2012 MERCEDES BENZ S 350 BLUETEC WITH ECO START/STOP

The Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC will be offered from now on with a standard ECO start/stop function. As a result, average fuel economy is rated at 6.2 liters/100 km (37.93 mpg US), down 9 percent from an already impressive –for the size and type of car- 6.8 liters/100 km (34.59 mpg US).

Mercedes-Benz claimed that the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine develops 258 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque (457.3 lb-ft). This unit already complies with the Euro 6 emissions standard that goes into effect from 2014 onwards, thanks to BlueTEC technology with AdBlue exhaust treatment. The start/stop system helps improving the efficiency of the S-Class even further, with CO2 emissions dropping from 177 to 164 grams per kilometer.

The S 350 BlueTEC also equipped with the ECO start/stop technology, which it’s switches the engine off when the vehicle comes to a halt and starts it again as soon as the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal. Even with the engine stopped, all of the car’s functions and comfort systems continue to operate thanks to the intelligent control system.

Mercedes has managed to make the V6 diesel engine more fuel-efficient through the use of TWAS (twin-wire-arc-sprayed) coating technology. Pioneered by AMG on the 6.3-liter V8 petrol engine, this solution has now been applied to the diesel engine in the S 350 BlueTEC, with interesting results: this technology alone contributes to a 3 percent lower fuel consumption, while also reducing the engine weight by 4.3 kilograms.

2011 LEXUS LF-Gh HYBRID CONCEPT

The Japanese firm’s latest concept is for a premium grand tourer that previews a new design direction for the next generation of Lexus models. The LF-Gh’s also hints at a replacement for the GS given the proximity in size between the two models as the concept measures 192.5-in. long, 73.6-in. wide, 57.1-in. tall while riding on a 112.2-in long wheelbase. In comparison, the current GS is 190.7-in long, 71.7-in. wide, 56.1-in tall and rides on the same 112.2-in long wheelbase.

The Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept has borrowed many styling elements from Lexus’ first supercar, the LF-A, including the body surfaces as well as the shape of the tail lamps, headlights and front grille.

The interior, LF-A also played a role in the styling of the cabin and dashboard. According to the Japanese automaker, “it is an interior designed to respond to the needs of customers who know true quality, and are particular about details”.