Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG has announced that it will offer a carbon-neutral model lineup by 2039, only 20 years from today. The German automaker already provides environmentally-focused buyers…
The upcoming 2020 EQC is Mercedes’ new flagship electric, set to take on the Tesla Model X, Jaguar I-Pace and others. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG has announced that it will offer a carbon-neutral model lineup by 2039, only 20 years from today.
The German automaker already provides environmentally-focused buyers plenty of green offerings, including 48-volt hybrid EQ-Boost models such as the CLS, E-Class Coupe, E-Class Cabriolet and upcoming GLE 580 4MATIC, as well as plug-in hybrid entries such as the GLC 350e 4MATIC, S560e, etcetera, and will follow these up soon with the mid-sized all-electric EQC crossover SUV, plus a smaller compact battery-electric car based on 2018’s Concept EQA, so they’re well on the way.
Still, Mercedes’ new plan is amongst the most ambitious in the auto industry, and therefore is appropriately called Ambition2039. The company plans to electrify 50 percent of its new vehicles by 2030, with its fleet comprised of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric models.
The GLE 580 4MATIC is gets a 48-volt mild hybrid assist system that adds power and improves fuel economy. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
“Let’s be clear what this means for us: a fundamental transformation of our company within less than three product cycles,” stated Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars since the baton was passed over to him by his predecessor, Dieter Zetsche on May 22nd, 2019. “That’s not much time when you consider that fossil fuels have dominated our business since the invention of the car by Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler some 130 years ago. But as a company founded by engineers, we believe technology can also help to engineer a better future.”
Daimler made a major commitment to electrify its new vehicle range with an investment of $15.8 billion CAD ($11.7 billion USD) last year, promising to develop more than ten all-electric vehicles ahead of electrifying its entire Mercedes-Benz new car range.
The Concept EQV passenger van runs on Mercedes’ all-electric EQ powertrain, and looks ready for production. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
In preparation to achieving this aspiring goal, Källenius committed Mercedes to working with all partners in an effort to minimize EV production costs as well as make improvements in range and performance, while the three-pointed star brand also projects diversifying its lineup of EVs to vans, trucks, and buses. Additionally, Daimler also plans to continue its investments into alternative technologies, including fuel cells, which it uses now in its GLC F-CELL, the world’s first electric vehicle to combine a fuel-cell and a plug-in battery, and expects to use in larger commercial applications like city buses.
Making its new vehicle lineup carbon-neutral only satisfies part of its agenda, mind you, because Daimler has targets on greening its production facilities too. In fact, it currently uses renewable energy for at its Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, with the result already being CO2 neutrality.
The EQC is sized similarly to the GLE mid-size SUV, a popular configuration that should bring it success. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
“In ‘Factory 56’, we are consistently implementing innovative technologies and processes across the board according to the key terms ‘digital, flexible, green’,” stated Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain. “We create a modern workspace with more attention to individual requirements of our employees. All in all, in ‘Factory 56’ we are significantly increasing flexibility and efficiency in comparison to our current vehicle assembly halls – and of course without sacrificing our top quality. In this way we are setting a new benchmark in the global automotive industry.”
The EQ platform can underpin many types of different electric vehicle body types. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
The automaker added that each of its European factories would follow suit by 2022, pointing to its engine factory in Jawor, Poland as an example of more environmentally and economically efficient already, due to its use of renewable energies.
Also notable, the automaker is transitioning from a value chain to a value cycle, being that Mercedes models now incorporate an 85-percent potential-recycling ratio. Also, Daimler will assist its suppliers in reducing their carbon footprints.
“We prefer doing what our founders have done: They became system architects of a new mobility without horses. Today, our task is individual mobility without emissions,” said Källenius. “As a company founded by engineers, we believe technology can also help to engineer a better future.”
Aston Martin has been ultra active so far this year. Some time ago they promised to produce at least one new model every 12 months for the next seven years, so being busy certainly makes sense. This said,…
The new 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is now here to replace the much-loved but long-lived Vanquish S. (Photo: Aston Martin)
Aston Martin has been ultra active so far this year. Some time ago they promised to produce at least one new model every 12 months for the next seven years, so being busy certainly makes sense. This said, no one expected they’d bring three cars to market this year alone.
No wonder Aston Martin has become the world’s fastest growing carmaker as per percentage sales growth, which is a big change from a few years ago when it seemed more like of an alternative to more developed names like Porsche, Ferrari, and even Maserati.
The new DBS Superleggera’s silhouette comes from the equally beautiful DB11. (Photo: Aston Martin)
We all know there’s an Aston Martin supercar on the way at some point in the future, but until that mid-engine exotic arrives the Gaydon, England manufacturer has something considerably more practical yet every bit as enticing on the offing.
Meet the 2019 DBS Superleggera, 007’s next ride and potentially your next love. It’s a credible foe to Ferrari’s 812 Superfast and a worthy replacement for James’ previous Vanquish, while it’s also one of the lightest and certainly meanest Astons to ever hit the street.
The DBS Superleggera is powered by an in-house twin-turbo V12 good for 715 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Aston Martin)
The name DBS should be well known to Aston Martin fans, as the Marek Reichman and Henrik Fisker designed model was the brand’s flagship model from 2007 through 2012, its predecessor the 2001 through 2007 first-generation Vanquish S. The DBS nameplate first appeared on in 1967, while the name Superleggera pays homage to the historic super lightweight construction technology of revered Italian coachbuilder Touring.
Like the Vanquish, which was based on the previous DBS that was originally sourced from DB9 roots, the new DBS Superleggera rides on the current DB11 platform architecture. This means it gets a 2+2 layout, the practical element referred to a moment ago. It’s no Rapide as far as rear seat roominess goes, but the two seatlets allow the possibility of a double date downtown if the rear passengers are smaller in stature, or more realistically the ability to drop kids off at school on the way to the office.
Stunning 21-inch Y-spoke alloys on Pirelli P Zero performance rubber keep the DBS Superleggera glued to the road, while innovative aerodynamics make for amazing downforce with no negative affect on drag. (Photo: Aston Martin)
Continuing on the practical theme, a rear liftback provides more room than most supercars for gym bags, office gear, or the beautifully crafted four-piece Aston Martin branded set of available matching leather luggage.
The brown and black luggage shown is gorgeous, but interestingly it doesn’t match the DBS Superleggera’s black and red interior at all. Then again this is an Aston Martin, which means that red highlights on black aromatic Caithness leather and Alcantara is hardly the only interior combination on offer, but rather almost anything imaginable can be handcrafted by the skilled artisans on the Gaydon factory floor. The leather and Alcantara come standard, as does the race-inspired flat-bottom Obsidian Black steering wheel and gorgeous quilted Sports Plus performance seats with DBS embroidered logos in the headrests.
These functional side vents aren’t only for show, they’re fully functional like everything on the DBS Superleggera. (Photo: Aston Martin)
Basing the DBS Superleggera on the new DB11 also means that the gauge cluster and infotainment interface are as modern and up-to-date as anything in the industry, which actually might be a saddening story to lovers of the stunning analogue dials in the outgoing Vanquish S. Take some relief in the digital tachometer continuing to spin counterclockwise, and rejoice in the standard centre-mounted tablet-style 8.0-inch display that’s eons more advanced than the outgoing system, including its standard 360-degree parking camera with Parking Distance Display and Park Assist, navigation with detailed mapping, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, Wi-Fi, and more. It’s all controlled by a knurled metal-edged rotating dial that sits under a comfortable palm rest on the front portion of the lower console, that’s both easy to reach and operate.
Again, maximum downforce with minimal drag, a key DBS Superleggera trait. (Photo: Aston Martin)
Now that we’re talking features, each DBS Superleggera also comes standard with full LED headlamps, signature LED taillights, a gloss carbon fibre exterior body pack, a quad of exhaust pipes with matte black finishers, 21-inch forged Y-spoke alloy wheels, a black cross brace under the hood, keyless entry, Piano Black interior trim inlays, side mirror tilt down on reverse, an electromechanical park brake, dual-zone automatic temperature control, front and rear parking sensors, heatable memory-infused front seats, tire pressure monitoring, and much more for a base price of just over $365,000.
Beautiful detailing is hardly unexpected with Aston Martin. (Photo: Aston Martin)
The options list is even longer and more varied, and is by no means limited to exterior paints, the various body pack, roof panel, roof strake, hood louvre, side louvre, and mirror cap finishes, alloy wheels, black, red, grey or yellow brake calipers, and available titanium exhaust on the outside, or leathers, quilted or perforated upholstery, carpeting, trim inlays, interior jewellery, seatbelt colours, embroidery, and seatback veneers on the inside.
Some functional options that can add to the DBS Superleggera’s daily livability include ventilated front seats, a garage door opener, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio, Aston Martin tracking, and more.
The DBS Superleggera interior is 100-percent handcrafted beauty. (Photo: Aston Martin)
Saving the best until last, all of the DBS Superleggera’s beautifully sculpted Reichman-designed bodywork is made from carbon-fibre composite, whereas an extruded bonded aluminum framework is hidden below. This keeps its curb weight down to just 1,693 kilograms, distributed 51:49 front to rear for optimal balance. The various exposed carbon-fibre aero bits are designed to maximize downforce while minimizing drag, critically important for such a lightweight car traveling at speeds of up to 340 km/h (211 mph).
The DBS Superleggera gets all of the same modern-day electronic goodness as the DB11. (Photo: Aston Martin)
Amazingly, the DBS Superleggera’s bodywork generates 180 kilograms of downforce at VMAX (maximum velocity), which is the highest figure ever registered for a series production Aston Martin. Even better, the increased downforce doesn’t cause any extra drag. Could it be the F1-inspired double diffuser or the modified DB11 curlicue and Aeroblade aerodynamics that allow such impressive aero characteristics? No doubt a combination of all three, plus this super GT’s beautiful shape from imposing nose to upswept tail.
The gorgeous quilted Sports Plus performance seats normally get DBS embroidered logos, with the Aston wings being optional. (Photo: Aston Martin)
Zero to 100km/h takes just 3.4 seconds while 0 to 160 km/h arrives in a mere 6.4 seconds, so inhale deeply before takeoff or you might end up feeling lightheaded from breathlessness. Likewise, Aston claims class-leading in-gear acceleration of 4.2 seconds from 80 to 160 km/h while using fourth gear, this showing the overall tractability of the powertrain.
The engine is Aston Martin’s in-house designed and built 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, capable of spooling up a sobering 715 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque from just 1,800 rpm. All of that power exits the rear wheels via an alloy torque tube filled with a carbon-fibre propeller shaft, a new rear mid-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, a mechanical limited-slip differential, dynamic torque vectoring, and a lower 2.93:1 final drive.
Beautiful and practical too. (Photo: Aston Martin)
Taming this beast of an engine is a chassis that Aston evolved from the DB11, featuring forged double wishbones up front and a multi-link setup in back. The newest version of Aston’s adaptive damping system comes standard, comprised of sensors that detect road conditions as well as driver inputs before instantaneously making adjustments, all predicated via three dynamic driving modes dubbed GT, Sport and Sport Plus.
The speed-dependent electric power assisted rack and pinion steering is reportedly sharp thanks to a 13.09:1 ratio and just 2.4 turns lock-to-lock, while making contact with the road below are 265/35 front and 305/30 rear Pirelli P Zero performance tires mounted on 21-inch forged alloy wheels that frame 410 mm front and 360 mm rear ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs.
Even the twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 is mechanical artwork, as is the matte black finished cross brace fixed overtop. (Photo: Aston Martin)
“DBS Superleggera not only marks the return of a great Aston Martin name, but signals our return to the very pinnacle of the Super GT sector,” said Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer. “Handsome beyond measure, its lightweight carbon composite and aluminum body is sculpted into a shape with tremendous presence and charisma. Thanks to the remarkable torque available from its twin-turbo V12, DBS Superleggera also packs a breathtaking punch, yet its dynamics have been carefully honed to engage drivers of all ability levels. Immaculately styled, obsessively engineered and outrageously potent, the new DBS Superleggera is every inch the Aston Martin flagship.”
A credible replacement for the Vanquish S and new flagship for the Aston Martin brand, the new 2019 DBS Superleggera is now available to order from your local Aston Martin retailer. I’d say don’t miss out, but its stunning design, superb performance, and limited supply make such a statement too obvious to mention.
