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For the first time at MOT 2005, Mercedes has released details of a prototype they're calling the "CapaCity," a 19.54 meter urban bus capable of carrying up to 193 passengers.
To give you an idea of how big that is, the Mercedes Citaro G, currently the largest bus in the Mercedes lineup, measures a mere 18 meters, and can hold up to 150 passengers.
Despite the increased length, the CapaCity is able to negotiate traffic as well as the Citaro G. Thanks to four axles (two of which are turning), as well as a single articulation joint, the CapaCity has a turning radius of 22.85m, the same as the Citaro G. The two buses also have identical swing-out values and cornering-track widths.
To make reversing easier, the CapaCity features Omnicam, a system that utilizes a camera with a particularly wide angle of vision. A "virtual corridor" is then displayed on the Omnicam system's monitor, which shows the driver's trajectory if the bus continues to follow the current steering angle.
In addition to the driving benefits, the CapaCity improves the overall ride experience for users. Four double-width doors and a continous low floor throughout the vehicle speed up the loading and unloading times for passengers, while at the same time making it easier for those in wheelchairs and parents with strollers to board and unboard. The new interior of the CapaCity also features a number of new benefits, including added spaciousness and a contemporary color scheme to highlight the prototype's overall concept.
As for power, the CapaCity features Mercedes' 457 hLA 12-Liter six-cylinder in-line engine situated at the rear of the vehicle. Its engine output of 260 kW (354 horsepower) paired with Mercedes' Bluetec technology, allows the CapaCity to attain performance and traction values almost identical to those of the shorter three-axle Citaro G, while at the same time complying with all EURO 4 exhaust emission standards.
No word yet on when or if the CapaCity will start seeing regular production, but stay tuned and we'll keep you updated if we hear anything new.
For more info on the Mercedes-Benz CapaCity prototype, you can check out photos and the complete press release below.
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