DaimlerChrysler plans to build the new Mercedes-Benz Grand Sport Tourer, which is due to be launched at the end of 2004, at its Tuscaloosa plant in the US.
DaimlerChrysler plans to build the new Mercedes-Benz Grand Sport Tourer (GST), which is due to be launched at the end of 2004, at its Tuscaloosa plant in the United States.
The German-US company said in statement on Tuesday that it would spend R6,42 billion to expand the production area at the plant in Alabama, where it also manufactures its ML-Class SUVs.
The GST, which was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January, is an MPV-like concept vehicle that seats six passengers in three rows. Its design incorporates attributes of an estate, a grand saloon and a softroader, but this does not mean that the GST is a once-off engineering exercise.
In fact, "with the Grand Sports Tourer DaimlerChrysler is systematically advancing its product offensive while also defining a new and promising market segment in the premium market area,” Jürgen Hubbert, the company management board member responsible for Mercedes-Benz cars, said recently.
"The GST establishes a new vehicle class that combines the features of various car concepts to form a new independent profile," Hubbert added.
CARtoday.com reported in July last year that Mercedes-Benz engineers had recognised the need for a more subtle approach to the family-hauling capabilities of an MPV. To this end, the GST will feature car-like driving qualities thanks to an advanced platform and running gear with a low centre of gravity and four-wheel drive.
This has been achieved by taking the next-generation M-Class platform and giving it more dynamic, on-the-road performance. Two variants are expected to be offered. The first, with a 2 950mm wheelbase and overall length of 4 850mm, can seat five adults.
A long-wheelbase version has an additional 265mm to allow for an additional, third row of seats, raising passenger capacity to seven.
Under the bonnet is a range of direct-injection petrol engines, starting with a three-litre V6 producing 172 kW. A 190 kW 3,6-litre V6 and a 227 kW five-litre V8 will complete the petrol line-up. A 2,6-litre V6 CDI diesel and three-litre V6 CDI diesel engine are also in the pipeline.
The GST’s four-wheel drive system is set to have a 50/50 power split, and it will also be fitted with electronic differentials at each axle to apportion drive to whichever wheel has the most grip.
Other features should include brake-by-wire Sensotronic Brake Control and communications devices such as Internet access and connection points for laptops. Airbags will also feature throughout, one for each of the seven occupants.
The GST is set to be built in America from late 2004, and Mercedes is investing heavily to double the production capacity of its plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The car should go on sale in Europe and the rest of the world in 2005.
"As a touring car, station wagon, large capacity vehicle and sport utility vehicle rolled into one, the GST is primarily geared to the needs of the North American market," said Mercedes-Benz marketing chief Joachim Schmidt.
"However, we also see great potential for the Mercedes-Benz GST in Europe (and other world markets) due to its high functionality and flexibility," he added.
