Daimler and BYD Partner to Build Chinese-Market EV

Daimler and Chinese automaker BYD have announced a partnership to develop and sell an electric car for the Chinese market. The car will be marketed under a new brand jointly owned by the two companies.

It’ll doubtless be a few years before said car is on the road, but both companies have a significant amount of EV know-how. Daimler is ramping up production on an electrified version of the Smart Fortwo for European consumption, while BYD, which got its start as a battery manufacturer, has already developed hybrid and electric cars for China. How the two companies—an established European giant and a Chinese newcomer—will work together remains to be seen.

2012 Ford Focus Wagon to be shown in Geneva

2012 Ford Focus wagon - Click above for high res-image gallery

With the debut of the 2012 Focus Wagon at the Geneva Motor Show, Ford has reached the halfway point in the roll-out of its new C-segment platform. When Ford first announced the new C-Max and Grand C-Max at the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall, it said the C platform would eventually spawn at least 10 different variants. The two MPVs were joined by the four- and five-door Focus at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The new station wagon is number five and we expect it to be joined by a three-door hatch and coupe-convertible in the coming months. Ford also revealed that a small SUV will join the C-segment lineup soon.
While the new wagon will likely be a popular configuration on the continent, there are currently no plans to make the estate available in North America. Frank Davis, executive director of North American product programs at Ford, told Autoblog that when a wagon was last offered as part of the U.S. Focus lineup, the market share never got over 14 percent and only hit four percent in the final year of availability.
Davis wouldn't rule out offering a wagon in the U.S. at some point if it were justified by market demand. Since Ford will be using common manufacturing processes for the new Focus globally and the lines are flexible, it would not be difficult to add production at the Michigan Assembly Plant where the North American Focus will be built. Davis emphasized that over 80 percent of the parts on the new Focus are common globally, considerably more than the 60 percent commonality on the new Fiesta.
Design-wise the new Focus wagon differs little from the sedan and five-door hatch. It is identical back to the B-pillars with only the extended roof-line and cargo area setting it apart. Ford has integrated the cargo rails into the roof in order to maintain the sleek looks of the latest iteration of its Kinetic design.
Inside the wagon gets the same up-scale interior shown in the sedan and hatch including the first European availability of the new MyFord Touch system as part of the latest generation of Sync technology. Unlike here in the U.S. where we will initially get only one 2.0-liter engine, Europeans will get a range of updated gas and diesel engines to choose from. Production of the Focus starts simultaneously late this year in Europe and the U.S.

Euro-Fords first to get four-cylinder EcoBoost this summer

Ford is expanding its EcoBoost engine strategy to Europe this summer with the introduction of 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engines. The EcoBoost range of turbocharged and direct injected gasoline engines debuted last summer here in North America with the launch of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 in the Ford Taurus SHO, Flex and Lincoln MKS and MKT.
Ford will debut refreshed versions of its S-Max and Galaxy minivans this summer, both of which will use the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that will also be available in the updated Edge later this year. In the European van applications, the 2.0-liter will be rated at 200 horsepower, which is on the low end for an engine of this type and displacement. Power numbers for the four-cylinder turbo in U.S. applications haven't yet been announced but will likely be in the 230-240 hp range to match the current 3.0-liter V6 used in the Fusion and Escape.
The smaller C-Max and Grand C-Max will be the first vehicles to use a 1.6-liter EcoBoost when they go on sale in the fall. The 1.6-liter will be offered in two power levels, 148 hp and 177 hp. For now Ford is only committing to installing the 1.6-liter in the two MPV variants. However, when we got our first preview of the Focus models that debuted in Detroit, Ford officials acknowledged that an EcoBoost-powered Focus would eventually join the 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine in North America.
American enthusiasts hoping for a chance to buy Ford's raucous 300-hp Focus RS that launched in Europe last year won't be getting that particular car. However, Ford is confirming this week at the Geneva Motor Show that a global performance car based on the new Focus is definitely coming with EcoBoost power. When the Explorer America Concept was unveiled in Detroit two years ago, Ford also talked about a 275-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which would certainly be plenty in the Focus, especially if it stays front-wheel drive.
[Source: Ford]

2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questions

2011 Infiniti M56S - Click above for high-res image gallery

What is an Infiniti? That's a pretty harsh question to be asking 20 years after the brand's debut, but sadly, it's pertinent. To be fair, the possible answers to this question got much narrower in 2003 when Infiniti introduced a legitimate BMW 3 Series competitor, the G35 (now G37). The situation further clarified that same year when the "Bionic Cheetah," known to the rest of us as the FX showed its (then) quite handsome face. But it was the 2005 introduction of the second generation M sedan that announced most loudly Infiniti's luxury-performance aspirations: to kick BMW in the back of the pants.
When it debuted, the M (specifically M45S) was a better sporting sedan than the BMW 545i. It had more power, it arguably handled better, and the heavily larded-on high-tech gizmos were worlds more user-friendly than BMW's first-generation iDrive (two minutes to tune in a radio station sucks). Only problem was father time, who simply wasn't kind to the ultimately frumpy looking M. While the rest of the world's sporting, mid-size sedans evolved into better, sharper, faster machines (see the astonishingly good Mercedes-Benz E-Class), the Infiniti M languished on the vine. A good car? Yes, for sure, but by its less-than-notable refresh in 2008, the M had became an also-ran. All it really had going for it was a lower price than the competition, which isn't exactly a strong selling point in such a cachet-conscious segment.
Recently, Infiniti invited the U.S. motoring press down to mostly-sunny San Diego to meet and drive its new 2011 M cars. Lo and behold, we think we may now know what an Infiniti is.

2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS roadster spotted in Affalterbach

2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our man Chris Paukert had a layover in Germany this weekend on his way to the Geneva Motor Show that included a visit to the headquarters of AMG in Affalterbach. While there, a prototype SLS AMG Roadster made a suspiciously timed pass and pause while he and other journalists were walking around the compound. No matter the motivation, our man Paukert snagged a brace of shots and says that the droptop is expected to arrive as a 2012 model.
Aside from the folding top in place of the upward swinging gullwing doors, not much else is expected to change. Paukert got off-the-record confirmation from a company official, however, that the roadster will not immediately receive the new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 that is going into the 2011 S63 sedan. Instead, it will carry over the 563-horsepower, normally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 already on sale in the coupe.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Safety Car live shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

During our tour of the Mercedes-Benz AMG facility in Affalterbach, Germany this morning, we spotted this track-ready SLS AMG Safety Car hanging out, and we couldn't resist snapping a few photos.
As we reported earlier, the SLS AMG F1 Safety Car is, for the most part, mechanically unchanged from the street-ready version, save its slightly augmented tailpipe. From there, Mercedes-Benz has outfitted a new carbon fiber hood with front-mounted camera, an all-LED roof light bar, and a rear number plate with an integrated camera.
Checking out this SLS Safety Car in person only has only made us more excited to see it put to good use during the Formula One season, and it brings back fond memories of our time spent flogging the 2011 SLS on both the track and street. Hot stuff. Click through our attached gallery to see high-res shots of the car in the flesh.

Mercedes-Benz considering E-Class shooting brake based on Fascination Concept

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and coupe are already out and about. Later this year, Mercedes-Benz will unveil an estate (station wagon) and convertible variant at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. But wait - there’s more.

According to AutoExpress, Mercedes-Benz is now working on a production version of the Fascination Concept that was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The three-door estate, otherwise known as a shooting brake, will become the fifth derivative of the 2010 E-Class lineup in 2011.

Sources say that the model could become a standalone model like the CLS, with Mercedes-Benz execs hoping for the same success as they’ve had with the four-door-coupe.

The engine lineup of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class shooting brake will be shared with the E-Class Coupe.

ASMA Design PhantASMA CL65 Wide Body

Although BSG's over, apparently tuner ASMA has other plans with it's PhantASMA CL65 Wide Body. Prepare yourself, because even with the 735 HP V12, it's a tour de force of questionable Mercedes tuning.
Yes, it's got a twin-turbo V12 good for 735 HP and 870 lb-ft of torque, yes it'll do 0-62 MPH in 3.8 seconds and top out at 205 MPH — the hardware isn't what we're in a fluster about, it's the horrifying bodywork they've wrapped over the mechanical marvel.
Calling this wide body CL a fug monster is like saying the sun is sort of warm. What did we all do as a motoring public to deserve this kind of thing? The terrible part is the majority of the mods look fine, it's that ghastly grille which ruins it all, ruins it hard. Someone take the sketching pencil away from ASMA.
© Source: jalopnik

Mercedes-Benz GLK Genuine Accessories in Monochrome

Mercedes-Benz GLK is offered with Genuine accessories in monochrome. Individualise as you please, from inside to the outside.

2010 Mercedes E-Class Coupe Spy Photo

Do we love spyshots or not? Well we certainly do, and when it’s something as good as the 2010 Mercedes E-Class Coupe we’re even more thrilled to show it off. With an improved nose design that includes  two large horizontal lines on the grille and with a back that doesn’t make us fall in love, it’s the motorization that also got our interest: a 3.5 liter V6, a 5.4 liter V8 and an uprated 6.2 liter AMG V8. The new E-Class Coupe is going to be showed off next year at Geneva, so hold your horses while we find out more about it. [via WCF]

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

If the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan’s styling isn’t controversial enough for you, meet the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. While the new coupe, like the CLK it replaces is based on the C-Class, its sheetmetal and engine choices tie it to the all-new E-Class sedan. The E-Class Coupe is more relaxed and less sporty compared with the 2009 CLK, and along the way it drops out as a competitor for BMW’s unbeatable 3 Series coupe.

In the same fashion as the E-Class sedan’s rear fender treatment is designed to recall the “Ponton” Mercedes of the early 1950s, the E-Coupe’s rear fender flares pay homage to the Ponton coupe, a rather obscure car in North America. Less obscure, the new coupe’s look evokes stolid two-door Benzes like the ‘68 C114 and the later C124.

2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Official Details Released

LED daytime driving lights, indicators and marker lights for the S 400 HYBRID and S 600 (They are part of a package on the other S-Class models). Out back the changes are less noticeable as the only modifications are the addition of new LED taillights and a revised exhaust system that is integrated into the rear bumper.

Despite the minor makeover, the big news is the launch of the S 400 HYBRID which boasts a fuel economy rating of 7.9L/100km and emits just 186 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Set to become the world’s first production vehicle to combine a hybrid powertrain with a lithium-ion battery, the S 400 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter petrol engine that produces 205 kW (279 hp) and an electric motor that cranks out 15 kW (20 hp).

Customer Testimonial - CLK350 Coupe

This is the second Mercedes I've purchased from Jesse in the past 3 years and I'm looking forward to making my next car purchase the third Mercedes I get from her. In addition, over the past 18 years I've purchased 9 cars and Jesse is to only person I've purchased more than one car from.
The reason I have and will continue to come back to Jesse to purchase new Mercedes Benzs is because of the outstanding customer service she provides. I had a very difficult schedule when making this recent purchase, my lease was about due, I was traveling Monday - Friday to the west coast, and often working through the weekend. Because Jesse took time to know me as a person, my preferences in cars, what I would want to have in my next Mercedes, and what my schedule was and then made the time to accommodate that schedule, I was able to get the exact car I wanted in under a few hours - including signing all of the paper work! And I love my new Mercedes.
I've also come to appreciate the customer service Jesse provides in the years between my purchases such as the reminders of important dates in my and my car's 'life', such as my drivers license renewal date (one I would probably have otherwise forgotten). Jesse has made me feel important and a part of the Atlanta Classic Cars and Mercedes Benz families.
Again, I look forward to purchasing my next car from Jesse and will encourage those I know to do the same.

Mercedes-Benz Stars of Service Champions - Four Winners at Atlanta Classic Cars!

Joe Carpenter, Al Macaulay, Troy Metts and Bob Padovano of the Atlanta Classic Cars service department were named as round one winners in the competition to find the Best of the Best in Mercedes-Benz Service.
The first round of the U.S. competition was completed in March 2009. This round of the competition consisted of a very intense and comprehensive online test, and the 632 dealership employees who emerged with the highest scores were determined as round one winners! These winners represent the top 10% of technicians and service advisors.
Atlanta Classic Cars is very proud to offer our clients the best possible service from the time of the sale through the whole ownership experience. If you haven't serviced with us before, it is worth the trip

Spy shots: V8-powered McLaren P11 supercar with gullwing doors

When the McLaren F1 first hit the streets it almost immediately catapulted to the top of the performance car scene, taking home the title of world’s fastest production car in 1998 and holding it up until 2005. Building a car better than the original F1 was always going to be a difficult challenge, and perhaps that is why for its successor McLaren isn’t setting its sights too high. While the original F1 competed with the best supercars of its time - cars like the Ferrari F40, Jaguar XK220, and Porsche 959 - its successor will be competing with more ‘entry-level’ models.

Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss (2009)

With the SLR Stirling Moss Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h - no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

The exclusive Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss rounds off the current SLR family and is limited to 75 units. It is priced at 750,000 euros. The SLR Roadster will cease to be manufactured at the end of May 2009 as planned, and production of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss will commence in June 2009.
Three letters are all it takes to make car fans' hearts beat faster: SLR. In the 1950s the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 celebrated victory after victory. It won the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio as well as the Tourist Trophy. It was driven by the stars of the time: Juan Manual Fangio and Karl Kling - and, first and foremost, by the British racing driver Stirling Moss. At ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds he still holds the Mille Miglia record.
This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words "Stirling Moss" in its name. As the new Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement - just like its forebears - it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.
Highly puristic concept without a roof or a windscreen
Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow's equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.
Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Exciting design reminiscent of the SLR racing cars
The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, its entire bodywork made of fine lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz designers were working on the body of the new SLR Stirling Moss, they were fully aware every single moment that they were creating a vehicle with a top speed of 350 km/h. At the same time this supreme athlete is highly reminiscent of the SLR racing cars from the 1950s, whose design idiom still never fails to impress to this day.
The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss sports an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterised by an elongated bonnet and a compact, muscular rear. As there is no windscreen, the exterior and interior flow smoothly into one. The bonnet also stretches from its striking tip right down into the interior, giving the vehicle body a distinctly sleek air. Even when standing still, the sports car radiates such dynamism that the observer immediately falls under its spell.
Further eye-catching features include two air scoops behind the driver and passenger. They carry additional roll-over bars, also uniting the traditional and the modern. The wings are powerfully contoured. Black-painted ventilation "gills" sitting facet-like on the sides and on the bonnet also cite the legend. A thrilling interplay of light and shadow ensues through the expressive lines, underlining the dynamic overall impression.
Exactly as they were on the shining historical example, the side skirts on the new Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss are also very high. This prompted the designers' decision in favour of folding swing-wing doors which open forwards.
The vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot. When both tonneau covers and the doors are closed the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss resembles a sculpture.
In keeping with the puristic exterior of the vehicle, the interior is also reduced to the bare essentials. Surfaces penetrating each other in the instrument panel and doors make for an exciting atmosphere and resonate perfectionism. A mixture of high-class authentic materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and fine-quality leather sets the style here. An aluminium plate carries the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.
Innovative technology and polished aerodynamic concept
Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle - with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.
Thanks to the high-precision work carried out in the wind tunnel, the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss always generates sufficient downforce for extremely safe handling. But the driver can also manually operate the AirBrake in order to increase the contact pressure further, during particularly sporty driving, for example. The AirBrake is also raised during powerful braking at speeds above 120 km/h, so as to stabilise the vehicle even more in such situations, thus facilitating maximum possible deceleration.

Limited to 75 units - the SLR models' crowning glory
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector's item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.

Mercedes-Benz Loyalty Accelerator for May 2009

Mercedes-Benz has continued the Loyalty Accelerator program through June 1st!
If you have a current Lease or Balloon Contract with Mercedes-Benz Financial that matures through calendar year 2010 you can take advantage of this program. Mercedes-Benz will make up to 3 of your remaining payments when go into a lease or finance on any new 2008, 2009 or 2010 Mercedes model through June 1st. There are two slightly different programs this month.
3 Payment Loyalty Accelerator Program
If you have a C, E, ML, R, SLK or CLK Mercedes will make up to 3 payments when you lease or finance any new Mercedes-Benz!
3 Payment Premium Loyalty Accelerator Program
If you have a CLS, CL, S, SL, G or GL Mercedes will make up to 3 payments - if you lease or finance another CLS, CL, S, SL, G or GL.

The Loyalty Accelerator, or pull-forward as we often call it, is a great way to end your current contract early so that you can have your new car sooner. If you are over miles in your current lease this is a good way to save some money too.

2010 E350 and E550 Sedan and Coupe MSRP Pricing Announced!

Mercedes-Benz has just released the base prices for the 2010 E-Classes!
2010 E350 Sedan $48,600 - $4600 less than the 2009 E350
2010 E350 Coupe $48,050 - $50 less than the 2009 CLK350
2010 E550 Sedan $56,300 - $5400 less than the 2009 E550
2010 E550 Coupe $54,650 - $2150 less than the 2009 CLK550
These prices reflect a desire to stay competitive within the current marketplace. Additionally, the residual value for all four vehicles is up substantially. Option pricing has not yet been released. Expected retail release date for the 2010 E-Classes is now "towards the end of June."

Mercedes-Benz Lease and Finance Specials for May 2009

Finance Specials on New 2009 & 2010 Models*
Wow! 1.9% Financing for up to 66 Months is continued!
All C-Classes (excluding C63)
All E-Classes (excluding E550 4matic)
All CLS-Classes
All CLK-Classes
All SLK-Classes
All ML-Classes
All R-Classes
All GL-Classes
All GLK-Classes
All S-Classes
All CL-Classes
All SL-Classes (excluding the 65 Black)
Lease Specials on New 2009 & 2010 Models*
The following models have special lease rates available through Mercedes-Benz Financial. You can visit http://www.mbusa.com/ for all of the fine print.
C300, C300 4Matic
E350, E350 4Matic
ML350
R350
GL450
CLK350 Coupe, CLK350 Cabriolet
CLS550
SLK300, SLK350
GLK350
ML320 Bluetec
R320 Bluetec
GL320 Bluetec
Finance Specials on Certified Pre-Owned Cars*
The Certified Pre-Owned Sales Event ontinues in May. You'll see a lot of advertising for these vehicles and we have a great selection.
2006-2007 C-Class: 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 E-Class: 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 R-Class: 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 SL-Class: 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 CLK-Class: 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 S-Class: 5.99% for up to 66 months
(Only off-lease SL and S-Classes will qualify for the special rates)
*for qualified buyers
These lease and finance deals can be used in conjunction with Loyalty Programs and the new Payment Credit Program.

Mercedes-Benz At The New York International Auto Show: The Mercedes ML450 HYBRID

In the search for the optimum hybrid system for the premium motor car, the engineers were already sure of one thing right from the concept phase: a Mercedes-Benz SUV with a hybrid drive would have to share the same typical brand attributes as any other Mercedes vehicle. Essential elements such as the greatest possible active and passive safety, optimum ride comfort and ease of operation, uncompromising reliability over a long period and high-quality workmanship with select materials would have to be on a par with a comparable, conventionally powered standard-production vehicle. And all combined with the greatest possible efficiency. At the same time, the drive system should be testimony to the company's innovative strength and cutting-edge technology. These objectives demanded a complete development cycle – the kind of process any new model family developed from scratch would undergo. Until the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 HYBRID reached series-production maturity, the engineers and technicians clocked up a total of four million kilometres, taking in some of the world's most extreme climatic conditions to prove the system's reliability, be it in the sub-zero Arctic circle, the searing heat of arid desert regions or in the sweltering, humid temperatures of the tropics. The work was supplemented by an extensive test-rig programme and detailed simulations as part of the "Digital Prototype". An important aim during development was to optimally match the various subsystems within the powertrain. System matching enables the various drive modes to be easily used while the customer is driving.