- Stuttgart carmaker Daimler takes part in the tour "SWR3 – Drei Tage unter Strom" ("SWR3 - Three days powered by electricity") with a large fleet of electric cars
- Winners of the SWR3 draw experience driving pleasure and the high everyday practicality of electric cars from Mercedes-Benz and smart for themselves
Stuttgart, Germany, Mar 31, 2011 – From 31 March to 2 April the 60 winners of a draw held by radio station SWR3 will have an opportunity to drive various electric cars during a three day tour of the broadcasting region and to form their own impression of the performance, everyday practicality and driving feel of the locally emission-free vehicles.
Daimler is supporting the unique road show "SWR3 – Drei Tage unter Strom" with a total of 25 electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and smart. The tour will cover almost 500 kilometres right across the SWR3 broadcasting region from Koblenz to Ulm and will give SWR3 listeners an insight into the electric future of the automobile.
Participants include the smart fortwo electric drive - the electrified pioneer of urban mobility, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL, the Vito E-CELL van and the B-Class F-CELL. With this vehicle fleet the inventor of the automobile is providing the majority of the participating electric vehicles and is once again demonstrating how practical and reliable its electric vehicles with both battery and fuel cell technology are today.
"The tour is an excellent practical opportunity to demonstrate the possibilities that e-mobility will offer all citizens in future. This is why we are supporting the SWR3 tour and providing 25 electric vehicles", says Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. And he continues "The tour is a great idea. It's really customer-oriented and promises sheer driving pleasure. And because the 60 drivers will convey their impressions live on SWR3 radio to the many listeners, the road show is authentic and shows that with Daimler it is possible to experience the future of driving on the streets nowadays."
Three days powered by electricity
To mark the 125th anniversary of the automobile, for the first time a road show with electric vehicles will take place in the SWR3 broadcasting region. The radio station recently held a draw for seats in the locally emission-free vehicles. A total of more than 30 electric vehicles will take part in the tour. In addition to the 25 vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and smart, cars made by Tesla, Mitsubishi, Renault, Peugeot and Citroën will also take part in "SWR3 – Drei Tage unter Strom". The tour will start in Koblenz and pass through Bingen, Bruchsal, Worms, Ludwigsburg and Schwäbisch Gmünd before reaching Ulm. At the stops of the respective stages interested visitors will have an opportunity to find out about the technologies and ways of charging and refuelling the various vehicles.
On March 29, the three B-Class F-CELL vehicles started in Sydney and embarked on their 13th leg, therewith starting the third stage of the F-CELL World Drive. Within three days the tour will cover 1,300 kilometres. On top of that, Australian media took the chance to test drive the B-Class F-CELL during a press event, one day before its start in Australia.
Follow the F-CELL World Drive online on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzfcell
We've previously brought into your attention the likelihood of an extensive partnership between Daimler AG and the British luxury brand Aston Martin. More details have come to light lately and indicate that talks amid the two companies have reached an advanced phase. The plans are to officially announce the deal this year, most probably towards the autumn, when Maybach will launch a brand new concept car at Frankfurt. This vehicle will showcase the new direction adopted by the uber-premium manufacturer and will be the first demonstration of the Daimler-Aston Martin alliance. The future series production Maybach model is tipped to underpin the technical platform and technologies of the seventh generation S-Klasse, to be unveiled in late 2012, but otherwise, it will be completely mastered by Aston Martin, whose expertise in the luxury field is a proven certitude. As part of the cooperation, Daimler will supply the British firm with their newest "V" engines and powertrains for the forthcoming Aston models: a four-dour coupe aimed at Bentley and Rolls-Royce and a SUV version based on the Lagonda concept of 2009. By sharing parts and knowledge, both entities intend to cut production costs by up to 50 percent. Moreover, the assembly of the new Maybach will be relocated to Aston Martin's facility in Gaydon, United Kingdom.
Compliance with the stringent safety standards of Mercedes-Benz was a central consideration for the SLS AMG GT3. The development focus was on the greatest possible protection for the driver in the event of an accident. Accordingly its construction creates outstandingly favourable conditions in this respect – both in terms of the structural safety of the aluminium spaceframe, direct protection of the driver against impact loads and fire protection.
One prominent feature in the interior of the SLS AMG GT3 is the bucket seat, which is positioned within a safety cell of high-strength CFRP (carbon-fibre reinforced plastic) as in the DTM cars from Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to its special shape the safety cell, which is bolted to the rollover cage and the aluminium spaceframe, provides considerably higher protection for the driver's shoulders, hips and legs. It is also compatible with the HANS system (Head and Neck Support). The HANS system helps to prevent serious head, neck and spinal injuries, and is mandatory in many race series. The bucket seat is individually foam-contoured for each driver, features a six-point seat belt with reinforced anchorages and provides occupant protection to the highest level.
Additional protection is ensured by the rollover cage of high-strength steel, which is bolted to the aluminium spaceframe and gives this further rigidity. The 120-litre CFRP safety fuel tank is located directly over the rear axle for optimal crash protection, and features an elastic inner fuel bladder.
Crash verification tests at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center
The exemplary safety standard of the SLS AMG GT3 was verified with the help of numerous crash tests at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center in Sindelfingen – where the passive safety features of all series-production AMG and Mercedes-Benz models are also developed and tested. Such extensive and sophisticated crash tests were previously unprecedented in the GT3 segment.
The safety specialists carried out three crash tests and a static test with the racing version of the gull-wing model: a front, side and rear impact plus a roof deformation test. All the test configurations were specifically chosen to reflect typical racetrack accident situations as closely as possible.
The frontal impact simulated a collision with a wall, such as might occur in the pit lane or – as may typically happen on urban circuits – with the side barrier marking the course. The vehicle impacted the rigid test barrier at an angle of 30 degrees. During this oblique impact only the left side member of the aluminium spaceframe collided, which placed greater stresses on the bodyshell structure. The impact speed was 50 km/h.
In the side impact test the SLS AMG GT3 was rammed by an identical car of the same model at an angle of 90 degrees, and exactly at door height. The impact speed was 50 km/h.
In the rear collision test the gull-wing was likewise struck by a rigid barrier at 50 km/h, with 100% overlap.
The static roof deformation test simulated the loads that may occur during a rollover. In this cased a ram impacted the so-called A-pillar node with a precisely defined force. The rollover cage beneath the roof skin is of high-strength steel, and after the test it practically returned to its original shape.
The results underline the exemplary safety standard of the SLS AMG GT3: during every crash and impact test the driver's survival space was maintained, which confirms the rigidity of the vehicle structure. Moreover, the measured loads acting on the GT3 driver were all below the biomechanical limits considered to be critical.
Automatic release of the roof hinges
Like every series-production SLS AMG, the GT3 version is equipped with four pyrotechnical elements on the hinges of the gull-wing doors. These allow a rapid exit for the driver, or fast access by emergency personnel, should the vehicle be lying on its roof after an accident. They are activated by the driver, using a switch on the centre console. Should he be incapable of doing this himself, the emergency personnel are able to pull on a ring easily located on the lower edge of the windscreen and marked "Emergency Exit". The four pyrotechnical elements are then triggered, and release two roof hinges retaining each of the two gull-wing doors. When the interior door catch or external door handle is operated, the driver is able to exit or receive emergency care.
In addition the SLS AMG GT3 has polycarbonate side windows which can be easily removed by the driver or emergency personnel after an accident. The crash-protected location of the battery next to the centre tunnel, as well as the interior and exterior switches cutting off the power circuit, further demonstrate the efforts made for the greatest possible protection of the SLS AMG GT3's driver.
Fire-extinguishing tests in the engine compartment and interior
The driver of the SLS AMG GT3 is also well protected in the event of a fire, with flame-retardant material and an effective fire extinguisher system preventing or putting out fires in the engine compartment and interior. Using a switch on the centre console and a ring attached to the windscreen, the system can be activated by the driver or by emergency personnel. To ensure the greatest possible effectiveness of the fire extinguisher system, sophisticated and realistic tests were carried out by the research department for fire protection equipment at the Institute of Technology in Karlsruhe.
All the tests conducted by the Mercedes Benz safety specialists are more stringent by far than those prescribed for racing cars by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). As a result, the SLS AMG GT3 achieves an exemplary level of safety that is at present probably unmatched by any other GT3 car.
Eight SLS AMG GT3s competing in the first VLN race on 2 April 2011
The eight SLS AMG GT3s taking part in the first race of the VLN season have been entered exclusively by private teams. At the 58th ADAC Westphalia race on Saturday, 2 April 2011, Black Falcon will take part with three cars while Mamerow Racing, Heico Motorsport, Horn Motorsport, ROWE RACING and Race & Events GmbH will be at the starting line with one gull-wing each. Training begins at 8:30 a.m., and the race starts at 12:00 noon. During the development and test programme the SLS AMG GT3 already demonstrated its potential: with one victory and one third place in the VLN races held in autumn 2010, the Black Falcon and Mamerow Racing teams were immediately able to establish themselves among the top GT3 contenders.
The ten races of the new season will be held exclusively on the North Loop of the Nürburgring and the short link to the Grand Prix circuit. The VLN Nürburgring Endurance Championship has been held since 1977, and is seen as Europe's most successful broad-based motorsport series. It has created a loyal following for itself with a wide variety of competitors, easily accessible paddocks and low entry prices. The colourful lineup, with different vehicle models ranging from near-series compact cars to recent classics and right up to thoroughbred super-sports cars, guarantees fast-changing and exciting races. Depending on the event, more than 190 racing cars can be at the starting line. The races take between four and six hours.
All the VLN races at a glance:
- 2 April 2011: 58th ADAC Westphalia race
- 30 April 2011: 36th DMV 4-hour race
- 14 May 2011: 42nd Adenauer ADAC Circuit Trophy
- 28 May 2011: 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R Cup
- 11 June 2011: 51st ADAC Reinoldus endurance race
- 30 July 2011: 34th RCM DMV Grenzland race
- 27 August 2011: ADAC Ruhr Trophy six-hour race
- 24 September 2011: 43rd ADAC Barbarossa Prize
- 15 October 2011: 35th DMV 250-mile race
- 29 October 2011: 36th DMV Münsterland Trophy
- 10 December 2011: VLN annual prizegiving
More information about the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 may be found at: www.mercedes-amg.com/slsgt3
An attractive look and high-quality materials are the defining features of the innovative and functional new smart Collection. Modern cuts and elaborate details along with special prints lend the textiles a special flair. The logo of the smart lifestyle brand has been artistically incorporated into many of the accessories as an expression of a pulsating city lifestyle.
The new smart Collection features various themes covering the most diverse urban lifestyle scenarios. Themes such as electric drive, smart BRABUS and beach volleyball are also covered by a small selection of products. This reflects the philosophy of the successful smart fortwo – the trendsetter for urban mobility: joie de vivre in tune with well considered ecology.
Highlights of the new smart Collection are hoodies for men and women, new polos, windbreakers, a bowling bag and a special beach volleyball rucksack which has been designed together with the Deuter company. The smart Collection also offers textiles and accessories in a young design to provide a definitive individual touch. These include caps and shirts, off-beat sleeves for notebook and iPhone, writing implements, ice cube makers in smart design and keyrings with a smart badge. The Collection even takes care of toddlers' needs, offering baby bodysuits and bibs in smart style.
Moderate pricing also forms part of the smart philosophy. Textiles from the new Collection are available at between € 29.90 and € 79.90, while accessories range in price between € 4.90 and € 99.90.
The entire smart Collection is presented in the corresponding catalogue which is available from all smart dealers. Further information on the smart Collection can be found at: www.smart.com/collection .
Formerly known as Kangaroo TV, FanVision is the ultimate race companion providing exclusive wireless access to nine live broadcast feeds, up to eight onboard cameras, interviews, official timing, data, analysis and team radio; available only through the FanVision experience. The FanVision G3 provides an unrivalled event experience, allowing users to catch every corner, every crash, and every movement of the world’s fastest sport in razor-sharp clarity. The G3 also allows race fans to follow up to three drivers, and upgrade over the G2 unit.
Other mobile devices rely on WiFi and struggle to meet the demands of hundreds of fans seeking broadcast content at the same time. Only FanVision uses a dedicated, in-venue broadcast network that is fast, seamless and live. In fact, FanVision (under the name Kangaroo TV) has been involved with Formula 1 racing for five years, providing an exceptional fan experience for grandstand and corporate guests as well as providing an essential tool for the mechanics and technical staff of the teams and key media covering the events. FanVision devices have become standard equipment in the Formula 1 paddock and are used by all teams and officials. As an Official Supplier to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, FanVision works closely with the team on integrating their new bespoke G3 products into their facilities on track.
"We entertain thousands of guests a year at Grand Prix, and we have a common motivation with FanVision to ensure these guests have the best possible experience at each event," said Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal. "When there is action on track the G3 will allow our guests the access the best information possible and enhance their experience. When there is no action on track, our bespoke G3s provide a forum for our guests to keep up to date with the team and our Partners’ activities away from the circuit."
"There are so many parts that make Formula 1 fascinating and if you get under the skin of it you can get the most out of it, whether you’re working in the sport or following it," Lewis Hamilton, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver. "For race spectators on track taking in the live atmosphere, the noise, the smell, the energy, the FanVision devices also let you feel part of the sport. You decide what you watch and the data you review. You can follow your favourite driver, keep up to speed on pit stop strategies, see the lines different drivers are taking through corners, understand how they are making up time and so on. It puts you at the heart of the sport."
24 Hours Are in the Day!
The Nordschleife® 24-Hour XL Wristwatch
24 Hours Are in a Day! This is the perfect reason for the Nordschleife® 24-hour XL wristwatch. Contrary to conventional timepieces this sporty yet elegant watch displays all the 24 hours in the day and not just 12 hours like most conventional analog watches.
The stainless-steel case with mineral glass is as unusual as the black 24-hour face with white numbering for hours and minutes. The hours are arranged differently than on a regular watch. The hour hand points in a different direction than on a conventional watch. A position that would indicate 3 o’clock on a conventional watch stands for precisely 18 (6 pm) o’clock on the Nordschleife® 24-hour wristwatch. With this peculiarity the Nordschleife® 24-hour XL watch is always a great conversation starter!
The white Nordschleife® logo clearly demonstrates the proud watch owner’s soft spot for the world’s toughest racetrack. A black leather armband with silver clasp secures the watch to the owner’s wrist.
The Nordschleife® 24-hour XL wristwatch costs 109 Euros and is available online at www.nordschleife.us .
* Official photos and details courtesy of Nordschleife *
