TORONTO, Jan. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada was pleased to mark an exclusive North American premiere and three exciting Canadian premieres today during a press conference at the Montreal International Auto Show. In addition, the spacious display area also included a broad selection of vehicles representing the fascinating 2012 Mercedes-Benz, AMG and smart product line-up.
The press conference held this afternoon began with the Canadian premiere of a new generation, technologically advanced smart fortwo that is destined to become the new benchmark for sustainable, forward-looking urban transportation - the smart fortwo electric drive.
With well over 20,000 vehicles sold in Canada, the smart fortwo has been a pioneer of intelligent mobility since its introduction in the fall of 2004. The third generation smart fortwo electric drive will retain the smart's trademark fun-to-drive factor, while also eliminating the need to ever visit a gas station again.
The smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a 55 kW magneto-electric motor that provides brisk acceleration and 96 lb/ft of torque, propelling the smart from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5 seconds. The sophisticated lithium-ion battery offers higher capacity and improved range compared to the previous generation, which allows the vehicle to travel over 140 kilometres. In addition, this electric drive two-seater now also boasts a higher top speed of 120 km/h, putting it on a par with the combustion-engined smart fortwo.
The third generation smart fortwo electric drive will be available in dealerships in the fall of 2012, providing customers with zero local emission motoring and even more driving fun.
The second premiere of the day was the third generation Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, which is the most powerful SLK of all time! Effortlessly embodying AMG's central brand claim of, "Driving Performance", the AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine offers breathtaking power that bests all its direct competitors with peak output of 415 hp, maximum torque of 398 lb-ft and a zero to 100 km/h time of just 4.6 seconds.
An advanced AMG Cylinder Management system and Controlled Efficiency Stop/Start function allow the sophisticated engine to achieve 30 percent lower fuel consumption than its predecessor. In fact, the AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine is the world's most fuel-efficient V8 engine, demonstrating yet again that the best performance and lowest possible fuel consumption are not mutually exclusive.
In addition, unmatched driving dynamics are guaranteed by the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes, 3 stage ESP®, and the AMG high-performance braking system.
With distinctive AMG light-alloy wheels, two chrome-plated twin tailpipes and exclusive AMG body cladding, the SLK 55 AMG's classic roadster proportions and aggressive styling cues are unmistakable. Arriving in dealerships across Canada in March, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is truly unmatched in the high-performance Roadster segment.
Continuing with the theme of awe-inspiring performance, Mercedes-Benz also celebrated the Canadian premiere of its C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series.
With this incredible machine, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz cars is yet again demonstrating its expertise when it comes to designing and developing emotionally appealing super-sports cars.
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine produces 510 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, which rockets the Black Series from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.2 seconds and allows it to claim the title of the most powerful C-Class of all time.
The adjustable AMG coil-over sports suspension and AMG high performance compound braking system ensure unparalleled driving dynamics both on the road and on the track, while the expressive design of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, including the arrow-shaped front section with central Mercedes-Benz star and the new rear bumper with its dramatic black diffuser clearly show the vehicle's strong connection to the world of motorsport.
As with other Black Series models, there will be an extremely limited production run, which means only an exclusive few enthusiasts will have an opportunity to experience the tremendous performance of this fascinating AMG model.
The final premiere of the press conference marked the North American debut of the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The versatile B-Class represents the first new model in the next generation of compact cars, offering an abundance of space combined with impressive performance. No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has involved the introduction of so many new technical features.
Highlights include an all-new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, standard ECO start/stop function, and a level of safety equipment that will establish a new benchmark in the segment including a sophisticated new radar-based collision warning system that will significantly reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.
The centre of gravity has been lowered by a further 20 mm, and the sport suspension with amplitude-selective damping and a Direct-Steer system emphasize the car's dynamic character.
Inside, the spacious and refined interior of the B-Class will also define a whole new standard in the compact segment with high-quality materials, finely structured surfaces, stylish details and precision workmanship.
When it arrives in Canadian showrooms in the last quarter of 2012 as a 2013 model, the next generation B-Class will offer exemplary low fuel consumption, unmatched driving pleasure in its segment, and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class.
For more detailed press information and photos regarding the four vehicles revealed today in Montreal, please visit www.media.mercedes-benz.ca
About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,300 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 13 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 40 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 32,914 vehicles in 2011, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
Image with caption: "2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120112_C3790_PHOTO_EN_8851.jpg
Image with caption: "2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120112_C3790_PHOTO_EN_8853.jpg
Image with caption: "2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120112_C3790_PHOTO_EN_8855.jpg
Image with caption: "smart fortwo electric drive (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120112_C3790_PHOTO_EN_8857.jpg
| JoAnne Caza | 416-847-7550 [email protected] | ||
| Michael Minielly | 416-847-7509 [email protected] |
Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca
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