The new design incorporates some of Mercedes new design features like the front and rear lights, the more sporty grille and the prominent creases on the bodywork that give it a more dynamic appearance.
The interior is designed from scratch and adopts some of Mercedes’ new stylistic elements, like the circular vents seen in the SLS AMG. Mercedes claims that it sets new quality standards in its class and the dashboard can be optionally covered in hand crafter leather finish and stitching.
Other highlights include the new three-spoke steering wheel, the new vents and the 5.8 or, optionally, 7.0-inch TFT color display.
On the options list one can also find the Easy-Vario-Plus system, which allows for the easy adjustment of the rear seats by 140 mm, varying luggage space from 488 to 666 liters, and a folding passenger seat that further enhances practicality.
Mercedes says the small MPV is more agile on the road than its predecessor without compromising comfort thanks to the new four-link rear suspension, the lower center of gravity and the upgraded ESP.
Buyers can opt for the sports suspension, which is 20 mm lower than the standard and features selective damping shock absorbers, plus a Direct Steer system that becomes more direct at greater steering angles enhancing the car’s agility.
The new B-Class will be offered with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which have an auto stop/start system as standard. The new, M270 four-cylinder petrol engines sport Mercedes’ third generation direct injection system and have been designed for both transverse (like the B-Class) and longitudinal installation.
The petrol engine available at launch is a 1.6-liter unit with either 122 HP and 200 Nm (147.5 lb/ft) of torque for the B 180, or 156 HP and 250 Nm for the B 200.
The four-cylinder turbo diesel is a development of the common-rail OM651 unit that powers a wide range of models, from the C- to the S-Class. In this configuration, its displacement has been reduced to 1.8 liters and, like its petrol counterpart, is available in two versions: with 109HP and 250 Nm for the B 180 CDI and with 136 HP and 300 Nm for the B 200 CDI.
Another novelty for the B-Class is the extremely compact 7G-DCT seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, while the standard six-speed manual transmission offers easier shifting and lower weight.
The new B-Class will be offered in four equipment levels (Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night).
Being a Mercedes, the B-Class couldn’t do without a comprehensive list of safety features such as adaptive headlights, blind-spot, lane keeping, attention and speed limit assist systems, and for the first time in the class offers the PRE-SAFE preventive occupant protection system by optimizing all safety parameters if it detects a probable collision.
8/29/2011
Concept, HX1, Hybrid4, MPV, Peugeot, Peugeot HX1 Hybrid4 MPV Concept ot’s HX1 Hybrid4 MPV Concept, peugeot concept, peugeot hx1, Peugeot hybrid, peugeot hybrid4, peugeot mpv
One of the concepts unique features are the seven-spoke alloy wheels that resemble turbine blades when stationary, while when on the move, they open up to form a flat surface for better aerodynamic performance. For the same purpose, a spoiler and two side skirts fitted at the top of the tailgate deploy above 100 km/h (62 mph).
The concept’s theme is named “Metamorphosis”, the Greek word for transformation that indicates the car’s ability to adapt to different driving conditions passenger requirements.
Despite its MPV designation, the HX1 is quite low (1,373 mm), with a large width of 1,990 mm and a length close to 5 meters (4,954 mm).
The HX1 sports four “half-scissor” doors that promise to offer easy access to the cabin, which can accommodate up to six passengers in three rows of seats. A wide array of materials such as natural oak with inlaid fiber optics, brushed metal and leather have been used inside, while Peugeot also added a variety of gadgets like touch-sensitive screens and a marble-adorned center console with a…minibar and coffee machine.
As far as the driver is concerned, the steering column moves electrically along with the seat for easier entry and exit. The steering wheel changes its settings when the driver selects the “cruising” mode for optimal stability and comfort, and the central screen can be adjusted according to the driver’s preferences, with the option of displaying only vital information.
The HX1 is motivated by Peugeot's diesel-electric Hybrid4 powertrain similar to the one offered on the 3008 and from next year, on the 508 RXH.
In the concept, the internal combustion engine is a 204HP 2.2-liter diesel hooked up to a 6-speed auto transmission that powers the front wheels, while a rear-mounted 70 kW (95HP) electric motor turns the rear wheels, making it effectively a four-wheel-drive model. At low speeds, the HX1 can operate on the electric motor alone, emitting zero emissions. The combined maximum combined output of the electric motor and the diesel unit is 220 kW (299HP).
The HX1 takes Peugeot’s hybrid technology one-step further by featuring a plug-in charging capability for its lithium-ion batteries from a standard 240V socket. This enables it to offer a longer range on pure electric mode at 18.4 miles, or 29.6km.
Peugeot said the HX1 returns an average fuel consumption of 3.2 lt/100 km (73.4 US mpg or 88.2 UK mpg) and CO2 emissions of just 83.0 g/km.
Now, if you’re wondering about the silver shoe displayed in some photos, Peugeot says it's “concept shoe” created in collaboration with designer Pierre Hardy who was inspired by the concept car.
8/29/2011
508, crossover, Diesel, Electric, Hybrid, Peugeot, Peugeot 508, Peugeot 508 RXH, Peugeot 508 RXH Diesel-Electric Hybrid Crossover, peugeot crossover, peugeot diesel, peugeot electric, Peugeot hybrid, RXH
Based on the estate version of the 508, the RXH follows in the lines of the Audi Allroad and Volvo XC70 featuring a unique front end, flared wheel arches, and of course, higher-riding suspension along with 18-inch wheels and wider tracks.
Unlike other models of the sort, the 508 RXH adopts a new four-wheel-drive system that makes use of an electric motor similar to the one used in the 3008 and the HX1.
The Hybrid4 system comprises a 2.0-liter HDi FAP turbo diesel located up front and an electric motor mounted at the rear. Each motor drives its respective axle, providing four-wheel-drive capability and, at the same time, four modes: Automatic, Sport, 4WD or Zero Emissions when the electric motor is powering the car.
Despite the system's combined output of 200HP, the 508 RXH offers an exceptionally low average fuel consumption figure of just 4.0 lt/100 km (58.8 US mpg or 70.6 UK mpg) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.
The 508 RXH will be available from spring 2012, one year after the debut of its 508 stable mate.
Peugeot will also display in Frankfurt a limited edition of the RXH that will be individually numbered and feature a Calern Brown exterior color and alcantara leather upholstery. It will be produced in only 300 units available to order this fall.
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