New Mercedes S-Class Relies on Continental Safety Systems
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The hottest new car debuting at the
Greater Los Angeles Auto Show this year, the Mercedes S-Class, is equipped
with Continental's networked active and passive safety components including
intelligent electronic brake and driver assist systems, advanced tire
expertise and hose lines. The vehicle also features proven safety innovations
such as anti-lock brakes, traction-control and electronic stability control
(ESC). These features are rapidly becoming standard among many manufacturers'
new vehicles, many with Continental's life-saving active safety technologies.
Distance control system
The driver assistance system for adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a
significant advancement in the S-Class. ACC maintains the distance to the
vehicle ahead and ensures the necessary safety interval. Once the driver sets
the desired speed, everything else takes place almost automatically. When a
vehicle appears ahead, ACC automatically reduces the speed.
Integrated distance sensors recognize the changes in distance to the
vehicle ahead much faster than the driver. If a rear-end collision threatens,
the activated ACC can apply the brakes quicker than the driver.
Advanced brake system
Continental's ESC MK25E5 brake control system uses four pressure sensors
in addition to the master cylinder pressure sensor. The infinitely variable
valves provide extremely sensitive brake pressures resulting in improved
forward and side-to-side dynamics. This translates into shorter stopping
distances and barely perceptible braking intervention and improved driving
stability when maneuvering in hazardous situations.
The ESC system also has numerous added comfort and safety functions.
These include a Hill Start Assist (automatic transmission) and automatic brake
disc drying in wet weather. ABR Adaptive Brake, an electronic brake control
system developed in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz for its new S-Class,
implements a number of additional comfort functions.
The modular electronic stability control system includes the basic
controller, anti-lock brake system (ABS), anti-slip control (ASC) and yaw rate
controller (YRC). While ABS and ASC primarily improve the vehicle's forward
dynamics, YRC controls its side-to-side dynamic response. In critical driving
situations, ESC maintains the vehicle's stability or returns the vehicle to a
stable condition within the range of physical possibilities through specific
vehicle brake and engine management interventions.
Retractable Brake booster
In a front-end collision Continental's tandem master cylinder (TMC) brake
booster design offers increased protection against leg injuries. In a crash,
the active brake booster with brake assist function and TMC with a torque
damper retract the entire actuation unit through a rotational movement.
Electric parking brake
The electric parking brake (EPB) releases and sets the parking brake. An
especially convenient feature is the Comfort-P release function integrated in
the EPB. When driving away, the brake releases automatically without any
manual intervention.
More driving comfort
The electronic ignition and starter switch (EIS), a central control unit
within the DaimlerChrysler key interlock system, recognizes its driver
instantly when approaching the vehicle. The seat control unit (SIT) is
seamlessly connected to this control. Individual settings such as distance to
the steering wheel, head support height, mirror position seat settings and
other data are stored and retrieved from the computer memory as needed. This
system makes it possible to automatically reset a predetermined seating
position after a change of drivers.
The trunk lid control in the S-Class makes it convenient to open and close
the luggage compartment. In addition to manual operation, pressing a button
via the remote key or the control switch in the driver's door opens the trunk
lid automatically.
Another debut at the LA show in addition to the S-Class includes the 2007
Pontiac Solstice GXP, expected to hit dealers this summer, featuring
Continental's anti-lock brakes.
The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of brake systems,
chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In
2004, the corporation realized sales of euro 12.6 billion ($15.6 billion US).
At present, it has a worldwide workforce of more than 81,000.
As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry, the
Automotive Systems division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how in
the fields of driving safety, powertrain and comfort. In 2004, the division
achieved sales of approx. euro 5 billion with a workforce of more than 22,500.
Continental Automotive Systems' North American operation is headquartered in
Auburn Hills, Mich. For additional information, visit our media website
http://www.contitevesna.com/index2.htm
SOURCE Continental Automotive Systems
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Related links:
http://www.conti-online.com
http://www.contitevesna.com
http://www.contitevesna.com/index2.htm
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/437525.html
CONTACT:
Jim Gill, M.S., APR, of Continental
Automotive Systems, +1-248-393-5210, cell: +1-248-882-6309,
jim.gill@usa.contiteves.com
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