MERCEDES-BENZ SHOW AMG M-CLASS AT FRANKFURT SHOW

Mercedes-Benz presents the new ML 55 AMG and the ML 270 CDI diesel model range-topper at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The M-class was originally launched in the USA in the autumn of 1997 before being premiered in Europe in the spring of 1998. During the first six months of 1999, almost 5,500 German motorists picked the Mercedes-Benz, which in Germany has achieved a share of around 30 per cent in its market segment. In other West European countries the M-class accounts for about 15 per cent of all new registrations in its category, while in the USA it is chosen by around three per cent.

To all this, Mercedes now want it to be one of the fastest cars on the autobahn.... Hence the AMG version and an advanced diesel.

ML 55 AMG
To coincide with the start of the model year 2000, the ML 55 AMG, a new eight cylinder model, will top the M-class line-up. This monster features a 347bhp V8 power plant, sophisticated appointments and attractive body styling elements. The comfort, safety and performance of the ML 55 AMG will be the benchmark in this segment for a long time to come, perhaps until BMW's X5 is fully established.

The letters AMG are synonymous with benchmark performance, and are now wholly owned by the DaimlerChrysler corporation. Engineers at Mercedes-AMG have reworked the 5.0-litre eight-cylinder engine from the S-class using a modified crankshaft drive, special oil injector nozzles and high-performance camshafts. These measures taken in conjunction with the higher displacement of 5.5-litres provide a remarkable maximum torque of 510Nm which the V8 engine makes available from around only 2,800rpm. Results from acceleration and speed tests are just as impressive. The ML 55 AMG is capable of sprinting from zero to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 145mph. Is this wise in such a big, heavy car?

A number of individual styling tweaks have been incorporated to differentiate the ML 55 AMG from its lesser brethren. Particularly striking are the two 'power bulges' on the bonnet which echo the Mercedes SLK roadster, while the radiator grille with its discreet chrome surround and the specially designed body-colored bumpers emphasize this car's individuality. Viewed from the side, the painted wing flares and sills allude to the performance potential. These mouldings not only allow the use of huge 18-inch tyres but also make the bodyshell appear wider and more powerful to underscore the overall styling of the ML 55 AMG. Other attributes of this design concept include the attractive five-spoke AMG alloys.

Like the body design, the interior of the ML 55 AMG also holds great visual appeal. Sports seats trimmed in buffalo hide, dark burled walnut trim and soft carpets made from velour add up to a luxurious ambience. In the cockpit area, the tone is set by the light dials of the instrument cluster, the wood-and-leather sports steering wheel, the leather-covered armrest between the front seats and the chrome surrounds chosen for the cockpit instruments as well as all controls of the standard-fitted air conditioning system.

Other standard features include xenon headlamps complete with high-pressure cleaning system, power adjustable front sports seats with memory function, power-operated tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, side airbags for front and rear passengers, MB Audio 30 stereo car radio, sound system as well as power-operated rear quarter vents.

ML 270 CDI
The new ML 270 CDI is the first M-Class diesel variant that Mercedes-Benz offers. Advanced common rail direct injection, four-valves-per-cylinder technology, VNT turbocharger and air intercooler are just some of the special technical attributes of the newly developed five-cylinder engine which the Stuttgart auto maker combines with the equally new six-speed manual gearbox. The engine delivers 163bhp, which is not too imppressive, but the maximum torque figure of 370Nm is available between 1800 and 2600rpm. With the optionally available automatic transmission fitted, this figure rises to 400Nm. Don't ask.....

The five-cylinder unit owes its high pulling power from low revs mainly to the use of a variable nozzle turbine (VNT) turbocharger that varies the air flow cross section to reflect the current engine operating point thereby producing the optimum charging pressure. Thanks to the dynamic adjustment of the guide vanes inside the turbocharger, the entire emission energy is used to maximum efficiency.

The equipment of the new ML 270 CDI will also meet the highest demands. Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and alloy wheels are just as much part of the standard package as air conditioning, cruise control and side bags for the driver and front seat passenger.

Mercedes engineers are currently testing a new material for the brake discs of high-performance cars. The new material is fibre-reinforced ceramic, and it will be used in the Mercedes-Benz SLR super sports car, amongst others. This high-tech material will be shown to the public at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September 1999.

Compared to conventional grey cast iron, the new carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic is characterised by extremely high heat resistance. The material can withstand a maximum thermal load of

1400 to 1600 degrees Celsius - in other words double the values of conventional grey cast iron brake discs. The result is even greater safety when braking at high speeds.

With a relative density of 2.2 grams per cubic centimetre, the special ceramic is about 70 per cent lighter than conventional grey cast iron (7.1 grams per cubic centimetre), so that it also makes a major contribution to weight-saving. Moreover, as a result of the lower unsprung masses, the material improves the driving dynamics of high-performance cars.

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