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Mercedes has come up with a novel concept in the form of its latest zero-emission car that can be powered by three different propulsion systems. The car takes inspiration from the B Class hatchback, and its electric motor can be energised by the batteries alone, or by a battery pack recharged by a fuel cell generator, or even from batteries whose range can be inflated by an external combustion system. The point here is that in each of the above cases the batteries are water-cooled lithium-ion, while the electric motor produces an inspiring 93bhp and 236lb ft of torque which powers the front wheels.

The Blue-ZERO concept exploits the possibilities thrown open by the sandwich construction of the B Class, which has been generating a lot of buzz due to its unobtrusive nature as far as passenger and luggage space is concerned. Moreover, the model is also a trendsetter of a sort for its low centre of gravity. Drivers should also love the crash performance meted out by the car which assisted by its unique design and layout. All the three models can reach speeds of up to 62mph in a matter of seconds, while the top speed is regulated at 93mph to improve battery life.

The mode when run on pure electric E-Cell has a range of 120miles which can be extended to an astounding 248miles in F-Cell form by the fuel cell generator.

This latest development shows Mercedes’ intent to promote low emission vehicles and from 2009 onwards the company will operate a small fleet of experimental hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to get acquainted with the various issues confronting the concept. While energy efficiency is admittedly important for everyday household products, like the energy efficient A class Hotpoint FF4DK fridge freezer, it is far important for your car, in terms of saving both money and the environment. Mercedes, it seems, has recognised this. The company, in fact, has completed all the formalities to introduce its first series of pure electric cars come 2010.

Car accidents have always been a big threat for high speed vehicle drivers. If people drive properly then approximately 55,000 accidents can be avoided in UK every year. According to a survey, 27 per cent of all crashes in the UK happen when somebody is making a work-related journey and this is because the drivers are not skilled enough to handle the cars practically at high speed.

Mercedes has now decided to train such drivers in order to avoid car crashes. The company has launched a dedicated course for organizations called ‘Driving for Business Programme’ under which the companies can send their employees to professional driving training. The ‘Driving for Business Programme’ will expose the trainees to a real life simulation that features roads and other settings hard enough to train the drivers rigorously. Of course the simulation will be much more serious and realistic than your average driving game like Gran Turismo 5. Drivers will be trained for the wet roads, skidding, braking at speed, steering control, cornering and taking evasive action behind the wheel. Apart from this practical exposure, theoretical seminars on road safety and risk assessment will also be conducted.

Mercedes will train the drivers in extreme road and weather conditions too. This will include the training on icy roads as such situation is particularly relevant during the cold weather.

Tags for this article: accident, benz, mercedes

Mercedes-Benz has decided to give a definitive thrust to their insatiable experimentation on different models with their decision to unleash the company’s first hybrid version, the S-Class flagship sedan early next year.

The model, identified by the name S400 BlueHYBRID, will be powered by a modified version of the 3.5-liter V6 that has been in vogue in the standard S350 European-market sedan. The modified version, according to company sources, has proved to be a great asset in the final analysis as it has remarkably improved the engine’s efficiency. Moreover, it has been connected with an electric motor, the necessary control equipment, in addition to a compact lithium ion battery. All of the above is more than sufficient for powering any onboard gps navigation, in car entertainment, or car speaker stereo systems as well.  The arrangement thus more or less resembles a conventional S-class as seating and cargo capacity are left untouched.

The hybrid version has some innate advantages over its contemporaries as for instance, in the case of say the big Benz, it captures braking energy and provides additional boost, apart from providing a substantial amount of instantly available torque. The car lacks on an electric-only mode, but nevertheless has a stop/start system which by default will kill the petrol engine when the car is rolling to a stop, and not turn it on again until it gets back underway.

Performance wise the model has managed many a rave reviews, especially for its environment friendly traits. Statistically, it emits CO2 at a rate of 190 g/km which is a significant drop of 20% from the standard, petrol-only S350. It also gives you the benefit of better mileage, as it consumes gas at a rate of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometers.

After the super sports car Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren was phased out of production, an extreme high performance version of the SL roadster has stepped up to fill its shoes. The Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series comes with a supercharged 12 cylinder petrol engine, complete with a 493 kW/ 670 HP performance and torque of 1,000 Nm. The car also uses the 6.0 litre driving gear from the SL 65 AMG, but with enhancements, including a different bi-turbocharger and a modified exhaust system.

The new model is 280 kilograms lighter than the standard version, because of the decision to manufacture numerous car body panels from lightweight carbon fibre. The sports car can go from zero to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, while the top speed has been electronically restricted at 198 mph. An automatic 5 gear system provides the transmission on the rear axle. The suspension has been reworked, and limited slip deferential on the rear axle should help provide for extra traction.

The open two-seater is immediately distinguishable by its expanded wings, wheel-away back spoiler, and a rear apron with fins. The completely black interior is marked by a sports car bucket seat, black speedometer, and a white RPM meter. The first editions will be released in November and, although the prices remain unknown, we can expect something in the £215,000 range.