The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

As in the preceding series, the new S 500 L will introduce technical innovations which make the flagship Mercedes model an example for others to follow. Pioneering safety features and exemplary comfort are once again the outstanding attributes of the S 500 L. The new S 500 L also sets standards with its agile handling, while offering an even more effortless driving experience thanks to the new, more powerful V8 engine. It is replacing a model series which is the world No. 1 in the luxury class, with around 500,000 units sold. 

For more than five decades, the letter "S" in the model designation of Mercedes cars has signified a special aura, intelligent technology and the highest quality. The new S 500 L not only continues this tradition, but lends a new meaning to it. A dozen technical innovations are entering series production for the first time on board the new S-Class DISTRONIC PLUS– from Brake Assist PLUS with radar sensors to dynamic multicontour seats with an extended massage function, from night view assist with the latest infra-red technology to the new COMAND system, and from anticipatory PRE-SAFE® occupant protection to the suspension system.
Performance: over 26 percent more output from the new V8 engine
The engines for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class are new or further developments which offer up to 26 percent more output and up to 15 percent more torque compared to the preceding series. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 9 percent. 

The new 5.5-litre eight-cylinder generates 285 kW/388 hp and is among the most powerful engines in its displacement class. Maximum torque is also significantly improved compared with the previous V8 engine; it has increased to 530 Newton metres, and is available within a wide engine speed range between 2800 and 4800 rpm. As a result the eight-cylinder powerplant offers driving pleasure more typical of a sports car. The new 
S 500 L accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Despite the 26 percent increase in output, the NEDC (combined) fuel consumption of 11.8 to 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

Suspension: AIRMATIC for even greater comfort with agile handling
The running gear with its standard, improved air suspension system AIRMATIC likewise makes a major contribution to the high level of ride comfort in the new S 500 L. Mercedes-Benz combines this with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which continuously regulates the shock absorber characteristics and takes the road conditions, driving style and vehicle load into account. The system adapts the damping forces for each individual wheel to the current situation within just 50 milliseconds. 

The Adaptive Damping System was further improved by means of degressive shock absorber characteristics. This provides a greater ratio between the compression and rebound damping forces, thereby contributing greatly to the agile handling characteristics of the saloon. 

The "S/C/M" key in the centre console is another special feature of the S 500 L. This enables the driver to alter the characteristics of the saloon from "comfortable" to "sporty", and to adjust the suspension, vehicle level and transmission mode individually. From 120 km/h and in the Sport mode, the suspension is automatically lowered by up to 20 millimetres to further improve the handling, aerodynamics and fuel consumption. 
Safety: Brake Assist with radar and latest-generation PRE-SAFE®
Mercedes-Benz has improved well-proven safety systems such as Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE® even further for the S-Class. These high-tech innovations greatly help to prevent accidents, improve occupant protection and assist the driver. The new Brake Assist PLUS system (BAS PLUS) registers vehicles ahead by radar and gives a warning if the gap is too small or the closing speed is too high. If a collision threatens, Brake Assist PLUS calculates the ideal braking assistance in fractions of a second and makes this available immediately – even if the driver applies too little pressure to the brake pedal. This significantly reduces the incidence of rear-end collisions. 

Mercedes-Benz combines Brake Assist PLUS with the equally unique PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system, which offers even more safety functions on board the S-Class. PRE-SAFE® recognises potential accident situations as they arise: if braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or a skid is imminent, the system tensions the front seat belts as a precaution and inflates air cushions in the multicontour seats to envelop and support the driver, front passenger and rear seat occupants. 

This combination of the new Brake Assist PLUS system and PRE-SAFE® is a further enhancement to occupant protection. Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first and only automotive brand with a comprehensive safety system of this kind, which goes into action as soon as an accident risk is detected.
DISTRONIC PLUS: new assistance system for stop-and-go traffic
Brake Assist PLUS is available in combination with the likewise improved DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system. This radar-supported system now operates at all speeds between zero and 200 km/h, and ensures even greater driver convenience. In stop-and-go traffic DISTRONIC PLUS keeps the S 500 L at the desired distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically brakes the Saloon to a standstill if necessary and accelerates it back to the programmed speed when the traffic starts moving again. In this way the assistance system reduces the driver’s workload and provides considerable benefits in driver-fitness safety.

The equipment package consisting of Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS also includes park assist, which is based on radar technology. This system provides early warning of an impending collision when reversing.
Night view assist: more safety at night with infrared headlamps
With the innovative night view assist system which was premiered in the new S-Class and a standard feature in the S 500 L, Mercedes-Benz has made a further, major contribution to reducing the risk of accidents during the hours of darkness. This system is based on infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye and will therefore not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infrared headlamps illuminate the road, significantly extending the driver’s range of vision when on low beam. An infrared camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen records the reflected image of the road ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.
Bodyshell: High-tech steels for maximum safety
The bodyshell creates important conditions for the comfort, dynamism, durability and other major attributes of the S-Class. The static torsional rigidity of the body - an indicator for safe and comfortable handling - has improved by around twelve percent compared to the previous S-Class, for example. Approx. half of the bodyshell components are of high or higher-strength, high-tech steel alloys which offer maximum strength with minimum weight - an unprecedented level in car engineering. The bonnet, front wings, boot lid and other components are made of aluminium. 

High-quality recyclates and renewable raw materials play an important role in the materials efficiency of the S-Class. 27 components in the new S-Class with a combined weight of around 43 kilograms are made from natural materials. Compared to the preceding model series, this is an increase of approx. 73 percent in the total weight of components made from renewable raw materials. The new luxury saloon by Mercedes-Benz is the world's first automobile to possess an environmental certification. This confirms the environment-oriented development process for the S-Class, during which significant progress was made in several aspects. This environmental certification also makes the flagship Mercedes model an example and trendsetter in car development where ecological aspects are concerned. 
Interior: COMAND APS System
Getting in, driving and feeling at ease - this is the unique experience offered by the S-Class. From the very first moment, man and machine enter into a harmonious relationship in the new S 500 L.

The innovative "Cockpit Management and Data System" -- COMAND for short – in the new S 500 L is equipped with a hard-disc-based navigation system featuring a 3D map function with an 8" colour display. It provides a central control interface for all the telematics components as well as additional individual functions. The Maps of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are stored on the high storage capacity hard disc. COMAND APS is also equipped with a high-end TV Tuner, the exclusive Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround system to get an optimal loudspeaker configuration for the vehicle interior and the 6-disc DVD-changer, capable of reading MP3 CD/DVD and Video CD/DVD.

The Rear-seat Entertainment System offers all rear passengers entertainment of a high technical standard. During the journey, rear passengers can independently watch DVDs or watch TV as well as use external entertainment devices such as game consoles, without distracting the driver.

Seats: improved multicontour tech and back massage function
Mercedes customers in the new S 500 L are able to adapt the seats to their personal comfort requirements, as electrically adjustable 12-way front seats with lumbar supports are standard equipment. High-comfort seats with active ventilation, rear multicontour seats and front dynamic multicontour seats soothes the occupants throughout every journey.

Mercedes-Benz has improved this multicontour technology even further. The front seats are now equipped with eleven air chambers which enable the seat contours to be individually adjusted. New piezo valves on the air chambers operate much more rapidly than the previous technology, noticeably improving the dynamic response function of the multicontour seat. Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and road speed, the piezo valves vary the inflation pressure and volume of the air chambers in the sides of the backrests within fractions of a second, providing the driver and front passenger with even better lateral support.

The dynamic multicontour seat is also equipped with separate air chambers in the backrest which are successively inflated and deflated in a programmed sequence. Passengers in the new S-Class can therefore enjoy a gentle back massage which stimulates the back muscles, assists the blood circulation and therefore helps to prevent premature fatigue. The Mercedes multicontour seat – available for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers – bears the seal of approval of "Aktion Gesunder Rücken", a German organisation which tests products for spine-friendly design.

The rear folding tables are integrated into the seat back so that it is almost flush, and is secured in place by a locking mechanism. The folding tables in the rear provide each rear passenger with a generously-sized work surface. It is unfolded by pressing a pushbutton, which allows the table to be folded out manually. Thanks to the folding table’s flush mounting position, it does not interfere with knee room when in the folded position. The use of fine wood veneers further enhances the exclusive appearance of the luxurious cabin.
Driver-fitness safety: less stress in the S-Class
The high level of comfort and modern technology in the new S 500 L model relieve driver stress and have a positive effect on driver fitness. This is confirmed by a comparative scientific study between the S-Class and competing models on an approx. 500 km route, during which specialists from Daimler Research measured typical stress indicators. Under the same driving and traffic conditions, the average heart rate of drivers in the Mercedes saloon was up to six percent (or five beats per minute) lower than that of drivers in competing models. 

In the view of specialists, this is a clear indication of the high stress-relieving safety provided by the Mercedes flagship model. It enables the driver to concentrate on the traffic situation and maintains his performance reserves for safe, confident responses in critical situations. The first-class comfort of the S-Class therefore not only benefits personal wellbeing, but also general road safety.

The new Mercedes-Benz S 500 L is priced at USD 298.00 (RM998,888.00)

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro (2008) CAR review

Audi’s dinked the A5’s old 1.8-litre base engine, and brought in this 2.0-litre turbo, that kicks off the range in 178bhp front-drive mode for £26,150. There’s also this 208bhp version, tested here with Quattro four-wheel drive.
Great-looking car, the Audi A5. Is it great to drive too?

The A5 is more than just a chopped-down A4. Take a peek behind the front seats and you’ll notice there’s significantly less legroom in the back. And that’s a legacy of Audi placing the engine further back in the chassis, so the A5 isn’t quite so nose-heavy as you might expect.

And that’s immediately apparent when you head into a corner. Sure, the steering is Audi's usual Mute n Lite™ affair, but those front wheels feel reasonably keen to dig in rather than scrubbing you into the trees. You might expect a bit of help from the back ones, given that they’re driven too, but for the 2.0 TFSI Quattro, Audi’s priority seems to be security rather than excitement.
So it’s not exciting. Is it comfortable?

The ride is firm but rarely harsh, though it suffers from the habitual Audi tendency to fall heavily into bigger depressions and potholes rather than skip lightly across them. It’s this unfortunate lack of polish that denies access to the club of dynamic excellence occupied by the likes of the BMW 3-series. There’s a rather long-winded gearshift to contend with too, but the engine’s plentiful torque means you don’t have to rely on cog-stirring to get the best out of the A5.

In fact, the engine is probably this car’s best aspect. It spins sweetly and seems to become quieter the harder you rev it. And there’s always plenty of acceleration on tap.

New Honda Accord

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has begun sales of the all-new Accord and Accord Tourer models in Japan on December 5, 2008, which features charismatic styling, exceptional driving performance and advanced safety features such as side curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard equipment on all model types.
 Since the introduction of the first-generation Accord in 1976, Honda has continued to evolve this model in consistency with the concept of "harmony between people and the automobile" and by studying the fundamental nature of automobiles using Honda's original ideas and technologies to continue offering products that create new value for customers around the world. 

In developing this eighth-generation Accord, which was created with a focus on "advanced quality," Honda took an uncompromising approach looking at both the essence and details of each area of performance and functionality to dramatically improve the quality of the entire vehicle.

As for the Accord Tourer, it was named for its ability to support an active lifestyle, delivering the highest levels of quality and comfort for interurban, freeway wagon touring. In the Accord Tourer, the shortened roof and boldly slanted rear window offer a sporty proportion. The sculpted panels of the hatchback area support exceptional capacity and ease of loading while further emphasizing sportiness. 

Looking at the latest specification details suggest the new Accord is moving in the right direction. The styling, described as an "evolution" of the current model, is lower, wider, and significantly harder looking than before and we must admit it’s much better looking than the model sold on our shore. 

Honda has described benchmarking the current BMW 3 Series during chassis development, and sees this as the dynamic target and it should at least be good for enthusiastic drivers. Compared to the previous version which was already a good steer, the new Accord has a wider track and a lower centre of gravity. The suspension is all-new, too, featuring double wishbones at the front, a multilink set-up at the rear, and variable rate dampers.
The electric assisted steering has a new "high output, low inertia brushless motor" technology which delivers plenty of feedback, especially at higher speeds. Combined with a quicker steering rack, and a reduced bodyroll and sharper responses, the new Accord will prove an able entertainer. 

The all-new Accord sold in Japan has a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC (206 PS), engine which achieves both powerful engine performance for dynamic driving and superior environmental performance. Mated to the 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters brings out the dynamic qualities of the engine and expands the fun of driving. Noise is thoroughly suppressed to achieve superior quietness and comfort.

And this Accord is also equipped with a host of highly advanced technological features with enough acronyms. First there’s the standard-fit Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA - Honda's ESP), which now includes Trailer Stability Assist, the new Accord also has the Motion Adaptive EPS and a whole suite of safety components collectively branded ADAS (Advanced Driving Assist System). 

The Motion Adaptive EPS uses the Accord's Electric Power Steering to help you intuitively correct "instability" by buzzing the steering to prompt you to steer in the optimum direction while the ADAS adds CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) to its existing LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System) and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) elements. 

The interior design and materials of the Accord series provide an authentic quality and meticulous attention to detail for exceptional refinement and comfort. The instrument panel with a powder slush-molded surface features a high-density dimpled pattern and soft texture for a high-quality look and feel. Newly developed meters with centripetally oriented needles offer ease of reading and an advanced appearance.
Than the sculpted metallic panels boldly extending from the ends of the instrument panel to the doors help create luxurious personal space for the front seat occupants. In every detail, the interior displays a finish of the highest quality: gaps between different materials have been minimized thanks to high-precision construction, every door features door end garnishes identical in color to the interior, and the inner surfaces of the glove compartment and every storage area have a premium texture. 

This version of the all-new Accord is distinctive enough to offer a convincing alternative to the German premium and we like it very much. We don’t know why this version is not sold here just like the previously and also impressive Accord Euro version although it was sold in Singapore. 

Interestingly, this Japanese market all-new Accord is similar to the one’s sold in Europe and they are getting a much handsome looking Honda Accord there which no doubt is a convincing rival to the other German marques both to drive and in value for money. So is anybody here listening?

Source: Honda Press
This is article is available from ON THE ROAD magazine.