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A tough truck wouldn't be complete without brilliant underpinnings. The new Actros is equipped with a dynamic chassis based on a torsionally stiff frame with wide track. It integrates an intelligent concept which improves ride comfort and helps for a sensitive and firm steering for added fuel economy. The assistance systems provide extra safety and relieve stress when the truck is stuck in traffic. In the future, the range will be extended as the chassis was developed to properly fit new and additional wheelbase lengths.
Criteria such as handling and safety are becoming increasingly important in long-distance transport. The new Mercedes-Benz Actros takes account of this, ushering in a new era of driving dynamics for heavy-duty trucks. No other premium-category truck feels as poised, assured or safe on the road, largely thanks to a new frame and an extensively modified chassis. The new truck's exemplary ride comfort is at the same high level. A Mercedes-Benz is always extremely well prepared should the worst come to the worst: the already outstanding safety level has been further enhanced by extended functions. Last but not least, a perfected modular system means that the new Actros is available with a wide choice of wheelbase and frame variants. Plus it offers exceptional body-mounting ability.
Complete chassis and ride-comfort concept
Major plus points of the new Actros include its driving dynamics, handling and comfort, largely thanks to a complete chassis and ride-comfort concept, from the frame and the chassis through to the cab suspension and the driver's seat. A wealth of innovations in this field means that the new Actros conveys a safer driving feel than any other truck in its class.
Torsionally stiff frame with wide track
A new frame, uncompromisingly designed for on-road vehicles, forms the backbone of the new Actros. It is exceptionally torsionally stiff and has a wide track of 834 mm (previously 744 mm). Both factors together form the basis for excellent handling stability – the Actros hugs the road with an assured feel.
Tried-and-tested axles and a dynamic, new chassis
The core design of the tried-and-tested axles is the same as for the predecessor model; however, the developers have completely redesigned the control and the suspension to enhance driving safety and ride comfort.
New features include the location system for the Mercedes-Benz HL6 hypoid rear axle, based on optimised rear-axle location with new geometry and lines of action that now intersect behind the axle. Four-bellows air suspension, which responds precisely to road unevenness, is now responsible for the ride comfort. This is a symmetrical air suspension system (i.e. the bellows are of the same size). The spring track is wider than previously. Another advantage is the fact that four bellows operate faster and can lift higher loads than two bellows.
The tried-and-tested offset front axles are available with either steel or air suspension and with a choice of tonnages. The number of spring layers varies depending on the permissible axle load. The weight of the steel springs has been reduced thanks to an aluminium front spring bracket. New features include weight-optimised suspension with single-leaf parabolic springs on the front axle.
The chassis for the new Actros impresses with its high levels of directional stability, outstanding understeer/oversteer characteristics and high precision. Ride comfort has also been further enhanced.
Three cab mounting variants
The cab mounting is a major component in the driving-dynamics concept. There is a choice of three variants for the new Actros: Standard cab mounting, Comfort cab mounting (standard for cabs with a flat floor) and the exceptionally comfortable air suspension.
Sensitive and firm steering even saves fuel
One of the key factors behind the new Actros' excellent handling is the steering system, which impresses on account of its precision, thanks to a re-tuned steering gear, and conveys excellent road feel. The ratio is more direct whilst the kinematics have been improved and the controlled power steering pump saves fuel.
Powerful new engine brake and highly effective retarder
In 1996, the forerunner to the new Actros revolutionised the truck world on account of its four-disc brake system with a high-pressure system and electronic control. The new Actros takes this exceptional brake system a stage further. A new, optionally available high-performance engine brake sets new standards once again. The three-stage engine brake achieves an immense braking power of up to 400 kW (544 hp) on Euro VI models. Another new feature is the optionally available water secondary retarder with a braking torque of up to 3500 Nm or up to 750 kW. As well as being more powerful, the new retarder is lighter, weighing in at just 65 kg instead of 100 kg as previously.
Assistance systems to enhance comfort and relieve stress when stuck in traffic
The previous model series also set milestones with its safety and assistance systems. Whether it be adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist, Stability Control Assist or the revolutionary Active Brake Assist with autonomous emergency braking when stationary obstacles or moving obstacles ahead are detected, the Actros has always led the way for others to follow.
The new Actros builds on this lead. Stability Control Assist is now fitted as standard on both the semitrailer tractor and the chassis version, while the unique Proximity Control Assist system with stop-and-go function now even controls moving off and stopping in traffic automatically – making the driver's job much easier when driving through cities or in stop-and-go traffic. What's more, the Proximity Control Assist is no longer automatically linked to the retarder. The sensed fifth wheel coupling informs the driver of its lock status via a display in the cab. The exterior mirror with manoeuvring function on the co-driver's side extends the range of vision when manoeuvring by automatically adjusting outwards by ten degrees when reverse gear is engaged.
Standard equipment for all Actros models includes automatic activation of the hazard warning lights following an emergency stop so as to warn following traffic and help prevent rear-end collisions. The optional rain and light sensor activates the windscreen wipers and dipped beam when required, while the likewise optionally available tyre pressure monitoring system for the tractor and trailer is primarily aimed at enhancing safety: burst tyres as a result of insufficient inflation pressure are just as much of a safety risk as flat tyres. Furthermore, insufficient tyre inflation pressure increases the tyre's flex and, therefore, fuel consumption as well as reducing service life – a key factor when it comes to economy.
Attractively priced safety packages
Ready-made safety packages available at attractive prices encourage the inclusion of safety technology. The “Basic Safety Pack” comprises Proximity Control Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and a driver's airbag, while the Classic Safety Pack includes all of these as well as Active Brake Assist and roll control for dropsiders. Meanwhile, the Top Safety Pack features all of the above plus a retarder.
Range extended to include new and additional wheelbase lengths
The new Actros is a bespoke premium truck with an even larger range of models available than its predecessor. It can be ordered as a two- or three-axle version with trailing or leading axle and with a choice of three frame heights: standard, low and lowliner. Mercedes‑Benz has also further extended the range of wheelbase lengths by narrowing the gap between each version. Hence the two-axle semitrailer tractor is now available with a choice of four wheelbase lengths – 3550, 3700, 3850 or 4000 mm – while the two-axle chassis with cab gives customers a whopping eleven wheelbase lengths to choose from, ranging from 3600 to 6600 mm in steps of 300 mm.
Low-frame and lowliner models now have a slightly lower coupling point height, while the dropsider frame is also noticeably lower, making it easier to mount bodies.
Good body-mounting ability prioritised
The new Actros chassis already offers exceptionally good body-mounting ability as it is. The 50 mm hole pattern throughout in the frame side members, including the area of the axles, gives bodybuilders a great deal of freedom, as does the absence of rivets aft of the rear axle. Frame overhangs can be selected in steps of 300 mm, while the end crossmember can be relocated in 50 mm steps.
Although the exhaust system takes up more space on the frame due to the Euro VI requirements, optimised exhaust outlets make the bodybuilder's job easier. If required, space can be left within the frame – for demountable-platform vehicles, for example. In this case, there is no need to relocate the tank subsequently. Standardised fastenings, brackets and fixing bolts facilitate body mounting. All of which saves costs and shortens delivery times.
New chassis with new tanks
The wider frame, the in-line engines and the more complex exhaust gas aftertreatment system for Euro VI require a modified chassis design. The developers have taken this opportunity to introduce a new fuel tank concept among other things. Four tank cross-sections give a fuel supply volume of 290 to 1300 litres. The tanks are flexibly inter-combinable for individual solutions, and there are no conversion costs. Even the AdBlue tanks are available in a choice of sizes: 60 or 75 litres.
The main fuel tank and the AdBlue tank are mounted on the left-hand side of the vehicle. There is space for an additional tank on the right-hand side. The full vehicle width of 2.55 metres can be used to optimise the tank volume. There is also a combination tank with two chambers for diesel fuel and AdBlue available for semitrailer tractors.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart, Germany, May 26, 2011
- Mercedes-Benz driving events at 16 locations across Germany
- Wide range of vehicles from the A-Class to S-Class, plus off-roaders
- High standard of quality with around 60 skilled instructors
- RoadSense: a different approach to road safety awareness for young people
- Intensive race circuit training at the AMG Driving Academy
As confirmed by accident statistics, Mercedes drivers are involved in fewer accidents than drivers of cars made by other manufacturers. This is the result of the comprehensive safety philosophy at Mercedes-Benz. In addition to many years of accident research and the democratisation of safety innovations across all model series, a diverse range of driving safety training events is offered. Participants become more aware of typical danger situations and practise appropriate responses.
Safety pioneer Mercedes-Benz has a long tradition of providing such training: as early as 1902, the sons of Gottlieb Daimler were conducting driving lessons at the works of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Mercedes-AMG also holds driving training courses and events tailored to individual requirements to help its customers to achieve flawless car control (see page 6 onwards). Driving safety training for summer 2011 is now getting underway through Mercedes-Benz Driving Events and the AMG Driving Academy.
A broad programme of on and off-road Mercedes-Benz driving events
Mercedes-Benz holds driving events at twelve venues and four off-road locations throughout Germany, meaning that no participant needs to travel far. "By providing courses almost nationwide and at reasonable prices, we are aiming at as many car drivers as possible. The half-day compact training event for 18 to 25-year olds, for example, costs just 89 euros," says Ulrich Mellinghoff, Head of Mercedes Safety Development. "Ultimately all road users benefit from the confident car control practised during training, not just Mercedes drivers. Any accident is one accident too many."
The target group for the various courses is correspondingly diverse, ranging from learner drivers to experienced professionals, from sales training to events for professional drivers and chauffeurs. The sole requirement is that the driver must hold a class 3/class B driver's licence. Mercedes-Benz provides the vehicles used in driving training. "This offers several advantages," explains Wolfgang Müller, Chief Instructor Mercedes-Benz Driving Events. "Participants do not need to worry about their own vehicles or tyre wear and our instructors know the cars intimately." What is more, this gives trainers the opportunity to demonstrate to participants how modern assistance systems work. Because it plays a pioneering role in safety, Mercedes-Benz offers technologies that are not available in other vehicles – or at least not yet.
Another factor is that, due to the range of performance, exercises can be completed in a higher speed range. "This means exercises are conducted at more realistic speeds," adds Müller. For example, braking exercises take place from 80 km/h at all levels of training. The fleet of cars extends from the A‑Class to the S-Class and, for off-road training, includes the entire range of Mercedes-Benz SUV models and off-roaders.
Before heading up driving training at Mercedes-Benz, Wolfgang Müller was a successful rally driver for ten years. He is an experienced and skilled instructor, like all his colleagues on the driving safety training team in line with the high expectations that Mercedes-Benz has of staff. Using the same pool of approximately 60 trainers ensures that all Mercedes driving training
sessions in Germany meet a high standard of quality, irrespective of the event venue. Müller's job includes harmonising this standard of quality at international level to achieve global consistency with regard to the skill levels described below, for example.
Here is an overview of the various driving safety training courses and driving events being held by Mercedes-Benz in summer 2011:
- Compact training: On this half-day course, participants find out how an accident can be prevented effectively. Exercises include full brake application combined with an evasive manoeuvre, and a slalom course. Compact training is also offered as a special training event for 18 to 25-year olds.
- Basic training: As part of this one-day event, the instructors demonstrate how danger situations can be dealt with safely and confidently with support from active control systems. In demanding exercises, such as taking evasive action without braking from 80 km/h, emergency braking or correcting skidding vehicles, participants simulate accident situations and learn strategies for emerging unscathed.
- Advanced training: This one-day training course widens the range of solutions for dealing with hazardous situations at higher speeds. Participants practise emergency braking at 100 km/h without knowing the direction in which to take evasive action beforehand, or controlling a tail-skid on a wet bend.
- Enhanced training: Here hazardous situations are rehearsed at motorway speed. For example, participants learn how to correct their vehicle following an emergency lane change at 130 km/h. In addition, challenging drift exercises are completed on famous race tracks like Sachsenring. The enhanced training course lasts two days.
- Eco training: During this half-day event, attendees take part in simple practical and theoretical exercises to learn how to reduce fuel consumption by handling their car more efficiently. On average, those who complete the eco training course subsequently use 15 percent less fuel.
- Pro driver training: The programme for this two-day event includes performing an evasive manoeuvre at 130 km/h in a predefined direction through a set of traffic lights, emergency braking scenarios and correcting a tail-skidding vehicle at motorway speed, for example. Driving practice is complemented by theoretical exercises tailored to the specific profession with trainers who also instruct police task forces.
- Enhanced pro driver training: Building on the pro driver training course, here the focus is on training for complex, stressful situations and additional tasks associated with a specific profession, with participants receiving individual coaching. They drive a handling course at night and take part in a convoy. Individual strengths and weaknesses are psychologically evaluated for everyday professional life (two-day event).
- Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience: This event immerses participants in the world of Mercedes-Benz for two full days. A visit to the wind tunnel and test track at the plant in Untertürkheim is followed by a voyage of discovery around the Mercedes-Benz Museum and an evening meal together. On the second day, it is onto the training circuit with the opportunity to put the current model range, including the CLS and SLK, through its paces in slaloming, braking and evasive manoeuvres.
- On and off-road training: This two-day event is aimed especially at newcomers and SUV drivers. The programme covers driving safety first: fast lane changing, slaloming, one-sided braking and ABS as an issue. The second part of the training course takes place on an off-road circuit. Safe ways to handle axial twist situations, driving at an angle and steep ascents and descents are practised.
- Off-road training: After an introduction to the theory, instructors accompany participants on a challenging off-road circuit. They will master steep downhill gradients and adventurously driving at an angle. At the same time, participants will learn to assess the way they themselves and their vehicle respond more effectively so that they can reach their destination safely given even the toughest terrain. Mercedes-Benz offers one and two-day courses at different levels in the form of basic, advanced, exclusive and pro off-road training.
- Off-road journeys: Fly&Drive Ireland, a magical Italian journey and an epic expedition halfway around the world are just some of the trips on offer. An amazing five-week trip from Germany to India goes via Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.
Further information is available at www.mercedes-benz.de/driving-events and www.offroad.mercedes-benz.de .
New RoadSense road safety awareness programme: a chance for 14-year olds to get behind the wheel
Around 600 school pupils took part in a pilot project in 2010 at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy in Stuttgart. The unusual form of training provided is now progressing to the next phase, the aim of the new RoadSense road safety awareness initiative being to minimise the risk of young road users. As part of the RoadSense programme, Year 8 pupils are allowed to get behind the wheel of a car under professional supervision and on handling circuits away from traffic. The 13 to 15-year old students are not taught how to drive – it is about experiencing what it is like behind the wheel. The main emphasis is on typical conflict situations that may be encountered as a passenger and learning how to deal with these responsibly.
All types of schools can take part with their Year 8 classes to the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for the RoadSense road safety awareness programme. Information can be obtained from Mercedes-Benz by emailing roadsense-stuttgart@daimler.com .
www.mbdrivingacademy.com
AMG Driving Academy: from the first experience of driving at the limit to intensive race circuit training
Mercedes-AMG helps its customers to achieve flawless car control by offering driving training courses and events tailored to individual requirements. Here the focus is on driving pleasure, driving safety and passion, complemented by a top-quality support programme including typical local culinary delicacies and professional customer care. There are five different programmes to choose from: EMOTION, BASIC, ADVANCED, PRO and MASTERS. These offer everything from lifestyle-oriented events and courses which take the participants through their first experience of driving at the limit, all the way through to intensive race circuit training with a competitive edge. The level of difficulty is tailored to the participants’ individual requirements. Prices for the AMG Driving Academy programmes start from as little as 370 euros.
On legendary race tracks such as the North Loop of the Nürburgring and the Grand Prix circuit in Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, AMG drivers and enthusiasts gradually and safely discover the limits. In this way, each participant automatically improves their active driving safety.
Licensed trainers with extensive racing experience pass on their vast knowledge with great professionalism. As well as DTM driver Susie Stoddart, Bernd Schneider, Bernd Mayländer and Chris Mamerow are other prominent members of the team around chief instructor Reinhold Renger.
Depending on the type of event, the participants drive either their own AMG cars or AMG high-performance models laid on by the AMG Driving Academy. There are also cars for hire, for example the SLS AMG, SLK 55 AMG, C 63 AMG, E 63 AMG and also the SL 63 AMG – all equipped with the AMG Performance package.
Almost incidentally, but by design, participants in events learn about efficient fuel use. "We show that opening up the engine fully, harsh braking and a generally frenetic driving style by no means make you the fastest," says chief instructor Reinhold Renger. "Many participants are amazed that after training they achieve faster lap times, while consuming significantly less fuel." A further special feature is international harmonisation of the various training levels. Renger: "Many of our customers use this as an opportunity to go on and hone their skills further in another country – or even on a different continent."
An overview of all of the events offered by the AMG Driving Academy:
- EMOTION: These lifestyle-oriented events send a maximum of 24 participants off on interesting routes through captivating scenery in cars provided by AMG. New events include the EMOTION Tour Golf, EMOTION Tour Montreux and the EMOTION Tour DTM Show Event Munich.
- BASIC: The focus of this training course is on ensuring safe and confident reactions behind the wheel. In a professional environment the participants develop the expertise to tackle their first few laps of driving at the limit, starting with a detailed theory-based introduction unit. The instructors not only highlight the fundamentals of driving physics, but also look at seating position, steering wheel control, the correct line of sight and safety rules. The practical section gives the participants the chance to assess and enhance their driving skills in their own AMG cars or in models provided by AMG, and to explore the capabilities of the various driver assistance systems.
- ADVANCED: The second stage of AMG training concentrates on developing driving skills and sporty driving. In addition to the fundamentals of driving physics, the theory introduction primarily covers cornering technique, the ideal line and braking points. The practical section of the course on the race circuit gives participants the chance to put into practice what they have learned so far. Section training sees the instructors explore in detail the particular characteristics of each section of corners, while guided driving behind the instructor makes it easier for the participants to identify the ideal line and braking points.
- PRO: This three-day event is held in Le Castellet (France) and on the Red Bull Ring (Austria). Completion of AMG BASIC training, AMG ADVANCED training or a comparable driver training course is required to participate in PRO training. After exploring the circuit one section at a time, the eight groups of eight participants drive around behind the guiding instructor. A co-instructor follows behind each of the groups. The drivers are then left to drive freely. The concluding AMG competition in the form of a regularity test underlines the sporting character of the training.
- MASTERS: In 2011 the AMG Driving Academy makes exclusive use of SLS AMG GT3 vehicles for its most demanding skill level programme. The module-based MASTERS SLS AMG GT3 programme consists of four stages. During the three-hour EXPERIENCE stage, participants start off with the road version of the SLS AMG to benefit from some driving guidance. After an introduction and a seated "rehearsal", they take to the wheel of the SLS AMG GT3 for themselves, and are again guided safely around the race track by a lead vehicle. Afterwards the participants step into the passenger seat of an SLS AMG GT3 racing taxi driven by an experienced professional racing driver. During the second stage – WARM‑UP – the programme covers such aspects as acceleration, braking, changing gear, overtaking and also a variety of other handling exercises, all carried out on sports tyres. Participants who are resident in Germany also have the chance to acquire a national DMSB (German Motor Sport Federation) driver’s licence. In stage three – TRAINING – the focus is on the systematic enhancement of personal skills such as cornering techniques, perfect braking, acceleration and changing gear. The highlight of the MASTERS SLS AMG GT3 is the COMPETITION stage, which is expected to start at the end of 2012: after a training session which is specific to the race circuit being used, the participants will complete initial assessment tests, followed by individual and team competitions.
Details of event dates and other information may be found at www.mercedes-amg.com/driving-academy , or call the AMG Driving Academy on +49 7144 302 575.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
