DieselNet UPDATE
December 2003

Mercedes-Benz to unveil a diesel hybrid car in Detroit

Mercedes-Benz said it will unveil its Vision Grand Sports Tourer at 
the Detroit Auto Show in January 2004. Series production development 
of this model has already reached an extremely advanced stage, 
according to Mercedes. This concept may become the first of a new 
line of R-class vehicles, will would be the second model line (after 
the M- class) to come from the Mercedes plant in Alabama.

The Mercedes concept is a touring saloon which offers space for up to 
six occupants. It is powered by a newly developed diesel hybrid 
powerplant consisting of a V8 diesel engine (from the S-Class) with 
184 kW (250 hp) and a 50 kW electric motor. This combination yields 
234 kW (314 hp) of total power, 860 Nm (634 lb-ft) of torque, and an 
impressive acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.6 
seconds.  The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h 
(155 mph).

http://www.car-data.com/xpage.preview/pre.template.asp?mfg=mercedes&mo 
del=visiongst

Mercedes-Benz Unveils a New Interpretation of the Vision Grand Sports Tourer

Model - Mercedes-Benz Vision GST

Status - Model Year 2005, Available early 2005

Source - DaimlerChrysler

Mercedes-Benz will pave the way for a new vehicle category when it 
unveils the Vision Grand Sports Tourer - a new take on the 
groundbreaking touring saloon concept - at the North American 
International Auto Show in January 2004. Series production 
development of this Mercedes model has already reached an extremely 
advanced stage. "The new Vision Grand Sports Tourer from 
Mercedes-Benz is a highly appealing and versatile touring car that 
offers space, comfort and power. This latest trend-setter will enable 
us to gain a firm foothold in what is a new and exciting market 
segment in early 2005. We believe that the concept offers enormous 
potential for the launch of a new Mercedes model family", says 
Professor JŸrgen Hubbert, member of the DaimlerChrysler AG Board of 
Management and head of the Mercedes Car Group.

Thanks to its intelligent use of space, the Mercedes concept offers 
first-class comfort for up to six occupants. Featuring comfortable 
individual seats and high-grade appointments, the luxurious interior 
has everything it takes to ensure exemplary driving enjoyment whilst 
touring. Further innovative features of the Vision Grand Sports 
Tourer include a newly developed diesel hybrid powerplant which 
develops 234 kW.

Grand Sports Tourer: saloon, van, estate and SUV all in one

First unveiled by Mercedes-Benz in 2002, the Grand Sports Tourer idea 
combines the best features of familiar vehicle concepts such as the 
touring saloon, van, estate and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to create 
a new and unique entity. This Mercedes concept thus offers comfort, 
space and practicality as well as meeting extremely high stan-dards 
in terms of performance and driving dynamics. It also provides 
outstanding long-distance comfort. In other words, it is an all-new 
interpretation of the "touring car".

Mercedes-Benz created this concept in response to the desire among 
modern-day drivers for a versatile car which, as well as being ideal 
for the family, recreation, travel and work, also features elegant 
design and the leading-edge technology for which the brand is 
renowned. The concept of the Grand Sports Tourer is the result of 
intensive dialogue between the Stuttgart-based manufacturer and 
customers from all around the world. These discussions form the basis 
of new and exciting vehicle concepts such as the Vision Grand Sports 
Tourer and the recently unveiled Vision CLS.

Design: the perfect blend of elegance, dynamism and supremacy

The new Mercedes-Benz show car is concrete proof that the Grand 
Sports Tourer has evolved from a design study and is ready to be 
phased into series production. It features a host of exciting details 
that are sure to arouse great interest. One of the main features that 
contributes to the dynamic appearance is the arc-shaped contour of 
the roof line which forms a powerfully smooth link between the 
A-pillar and C-pillar, thus projecting the desired "coupŽ-like" 
image. These lines lend the concept car a sporty elegance that belies 
its impressive size.

Other prominent characteristics of the Grand Sports Tourer, such as 
assurance and high performance, are highlighted by the design of the 
radiator grille with its wide aluminium louvers as well as the 
powerful contours of the bonnet and the prominent bumper. The 
pronounced wedge shape of the front end adds further emphasis to this 
design language.

Interior: relaxed touring for up to six occupants

A large panoramic glass roof stretches practically the entire 
distance between the windscreen and the rear end, bathing the 
interior in light. Up to six occupants can enjoy the relaxing ride in 
the luxurious individual seats. In terms of interior space, 
meanwhile, the distance of 920 mm between the first and second seat 
rows makes for first-class travel comfort. The centre consoles 
between the individual rear seats feature extra stowage compartments 
as well as large drinks holders for cups or bottles.

Furthermore, separate DVD/CD players for the second and third seat 
rows, complete with headphones, allow the rear passengers to enjoy 
their own chosen brand of entertainment. The colour displays are 
built into the rear of the front head restraints and the rear centre 
console.

This new vehicle concept, developed by Mercedes-Benz in its own 
inimitable style, is a response to a desire for a versatile car that 
can be quickly and easily adapted to perform a wide range of 
transport tasks. A desire expressed by families for whom sport and 
recreation are priorities. Hence the four rear seats can be folded 
individually to create up to 2030 litres of luggage space (according 
to the VDA measuring method), which is substantially more than a 
conventional luxury estate can offer. In addition, the flat load 
compartment floor and the large tailgate make loading and unloading a 
great deal easier.

The dashboard features a sophisticated design as well as an aluminium 
and fine-wood trim to further enhance appeal, whilst the aluminium 
surrounds for the COMAND display and air conditioning controls on the 
centre console provide another eye-catching interior detail.

By incorporating the very latest in transmission electronics, the 
Mercedes engineers were able to dispense with the conventional 
automatic selector lever on the centre console, replacing it with a 
lever on the steering column and control buttons on the steering 
wheel. This configuration gives the driver the ability to change gear 
manually - Formula-1-style - and thus make optimal use of the 
vehicle's highly impressive performance characteristics in any 
situation on the road.

Another benefit of this sophisticated shift-by-wire technology is 
that the driver's hands always remain exactly where they belong - on 
the steering wheel.

Hybrid drive: From zero to 100 km/h in only 6.6 seconds

A powerful diesel/electric hybrid drive system is further proof of 
the innovation at the heart of the Vision Grand Sports Tourer 
concept. In models such as the Grand Sports Tourer, the electric 
motor is set to become an indispensable companion to the diesel 
engine, since it helps to further reduce fuel consumption and 
emissions without compromising on agility, comfort and driving 
enjoyment.

This powerful hybrid consists of the state-of-the-art V8 diesel 
engine with 184 kW/250 hp from the S-Class and an electric motor (50 
kW). As a result, the vehicle has 234 kW of total power and 860 Nm of 
torque available - top performance levels for this drive technology, 
which guarantees dynamic driving enjoyment. The Vision Grand Sports 
Tourer, for example, has the acceleration of a sports car - it can 
sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds. The car's top speed 
is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The diesel hybrid system's fuel consumption is equally exemplary, 
delivering 30 mpg (miles per gallon) according to the American 
measurement method. With future engine generations, the drive concept 
of the Vision Grand Sports Tourer will offer the potential for even 
more impressive fuel efficiency, at 33 mpg. In the European driving 
cycle, the Vision Grand Sports Tourer with a hybrid drive uses about 
20 percent less fuel than a comparable diesel model. Electronically 
controlled distribution of the workload between the diesel engine and 
the electric motor enables the benefits of both drive concepts to be 
used to the full: the electric motor kicks in when starting off, 
parking, driving in stop-and-go traffic or crawling in heavy traffic 
when less power is required, thus ensuring zero-emission motoring. 
Only when more engine power is required does the eight-cylinder CDI 
powerplant spring into life to provide powerful acceleration. During 
braking, the electric motor acts as a generator and produces current 
for recharging the drive battery.

The Vision Grand Sports Tourer breaks new ground by featuring a 
hybrid drive system in conjunction with permanent all-wheel drive - a 
combination which offers further proof of the concept's immense 
potential.

Additional technical highlights of this Grand Sports Tourer concept 
include a set of 21-inch wheels as well as large, perforated brake 
discs, AIRMATIC air suspension and sophisticated axle assemblies, all 
of which are designed to ensure optimal long-distance comfort and an 
outstanding level of active safety.


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