BETTER PARTS35 years Mercedes G - Class
Stuttgart, 15 October 2014
There are very few legendary cars that were built optically almost unchanged over a period of three decades and more. Spontaneously fall to the VW Beetle one, the Lada Niva, the Land Rover Defender ?? and the Mercedes G - Class. This is now celebrating its 35th birthday.
Cooperation with Steyr - Puch
The development of Mercedes - road vehicle began in 1972 with a collaboration between Daimler - Benz and Steyr - Daimler - Puch in Graz. The specifications of the engineers not only the cross-country was in the foreground, but also that the body all over the world can be easily repaired. Thus, the G model got its sleek, angular shape.
Station Wagon and Convertible
In 1979, the Great came to the market. First there were four engines from 240 GD with 72 hp up to 280 GE with 185 hp. There was not only a "Station Wagon " with short and long wheelbase, but also a convertible. Later also a panel van and a pick-up was launched, but both could not prevail. That could not say one of the other variants: It soon became apparent that there were hardly any obstacles faced by the Mercedes had to capitulate. A low-range gearbox and selectable differential locks on front and rear axle helped progressing.
Top version with 612 hp
Not only as Kraxelkünstlerin-road G - Class became known, she asserted itself as a rally car, Popemobile and Nobel carriage. Over the years, the SUV became more and more improved and split the series: Now, there are commercial vehicles for government agencies, local government and the military, and " civilian" models with car interiors and much luxury. In this case, the purchase price has not changed over the years straight down. The cheapest G - model is currently a G 350 BlueTec with 211 hp for 87,066 euros already proud. The upper end is marked by the G 65 AMG, the twelve-cylinder engine powerful 612 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque induced creates. To have the colossus, you have to leave at 268,345 euros Benz dealer.
Noble Edition models
Now the distinctive literally Mercedes is 35 years old. One end is prophesied to him often, but it is not foreseeable. The contracts with Magna Steyr in Graz, where the G - Class rolled off the assembly line, run up to the year 2020, there are now a special anniversary model called "Edition 35 ". It can be ordered as G 350 and G 500 BlueTec. Recognizable the Editions Pad is in gloss black 18 - inch wheels and an eye-catching two-tone paint in black and white. Those who prefer understated, the body can also order completely in black. From work here is the Sport Package, which offers, among other things with AMG fender flares and the G 500 with sports exhaust. These include chromium deposits in the radiator grille, chrome frame around the seat adjustment and to the speakers.
Two-tone leather and contrast stitching
For the interior, you can choose from two leather interiors, also either two colors or solid color. In both cases, contrasting red topstitching. In order for the eye pats provide a leather-covered instrument panel, an AMG steering wheel, piano black and a dark roof lining. The special G 350 BlueTec will cost 101,031 euros, the G 500 in the Edition 35 is to have from 112,812 euros.
Otto travels 900,000 km around the world
And there is another special G - Class for the anniversary. The unique is called " Otto " and is that 300 GD with the departed Gunther Holtorf and his now deceased wife Christine in 1988 for a world tour. The goal was to visit as all countries in the world. About 26 years almost 900,000 km traveled and 215 countries later Gunther Holtorf drove the G back in the Swabian homeland. The Marathon Mobil wins a seat in the Mercedes - Benz Museum in Stuttgart - Untertürkheim, where it can be admired from the October 21, 2014. As a world record holder is also immortalized in the Guinness World Records " Otto ".
Stronger springs, otherwise original
Well 250,000 of the nearly 900,000 km put the 300 GD back off the beaten track. On gravel or corrugated roads, in mud, on pothole trails or rocky climbs in the high mountains. This required Otto by all climates ?? of unforgiving Wüstenglut to arctic cold. Here the expedition truck had always struggled with obesity: Including food, jerry cans, tools, rescue equipment, spare parts and spare wheels brought the expedition truck whopping 3.3 tons on the scale ?? about 500 kilograms more than the total weight. Only 400 kg were packed to the roof. "Actually, the G was always overloaded, so we had reinforced springs and shock absorbers off-road built ," said Holt village. Otherwise corresponds to " Otto " to this day as original equipment. The complete drive train with 88 - horsepower diesel engine, transmission and axles is still original. Neither frame body had shown signs of fatigue.
Traveling exhibition throughout Europe
Before " Otto " takes its final place in the Mercedes - Benz Museum, he is sent from the end of February 2015 again for two years traveling ?? by Mercedes - Benz Center and offices in Germany and Europe. Accompanied Specially developed for the vehicle traveling exhibition " Otto " and tells of his most interesting stations . (HD)