Range Rover

Australian International Motor Show - Concept 358 And SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz Australia is pleased to introduce Concept 358 and a very special SLS AMG. Both vehicles were co designed by Mercedes-Benz Australia and built by AMG exclusively for the 2010 Australian International Motor Show.

"Australia is one of our favourite markets," said Mario Spitzner, Director Branding, Marketing & Sales Mercedes-AMG. "We were asked to create two unique AMG vehicles for the Australian International Motor Show."

"I hope you enjoy them as much as we did building them," said Spitzner.

C 63 AMG - Concept 358

As the only C 63 AMG in the world to be painted in designo Pearl Orange paint from the AMG factory in Affalterbach, Concept 358 also introduces the AMG Performance Package Plus which lifts power to a staggering 358kW. Also included in the Performance Package Plus are unique 19-inch multi spoke alloy wheels in black, KEYLESS-GO and extended designo leather appointments inside.

SLS AMG

This unique SLS AMG is the first and currently the only SLS AMG in the world to be painted in designo magno Night Black. Along with the red highlights both inside and out, this SLS AMG is sure to be an instant collector's item.

The Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia, Mr Horst von Sanden said "Each Mercedes-Benz vehicle is special, but for this year's motor show we wanted to go that next step and bring two world exclusives to show the Australian public.

"The unique C 63 AMG on display also unveils the AMG Performance Package Plus which Australian customers can now order from their local dealer in both Saloon and Estate," said von Sanden.

Australia is the fifth largest AMG market in the world, with the C 63 AMG leading the way for local drivers. Since its launch in March 2008 at the legendary Bathurst circuit, the C 63 AMG is the sales champion for AMG in Australia.

Available as a Sedan or an Estate the C 63 AMG has rewritten the sales record books in its segment with over 1,260 units sold from launch to date.

To the Point: The New Passat

15 million bestseller is more impressive, safe and fuel efficient

First Volkswagen with fatigue detection and city emergency braking function
At 4.2 l/100 km combined fuel consumption, the most fuel-efficient Passat ever

Wolfsburg / Barcelona, 14 October 2010 - With over 15 million cars sold, the Passat by Volkswagen is one of the most successful automobiles in the world. Now there is a new Passat. It is the seventh generation since 1973. The styling of the bestseller was completely re-interpreted, and its front end shows parallels to the Phaeton and is more impressive than ever. Furthermore, the Passat has always mirrored the course of technological progress. And this applies unreservedly to the seventh Passat, which will launch simultaneously as a saloon and estate car. The overall range of technological innovatio¬ns now implemented in the Passat Trendline (entry-level), Passat Comfortline (mid-level) and Passat Highline (top model) has reached a scale previously found only in upper and luxury class cars.

More innovation: A world’s first in this class is the fatigue detection system that is offered on the Passat. The system is a standard feature from the Comfortline equipment line. The Passat is also the first Volkswagen ever to have a city emergency braking function. The assistance system is part of the further refined ACC adaptive cruise control plus Front Assist. The city emergency braking function, active below a speed of 30 km/h, also reacts to stationary vehicles; if necessary, it automatically initiates a braking manoeuvre, thereby contributing toward avoidance of an impending front end collision or at least minimising the resulting damage.

More comfort: Yet, the new Passat offers even more finesses. All it takes is a specific foot movement behind the car to open the saloon’s boot lid (Easy Open). At the press of a button, the Passat "sees" parking spaces parallel and perpendicular to the carriageway, and upon request it can automatically steer the car into the space with centimetre precision (Park Assist II).

Seeing more: The driver does not need to be concerned about controlling the main beam light switch any longer; it is always there as long as traffic allows. The reason: In conjunction with the standard H7 headlights, the Passat automatically switches the main beam on and off as a function of oncoming traffic and traffic ahead of the Passat. This optional main beam assistant is called Light Assist. If the car is equipped with bi-xenon headlights that come with cornering lights, the main beam remains continually active and is only masked where other traffic participants could be disturbed by glare; this main beam headlight assistant is called Dynamic Light Assist. Both systems become active as soon as vehicle speed exceeds 60 km/h. As on the Phaeton and Touareg, the Passat also warns the driver of vehicles in the blind spot (Side Assist). The new Volkswagen utilises images from a front camera to detect speed limit signs, and it displays them in the cockpit. This traffic sign detection system also "sees" no-passing zones when technically possible, and it calls the driver’s attention to them.

More quality: The technologies and the further improved workmanship and material quality is differentiating the Passat from its competitors more than ever. This quality is perceptible in the interior with its high-end materials, new seats and door trims and ambience lighting. An especially elegant effect is produced by the modified centre console and redesigned accents in the instruments that are visually appealing and pleasing to the touch.

More quiet: The new Passat is extremely quiet. The reason: Insulating materials specifically integrated in the dashboard area and doors filter out exterior and engine noises. In addition, a new acoustic film is embedded in the front windscreen and is available as an option for the front side windows; this film blocks out additional noise.

More safety: Progress has been made in the area of safety as well. The previous model already attained an impressive 5 stars in Euro-NCAP crash testing. Further advances include features such as seatbelt fastening detection for the rear seats and head restraints that now also adjust horizontally on the front seats (standard from Comfortline). The new head restraints for driver and front passenger reduce the risk of whiplash injury in a traffic accident. Moreover, new assistance systems such as Side Assist optimize safety in the Passat.

More sustainable: Last but not least, the new Passat sets standards when it comes to sustainability. All ten engines (77 kW / 105 PS to 220 kW / 300 PS) are more fuel efficient – by up to 18 percent! The "smallest" turbodiesel (1.6 TDI with 105 PS) now only consumes 4.2 l/100 km; that is equivalent to 109 g/km CO2. The Passat BlueTDI (103 kW / 140 PS / fuel consumption: 4.6 l/100 km) already meets limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard (Category N). Downsizing and technologies such as the Stop/Start system also ensure the best fuel economy among the petrol engines. Another pioneering engine: the 1.4 TSI (90 kW / 122 PS). In the BlueMotion Technology version it is satisfied with just 5.9 l/100 km. All values for the Passat Estate lie on the same good level (maximum of +0.1 litre compared to the saloon). It is worth noting that each of these models is a safe, comfortable and powerful touring vehicle. Only, they are also very low emitting, fuel efficient and blessed with extremely long driving ranges. In the case of the Passat 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology, its 70 litre fuel tank capacity and 4.2 litre fuel consumption yield a driving range of 1,666 kilometres – on one tank of fuel. So, it is good that there is fatigue detection to remind the driver to take a break from driving after at most four hours.

Facts Overview

Key Aspects in Alphabetical Order

Assistance and driving dynamics systems: DCC adaptive chassis control, ACC adaptive cruise control, Easy Open, Front Assist with city emergency braking function, Dynamic Light Assist, Keyless Access, Lane Assist, Light Assist, fatigue detection, Park Assist, Park Pilot with visual display, Rear Assist rearview camera, Side Assist, traffic sign detection

Automatic gearbox: 6-speed DSG, 7-speed DSG

Cargo capacity, Estate: 603 litres to 1,731 litres

Cargo capacity, saloon: 565 litres

Character: Long-distance touring car for business and private use

Colours: Uni (standard): "Candy White," "Uran Grey." Uni (optional): "Tornado Red." Metallic (optional): "Cashmere Brown," "Night Blue," "Reflex Silver." Pearl effect (optional): "Deep Black," "Iceland Grey," "Mocca Anthracite." Standard colours for Passat BlueMotion, 77 kW: "Glacier Blue," "Iron Grey"

Debut Generation I: 1973

Debut Generation II: 1980

Debut Generation III: 1988

Debut Generation IV: 1993

Debut Generation V: 1996

Debut Generation VI: 2005

Debut Generation VII: 2010

Design: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand)

Dimensions, Estate: 4,771 mm length, 2,062 mm width (including mirror), 1,481 mm height, 2,712 mm wheelbase

Dimensions, Saloon: 4,769 mm length, 2,062 mm width (including mirrors), 1,472 mm height, 2,712 mm wheelbase

Drive type: Standard front-wheel drive,
optional all-wheel drive (4MOTION)

Engines – diesel: Launching with 77 kW / 105 PS (TDI), 103 kW / 140 PS (TDI), 125 kW / 170 PS (TDI)

Engines – petrol / natural gas (EcoFuel): Launching with
90 kW / 122 PS (TSI), 110 kW / 150 PS (TSI EcoFuel),
118 kW / 160 PS (TSI), 155 kW / 211 PS (TSI)

Equipment lines: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline

Fuel economy range: 4.2 l/100 km to 9.3 l/100 km

Infotainment: Radio-CD systems: RCD 210, RCD 310, RCD 510. Radio-navigation systems: RNS 315 and RNS 510 (optional TV module). Peripherals: MEDIA-IN port, AUX-IN port, Dynaudio sound system (600 Watt), Volkswagen Sound system (300 Watt), hands-free telephone

Market launch, Europe: End of November 2010

Market launch, Germany: Mid-November 2010

Passats produced to date: over 15 million

Production sites: Emden and Zwickau, Germany

Running gear: MacPherson-type suspension in front, four-link suspension in rear, standard ESP. Optional DCC adaptive chassis control, sport chassis, ride levelling for Estate

Standard features (Trendline): include ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, electromechanical power-assisted steering, electric windows, multifunctional display, central locking, height-adjustable driver’s seat, RCD 210 audio system

Standard gearbox: 6-speed manual