Lamborghini unveils the open version of its latest one-off creation to fervent collectors and enthusiasts at Monterey Car Week

• One-off limited edition of 20 roadsters following the introduction of the coupé, all sold, at a starting price of 2 million euros plus tax
• V12 naturally aspirated engine with 770 hp: most powerful built by Lamborghini, weight to power ratio 2.04 kg/hp
• Lamborghini rear-wheel steering, carbon fiber monocoque and body, advanced aerodynamics
• Touchscreen access to connected infotainment: internet, web radio, telemetry and Apple CarPlay

Following the introduction of the Centenario Coupé, Lamborghini unveils the open version of its latest one-off creation to fervent collectors and enthusiasts at Monterey Car Week in California in occasion of the event 

“The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering”. A natural successor to its coupé counterpart, the Centenario Roadster is also limited to 20 units worldwide and represents a true illustration of Lamborghini’s commitment to advance automotive design to new, inspirational heights.

The Italian icon continues to honor the centenary of its dynamic founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, with this special commemorative series. Designers were given the freedom to create an open design that embodies the progressive qualities of Lamborghini’s visionary founder and shines in an elegant environment. This next level Roadster embodies a new design direction for Lamborghini accentuated by clean surfaces and superb reflections as ‘form follows function’ – true to Lamborghini’s core design DNA. Centenario’s silhouette features low overhangs in the front and rear creating a clean, sensuous, mono-body shape.

“Lamborghini prides itself on the relentless pursuit of experimentation. We are proud to unleash Centenario’s further potential in the form of a classic roadster; the perfect harmony between innovation and timeless design. This unique engineering achievement is a befitting tribute to Lamborghini’s extraordinary past and a preview of its brilliant future. Centenario Roadster embraces the cutting edge characteristics of its coupé sibling and embraces the freedom of a true open-top super sports car for a pure drive experience” Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chief Executive Officer, said.

Aperformance-driven model, this one-off open-top model is built on a carbon fiber monocoque and the body parts are made of carbon fiber.

Known for experimenting with new cutting edge colors, designers developed a special silver exterior color, called “Argento Centenario”, fashioned exclusively for the Centenario Roadster, accentuating its curvaceous profile. To achieve this signature matte finish, designers applied a new high-tech process dissolving the metal while diluting and diminishing the appearance of the metal grain giving it a silky and rich exterior finish.

The car’s enhanced aerodynamic design includes an extending rear wing providing more downforce at high speeds and is equipped with rear-wheel steering for increased agility and stability. A new fully connected infotainment and innovative touchscreen system includes internet browsing and Apple CarPlay for easy use.

Advanced aerodynamic studies were conducted also to achieve maximum comfort for the interior, specifically for the Roadster.Thefront windscreen is shaped to reduce turbulence for the cabin passengers, deflecting the air around and above their heads, keeping the level of ventilation within the cockpit to an optimal level for a sunlit environment. Sleek, frameless windows surround the interior, providing a light and airy effect whileimproving insulation.

Equipped with the most powerful engine produced by Lamborghini to date, the Centenario Roadster’s elegant exterior is matched with the unmistakable power of Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated V12 engine. Excellent power to weight ratio in combination with the optimized aerodynamic design allows toeasily reach 350 km/h, delivering superior balance and maximum stability.

Design and Aerodynamics

The Centenario Roadster is designed by the Centro Stile Lamborghini. Each component is stylistically relevant and actively participates in the improvement of performance in terms of drag, downforce and engine cooling.

Each detail has been refined to reach the best engineering solution for an optimal driving experience also in terms of cabin comfort. This optimal design and function is reached as well with the implementation in the rear wall, in the back of the headrest, of a channel with smooth flow of air from the cabin towards the rear of the bonnet to minimize air recirculation and turbulence within the passenger compartment. The rear wing then benefits from additional aero-load for increased rear downforce.

The body of the Centenario is defined completely in carbon fiber. The front bonnet, scissor door panels and open top roof line are fluent, aerodynamic and organic. The lower parts in shiny carbon fiber are functional, technical and dedicated to aerodynamic superiority, including the front splitter, side skirts, wheel arches and rear diffuser. Air flows through ducts within the front headlight casings and others in the sideskirts and around the wheel arches, improving airflow to the rear radiators and providing optimized cooling.

The prominent profile of the rear wheel arch accentuates the Centenario’s rear-wheel steering. Pirelli PZero tyres, developed specifically for rear-wheel steering, sit on exclusive 20”/21” front/rear rims in forged and milled aluminium. The spokes’ fan shape, accented in carbon fiber, mask ducts extracting hot air from the carbon ceramic brakes, finished with a central-locking wheel nut sporting the Lamborghini shield. 

The integrated rear diffuser dominates the back of the car, its substantial dimension optimizing air flow distribution, maximizing the car’s downforce and aesthetically emphasizing the importance of aerodynamics in the Centenario. The ‘Y’- shaped LED lights stretch the full width of the rear, distinguishing the Centenario day or night.

An extendable rear wing is integrated in body when stationary or at low speeds to preserve the minimalist lines of the Centenario. According to vehicle dynamic conditions and Driving Mode chosen, the wing extends to 150mm and rotates up to 15 degrees for optimal aerodynamic efficiency in high performance conditions.

Power and performance

The highly responsive V12 architecture delivers 770 hp (566 kW) with an engine speed regulator raised from 8,350 rpm to 8,600 rpm. Accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds the Centenario Roadster’s top speed is more than 350 km/h. Braking distance is equally impressive: from 100-0 km/h in just 31 m (102 feet).

Chassis and drive 

The body of the Centenario is built entirely in carbon fiber, with a monocoque and all other body parts and trims in carbon fiber. With a dry weight of just 1,570 kg (3,461 lbs), the Centenario achieves a weight-to-power ratio of 2.04 kg/hp.

The Centenario Roadster adopts Lamborghini’s new rear-wheel steering system. This system increases turning agility at low speeds and requires less steering angle, as well as a reduced turning radius. At high speeds the rear tires turn in the same direction of the steering angle which leads to a virtual increase of the wheelbase. As a result the rear-wheel steering provides increased stability and optimizes vehicle response. In the three Lamborghini driving modes, Strada, Sport and Corsa, the rear-wheel steering heightens the characteristics of each, particularly in lateral dynamics.

The Roadster is fitted with Lamborghini’s magneto rheological suspension and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) providing optimal responsiveness and driver feedback. For a lightweight solution and faster gear shifting, it features an Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox.

Interior – luxury and functionality

Clients can specify their Centenario Roadster to include any color and finish from Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalization program.

The Centenario Roadster on display features subtle and luxurious interiors in light brown Alcantara Terra di California with Bianco Polar leather inlets, stitching and piping as well as detailed cross-stitching on the seats, dashboard and rocker cover.

Functionality and connectivity are essential features including satellite navigation and a high definition 10.1 inch touchscreen. An advanced infotainment system allows for users to browse the Internet, connect to e-mail and social media and use other online applications such as web radio. Apple CarPlay is also included with full functionality for calls, navigation, music and iPhone integration. The infotainment system also includes a sophisticated telemetry function so drivers can record and compare speeds, times, lateral and G force data. Two optional interior cameras allow the drivers’ experiences to be recorded.

20 coupés and 20 roadsters

Just as the Coupé version the Centenario Roadster will be produced as a limited edition of only 20 units to be delivered through 2017. All 40 Centenario models are sold, to collectors and Lamborghini enthusiasts around the world at a starting price of 1.75 million euros for the Coupé and 2 million euros plus tax for the Roadster.

Shown in Monterey in the special exterior color, called “Argento Centenario”, clients can specify their Centenario to include any colour and finish, such as exposed carbon fiber from Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalisation programme.

The Centenario continues Lamborghini’s strategy of producing one-off cars and exclusive limited editions, which allow scope for exploring design and technology possibilities while heightening brand awareness.  Starting with the Reventón and including the Sesto Elemento, Aventador J and Veneno, every car has proved its instant appeal, achieved iconic status, and increased in value. 

USA - MINI will have two world premieres at this years New York International Auto Show.

MINI USA will motor into this year’s New York International Auto Show with two world premieres - the new MINI Clubman ALL 4 and the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. 

With its power transmission to all four wheels, the new MINI Clubman ALL4 offers a superior grip on all types of terrain.  In addition, MINI has developed its fastest, most powerful open-top yet with the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible.

SUPREME DRIVING FUN IN EVERY SITUATION

The addition of the ALL4 all-wheel drive variant once again demonstrates how the reinvented new MINI Clubman offers exceptional versatility. It combines all the advantages of an all-wheel drive system – traction, directional stability and driving – with classic MINI go-kart handling.

The ALL4 system can shift power from the front to the rear wheels in just a quarter of a second. It is also lighter and more compact than previous all-wheel drive platforms for better vehicle handling, fuel efficiency and interior space.

The MINI Clubman ALL4 now offers the highest level of everyday practicality with the addition of all-wheel drive capabilities, making it the ideal primary car in the household.

TOP PERFORMANCE TO OPEN-TOP DRIVING

As the first open-top MINI powered by BMW Group engine technology, the new MINI Convertible is a premium four-seater soft-top convertible that is both practical and customizable for unlimited motoring fun. And when passion for motor racing is the driving force and intense open-air pleasure the goal, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible takes the ideal line from the word go.

Featuring the most powerful engine in the British brand’s portfolio with 228 hp, the second John Cooper Works model of the latest generation combines engine and suspension technology optimized for use on the race track with the extensively refined qualities of the new MINI Convertible. This lends even greater fascination to the vehicle concept of an open-top four-seater with outstandingly sporty performance properties that is still unique in the small car segment.

Like all other MINI models in the product portfolio, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is made for individualization, setting the standard in the premium convertible market.

MINI RECIEVES SAFETY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE RECOGNITION

This week, the 2016 MINI Hardtop 2 Door qualified for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s TOP SAFETY PICK+ award with good crashworthiness ratings across the board and an advanced rating for front crash protection. The award comes after the car earned a good side rating following improvements to its side curtain airbags. The changes boosted protection for rear seat occupants.

On the service side, MINI was honored by J.D. Power in its 2016 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study . The brand ranked #1 among Mass Market brands in customer satisfaction and its total score of 858 also stands above the 2016 luxury segment average. The CSI study is a leading indicator of how customers view their vehicle service experience within the first three years of ownership.

The new MINI Clubman ALL4 and new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will be on display at the MINI stand for the duration of the press and public days in the North Hall #260 of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Caterham Cars continues it's expansion with another new dealership, this time Liege, Belgium.

British sportscar manufacturer, Caterham Cars, has strengthened its presence in Belgium with the launch of the House of Speed showroom in Liege.

Caterham’s new premises is located closer to the centre of Liege and sees pre-existing Belgian dealer, Villers Auto, join forces with Redwater Classic Cars at the considerably larger 500-square metre site.

The dealership will showcase the full European Caterham range, including the Seven 165, the Seven 275, the Seven 355 and the top of the range Seven 485. In addition to catering for new customers, House of Speed also offers Belgian customers a full after sales service, run by a dedicated team of expert Caterham technicians.

The showroom launch was celebrated over the weekend of January 9/10 for specially invited Caterham customers and members of the Belgium Seven Club, with over 200 attendees.

David Ridley, Caterham Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of the new House of Speed showroom in Belgium. Last June, we began our partnership with Villers Auto in Liege and the partnership went from strength to strength.

“With the introduction of this new facility and the revised Seven 355, we’re better equipped than ever to cater for sportscar enthusiasts in Belgium. I am looking forward to working with the team at House of Speed and taking our success even further in 2016.”

Caterham Cars House of Speed is located on Avenue Deponthière, 60 4431 Loncin.

The Mercedes-AMG S 65 cabriolet, the ultimate in luxury barges, but without a roof.

With the new S 65 Cabriolet, Mercedes-AMG is for the first time offering a performance car which combines the impressive power of the 6.0‑litre V12 biturbo engine with the pleasure of open-top driving for four occupants. 

An output of 463 kW (630 hp), 1000 nm of maximum torque, the sport suspension based on AIRMATIC and the exquisite appointments emphasise the exceptional status of the new flagship model in the S-Class family from Mercedes-AMG. 

A new dimension in open-air motoring is guaranteed by the AIRCAP automatic wind protection system, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, heated armrests and intelligent climate control. The three-layered acoustic fabric soft top is available in four colours, and has a very high-quality interior lining in nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre. 

No other car manufacturer in the world offers such a wide portfolio of 12-cylinder models as Mercedes-AMG: The S 65 Saloon, SL 65 Roadster, G 65 off-roader and S 65 Coupé are now joined by the new S 65 Cabriolet as a further high- performance alternative for discerning automobile enthusiasts.

“The customer base for our V12 biturbo engine expects the ultimate in every respect. That is why we are offering a four-seater high-performance convertible with this legendary power unit for the first time. 

The new S 65 Cabriolet sets benchmarks for all relevant criteria: top performance, a breathtaking driving experience and exquisite appointments,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The peak output of 463 kW (630 hp) and maximum torque of 1000 newton metres make for effortlessly superior performance: The Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. 

The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). The AMG Driver’s package includes an increase in the top speed to 300 km/h (also electronically limited). 

Yet it is the unrivalled 12-cylinder driving experience that thrills much more than facts and figures: stylish driving comfort and effortless power delivery combine with great refinement and the unmistakable AMG V12 engine sound.

Key data at a glance

	Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet
Displacement	5980 cc
Output	463 kW (630 hp) at 4800-5400 rpm
Peak torque	1000 Nm at 2300-4300 rpm
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	12.0 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	272 g/km
Efficiency class	F
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.1 s
Top speed	250 km/h*

* Electronically limited

With an NEDC combined fuel consumption of 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres (equivalent to 272 g/km of CO₂), the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Coupé is significantly more economical than all of its rivals.

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

The exclusive carbon-fibre/aluminium engine cover also visually conveys the exceptional strengths of the V12 engine, which will be hand-assembled on the new, additional AMG engine line in Mannheim from 2016. The ultra-modern assembly layout is logistically and ergonomically perfect for the AMG philosophy of “One Man, One Engine”. 

This means that at AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach (production of V8 engines) and in AMG engine production in Kölleda/Thuringia (4‑cylinder engines), each engine is assembled entirely by hand by a single technician in Mannheim. A badge bearing the technician’s signature and attached to the engine is a personal testimony of perfection and quality.

Power transmission with threeindividual driving modes

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission is responsible for transferring power to the rear axle. 

This automatic transmission offers a choice of three individual modes, Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M). 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”.

Design features: High-sheen chrome as a distinguishing feature

The Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet also fascinates with its irresistible, timeless design lines. V12-specific features include the numerous design elements in high-sheen chrome at the front, sides and rear, which are particularly effective in conjunction with dark paint finishes. 

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 in high-sheen chrome.The 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 sides, 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 ceramic high-sheen multi-spoke forged wheels. Their large size of 8.5 J x 20 with size 255/40 ZR 20 tyres at the front, and 9.5 J x 20 with tyre size 285/35 ZR 20 at the rear, emphasises the model’s athletic appearance.

In the closed position, the multi-layered acoustic soft top has the design contours of a coupé silhouette. The fabric soft top is available in black, dark blue, beige and dark red. It can be electro-hydraulically opened and closed while on the move, up to a speed of 50 km/h. Opening and closing take around 17 seconds. 

The soft top is deposited above the automatically extending luggage compartment partition. This avoids the need for any additional closures on the soft top compartment lid, in keeping with the high design quality embodied by the S 65 Cabriolet.

The rear section also sparkles: The AMG sports exhaust system’s two chromed twin tailpipes in V12 design are fully chrome-plated and perfectly 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.

Bodyshell: lightweight and torsionally rigid

The sculptured outside skin surrounds a highly stable structure which is light in weight yet extremely strong thanks to the intelligent material mix. The bodyshell of the new S 65 Cabriolet achieves the same torsional rigidity level as a coupé. 

At the same time the outside skin, the front section and the rear section of aluminium, as well as the use of magnesium, reduce the weight of the bodyshell to that of the current S 65 Coupé. 

The bulkhead behind the rear seats also contributes to this. This serves to rigidify the bodyshell, but also saves weight by carrying the pyrotechnically deployed rollover bars.

Careful attention to detail is also evident in the luggage compartment concept: when the soft top is opened, it folds away into a section of the luggage compartment. The soft top is separated from the remaining luggage compartment space by means of an electrically operated, retractable cover which encloses the soft top. 

This luggage compartment partition extends automatically when opening of the soft top. This means that the driver no longer needs to stop in order to operate the luggage compartment cover manually. 

The partition is not activated if the luggage compartment has been so loaded in such a way that there are objects in the area of the partition. When the soft top is closed, the luggage compartment partition can be retracted by pressing a button in the inner panelling of the boot lid, so as to increase the available luggage space. 

Additional convenience and space benefits include standard-specification electro-hydraulic remote locking for the luggage compartment and a through-loading facility into the interior.

Interior: equipment, quality and ambience of the highest standard

The extraordinarily stylish character of the 12-cylinder model is also obvious in the interior: The S 65 Cabriolet welcomes its occupants with an incomparably exquisite ambience. The sport seats in designo Exclusive nappa leather are a distinctive highlight with their model-specific diamond-pattern layout. The perforations deliberately avoid the areas where stitching features in the nappa leather. 

The result is exceptionally neat contrasting seams and an unrivalled impression of quality. Electric adjustment, a memory function and seat climatisation are standard features. More contoured seat cushions and backrests improve lateral support when cornering at speed.

The fabric soft top has an interior lining completely in DINAMICA microfibre. High-grade nappa leather lines the window frame including the A-pillars, the roof claddings and the sun visors.

Outstanding climatic comfort with the roof open or closed

Maximum climatic comfort is assured by the automatic wind protection system AIRCAP, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, the heated armrests, the seat heating also in the rear, and the intelligent climate control. In contrast to conventional systems, the climate is controlled fully automatically. This means that the driver does not need to select a mode for closed or open top, nor is it necessary to save a temperature setting for these driving conditions.

Sport steering wheel in a three-spoke design

A perfect feel for the car’s behaviour is ensured by the three-spoke sport steering wheel in nappa leather, which has a flattened lower section. It features shift paddles, a distinctly contoured rim trimmed with perforated leather in the grip area, and a metal insert with AMG lettering.

Another typical AMG speciality is the AMG instrument cluster: information on the engine speed, vehicle speed and much more appears on two 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 Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet appears in the instrument cluster.

Lithium-ion battery reduces weight by over 20 kg

The Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet is equipped with 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.

Sport suspension based on AIRMATIC

The sport suspension based on AIRMATIC provides an incomparable driving experience. It has AMG-specific kinematics, considerably tauter elasto-kinematics and new parameterisation of the variable damping adjustment – the driver benefits from more direct responses, and also faster handling responses with a dynamic driving style. The damping characteristics can be preset in two modes: a high level of long-distance comfort or a sporty, stiff setup.

It is perfectly complemented by the electro-mechanical, speed-sensitive sport steering with a constant, direct steering ratio of 13.5:1: this optimises vehicle handling and agility while maintaining driving safety at high speeds. Depending on the suspension setting, the steering characteristics are adapted for more sporty or comfortable response. In either case the driver feels precise feedback from the road surface, and a high level of steering precision.

Ceramic high-sheen forged wheels with fully integrated wheel bolt cover

The exclusive forged wheels of the V12 Cabriolet appeal with their exceptional design, which represents a contemporary interpretation of 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 appears larger than its actual dimensions of 8.5 J x 20 at the front and 9.5 J x 20 at the rear.

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. Three 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 high-performance composite brake system features large brake discs and brake callipers with a grey finish – red calipers are available as an optional extra. 

A ceramic high-performance composite braking system with 420 x 40 mm discs at the front and 360 x 32 mm discs at the rear is optionally available. This is around 40 percent lighter in weight. The lower unsprung masses improve driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort.

Extensivestandard equipment with head-up display and touchpad

The extensive range of standard equipment for the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet 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 float on the bonnet at a distance of about two metres from the driver. 

The innovative 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 new S 65 Cabriolet is available with numerous innovative assistance systems that make driving even more comfortable and safe. “Intelligent Drive” systems include PRE-SAFE^®Brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Brake Assist BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS features distance and collision warning functions with adaptive Brake Assist, offering protection against collisions from just 7 km/h, plus an additional function: when a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to more than 100 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. 

At speeds of up to around 50 km/h the system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to around 40 km/h.

The preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE^®has also been extended. As PRE-SAFE^® PLUS, it can now also recognise an imminent rear-end collision and warn following traffic by activating the rear hazard warning lights at a high frequency. 

When a danger of collision persists, the system can “lock” the brakes of the stationary vehicle prior to a rear-end collision and activate the PRE-SAFE^®belt tensioners immediately before impact. This action minimises the risk of whiplash injury by reducing the forward jolt caused by the impact, and ensuring that the occupants are in the best possible position.

Standard equipment for the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet includes the following (selection):

• Exclusive package incl. upholstery in designo Exclusive nappa leather
• Headliner in nappa leather / DINAMICA microfibre
• LED Intelligent Light System
• 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, PRE-SAFE^® PLUS
• Seat Comfort package for driver and front passenger
• KEYLESS-GO package

In the UK, the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet can be ordered from 4 April 2016, with the first cars in Mercedes-Benz retailers in the summer.