Mercedes attacks Porsche...
In the fall of 2011, the new Porsche 911 comes in the spring of 2012, the next Mercedes SL - a look into the future of elite sports car from Porsche and Mercedes...
(Article by Georg Kacher, Autobild, 29 July 2010)
The misfiring can no longer be ignored. Not for Porsche, Mercedes and otherwise not in any sports car maker. The business with the fast two-seaters running since the economic crisis is no longer correct round. For Porsche leave Boxster and Cayman, and the base 911-digit negative numbers, only the small turbo and GT3 are on track. At Mercedes support America and China, although the SL-paragraph, but high levels of discount and even greater losses eat away at the image. And the competition is lame too. Audi R8 has daily production of 30 to less than ten cars down the, BMW is waiting anxiously for the new 6 Series. Aston Martin is struggling with high inventories, with Jaguar, the greying XK three years hold out.
"In this susceptible market has that mark the best maps that can show off with a new model," says Mercedes sales chief Joachim Schmidt. The outgoing CEO Michael Porsche adds power: "If the successor is at the door, a certain reluctance to buy is almost inevitable."
This is especially true for completely new developments such as the Porsche series 991. In contrast to the current 997, which is basically a freshly dressed and technically enhanced 996, except 991 of the various aggregates hardly a bolt from the previous takes. Spring strut front, multilink rear suspension, electromechanical power steering, electric parking brake option on larger 20-inch wheels, spacious lightweight body, seven-speed manual transmission, powerful engines - all new.
Of course, the 991-models are also cleaner and about ten percent more economical. As a means to an end on the one hand by 50 pounds less weight and better aerodynamics, the other is the efficiency of start-stop, recuperation storage battery improved further. In addition, medium-double layer capacitors are included in the series. They can be loaded in comparison to batteries much faster and provide a higher short-term memory performance (such as recuperation). In combination with a battery called Ultracaps save weight and improve durability.
Also the SL with the code number C231 nothing stays the same. The longer wheelbase allows for the fact that set the aging customers more value for easy entry and exit, and a relaxed space. Of course, it remains with the retractable hardtop, the center is at the request of glass. A novel system called Magic Sky Control allows you to vary the degree of tint on a voltage regulator. The trunk is slightly larger, but the tank holds only 75 instead of 80 liters. The design takes leave of the L-shaped headlights and radiator grille of the relatively flat. Instead, the star indicates the sake of future pedestrian protection steeper in the wind. Easy to get used to at most the huge, far side wraparound taillights are. In the cockpit, the latest software to ensure a better network of telephony, Internet access, including vehicle location, navigation and music.
Almost revolutionary is the active suspension Magic Ride Control (MRC), which should be read in conjunction with vehicle dynamics control ABC first in SL and then offered in the S-Class successor. A camera scans the apron while 20 meters and relays the information to the ABC-control unit. Because the track is scanned with an accuracy of one millimeter, the engineers expect a clear increase in comfort and safety. Also the new 911 will all disciplines-time highs set in driving dynamics. Sun brake system such as the Carrera S gets a six-piston on the front axle differential lock without surcharge, the Porsche Torque Vectoring and to request the dynamic engine mounting and the PDCC system chassis. The car will be lowered depending on the version by ten to 20 millimeters, the discs have a larger diameter, and for the S is a 20-inch tires provide mixing. The standard flap exhaust system is to recognize the dual round tail pipes.
In designing the interior was the Panamera Godfather. It remains true to the classic circular instruments, but the scales to be resurfaced, the switch from the dashboard of walk the gently sloping center console, and the service works much easier than before. New offers are the interval control of the third generation, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, including the start button, the Burmester-sound system and the even more versatile seating system. The longer wheelbase by four inches more space for long legs, the car will roll off anfedern smoother and the sound design with internal and external promises a unique soundscape. Still secret is the schematic of the seven-speed gearbox, which is derived from the PDK - we tap a double H-scene with the first gear at lower left.
For 911 and SL is the hybrid, although tightly scheduled, but one production application is not scheduled fix. The same applies to the performance of the electric motor and the range of the battery pack. Unlike the Mercedes SLK waived the SL on a diesel option. Acts as a basic model of the 306 hp SL 350 with the 3.5-liter V6. It ranks the SL 500, which charged 4.6-liter V8 with 435 hp is serving one. The SL 65 AMG familiar unchanged on the V12 bi-turbo with 612 hp, but the replacement for the 525 hp SL 63 SL 55 provided mobilized through double ventilated 5.5-liter V8 571 hp soon. For the SL 600 with 517 hp in this differentiation is no more room.
While at Mercedes nine-stage mechanism shortly before the fire is a baptism, we are one in 911 uniformly seven gear pairs. The six-cylinder boxer engine is available in two-and performance levels. In the Carrera 2, a 3.4-liter direct-injection does with 350 hp (up 5 hp) and 380 Nm service. For the Carrera 2S expect insider a 3.8-liter propellant, the 400 hp (up 15 hp) and 440 Nm are attributed. No poor conditions, then, to the demand valley in Swabia in the premium sports car to rush through as quickly and sustainably.
The sporty concept...
Porsche 991
- Engines: Six-cylinder boxer (vacuum / turbo). Hybrid, four-cylinder boxer possible
- Drive: Seven-speed manual transmission standard, PDK-Box and all-wheel drive cost extra
- Variants: The complete program Coupe, Convertible, Targa, Turbo, GT3 and Speedster
- Technology: Aluminum and steel for the construction of materials, completely new interior concept
- Design: Cab-forward with innovative proportions, more space, larger wheels
Mercedes SL
- Engines: New V6 and V8 engines with and without charge, to the AMG V12
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive and nine-stage mechanism, dual clutch from SLS possible
- Variants: Initially, only retractable hardtop. Later Black Series with a solid roof
- Technology: Active chassis with innovative sensors and ABC dampers
- Design: Broad and brawny, but also classy and elegant. Comfort-athletes, seventh edition
2011 Porsche 991 prototype testing...
Audi R4 concept...
Future baby Boxster...
Porsche-991-vs-Mercedes-SL_Autobild-article
. Hope this is just a bad PS.
