DETROIT, Michigan, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --
- Mercedes Brings Hollywood to COBO Hall
World premiere 1: Sex And The City star Kim Cattrall presents Vision GLK
World premiere 2: Debut for the new generation SLK Roadster
"I love the GLK's powerful design, not to mention its incredibly spacious
trunk, its exceptional comfort and the fact that it's a Mercedes," comments
Kim Cattrall, one of the four stars of hit TV show Sex And The City and
celebrity guest of the Mercedes-Benz press conference at the 2008 NAIAS
(North American International Auto Show), who brought more than just a hint
of Hollywood glamour to the COBO Hall. The world-famous actress made her
stage entrance in the "Vision GLK" SUV study, where she displayed an
impressive familiarity with the subject. "After all, I am one of the few
people who have already had the opportunity to gather a generous amount of
hands-on experience with the future GLK," says Kim Cattrall in conversation
with Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Management Board of Daimler Benz AG
and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080113/288747)
This is because the GLK, which goes on sale in this fall (January 2009 in
U.S.), has an automotive starring role as a "rough and ready character" in
"Sex And The City - The Movie", which is currently being filmed and is due
for release in May.
As an entry-luxury SUV, the future GLK adds a fifth model to the
successful Mercedes-Benz SUV range, offering customers a new entry point into
the world of Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive and securing yet another growth
market segment for the Stuttgart auto manufacturer. "The forthcoming GLK is
the right vehicle at the right time," says Dieter Zetsche. "Firstly, it
possesses a highly individual design that is a clear departure from the
segment norm. Secondly, it brings together the strengths of our full-size
models within an entry-luxury format that also has benefits in terms of fuel
consumption." This intelligent "right-sizing" sees Mercedes-Benz achieve - in
parallel with its BLUETEC initiative - a further contribution to the
reduction of CO2 emissions within the SUV segment.
Vision GLK with new four-cylinder diesel and BLUETEC
The SUV study is presented in two visually distinct versions - as the
elegantly sporty "Vision GLK BLUETEC" with on-road focus, and in the
distinctly robust off-road version. In essence, these two studies preview the
production version of the all new GLK class, which will go on sale in the US
January 2009. The new GLK also sets it own benchmarks in terms of
environmental sustainability and efficiency. "Both versions of the Vision GLK
are equipped with our highly efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and our
all-new four-cylinder diesel engine - a power unit that is both economical
and, thanks to BLUETEC, extremely clean," explains Daimler's Head of
Technical Development Dr. Thomas Weber. "From its 2.2 liter displacement,
this high-torque engine generates 204 hp and a world class torque of 369 lb
ft that is available from as low down the rev range as 1,600 rpm."
This takes the new four-cylinder into performance dimensions that were
previously the domain of three-liter six-cylinder diesels and large
displacement V8 gasoline engines - and combines this with exemplary fuel
economy. Weber again, "All this is made possible by innovations exclusive to
Mercedes. For example, the latest in common-rail injection, new piezo
injectors for 2,000 bar injection pressure, as well as two-phase
turbocharging."
Continuation of the BLUETEC offensive with six and four-cylinder engines
With its new four-cylinder diesel, Mercedes-Benz is driving forward its
BLUETEC offensive, which was successfully launched two years ago in the USA
with the E Class. The E 320 BLUETEC, which was introduced in October 2006,
initially in 45 states, was honored shortly afterwards as "World Green Car of
the Year 2007" and has since gained approval for California and the other
states adopting Californian emission standards. The second half of 2008 will
see Mercedes launch - once again in the USA first - three 50-state approved
diesel SUVs in the R, M and GL Class. Like the new four-cylinder, these
six-cylinder models are also equipped with the even more efficient BLUETEC
System with additional AdBlue injection and SCR catalyst. "This means", says
Thomas Weber, "that our powerful and economical SUVs, too, are so clean that
they meet the requirements of all 50 U.S. states".
New generation SLK Roadster - consumption down and power up
Passion for automobiles and environmental responsibility harmonize
perfectly at Mercedes, as also demonstrated in Detroit by the second Mercedes
world premiere - the new generation SLK Roadster. Among the outstanding
innovations to be found in the newly updated two-seater is the redeveloped
gas engine under the hood of the SLK 350. The result - even more driving
pleasure with up to ten percent lower fuel consumption.
One true masterpiece is the new hi-revving 3.5 liter V6 sports engine due
for introduction in the US and other international markets in April. In the
SLK 350 it generates 300 hp, which is 32 hp more than its predecessor with
268 hp. Despite this significant power increase, the SLK 350 boasts notably
lower fuel consumption. In the automatic version, gas mileage has been
increased by 2 mpg to 27 mpg.
Updated design and new Direct-Steer
The updated design of the new generation SLK conveys even greater
sporting character and dynamism. Exterior accents are set by the redesigned
front spoiler with more distinctive treatment of the air intakes and the
front grille V-element, as well as a new diffuser-look rear spoiler. The
interior receives a boost through a host of new details and exquisite
materials, while the cockpit layout increases its focus on the driver.
Visual accents are set by the new three-spoke sports steering wheel,
which represents yet another technical innovation. The newly developed
Direct-Steer system with variable power assistance brings together agility
and responsiveness on winding country roads with greater ease during parking
maneuvers and improved high-speed safety. Based on the proven principles of
speed-sensitive power steering, Direct-Steer is a purely mechanical system
resulting in more direct feedback and increased steering precision. With the
wheel in a central position, the steering parameters are set more indirectly
for increased straight-line stability and, therefore, improved safety at high
speed. At steering angles upwards of five degrees, the ratio rapidly
increases and the steering becomes noticeably more direct.
Since its market launch in 2004, the current SLK has become the world's
best-selling premium roadster in its class, with an industry-leading record
in residual values. Its average market share is 30 percent. "The SLK has been
a success story from the very start. The new generation model bears all the
prerequisites for further consolidating this leading position", comments
Dieter Zetsche. "A more dynamic look, even better equipment and even more
refined technology."
Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available online at:
http://www.media.mbusa.com
Contact:
Christoph Horn,
Telefon: +49(0)711-17-75841
E-Mail: christoph.horn@daimler.com
Robert Moran:
Tel +1-201-573-2245
robert.moran@mbusa.com
Norbert Giesen,
Telefon: +49(0)711-17-76422
E-Mail: norbert.giesen@daimler.com
Eva Wiese,
Telefon +49-711-17-92311
E-Mail: eva.wiese@daimler.com
Wolfgang Zanker,
Telefon +49-711-17-75847
E-Mail: wolfgang.zanker@daimler.com
Contact: Christoph Horn, Telefon: +49(0)711-17-75841, E-Mail: christoph.horn@daimler.com; Robert Moran: Tel +1-201-573-2245, robert.moran@mbusa.com; Norbert Giesen, Telefon: +49(0)711-17-76422, E-Mail: norbert.giesen@daimler.com; Eva Wiese, Telefon +49-711-17-92311, E-Mail: eva.wiese@daimler.com; Wolfgang Zanker, Telefon +49-711-17-75847, E-Mail: wolfgang.zanker@daimler.com
Mercedes-Benz at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit