The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Weststar

  • Weststar unveils Marcopolo Paradisio 1350

    There is a new luxury bus that gives travellers a paradise feeling.

    It is called Paradiso 1350 Bus Model.

    The new generation Marcopolo Paradisio 1350 is luxury personified from all indication – its look, body, movement, space for loads and tasteful interior. No doubt, travellers are in for a new experience with the Paradisio 1350.

    Courtesy of Weststar Associates Limited, authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria in collaboration with Auto Alternative Nigeria Limited, the authorised representative of Marcopolo in Nigeria, the new Marcopolo Paradisio 1350 bus was introduced into the Nigerian market last Wednesday.

    The introduction of this bus, Weststar said, highlights the growth and expansion of interstate road travel in Nigeria as the industry continues to follow suit with technological advancements from around the world.

    The new generation Paradiso 1350 has been designed to provide the best passenger experience and greater comfort and safety to the driver making it even better than its predecessors. The Paradiso 1350 bus is built with the ever reliable Mercedes-Benz 0 500 RSD bus chassis developed for middle and long distance travel. It is a robust and highly durable vehicle that is built to carry 24 tonnes and a body length of up to 14 meters long.

    The Paradiso 1350 brings external and internal changes that raise the level of sophistication, comfort, safety and efficiency in comparism to its predecessors. A renewed exterior sees the Paradiso 1350 appear with newly designed mirrors that offer better driver visibility, newly designed bumpers and side windows and a new visual identity in the front; while the rear comes with a larger back cover that improves access to mechanical components and rear windows with a new design. Another major feature of the exterior is the headlights with new internal design and integrated DRL (Daytime Running Lights), also included in the headlights are LED fog lights and an elongated side wall design giving a modern feel and flow to the light assembly.

    The interior of the new Marcopolo Paradiso 1350 is totally transformed from the driver’s cabin with new lighting to the dashboard with soft touch finish and more thermoacoustic comfort.

    Weststar Associates Limited Managing Director Mr. Mirko Plath said the introduction of the Marcopolo Paradiso 1350 bus model marks a move in the right direction for bus operators in Nigeria.

    According to Plath, the bus operators are ready to take their businesses to the next level.

    He thanked bus operators for continuing to put their trust in the Mercedes-Benz brand and that the collaboration with Marcopolo in Nigeria has certainly borne fruit over the years.

    The bus has an electric window next to the driver that comes as an optional extra, while the larger access steps come with injected profiles and indirect lighting for ease of entrance, other features include new floor coverings and a new roof design with superior lighting and LED details. The safety and well-being of passengers and the driver is highly prioritised as the space between the driver’s cab and the passengers’ section is partitioned with bulletproof glass and the drivers cab is also partitioned with a protective glass door.

    The O 500 RSD 2436 6×2 chassis is equipped with an OM 457 LA engine that comes with 6 in-line cylinders. The power output is 265 kW (355 hp) at 1,750 rpm and is operated via a 6 speed manual gear transmission. The Mercedes-Benz O 500 chassis is also very economical for bus operators as the electronic motors included in its engine ensure that the bus consumes lower fuel and has a longer life.

    With regards to safety the O 500 RSD chassis is equipped with safety features like the Top Brake auxiliary engine brake coupled with the conventional engine brake system. This brake system provides many advantages, such as increased braking power, higher speed on slopes, greater safety, less gear shifting, lower maintenance costs, longer life of brake and tire components and fuel economy. Also there is an anti-lock brake system (ABS) which offers greater safety, because the vehicle remains stable in adverse driving conditions and critical situations. In cases of sudden braking, even on smooth surfaces or rough roads, the ABS system prevents the vehicle from skidding.

  • Weststar celebrates G-Class at 40

    Weststar, the authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, is celebrating 40 years of Mercedes-Benz G-Class with a new model.

    The new G-Class has been hailed as the “biggest transformation” in the G’s 40 years-old history. Weststar said it raises the bar in all relevant areas while maintaining familiar and popular features from its design icon.

    The new G-Class performs even better off-road. On the road, it is significantly more agile, dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor. This new model gives the “G” a befitting persona to marking its landmark age.

    The G-Class is a top model among luxury off-road vehicles. It is not only the passenger car model series with the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all Sport Utility Vehicles) (SUVs) to bear the three-pointed star – reason Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name. The G-Class celebrates a landmark as it turns 40 this year.

    Its story began in 1972 with collaboration between then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz.

    The first concept to be developed was already different. The team designed a vehicle which impressed with superior off-road capability, while at the same time appealing to customers as a full-featured and safe vehicle suitable for recreational purposes.

    All-wheel drive and 100-percent differential locks have also been part of the “G” since that time, as has the robust ladder-type frame.

    At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was available with a choice of four engine variants covering a performance range from of 53 kW/72 hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with short or long wheelbase.

    The G-Class models used for the “Popemobile” are famous around the world. The off-road Mercedes-Benz 230 G painted in “mother of pearl” with a transparent special body accompanied Pope John Paul II on numerous journeys from 1980.

    The 25th anniversary of the G-Class was marked by the arrival of a very special model on the market, honed by Mercedes-AMG; the G 55 AMG Kompressor. Its eight-cylinder power unit (350 kW/476 hp, 700 Nm of torque) gave the robust off-roader an unprecedented level of performance and demonstrated the tremendous potential of the G-Class.

    The G 500 4×4² of 2015 added not only a luxurious interior to the equation, but also a ground clearance of 45 centimetres and impressive on-road performance. Since 2015, the “designo manufaktur” range has been providing customers with the option to take a G-Class and make it their own individual “G” – with exclusive equipment variants that are perfectly coordinated with each other.

  • Weststar introduces A-Class Sedan

    Mercedes-Benz has continued to expand its compact car portfolio with the introduction of the A-Class Sedan, following suit with the likes of the A-Class, CLA & GLA. Mercedes-Benz’s compact car segment is already fast growing with the acquisition of new customer groups from different regions around the world.

    This has aided Weststar’s resolve to attract different customer groups in Nigeria, who look to enjoy the best driving experience regardless of their automobile preferences.

    Due to an increase in demand, the A-Class is for the first time also offered as a sedan. This follows up the successful launch of the A-Class last year that pushed boundaries in major markets. The A-Class Sedan comes with a modern and superior sporty design, an unrivalled experience with MBUX, Intelligent Drive functions from the S-Class, a completely redefined interior design and optional equipment and appointments like Keyless-Go with Hands-Free Access.

    The exterior of the Sedan exudes a modern and a superior sporty design. The front end takes a very progressive look with the low, elongated bonnet, the slimline headlamps with chrome element, the torch-like daytime driving lights – plus the single-louvre diamond radiator grille with optional chrome pins, and the central star. The side mirrors sit on the beltline, while the 16 to 19-inch wheels and the pronounced wheel arches give the A-Class Sedan a sporty stance on the road.

    On the rear end, there are two-part tail lamps that emphasise width, the rear reflectors have been relocated to the modular two-part rear bumper and depending on the selected equipment, the rear bumper is available with a black diffuser or with chrome trim strip and chrome tailpipe tips.

    The interior of the Sedan comes in a modern and avant-garde look emphasising a revolution from within. The dashboard gets a completely new and avant-garde design, with a cowl above the cockpit and the wing-shaped main body of the dashboard extending from one front door to the other with no visual discontinuity.

    Weststar Associates Limited Managing Director Mr. Mirko Plath, described the growing compact car family as a step in the right direction from Mercedes-Benz.

    He said the A-Class Sedan would serve more customer groups and that owning a Mercedes-Benz would be more attractive for the younger generation with the emotive and technological appeal of the MBUX, the modern design of the A-Class Sedan, the latest driving assistance systems and a very competitive entry price.

    The compact car family of Mercedes-Benz has continued its growth in the Nigerian market with the A-Class Sedan set for its arrival.

    This follows the successful introduction of the new A-Class last year.

    Weststar Associates Limited, authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria will introduce the A-Class Sedan by May, 2019.

     

  • Weststar introduces Actros tractors

    Weststar Associates Limited, Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, has announced the arrival of new batches of the award-winning Mercedes-Benz Actros 3340 S tractors and Actros 3331 B concrete mixers.

    The Actros 3340 S tractor and Actros 3331 B concrete mixer are  available for firms in the construction industry to increase their performance and efficiency.

    The Actros 3340 S tractor has a V6 engine with a rated power output at 290 KW (394 HP), a 3300 mm Wheel base, a 6×4 drivetrain axle configuration and gross vehicle weight of 33 tons.

    The Actros 3340 S tractor is also equipped with 394 horsepower and G 240-16 transmission, also the chassis components of the Actros (frame, suspension, axles, and brakes) are designed to withstand the extreme environments commonly encountered in this terrain.

    Weststar Associates Managing Director Mr. Mirko Plath reiterated the company’s dedication to providing solutions for the most- pressing needs of clients and customers looking to sustain their businesses and gain more profitability. With their robustness, off-road capability and versatility, the Actros 3340 S tractors and the Actros 3331B concrete mixers are ready to take your business to the next level.

    Another highlight in the Actros 3340 S tractor is the M-cab, which is impressive, inside and out. The interior offers an impressive standard of ergonomics, comfort and safety – perfect for challenging environments, there is also a great deal of freedom of movement and various additional storage facilities in the side panels and in the cab rear wall. It can optionally be equipped with a foldable, 600 mm wide bunk to allow the driver to rest. The all-steel cab is very strong and structurally rigid. Only flame-retardant materials are used in the interior. Efficient safety systems provide optimal protection for the driver, vehicle and load. Comfortable and safe seating supports the driver while driving in rough conditions.

    Additional features have been included in the Actros 3340 S tractors for safety and cost effectiveness.

  • Weststar introduces fire fighting truck

    The Commercial Vehicles department of Weststar Associates Limited – (Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria) has introduced Atego 1725 fire fighting truck into the market.

    This, the firm said, is in line with its philosophy to support firefighting operations.

    The Mercedes-Benz Atego Fire fighting truck comes with a double cabin laid-out for six people-driver plus one person in front and four others behind. It features Autonomous Respirators built into the seat backrests. The Pump compartment in this Atego Fire fighting vehicle is mounted between the cabin and the water tank made of aluminum profiles and coated with smooth aluminum with its Pump access door on the right side and with roller blind-type door located on the left of the driver’s side.

    The structure and fire fighting equipment are in accordance with MBR 14096 – for firefighting vehicles, setting the minimum conditions required for the design, construction and performance of the vehicle. Two tanks are within the inner compartment, one for water and another for LGE, with capacity respectively of 5000 litres of water and 500 litres LGE, fitted with internal longitudinal and transverse deflectors according to standards boost flexibility when driving in rough terrain.

    Weststar Associates Limited Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mirko Plath, said the Mercedes-Benz’ fire-fighting truck is a genuine all-rounder with extensive equipment and technical payload to match specific needs and situations.

    “It is most suitable and will demonstrate high quality and reliability as a fire truck in Nigeria. It is available for immediate delivery through Weststar with up-to-the-minute aftersales support synonymous worldwide with the Mercedes-Benz brand,” he said.

    The Atego 1725 fire fighting truck is the perfect match for organisations striving to achieve total quality in fire protection solutions as it is equipped with a strong and robust 6.4 liter inline, six cylinder Mercedes-Benz engine that produces 245hp ensuring excellent performance, complies with Euro 3 emission standards ensuring a low level emission of pollutants and low fuel consumption. The dashboard of the vehicle supports economical driving by featuring a real time indicator for fuel consumption as well as an econometer, which indicates the most appropriate engine speed in every operating situation.

    Extremely hazardous fires require top-level skills and innovative agents. Twin-Agent Fire Suppression Systems provide proven technology to fight large flammable liquid and gas fires. This main capability distinguishes the Atego 1725 fire fighting truck from others in its category – combining dry chemical agents for rapid flame knock down and Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for securing the fire area. Available with Class BC dry chemicals (Purple K or sodium bicarbonate) and your choice of 3 per cent or 6 per cent AFFF concentrate.

  • Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Enlivened by its success stories in the United States (US) and European market, Weststar Associates Limited has decided to introduce Fiat into the Nigerian market.

    It rolled out the new Tipo sedan from the staple of an Italian automaker, Fiat, now known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).

    Built with a rigid, lightweight body/chassis, the vehicle was introduced to the motoring journalists in Lagos by Westar Associates Limited, ahead of its official launch next month.

    According to Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Weststar Associates, Mr. Mirko Plath, Fiat products became popular roadsters in the U.S., especially among young Americans – a trend that continues to today.

    The brand, he said, has since then grown to become one of the most esteemed car brands in Europe and in the US as it has won the “Europe Car of the Year” more times than any other car brand.

    “This is one of the reasons why we believe FIAT presents the right platform for the Nigerian market. Today is a special day for Weststar – marking a fresh start through the birth of this new brand. We are extremely excited and we hope you are as well,” he said.

    As the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy, the acronyms “FIAT” stands for Fabrica Italiano Automobili Turino.

    Born over a century ago, the FIAT brand has acquired a long history that includes war, automotive innovation and international conquest. Fiat was also involved in the manufacturing of military vehicles, machinery and commercial vehicles for the Italian Army and Regia Aeronautica. By the 1950s, FIAT resumed full car manufacturaing thus, strongly benefitting from the Italian economic boom thereby putting four million Italians on the road with its famous two cylinders FIAT 500.

    Apart from Fiat’s known features of versatility, large interior space and compact exterior dimensions, which the Tipo represents, it has also come as a practical, functional model, according to Weststar Associates.

    The General Manager, FCA Group/Weststar Associates Limited, Stavros Diamantidis, said the new vehicle offers high appeal as it comes with a vast variety of standard options, adding that its Italian heritage provides comfort, quality and versatility.

    “With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” he said.

    According to him, the four-door sedan version of the Fiat Tipo is one of the first models that will be exclusively available at Weststar Associates Limited.

    He expressed optimism that the vehicle and other Fiat models will do well in Nigeria.

    “We are thrilled about this development as Nigerians can now enjoy real value for their money. The Fiat Tipo fits perfectly in its segment and will be officially presented before the month ends. With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place, an excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” Diamantidis said.

    According to the auto firm, the name – Tipo sported on the badge is a celebrated designation that Fiat has been used many times during its over one century of history.

  • Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Enlivened by its success stories in the United States (US) and European market, Weststar Associates Limited has decided to introduce Fiat into the Nigerian market.

    It rolled out the new Tipo sedan from the staple of an Italian automaker, Fiat, now known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).

    Built with a rigid, lightweight body/chassis, the vehicle was introduced to the motoring journalists in Lagos by Westar Associates Limited, ahead of its official launch next month.

    According to Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Weststar Associates, Mr. Mirko Plath, Fiat products became popular roadsters in the U.S., especially among young Americans – a trend that continues to today.

    The brand, he said, has since then grown to become one of the most esteemed car brands in Europe and in the US as it has won the “Europe Car of the Year” more times than any other car brand.

    “This is one of the reasons why we believe FIAT presents the right platform for the Nigerian market. Today is a special day for Weststar – marking a fresh start through the birth of this new brand. We are extremely excited and we hope you are as well,” he said.

    As the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy, the acronyms “FIAT” stands for Fabrica Italiano Automobili Turino.

    Born over a century ago, the FIAT brand has acquired a long history that includes war, automotive innovation and international conquest. Fiat was also involved in the manufacturing of military vehicles, machinery and commercial vehicles for the Italian Army and Regia Aeronautica. By the 1950s, FIAT resumed full car manufacturaing thus, strongly benefitting from the Italian economic boom thereby putting four million Italians on the road with its famous two cylinders FIAT 500.

    Apart from Fiat’s known features of versatility, large interior space and compact exterior dimensions, which the Tipo represents, it has also come as a practical, functional model, according to Weststar Associates.

    The General Manager, FCA Group/Weststar Associates Limited, Stavros Diamantidis, said the new vehicle offers high appeal as it comes with a vast variety of standard options, adding that its Italian heritage provides comfort, quality and versatility.

    “With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” he said.

    According to him, the four-door sedan version of the Fiat Tipo is one of the first models that will be exclusively available at Weststar Associates Limited.

    He expressed optimism that the vehicle and other Fiat models will do well in Nigeria.

    “We are thrilled about this development as Nigerians can now enjoy real value for their money. The Fiat Tipo fits perfectly in its segment and will be officially presented before the month ends. With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place, an excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” Diamantidis said.

    According to the auto firm, the name – Tipo sported on the badge is a celebrated designation that Fiat has been used many times during its over one century of history.

  • Weststar releases four Mercedes-Benz vehicles

    Weststar releases four Mercedes-Benz vehicles

    Weststar Associates Limited, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria has rolled out four new vehicles.

    The E-Class, the GLC, the GLE and the V-Class were unveiled at Weststar’s Lekki office in Lagos.

    According to its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mirko Plath, the E-Class is the most intelligent business saloon.

    Mercedes-Benz, he said, is taking a big step into the future with the Tenth-generation business saloon E-Class.

    The car also marks the world premiere of numerous technical innovations. They enable comfortable, safe driving on a new level plus a new dimension in driver assistance – among other things. Complete with infotainment and control systems offering an all new experience. Likewise exemplary: a newly developed diesel engine coupled with lightweight design and record-breaking aerodynamics figures set the standards for efficiency in this segment, while new, optionally available multi-chamber air suspension ensures outstanding ride comfort and driving dynamics. The sum total of its innovations, including the Active Lane-change Assistant which allows the driver to steer into the selected lane as if by magic, make the E-Class the most intelligent saloon in the business class.

    The GLC is an even more refined version of the GLK, which is its predecessor. It is typically a C-class on stilts as this luxury competent crossover features the interior of its sedan sibling. The GLC is a great choice for singles and families as it is as sporty as a coupe. This Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) version of the C-class epitomises core properties of distinctive versatility, tailored solutions and superior handling characteristics. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo 9GTRONIC engine that boosts 241hp with 273 net torque. The GLC is 12-19 per cent more fuel-efficient as it is also equipped with the auto stop, start eco function thus yielding 28mpg.

    Its exterior styling is dynamic and muscular, conveying both a sense of all weather and any road purpose as well as the latest sporty, refined and contemporary design from Mercedes-Benz. The GLC has a strong presence with its twin louvre grills and striking headlamp designs.

    As for the GLE, Mercedes-Benz has thoroughly revised its best-seller in the SUV segment. Formerly known as the M-Class, the GLE has been redesigned with impressive new elements. Some of its highlights include a considerably more appealing front fascia that comes with new headlights, bumpers and grilles while the rear features redesigned LED stripes for an improved look. Depending on the trim levels, the SUV can have two different engine grilles and three different bumpers with one each reserved for its AMG versions. Across the available engine range, fuel consumption and CO_2 emissions are reduced by 17 percent on average compared with the predecessor model series.

    The powerful GLE 500 4MATIC with direct-injection twin-turbo V8 engine produces an output of 320 kW (435 hp) and a peak torque of 700 Newton meters, and combines appealing performance with the high level of refinement of these engines.

    The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a real eye-catcher perfected down to the very last detail. Whether you are on tour with your whole family or going on a business trip with a load full of passengers, the V-Class is trusted to take you to your destination in grand style. It was first called the V-Class before being rebranded as the Viano when the second-generation model arrived in 2004. In 2014, the third-generation model was introduced and with it, Mercedes went back to the van’s roots by bringing back the V-Class name.

    The new V-class comes with a 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine 136 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque for the V 200 CDI, 163 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque for the V 220 CDI, and 190 horsepower, and 325 pound-feet of torque for the range-topping V 250 BlueTEC. The V 200 and V 220 each come with an ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission while the V 250 BlueTEC comes with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission as standard. The wide gear ratio range and finely graduated gears reduce the leaps in revs when changing gear- leading to comfortable gear gear-changing and better fuel economy.

    From the exterior, the newly styled front bumper features a very different take on the air intakes. The side sills are also more pronounced, which is an improvement from the almost non-existent ones on the standard V-Class. Even the rear bumper gets a new styling. The addition of a new lip spoiler and a new set of 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels complete the exterior AMG makeover of the V-Class.

    The V-Class offers a uniquely varied interior concept while giving you an impressive driving experience. The dashboard is one of the most elegant dashboards seen in a van. The top half of the dashboard can be dressed in faux leather with accent stitching. The ambient lighting separating the two dash sections creates a relaxing ambience that draws away from the busy centre console. The most prominent feature of the console is the freestanding display screen. This can be controlled by a touchpad that recognises various finger movements like scrolling, swiping and zooming.

     

  • Weststar produces first Nigerian globally certified trainer

    Weststar produces first Nigerian globally certified trainer

    The Training Manager, Weststar Associates Limited, Mr Abdul Ligali, has received a certificate of excellence in global training from Daimler AG Global Training Centre in Stuttgart, Germany. He is the first Nigerian to be certified as a Mercedes-Benz global trainer by Daimler.

    According to Weststar Managing Director Mr Mirko Plath, the recognition will pave way for the expansion of a certified global training centre for Weststar in Nigeria.

    Since inception, Weststar has organised technical and non-technical training for staff, dealers, and customers to expand the knowledge base of employees and meet the various needs of customers.

    In 2014, Weststar set-up an in-house training department. So far, over 300 participants, trained in various aspects of auto business, have graduated from the department.

    A global trainer handled  the programme.

    Ligali said the achievement was a step in the right direction, as it will reduce dependency on only foreign trainers.

    He said: “This is a welcome development for Weststar; there will be a reduced dependency on foreign trainers. In the future, we hope to expand our training center for the brands we represent that will be open to the public and not just our staff, dealerships or customers. There would even be dual vocational courses for interested individuals. Our vision is to become the training hub for West Africa. I also plan to train and mentor other global training aspirants locally as well.

    “I am the global trainer for non-technical aspects such as service and processing. We hope to develop more global trainers in both technical and non-technical areas. This will provide multiple job opportunities for Nigerians and also contribute positively to the educational sector by encouraging the youths to take up various technical careers.”

  • Weststar to unveil new Mercedes AMG GT

    Weststar to unveil new Mercedes AMG GT

    The new Mercedes-AMG GT adopts numerous Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive systems that are recognised in the new
    S-Class. The standard equipment includes collusion prevention assist plus, adaptive brake, attention assist, tyre pressure monitoring systems and optional extras, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    After many years of development, the wait is finally over. Since the Authorised Distributors of Mercedes-Benz Nigeria,

    Mercedes-AMG GT (C 190) 2014, Studio, interior: Exclusive nappa leather AMG red pepper/black; trim: AMG carbon-fibre matt
    Mercedes-AMG GT (C 190) 2014, Studio, interior: Exclusive nappa
    leather AMG red pepper/black; trim: AMG carbon-fibre matt

    it doesn’t come as a surprise that they will soon launch the sports coupé into the Nigerian market. The AMG GT carries the Mercedes-Benz racing car heritage and conveys the essences of the performance brand AMG. The car is a product of supreme craftsmanship and engineering, in which this unique sports car embodies the passion for outstanding performance and dynamism in its purest form.

    The creative interaction of diverse design elements lends the coupé a superior, self-confident front: the three-dimensional diamond radiator grille, with central Mercedes star, a broad louvre and lettering, stands in the centre of the front end. LED High Performance headlamps with stylised “eyebrows” as daytime running lamps, side lights and indicators, as well as three separate high-beam reflectors lend the GT its characteristic look. The A-wing with front splitter in the lower third of the front apron, a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles, makes the sports car appear low-slung and wide. ‘Coke bottle’ shape is one of many words that have been used to describe the innovative design of the AMG GT; all modern Mercedes feature the ‘Coke bottle’ theme, the GT being the most extreme example. The long bonnet with its pronounced powerdomes, the greenhouse which has been moved far back, the large wheels and broad tail end add to the vehicles distinctive look.

    In addition, the interior design also embodies maximum emotion and sensual purity. The model features radically low, sporty proportions, which creates a unique sense of spaciousness. Anyone opening the door of the AMG GT will discover an exciting interplay between the deep, sloping dashboard and a dominant, arched high centre console; a design which evokes emotions and impresses with its perfection, which was achieved by the brand using the finest materials and workmanship.

    The vehicle is everything one would expect from an authentic Mercedes-AMG sports car. From the characteristic styling and the motorsport technology to the optimum weight distribution. The drive system tailored to consistently delivering driving dynamics perfectly complements this set-up. The model also offers the perfect design and engineering combination to produce an amazing performance on the road as it uses technological DNA of the Mercedes-SLS AMG – one of the most successful cars in recent years.

    The Mercedes-AMG GT embraces the ‘one man, one engine’ philosophy; this philosophy has guided AMG’s approach to manufacturing and is the reason why every AMG engine is hand built from start to finish by one of the AMG master engine builders. The newly developed AMG 4.0 litre V8 bi-turbo engine was developed specifically for the Mercedes GT model and seals the AMG driving experience. The unique eight cylinder engine is the newest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family and boasts outstanding power delivery performance figures, on par with motor racing, lightweight construction as well as high efficiency and environmental compatibility. The engine responds immediately with power right from lower revs and delivers outstanding performance-top figures such as 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 310km/h, combined with the outstanding driving dynamics will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps.

    The model weights an impressive 1615 kilogrammes – a benchmark in the sports car division. The chassis and the body that are made largely of aluminum, are both lightweight without compromising on strength or a low centre of gravity. The whole structure has excellent bending and torsional stiffness for permanent resistance to elastic deformation and as a result, the vehicle is highly dynamic despite its minimal weight.

    “The new Mercedes-AMG GT is a sports car in its purist form”, says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG.

    “Breathtaking proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and flowing lines turn the new AMG into a contemporary sports car which embodies the spirit of the glorious Mercedes sports cars.

    The Mercedes-AMG GT adopts numerous Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive systems that are recognised in the new S-Class. The standard equipment includes collusion prevention assist plus, adaptive brake, attention assist and the tyre pressure monitoring systems and optional extras. One feature being the Adaptive High-beam assist which makes night driving even safer as the system adjusts the headlamp range automatically to the distance of oncoming traffic/vehicles in front with their lights on – this provides the driver with the ideal headlamp range at all times.

    The reversing camera is a visual aid that makes reverse parking and other reversing manoeuvres much easier. The system switches on automatically when reverse gear is engaged and shows the area to the rear of the car on the head unit display. Other optional features include pre safe system and Blindspot Assist.

    The Mercedes AMG GT comes in 11 colours and production of the model starts in August, meaning the car will be available at Westststar and its authorised dealerships from October.