New C class digital prototypes!

[grober]

Interesting article on the computer generated digital prototypes employed by Mercedes Benz in the development of the new C class. The technology is very impressive, but one is left wondering at the end of it all, whether it means the new car will a) be more reliable, b) less liable to rust? You can do all the finite element structural analysis you like but if you don't galvanise or paint the body adequately I can guarantee that the impressive "13% increase in body torsional stiffness" will not be uppermost in your mind several years of all weather driving down the line. Guess we will have to wait till the car's been out a few years to see if that "virtual world of motoring" bears any resemblance to reality.

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan07/...de_Comfort_Based_On_Digital_Prototypes_1.html

 

[grober]

Real world and lab testing new C class

SECOND INSTALLMENT on real world testing.
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan07/...sting_Of_The_New_2008_Mercedes_C_Class_1.html

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Already Posted

 

[ddentrec]

This is marketing guff over common sense.

I recall seeing EXACTLY the same claims about the W203 when it was launched back in 2000...and yet 6 years later my 2003 model car still had to have suspension modification kits and a new exhaust under warranty in addition to all the other bits that failed.

And I recall all the excitement over SBC and the new W211 E-Class 'everything we know in a car' and the 10 million Km 'testing'.

And so it starts again with the W204....

 

[grober]

Subtle differences

Already Posted

Indeed, respect to akmal17 for getting in first with "digital prototypes" of the 9th Jan I am going to lay claim to the "real world testing" follow up of the 11th Jan unless I missed another post?
As far as the excellent pics you posted on that thread my only comment would be that Mercedes "publicity/leaked" pics often seem to feature their AMG body kitted/wheeled cars which always look a bit better/racier than the standard models. Sometimes the standard cars turn out to be a little more anonymous. A good case in point is the current SLK in which the "Sport edition" looks so much better than the standard version IMHO. Amazing what a few subtle changes- lowered suspension,wide 18" alloys,body kit, front spoiler, rear mini spoiler, can make. The devil is in the detail of course.

 

[grober]

more C class technical details

2 more detailed pieces on the new C class body and safety.

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan07/18_The_2008_Mercedes_Benz_C_Class_Body.html
and
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan07/18_The_2008_Mercedes_Benz_C_Class_Safety.html

 

[hawk20]

The real new C class is now on show on the UK Mercedes website. I thought for a momemt it was a B class. See what you think.
http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/passenger_cars/home/products/new_cars/cclasssaloon.html

 

[Dryce]

The real new C class is now on show on the UK Mercedes website. I thought for a momemt it was a B class. See what you think.
http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/passenger_cars/home/products/new_cars/cclasssaloon.html

I think the brand identity is slipping a bit. The old C, CLK, and E are very distinctively MB. The new C looks less like a MB and more like a Volvo or a BMW - especially the one with the star embedded in the three slat grill. (Sad that - it has the big start in the grill but it all gets lost in the shape).

The 2006 E update is a bit fussy (I particularly hate the front fog light detailing).

I dread to think what's coming with the W212.