The 4MATIC was named after the automatically switchable axle drives, which, in contrast to conventional all-wheel drives, are only activated when needed. To control the drives different driving situations are evaluated electronically. With its performance-oriented fully variable torque distribution it combines the advantages of four-wheel drive with those of a rear-wheel drive. This means traction and driving safety combined with a high level of driving pleasure.
☞ The designation 4MATIC was protected as a trademark of Daimler AG until the end of 2014.
A vehicle with 4MATIC is capable of drifting, since the fully variable torque distribution also allows for pure rear-wheel drive. Many vehicles were also equipped with a drift mode specifically for the racetrack. And in the opposite case, it leaves nothing to be desired. For increased driving safety, the adjustable multi-disc clutch, especially on snow and ice, guarantees maximum traction on all four wheels.
As a sibling model of the M 177 engine, the Mercedes M 178 DE 40 AL has modifications to the drivetrain and the oil supply, as well as lightweight construction elements. The powerful 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo with direct injection is installed as a front mid-engine on the front axle of the AMG GT (C190), and comes with Getrag’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is mounted on the rear axle in transaxle design.
The 510hp (375kW) strong version of the AMG GT S catapults the 1645kg car in just 3.8 seconds to 100km/h. The engine transfers 650 Newton meters between 1,750-4,750 rpm to the crankshaft. With its acceleration, the GT S is 0.2 seconds faster than the base model GT with ‘only’ 462hp. The top speed is electrically sealed at 310 km/h.
The Mercedes M178 V8 Bitorbomotor (Source: Manufacturer)
Some details of the Mercedes M178
The crankcase is made of an aluminum sand casting and the closed deck-construction provides high stiffness with low weight. The cylinders of the supercharged V8 petrol engine are angled at 90 °, while the cylinder heads are finished with a temperature-resistant zirconium alloy. Four overhead, fully variable camshafts allow direct response and improved fuel economy. The valve train is friction-optimized, and piezo injectors ensure precise direct injection, resulting in optimized fuel efficiency.
AMG is responsible for the high-performance vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. The brand is known for its high-performance V8 engines, each marked with a plaque signed by the fitter. With the M 178, the Affalterbacher deliver a powerful V8 biturbo engine for the Mercedes AMG GT (C190).
Biturbo Charging
The biturbo of the Mercedes M 178 boosts the cylinders with a maximum pressure of 1.2 bar at a maximum speed of 186,000 rpm. It supplies the engine with 2.3 times as much oxygen as a naturally aspirated engine. For a narrower overall design, the two turbochargers are not located as usual on the outer cylinder banks, but are mounted in the inner V of the cylinder. This promises, in addition to the lower mounting position, a more optimized fresh air guidance, since the turbochargers are more centrally in the air flow. Two charge air coolers ensure that the charge air heated by the turbochargers is cooled to a maximum of 25 ° C above ambient temperature before entering the combustion chambers.
Sump lubrication
Dry sump lubrication does not require a conventional oil pan and enables a low installation position of the engine with low center of gravity. It allows for an active oil distribution by the suction pumps that are located under the engine. They transport the oil to the outside tank, and from there back into the cylinder heads. This setup is advantageous for the oil supply of vehicles with high lateral acceleration due to the direct extraction of oil from the crankcases.
The Mercedes M178 V8-Biturbo-Engine (Source: Manufacturer)
Fuel Consumption
With a fuel consumption of 128hp per liter of fuel and an average fuel consumption of less than 10 liters per 100km, the M178 is powerful and efficient at the same time.
Mercedes M178 DE 40 AL (Source: Manufacturer)
In the current political environment, the future of big engines is uncertain. In the course of downsizing and the drive revolution with electromobility, increasingly smaller combustion engines are installed. The V8 engines are a tradition at AMG, and hopefully will stay with us for a while longer with their powerful engine sound.
With the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Daimler obviously aims at the competition in Zuffenhausen. However, it’s not the Porsche Boxster or the Cayman that is targeted, but directly the mighty Porsche 911.
Previously Porsche had crossed with the Panamera into Mercedes territory. Now Mercedes is shooting back with a thoroughbred sports car from AMG in Affalterbach. With the AMG GT, the brand with the star on the radiator grille is launching the successor to the Mercedes SLS.
Design
The front design of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT contains many elements from racing that make a dynamic impression. LED high-performance headlights with stylized “eyebrows” give the front of the car the characteristic look. The long bonnet with its pronounced domes sets the direction. Flowing shapes and curves, which are increasingly being used by more modern material processing in the automotive sector, create a trend-setting design. Typical for Mercedes is the sporty front bumper with large air intakes and upright diamond grill with central star. In the course of a facelift, the old diamond grill (picture) was replaced by the Panamericana grill from the Mercedes-AMG GT 3 customer sport racing car. In addition, the GT has active aerodynamics, which is called by Mercedes “Airpanel”. Depending on the cooling requirements, the air is allowed to pass through the lamellae to the cooling surface, or diverted towards the underbody.
Although the AMG GT is seen as the successor of the SLS, it has no gullwing doors. These were among the most prominent main features of the Mercedes SLS.
Mercedes M 178 Engine
The 510hp (375kW) strong Mercedes M178 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo under the long hood of the AMG GT S catapults the 1645kg car in just 3.8 seconds to 100km/h. The engine transfers 650 Newton meters between 1,750-4,750 rpm to the crankshaft.
What looks like a normal front-engine layout from the outside is technically a front mid-engine, because the entire engine block is located behind the front axle. The engine block and the cylinder heads are made of light metal. Two chain driven adjustable camshafts control two intake and exhaust valves per combustion chamber. For a narrower overall design, the two turbochargers are not located as usual on the outer cylinder banks, but are mounted in the inner V of the cylinder. This promises, in addition to the lower mounting position, a more optimized fresh air guidance, since the turbochargers are more centrally in the air flow. Two charge air coolers ensure that the charge air heated by the turbochargers is cooled to a maximum of 25 ° C above ambient temperature before entering the combustion chambers.
Dry sump lubrication enables a low positioning of the Mercedes M178 engine with a low center of gravity. This is especially advantageous for the oil supply of sports cars with high lateral acceleration due to the direct extraction of engine oil from the crankcases.
With its acceleration, the GT S is 0.2 seconds faster than the base model GT with ‘only’ 462hp. The top speed is electrically sealed at 310 km/h.
In the course of a facelift, the old diamond grill (picture) was replaced by the Panamericana grill from the GT R model.
Transmission
The seven-speed double-clutch gearbox of the AMG GT S, which is mounted directly on the rear axle in transaxle design, has been tuned much better than the older one of the Mercedes SLS. The newer AMG gearbox picks up the shift commands significantly faster when the speed limit is reached. During downshifting, the inter-gas function stabilizes the vehicle and minimizes unwanted load change reactions. The clutch also provides an efficient sailing function when removing the foot from the gas. By decoupling from the drive train, the engine speed is lowered which saves fuel. Thanks to the advantageous positioning of the gearbox on the rear axle, there is also a beneficial weight distribution of 47:53.
The AMG 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (Source: Manufacturer)
Chassis
The chassis of the GT comes from the SLS. The double wishbone concept is good for lateral acceleration, and provides driving stability at high speeds.
As standard, the Mercedes-AMG GT S rolls on vanadium silver painted alloy wheels. Excellent deceleration is provided by large-dimensioned brake discs, which are ventilated and perforated all around. The composite technology increases stability and reduces weight. The entire AMG brake system offers braking performance as in motorsport.
The AMG rear-axle steering, which is an option on the GT S, makes the vehicle easier to handle and increases driving stability. At speeds below 100km / h it provides an opposite steering of the front and rear wheels. At speeds over 100 km / h the steering of the rear wheels adjust to the same direction as the front wheels. In addition, the electronically regulated rear-axle locking differential ensures improved traction and steering response.
AMG rear axle steering (Source: Manufacturer)
Interior with Aviation Flair
The interior of the AMG GT can impress with the well-known Mercedes quality. Also in that point Mercedes has made great progress since the SLS AMG, whose interior seemed a lot cheaper with some plastic components. The AMG performance steering wheel and the instrument cluster give the AMG GT S a sporty look. The design and arrangement of the switches on the center console with the AMG driving unit symbolically represent the V8 biturbo. As a nice additional detail, the AMG crest is embossed into the armrest of the center console. Everything in the interior adds up to the Mercedes-Benz sports car typical “aviation design”.
The center console has four controls on both sides, which is design-related to the cylinder arrangement of the V8 engine.
The rear lights of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S are each equipped with 18 bright LEDs per side.
Models
AMG GT S
In the course of the facelift, the performance of the AMG GT S was increased from 510 hp to 522 hp, which also means an increase in torque by 20 Nm to a maximum of 670 Nm.
AMG GT C
The Mercedes AMG GT C comes as a coupe, as well as a roadster with fabric top.
AMG GT R
The striking Panamericana grille was initially installed on the AMG GT R before it was introduced to the sibling models.
Driving the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S
I got into the drivers seat of the AMG GT S without paying much attention to the technical data. Considering that it is the top of the sports-car line for Mercedes, my expectations were accordingly high. The proud ‘V8 BITURBO’ inscription in the lateral gills is hard to miss while entering the car. Inside you have the feeling of sitting in a slightly wilder Mercedes. I must say that I imagine a comfortable and luxurious car under a Mercedes. The AMG sport seats of the Mercedes-AMG GT S give the driver good lateral support at higher lateral accelerations while providing high seating comfort. The steering is not quite as direct as I would have liked. The difference to the other cars with the star on the hood and the three letters on the rear becomes clear as soon as you press the accelerator unrestrained. The ‘somewhat wild Mercedes’ turns into a beast and beats the rising pulse of the V8 engine with the entry of the turbos into the drivers back. The brute power of the GT S leaves nothing to be desired.
Conclusion:
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT definitely does justice to the GT-designation (Italian: Gran Turismo), and is suitable as a comfortable and well-motorized sports car for long-distance races. The powerful Mercedes M178 engine provides the AMG GT with enough power to show the taillights to many other cars on the racetrack. Compared to the Porsche 911, the AMG definitely needs a bit more time to get used to. Of course it has its own attraction to tame such a beast. As soon as you have mastered the long hood in front of you, the GT S can be precisely controlled.
A comparison with the 911 is not really suitable in other respects, because both cars are quite different. Furthermore, the Mercedes AMG GT S does not really need to prove itself. It is important that Daimler has made great progress since the SLR and the SLS to deliver such a car. Since the SL with its luxurious equipment could never properly adopt the image of a real sports car, the Mercedes AMG GT opens new ways for Daimler. With the right continuity, a new star could shine in the future on the sky next to the Porsche 911.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198) was presented together with the smaller 190 SL in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York. It was offered in the years 1954 to 1957 as a coupe with gullwing doors and in the years 1957 to 1963 as a roadster. The 300 stands for the engine capacity measured in cubic centimeters, the additional designation SL is the short form for “super-leicht” (german: super-light). Alternatively, it is claimed that the letters were derived from “sport-leicht”.
The original 300 SL, the Mercedes-Benz W 194 racing car, achieved unexpected success in 1952. The even faster road version (W 198) was with a top speed of 230 km/h the fastest sports car of its time.
The Gullwing
The body of the 300 SL was shaped as streamlined as possible. In order to keep the frontal area small, the bodywork was slightly retracted from the window line. Only after the construction of the frame, which went far to the top, it was noticeable that conventional doors could not be used because of the frame construction on the vehicle flanks. Despite the misconception that the doors are mere stylistic affectations, the eye-catching “gullwings” were necessary because of the vehicle design. A total of 1400 gullwing cars were built, while most of them were exported to the United States.
The body of the 300 SL consisted largely of sheet steel. The hood, the trunk lid, the sill and the doors, however, were made of aluminum. On request and for a relatively small extra charge, the entire body was made of light metal, which made the vehicle 80 kilograms lighter. But only very few customers chose that option, making those versions very rare and sought after today.
The little brother: Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
Next to the Mercedes 300 SL, Daimler-Benz introduced the Mercedes 190 SL (W 121) in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York. By 1963, a total of 25,881 units of the “Tourensportwagen” (engl.: “touring sports car”) had been built, of which almost half were exported to the United States. Many stylistic elements such as front mask, bumpers and headlights have been adopted from the 300 SL. The 190 SL was available either as a convertible or as a coupe with removable roof. Today one would probably call it a convertible with hardtop.
The concept of the open two-seater 190 SL with an easy-to-use weatherproof soft top was so successful that in the following, the 300 SL was modified accordingly. The legendary gullwing was replaced in the spring of 1957 by a roadster variant (W 198 II).
The convertible top of the 300 SL could be stored under a separate flap behind the seats and was easy to operate. The grid frame of the roadster variant needed to be changed in the area of the doors and the rear. Thus, normal fortified doors with much more comfortable entry were able to be installed.
The new technology: direct fuel injection
The first automotive direct injection system was produced by Bosch and was developed by Goliath and Gutbrod in 1952. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL became in 1955 the first production sports car with four-stroke engine to be equipped with a direct fuel injection system. The Bosch fuel injectors were placed into the bores on the cylinder wall, and the spark plugs were relocated to the cylinder head. The result was a boost in engine output and efficiency and would remain a signature feature of the 300 SL “Gullwing” for a long time.
Replicas
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was also very popular among replica manufacturers. Therefore, Mercedes-Benz had the design of the vehicle protected and banned the reproduction of the 300 SL in court. Previously, there were replicas from Germany and Switzerland, which were offered under the name Gullwing and Gullwing Roadster.
Introduced in January 2011, the Mercedes CLS (218) is the second generation of the CLS series. Based on the platform of the E-Class, it is available as a four-door coupé or as a Shooting Brake.
The predecessor
The first generation of the Mercedes CLS (W219) was launched in 2004 and had its run until 2011. By that time it was unclear weather the market would receive a four-door coupe with no technical advantages to the other models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Neither did the CLS offer more performance than the E-class it was based on, nor did it come with a bigger interior. It even offered less headroom and poorer visibility than the conventional Mercedes sedans. What distinguished the CLS, however, was the exterior design, designed in 2001 by Michael Fink. The elegantly curved body impressed the customers, and by 2010 more than 170,000 vehicles were sold. The brave step of Mercedes paid off, and the CLS established itself successfully as the first four-door coupe on the market. The success of the Mercedes CLS also inspired other manufacturers such as VW, BMW or Aston Martin, who followed up with similar concepts.
Engine
The CLS of the 218 series was initially available in 2011 with V6 petrol and diesel engines. Later followed by a 4-cylinder diesel, as well as two V8 gasoline engines. The most powerful engine on the market is the CLS 63 AMG with a 5.5-liter V8 with direct injection and twin turbocharging. The resulting power is 535 hp (386 kW), which can be increased to 557 hp (409 kW) with the optional AMG performance package.
The Mercedes SLK R172 is the third generation of the 1996 introduced SLK series. It was built from 2011 to 2016, after which it has been named Mercedes SLC since the facelift. The long bonnet and the far rear passenger compartment are typical for Mercedes sports cars. The expressive styling is reflected in the front with the diamond grill. In the silhouette, the sporty styling continues in details such as air intakes with fins in silver chrome.
As a little brother to the legendary 300 SL, Daimler-Benz introduced the first prototype of the Mercedes 190 SL (W 121) in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York. One year later the production version went on display at the Geneva Motor Show. By 1963, a total of 25,881 units of the “Tourensportwagen” (engl.: “touring sports car”) had been built, of which almost half were exported to the United States.
Body
Many stylistic elements such as front mask, bumpers and headlights have been adopted from the 300 SL. The 190 SL was available either as a convertible or as a coupe with removable roof. Today one would probably call it a convertible with hardtop, but back then it was advertised by the manufacturer like that. The concept of the open two-seater 190 SL with an easy-to-use weatherproof soft top was so successful that in the following, the 300 SL was modified accordingly. The legendary gullwing was replaced in the spring of 1957 by a roadster variant. Continue reading “Mercedes 190 SL – Oldtimer of the “Sport Light”- class”
The Mercedes W123 series is still the most produced Mercedes-Benz model to date. It was built from 1975 to 1986, and set new standards in vehicle safety. Of the total of 2.7 million vehicles produced, many have survived the passage of time and have been handed over to subsequent generations.
POWER
Under the hood you can find the engine OM 617.912. According to enthusiasts the most reliable engine in history. Initially it had 3000 cc divided in five cilinders which could produce 79 hp. In 1979 the engine was modified, the precombustion chamber was updated, the valves were build deeper and the cylinder volume was reduced to 2998 cc. The power and the torque increased up to 87 hp and 172 Nm.
Note: The same engine was installed with turbo chargers on the third version of the infamous C111 instead of the previous Wankel engine. The turbo charged engine had 230 hp and broke nine diesel and gasoline speed records with a top speed of 322 Km/h in 1978 at the Nardò Ring located in the Italian province of Lecce.Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz 300D (W123)”
