2012 Mercedes-benz Models To Get New Safety Features

2012 Mercedes-benz Models To Get New Safety Features

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As an extension of their DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system, Mercedes-Benz vehicles will start to feature PRE-SAFE braking. PRE-SAFE gives the car the ability to apply full braking measures in emergencies to reduce the severity of accidents.

PRE-SAFE works by sounding three warning tones when it senses an impending collision. Approximately 1.6 seconds before an accident is likely, partial braking automatically occurs. If the driver still does not react to the warnings, the car will activate full-braking measures about 0.6 seconds before impact, reducing the impact and effectively acting as an electronic crumple zone, according to Mercedes-Benz.

These new innovations on the PRE-SAFE system build on the already proven PRE-SAFE braking system that was originally released in 2002. In its initial debut PRE-SAFE automatically tightened the seatbelts, moved the power seats to a position that could provide better protection for the passengers, and rolled up the windows to provide better support for the side curtain airbags.

DISTRONIC PLUS Lessen the Pain of Stop-and-Go Traffic

Able to operate at nearly all speeds up to 124 mph, DISTRONIC PLUS can be especially helpful in stop and go traffic. The system is a much more advanced form of adaptive cruise control, which forces the car to maintain a set distance from vehicles in front of it. The system will even bring the car to a complete stop if necessary.

DISTRONIC PLUS uses multiple short range radar beams. The first, 24 gigahertz beam, sweeps the first 33 yards in a fan shaped pattern with an 80-degree rang. The second beam, a longer range 77 gigahertz version, sweeps a 9-degree range. Putting data from the two together, the system is able to monitor more than 160 yards in front of the vehicle. The system was so effective in testing that during the approval process for the use of 24 gigahertz radar in automobiles, government agencies cited the potential to improve traffic safety, reduce injuries and ultimately save lives.

Blind Spot Assist and Park Assist

The DISTRONIC PLUS system is now also available with blind spot assist. This feature will alert a driver with visual and audible warnings if the turn signal is activated with another vehicle in your blind spot.

The Park Assist feature utilizes six ultrasonic sensors mounted at the front and rear of the car. At low, parking lot speeds, the system can scan available parking spaces to determine if your car will fit. Once an acceptable size spot is found a P is displayed in the dash. When the car is put into reverse with Park Assist on the system will display a top-view picture of the car and the parking space.

Advanced Park Assist, offered in vehicles with electro-hydraulic power steering, will make parallel parking much easier. The system will still scan to make sure the vehicle will fit into the space, but this time when the reverse gear is engaged and the driver confirms they wish us the Advance Park Assist the car will control the steering of the car while the driver controls the acceleration and braking, at speeds below 7 mph.

These new safety features will be available on the 2012 S-Class Sedan, CL and CLS coupe and E-Class line models. Mercedes will likely make these options available on more models in the next year or so, or as the market demands.

About the Author:
Mike is a writer for Tri-Star Imports, your St. Louis County Mercedes-Benz dealer. Visit us online to learn more about Mercedes-Benz models here



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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