It may not seem like it, given the car's larger-than-life proportions, but the latest Mercedes-Benz S-class incorporates a lot of cutting-edge lightweight technology, including plenty of aluminum and high-strength steel. But the next generation is set to focus even more on saving weight.
Yes, the next S won't be launched until after 2020, but it's never too early to gather information. Speaking with Herman-Joseph Storp, who is responsible for the S-class line, at the Geneva auto show, Worldcarfans reports than Benz is intent on making the S-Class "even greener." Storp also mentioned that one way to do this would be to use more aluminum and carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).
With ever-tightening regulations and efficiency requirements, the entire industry has realized the importance of lightweight construction, and most companies—including Mercedes-Benz—will achieve that goal through a clever mix of materials. The diversity of approaches is fascinating: Audi and Jaguar have adopted all-aluminum construction, and BMW is betting, er, heavily on carbon-fiber. The material fulfills a technical need and an almost equally important marketing purpose in the new i3 and i8 models, and BMW hopes to bring down cost and reap further benefits by using the woven stuff liberally in the next-generation 7-series.
- Instrumented Test: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 vs. Highway 401
- First Drive: All-New 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-class / C300 / C400
- Photos and Info: 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-class Coupe
But before we get too far ahead of ourselves as concerns the next-gen S-class, we still have a bevy of new models based on the current one to look forward to, including a Maybach-labeled extra-luxe version, a gorgeous coupe, and a two-door convertible.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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