The new S-Class Cabriolet: A star returns

Coveted dream car of the 1960s meets star of the 2015 International Motor Show in Frankfurt: the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is following in the tradition of the open-top S-Class (model series 111 and 112) from the period 1961 to 1971. Unmistakeable, exclusive design, fine materials with maximum high-class appeal in the interior and state-of-the-art technology in the S-Class characterise the concept behind both cabriolets.

"After 44 years we can again offer friends of our company an open variant of the S?Class. The new S-Class Cabriolet symbolises our passion for individual and timelessly exclusive mobility, which we share with our customers", remarks Ola K�llenius, Board Member of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales.

With the new S-Class Cabriolet Mercedes-Benz is setting itself the standard of building the most comfortable cabriolet in the world. When it comes to climate comfort the enhanced automatic wind protection system AIRCAP, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, the heated armrests, the seat heating also in the rear plus the intelligent fully automatic climate control ensure that this is indeed the case.

The new S-Class Cabriolet is carrying the long and successful tradition of Mercedes-Benz luxury-segment cabriolets into the future. Even back in the 1920s the luxury cabriolets from Stuttgart combined the freedom of open-top motoring with the comfort and safety of a Mercedes-Benz Saloon. From the start of post-war production the top models from Mercedes-Benz were also available in the particularly exclusive variant as a cabriolet. These included the 170 S (W 136) from 1949, the 220 (W 187) from 1951 and the 300 S (W 188) from 1952.

After the "Ponton" cabriolets 220 S (W 180) and 220 SE (W 128) built from 1956 to 1960, in 1961 the 220 SE Cabriolet of the model series W 111 was launched, a particularly elegant, open-top four-seater, whose design is still considered timeless to this day. In this ten-year production period Mercedes-Benz offered five different models in these model series: the 220 SE, 250 SE, 300 SE (W 112), 280 SE and, as a late top model, the eight-cylinder 280 SE 3.5 � in total 7013 units of these five cabriolets were manufactured in Sindelfingen. For the time being there was no open-top luxury-segment car in the Mercedes-Benz model range to follow this generation: rather, it is the new SL from model series 107 which cultivated the tradition of open-top motoring in the Stuttgart brand's cars � as a two-seater.

The cabriolets from Mercedes-Benz are today amongst the most sought-after classic cars � and the prices have developed accordingly. Examples of this are the cabriolets from model series 111 whose values are cited by the renowned American Hagerty Insurance's price guide. In its estimation a 280 SE 3.5 from the final year of construction, 1971, in condition 2 today has a value of around 290,000 US$ - ten years ago the figure was some 115,000 US$. But that is by no means the pinnacle: for instance, a specimen of this model in excellent condition was auctioned last August by RM Auctions for 429,000 US$.

The last six-cylinder 280 SE model (1969) in the same condition is valued today by Hagerty at approx. 75,000 US$ - about 45,000 US$ ten years ago. Early 220 SE models are around the same level, with a current value of some 84,000 US$.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2015, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Brazilian F1 Grand Prix 2013: Preview, Free Practice and Qualifying Reports from Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

I. Brazilian F1 Grand Prix 2013 Preview

The 2013 FIA Formula 1 World Championship draws to a close in Brazil this weekend. The season finale takes place at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, one of the oldest and most atmospheric venues on the calendar, and a track at which McLaren has enjoyed much success over the years.

The circuit is named after Jose Carlos Pace, who raced under the shorter name of Carlos Pace for Surtees and Brabham in the 1970s, winning his home grand prix in a Brabham in 1975. He was killed in a private aircraft accident in 1977, and had been a great friend of fellow Brazilian racer Emerson Fittipaldi, to whom Interlagos also means a huge amount: he won his home grand prix in 1973 (in a Lotus) and 1974 (in a McLaren). Emerson won McLaren�s first ever F1 world championship in 1974.

There have been several iterations of the circuit since it was built in the Sao Paolo precinct of Interlagos in 1940. The current anti-clockwise layout dates back to 1990 and, despite being resurfaced regularly, the marshy topography results in its being decidedly bumpy and therefore physically demanding for the drivers.

From a technical point of view, the circuit�s 800-metre altitude has a detrimental effect on car performance. Engines lose seven percent of their power compared with sea level, and aerodynamic addenda are less effective, which shortfall places even greater emphasis on mechanical grip.

As was the case at last weekend�s United States Grand Prix, where Jenson Button and Sergio Perez both finished in the points, Pirelli will take their Medium and Hard compounds to the race.

Jenson has good memories of racing in Brazil. He scored his first world championship point at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in 2000; he clinched the world title at the track in �09, and he scored his most recent victory there last year. Both he and Checo will be looking to end this season on a high.

Race distance - 71 laps (190.092 miles/305.909km)
Start time - 14:00 (local)/16:00 (GMT)
Circuit length - 2.677 miles/4.309km
2012 winner -  Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-27), 71 laps in 1hr45:22.656s (174.179km/h)
2012 pole - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4-27), 1m12.458s (214.088km/h)
Lap record - Juan Pablo Montoya (Williams FW26), 1m11.473s (217.038km/h)

McLaren at the Brazilian Grand Prix

- Wins: 12 (1974, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1993,1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2012)
- Poles: 11 (1974, 1976, 1977, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2012)
- Fastest laps: 9 (1973, 1977, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2010, 2012)

Car 5: Jenson Button
- Age: 33 (January 19 1980)
- GPs: 246
- Wins: 15
- Poles: 8
- FLs: 8

�Obviously, I have some extremely happy memories of racing in Brazil � it�s where I won my world championship, back in 2009, and it�s where I took my most recent grand prix win, last year for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

�This year has been a tricky one, though, and it�ll be tough heading back to Sao Paulo knowing that the team hasn�t taken a victory since race day last year, but to be honest that only makes me more determined to end the season on a positive note

�Finally, Brazil will be my final race in Vodafone overalls. I�ve won eight grands prix in our title partner�s famous rocket-red colours, I�ve driven some of the best cars of my F1 career during my association with them, and I�ve done some incredible things with them too � like driving an F1 car around Mount Panorama, one of my lifelong ambitions. Vodafone has played such a major part in the success of our team over the last seven seasons, and, while I�ll be sad to see them leave, I�ll always be proud of the successes we enjoyed together.�

Car 6: Sergio Perez
- Age: 23 (January 26 1990)
- GPs: 55
- Wins: 0
- Poles: 0
- FLs: 2

�My final race for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will be the second successive race in the Americas, so it�ll be another weekend in front of my fans from Mexico and Latin America, and also another opportunity for me to show my abilities before the winter break.

�I love Interlagos because it�s such a racer�s circuit � you attack the whole lap. The first corner is a fantastic place for overtaking, and you can pretty much race side-by-side with someone all the way down into Turn Six, which is incredible. The infield section is tricky, because it has a range of elevations and cambers, but it�s a fantastic feeling when you get it right. Finally, Juncao is a tough little corner, because you�re often outbraking yourself on entry, simply because you want to maximise your speed through the corner in order to maintain speed along the long, top straight.

�Every lap is a challenge and, when you�re racing, an absolute thrill. I love it around here and I�ll be giving it everything to make sure I finish the season in style.�

Martin Whitmarsh
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

�There are few more satisfyingly challenging venues at which to conclude a long Formula 1 season than Interlagos, the home of Brazilian motorsport and one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring racetracks in the world.

�The race will bring the curtain down on the sport�s current set of technical regulations, and will immediately send us busily into the winter as we start to prepare for a new era of turbocharging and energy recovery. It�s an exciting time for the sport � but also a nerve-wracking period for every team as we come to terms with a daunting array of new variables and permutations.

�For everyone in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, the Brazilian Grand Prix marks the end of another era � it will be the last grand prix of Vodafone�s title partnership with us. Vodafone will step away from that title partnership after having spent seven fantastic seasons with us � during which time we won one world championship and 34 grands prix together, and also took 30 pole positions and 24 fastest laps.

�We also take home a lot of wonderful shared memories, some of which we�ll cherish for the rest of our lives. Speaking for myself, I�ll certainly never forget the emotional rollercoaster that I found myself on, sitting on the pitwall here at Interlagos, five years ago, as we won the world championship on the very last corner of the very last lap of the very last race.

�Thank you, Vodafone. Power to you!�

A #mclaren50 memory
Brazilian Grand Prix, March 24 1991

After winning the season-opener at Phoenix, Ayrton Senna arrives In Brazil hungry for more success. He�s never won on home turf, despite starting from pole position four times in the last seven years.

Once again he sets the pace in qualifying. In the dying moments of the session he completes a blistering lap in front of his adoring fans that�s 0.3s faster than Riccardo Patrese and more than 1s ahead of his McLaren team-mate Gerhard Berger.

But the race turns out to be anything but easy for Ayrton. He leads into Turn One, but Nigel Mansell takes up the chase ahead of Patrese. After 20 laps the gap between Ayrton and Mansell is just 0.7s, and just as the Williams driver looks set to challenge for the lead, he dives into the pits. A slow pitstop by the Williams team, which takes more than 14s, gives Ayrton some breathing space � and when Mansell is forced to make an unscheduled second stop due to a puncture, Ayrton switches his attentions to second-placed Patrese.

By this stage of the race, Ayrton has issues of his own because his gearbox is playing up. First he loses fourth gear, then third and fifth gears, and he�s forced to drive the latter stages of the race in sixth gear. To make matters worse, rain starts to fall with a couple of laps to go.

But Ayrton is faultless and he takes an emotional home win at the eighth time of asking. He crosses the line 2.9s ahead of Patrese, with Gerhard coming home third in the second McLaren.

II. Friday's Free Practice Report

JENSON BUTTON
- MP4-28A-02
- FP1: 1m25.391s (+0.606s), 17 laps, 4th
- FP2: 1m31.770s (+4.464s), 6 laps, 22nd

�It was very slippery out there today � we even had high-speed aquaplaning along the straights, which was unusual.

�Fortunately, we got a lot of miles under our belts in this morning�s session � we felt the conditions were consistent enough for us to conduct some running on the Intermediate tyre. We did a longer run on high fuel, and also did a single-lap run on lower fuel � on each occasion, the car seemed okay.

�The afternoon session was more about waiting for the weather to settle down enough for us to continue running on Inters. That would enable us to back-to-back our morning run in order to measure the changes we�d made between sessions. We got some useful information.

�In these conditions, it would�ve been nice to have more tyres to play with � the wet weather presents more of an opportunity for us, but it�s also more of a risk, so we�ll see how the rest of the weekend pans out. Typically, the forecast suggests that it will be unpredictable for the remainder of the weekend.�

SERGIO PEREZ
- MP4-28A-03
- FP1: 1m25.946s (+1.165s), 15 laps, 7th
- FP2: 1m30.748s (+3.442s), 8 laps, 17th

�It�s very difficult to know accurately how our car is performing � I didn�t do too many laps in either session, and those that I did were done in different conditions from our rivals.

�I�m not perfectly happy with the set-up � but, at least by doing some running, we have an understanding of what we can change for tomorrow. If the conditions stay the same for tomorrow, I think we�ll take a step forward.

�If the weather stays dry, we know where we�ll probably end up; but if it�s wet, we could have a stronger race. Our current forecast says it�ll be wet for qualifying, and that it�s 50:50 for the race.

�But you just never know in Sao Paulo��

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

�You can take nothing for granted at Interlagos and this place once again showed its capricious side by hurling the elements at us during both of today�s free practice sessions. It�s something we�ve come to expect � and even enjoy � from such a mighty racetrack.

�As such, while we were able to complete a useful number of laps � particularly during the lighter rain that fell this morning � we still don�t have a conclusive read on pace and performance ahead of Sunday�s race.

�Still, I�m sure our engineers were kept busy collecting data during both sessions, and we�ll put that information to good use tonight as we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to refine our cars� set-up for qualifying tomorrow.�

III. Saturday's Qualifying Report

SERGIO PEREZ
- MP4-28A-03
- FP3: 18th, 1m32.731s (+4.840s), 4 laps
- Qualifying:
- Q1: 11th 1m26.741s (on Intermediates)
- Q2: 14th overall 1m28.269s (on Intermediates)
- Q3: -

�It�s hard to know for sure, but I think we made the correct decision to run in qualifying when we did, but the car wasn�t responding properly. I think perhaps we got the tyre pressures incorrect because I couldn�t find enough grip out there.

�My accident in Q2 looked bigger than it actually was � as soon as I lost the car, I went over the grass and hit the wall � but it was only a slight hit, and the car wasn�t too badly damaged.

�It�s a pity, but I was giving it my all. I knew it was my last opportunity to set a time; it was getting wetter, and I was pushing right to the limit, because I knew the car wasn�t responding well. I was trying my hardest, in other words.

�In similar conditions, I still think we can make up some positions tomorrow. I�m looking forward to the race � I hope we can end the season on a high.�

JENSON BUTTON
- MP4-28A-02
- FP3: 21st, No time, 1 lap
- Qualifying:
- Q1: 7th, 1m26.398s (on Intermediates)
- Q2: 15th, overall 1m28.308s (on Intermediates)
- Q3: -

�We sat out most of FP3 in order to save tyres, which felt like the right thing to do at the time, but in retrospect maybe it wasn�t the right call. After all, we hadn�t run in wet conditions on the Intermediate tyres before qualifying, so we weren�t prepared for the problems we then encountered. But hindsight is a wonderful thing.

�We were running a low-downforce configuration, which probably didn�t help either. We felt that set-up was working for us yesterday, when it wasn�t as wet, but it probably hurt us in getting pressure into the tyre.

�Still, we were good in Q1 � I ended up in P7 � but, when it rained harder in Q2, I couldn�t get enough temperature into the tyres.

�Hopefully, we can mix it up a bit tomorrow � although the weather on Sunday is supposed to be a bit drier. Hopefully, though, we�ll have some good racing, and we won�t spend too long behind the Safety Car!�

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

�Obviously, to qualify 14th and 15th for the last grand prix of the year is very disappointing, even if what caught us out were the very unpredictable weather conditions

�In Q1, however, we were 7th and 11th � which, albeit not stellar, represented a more accurate reflection of our ambient pace relative to our opposition.

�In Q2, though, the timing of our runs wasn�t quite perfect, and as a result we struggled to switch the tyres on when we needed to. In wet-dry conditions such as those we faced today, the art is always in finding that sweet-spot moment in which to be on the track the optimal time, and you can�t always get it right.

�Having said all that, although the weather is forecast to be less rainy tomorrow than it�s been yesterday and today, it�s unlikely to be dry and sunny all afternoon. That being the case, there�s no doubt that both Jenson and Checo can make good progress from their poor grid positions when the five red lights go out on the startline gantry and the race begins.�

~ Official photos and reports courtesy of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes ~

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Brazilian F1 Grand Prix 2013: Preview, Free Practice and Qualifying Reports from MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS

I. Brazilian F1 Grand Prix 2013 Preview

The final race of the 2013 Formula One World Championship takes place at Interlagos in Sao Paulo on Sunday 24 November.

� At 4.309 km, the Interlagos circuit is the second shortest track of the season after Monaco

� The historical probability of Safety Car deployment is 70%, with four of the last five Grands Prix featuring the Safety Car

� Only twice in the past ten years has the Brazilian Grand Prix been won by the driver starting from pole position

Nico Rosberg
�The weather forecast for Interlagos looks interesting this weekend and if it does rain, that would be a good opportunity for us as our car is generally quick in the wet. I�m really looking forward to the weekend and everyone at the team is hoping for a great result to end the season on a high. It would be fantastic to achieve second place in the Constructors� Championship to give all of the team here and back at the factories in Brackley and Brixworth an early Christmas present!�

Lewis Hamilton
�It�s difficult to believe that the final race of my first season with MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS has come round already as this year seems to have flown by. We know what we have to achieve this weekend in Sao Paulo and everyone is so fired up to have a good weekend and to be in that second place in the Championship on Sunday afternoon. I had a good race in Austin and it felt great to get that under my belt before the end of the season and I�m really looking forward to Brazil. Interlagos is such a unique track in its location and layout, and I have some great memories from previous races there. The passion of the Brazilian fans is amazing and it�s fantastic to see their support over the weekend. We�ll be hoping for a smooth weekend but it�ll be interesting to see how the predicted weather develops.�

Ross Brawn
�Sao Paulo is always a very special place to bring the Formula One season to a conclusion. The passionate Brazilian fans at Interlagos make for a wonderful atmosphere and the races can certainly be entertaining. The early forecast looks for a mixed set of weather conditions for the weekend which will make our job tougher but that�s the challenge we all thrive on. Our team had a solid rather than spectacular weekend in Austin which nonetheless improved our position relative to our competitors in the fight for second place in the Constructors� Championship. Our aim for this weekend is to maintain that second place with a strong showing from Nico and Lewis, and it goes without saying that we would all be delighted if that goal could be achieved.�

Toto Wolff
�We know that races in Interlagos can be unpredictable, both because of the circuit layout and also the weather conditions. So there is no question of complacency or thinking the job is already done. We will work in our usual calm, efficient way to deliver the potential of both cars and secure second place in the Championship. Like always, we will be racing hard to score the maximum number of points possible and end our season on a high.�

II. Friday's Free Practice Report: The Silver Arrows on top after first day at Interlagos

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton finished today�s practice sessions at a wet Interlagos circuit in P1 and P5 respectively.

� The drivers completed a total of just 48 laps today, just over half a race distance, in wet conditions at Interlagos.

� With further rain forecast, the priority was to save sets of fresh wet tyres for sessions later in the weekend.

� Both drivers were able to set competitive times in the wet conditions on both types of wet tyre.

Drivers - Car No. - Chassis No. - Practice One - Practice Two
Nico Rosberg - 9 - F1 W04 / 03 - 14 laps, 1:24.781, P1 - 12 laps, 1:27.306, P1
Lewis Hamilton - 10 - F1 W04 / 04 - 13 laps, 1:25.230, P2 - 9 laps, 1:28.147, P5

Weather - Wet
Temperatures - Air: 19-21�C / Track: 20-24�C

Nico Rosberg
�Today I had a good start into the weekend, and I was very quick in the rain even though we don�t really know about the fuel levels of the other teams. Therefore we need to read the time sheets with some caution. But generally I have higher hopes now that perhaps we can give Red Bull a hard time this weekend. We all know that the weather plays always a big role here at Interlagos and can catch you out. We were not able to run that much but the track feels really great and it was great fun to be out there and find the limit in these difficult conditions.�

Lewis Hamilton
�The conditions were tricky out there today and it�s a real shame for the fans that they didn�t get to see more action on track. Of course, it�s frustrating for us drivers to be sitting in the garage for so long but I really feel for everyone who has made the effort to come here to the track. We were able to get some running during the two sessions and that will be useful as the conditions for the rest of the weekend look pretty much the same. I�m struggling a little to get the feel of the car in the wet, and that�s really been the same for me with our car all season, so we have some work to do overnight to see where we can make improvements. I�d really prefer a dry weekend but that�s out of our hands.�

Ross Brawn
�That was an interesting day which could well be relevant for the rest of the weekend - certainly for tomorrow and perhaps even for Sunday. The balance of the car wasn�t too bad on either the intermediate or the full wet tyres but, in common with our rivals, we don�t have any data on how it will be in dry conditions. Overall, it was a useful and straightforward day in the context of preparations for the possibility of a wet qualifying session or race.�

Toto Wolff
�We had two decent sessions today, which further confirmed the tendency already seen this season that our car performs well in mixed conditions. However, the forecast is so inconsistent that we need to ensure we have the right compromise for both wet and dry as we cannot assume it will be a wet race. So we will be working hard overnight to make sure we are in good shape whatever the weather.�

III. Saturday's Qualifying Report: Downpour affects performance as Nico Rosberg comes P2 and Lewis Hamilton finishes 5th

Nico Rosberg will start from the front row for the Brazilian Grand Prix tomorrow with Lewis Hamilton qualifying in fifth place.

� Nico�s second place starting position marks the team�s 16th front row of the season and Nico�s seventh in total

� Nico ran the following tyre strategy: Q1, new inter; Q2, new inter/new inter; Q3, new x-wet/new inter

� Lewis qualified in the top five for the 17th time in 19 races this season

� He ran the same tyre strategy as Nico during the three wet parts of qualifying

Drivers - Car No. - Chassis No. - Practice - Qualifying 1 - Qualifying 2 - Qualifying 3
Nico Rosberg - 9 - F1 W04 / 03 - P19 - P3 1:25.556 - P4 1:26.626 - P2 1:27.102
Lewis Hamilton - 10 - F1 W04 / 04 - P11 - P1 1:25.342 - P5 1:26.698 - P5 1:27.677

Weather - Wet
Temperatures - Air: 18-19�C / Track: 19-21�C

Nico Rosberg
�That was a very demanding qualifying session today with really tricky conditions and a long break before the final session. I�m really pleased to have achieved second place on the grid and a big thank you to the team for their work; we did everything right today. My target was to give Sebastian a hard time so I was surprised that the gap was so big in these conditions. I lost time in the last sector compared to him which was down to a lack of KERS power when you do two consecutive quick laps. Being on the front row gives us a great opportunity in the race but the most important thing is to stay in front of the Ferraris.�

Lewis Hamilton
�Naturally I�m a little disappointed with fifth place as Nico�s position shows there was clearly potential for more today. Wet sessions haven�t been too good for me this year and, although we made some changes going into qualifying, I�m struggling to get to grips with how the car works in these conditions. It�s getting better but there is still so much to learn. However we�ve got everything to play for in the race tomorrow and I hope to have a good fight out there and make some progress forward. Our aim of course is to finish ahead of the Ferraris and hopefully score enough points to secure our second place finish.�

Ross Brawn
�Qualifying sessions like that always offer plenty of potential to trip over and the team did a very good job today. To have both our cars in the top five is a good overall result after such an unusual afternoon. Nico has managed to get the car exactly where he wants it in terms of wet set-up this weekend and was very comfortable out there; Lewis hasn�t quite found the same sweet spot but still delivered a strong lap to get into the top five. None of us have done any running in dry conditions this weekend so, if it does dry out tomorrow, it will be an interesting experience for all of us. That brings the potential for surprises and we will handle them as they come and seize every opportunity that comes our way.�

Toto Wolff
�A wet qualifying session is one where it�s far easier to get things wrong than to get them right so it�s pleasing that we managed to get things pretty much right this afternoon. It was a very tricky session and the team did a good job to deliver second and fifth places, although we must analyse why Lewis did not manage to put his second lap together and if, perhaps, we were a little too conservative with our timings. But it�s always easy to be smart in hindsight and the important thing is that we will start from strong grid positions tomorrow. So overall we can be happy with a good team performance.�

~ Official photos and reports courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.