Hand-built for the highest quality: The Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen starts production of the SLS AMG

The new gullwing model is now at the starting line: following its world premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt/Main in September 2009, series production of the SLS AMG is now commencing in Sindelfingen, the largest of the Mercedes-Benz production plants.

"Made in Sindelfingen also stands for the very highest production and product quality where the SLS AMG is concerned," says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "From the end of March, our customers will be able to verify this for themselves."

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The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been extremely well received by our customers," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Even in advance of the actual market launch, orders have considerably exceeded our expectations. This shows that the exciting design and extraordinary concept of our gullwing model precisely meet the taste and aspirations of potential customers."

In summer 2008 the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen was presented with the J.D. Power Award by the renowned US market research institute J.D. Power and Associates. This award goes to the automobile production plant with the best delivery quality worldwide. "We are very proud that the new gullwing model is being produced in Sindelfingen. The J.D. Power Award for worldwide top quality will directly benefit buyers of the SLS AMG," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Audi e-tron

This is Audi’s second electric concept vehicle. It’s only 3.93 meter long and 1.78 meter wide and just 1.22 meter tall, comfy for two persons. It weighs a mere 1,350 kg, has two electric motors with a combined output of 204hp and 2,650Nm of torque, which accelerates the coupe with an ASF (Audi Space Frame)-design aluminum body from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Flat out, it’ll do 200km/h, that’s fast for an electric car.

Now, you would imagine something so little with so much torque would probably be a monster to drive. You would be right. Now, this car has Audi’s latest innovation, which they call “torque vectoring” that gives it a thrilling level of active precision and excellent traction. Audi describes this low weight, short wheelbase and perfect 40:60 weight distribution that gives it dynamic handling, has go-kart agility, good on bends and neutral right up to the handling limit. It’s good to know that they’ve decided to go with rear-wheel drive on this one.

How much juice does it have in the lithium-ion batteries? It contains 45kilowatt-hours available, which makes a range of up to 250kilometers realistically possible. It’s charged with household current (230volts, 16 amperes) via cable and plug and the socket is behind a cover at the back of the car. Charging takes 11hours if the battery is empty but use a heavy current (400 volts, 32amperes), and it’ll cut the charging time to a mere 2 hours. The battery also charges on the go, during braking the alternator converts kinetic energy into electric energy, which feeds into the on-board electrical system.

Here’s one interesting bit of the car that I like, it comes with intelligent headlights and they are not the adaptive kind that you find on the usual German cars. The headlights are the core of a fully automatic light assistance system that reacts flexibly to any situation. It recognizes weather conditions and adapts the headlights to fog or rain. The technology at the heart of the light assistance system is a camera that works together with a fast computer to detect oncoming traffic, recognize lane and measure visibilities, such as in the event of a fog. The LED elements changes appearance and also change the front of the vehicle depending on the speed driven and ambient conditions. Now that’s what I call intelligence!

BMW E90 320i

The BMW E90 320i has been around for a few years now and I for one am glad that the car has been given a much-needed facelift. Looking at the 3-series, I cannot help to imagine me looking at Claudia Schiffer. You know she’s been around for some time and although she’s aged, she still looks stunning. Same goes with the 3-series, this is the 5^th generation of the car and it’s still a remarkable looking car. I for one am glad that the E90 has received a facelift and to be honest, the original design looked boxy. Now it seems that the engineers have reworked the curves, added some lines, which the final effect is a completely gorgeous looking Claudia Schiffer.

The BMW 3-series has always been a weapon of choice for much younger executives who are attracted to the performance and handling of the BMW compared to its other rivals. This is especially true when you think of Mercedes Benz as a car of choice for the typical businessman who equals it to success. Back in those days, drive a Mercedes Benz to your hometown and your relatives instantly know you are rich and successful. Driving a BMW somehow did not have that same effect. In their minds, the BMW was playing second fiddle to the Mercedes and only playboys would drive one. Today, that’s no longer the case. BMW has built a great brand and their vehicles give nothing but sheer driving pleasure.

When I first took delivery of the BMW 320i E90, I was slightly disappointed at the trim of the vehicle. Firstly it’s still very BMW-ish as the dash and centre console is still covered with the familiar orange hue that filled the car back in the 70s. Step into a BMW today and you will instantly recognize it even though you have not been in one for say, twenty years. While it is good that the car has a sense of identity, it does make it seem rather dull, which is why it reminds me so much of Claudia. The interior I must say is a dab boring and it’s always true that when you step into an entry level 320i, you know it’s a BMW because the interior has a sense of familiarity as its predecessors. Sure, the leather colors have changed but they are essentially the same design and layout.

The BMW 320i is the entry level model for the 3 series and with entry level cars, you can’t expect it to have the full specifications. The interior is where you would notice the biggest difference. The iDrive console is missing and there is no screen in the centre console, which was a big disappointment. Compared to its rival, the Audi A4 1.8TFSI, which is roughly about RM 1,000.00 more and comes as a CBU, you get the screen and pedal-shifts attached to the steering. The 320i has a manual mode, but without pedal-shifts like those that you would find in BMW’s more expensive models. The steering was much stiffer and heavier, which I personally find quite tiresome after driving around town in traffic. You would think for a moment that you were getting shortchanged for buying the BMW 320i.

In terms of performance, the BMW 320i has a 4-cylinder 1,995cc engine and has a maximum horsepower rating of 156bhp at 6,400rpm. It’s maximum torque is 200Nm at 3,600rpm, which is quite impressive as it produces a relatively high amount of pull at such low revs. Unfortunately on paper, the BMW 320i loses out to the Audi A4 1.8 TFSI in terms of performance. If you pull up to a traffic light in a BMW 320i and you see an Audi A4 1.8 TFSI next to you, you can be very sure that he’ll beat you at the straight line drag, about 1.1 seconds faster to a hundred. In terms of attracting attention, the Audi has brighter daytime running lights, which are made from bright white LEDs that really attracts attention and stares like a half naked supermodel.

So, what’s the reason to buy a Bimmer you ask?

After driving the two cars, I will tell you that the BMW is the better driving machine. BMW has gotten ONE thing right from the start. It’s the sheer driving pleasure. After driving the BMW 320i for afew days, I’m thinking to myself why am I so attracted to this car. It had semi-electric seats, which meant that the electric seats could only tilt the seats up down and fold the seats upwards and lean downwards. Moving the seats forwards and backwards still required a manual pull switch that you had in the older cars. You would expect a car like this to come with full electric seats. There was no leather wrapped steering, which did not give it a luxurious feel as you would expect a car like this to come standard with it.

I should be complaining but every time I get back into the driver’s seat, it just feels right. The moment where you hit the Start button, the engine springs into life with a slight growl letting others hear your presence. The halo rings glow letting people in front of you see your presence. Once you put the 320i into gear and drive by, people feel your presence.

Take it out on the open roads and you will know why the BMW is the car that a driving enthusiast wants to have. Every complaint that I had with the 320i was immediately forgotten when I hit the B-roads laid with multiple bends. With the traction control and Dynamic Stability Control turned off, the 320i gets a little tail happy and it is just the way I like it. Take it through the turns and corners, the 320i feels just right and even the heavy steering didn’t matter anymore as it gave a good feedback to the driver. I could feel every inch of the corner and knew just how much turning radius to apply to hold the over steer and power out of the corner smoothly. This was where the 320i’s 50-50-weight distribution came into play and I was begging for the corners not to end. This was truly where BMW’s F1 experience came into the light and you knew that they were putting it to good use in their road cars. It just feels like a tailor-made suit that fits you nicely every time you put it on. The 320i retails for RM 236, 800 on-the-road without insurance.

	Technical Data
Engine	4-cylinder in-line petrol engine
Displacement	1,995cc
Max output	156bhp @ 6,400rpm
Max torque	200Nm @ 3,600rpm
Transmission	6-speed Steptronic
Wheels & Tires	Alloy wheels - 225/45 R17
Acceleration	9.7secs (0-100km/h)
Top Speed	218km/h
Fuel consumption	8.0 litres per 100km (Combined)

NAZA-BRABUS W212 E-Class

Mercedes Benz Malaysia recently launched the all-new W212 E-Class Mercedes Benz. You would expect that it would take a while before BRABUS got busy with one and started their Bottrop magic. Think again!

NAZA-BRABUS, the sole and exclusive distributor for the World’s Largest Performance Manufacturer “BRABUS” in Malaysia and Singapore previewed its latest BRABUS E-Class W212.

The new BRABUS E-Class will be offered in three distinct trim packages and this sports exclusive yet elegant aerodynamic enhancements that is equivalent to its superior brother the EV12 “one of ten”, which is the World’s Most Powerful Hihg Performance Sedan that spots 800 horsepower and produces 1,420 Nm of torque with a top speed of over 370km/h. The three versions being offered are the E-Klasse S, E-Klasse R and E-Klass V6.

Among the notable features for the various E-Klasse versions are the BRABUS front bumper, with the German tuner’s complete Light Package 1 finished in chrome, Pur-R- Rim side skits with LED, rear skirting, rear spoiler and BRABUS logos on the front and the sides of the car. Additionally, all three versions willhave 18-inch monoblock Q8.5x18H2 wheels and a BRABUS sports exhaust system to increase performance.

The interior package for the E-Klasse S consists of an attractive yet elegant mixture of aluminum pedals in matt finish, aluminum door lock pins, lighted door entrance door panels, a media interface, rear electric roller blinds, door blinds, an intelligent light system with adaptive main beam assist, parking guidance, through loading facility and Command APS with DVD changer.

The E-Klasse R, is loaded with similar features but with extra appointments such as Keyless-Go entry system, remote enabled locking boot lid, gearshift pedals and a panoramic sliding sunroof.

In the range topping E-Klasse V6, the package consists of a list of exclusive details and appointments like the Direct Select function, 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission and wood and leather treatment for the steering wheel. E-Klasse V6 owners also get integrated 7-inch LCD displays for the rear seats.

All models are available for booking with the E-Klasse V6 available now for viewing at all BRABUS centres. Prices for the E-Klasse starts from RM448,400.

For more information on the BRABUS customization program, log on to the NAZA-BRABUS Motor Sdn. Bhd. website at www.naza-brabus.com.my or visit the BRABUS Bangsar Centre at Tel: 03-2287 3999 or the BRABUS Petaling Jaya Centre at Tel: 03-7963 2888 for a personal viewing experience.

ROLLS-ROYCE APPOINTS DEALERSHIP IN KUALA LUMPUR

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is pleased to announce the appointment of Quill Motorcars Sdn Bhd as its authorised dealer in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Quill Motorcars Sdn Bhd is part of the Quill Group of Companies, a leading multi-disciplinary group that has also been recently appointed as the latest authorised BMW dealer in Malaysia.

The new dealership, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur, is headed by Managing Director Dato’ Michael Ong.

Speaking about the new appointment, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Director for the Asia Pacific region, Colin Kelly said, “The new dealership re-establishes an official Rolls-Royce retail and aftersales presence in Malaysia, signifying the company’s confidence in the market. With both the Rolls-Royce Phantom family and the new Ghost, we present the pinnacle in luxury motoring to Malaysians. We will be working with our new dealer partner to establish the highest standards of Rolls-Royce motor car ownership.”

Dato’ Michael Ong commented, “We are honoured to be able to offer the world’s best automobiles, and aspire to develop and provide for a vibrant Rolls-Royce community in Malaysia.”

The new dealership, the first to be established in Malaysia, brings the number of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealers worldwide to 83. A dedicated Rolls-Royce showroom and service facility in excess of 2,500 square feet will be developed in Petaling Jaya, an affluent suburb of Kuala Lumpur.

For 2010, Rolls-Royce has a five model line-up: Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé, Phantom Coupé and the all-new Rolls-Royce Ghost, the first of a new model series, which is due to preview in Kuala Lumpur by the end of the month.

MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50

Limited MINI special edition evokes the birth of the brand and John Cooper’s Formula One title victory 50 years ago.

John Cooper won his first Formula One World Championship title with Jack Brabham at the wheel in 1959. 50 years on, the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 evokes both the start of the triumphal path of the classic Mini as well as victory in the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship for John Cooper’s racing team. This MINI special edition was inspired by John Cooper’s son, Mike. His signature appears on the facia and on one of the bonnet stripes. It will have a limited production run of 250 units and was unveiled to the public at the 2009 MINI United Festival in Silverstone. The car is based on the MINI John Cooper Works and driven by a 155 kW/211 hp four-cylinder engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. The production version of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 features numerous exterior and interior details reflecting the racing pedigree of the brand.

The bodywork of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 comes in a new colour for MINI, namely Connaught Green – harking back to the famous colour of British race cars of the 1950s and 60s era. It is combined with the roof and bonnet stripes in Pepper White. The green with the white bonnet stripes mirror the colour concept of the Cooper F1 cars. The specification of these colours was provided by Mike Cooper giving the car its authenticity. Mike was consulted throughout the development by the MINI Design department. Mike’s full name is “John” Michael Cooper and he signs himself John Cooper. His signature appears on one bonnet stripe and on a facia plaque. Further accentuating the competitive character of the special edition are the John Cooper Works aerodynamics package and John Cooper Works Cross Spoke CHALLENGE light-alloy wheels in Jet Black.

F-10 BMW 5-Series Sedan

Munich. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the upper midrange segment, is conquering the road. Through its sporting and elegant looks, driving dynamics typical of the brand, outstanding efficiency as well as innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW’s executive express convincingly reflects the supreme standard of the world’s most successful manufacturer
of premium cars throughout the entire process of development.

Design: charismatic, elegant, sporting.

With the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek engine compartment lid, short overhangs front and rear and a coupé-like, graceful roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan stands out clearly from the competition. Overall, the aesthetic looks of the car are clearly determined by perfectly balanced proportions. Design features typical of the brand are to be found both at the front with its BMW kidney grille inclined slightly forward and on the strikingly chiselled engine compartment lid, in the stylish and elegant
side view of the car, and on the muscular rear end. Within the interior modern function and a superior ambience come together in perfect harmony, unmistakable style and clear orientation to the driver in the cockpit guaranteeing a truly unique driving and travelling experience.

Driving experience: supreme dynamics and outstanding comfort.

The most advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies ensure supreme sportiness and an even higher standard of motoring comfort all in one. At the same time optional Dynamic Driving Control enables the driver to set the suspension individually to his personal requirements. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is available with Adaptive Drive encompassing Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive stability control, as well as BMW’s Integral Active Steering. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is making its debut with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. The range is rounded off by a four-cylinder turbodiesel with an aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct injection. Maximum output in this case of 135 kW/184 hp makes the BMW 520d fitted as standard with Auto Start Stop the new efficiency benchmark in its segment. Average fuel consumption in the EU5 test cycle is just 5.0 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 56.5 mpg imp), the CO2 emission rating is 132 g/km (provisional figures). The top-of-the-range BMW 550i comes with an eight-cylinder boasting BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection for maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp. The straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp, while the two straight-six power units featuring High Precision Injection and lean-burn operation develop 190 kW/258 hp in the BMW 528i and, respectively, 150 kW/204 hp in the BMW 523i. Straight-six diesels with the most advanced technology give the BMW 530d maximum output of 180 kW/245 hp and the BMW 525d an equally impressive 150 kW/204 hp. Fitted with optional BMW BluePerformance technology, the BMW 530d fulfils the EU6 emission standard. And it almost goes without saying that all versions of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan comply in full with the EU5 standard in Europe.

BMW EfficientDynamics: BMW 5 Series increasing the lead.

All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are available as an option with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 550i comes as standard with BMW’s automatic transmission optimised for efficiency, just
like EPS Electric Power Steering featured on all models.
BMW EfficientDynamics technologies are naturally featured as standard in appropriate combinations on each model, with features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, a gearshift point indicator, active air flap control, and on-demand operation of ancillary units including a detachable a/c compressor. Intelligent lightweight construction, finally, is ensured by features such as
the doors, engine compartment lid, front side panels and suspension components made of aluminium.

Innovative driver assistance systems with BMW ConnectedDrive.

The driver assistance systems offered for the first time in the context of
BMW ConnectedDrive include a Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with application of the brakes in conjunction with Active Cruise Control plus Stop & Go, and a new Speed Limit Device. Further features
also available are Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, a Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision with detection of
individual persons, and a back-up camera.

Joint development and production together with the BMW 7 Series.

The launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan opens up the latest chapter in a truly impressive story of success. In the course of five model generations, overall sales of the BMW 5 Series already amount to more than 5.5 million units. Now the new model is based on a newly developed vehicle architecture also featured in the BMW 7 Series luxury sedans. Joint production of the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 7 Series at BMW Plant Dingolfing, together with the extensive use of shared components, ensures highly efficient production with a supreme standard of quality following the most demanding benchmarks in the market.

Value retention champion 2010: Mercedes-Benz builds the vehicles with the highest value retention

Four Mercedes-Benz models have the lowest depreciation in their segment, and can justifiably call themselves the "Value retention champions 2010" – the E, C, S and R-Class. These are the findings of analyses carried out each year by the Saarbrücken-based market research institute Bähr & Fess Forecast on behalf of the motoring magazine "Auto Bild". Mercedes-Benz vehicles are therefore generally have the highest value retention, and offer a significant economic advantage.

According to the residual value forecasts of the market researchers, the new E-Class will be the saloon with the highest resale value of all large coupés when it is four years old. The E 250 CDI will still command 55.5 percent of its current new value.

The C 220 CDI leads the field in the medium-size category, while the S 350 CDI is the winner in the luxury class, with forecast residual values of 53.5 and 49 percent respectively. The "value retention champion" among people carriers also bears the Mercedes star on its bonnet: the R 300 CDI is the leader in this segment, and is forecast to achieve a value of 47.5 percent after four years. Accordingly, four models from Mercedes-Benz carry the accolade "Value retention champions 2010". The E, C, S and R-Class already occupied this peak position after analyses by the residual value specialists last year, and in previous years vehicles from Mercedes-Benz were regularly numbered amongst those with the highest value retention.

Aston Martin Lagonda

Aston Martin is proud to announce the return of Lagonda, one of the most iconic names in luxury car manufacturing. The intention is for Lagonda to enter the market place with a unique performance luxury product, a vehicle that combines exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out.

Lagonda's return signals a major expansion of Aston Martin's product line, taking the company into new and emerging markets around the world. To demonstrate the Lagonda vision, the LAGONDA CONCEPT has been created, a car that epitomises the intersection of craft, design and technology with Aston Martin's established high performance expertise.

The LAGONDA CONCEPT is an avant-garde luxury vehicle; with powerful four-wheel drive, a four-seater car that will satisfy the most discerning and demanding owner. The concept demonstrates a commitment to innovative new propulsion technologies, new materials and elegant forms.

“The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.”

The return of Lagonda fulfils a long-term vision. Aston Martin's modern era began in 2001 with the launch of the V12 Vanquish and the construction of the award-winning headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire in 2003. In the years that followed, Aston Martin has launched four class-leading new products, revitalising the performance GT category and redefining automotive beauty.

Aston Martin's award-winning range, the DBS, DB9, Vantage and forthcoming Rapide and One-77, represent some of the most beautiful high performance cars ever built, refined, highly crafted and extremely well-engineered. An Aston Martin will always be a sports car; modern, exclusive and beautiful, it demands to be driven, with an exceptional character that rewards the enthusiast, both on the road and on the track. Above all, an Aston Martin creates an emotional response. It is a machine with soul.

Under the leadership of Dr Ulrich Bez, Lagonda will bring performance luxury into new markets and territories around the world. Reflecting its remarkable history, Lagonda will return to Russia, enter emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China, as well as responding to demand from the dynamic, innovation-focused consumers of Europe, North America and the Far East.

Not only will Lagonda join Aston Martin in existing core markets, but the unique character of the new brand will help take the company into as many as 100 territories around the world and extend the brand to new customers. “An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, “but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets and have different values to Aston Martin.”

One77 Bestowed Prestigious Design Award

Aston Martin’s definitive sports car, the One-77 has been bestowed with a coveted 2009 GOOD DESIGN TM award by The Chicago Athenauem: Museum of Architecture and Design in North America.

A record number of submissions were received by The Chicago Athenaeum ranging from a Mars Landing Rover designed for a 2030 NASA Mars Space Mission, to a simple water purification system for rural South African villages.

An international jury of design professionals awarded the One-77 the accolade for new and innovative product concept, invention and originality, and for stretching the envelope beyond what is considered ordinary product and consumer design.

The One-77 epitomises everything Aston Martin; modern technology fused with traditional hand-craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail. As a culmination of all the marque’s know-how, the One-77 delivers effortless beauty guaranteed to stir the senses with performance potential eclipsing any previous Aston Martin.

As name suggests, production is limited up to a maximum of 77 individually numbered examples, with deliveries expected to commence in mid-2010.

Michael Schumacher on Mercedes GP Petronas

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER:

“Finally the 2010 Formula One season is firing up! I have to say that I am totally committed to this new challenge. This season feels like a re-start for me and I am so motivated. We have a very exciting combination at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. We have a World Champion team in every sense of the word and I cannot wait to get into the car for the first time in Valencia. I am convinced that MERCEDES GP PETRONAS will be in a very good position to fight for the championships this season and I will definitely give it a go. Driving for Mercedes-Benz again is like the closing of a circle for me as I started my racing driver career with the three-pointed star on my helmet. This is another reason why I cannot wait for the competition to get underway.”

Presentation of the new MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One team

Stuttgart Jan 25, 2010 - Today, the new Silver Arrows Formula One works team MERCEDES GP PETRONAS was presented at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Nico Rosberg and seven-time Formula One World Champion

Michael Schumacher along with team management Ross Brawn, Nick Fry and Norbert Haug were introduced to guests with a presentation and press conference.

Over 600 guests, including 200 media representatives and 200 Mercedes-Benz employees, visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum, one of the biggest and most famous car museums in the world, to see the launch of the team and the unveiling of the new Silver Arrows livery. Mercedes-Benz employees from the company’s manufacturing plants in Untertürkheim and Sindelfingen, 100 of whom were invited for their outstanding performances and 100 selected through a popular internal draw, also had the opportunity to take their first look at the new MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team.

The event opened with a welcome speech by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars before Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg presented the new Silver Arrows livery for the 2010 season on last year’s car. The team’s 2010 car, the MGP W01, will make its track debut at the first Formula One test in Valencia on Monday 1 February, with the 2010 Formula One season starting in Bahrain on 14 March.

The new silver and green livery creates a true marriage between the heritage of the Silver Arrows and the team’s title partner PETRONAS. The legacy of the Silver Arrows goes back to the 1934 Eifel Race when, on the evening before the event, the white paint was sanded off the Mercedes W25 race car to fulfil weight regulations (750kg formula) and the silver colour of the aluminium surface of the car appeared. This season, with the return of the Silver Arrows, the MGP W01 will shine in silver combined with a flow of iridescent silver shading. On the nose and on other parts of the car traces of black carbon fibre visible are visible – a reminder of the first Silver Arrow of 1934.