Mercedes Benz w176(Please visit the blog archive)

Mercedes Benz W176-2012

The production version of the third generation of A-Class vehicles was based on the Concept A-Class, and was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show,and later in 2012 Paris Motor Show Mercedes A-Class Diesel range models are using Renault engines just like Mercedes B-Class.
The vehicles were available in dealerships beginning in September 2012. Early models include A 180 BlueEfficiency, A 200 BlueEfficiency, A 250 BlueEfficiency, A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency, A 200 CDI BlueEfficiency, A 220 CDI BlueEfficiency. Japan models went on sale in January 2013

Design

The third generation A-Class is designed to be a direct competitor to the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. It is intended to be more dynamic than its predecessor and is focused on younger owners. The design of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class reflects the current Mercedes-Benz design strategy. It first appeared on Concept A-Class at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, and has changed only in details such as lights, bumpers and mirrors

Engines

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm, Torque@rpm
A 180 BlueEfficiency	2012–	1,595 cc (97.3 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL red.)	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)@5000, 200 N·m (148 lbf·ft)@1250-4000
A 180 BlueEfficiency Edition	2013–	1,595 cc (97.3 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL red.)	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)@5000, 200 N·m (148 lbf·ft)@1250-4000
A 200 BlueEfficiency	2012–	1,595 cc (97.3 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL)	156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp)@5000, 250 N·m (184 lbf·ft)@1250-4000
A 250 BlueEfficiency	2012–	1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)	211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp)@5500, 350 N·m (258 lbf·ft)@1200-4000
A 250 4MATIC BlueEfficiency	2013–	1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)	211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp)@5500, 350 N·m (258 lbf·ft)@1200-4000
A 250 Sport	2012–	1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)	211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp)@5500, 350 N·m (258 lbf·ft)@1200-4000
A 45 AMG	2013–	1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 twin-scroll turbo (M 133 DE 20 AL)	360 PS (265 kW; 355 hp)@6000, 450 N·m (332 lbf·ft)@2250-5000

Diesel engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm, Torque@rpm
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency (OM 607)	2012–	1,461 cc (89.2 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 607 DE 15 LA)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)@4000, 260 N·m (192 lbf·ft)@1750-2500
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency (OM 651)	2012–	1,796 cc (109.6 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 18 LA red.)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)@3200-4600, 250 N·m (184 lbf·ft)@1400-2800
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency Edition	2013–	1,461 cc (89.2 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 607 DE 15 LA)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)@4000, 260 N·m (192 lbf·ft)@1750-2500
A 200 CDI BlueEfficiency	2012–	1,796 cc (109.6 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 18 LA)	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)@3600-4400, 300 N·m (221 lbf·ft)@1600-3000
A 220 CDI BlueEfficiency	2012–	2,143 cc (130.8 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 22 LA)	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)@3000-4200, 350 N·m (258 lbf·ft)@1600-3000

Transmissions

Model	Years	Standard	Optional
A 180 BlueEfficiency	2012-	6-speed manual	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 180 BlueEfficiency Edition	2013-	6-speed manual	n/a
A 200 BlueEfficiency	2012-	6-speed manual	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 250 4MATIC BlueEfficiency	2013-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)	n/a
A 250 BlueEfficiency	2012-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)	n/a
A 250 Sport	2012-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)	n/a
A 45 AMG	2013-	7-speed automatic (AMG Speedshift DCT)	n/a
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency (OM 607)	2012-	6-speed manual	n/a
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency Edition	2013-	6-speed manual	n/a
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency (OM 651)	2012-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)	n/a
A 200 CDI BlueEfficiency	2012-	6-speed manual	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 220 CDI BlueEfficiency	2012-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)	n/a

Equipment

Drive Kit Plus for iPhone, Mercedes-Benz phone module with Bluetooth, roof box 400 with Alustyle Quickfix carrier bars, Mercedes Sport product range (a spoiler lip for the front apron, a gleaming black radiator grill, gleaming black exterior mirror casing and waistline trim strip, a roof spoiler and rear apron trims with a diffuser look), light-alloy wheels were developed for the A-Class vehicles. The A-Class in Australia comes standard with 9 airbags.
The phone module went on sale on 4th quarter 2012.
Mercedes-Benz Sport products were produced for the A-Class (W 176) vehicles.

Marketing

As part of A-Class vehicle launch, Mercedes-Benz started the 'A Rock' concert series with British alternative rock band Placebo. The 5-concert tour took place in Paris, Rome, Zurich, Hamburg, Madrid between June and July 2012.
Mercedes-Benz offered SimCity Social players a range of exclusive additional playing options until the end of September 2012. The Electronic Arts Inc. partnership covered all worldwide territories excluding North America.
The launch A-class campaign, consists of print advertisements and TV spots, began on September 2012. The ads features A 250 Sport. Print advertisements featured a QR code leading directly to the central interactive online platform, where all global communications activities on the new A-Class have been pooled together since March. The online hub accessible at www.mercedes-benz.com/a-class features an innovative interactive concept, which sets the scene for the impressive world of the new A-Class by means of scrolling – from vehicle highlights and the A-Rock concert series with Placebo, through to attractive financing offers and the opportunity to arrange a test drive. Each of the 5 TV ads presents a product highlight in the form of a surprising and amusing story. The "parking" spot, for example, focuses on the Mercedes-Benz "Parking Finder" app found in the COMAND Online system. The campaign would run until the end of October, and online until the end of December 2012. The agency responsible for the campaign is Jung von Matt/Alster. Production of the TV spots was undertaken by Tempomedia, with Cyril Guyot acting as director, while the photos are the work of Uwe Düttmann. The central theme of the campaign, "The pulse of a new generation", would continue to be used in the "2013 A-Class Calendar". The campaign was supplemented by a three-month road show travelling across Europe, beginning at June 2012. Mercedes-Benz also released A-Class Guide virtual owner's manual, via the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.^[53]
As part of the A-class market launch, Norev had produced 1:18 scale zinc die-cast A 250 Sport model car (in jupiter red, designo magno mountain grey and cirrus white). Schuco produced 1:43 zinc die-cast scale model A-Class class (in cirrus white, cosmos black or south seas blue), while Herpa produced 1:87 plastic A-Class model cars in jupiter red, night black and monolith grey.
As part of the A-class market launch, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH has introduced a range of accessories reflecting the carefree approach to life that typifies the young and young-at-heart buyers. Early products included black wool felt trilby, black men's polo shirt, shoulder bag and smartphone case, clutch bag, wristwatch, stainless-steel A-Class key ring, three-set nail polish, spritz glasses, bracelet with charms.
As part of Japan A-Class launch, an animated short titled 'Next A-Class' was produced by Hakuhodo, Aoi Promotion and Production I.G. The Next A-Class film shows in the future city of Tokyo where it has evolved into a “Transforming Mobile City”, three characters chase "a mystery car" at full speed in a "new A-Class" dashing in and out of the transforming routes of the metropolis. As part of the campaign, the June 2012 edition of mb! by Mercedes-Benz magazine includes a booklet includes the storyline of the Next A-Class short film and gives a glimpse of production secrets and episodes of the making. The booklets were distributed at large-sized bookstores in the metropolitan area, major movie theaters and authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers. In addition, mb! magazine also offered prizes of voice cast autograph, nico figure, t-shirt, iPhone4/4S/5 case, for My Mercedes subscribers.The 15 and 30-second versions of Next A-class trailers were premiered on 2012-11-17 as TV broadcasts and in theaters showing Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo movie. Following the NEXT A-Class premiere in 2012-12-05, the viewing count exceeds 2 million within 19 days.
A-Class vehicle appeared in Night Train to Lisbon movie.

Production

Production of A-Class began at Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant in 2012.
Mercedes-Benz signed an agreement with the Finnish supplier Valmet Automotive to expand A-Class vehicle production, where Valmet will produce more than 100,000 units for Daimler from 2013 through 2016.
Production of A-series BlueDirect 4-cyliner engines took place at Mercedes-Benz engine production plant in Kölleda.

 

Mercedes A-Klasse w169(Please visit the blog archive)

Second generation (W169: 2004–2012)

The W169 is constructed with high-strength steel alloys with bonded joints. It has a large number of airbags including optional rear side airbags (for side-impacts in the backseats), optional side-curtain airbags, and standard head and thorax-protection side airbags. The front airbags are adaptive with two-stage gas generators operating according to the severity of accident.
The force exerted by the seat belt system during a collision adapts dynamically depending upon the collision characteristics. The 'active' head restraints (standard for driver and front passenger) give enhanced protection from neck injury, especially during rear collisions.
The angle of the A-pillar is flatter than the windshield angle. The cargo capacity of the W169 was increased by 15 percent compared with the W168.
Seven types of motors are available, and all are four-cylinders: four petrol (gasoline) (A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 Turbo) and three diesel (A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI) partnered with either five- or six-speed manual gearbox. A continuously variable transmission system called "Autotronic Constantly Variable Transmission" (CVT) is an optional feature.
The petrol A 200 Turbo provides 193 hp (144 kW) and 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) of torque (rotational force); the diesel A200 CDI has 140 hp (104 kW) and 300 N·m (221 lb·ft).
The most powerful model can take the car from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 218 km/h (135 mph). The newly developed direct-injection CDI diesel units use a common-rail direct injection system that improves fuel consumption and reduces exhaust emissions and noise levels.
All the engines meet the tight EU4 emissions limits. A particulate filter system is available as an option for the diesel units which reduces the particulate emissions by about 99% without the need for additives.

The A-Class is a front wheel drive car and features traction control (ASR) as standard, as well as electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
Handling is improved by precision tracking and anti-roll support, and by a Parabolic Rear Axle.
A "Selective Damping System", in which the shock absorber forces respond differently according to conditions, is standard. For example, under normal conditions it operates at soft absorption; while cornering at speed it changes to full damping force.
The W169 optionally comes with light-alloy wheels, with a run-flat feature, Tirefit tire sealant and a tire-pressure-loss warning device.
A four-day, seven-country tour which officially introduced the car culminated in an event in Milan, in the Castello Sforzesco, where all the touring units were received by a myriad of European personalities from music, fashion, sport and movies. Armani presented a fashion show and Christina Aguilera did a live performance of her song "Hello", composed exclusively for the occasion. The W169 advertising campaign included television spots with Christina Aguilera, Giorgio Armani and Boris Becker.

Sales of the W169 were targeted at 50,000 units in 2004. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, said that target had been reached even before vehicles arrived in dealer showrooms.Template:Ref required
Japan models went on sale in 2005-02-04. Early models include 5-door right right drive versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance, A 200 Elegance.^[9] 5-door right right drive version of A 200 TURBO Elegance was added in 2005-11-10
2008 update

The W169 Model facelift changes included redesigned front and rear bumpers and lights, and stop-start function option on A 150 and 170 models. The new-generation A-Class - Model facelift changes at a glance (Selection): New features in the A-Class</ref> Active Park Assist enables the car to parallel park itself, with only throttle and brake inputs required from the driver.
The five-door Saloon and the three-door Coupé vehicles were unveiled in spring 2008, alongside the refreshed 2009 M-Class and B-Class.Early models include A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI, A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 TURBO.
Japan models went on sale in 2008-08-20. Early models 5-door versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance.Japan models of A 170 was renamed to A 180 in 2009-08-24

 

 

 

 

Mercedes-Benz A-Class w168(Please acces the archive blog)

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a supermini, now a small family car, produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The first generation (W168) was introduced in 1997, the second generation model (W169) appeared in late 2004, and the all-new generation model W176 launched in late 2012. Originally launched only as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a three-door hatchback to sit six inches below the five-door. In the markets that the A-Class is or has been sold in, it has represented the entry level model of Mercedes-Benz.

 

 

First generation (W168: 1997–2004)

Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn of 1997, the W168 A-Class was quite unusual for Mercedes-Benz featuring a front wheel drive layout and unusual tall yet short body. One innovation of the W168 was a frontal-impact absorption system called the "Sandwich" (see patents DE4326 9 and DE4400132 in the name of Mercedes-Benz). In the event of a violent frontal impact, the engine and transmission would slide underneath the floor below the pedals rather than entering the passenger compartment.
The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional performed by the Swedish automobile publication Teknikens Värld. According to the report, the W168 overturned when manoeuvring to avoid the "elk". Mercedes initially denied the problem, but then took the surprising step of recalling all units sold to date (2,600) and suspending sales for three months until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control and modifying the suspension.The company spent DM 2.5 billion in developing the car, with a further DM 300 million to fix it.
Between 1997 and 2004, 1.1 million first generation A-Class models had been sold.
The A-Class was facelifted in 2001, with minor alterations to the front and rear bumper design and the addition of a new 170 mm (6.7 in) longer wheelbase version. It was launched at the GenevaMotor Show.

Engines

All A-Class models are powered by four-cylinder engines, with 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol models at launch (M 166 series), followed by two versions of a 1.7 L diesel engine (OM 668 series). In 1999, a larger 1.9 L petrol model was added, with the 2.1 the last W168 version to be launched in 2002.

Model	Year	Motor	Rated Power	Speed
A160 CDI	1998–2000	1.7L diesel (1689cc)	44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp)	158 km/h (98 mph)
A160 CDI	2000–2004	1.7L diesel (1689cc)	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp)	163 km/h (101 mph)
A170 CDI	1998–2000	1.7L diesel (1689cc)	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp)	175 km/h (109 mph)
A170 CDI	2000–2004	1.7L diesel (1689cc)	70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp)	182 km/h (113 mph)
A140	1998–2004	1.4L petrol (1397cc)	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp)	170 km/h (106 mph)
A140 Auto	2000–2004	1.6L petrol	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp)	166 km/h (103 mph)
A160	1998–2004	1.6L petrol (1598cc)	75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp)	182 km/h (113 mph)
A190	1999–2004	1.9L petrol (1898cc)	92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp)	198 km/h (123 mph)
A210 Evolution	2002–2004	2.1L petrol (2084cc)	103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp)	203 km/h (126 mph)

Production

DaimlerChrysler invested EUR 900 million in developing the Rastatt plant where the A-Class is produced, and created 1600 new jobs (for a total of 4700). A further 600 people work on the industrial estate (palatial estates for upper management) at the plant site.
Studies of the time dictated that the project plan from the factory to the city of Campinas, in São Paulo, would be the most suitable for the production of a car in Brazil. Apart from being next to the airport of Viracopos, had adequate space for both the new factory of Mercedes-Benz, and for the installation of suppliers.
In 1992, the governor of São Paulo, Mário Covas, did not accept the fiscal renouncement proposal by Mercedes-Benz. A feasibility study of the construction unit of Mercedes-Benz in Juiz de Fora started being made in 1995. In April 1996, signed the memorandum of understanding between the government and Mercedes-Benz.
The factory was built in an area of 2.8 million square meters, in BR-040, 28 miles from the center of Juiz de Fora and comprised four industrial buildings, park vendors, test track and training center.
It took away Paraibuna River bed, build a bus terminal, a bridge and a railway branch, improve road access and long distance connection to natural gas supply. SEBRAE offered training providers and SENAI a training program for employees. In 1997, construction began unit of Mercedes-Benz in Brazil and in less than seven months later, the first equipment was installed.
While many things were still being defined, the construction was in full swing. The European version was barely out of the oven in mid-1997 and Mercedes-Benz announced that "The Class" would be manufactured in the region of Itamar Franco from December 1998. On April 23, 1999, the unit was inaugurated Juiz de Fora.
Mercedes-Benz began W168 production on 17 February 1999 at its new Brazilian facility in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. The Brazilian plant was the company's first factory in South America dedicated to passenger cars, with an investment of USD 840 million and 10,000 employees. The factory initially produced A-Class and C-Class models, assembling them from pieces manufactured in Germany. The target for the cars was regional markets (from Argentina to Mexico) with modifications made to the cars to suit local conditions, like a protection for the motor base. On 15 August 2005 the factory stopped production of A-Class cars.