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runridedive · 7 years ago

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Driven by Electric Intelligence

The world is rapidly changing as megatrends transform our lives. Consequently, business models are changing as disruptors break-down norms. “The great transformations that the automotive industry is currently undergoing pose great opportunities to shape the future in lasting ways. One thing is clear, the proven recipes for the success of yesterday, will not be the recipes for the success of tomorrow,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we believe that the key ingredient to achieving success in the future is to best connect the dots in this new era. We have clustered the challenges of this new era, and developed the CASE corporate strategy as our intelligent response,” Fritz continues.

CASE is an acronym for the fields of networking (Connected), autonomous driving (Autonomous), flexible use (Shared & Services) and electric drive systems (Electric). CASE forms an integral part of Daimler AG’s vision to shape intuitive electric mobility.

Mercedes-Benz Cars already plays a leading role in all four areas today. For example, all activities in the area of connectivity are focused on the digital brand Mercedes me, which gives customers access to an extensive and personalised range of services by app, website or straight from their car.

On the way to autonomous driving, Mercedes-Benz has for years been a key driver of development and has repeatedly set the benchmark. To this end, the Mercedes engineers use what is known as sensor fusion. The data from different sensors, such as cameras, ultrasound and radar, are intelligently combined and analysed. With smart vision EQ fortwo, the smart brand is also demonstrating what driving without a steering wheel could look like in the future of car-sharing.

The inventor of the automobile is already playing a leading role in the field of Sharing & Services. The mobility services used by over 14.5 million people range from free-floating car-sharing (car2go) and private peer-to-peer car-sharing (Croove), through ride-hailing (mytaxi) to the mobility platform (moovel).

GLC350e

The Mercedes-Benz three-lane drive system strategy across all vehicle segments

Mercedes-Benz is taking a holistic approach to powertrain electrification as this is an important component in the mobility of the future. Apart from the EQ (Electric Intelligence) brand and EQ family of vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is also developing a holistic ecosystem includes a comprehensive electric mobility offering. This extends from intelligent services and energy storage units for private and commercial customers to charging technologies and sustainable recycling.

On the road to emission-free driving, Daimler AG is steering a three-lane drive system strategy in order to implement maximum environmental compatibility across all vehicle classes – with an intelligent mix of the latest combustion engines and partial electrification through 48-volt technology, tailor-made plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles with battery or fuel cell drive systems.

Lane #1: Electric pioneer Mercedes-Benz builds on CO2-free mobility

Mercedes-Benz is pursuing a holistic approach to powertrain electrification. The company is also developing the EQ brand into a holistic ecosystem which, alongside the electric family of vehicles itself, also comprises a comprehensive electromobility offering. This extends from intelligent services and energy storage units for private and commercial customers to charging technologies and sustainable recycling.

The Mercedes-Benz EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures)1 is the first series-produced model to be launched under the EQ brand. With its seamless, trailblazing design and colour highlights typical of the brand — both inside and out — the mid-size SUV is a pioneer for an avant-garde electric look while representing the design idiom of Progressive Luxury.

The EQC is truly the Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles, with its unmatched quality, safety, comfort and dynamic performance. The electric motors at the front and rear axles have a combined output of 300 kW with the sophisticated operating strategy enabling an electric range of more than 450 km according to NEDC (provisional figure)1. The EQC symbolises the start of a new mobility era at Daimler and is set to be produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen from 2019, for delivery to South African customers in 2020.

With the Concept EQA (length/width/height: 4285/1810/1428 mm; wheelbase: 2729 mm), Mercedes-Benz demonstrates how the EQ strategy can be translated to the compact class. Featuring one electric motor on the front axle and one at the rear, this electric athlete has a system output of over 200 kW. The drive characteristics can be altered by varying the permanent all-wheel drive’s front to rear torque distribution. The Concept EQA shows which drive programme has been selected on a unique virtual radiator grille. In combination with the intelligent Mercedes-Benz operating strategy, the Concept EQA achieves a range of around 400 kilometres, depending on the battery capacity installed.

EQ also offers comprehensive services with Mercedes me, and makes electromobility convenient and suitable for day-to-day motoring. “The Mercedes-Benz EQ brand and technology encapsulates all the electric know-how of Mercedes-Benz Cars. By 2022, Mercedes-Benz will offer more than ten purely electrically driven vehicles in every production series,” says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.

S560e

Lane #2: The extensive range of plug-in hybrids is further expanded

Plug-in hybrids represent a key technology on the road to a locally emission-free future for the motor vehicle. This is because they offer customers the best of both worlds; in the city they can drive in fully electric mode, while on long journeys they benefit from the combustion engine’s range. To underline the important role of hybrids in the process of electrifying the car, the plug-in models from Mercedes-Benz will in future bear the EQ Power technology badge.

Because the strengths of plug-in hybrids come to the fore in larger vehicles and on mixed route profiles, Mercedes-Benz is opting for this powertrain concept from the C-Class upwards. The strategic hybrid initiative is decisively facilitated by Mercedes-Benz’s intelligent, modular hybrid concept: designed to be scalable, it can be transferred to a large number of model series and body styles as well as left and right-hand-drive variants.

Following the C 350 e*, GLE 500 e 4MATIC*, GLC 350 e 4MATIC*, GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupé * and E 350 e*, the new S 560 e* (*combined fuel consumption: 3.3–2.1 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 78–48 g/km, combined electrical consumption: 16.7–11.0 kWh/100 km), and successor to the S 500 e, is already the eighth plug-in model that Mercedes-Benz is bringing to market.

The hybrid drive system in the S 560 e combines the 270 kW (367 hp) of the V6 petrol engine with an electric output of 90 kW. The third-generation hybrid transmission evolved on the basis of the 9G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The torque converter, clutch and electric motor are housed in the innovative hybrid drive unit. The compact design was achieved by integrating and connecting the separating clutch, torsional vibration damper and torque converter lockup clutch within the rotor of the electric motor. The torque converter with its powerful and highly efficient hydraulic circuit offers the customary smoothness when pulling away in hybrid mode.

“The hybridization and electrification of our vehicles’ drive systems through our EQ portfolio will significantly reduce the CO₂ emissions of our vehicles on the road to emission-free driving. Accordingly, Daimler AG is investing approximately one billion Euros in battery production, and over 10 billion Euros in new EQ products over the next few years,” Govender continues.

Concept EQA

Lane #3: High-efficiency internal combustion engines

Mercedes-Benz attaches key importance to the optimisation of modern, internal combustion engines in its road map to sustainable mobility. In particular, the economical, clean and highly popular diesel engine makes an important contribution to the further reduction of fleet consumption. The new four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engine marked the début of a groundbreaking family of engines from Mercedes-Benz. It is the first passenger car diesel engine to use the stepped-bowl combustion process – named after the shape of the combustion bowl in the piston.

The innovations also include the combination of aluminium engine block and steel pistons as well as the further-improved NANOSLIDE® cylinder wall coating. The new four-cylinder OM 654 celebrated its world première in the E 220 d (combined fuel consumption: 3.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 102 g/km) from the new E-Class in spring 2016. The new engine consumes around 13 percent less fuel than its predecessor in a comparable vehicle.

The new petrol engines featuring six or four cylinders point the way into the combustion engine’s future: They include trailblazing technologies such as the starter alternator (EQ Boost), 48-volt on-board electrical system and electrical booster compressor (six-cylinder).

The new, systematically electrified, in-line six-cylinder engine comes to the starting line in the S 500, which has an output of 320 kW (435 hp) and 520 Nm (combined fuel consumption: 6.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 150 g/km). Over a short period, EQ Boost, a feature of the integrated starter alternator, makes a further 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW of output available. Compared with the similarly powerful S 500 predecessor featuring a V8 engine, it has been possible to reduce the CO2 emissions of the engine by around 22 percent.

Next to make its début is the new generation of the four-cylinder petrol engine (M 264) with a power-to-swept-volume ratio of well over 100 kW per litre. The use of a belt-driven starter alternator with a 48-volt on-board electrical system also marks a further step towards the electrification of the drive system and facilitates functions such as boost, coasting with the engine off and recuperation.

Like the six-cylinder engine, the new eight-cylinder engine celebrated its première in the S-Class. The new twin turbo assembly is among the world’s most economical V8 petrol engines and consumes up to six percent less fuel than its predecessor. In efforts to lower the fuel consumption, four cylinders of the new V8 are deactivated simultaneously under partial load thanks to the CAMTRONIC valve-lift adjustment system.

The new V8 generates 345 kW (469 hp) and 700 Nm and it is available as the Mercedes-Benz S 560 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5–7.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 195–181 g/km) and Mercedes-Maybach S 560 (combined fuel consumption: 9.3–8.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 209–198 g/km).

EQ in Motorsport: Mercedes-AMG F1 W09 EQ Power+

The F1 W09 EQ Power+ is improved in every area over its predecessor and will become the fastest Mercedes Formula One car in history. As the most advanced machine ever conceived by Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport, the 2018 car aims to write its own chapter in that long racing heritage while at the same time pushing the technological boundaries of motorsport.

Christened Mercedes-AMG F1 W09 EQ Power+, the new car proudly carries the “EQ Power+” designation which was launched to the world on last year’s car. As part of the naming strategy of Mercedes-AMG, “EQ Power+” stands for the brand’s future performance hybrid models. The Formula One team is proud to have led the way that was followed by the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE show car revealed in Frankfurt last year.

The EQ Power+ designation places the F1 car and its state-of-the-art hybrid power unit at the forefront of the future Mercedes-AMG line-up, showcasing how F1 technology is accelerating the future of motor racing and automotive technology in general.

“The goal has been clearly defined: EQ is to become the most desirable electro-technology brand in the automotive sector. With technologies and innovations that go well beyond the vehicle portfolio, EQ makes entry into the world of electric mobility as easy as possible for customers. As the only premium vehicle brand to be ranked in the top 8 of Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2018, the top vehicle brand in both the business and consumer categories of the Sunday Times Top Brands 2018, and the reigning Generation Next coolest motor vehicle brand, we at Mercedes-Benz are confident that we are on-track to realize this goal for EQ,” concludes Govender.

Major progress towards emission-free driving

As a premium manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz aspires to develop products that are environmentally compatible in their market segments. Daimler AG has set itself the target of reducing the use of primary raw materials for electric drives by 40 percent by 2030. Apart from the economical use of resources, the reconditioning of components and the recycling of the raw materials used play an important role too. This holistic approach also includes the use of vehicle batteries in stationary energy-storage devices.

All available means have to be used for this. From the environmentally and socially compatible reduction in the use of raw materials to production and process technologies that are easy on the environment to recycling or remanufacturing: the company adopts a holistic approach and considers vehicle emissions and resource consumption over the entire lifecycle right from the start.

Only an analysis of the vehicles’ entire lifecycle provides a realistic picture of the electric drive’s lifecycle assessment (LCA). This reveals that the lifecycle assessment (LCA) of the plug-in hybrids is already positive with respect to CO2 emissions. Despite the much higher expenditure during the production phase, the plug-in hybrid can substantially reduce CO2 emissions over its entire lifecycle and, in the best-case scenario, accounts for around 45 percent of the total emissions. This more than compensates for the extra investment of CO2 emissions during production.

Mercedes-Benz forecasts that battery-electric models are set to account for 15-25 percent of total unit sales by 2025; depending on customer preferences and the development of the public infrastructure. The battery facility currently under construction in Tuscaloosa (United States of America) forms part the global battery production network comprised of eight factories located in Kamenz, (Germany), Stuttgart-Untertürkheim (Germany), Sindelfingen (Germany), Beijing (China), and Bangkok (Thailand) that allows Mercedes-Benz to react flexibly and efficiently to market demands and requirements.

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itsworn · 7 years ago

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2019 Ford Edge ST: Livin’ On The Edge with Ford’s 335 Horsepower Family Hauler

Ford’s latest performance-based offering is not a Focus or a Mustang. Instead, it’s the new 2019 Edge ST, a tidy SUV engineered to combine utility with driving excitement. Not your normal hot rod, the Edge ST creates fun factor with a 335 horsepower twin-turbo V6 that boasts 380 lb-ft of torque. The EcoBoost engine puts the power down through an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system that’s tuned for impressive performance and excellent driver feel.

To see if the Edge ST hit the mark, we headed to Park City, Utah and spent two days reviewing the boosted cruiser on highways, canyon roads, and on a tricky Autocross track.

One of the biggest challenges Ford faced was to infuse the larger vehicle (it’s not a Fiesta or Focus) with adequate “ST” acceleration, handling and braking. To rightfully wear the ST moniker, Edge needed the right DNA. “ST is much more than a badge,” said Hau Ti Tang, Ford Global Head of Product Development and Purchasing. “Clearly it’s a differentiated series—it has all the right appointments, but it’s an experience. It’s something that gives our enthusiast customers what they want, which is the joy of driving.”

Tang is right. Before Ford Performance engineers stamp a vehicle with ST badges, it must meet self-imposed criteria. It must have suitable driving dynamics, supreme braking capability, enhanced cooling, proper seats, performance-based transmission and shift quality, and most importantly, horsepower and aggressive sound.

It must also look good, so the Edge ST was updated with sporty styling. Up front, there’s a wide mesh grille for optimal cooling, and astute enthusiasts will recognize the subtle Shelby GT350 cues on the lower front fascia. The huge grille allows 70 percent more airflow than the Edge Titanium fascia to support the ST engine and transmission coolers that keep things at operating temperature while you’re enjoying boost. The rockers feature deep side skirts and the rear gets smart-looking dual-exhaust outlets. There’s also smattering of high-gloss ebony black, which provides a nice contrast to the Ford Performance Metallic Blue or White Platinum Metallic paint, and all the chrome trim has been replaced with black. Lastly, unique 21-inch wheels are available, along with Pirelli tires, and an optional performance-braking package. Every Edge ST can tow up to 3,500 lbs. thanks to the standard towing package.

“It had to have performance that delivered on the ST brand,” said Tom Ozog, chief engineer Ford Edge. “It also had to give you an engaging driving experience and have style on the exterior and interior,” he added. “So, we started out with the 2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost engine. You get the acceleration that you want and need, and you can really enjoy the driving experience. We’ve done a number of things on the chassis, especially when you look at the underbody. We’ve taken our front stay-bar from a tubular design to a solid. We’ve taken our springs and stiffened them 10-percent in the front and 20-percent on the rear, and the team has also changed the rear shocks from a twin-tube to a mono-tube design. A lot of what we’re doing with dampening control is to give you good body control and better overall driving dynamics,” Ozog stated. “For braking performance, it was very important to have good thermal efficiency, so the front and rear rotors are both vented. And we’ve upsized the rear rotor from a 316 mm to 345 mm,” he added.

Formerly, ST models were only available on select cars, but with Ford switching its focus to Crossover and Sport Utility Vehicles (save for the Mustang), we believe the Detroit automaker will begin offering more models like the Edge ST and that’s one reason we were anxious to get behind the wheel.

Horsepower By Boost Under the hood is a 2.7L DOHC 24-valve EcoBoost V6 that’s enhanced with a pair of turbos developing the aforementioned 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. A forged crank and steel rods lives in a 60-degree compacted graphite aluminum block with lightweight, cast, high-strength pistons that have a low-friction skirt coating and steel ring carriers. Compression ratio is 10:1. The block is mated to aluminum cylinder heads that are fed by a split-plenum composite intake and the turbochargers are integrated into the exhaust manifolds.

Mashing the gas from a dead stop gets you moving quickly, and the 8-speed auto, which features a 4.48:1 First gear ratio, upshifts nicely, but it’s not lightning quick. Ford claims the 0-60 time is 5.2 seconds and the top speed is a brisk 130 mph. This should equate to a high-13-second quarter-mile around 95 mph. We found the power was enough performance for spirited driving, but wanted a little more off-the-line grunt. And keep in mind, Park City, Utah is located up in the clouds at 5,000-8,000 feet above seal level. And… finding a much quicker in-segment vehicle will set you back far more than the base MSRP of $42,335 on the Edge ST. In fact, Ford Performance purchased a Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan to benchmark the competition.

One thing we really liked was the front seats. They are styled nicely and provide a fantastic mix of comfort and bolstering. The perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel is also nice and felt comfortable in our hands. Ford has tuned the Edge ST to give you firmer response from the steering, and the ST suspension was flat in the sweeping corners with a nice amount of balance and control.

Tapping the “S” in the rotary shifter engaged Sport Mode, which flipped the digital portion of the instrument cluster to show us a tachometer. It also gave us faster throttle response, more aggressive shifting and it held each gear longer to keep the engine in the meat of the curve. We also liked the rev-matching on downshifts and the slight burble from the twin pipes, even if some of the sound was pumped through the speakers. In Sport Mode you can also use the paddle shifts or let the computer do the work.

Furthermore, Edge ST is outfitted for dynamic handling with selectable traction control. “With the simple press of a button, drivers can use electronic stability control to select one of four AdvanceTracTM modes,” said Ozog. “By selecting normal, traction control off, AdvanceTrac sport/track, or AdvanceTrac off, drivers can create the driving experience they desire. Drivers can also manually shift using the steering wheel-mounted SelectShift® paddle shifters.”

Technology and Connectivity Along with performance, today’s buyers expect their vehicle to help them connect to the world. Ford has packed the five-door full of technology that’s will enhance your driving experience with connectivity and fantastic features. “Ford Edge, the pioneering mid-size SUV that has introduced Ford drivers to technology such as available Enhanced Active Park Assist and a 180-degree front camera, is at it again,” said Cristina Aquino, Edge brand marketing manager. “The entire 2019 Edge lineup makes a host of driver-assist technologies standard, and introduces the intelligence of all-wheel-drive disconnect to Ford vehicles,” added Aquino.

Edge becomes the first Ford SUV to offer Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of five driver-assist technologies that come standard on every Edge model. In addition, standard equipment on the new Edge includes FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that gives internet access to up to 10 devices.* Using the FordPass app, drivers can also use their smartphone to start, lock, unlock and locate their Edge. Available SYNC® 3 with AppLink is compatible with Ford+Alexa and Waze.

The package includes:

 Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, which includes pedestrian detection, forward collision warning and dynamic brake support

 Blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert

 Lane-keeping system

 Rear backup camera with built-in lens washer

 Auto high-beam headlamps

The new Edge also offers the following Ford driver-assist technologies:

 Standard on all 2019 Edge models, post-collision braking can help reduce the impact of a potential secondary collision by automatically applying moderate brake pressure when an initial collision event is detected

 Evasive steering assist, an available feature, can assist the driver to avoid a collision with a slower stopped vehicle ahead by providing steering support when the collision cannot be avoided by braking alone.

 Also available is adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering. ACC with stop-and-go can help bring the vehicle to a stop when traffic slows, and can accelerate back up to the pre-set speed within three seconds if the vehicle in front moves forward. With lane-centering, the feature also helps the vehicle remain centered in its lane

Inside, a redesigned center console is accentuated by an all-new rotary gearshift dial that frees up space, allows easier access to the available wireless charging pad, and enhances the vehicle’s modern, sophisticated feel.

We tried the variety of driver assist features and found the adaptive cruise and lane centering to work exceptionally well. While not an autonomous system, the pairing allowed for reduced fatigue on the highway.

All-Wheel-Drive Disconnect Standard on any all-wheel-drive-equipped 2019 Edge or Edge ST is all-wheel-drive disconnect. This first-for-Ford technology uses information received from dozens of high-tech sensors and artificial intelligence to determine within 10 milliseconds whether all-wheel drive is needed, and then seamlessly shift between FWD and AWD without the need for driver input.

The system interacts with the traction control system to detect wheel slip, and receives inputs from the anti-lock brakes to learn if that system is active. It even detects if the windshield wipers are on, whether the Edge is towing a trailer, and the outside temperature. All-wheel drive equipped Edge models have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. Front-wheel drive vehicles have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined. Edge ST, with standard all-wheel drive, has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined.

A number of equipment upgrades are available for Edge ST, including an ST Performance Brake Package, Cold Weather Package, Convenience Package, 21-inch wheels and summer-only tires. When fully loaded, Edge ST reaches a maximum price of $54,010.

Autocross Attack Day Two of our Ford ST test drive gave journalists a chance to compete in a really fun autocross competition. A total of 80 scribes, V-bloggers, and photographers jumped at the challenge, and Ford threw us a curve. This was no ordinary autocross. Being the Edge ST is, well, a SUV, Ford added the challenge of a pit stop where we had to exit the vehicle, load boxes, then hop back in for a second hot lap. This required driver to complete a hot lap, pull in the pits, get out, and load boxes in the rear of the ST. Then, quickly shut the hatch, hop in, click the belt, and run another hot lap. This required tight maneuvering, and perfect choreography. Any shot at the title would require a squeaky clean run because knocking off a cone or failing to load the boxes came with huge time penalties.

The stakes were high (relatively speaking!); the top three winners (from each of the three waves) would take home prizes like an Alexa or wireless headphones. The grand prize for the overall quickest time was a giant 12-foot stuffed bear that Ford used in recent 2019 Ford Edge TV commercials.

We got our chance on the final day, so we had a good idea how quick we’d need to run. The time to beat was one minute flat and a few seconds, set early in the day. Our first attempt was a 1:05:66. That run was followed by a 1:26, as your humble scribe fumbled with the hatch button while opening and closing it. On track the ST is a confident performer. We experienced a bit of understeer at the limit, but we expected it considering the damp conditions and ultra tight corners. It’s not likely you’ll cut corners so aggressively, unless you plan a day at your own autocross track. Acceleration was pretty good on the course, especially once the boost came on, and the brakes (we had the upgrade) worked amazingly well. A lone ST was used all day, with dozens of journos cycling through, and it never blinked in terms of brake fade or overheating.

Thankfully the Autocross was open all day so we came back after lunch for another attempt. When it was our turn, we climbed in and ripped off a quicker 1:03:45, still with some fumbling. Our driving was smooth, but we botched the pit stop, again. Not satisfied, we gave it one more try, and that run was a winner. We slithered through the course, somehow missed all the cones, rocked the pit stop liked a seasoned F1 team, well, not exactly, but either way, it was clean and the time was a beast-of-the-event 58:56. It was only a press event autocross, but nevertheless it was fun taking HOT ROD to the top of the chart.

More importantly, we came away with a new respect for Ford’s hot new Edge ST. It’s an impressive handler for an SUV, one that can take your family to the beach and put a smile on your face in the curves.

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