is driven by an electric motor has an on-demand design, meaning that it only builds up pressure when the driver actually turns the steering wheel. This has the effect of reducing energy and fuel consumption when driving for long distances in a straight line – such as on the motorway.

The 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission is equipped with standstill decoupling. With this feature, the torque converter interrupts the power flow as soon as the vehicle draws to a stop with the engine running, in much the same way as the clutch on a manual transmission. This eliminates the converter’s hydrodynamic resistance, lessening the load on the engine and lowering fuel consumption. Standstill decoupling has the added benefit of reducing noise and vibration levels when stopped, and enables even smoother idling. The slip-controlled clutch engages the instant the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing the vehicle to move off without the slightest delay.

The S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY rides as standard on 17-inch light-alloy wheels shod with reduced rolling resistance tires, featuring a special carcass construction.

There has been no change in the V6 powerplant’s superlative output and torque figures of 173 kW/235 hp and 540 Nm respectively. Thus equipped, the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY completes the sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and attains a top speed of 250 km/h.

The luxury saloon with fuel consumption and emission figures on a par with a medium-size car can be recognised from the outside by the “BlueEFFICIENCY” badge on the front wings. The S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY sees Mercedes-Benz further extend its line-up of models offering enhanced fuel efficiency and environmental compatibility.

The price for the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY in Germany is unchanged at €70,864.50 (incl. VAT). The long-wheelbase version costs €78,718.50 (incl. VAT).

Source Marcedes Benz

2009-New Mercedes S-Class S600

The Mercedes experts will be focussing more than ever on avoiding traffic accidents and reducing accident severity, with the driver assistance systems being unveiled in the new E-Class and the model year 2009 S-Class from spring 2009 onwards set to play a crucial role.Mercedes-Benz is implementing a globally unique synergy of sophisticated safety technologies to give its cars extra “senses” and added intelligence. All of which makes Mercedes models part of the “thinking” process – cars that can see, sense and act autonomously. In addition to this, the Mercedes saloons show the way ahead when it comes to occupant protection and set new standards with their “electronic” crumple zones.

To this end, Mercedes-Benz is for the first time using cameras alongside radar sensors. These long-range cameras monitor the area around the car and are able to interpret critical situations. By way of example, new camera-based assistance systems help the driver by keeping the car safely on track, detecting speed-limit signs, controlling the headlamps in line with the current driving situation and enhancing visibility in the dark.

Demand for cool cars down in the recession

Could the recession mean the end of cool cars over substance for the motoring industry? This may seem a little over the top, but a number of news stories have emerged in the UK press recently concerning how consumers are being deterred from buying cool flash cars instead of those which are considered more practical, and are refraining from adding sporty extras to their existing cars. So are necessities such as car insurance and fuel economy taking the place of the look and style of the UK’s vehicles?


According to an article at justgoodcars.com, industry research has found that 36% of motorists surveyed said that their limited budgets are the most important factor when considering the purchase of a new car. Additionally, the reliability of the vehicle was also said to be influential in the decision, with one in five buying because of their trust in the manufacturer as opposed to the style or look of the vehicle itself.


Additionally, drivers who have bought cars with the intention of modifying or ‘souping’ them up in the last year have been forced to think twice as research published at myfinances.co.uk highlights the added expense to insurance costs. For example, the added cost of a new spoiler on a 2000 Ford Focus for a 17 year old will be a massive £688.84 a year, whilst something as innocuous as decals and stickers could push the yearly extra cost up by another £6225.22!


According to Gerry Bucke of Adrian Flux Insurance there is an intriguing irony with the latter. He stated: "Young drivers of modified cars are on average 20% less likely to have an accident and make a claim than young drivers in cars with a standard specification. The truth is, guys who modify their cars tend to be involved in fewer accidents. They invest heavily in their cars and take more care of them."

So what does this say for the motoring industry? Are we likely to see an end, or at least a pause, of people spending money on car style? The reports in the press would certainly suggest so, but whilst we might be gradually letting superficial aspects of our vehicles slide, with credit crunch cut-backs we will no doubt see individuals opting for cheaper cars rather than greener ones also. If manufacturers really want to sell new cars they will need to be able to offer cheap simplicity in order to match those that can be bought second hand.

Cannabis Porsche Cayenne

Check out this cool Porsche Cayenne Turbo “Cannabis” car. If you want to be subtle and avoid attention from the police, this is not the car for you!

Wooden Car Pictures

Check out this cool wooden car from Ukraine!

RTTS Cool Cars and Van Pictures

A collection of cool cars and van pictures from 'Run to the Sun' (RTTS) festival, Newquay, Cornwall, England. Every year on the May Bank Holiday, motoring and in particular VW enthusiasts and live entertainment fans make the annual pilgrimage to Newquay for a long weekend of sun, sea, music and motors.
















































For more cool vans visit Van-Cars.com