Archive for August, 2010

The Suzuki GSX1250F has 1255cc engine is as effortlessly grunty as it was in the Bandit 1250 – power is concentrated in the low and midrange with a seamless delivery. It tails off in the top half of the rev range – most of the time you’ll get the best by short shifting and making use of the poke around 4000rpm.

Bandits are traditionally mechanically tough, but with poor build quality. The GSX1250FA’s steel frame is smartly powdercoated, but fasteners and fittings will suffer if you don’t stay on top of cleaning it in bad weather. It’s neatly designed – the fairing is smart, the metallic paint looks good and the dash trim looks smarter than bare sportsbike cockpits. Learn to use a bucket and sponge.

The GSX1250F might pack a 257kg fully-fuelled weight, but it hides it well. The seat is low and the bars raised, putting you in a good position for low-speed traffic-splitting or hustling along an open road. Bumps expose the limits of the cheap suspension – using the rebound damping adjusters might help. Smooth roads are no problem, the GSX steering sweetly but stably with no excess pitching back and forth – the uprated springs/damping in the forks over the Bandit help. The ABS is good too – there’s pulsing through the lever, but it’s not harsh and it rarely cuts in even on greasy roads.

The GSX1250FA does give a little away to more expensive rivals, but it’s stupendously cheap as bike prices rise across the board. It’s barely more expensive than 600 all rounders, and the same money as three or four year old premium all-rounders. If you’re after a motorcycle as a workhorse, the GSX1250F fits the bill – there’s nothing else for the money that’s as happy to tour, commute and scratch on backroads.

As a £7000 big-bore machine there’s not a lot of goodies as standard, but what the GSX1250F has is useful. A centrestand is standard, the seat height adjusts between 805mm and 825mm, there’s fuel gauge, gear indicator, twin trip meters plus a trip that starts counting when you hit reserve. Incidentally, ‘reserve’ is 5.5 litres of the 19 litre tank, so the first warning comes on early, and a final warning comes on with just a litre to go. It doesn’t help form a realistic picture of when you should fill up. The mirrors are effective too.

MZ is trying something different with its parallel twin 1000S and Streetfighter, but it lacks the X factor and doesn’t have the kind of dealer/distributor back-up you need when buying a slightly oddball motorbike. Decent to ride, and the Streetfighter version looks more appealing than the 80s style S model, but hasn’t really got anything novel or unique about it.

You have to admire MZ for building a parallel twin and making a good `un. The 1000S’s 999cc motor is punchy, not too vibey and makes adequate poke. It has a cassette type gearbox too, which is a bit of a novelty talking point. But as the Yamaha TRX850 demonstrated, many bikers aren’t especially keen on parallel twins and there are so many V-Twin, triple and four cylinder rivals in the 900-1200cc bracket, you have to wonder about the MZ 1000′s chances in a crowded marketplace.

The MZ 1000S looks well made and the German factory are obviously determined to make the bike reliable if nothing else. But motorcycles need more than reliability and the trouble with the MZ badge is that is still has a little bit of an image problem. The bike itself looks durable, but with no UK distributor, you would always wonder about sourcing spares and any warranty issues.

The MZ1000S and Streetfighter variant share the same chassis, with an Aprilia Falco-like steel tubular, twin spar type of frame, firm suspension and powerful brakes – though some road testers complain that they lack feel at the lever. It’s a bike which is designed to offer a sporty ride over A roads, when you feel like a weekend blast.

For eight grand new the MZ1000S waspoor value, no two ways about it. Resale values are likely to be low and the performance is hardly in the GSXR1000 league. The Streetfighter isn’t such a bad proposition at about £6500, but again, depreciation could cost you 40%-50% of the bike’s value in a couple of years if you’re unlucky.

There are some nice bits, but for a sportbike, the MZ 1000S doesn’t have cutting edge brakes, suspension or svelte bodywork. As a sports-tourer it has a good mix of power and handling, plus a comfortable seat – but would you be confident in getting your MZ fixed if it broke down in Spain? The fairly high end cans also limit the amount of luggage you can carry, so the MZ loses out in practical terms.

The MZ Skorpion was stylishly designed (by acclaimed Brits Seymour-Powell) single using a Yamaha engine which proved a refreshingly able antidote to Japanese fours in the mid-to-late 90s. Light, lithe, affordable, generally reliable and reassuringly practical.

The MZ Skorpion is powered by the acclaimed five-valve unit from Yamaha’s XTZ660 trailie. Manages to at once deliver semi-respctable revs and top end performance (110mph certainly isn’t to be sniffed at from a 600-odd cc single) with traditional thumper virtues of easy torque and characterful flexibility. Generally solid and easy-going, too, at least once the stiff-ish Yamaha gearchange has slackened off.

On the whole pretty good – and far better than most cynics might expect from the MZ brand. Beautifully simple frame is bonded together and clever use of plastics and resins abound. Mechanicals, thanks in the main to the Yamaha supplied engine, are pretty solid too even if some components are a little on the cheap side.

MZ Skorpion Sport with low bars and half fairing led the range and in light, incicisve and nimble enough to be a blast through the twisties. Brakes and suspension aren’t exactly sophisticated, but they’re good enough. Generally compact riding position isn’t the best for longer distances, howevere so if you’re that way inclined chewck out the Traveller or Tour instead.

Although ‘only’ a single, the MZ Skorpion remains one of the best singles of modern times and if you’re into that sort of motorcycling, or simply yearn after a slimline, lightweight allrounder, it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed – good value, too.

With the sort of lightweight the MZ Skorpion is less is generally more, so don’t expect much in the way of frills of added baggage. That said, they’re much nicer ‘things’ than the name MZ traditionally conjures up and the Traveller and Tour are proper touring machines – albeit sli,line, slinky ones.

The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frameless side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Though the proportions are the same, the second generation of this design trendsetter has a completely new look.

What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the hood but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which unites the car with other Mercedes-Benz coupés and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s athletic appearance.

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offers LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the high beam is activated, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LED’s provide an unmistakable appearance as well as a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and surfaces. A unique ‘dropping line’, which begins above the front wheel-wells and slopes downward towards the rear, represents a new interpretation of a renowned design hallmark of historic Mercedes sports cars.
A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the 2012 CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.

The side profile is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology — a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat roof. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.

The interior of the 2012 CLS-Class is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines discreet elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The eye-catching cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard sweeping from the driver’s door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated seamlessly into the upper part of the instrument panel.

The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used, including a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights also include matte galvanized air vents which ideally compliment a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock. Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers and dashboard. The individual parts of the leather dashboard are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with high-quality padding. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.

Around four animal skins are processed for each CLS. The particularly exclusive 1.6-millimetre thick semi-aniline premium leather meets the highest standards of both look and feel. The natural pore structure remains intact thanks to a light pigmentation, and the leather has an especially warm and soft feel to it. Premium leather requires a very precise manual selection process and therefore a high amount of raw leather.

The refined interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements, located on the instrument panels, center console and door linings. Customers can choose between high-gloss brown burl walnut or high-gloss black ash. The wood has been perfectly fitted around difficult contours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain as part of an sophisticated selection process to create a consistent overall impression.

2011 R-Class conveys a new level of assertiveness, underscoring the unique personality of this multi-talented vehicle. The completely redesigned front end completely transforms its overall appearance, taking its inspiration from Mercedes-Benz sedans and SUV models. Alongside its fresh exterior, the inner values of the redesigned MY2011 R-Class also speak for themselves. These include the spaciousness of a luxury SUV, as well as the safety, style and exclusivity of a Mercedes-Benz sedan. At the same time, the latest generation offers the interior versatility central to the R-Class vehicle concept, while also delivering the all-weather confidence of 4MATIC allwheel drive as standard (U.S. models only). The R-Class celebrates its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) March 31, 2010.

The R-Class is offered with a choice of two fuel-efficient engines. The R350 4MATIC delivers 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, yet achieves an estimated 14/19 mpg (city/hwy), while the R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is one of the world’s cleanest diesel vehicles. The V6 turbodiesel engine generates an output of 210 hp (155 kW) and an impressive torque of 400 lb-ft. Equipped with the highly-effective AdBlue© exhaust treatment system for low emissions, the diesel engine achieves an estimated 18/24 mpg (city/hwy).

The redesigned R-Class features an assertive new design, further emphasizing the unique personality of this multi-talented vehicle. Designers focused their attention on completely restyling the front end, giving the R-Class a look that is both harmonious and powerfully dynamic. In addition to the hood, fenders, radiator grille, front fascia, headlamps and bumpers — with chrome simulated underguards — have all been completely redesigned. The face of the R-Class can be further enhanced with chrome trim incorporating optional LED daytime running lights in combination with bi-xenon headlamps.

Viewed from the side, the R-Class sets itself apart from conventional crossovers with the coupe-like line of its windshield and its distinctive, redesigned exterior mirrors and wheels. U.S. models feature standard 5-spoke, 19-inch wheels, with a 20-inch rim available on the R350 4MATIC as part of the Sport package. International market versions offer 5-spoke, twin 5-spoke and 10-spoke designs ranging from 17 to 21 inches (43.2 to 53.3 cm). The front-end design language continues through to the rear of the R-Class, with a restyled rear bumper with reflectors, standard LED rear taillights and integrated exhaust pipes.

Even in its base versions, the R-Class offers a wide range of personalization options. All models come fitted as standard with a vast array of details that make both longdistance travel and short city runs safe and comfortable. These include the unique PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system, a comprehensive restraint system with eight airbags, NECK-PRO active head restraints, a tire pressure monitor and adaptive brake lights (not available in U.S.). Safety is further enhanced by powerful and user-friendly telematics systems like Audio 20, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS.

U.S. models feature standard in-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer with optional COMAND hard-drive navigation and harmon/kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound, as well as standard Bluetooth connectivity and available mbrace telematics. U.S. models features standard dual-zone climate control, while international market versions offer THERMATIC automatic climate control equipped with a combination filter for the further reduction of exterior air pollutants flowing into the cabin. The optional THERMOTRONIC (not available in U.S.) with its separate rear seat climate control optimizes interior air quality. The spacious glove box now comes with an AUXin jack for external audio and entertainment devices. Connectivity is further expanded by an optional media interface (UCI).

Alongside the extensive standard equipment, the R-Class also offers a vast range of assistance systems that define the highest level of comfort and safety and underscore the leading position held by the R-Class in this segment of the market. They include DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS adaptive damping, which are both available as special-order options in the U.S., or the optional Blind Spot Assist that can make lane changes significantly safer. State-of-the-art voice activation makes using the telematics system even more straightforward, while a rear view camera enables fast and easy parking or maneuvering in tight conditions. As soon as the driver shifts into ‘R’, the camera image is displayed on the highresolution COMAND APS monitor. Rear seat passengers can enjoy their own entertainment program on board with the rear seat entertainment system. For increased comfort during the winter months, the second seat row can also be fitted with seat heating (special-order option in U.S.).

The high-class interior – which seems even more spacious when fitted with the optional Panorama glass sunroof – makes use of new materials and color combinations to enhance the high-class appeal and quality of this luxury crossover. Upholstery offerings include black, almond beige or ash in both MB-Tex or optional leather. The seats feature a new transverse and linear piping design. The interior also features standard burl walnut trim. The cockpit impresses with its newly designed instrument cluster. The dials and needles have a white background, and are even easier to read thanks to a threedimensional effect.

All R-Class models have numerous standard features which help make long journeys as well as short trips around town even safer and more relaxed. These features include the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, a complete restraint system with eight airbags, crash-responsive NECK-PRO front head restraints, and a tire pressure loss warning system. New for 2011, the optional Blind Spot Assist makes lane changes significantly safer by monitoring the sides of the vehicle and alerting the driver with visual and audible warnings whenever they signal a lane change with another vehicle alongside. Safety is also enhanced by the sophisticated telematics system ‘mbrace’, the COMAND system with an extremely user-friendly interface, as well as the raised seating position. This gives the driver a good view of the traffic conditions, enabling him or her to recognize potential dangers more quickly and easily.

The V6 gasoline engine gives the R350 4MATIC a high level of drive comfort together with effortless power delivery and a moderate fuel consumption. The 3.5- liter V6 gasoline engine of the all-wheel drive R350 4MATIC develops 268 hp and a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft, producing fuel economy figures of 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.

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Image credits: © Mercedes-Benz.

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class news, pictures, and information

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The MY2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class – Safety, Luxury and First-Class Comfort

Bold New Look

One look is all it takes to see that the new MY2011 R-Class conveys a new level of assertiveness, underscoring the unique personality of this multi-talented vehicle. The completely redesigned front end completely transforms its overall appearance, taking its inspiration from Mercedes-Benz sedans and SUV models. Alongside its fresh exterior, the inner values of the redesigned MY2011 R-Class also speak for themselves. These include the spaciousness of a luxury SUV, as well as the safety, style and exclusivity of a Mercedes-Benz sedan. At the same time, the latest generation offers the interior versatility central to the R-Class vehicle concept, while also delivering the all-weather confidence of 4MATIC allwheel drive as standard (U.S. models only). The R-Class celebrates its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) March 31, 2010.

Efficient Engines

For the U.S. market, the R-Class is offered with a choice of two fuel-efficient engines. The R350 4MATIC delivers 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, yet achieves an estimated 14/19 mpg (city/hwy), while the R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is one of the world’s cleanest diesel vehicles. The V6 turbodiesel engine generates an output of 210 hp (155 kW) and an impressive torque of 400 lb-ft. Equipped with the highly-effective AdBlue© exhaust treatment system for low emissions, the diesel engine achieves an estimated 18/24 mpg (city/hwy).

A New Level of Style and Versatility

The redesigned R-Class features an assertive new design, further emphasizing the unique personality of this multi-talented vehicle. Designers focused their attention on completely restyling the front end, giving the R-Class a look that is both harmonious and powerfully dynamic. In addition to the hood, fenders, radiator grille, front fascia, headlamps and bumpers — with chrome simulated underguards — have all been completely redesigned. The face of the R-Class can be further enhanced with chrome trim incorporating optional LED daytime running lights in combination with bi-xenon headlamps.

Viewed from the side, the R-Class sets itself apart from conventional crossovers with the coupe-like line of its windshield and its distinctive, redesigned exterior mirrors and wheels. U.S. models feature standard 5-spoke, 19-inch wheels, with a 20-inch rim available on the R350 4MATIC as part of the Sport package. International market versions offer 5-spoke, twin 5-spoke and 10-spoke designs ranging from 17 to 21 inches (43.2 to 53.3 cm). The front-end design language continues through to the rear of the R-Class, with a restyled rear bumper with reflectors, standard LED rear taillights and integrated exhaust pipes.

The 2011 CL-Class further enforces its position as an automotive masterwork and a technology platform with the most advanced assistance and protection systems. These highly perceptive assistants convert the coupe into a ‘thinking’ partner that can see, feel and react instantly if it detects a hazard, acting autonomously to prevent accidents or to mitigate their effects. The trailblazing driver assistance systems in the CL-Class are based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology.

Active Lane Keeping Assist is a new safety feature making its debut on the CL-Class as part of the optional Driver Assistance Package. If the vehicle threatens to cross a continuous lane marking line, the system actuates an electric motor in the steering wheel, causing it to vibrate briefly – giving the driver a discreet but effective warning hint to countersteer immediately. The active system springs into action if the Mercedes coupe unintentionally crosses a continuous lane marking line to the right or to the left. In this case, the car intervenes by gently braking the wheels on the opposite side of the car, helping the driver to stay in the lane. Active Lane Keeping Assist is built upon the existing ESP® Electronic Stability Program.

Active Lane-Keeping Assist evaluates information provided by a camera mounted on the inside of the windshield. It identifies the contrast between the road surface and the lane markings. In addition, the optional radar system scans the side of the roadway for dividers and other roadway edge markings. The system also evaluates the driver’s actions and can reliably determine whether the car is departing from the lane intentionally or not. For instance, there is no warning if the driver accelerates hard just before passing or when accelerating onto a highway, or if he brakes hard or steers into a curve.

The Adaptive High Beam Assist system is now offered as standard equipment on the CL-Class. This camera-based system can recognize oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead with their lights on, and then softly transitions from high-beam to low beam to create the best possible lighting conditions without dazzling other drivers. In addition, Mercedes-Benz offers the optional Night View Assist PLUS system for the CL-Class, featuring a special infra-red camera for pedestrian detection: pedestrians are now specifically highlighted in the display, to help alert the drivers in low light conditions.

On European models, the images supplied by the windshield-mounted camera are also used by the new, optional Speed Limit Assist (not available in the U.S.), which recognizes speed limit signs in passing and shows the relevant speed limit in the central display and on the navigation system’s map display. For the new-generation CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz has also improved the long and medium-range radar used by Brake Assist (BAS PLUS) and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.

Another innovation Mercedes-Benz offers for the CL-Class is Active Blind Spot Assist, a system that makes use of a multi-stage warning concept. If the system detects that a lane change would be too dangerous, it warns the driver by displaying a red triangle in the glass of the exterior mirror. Close-range radar sensors monitor the area immediately to the side and to the rear of the car. If the driver disregards this warning and, for example, uses the turn indicator, an audible warning also sounds. If the driver continues to ignore the warnings and comes dangerously close to a vehicle in the neighboring lane, the system acts: a corrective braking intervention via ESP® is applied to the wheels of the opposite side of the vehicle. This causes a yaw movement about the car’s vertical axis due to the unequal distribution of the braking forces. If an accident still cannot be avoided, the active Blind Spot Assist system can reduce the consequences of a collision through the brake actuation.

Mercedes-Benz offers another radar based system for the luxury coupé as a component of the Driver Assistance Package: PRE-SAFE® Brake with automatic emergency braking. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognize the imminent danger of a rear-end collision or the warning signal of an assistance system, PRE-SAFE Brake can intervene and autonomously apply partial braking. If the driver fails to react even after automatic, partial braking action, this new version of PRE-SAFE® Brake activates maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before an unavoidable collision – this emergency braking action can significantly mitigate the severity of the impact. The PRE-SAFE Brake thus acts as a kind of ‘electronic crumple zone’.

The CL-Class also meets the highest standards in terms of driving dynamics and agility. This is in part thanks to Direct-Steer, which can vary the steering ratio based on the steering angle, and modified Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilization (standard on the CL600, CL63 and CL65 AMG). This latest stage in active body development modifies the wheel load distribution via the ABC spring struts within milliseconds (depending on crosswind direction and intensity) to help compensate for crosswind forces.

The Active Body Control suspension system – which ushered in new dimensions of driving dynamics in the preceding CL-Class in 1999 – is unique worldwide as it not only regulates roll, but pitching and squatting movements as well, ensuring a perfect harmony of comfort and handling stability. Since the introduction of this innovative system, engineers in Sindelfingen have continuously refined it, so that eleven years later it still marks the pinnacle of automotive engineering. In addition to crosswind stabilization, the new suspension features an energy-optimized hydraulic pump that takes part of the burden off the engine, contributing towards reducing fuel consumption.

Additional safety and agility during spirited driving is provided by the standard Torque Vectoring Brake in the new CL-Class – targeted, one-sided braking intervention at the inside rear wheel when cornering. This enables the luxury coupe to turn into the bend under precise control with even greater agility.

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