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Since its launch debut in 2007, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has caused an overwhelming sensation in the sporting world. Having received worldwide accolades making it a ‘must have’ car and being the bestseller in the Mercedes line-up, the latest Mercedes- Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE is now equipped with more exciting features to meet greater expectations of various customer groups.
Mercedes-Benz has developed a Dynamic Handing Package which offers drivers a choice of two shift programs – Sport and Comfort. Within these two programmes, the shock absorbers are subject to infinitely variable electronic control.
A total of seven sensors monitor the current driving situation and relay their information to an electronic control unit, which then calculates the optimum shock absorber characteristic. Depending on the current road or operating conditions, the system adjusts the damping forces for each individual wheel – variably and fully automatically, for even more ride comfort and individuality. When driving normally on poor road surfaces, a soft damper setting is selected to maximise occupant comfort while maintaining excellent handling stability and safety. If the driver decides that more brisk progress is called for however, the shock absorber settings are continuously adapted to meet the wish for more dynamic performance.
The driver is able to predetermine the basic vehicle set-up by pressing either the Comfort or Sport button on the dashboard. In Sport mode, the hydraulic forces of the shock absorbers are increased to achieve yet greater handling stability at high speeds and reduce the inherent under steer at speeds up to 120 km/h, for example. With this package specified in the new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE, the body sits 15 millimetres lower than the Mercedes-Benz C 200 K, featuring shorter springs and thicker stabiliser bars. The newly developed speed-sensitive steering with variable centring is also included. In the interests of agile handling, the steering ratio has been reduced from 14.5 to 13.5. In Sport mode, the system also adapts the accelerator characteristics for more spontaneous engine response. Even the shift characteristics are modified and the shift times shortened on the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission.
The Dynamic Handling Package also includes a three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles on the steering wheel. The steering-wheel shift paddles allow drivers to change gear manually without taking their hands off the steering wheel. It also allows sporty and fast motor-racing-style gear changes in conjunction with 7G-TRONIC as well as a sporty flair as the paddles can be clearly seen by the driver. |
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