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| Photo: DaimlerChrysler Further preparation for the web by MBEP webmaster |
DaimlerChrysler press text from MB USA, March 9th 2000
NEW MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS
SPORT DEBUTS
New Package Puts The Accent On Agility
MONTVALE, NJ – Having already received excellent
reviews and strong sales, the model-year 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury
sedan goes one step further with a Sport package now offered on both S430
and S500 models. The sophisticated S-Class has been hailed as “the
best car in the world,” and the new Sport package puts an even more athletic
accent on the attractive sedan.
The S-Class appearance is enhanced by the Sport package’s
more aggressive AMG-designed front spoiler, more sculpted rocker panels
under the doors and rear fenders, and a new rear apron. Overall length
and width is unchanged by the bodywork alterations.
New wheels also adorn the S-Class Sport. The AMG
Monoblock alloys are 8.5x18 inches in front, 9.5x18 inches in the rear.
To go with those more aggressive wheels are similarly aggressive tires,
sized 245/45YR18 in front, and 275/40YR18 in the rear, all of which serve
to quicken steering response, increase ultimate cornering grip and cut
a more sporting profile on the already-notable S-Class. The Sport
package price is $4,800.
The S-Class adjustable AIRmatic air suspension offers
adaptive damping with three different levels of ride and damping compliance,
selectable from a simple switch on the dashboard. Two lights on the
switch itself denote the level of suspension tautness. For the best
possible balance of performance and comfort, the S-Class chassis uses fully
independent four-link front, and five-link rear suspension. Rack-and-pinion
steering provides a variable ratio and speed-sensitive power assist, both
for responsive road feel at speed and, at the same time, light steering
effort during low-speed maneuvers such as parking.
Large, four-wheel vented and front cross-drilled disc
brakes are enhanced with four-channel ABS anti-lock control. Like
on other Mercedes-Benz models, Brake Assist can reduce braking distances
in emergency or “panic” stops. (Brake Assist was the first system
of its kind when it was introduced on many model-year 1998 Mercedes models,
and was made standard on all Mercedes passenger vehicles for model-year
1999.) In addition, the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
helps to keep the car going where the driver is steering it, preventing
an oversteering (or “fishtailing”) situation or understeering (“plowing”)
attitude in low-traction conditions. Also, ESP incorporates straight-line
traction control.
Two V8-powered S-Class Sport models are offered.
The S430 uses a 275-horsepower, 4.3-liter V8 and the S500 has a 302-horsepower,
5.0-liter V8. The new S-Class Sport package is available in any of
the S-Class exterior and interior colors.
GPS Navigation System Standard
The new S-Class comes standard with a satellite-based
navigation system. Its display on the center console is also used
for the stereo and telephone. This integrated COMAND (Cockpit Management
And Data) system uses fiber optic technology for fast response. An
optional digital StarTAC telephone integrates with COMAND, and can be directed
by voice commands, controls on the steering wheel or buttons around the
display screen. The multifunction steering wheel of the all-new Mercedes
S-Class uses four large illuminated rocker buttons to control many of the
car’s systems and also a method to diagnose any faults that occur.
Safety
The model-year 2000 S-Class, introduced in 1999, also
makes use of a variety of lightweight materials such as high-strength aluminum
and magnesium, paring nearly 500 pounds from the sedan compared to its
predecessor. The leaner, sleeker S-Class features groundbreaking
automotive technology, which will likely lead the industry. For example,
its smart passenger airbag can deploy with partial force in a low-speed
collision and full force at higher speeds. In addition to full frontal
airbags, the new S-Class comes with head-protection curtain airbags that
span each side of the car, as well as a door-mounted side airbag in each
of its four doors.
Tele Aid: Help Is Just A Button Away
The new Tele Aid system provides both convenience and
emergency services at the touch of a button through a special cellular
connection. Tele Aid offers three distinct services. For emergency
help, there’s an “SOS” button above the rear-view mirror. Pushing
the SOS button will immediately establish voice contact with ATX – a provider
contracted by Mercedes-Benz – which can dispatch local police or other
emergency services. This also transmits crucial information including
the precise location of the vehicle (through GPS tracking), the model of
car, and its color (to help emergency services locate the car quickly).
If a collision deploys any airbag, the system automatically establishes
contact with ATX, relaying all pertinent information. If voice contact
is not established (e.g., the driver is unable to respond), local police,
fire or emergency services can also be dispatched. The onboard transmitter
is crash-secure and has access to redundant antennae.
Tele Aid includes two other features for non-emergency
use, both accessed from inside the center console. One button marked
with the symbol of a wrench puts the client in contact with Mercedes-Benz
Roadside Assistance, which can help with service such as a flat tire.
Another button marked with the letter “i” connects users with the Mercedes-Benz
Client Assistance Center, a facility that can answer feature-related questions
about the car. A fourth benefit of Tele Aid is vehicle theft tracking,
which can actually help authorities locate the car once reported stolen.
Tele Aid eliminates the need to dial a phone number, use a cellular access
code, juggle a handset or locate street names during an emergency.
Moreover, the standard Tele Aid system does not require that the client
purchase a cellular phone or service – it operates on its own cellular
system.
All 2000 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile
warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full
coverage period. Regularly scheduled maintenance during the vehicle’s
entire warranty period is also free of charge. In addition, the 24-hour
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance program covers all Mercedes cars, regardless
of model year. This peace of mind can include a free jump-start,
a few gallons of fuel or mounting the spare tire, even for those driving
a decades-old Mercedes.
End of DaimlerChrysler press text 01280008
For an article of the S 55 AMG S-Class W220.
click here
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