Justice Project offers Clarification on unpaid traffic fines

On Tuesday 9 February 2015 the Road Traffic infringement Agency put out a media release with the grossly misleading headline: “UNPAID FINES BLOCK LICENSING BY AUTHORITIES”.

While the content of the release vaguely clarifies the matter and correctly states that an Enforcement Order will result in licensing transactions, it is important that this not be confused with a “traffic fine”.

In terms of Section 20(2) of the AARTO Act, the Registrar may authorise the issue of an Enforcement Order if he has satisfied himself that both, an infringement notice and a courtesy letter have been served on the alleged infringer by the prescribed means. In the case of an infringement notice this could be service that occurs in person at the time of the alleged infringement or by registered mail if it is served after the fact and in the case of a courtesy letter, this must be served by registered mail. An enforcement order must also be served by registered mail.

The more recent licence renewal notifications contain a misleading statement which reads as follows:

” Your application for a new Driving Licence Card or PrDP will not be processed unless all Enforcement Orders have been settled and all penalties and courtesy letter fees for outstanding Infringements are settled. Visit www.aarto.gov.za“

While the first part of the statement is true, the second part of it is untrue and is used by licensing authorities to mislead people into believing that they are compelled to settle ALL outstanding infringement notices including but not limited to the illegal infringement notices the JMPD issued from 1 June 2010 to 21 December 2012. The findings of the Public Protector on this issue was that the JMPD violated the provisions of the AARTO Act and as a result, the improperly served infringement notices were “irregular” and amounted to maladministration.

Motorists are advised to look closely at the part of this notification to see if an Enforcement Order has been issued against their particulars. If it says “Enforcement Order outstanding: No/Nee” and a licence disc is not automatically printed, motorists should ask for a R114 eNaTIS statement to determine whether they have outstanding licensing fees or penalties owing on other vehicles registered in their name, or a warrant of arrest issued against them by courts in the jurisdictions outside of the operational areas of the Johannesburg and Tshwane Metro Police Departments.

Licensing authorities have become fond of preying on the ignorance of the average motorist who does not know and/or understand the legislative provisions that allow blocking of licensing transactions. They also appear to be of the opinion that traffic fines are somehow excluded from the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven which is enshrined in Section 35 of the Constitution.

The media release by the RTIA should be viewed as a statement by the RTIA that they are going to resume following the legislated provisions of the AARTO Act and nothing more. Motorists who ignore infringement notices issued against their names are doing themselves no favours and would be better advised to deal with their traffic fines as quickly as possible when they receive them.

Admitting guilt and paying a traffic fine, whether it is issued under the AARTO Act or the Criminal Procedure Act is ONE of the options but it is not the only one. Any person has the unalienable right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and is fully entitled to mount a defence against any accusation of violation of any law – including traffic infringements/offences.

The RTIA is also tasked with EDUCATING people about the AARTO Act, but as yet, almost 7 years into the so-called “pilot phase” of the implementation of the AARTO Act, it has done very little to educate motorists and this is very sad indeed.

Anyone who wishes to educate themselves on the provisions of both, the AARTO Act or the Criminal Procedure Act is welcome to visit JPSA’s dedicated AARTO website at www.aarto.co.za. This must not be confused with the RTIA’s AARTO website is located at www.aarto.gov.za which does not present any of the abuses that have been perpetrated by authorities operating under the AARTO Act.

Howard Dembovsky

National Chairman – Justice Project South Africa (NPC)

Justice Project offers Clarification on unpaid traffic fines

The new S 65 AMG Coupe offers unique Exclusivity and Performance

The S 65 AMG Coupé is the new twelve-cylinder top-of-the-range model in the S-Class Coupé series. Unique drive comfort, benchmark performance and exquisite appointments are all hallmarks of this 2-door vehicle. The irresistible contours of the V12 Coupé are accentuated by a host of expressive design elements in high-sheen chrome. The AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine, with an output of 463 kW and 1000 newton metres of torque, is unique in its segment, as is the AMG sports suspension, based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL with curve tilting function and ROAD SURFACE SCAN.

“There are AMG fans for whom our V12 biturbo engine is the measure of all things. For this clientele we have developed a unique car in the form of the new S 65 AMG Coupé. From driving dynamics to comfort and equipment – our new twelve-cylinder coupé surpasses even the highest of expectations,” says Florian Seidler Executive Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.

Mercedes-AMG’;s unique range and long V12 tradition

Coupé, Sedan, Roadster and Off-roader: following the S 65 AMG, the SL 65 AMG and the    G 65 AMG, the new S 65 AMG Coupé is the 4th AMG high-performance car with a V12 engine. No other car manufacturer in the world offers such a wide portfolio of twelve-cylinder vehicles as Mercedes-AMG. Back in 2003 the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz presented a coupé with a powerful V12 biturbo engine in the form of the CL 65 AMG (C215 model series). Its successor, the CL 65 AMG (C216 model series) was available between 2007 and 2014 and was the direct predecessor to the new S 65 AMG Coupé.

Key data at a glance:

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;	S 65 AMG Coupé
Displacement	5980 cc
Output	463 kW at 4800-5400 r/min
Max. torque	1000 Nm at 2300-4300 r/min
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	11.9 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	279 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.1 sec
Top speed	250 km/h*

* Electronically limited

Twelve-cylinder engines are still considered the pinnacle of engine design. Among connoisseurs the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine in particular is seen as an outstanding example of its type. Open the bonnet of the S 65 AMG Coupé, and it is immediately obvious why: the exclusive carbon fibre/aluminium engine cover is synonymous with the exceptional strengths of the V12 engine, built in Affalterbach according to the “one man, one engine” principle. Apart from serving as an AMG hallmark confirming superlative precision and production quality, the AMG engine plate bearing the engine technician’;s signature is also a clear testament to the peerless DNA of Mercedes-Benz’;s high-performance brand.

A sensational drive and effortlessly superior performance

The AMG V12 delivers a peak output of 463 kW and a maximum torque of 1000 newton metres – resulting in effortlessly superior performance: the S 65 AMG Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). In other respects, the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine assures a sensational drive: stylish drive comfort, tremendous pulling power and effortless power delivery in all speed ranges are coupled with refined engine running characteristics and the distinctive typical sound of the AMG V12.

A glance at the consumption and emissions figures shows that the AMG V12 is fit for the future: with fuel consumption of 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres as per NEDC combined (equivalent to 279 g/km CO₂), the S 65 AMG Coupé is significantly more economical than all of its rivals. Compared with the previous CL 65 AMG model, consumption has been reduced by 2.4 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined).

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Technical highlights of the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine:

• Biturbocharging


• Aluminium crankcase


• Forged crankshaft in high-grade alloy steel


• Multi-spark ignition with 12 twin-spark ignition units


• Air-to-water intercooler with low-temperature circuit


• Alternator management


• ECO start/stop function

Power transmission with 3 individual driving modes

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC is responsible for transmitting power to the rear axle. The transmission offers 3 individual modes: the driver can choose between Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M) by pushing a button on the centre console. Sport and Manual emphasise the vehicle’;s dynamism: the ultimate emotional appeal and tangible sportiness are ensured by the brief, precisely defined cutback of ignition and injection when shifting up a gear under full load. This shortens shift times and lends an audibly more emotive tone to gearshifts. The ECO start/stop function is activated in transmission mode “C”.

Lithium-ion battery reduces weight by over 20 kg

The S 65 AMG Coupé features a lithium-Ion battery as standard. This innovative technology offers numerous advantages over a conventional battery concept: with a capacity of 78 Ah, the lithium-ion battery replaces both the starter battery and the backup battery – resulting in a weight saving of over 20 kg.

 

AMG sports suspension with curve tilting function

 

The AMG sports suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL delivers an incomparable driving sensation. The standard combination of Active Body Control (ABC), ROAD SURFACE SCAN and curve tilting function is unique. This function allows the S 65 AMG Coupé to lean into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting on the occupants is similar to driving in a banked curve. On country roads in particular, the curve tilting function heightens motoring enjoyment and comfort. The object is not to reach higher cornering speeds, but to produce an even more pleasant motoring experience. The curve tilting function can be selected as one of 3 drive modes using the ABC switch; it is active in the speed range from 15 to 180 km/h.

On bends the vehicle inclines automatically and continuously in fractions of a second – depending on the curve radius and vehicle speed. The innovative suspension system detects curves using both a stereo camera behind the windscreen, registering the curvature of the road up to 15 metres ahead, and an additional lateral acceleration sensor. The curve tilting function is making its debut in the S 63 AMG Coupé and S 65 AMG Coupé.

ROAD SURFACE SCAN is a technology that can detect surface undulations in advance with the help of a stereo camera. MAGIC BODY CONTROL then adjusts the suspension in advance to suit the situation, effectively compensating for irritating chassis movement. Both suspension modes – “Comfort” and “Sport” – are also available here. In addition the AMG sports suspension on the S 65 AMG Coupé features specific elastokinematics – the driver therefore benefits from more directness with a dynamic driving style

Speed-sensitive sports steering with variable steering ratio

The electromechanical speed-sensitive sports steering with variable steering ratio perfectly complements the sophisticated suspension technology: it optimises vehicle handling and agility while maintaining driving safety at high speeds. In “Comfort” suspension mode, the speed-sensitive sports steering enhances comfort by providing more steering assistance. If the “Sport” suspension setting is selected, on the other hand, the driver feels a sportily stiff level of steering assistance. The pre-programmed curves for power assistance enhance feedback from the road surface and steering precision.

Polished forged wheels with fully integrated wheel bolt cover

 

The S 65 AMG Coupé features forged wheels in a multi-spoke design, size 8.5 x 20 at the front and 9.5 x 20 at the rear, with  255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 tyres. The exclusive forged wheels of the V12 Coupé fascinate with their exceptional design which represents a contemporary interpretation of the classic sports car rims: each of the 16 spokes twists so that the light-catching contours radiate to the centre of the wheel hub. The effect: the wheel gives the impression of being even bigger.

The matchless visual superiority of the ceramic polished, high-sheen AMG forged wheels is the result of an elaborate finishing process: initial polishing is followed by manual grinding of the light-alloy wheels. 2 polishing stages using different grinding pellets ensure the desired deep sheen. Having been cleaned, the wheels undergo final treatment, including sealing with clear varnish.

As standard the forged wheels feature a high-quality, screw-on, fully integrated wheel bolt cover in forged aluminium. Its shape is reminiscent of a centre lock as seen in motorsport. The AMG lettering is incorporated into the rim as a design element. 3 further forged wheels in the same format are available as optional alternatives – one design variant with a matt black finish and high-sheen rim flange.

Optional ceramic high-performance composite brake system

The AMG high-performance composite brake system features brake callipers with a grey finish. Red callipers are available as an option. A ceramic high-performance composite brake system is available as an option. The design, which is more than 20 percent lighter, ensures lower unsprung masses as well as enhanced driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort.

Design: irresistible contours, lavishly accentuated with chrome

Supreme sportiness combined with the sensual clarity typical of Mercedes-Benz – the irresistible contours of the S 65 AMG Coupé are a captivating sight. V12-specific features include the countless design elements in high-sheen chrome at the front, sides and rear which are particularly effective in conjunction with dark pain2rk: the large central Mercedes star on the front apron, the “twin blade” radiator grille, all of the air intake grilles, the trim strip on the “A-wing”, the side flics (air deflector elements) and the front splitter are chromed-trimmed. The 3-dimensional front splitter reduces lift at the front axle, while the gap above the front splitter ensures an effective flow of air to the separate engine oil cooler behind it.

At the side, the eye is drawn to the “V12 BITURBO” lettering on the wings and the high-sheen chrome inserts in the side skirts – which harmonise perfectly with the high-sheen polished forged wheels. The rear view is also memorable: the AMG sports exhaust system’;s 2 chromed twin tailpipes in V12 design are integrated into the rear apron. Above the distinctive diffuser insert, painted in high-gloss black, the trim element forms an effective contrast: It echoes the design of the “A-wings” on the front apron and is finished in high-sheen chrome.

Interior: equipment, quality and ambience of the highest standard

The extraordinary character is also evident on the inside: the S 65 AMG Coupé welcomes its occupants with an incomparably exquisite ambience. This 2-door car features the finest materials, the highest manufacturing quality and an extensive range of standard equipment. In visual terms, the interior is dominated by the sports seats. The upholstery in designo AMG Exclusive nappa leather with seat upholstery layout in a diamond-pattern design boasts delineated perforations: the perforations deliberately avoid the areas where stitching features in the nappa leather. The result is exceptionally neat seams and an unrivalled impression of quality.

Exclusively developed AMG sports seats ensure optimal long-distance comfort. Electric adjustment, memory function, seat heating and climate control are standard features. More contoured seat cushions and backrests improve lateral support when cornering at speed. High-quality AMG badges feature as standard on all 4 backrests, and the AMG logo is embossed on the front centre console.

Other features of the Exclusive package include the nappa leather roof liner, a leather-lined dashboard, door centre panels in a diamond-pattern design, leather-clad roof grab handles, chromed door pins and AMG stainless steel door sill panels, illuminated in white. Customers ordering designo AMG Exclusive nappa leather upholstery are able to choose between black, porcelain/espresso brown, saddle brown/black and crystal grey/black.

New sports steering wheel in 3-spoke design

The new 3-spoke sports steering wheel allows perfect vehicle control. It features shift paddles, a distinctly contoured rim, trimmed with perforated leather in the grip area, and a metal insert featuring AMG lettering.

Another typical AMG speciality is the AMG instrument cluster: information on the engine speed, vehicle speed and much more appears on 2 animated round dials on the 31.2 centimetre, high-resolution colour TFT display. The typography, the needles in red/silver, the speedometer with its 360 km/h scale and the “V12 BITURBO” lettering in the rev counter all have a specifically AMG look. When the driver’;s door is opened, an AMG start-up screen appears on the right-hand display, while an animated S 65 AMG Coupé appears in the instrument cluster.

Extensive standard equipment with head-up display and touchpad

The extensive range of standard equipment for the S 65 AMG Coupé includes the head-up display and the touchpad. The head-up display projects key information such as the vehicle speed, speed limits, navigation directions, traffic signs and information from DISTRONIC PLUS onto the windscreen. The visualisation of the engine speed and the current gear is exclusive to AMG. In Manual transmission mode, a coloured upshift bar and the possible gears for a manual gear change are also protected onto the windscreen. The virtual colour display, measuring 21 x 7 centimetres, appears to hover above the bonnet at a distance of around 2 metres from the driver. The innovative Mercedes-Benz touchpad makes it significantly easier to operate the radio, telephone and navigation system. In contrast to conventional systems, the touchpad can be used to operate all of the infotainment functions. The input area is approximately 6.5 x 4.5 centimetres in size and is integrated into the handrest with a cover for the keypad.

 

 

Intelligent Drive: new standards in safety

The S 65 AMG Coupé also sets new standards in terms of active and passive safety: what began with PRE-SAFE^® 10 years ago and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS is now leading to a new dimension in driving. Comfort and safety have merged into one. Mercedes-Benz calls this Intelligent Drive. New systems make the new S-Class Coupé even more comfortable and safe.

Standard equipment for the S 65 AMG Coupé includes (selection):

• 360° camera


• Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC


• Burmester^® high-end 3D surround sound system


• Driving Assistance package Plus, including DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE^® Brake, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE^® PLUS


• Seat Comfort package for driver and front passenger


• Upholstery in AMG Exclusive nappa leather


• KEYLESS-GO package

The S 65 AMG Coupé is introduced at R3 070 700 including 14% Vat, excluding CO₂ emission tax.

The new S 65 AMG Coupe offers unique Exclusivity and Performance

Chrysler Offers 2015 200S a Considerably-Needed Mopar Upgrade for SEMA

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is strikingly handsome—particularly for its value range—but the mid-size sedan needs some thing a lot more distinctive to stand out in its crowded segment. Ahead of subsequent month’s blowout SEMA show, we got a peek at the juiced-up 200S that Chrysler will display at the Vegas extravaganza. Now this is far more like it.Most notable is the car’s enhanced stance. Dropped down on a Mopar coil-more than kit, the sedan looks decidedly much more sinister. Chrysler says the dropped suspension will sharpen the car’s handling response, an location that certainly demands improvement. Matte-gold 19-inch wheels accent the black vehicle and are developed to show off the slotted rotors of the Mopar large-brake kit. A new body kit (chin spoiler, side sills, and a mini rear diffuser) enhances the lower-and-wider appear.

The mission of this customized 200S goes beyond dressing up the stature of Chrysler’s mainstream 4-door—it also serves as a rolling company card for the Mopar catalog. The massive-brake kit will be available almost quickly the body kit will hit the Mopar catalog in the first quarter of 2015 and the 19-inch wheels, coil-overs, and intake and exhaust will come sometime quickly following that.

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Clients who are not keen on tinkering with a brand-new Chrysler themselves will uncover these Mopar accessories accessible by means of Chrysler’s on the internet car builder, operating in conjunction with the Mopar Custom Shop. Once a buyer configures the automobile and the factory builds it, Mopar sends it to one of numerous Custom Shops around the country to have the accessories installed ahead of the auto is delivered. It is not old-college hot-rodding, but it’s the factory-approved way to give Chrysler’s mid-sizer a tiny far more street attitude.

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Chrysler Offers 2015 200S a Considerably-Needed Mopar Upgrade for SEMA

How safe are your car’s tyres? MiWay offers a checklist for maintenance tips

Keeping safe on the road is not only about being an alert and cautious driver, it is also about making sure that your car is always in tip-top condition. An essential part of that is ensuring that your tyres are in a roadworthy condition – after all, the tyres are the point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Worn tyres reduce the performance of your car and low tread depths decrease the effectiveness of braking, steering, and even accelerating – all of which are important in staying safe on the road. Moreover, in wet weather, tread depth plays a crucial role in dispersing water to maintain a good grip.

Checklist for tyres

Tyres should be inspected on a regular basis. Here are some of the most important things to look out for:

• Check for punctures, penetrations, cuts and bulges.

• Cuts in the tyre could allow moisture to reach the casing plies. This is harmful for both textile and steel casings and will affect safety and tyre life.


• Uneven tyre wear is a sign that wheel alignment needs attention.


• Inner and outer edge wear. If both inner and outer edges are worn, it can suggest that the tyres have been run at a pressure which is too low at normal speeds.


• Irregular bald spot, also known as cupping – is usually caused by worn shock absorbers, a worn suspension, or even loose wheel bearings.


• Missing valve caps should be replaced, since they are there to prevent dirt from clogging the valves, which could cause loss in air pressure.


• Tighten wheel studs/nuts to the correct torque setting when mounting new tyres – also check for loose or missing wheel nuts.


• Check tread depth on all tyres and replace well before they reach the regulatory minimum depth of 1.00 mm.

Tyre pressure

Over or under inflation reduces the contact between the tyre and the road and also shortens the lifespan of your tyres. Make sure tyres are always inflated to the right pressure for your car. If you are not sure, check the Owner’s Manual or the display on the driver’s door side panel.

Don’t forget to also check that your spare wheel is in good shape, too, including a properly inflated tyre and that you have the correct tools to replace it. You never know when you might need it!

Maintaining your car’s tyres

• Make sure the size and speed/loading ratings of your tyres conform to the specifications in the Owner’s Manual.


• Check tyres and rims for any accidental damage after impacting with potholes/curb stones or other obstacles in the road.


• Be sure to have your tyres, brakes, shock absorbers and rims checked when servicing the car.


• Car wheel alignment should be tested at regular intervals to obtain even tread wear and maximise lifespan of tyres.

Safety tip: If a tyre bursts, do not apply the brakes, rather use the gears to slow down the car. A sudden change in direction or braking on a flat tyre can result in loss of control. Rather risk losing one wheel than damaging more of your car!

Spare wheel safety

Your spare wheel is only designed to be a temporary solution and should never be a permanent replacement for regular wheels.

Remember, the 4 tyres on your car are some of the most important components on the vehicle and the only point of contact between you and the road. Always refer to the owner’s manual for all tyre pressure specifications and other related information. If you suspect any damage to the tyres – consult a tyre expert!

For more information on car insurance, visit www.miway.co.za

[By Rory Judd, MiWay head of online marketing]

MiWay is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (Licence no: 33970)

 Road Safety and Tyre Safety

How safe are your car’s tyres? MiWay offers a checklist for maintenance tips

Mercedes-Benz S-Class also offers Collision Prevention Assist Plus

No other car lives up to the high standards so famously and quite as comprehensively as the top model from Mercedes-Benz. The S 600 L with V12 biturbo engine is the top model in the already successfully established S-Class and is available exclusively with long wheelbase and with a luxurious package of equipment and appointments. Its performance data: 390 kW of power and 830 Nm of torque. The S-Class range gets even better in other ways, too: all models in the current range are upgraded with the addition of a head-up display, touchpad and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS.

“The S-Class is the embodiment of our claim to deliver the very best in terms of both technology and design,” says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager, Product and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“The S 600 with its exciting and exhilarating V12 engine is our flagship model that epitomises the focus of our development work, the ‘Essence of Luxury’;.  Customers will be astounded by the power and grace of the most technologically advanced and luxurious model in its segment,” adds Govender.

With an output of 390 kW, the V12 biturbo engine in the S 600 packs a bigger punch than its predecessor did with 380 kW. The displacement of the engine has increased from 5513 to 5980 cc. A maximum torque of 830 Nm is available from 1900 r/min. The S 600 now for the first time features the ECO start/stop function as standard, significantly contributing to reduced emissions. The combined fuel consumption of the S 600 stands at 11.1 litres/100 km – 20 percent lower than that of its predecessor (14.1 l/100 km).

The most important features of the engine at a glance:

• All-aluminium crankcase


• One-piece chain drive


• Forged crankshaft in high-grade quenched and tempered steel


• Modified forged pistons


• New engine control unit


• New dedicated ignition coil with twin-spark ignition


• Cam follower


• 2 intake and one outlet valves (3-valve technology)


• Hollow-stem outlet valves, filled with sodium


• Low-temperature cooling-water circulation with separate expansion reservoir.

7G-TRONIC PLUS: outstandingly smooth gear changes as standard

All new S-Class models feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever as standard. The features of the latest version to emerge include a new torque converter with reduced slip, an ECO shift mode with a wider ratio spread and an auxiliary oil pump to maintain the operating pressure during automatic stops. Low-friction components and low-viscosity oil help to reduce the operating pressure.

The comprehensive standard specification of the S 600 L reinforces its role as a flagship model. The LED Intelligent Light System, the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension with ROAD SURFACE SCAN and the Driving Assistance package Plus, all come as standard. The latter comprises Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS with STEER CONTROL and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE^® Brake and PRE-SAFE^® PLUS.  These innovative driver assistance and safety systems, grouped together under the terms Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive, make driving even more relaxed and safer.

The standard MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension provides unrivalled comfort as it adapts to surface undulations.  This is made possible by a combination of the active ABC suspension with continuously variable dampers and the innovative ROAD SURFACE SCAN. The nature of the road surface ahead is precisely registered with the help of a stereo camera located behind the windscreen.  In addition the active suspension effectively compensates body roll and pitching when moving off, cornering or braking.  The continuously adjustable dampers allow both a comfortable basic damping action and a stiffer, speed-dependent setup.  All in all this leads to a magical combination of outstanding comfort and thrilling vehicle dynamics.

Additional fine touches in the new S-Class

With immediate effect, all the functions of the head unit can be controlled by fingertip gesture, as with a smartphone, from the new, standard touchpad. In addition, the touchpad allows letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language that is available on the head unit. The touchpad thus offers an additional, full-function input option over and above the existing COMAND Controller and LINGUATRONIC.

A head-up display is a new standard feature for the S 600 L. As in a jet fighter, it displays important information directly in the driver’;s field of view on the front windscreen, so ensuring that the driver’;s attention is distracted less from the road ahead. The system provides information on speed and navigation instructions.

Replacing COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST on the S-Class now is COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS as standard. In addition to the adaptive Brake Assist system, which helps to protect against collisions at speeds of over 7 km/h, this system now features a further function: if the danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 50 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h.

A clear windscreen even at sub-zero temperatures, without all the hassle of scraping, is now possible thanks to electric windscreen heating – Magic vision control. This is designed to work in conjunction with the air-conditioning blower and ensures clear forward visibility in practically no time at all.

Luxurious and long

The S 600 L comes standard with the “Chauffeur package”.  The rear seat occupant on the front passenger side has 77 millimetres more maximum knee-room. This is because the front passenger seat can be moved 40 millimetres further forward, and a further 37 millimetres of space can be obtained thanks to a 4-link system. In addition to this “chauffeur position” the front passenger seat can be folded forwards or placed in an extended-recline position. The EASY ADJUST luxury head restraint is standard equipment in the “Chauffeur package”, as is a heel support for the rear passenger which extends from under the front passenger seat with this long-wheelbase version.

Luxury and reclining seat on request: the rear seats

The S 600 flagship model from Mercedes-Benz can very easily become a chauffeur-driven vehicle. The logical consequence is the particular attention devoted to the rear by the seat developers. The rear seats are therefore right in the forefront when it comes to seating/climatic comfort and passive safety.

5 rear seat variants (static bench seat or individual seats with 37-degree adjustment) are available for the long-wheelbase version. The adjustment kinematics has been changed in the luxury and reclining seat variants. The rear backrest is adjusted separately so that the legroom and seat reference point remain unchanged. The cushion can be separately adjusted for angle and horizontal position.

The maximum backrest angle of the optional Executive seat (reclining seat) on the front passenger side is increased from 37 to 43.5 degrees, giving it the largest backrest inclination in the luxury segment. The reclining seat behind the front passenger seat features a calf support which is freely adjustable for length and angle. In combination with the heel rest on the folding chauffeur seat and an additional comfort cushion, this allows a reclined position that sets new standards in the automobile sector with respect to sleeping and resting comfort.

The individual seat functions in the rear, and those of the driver’;s seat, are operated via the typical Mercedes-Benz control panels in the rear doors. The “resting position” key is pressed to bring the front passenger seat and rear seat into the reclining position.

The most upright backrest position of 19 degrees in the luxury and reclining seat variants allows relaxed working in the rear.

Legendary top-of-the-range engine

The figure “600″ has long been a legend in the history of the automobile: the model 600  (W 100) launched in 1963 was the first passenger car from Mercedes-Benz to feature a V8 injection engine. This same powerful (184 kW) and refined engine was also used from 1967 on in the W 109 model series (in the top-of-the-range 300 SEL 6.3). Further top models to feature a V8 engine included the 450 SEL 6.9 from the model series 116 (210 kW) and the 560 SE in the 126 series (220 kW in the ECE version). The 600 SE model in the 140 model series of 1991 marked the introduction of the first twelve-cylinder engine as standard in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car. The M 120 delivered 300 kW from a displacement of 6 litres and began a tradition of V12 units as the top-of-the-range engines in the S-Class. Since the 220 series, Mercedes-Benz has also offered especially sporty, AMG-optimised variants with V8 and V12 engines at the top of its S-Class range, in the form of the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG.

“The S 600 engine benefits from the twelve cylinder expertise of AMG as they are built at the competence centre for V12 powertrains at AMG in Affalterbach, benefitting from the expertise of our AMG engineers,” concludes Govender.

As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the S 600 L comes standard with the class-leading 6-years/100 000 km Premium Drive maintenance plan.

S 600 L – R2 170 000 incl. VAT excluding CO? emission 299 g/km

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class also offers Collision Prevention Assist Plus

The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG offers driving performance in its perfect form

Twelve cylinders, twin-turbocharging, 463 kW of output and 1000 Nm of torque – the new S 65 AMG sets new standards as the most powerful vehicle in its segment of the market. Exceptional performance and outstanding dynamism – these are the hallmarks of the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine. With its reduced fuel consumption, the new V12 sedan is fit for the future. The AMG sports suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL comes as standard with ROAD SURFACE SCAN, the world’;s first suspension with eyes. It goes without saying that the S 65 AMG offers supreme exclusivity in design and equipment specification. 2 innovations, the head-up display and the touchpad, represent further enhancements in terms of comfort and safety.

The S 65 AMG is the only high-performance 12-cylinder automobile from a German premium manufacturer – and it is a car with a pedigree: the first generation of the S 65 AMG was launched in 2003, with the second generation being produced from 2006 until 2013.

“Following the successful introduction of the S 63 AMG in late 2013, we are now proud to bring the new S 65 AMG L.  Supreme luxury and incomparable dynamism provides the guarantee of a truly incredible driving experience. With the third generation of the S 65 AMG, we offer our V12 customers a unique and exclusive high-performance automobile,” says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager, Product & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG offers driving performance in its perfect form

Law Offers Fla. Car Insurers A lot more Time to Cancel Specific Policies

Florida drivers who get coverage to get their driving privileges back following a DUI or lapse in coverage will soon face a longer period when their insurer can cancel the policy.

Presently, Florida auto insurers have only a 30-day “underwriting period” during which they can cancel such policies. But, beginning July 1, that period will extend to 60 days.

The new rules were proposed beneath legislation called SB 490. It applies only to drivers who are acquiring coverage to reinstate their licenses after getting revoked or suspended since of a DUI or failure to sustain car insurance coverage coverage.

“This will allow insurers added time to properly total underwriting,” according to a legislative analysis of the bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott on Friday.

Yet another modify applied by the bill allows drivers with these policies to change their amounts of bodily injury, property harm and personal injury protection coverage right after the underwriting period. Previously, drivers couldn’t adjust their coverage amounts on a policy with out canceling their present policy and obtaining a new a single.

The bill saw robust help throughout its route through state Senate and House, where in April it got votes of 38- and 116-, respectively.

Law Offers Fla. Car Insurers A lot more Time to Cancel Specific Policies

Law Offers Fla. Automobile Insurers Far more Time to Cancel Certain Policies

Florida drivers who purchase coverage to get their driving privileges back following a DUI or lapse in coverage will soon face a longer period when their insurer can cancel the policy.

At the moment, Florida vehicle insurers have only a 30-day “underwriting period” throughout which they can cancel such policies. But, starting July 1, that period will extend to 60 days.

The new rules were proposed under legislation called SB 490. It applies only to drivers who are purchasing coverage to reinstate their licenses soon after becoming revoked or suspended because of a DUI or failure to keep auto insurance coverage coverage.

“This will allow insurers extra time to properly full underwriting,” according to a legislative analysis of the bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott on Friday.

Yet another adjust applied by the bill allows drivers with these policies to change their amounts of bodily injury, property damage and individual injury protection coverage following the underwriting period. Previously, drivers couldn’t modify their coverage amounts on a policy with no canceling their current policy and getting a new one particular.

The bill saw strong help during its route via state Senate and House, exactly where in April it got votes of 38- and 116-, respectively.

Law Offers Fla. Automobile Insurers Far more Time to Cancel Certain Policies