Testing under extreme conditions: New Unimog and new Econic in winter test drives and final tests

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From 1 January 2014 the new Euro VI emissions standard will come into effect. That is why the next Unimog implement carrier generation, the Unimog extreme off-roader and the new Econic with low-level entrance will be introduced in autumn 2013 with the new Mercedes-Benz BlueTec 6 engines in their established markets. In addition, these three vehicle model series go to the starting line with extensive design innovations to the interior and exterior, as well as innovations concerning driving and operating characteristics. Many components have been adopted from large-scale truck production, such as the new electronics architecture, chassis components, new drive train and control elements. The Econic in particular has become a new vehicle, except for the tried-and-tested cab body. With it, new standards for this unique vehicle concept have been set for municipal transport, refuse collection and short-radius distribution applications.

Currently the test vehicles are undergoing the last tests, for example for use in winter road clearing. Once again, this year's winter testing was carried out in Rovaniemi, Finland which is the capital of Lapland on the Arctic Circle. The vehicles had to complete extensive tests not only with regard to handling and driving characteristics but also in terms of ergonomics and comfort. This ensured that the new vehicles with Euro VI technology could cope with sever climatic conditions and extreme requirements, whilst reliably carrying out customers' tasks on a daily basis.
Whether clearing snow in the Alps, cleaning solar panels in the extreme heat of Spain, or for a wide variety of different uses in road servicing all year round, there is one thing that a Unimog must guarantee: the unique vehicle concept must perform its tasks reliably, regardless of altitude, temperature or weather conditions. This also goes for the Econic, the innovative and versatile vehicle with low-level entry for all types of waste disposal tasks.

Cold starting at minus 30 degrees Celsius

For three years now, the Mercedes-Benz engineers have been subjecting the latest generation of Special Trucks fitted with BlueEfficiency Power engines to the toughest of conditions as part of their winter testing programme. Temperatures of down to minus 30 degrees Celsius, snow metres high and icy roads all present a huge challenge for man and machine. On the test ground with its vehicle dynamics and handling course, a turning loop and a forest track, the development team subjected the new vehicle generations to weeks of extremely tough tests. The aim was to optimise the vehicles' function, efficiency, ergonomics and operating comfort. All the trucks were fitted with high-tech measuring equipment, which at times was attached to over 300 measuring points and collected huge amounts of data. For example, this enabled the testers to gather information about the cold-starting performance of the Euro VI engines and the function of the drive train at minus 25 degrees Celsius. Based on the results, the engineers were able to develop additional measures to improve cold start properties down to lower than minus 30 degrees Celsius, for example through auxiliary heating to pre-heat the coolant.

The elements of BlueTec-6 technology were also tested: these include the particulate filter, which, in combination with the Mercedes-Benz SCR system, has been in successful use for years, reducing particulate emissions to levels where they can barely be detected. Also tested were the functionality and speedy thawing characteristics of the AdBlue system at temperatures below minus 10 degrees as well as its guaranteed reliability. The most essential aim, however, was that despite all of the measures which permit the vehicles to conform to the Euro VI standard, fuel consumption should remain low.

The vehicle testing in Finland didn't just look at technology: the focus was also on handling, safety standards and driver comfort. These elements include reliable, effective heating including a heated windscreen to provide a clear field of vision as quickly as possible. At the end of the test, the engineers depended on this, because the final part of the test was the long journey from Rovaniemi to Arjeplog in Sweden through the ice-cold Scandinavian winter. At the end, Walter Eisele, Head of Production and Development for Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, and his team were highly satisfied with the results. "It's a very special experience when, after so many months of development, you can drive the new Econic and the new Unimog over long distances in the endurance test and under extreme conditions," said Eisele.

Summer testing at 45 degrees Celsius in the shade

The vehicles must of course show their worth in summer tests. These are held every year in the hottest months, July and August, at the test centre in the province of Granada in southern Spain. There, among other things the engineers test the vehicles' performance on climbs into the Sierra Nevada up to an altitude of around 2500 metres in extreme heat which can rise to over 45 degrees in the shade, a dry climate, and strong sunshine. Features tested include the functioning of the air-conditioning and cooling systems. "Whereas the winter trials in Finland test the vehicles for their adaptability in extreme cold, in Spain we make sure that heat and different altitudes do not present a problem. This ensures that our customers can rely on our vehicles for all uses and at all times," Walter Eisele summed up the aim of the sophisticated tests.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive (W 242) spotted in the wintry Scandinavia

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Mercedes-Benz will launch the all-electric B-Class in 2014. The series car was previewed last year at the Paris motor show as a near-production concept vehicle. The provisional technical details indicate a total amount of power of 100 kW (equal to 134 hp) and a peak torque of 310 Nm fully available at the touch of the gas pedal. The constructor boasts the new B-Class Electric Drive can do almost 200 kilometres on a single "tank".

The forthcoming eco-friendly compact MPV under the Three-Pointed Star uses the modular ENERGY SPACE technical platform, that ensures an optimal integration of the rechargeable Li-Ion batteries right underneath the passenger cabin in order to counteract balance and dynamical issues due to added weight. "Refuelling" can be made at any domestic 230 V power supply or at a high-voltage 400 V rapid charge terminal, which takes under an hour.

The new electrically-powered B-Class is currently being tried out in cold weather conditions, somewhere in Northern Europe. The engineers are testing and evaluating the performance of the electric system that puts the W 242 into motion. It is particularly crucial to find out how the batteries can handle low temperatures and retain their "filling" as to not diminish the overall autonomy of the car.

Further technical highlights of the Concept B-Class Electric Drive --> HERE

Image Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (X 156) meets snowy roads in Scandinavia

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Winter is quickly spreading across Europe, so it's perfect time for cold weather testing in Northern Scandinavia. Mercedes-Benz is gradually moving its fleet of future models for some development in Sweden. The first model spotted by spy photographers is the upcoming GLA-Class (X 156), slated to appear towards the end of 2013.

The new GLA will be the fourth member of Mercedes-Benz's New Compact Car Generation (NCCG), after the B-Class, A-Class and CLA-Class. It will be assembled at the Rastatt facility, a well-known excellence center for the production of compact-sized models under the Three-Pointed Star.

The new premium compact SUV builds on the heritage of the G-Class, given its official title, and on the dynamic appearance of the new A-Class. Situated right below the GLK, the X 156 displays a modern and progressive exterior styling complete with some beefy rear shoulders, a prominent front fascia with a larger grille and a higher ground clearance to give it the desired all-terrain vehicles look.

The GLA will be offered in both 2WD and 4WD specification, at choice. The modular MFA platform will form a standard equipment for most of the lineup, while the 4MATIC will be available as an option for the high-end petrol and diesel variants. Specially for its new compact class cars, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new version of its versatile 4x4 traction system to suit the character of such models. Most of the time, it acts like a front-biased platform, with some torque also directed towards the rear axle via the 7G-DCT, whom the system works in conjuction with. At need, the system converts to a real 4x4 configuration and can transfer the entire torque to one wheel, to the front axle or to the rear one, given the most adequate grip.

The GLA portfolio will comprise up to seven different versions, four trim lines (Urban, Style, AMG Sport and the special GLA 250 SPORT variant) and unlimited customization possibilities:

- GLA 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 109 hp
- GLA 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 136 hp
- GLA 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 170 hp
- GLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY: 122 hp
- GLA 200 BlueEFFICIENCY: 156 hp
- GLA 250 BlueEFFICIENCY: 211 hp
- GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC: 354 hp

Related articles:

- Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC: All-wheel drive for all – in every class

- SPY: First encounter with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG (X 156)

Image Credits: GermanCarForum

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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7 Useful Tips to Prepare Your Car for Cooler Weather

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Guest Article by Don Elfrink*

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing colors and the weather is cooling down. While you’re no doubt happy to see the heat of summer on the way out, cool weather presents some serious challenges for your automobile. You need to make sure that your car is prepared to handle the onset of cold weather so you are able to stay safe and sound on the road this winter.

1. Start Now

You might think that cool weather maintenance doesn’t need to be done until the onset of winter. However, fall is actually the perfect time to get a jump on things. Waiting until the weather goes from cool to cold can be a recipe for disaster, so don’t wait. Do it now.

2. Antifreeze

One of the first things you’ll need to check is your vehicle’s antifreeze. During the summer, your engine coolant keeps the engine within the normal operating temperature range. During cold weather, it does the same job, but it also keeps the coolant from freezing. Regular water (or weak antifreeze/water mixes) will freeze with low temperatures, creating serious problems for drivers. Blown radiator hoses are only the mildest threat here. Make sure you check your antifreeze level, as well as its freeze protection. If it’s been several years since it was changed, consider doing a full drain and fill.

3. Gauge Your Tires

While summertime brings thunderstorms and heavy rains that you’ll have to drive through, cold weather brings ice and snow. You’ll want to make sure that your tires are able to handle those threats. Check the tread on your tires (you can pick up a tire gauge at pretty much any auto parts store). If the tread is low, consider replacing your tires now, before they have to face the prospect of winter driving conditions. You might also consider looking into studded snow tires now if you live in an area where heavy snowfall is an issue.

4. Look at the Battery

Cold weather kills batteries. Heat during the summertime can definitely take its toll here, but the onset of winter sees the highest number of dead batteries. Don’t become a statistic – make sure that your car’s battery is fresh and up to the challenge. You should have a full charging system test performed as well to make sure your starter and alternator are in good shape.

5. Check the Wipers

We tend not to think about our windshield wipers until they’re needed, but that can be too late, especially during the colder months of the year. Make sure you have new wiper blades installed before the temperatures drop too low. You might even consider purchasing blades made especially for wintry conditions.

6. HVAC

You’ve been running your AC all summer, but now it’s time to crank up the heater. Make sure your heater works well before cold weather arrives. A heater that doesn’t do its job could be suffering from any number of problems, from a faulty heater core to a dying thermostat – all easy enough to rectify if caught in time, but real hassles if you let them wait.

7. Winter Prep Is Important

While it the cool, comfortable days might be a nice change from the heat of summer, don’t let yourself be fooled. Cold weather can arrive with no warning, and being caught unprepared is a bad thing. Make sure you have your vehicle prepped for the arrival of winter – if you are unsure exactly what to check, use a reputable mechanic and have them conduct a full inspection for any issues pertaining to winterizing your vehicle.

* About the author: Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on logo, carpeted, molded and all weather floor mats. He has previously written a guest article for our website, which you can find HERE.

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Entering the cold season with Mercedes-Benz: Tackling winter safely and comfortably

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With the right equipment, winter need not be quite so daunting for drivers. Quite the contrary in fact – in a vehicle fitted with good tyres and the appropriate accessories, you can relax and start to enjoy the joys of winter and a variety of winter sports. And to help you on your way, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH and Mercedes-Benz sales partners offer a whole host of appropriate, tailor-made equipment for drivers of all of the company's vehicles.

Helping you to reach your destination: when the going gets really tough in winter, snow chains are often the only thing that can keep you on the move. And the fear which fitting these aids to traction once held for drivers has now long gone: fitted in just a few easy steps, chains can also enable you to tackle steep, snow-covered slopes. The Mercedes-Benz range includes appropriate solutions for all models dating back to the 1980s.

Safely getting to grips with the cold season: they are called winter tyres – but in fact they should be called cold tyres. This is because as soon as the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, the rubber compounds used in winter tyres provide better grip than summer tyres. Furthermore, an increasing number of countries are making the use of winter tyres compulsory. Mercedes-Benz partners offer a range of complete winter wheels specially designed for different vehicle models. They are also able to take care of fitting as well as storage of wheels.

All aboard: whether you are into skiing, sledging or snowboarding, with roof racks and roof boxes individually tailored to fit all models you can transport all of your sports equipment safely and conveniently to your destination. All of the roof transport solutions are based on the roof carriers from the Alustyle series.

Neat solutions: glistening snow and brilliant sunshine – this is the perfect winter's day. But in between, filthy weather including slush or drizzle is often the order of the day. It is precisely in such adverse conditions that the genuine accessories from Mercedes-Benz are able to protect drivers and their vehicles against the dirt. And there are also storage systems to help maintain order in the boot.

Reaching the slopes quicker: getting you to your winter sports venue via the shortest route while avoiding traffic jams is something that advanced telematics solutions are able to offer. They are available for retrofitting to a number of Mercedes-Benz model series. And entertainment systems for the rear help to ensure that the kids enjoy the journey from the word go too.
For fashion-conscious après-ski fans: well-equipped both for the bitter cold and fun-packed mulled wine parties – the Mercedes-Benz Collection offers a variety of clothing and accessories for both men and women which are not only functional but also chic.

Mastering snow and ice with the confidence of a pro: black ice, emergency braking or sudden evasive manoeuvres on slippery surfaces – in critical situations in the winter it is crucial to keep a cool head and remain in full control of the vehicle. The winter training of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Events prepares drivers specifically for such situations and practices intuitive, skilful reaction at the wheel.

Read more about the winter programme at Mercedes-Benz >> HERE

Credits: Daimler AG

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