Legendary German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has had an exciting year. Over this past year they have announced a variety of new cars, some new engines, and some other exciting news. The massive car company has been around since 1926 and remains today as a leading brand for luxury vehicles. We are going to recap the best news stories from this past year.
5. They received a license to test self-driving cars in California
California is one of the few states in the United States who have passed legislature to allow car companies to test and use self-driving cars. Mercedes recently was granted permission from the state of California to allow them to test and use autonomous and semi-autonomous cars on test roads and closed circuits. Mercedes is confident that their cars will be able to safely drive in traffic as well. The law in California requires an insurance bond of $5 million dollars per self-driving car. Mercedes will continue to test their self-driving cars for the forceable future.
4. They are making a V-12 G36 AMG
The famous G-wagon that is loved by some and hated by others, is the top-of-the-line SUV model that Mercedes makes. The original G36 AMG was arguably the most powerful SUV in its class. Well that’s all to change with the new V-12 G36 AMG that is set to release sometime in 2016. It has a bigger engine than their newest upcoming supercar. The car is expected to cost somewhere around $300,000 when it finally comes out.
3. Mercedes is teaming up with Aston Martin to develop engines.
Mercedes Benz and Aston Martin have came together and agreed to a technical partnership where they will work together to co-develop a new line of V8 engines. This partnership is a win-win for not only Aston Martin and Mercedes Benz, but also for the consumer. This partnership will allow for the two companies to produce some fantastic engines and trade ideas.
2. Mercedes announced the GT AMG
Mercedes has also announced this year its newest sport/supercar will be available in 2016. The Mercedes-Benz GT AMG is a nice addition to Mercedes’ sports line and is welcomed by many. They car is said to be something between a Porsche 911 and Mercedes own SLS. Mercedes will pack its new V8 engines into this vehicle and hopes that it will be more popular that their SLS.
1. They are expanding more into electric and hybrid cars
Mercedes-Benz is not a total stranger when it comes to electric vehicles as they have been making a few for a couple of years now, however the company seems to be producing more and more hybrid’s and electric vehicles than ever before. Their new S550 features a bran new plug-and-drive hybrid system and their hybrid Formula 1 car, the Mercedes F1 W05 has been extremely successful in 2014 and so far is one of the fastest cars on the track. These facts show you that Mercedes is committed to electric powered vehicles and we should expect more to come.
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