Mobility – Page 5645 – I wish I had more to offer

The new Mercedes-Benz G 350 d: The point of entry to the G-Class without compromises

21.

December 2018

Stuttgart

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.8-9.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 259-252 g/km*Stuttgart. Powerful, comfortable, superior: The first vehicles of the new G-Class have been conquering the world's off-road trails since June. The cross-country vehicle convinces with performance, safety, modern assistance systems and excellent handling. The powertrain line-up is now being expanded with an efficient diesel variant. The new G 350 d (fuel consumption, combined: 9.8-9.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 259-252 g/km)[1] boasts an output like never before. The models will be available to order starting in January 2019 and will arrive in dealerships in spring. As a result, the G-Class model range now offers buyers a choice between the G 500 (fuel consumption, combined: 12.1-11.5 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 276-263 g/km), the AMG G 63 (fuel consumption, combined: 13.1 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 299 g/km) and the new G 350 d.
The new OM 656 diesel engine will also set standards in the G-Class in terms of performance – both on and off the road. “Our goal was to increase the performance” while reducing the consumption and improving the noise characteristics at the same time”, stresses Ola Källenius, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development on the Daimler Board of Management.
The characteristics of the top-notch engine include the stepped-bowl combustion process, two-stage exhaust turbocharging as well as the use of CAMTRONIC variable valve timing. This heats up the exhaust system without driving up fuel consumption. The further advanced NANOSLIDE® cylinder wall coating also reduces friction losses in the piston/cylinder wall system and reduces fuel consumption.
As powerful and superior as never before
The new in-line six-cylinder diesel makes the icon the most efficient “G” so far. It produces an output of 210 kW (286 hp) and with a peak torque of 600 Newton metres between 1200 and 3200 rpm is as powerful as never before.
The new six-cylinder diesel engine is designed to comply with future emissions legislation (RDE – Real Driving Emissions). All components relevant for efficient emissions reduction are installed directly at the engine. This contributes to faster effectiveness of the catalytic converter and the diesel particulate filter. Thanks to the integral technology approach comprising the new stepped-bowl combustion process, dynamic multi-path exhaust gas recirculation and near-engine emission control system, further reduced consumption figures with low emissions are possible. Thanks to the near-engine insulated configuration, the emission control system has little heat loss and ideal operating conditions.
The most efficient G of all time
Thanks to further enhanced emission control technologies, the powerful six-cylinder unit from the modern OM 656 engine family remains below all of the emission limits of the current Euro 6d-TEMP standard even in demanding driving situations and environmental conditions. This is achieved with an additional selective catalytic reduction (SCR) converter with an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) in the exhaust tract of the GLE. The SCR catalyst (Selective Catalytic Reduction) reduces the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas. To this end, AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution, is fed into the system. It chemically converts the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, thus releasing ammonia, which reduces up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. The filler neck for the AdBlue® is integrated into the external tank recess of the vehicle, which makes straightforward filling at the fuel pump possible.
In ECO drive mode, the gliding function helps to save additional fuel. When the driver's foot leaves the accelerator pedal, the transmission's clutch disengages. This reduces the engine speed to idling level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine while coasting. The G-Class “glides”, using its own, current kinetic energy for a certain distance. It rolls for a measurably longer distance than when coasting. This results in further fuel savings. The clutch is re-engaged as soon as the driver operates the accelerator or brake pedal.
Key data of the G 350 d at a glance:
G 350 d
Displacement
2925 cc
Bore x stroke
82.0 x 92.3 mm
Compression ratio
15.5 ɛ
Engine and output
OM 656, 210 kW (286 hp) at 3400-4600 rpm
Peak torque
600 Nm at 1200-3200 rpm
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined
9.8-9.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions
259-252 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
7.4
Top speed
199 km/h
Comfort (too) at new heights
Partly due to the new quiet and harmonious diesel engine, the G-Class proves to be extremely comfortable, even on long distances. When driving, the exhaust system and the engine, which is also willing to rev at higher engine speeds, produce much less noise and vibrations in the interior. To reduce engine noise, the engine mounts of the diesel engine are actively controlled for the first time. At speeds below 5 km/h, they are set to soft to optimally dampen the transfer of torsional vibrations to the ladder-type frame at low engine speeds. At higher engine speeds, the two engine mounts are automatically made stiffer, which has positive effects on the vibrational comfort and the driving dynamics.
9G-TRONIC on board
For the transmission of power, the 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter was specifically adapted to meet the needs of the off-road icon. The developers used a dedicated software application to shorten the shift and response times of the 9-speed transmission and make the G-Class seem even more lively. The wide transmission ratio not only makes driving quieter and more comfortable especially at low engine speeds, it simultaneously also contributes to reducing fuel consumption. Especially in first gear, the off-roader responds to accelerator pedal commands noticeably better, which customers will appreciate especially when pulling away from a traffic light, for example. The “G” is now also significantly more agile during brief sprints under partial load.
The new transfer case is flange-mounted directly to the 9G-TRONIC. It is designed to send 40 percent of the drive torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear axle. This configuration particularly benefits the handling characteristics on the road. The permanent all-wheel drive ensures maximum traction. However, the “G” would not be a “G” if it did not have even more in store. The low-range off-road reduction gear considerably increases torque at the drive wheels, which e.g. makes very difficult terrain negotiable.
Personal best in terms of equipment features
The G 350 d is more extensively equipped as standard than the preceding model even ex-factory. This includes the high-quality interior with leather seats, an instrument panel covered in ARTICO man-made leather, and open-pore wood. There are also new options to tailor the G 350 d fully to personal preferences. In addition to various optional extras, Mercedes-Benz offers items from the very popular designo manufaktur ex-factory. For the first time ever, the Exclusive Interior Plus with diamond quilting is optionally available for the G 350 d.
As a result, the G 350 d is a seamless fit with the G-Class, which embodies craftsmanship and customisability like no other vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. In fact, the G-Class is almost exclusively built by hand, which results in a total production time of at least 100 hours. This underscores the uniqueness and high quality of every G-Class.
DYNAMIC SELECT is now available with up to five drive modes for the G-Class as standard. This allows adjusting the vehicle characteristics in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the characteristics of the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering at the driver's behest. In addition, the G-Class offers a host of new driver assistance systems. For example, Active Braking Assist is able to prevent impending collisions or mitigate their consequences, and assist the driver during emergency braking. If necessary, it will brake autonomously if the driver takes no action to defuse a detected dangerous situation.
Even better off the road, more dynamic than ever on the road
Specifically for the G-Class, the new front axle is designed in such a robust way that the off-road performance and off-road capabilities of its predecessor are retained and partly even surpassed. The components of the double-wishbone front suspension are directly mounted to the ladder-type frame without a subframe. The lower wishbone's attachment points on the frame in Z-direction are positioned as high up as possible. This arrangement ensures good driveability beyond the asphalt.
At the rear, in contrast to the predecessor, the new rigid axle is controlled by four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod. This makes normal driving on the road even more comfortable. Off the road, the rear spring jounce of 82 mm and rebound of 142 mm plus the ground clearance of 241 mm to the rear axle gear help to ensure a safe ride even in extreme situations.
Thanks to the new front-axle design, the on-road performance of the G-Class has been enhanced at the same time. On the road, the “G” is as agile as it is comfortable and provides the driver with a better steering feel. The off-roader stays on track more solidly, and is agile and effortless when driving off-road.
Stronger than time
The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles. It is not only the passenger car model series with by far the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs bearing the three-pointed star – this is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name.
What began more than 40 years ago with a cooperation agreement between then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz is now a story peppered with superlatives and milestones. At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was available with a choice of four engine variants covering a performance range from of 53 kW/72 hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with short or long wheelbase. The consortium decided on the simple but distinctive name “G”, standing for “Geländewagen” (off-road vehicle). At that time nobody could have guessed that this was an almost visionary decision in view of the later change in the nomenclature of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars classes, using just a single letter.
In 1989 the vehicles of the model series 463 marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader that was not just about keeping pace with technical progress. It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fan base and emphasised its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion. And, since 1993, a vehicle with an official name: the G-Class.
The summer of 2017 saw the 300,000th G-Class roll off the assembly line in Graz – a Mercedes-Benz G 500 in designo Mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats and contrasting white topstitching (fuel consumption, combined: 12.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 289 g/km).
[1]The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. These are the NEDC CO2 figures pursuant to Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated based on these figures.

Press Contact

Christian Anosowitsch

Manager Communications SUV

christian.anosowitsch@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-75849

Fax: +49 711 17-98646

Koert Groeneveld

Head of International Product & Technology Communications

koert.groeneveld@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-92311

Fax: +49 711 17-94365

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Volkswagen to write off Gett investment – Spiegel

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AEye Introduces Advanced Mobility Product for the Autonomous Vehicle Market

The AE110 Brings Together Agile Sensors, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Definability to Capture Better Information with Less Power, Raising the Bar on Performance and Safety
“This is a breakthrough for perception systems. iDAR can do what has been previously unachievable. Combining industry leading range, resolution, scan rate, and intelligence – we are able to capture critical data about objects such as acceleration and velocity vectors within the same frame. Our approach has superior characteristics to simple FMCW not only in reliability of acquiring closing velocity, but also as the most dangerous objects enter the scene from the side where FMCW alone is ineffective.”

Pleasanton, CA – December 20, 2018 – AEye, a world leader in artificial perception systems and the developer of iDAR™, today announced the AE110, its most advanced product for the automotive mobility market. Built on the world’s most extensive solid-state LiDAR patent portfolio (with over 1000 claims filed), the AE110 features the industry’s only software-definable LiDAR, creating an open platform for perception innovation that lets software engineers optimize data collection to best meet their needs.

A New Kind of Perception
The AE110 is based on iDAR, a new form of data collection that emulates how the visual cortex pre-processes and customizes information sent to the brain. It does this by fusing 1550 nanometer (nm), solid-state agile MOEMS LiDAR, a low-light HD camera, and embedded AI to intelligently capture data at the sensor level. iDAR integrates 2D camera pixels and 3D LiDAR voxels at the point of data acquisition to create “true color” Dynamic Vixels – a new real-time sensor data type that delivers more accurate, longer range and more intelligent information faster to the car’s “brain”, or its path-planning system.

The product has two major architectural advantages: the camera and LiDAR are fused and boresighted, and it’s the only LiDAR system that’s entirely software-defined. As a result, the AE110 delivers high quality information faster to path planning systems, using significantly less power. Further, its straightforward API and powerful SDK transforms iDAR into a unique open system for perception innovation, allowing perception engineers to easily customize and dynamically control how scenes are interrogated. In addition, the product is under ASIL-B functional safety certification, ensuring it meets the automotive industry’s stringent safety standards.

“The AE110 sets a new bar for what perception systems are capable of,” said Aravind Ratnam, VP of product management at AEye. “By using an agile, software-definable LiDAR, the AE110 is able to collect 4-8 times the information of a fixed pattern LiDAR, using an eighth of the points. If a child walks into a scene, we can revisit that image within microseconds to help the vehicle take evasive action. Efficiency, speed and accuracy are key to perception, and the AE110 delivers all three at unprecedented levels at an extremely attractive price point.”

Key features of the AE110 include:

Software-definable LiDAR with high resolution RGB (red, green & blue) camera mechanically fused to deliver both true color and geometry as Dynamic Vixels
High resolution RGB camera with high speed interface
Onboard computer vision and embedded feedback loops for enhanced machine learning
Designed to meet ISO 26262 functional safety requirements; eye safe in all modes
Automotive SWaP optimized with documented field and environmental testing
Software Development Kit
Automotive deployment optimized with minimal crosstalk, utilizing four layers of interference mitigation and anti-spoofing technology
Enhanced adverse weather capabilities

Performance
The AE110’s unique architecture provides for the highest performance in resolution, range and refresh rate per dollar, while delivering unparalleled power savings. For example, its pseudo-random beam distribution search option makes the system eight times more efficient than fixed pattern LiDARs. The AE110 also achieves 16 times greater coverage of the entire field-of-view at 10 times the frame rate (up to 100 Hz) due to its ability to support multiple regions of interest for both LiDAR and camera.

Conventional LiDAR systems are designed to provide basic search capabilities – passively capturing limited data and treating it all equally without distinguishing critical threats or objects in the scene. In contrast, AEye’s iDAR performs multi-modal intelligent search which can then acquire, pre-classify, and track multiple objects quickly. It’s also designed to allow the system to pre-classify the objects faster than the frame-rate by allowing for a much more rapid object revisit rate.

“This is a breakthrough for perception systems,” said Allan Steinhardt, Chief Scientist at AEye and former Chief Scientist at DARPA. “iDAR can do what has been previously unachievable. Combining industry leading range, resolution, scan rate, and intelligence – we are able to capture critical data about objects such as acceleration and velocity vectors within the same frame. Our approach has superior characteristics to simple FMCW not only in reliability of acquiring closing velocity, but also as the most dangerous objects enter the scene from the side where FMCW alone is ineffective.”

Setting New Benchmarks
Recently, AEye announced that its iDAR system set a new benchmark for both range and scan rate performance for automotive-grade LiDAR. In a test monitored and validated by VSI Labs, The system detected and tracked a truck at 1,000 meters (or one kilometer). AEye also achieved a scan rate of 100Hz, setting a new speed record for the industry. This comes on the heels of the close of AEye’s series B funding, led by Taiwania Capital, bringing the company’s total funding to over $61 million.

The AE110 will be available to automotive and mobility OEMs and Tier 1s in Spring, 2019. For more information about AEye, the AE110, and the company’s innovative approach to artificial perception, please visit CES Booth #2100 at the Westgate Convention Center in Las Vegas, January 8th – 11th, 2019, For a private car demo, please contact [email protected].

Media Contact:

AEye, Inc.
Jennifer Deitsch
[email protected]

925-400-4366

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‘Waymo’s not on our radar’ – Henrik Fisker on the future of premium shared mobility – Automotive World

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Lyft is getting more serious about autonomous vehicle safety with new hire

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Lyft Welcomes First Senior Director of AV Safety and Compliance

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