HybridMercedesS400

A battery breakthrough that Benz officials here are touting as the first integration of next-gen lithium-ion tech into production hybrids. By working a
Johnson Controls/Saft pack into its S-Class climate control system, Mercedes will insure that the battery always works at temperatures between 15 and
35°C to extend service life and max performance when it uses the innovative li-ion research in its series-production S 400 Blue Hybrid beginning next
year. “What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry,”
proclaimed Daimler AG board member Dr. Thomas Weber. After hitting nearly 30 mpg while emitting approximately 306 grams/mile of CO2 in official
testing, the S 400 Blue Hybrid will be the world’s most economical luxury sedan, Mercedes-Benz claims. Combined with the hybrid module, the new
hybrid’s puts out a max of 299 hp and 277 lb-ft. of torque. Combine that with a 7.3-second 0-62 time and an electronically limited top speed of about 155
mph, and we’re seriously hoping this high-tech hybrid makes it across the pond soon. [Jim McCraw - popularmechanics.com]