Nov 22nd, 2007
Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid Concept
I read an article in my favorite magazine recently which talked about Mercedes as a brand, pointing out their long-standing success across the board: killing it in the ultra-high performance category with the
SLR Mclaren, the luxury market with the Maybach, and the green market with the Smart. It also made reference to the company’s commitment to (or at least awareness of) the environment, even years ago when they were the first to introduce diesel-engined passenger cars.
Now they are taking it to the next level with the S400 Bluetec Hybrid. Normally I’m the first to point out that the S-Class is a barge, but with 265 horsepower and 465 ft-lb of torque, this car gets 40 mpg and has enough power to tow a cement truck.
Mercedes first introduced Bluetec in California with a lease-only (apparently California law prohibits sales of diesel passenger cars, but not leases) E-Class a while ago, but now with the hybrid feature on top of that already-green engine (the E-Class Bluetec won the World Green Car award this year) we’re getting closer to having the best of both worlds. If the S400 Bluetec were available right now, it could really bang Toyota over the head… but it’s not coming out until 2010, and by that time Toyota will probably have a Prius doing 400 mph and running on urine.
Read all about the S400 at the World Car Fans website.
i heard this is the new maybach
http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3300.asp?id=12779
Ooh yeah the U Class is definitely the baddest. It’s sort of funny to think about a Jeep or any other “off road” vehicle after you’ve seen a Unimog.
Interesting quote about about the SLR McLaren “Killing it”.
I’m not sure of the cars status in the States but over in Europe the car’s met with mixed reviews.
It’s not a proper Supercar, ie in the same class as a Zonda F, or an LP640 - it’s too soft.
It’s not a proper GT car as it’s considered too hard. Add to the fold the grabby brakes of you have yourself a car with an identity crisis. + It’s wildly expensive.
If it is killing it then it’s for one simple reason. It’s because it is the only car it’s in it’s own market sector. You want a GT? you but a DB9 or a 599. Supercar? Zonda F or a Carrera GT. An SLR? you buy an SLR.
Still, if I had the money I’d buy one just so I could drive through tunnels with it on the redline!
“Toyota will probably have a Prius doing 400 mph and running on urine” - Great quote.
I (or the article I was referring to) was talking more about Mercedes as a brand, with the SLR being a sort of statement product, getting them a lot of attention, and showing their versatility.
As far as the way it actually performs or what category it fits into, totally agreed. And yes, I would love to take that thing out and beat on it!
i was reading that merc article today on the way back from melbourne.
i liked the graph with the price + desirability axes the best. well, that and the underwater tt on the cover.
er… i meant the graph was my favorite thing in the issue.
fuck, long day mate.
munchie…
classic scorched earth…