Same mobility and braking performance as conventional-size
articulated buses

Thanks to its four axles (two of which are steering) and the fact that it has just a single articulation joint, the 19.54-metre-long Mercedes-Benz "CapaCity" is able to negotiate urban traffic as easily as a conventional articulated bus measuring some 18 metres in length. Indeed, the 22.85-m turning circle of the "CapaCity" is exactly the same as that of the three-axle Citaro G articulated bus which is "only" 17.94 metres in length; the new "CapaCity" and the Citaro G also have identical "swing-out" values and cornering-track widths. This means that the "CapaCity" is considerably easier to handle than alternative double-articulated or trailer concepts which are currently being offered.

When it comes to braking, the "CapaCity" benefits from the tried-and-tested electronically controlled braking system (EBS) in combination with ABS and acceleration skid control (ASR). Disc brakes on all wheels and independent front suspension are standard.

Easy manoeuvring and reversing

As the Mercedes-Benz "CapaCity" has only a single articulated joint, manoeuvring is far more straightforward and thus safer, too. Unlike a double-articulated bus or one with a trailer, the "CapaCity" is easy to reverse. This manoeuvre is supported in the "CapaCity" by "Omnicam", a camera with a particularly wide angle of vision. Furthermore, a virtual "corridor" on the monitor of the camera system shows the driver the trajectory which the bus will follow if the current steering angle is maintained.

High level of directional stability and road grip thanks to four axles
and pitch/roll control

The "CapaCity" owes its great manoeuvrability to an electrohydraulically controlled trailing axle. This axle configuration also makes for even greater directional stability and road grip, even when driving on the straight. The chassis with independent front suspension as well as pitch/roll control which is provided by varying the response of the shock absorbers, offers excellent levels of safety and comfort. The Mercedes-Benz Bus and Coach unit first implemented pitch/roll control successfully in the Citaro fuel-cell buses (which now number some three dozen) with their high roof loads.
This system adjusts the damping characteristics in accordance with the driving situation and the load status. The resulting firmer damping response during braking or dynamic cornering enhances safety even further, while softer damping makes for a particularly comfortable ride in other driving situations. Furthermore, any pitching, rolling or vertical body movements - which are all the more noticeable in articulated buses - are reduced and eliminated more quickly. Reduced variations in the wheel load also mean less wear and tear on the roads. Together with the independent front suspension, this system enables a degree of ride comfort which sets new standards for the urban-bus sector.
Powerful and economical Euro 4-compliant engine

The "CapaCity" is powered by the tried-and-tested Mercedes-Benz OM 457 hLA 12-litre six-cylinder in-line engine which is situated at the rear of the vehicle and drives the third axle. Economical and clean, this power plant complies with the Euro 4 exhaust emission standard and features BlueTec diesel technology based on the SCR principle. Despite the higher weight of the "CapaCity", the engine output of 260 kW (354 hp) means that the vehicle is able to attain performance and traction values almost identical to those of the shorter, three-axle Citaro G.

As the 19.54-metre length of the Mercedes-Benz "CapaCity" exceeds the current legal maximum of 18.75 m, special authorisation is still required in order for it to be operated on public roads. The German traffic department has assigned a general exception approval in April 2006. You makes possible, that the Mercedes-Benz Capa city center may be occurred without editions in all German streets. Capa city center will with the series production of the Mercedes-Benz start in the year 2007.

Photos and text:
EvoBus GmbH - Mercedes-Benz Omnibusse
Video-Clip:
BusTV