Autoblog

Mercedes delivers new Popemobile in Rome

Dan Roth — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities, Specialty

Catholics already have a celebration in December in honor of a figure with a nine-month gestation, and that's exactly how long it took the latest Mercedes Benz Popemobile to go from conception to delivery. While The Messiah arrived in a manger, the new Popemobile was delivered by company head Dieter Zetsche, who said "It is an honor for Mercedes-Benz to be accompanying His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on his future journeys with our new Popemobile."

The new Popemobile is based on the latest M-Class, though the Pope's new SUV features reduced ride height to easier shipment of the vehicle, which happens frequently. The vehicle also features improved visibility and lighting for the Pontiff, which presumably went over well at the vehicle's public debut in Rome at this year's celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Look closely, and you'll see Mercedes-Benz three-pointed stars hanging from lighting fixtures, too. This latest Popemobile continues the trend of Daimler supplying papal transport, a legacy that stretches back 80 years, so look for the Diamond White modified M-Class the next time you see the Holy See. Scroll down for the press release below.

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Mercedes delivers new Popemobile in Rome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault donates all-electric Popemobile to His Holiness

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc., Europe, Renault, Electric

Popes know how to travel in style, as the long list of iconic Popemobiles can attest to. In recent years, His Holiness Benedict XVI - aka the "Green Pope" - has been trying to clean up those bubbly vehicles with alternative powertrains. He wanted a plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz or a solar-powered car, but those have yet to come to fruition. In July, the Vatican did get an all-electric vehicle from NWG Zero.

The latest holy roller is a new all-electric vehicle from Renault. Modified with help from Gruau, the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. was donated to the Vatican by Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn at the Holy Father's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. The Pope's bodyguards can ride in EV style, too, since Renault donated a second EV, that one decked out in blue and white, to the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City.

The EVs use lithium-ion batteries for an estimated range of 105 miles on the lenient European NEDC test cycle. The interiors "are fitted with two particularly comfortable separate seats at the rear," says Renault. The roof opens, too, in case His Holiness would like to stand and wave at people who don't get free electric cars.

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Renault donates all-electric Popemobile to His Holiness originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz working on M-Class Hybrid Popemobile

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Europe, Government/Legal, Mercedes-Benz, Police/Emergency, Specialty

The Papal motorcade is packed with new cars, but the most famous of them is the Popemobile. Typically based on a Mercedes-Benz sport-ute, most recent examples have been modified versions of the G-Wagen or M-Class (like the one pictured above).

His Holiness has vocalized his desire for an all-electric vehicle, even a solar-powered one. But while moving all that bulletproof glass around on battery power alone might require no less a feat than an act of God, he may be about to get the next best thing.

Reports indicate that, at Benedict XVI's request, Mercedes-Benz is preparing a hybrid Popemobile based on the new M-Class. The vehicle would allow the pontiff to be chauffeured around on electric power at parade speed for up to 16 miles before the gasoline engine would need to kick in, a benefit similar to that enjoyed by neighboring head of state Prince Albert II of Monaco in his Lexus LS 600h L.

President Obama may not have gotten his wish with a hybrid Cadillac One, but we could be looking at a new trend in parade transportation for the wealthiest of public figures.

Mercedes-Benz working on M-Class Hybrid Popemobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile

Zach Bowman — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Luxury

1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile - Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time when the Pope set about cruising the world in class and style. While we'll have no part in arguing the functionality of the current Popemobile, the machine simply can't hold a candle to the classy lady you see above.

This particular 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet was built specifically for Pope Paul VI and served three additional pontiffs before getting mothballed in 1985. Why do you care, you ask? Because this particular piece of motoring history is headed Stateside for the very first time as part of this year's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance celebrations next month.

Mercedes-Benz has dug the unique 600 out of storage just for the event. Aside from the standard air-ride suspension, power brakes and heating and air conditioning, this particular model came equipped with bullet-proof glass and a unique rear seat that could be raised and lowered so that the Pope could be more easily seen by crowds.

The 2011 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance kicks off on March 11 and runs through the 13th, featuring classic vehicles from all over the globe. Hit the jump to check out the press release.

Gallery: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile

Live photos copyright (C) 2011 Michael Harley / AOL

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Coming to America: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile

Coming to America: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pope Benedict wants... solar-powered electric Popemobile?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Technology, Specialty, Electric

Pope Benedict XVI is quickly becoming known as the "Green Pope." During his time at the top of the Catholic Church, His Holiness has made a point to preach sustainable energy, and he's backed up his words with actions. In 2008, photovoltaic cells were installed on the roof of a Vatican auditorium, and in 2009, a solar cooling unit was added to the Vatican cafeteria.

The Washington Post is now reporting that Pope Benedict wants to take another step towards a greener footprint with a solar-powered Popemobile. The Vatican says that a solar Pope transporter would be a rolling tribute to the Pontiff's message to promote sustainable energy. But while the Pope's idea is a good one, so far there apparently are no automakers willing to take on the task.

The German firm SolarWorld, which installed the cells atop the Vatican auditorium, says it can build the Pope an electric solar car, but marketing boss Milan Nitzschke claims that a major hurdle is getting the Vatican security to sign off on such an endeavor. There are apparently concerns about a solar Popemobile having enough speed to take off if there are any security incidents. Nitzschke says that power won't be an issue, but with a huge bulletproof dome atop a vehicle that's bound to weigh several thousand pounds, we're thinking range could be a problem as well.

Is a solar Popemobile possible? Of course, but it may not sport large areas of solar cells atop the Pope's bulbous sled. It may be more practical to have an electric Popemobile with large yet portable solar cell arrays that can plug in and charge the vehicle when it isn't on the Papal parade route.

[Source: The Washington Post | Image: Josep Lago/AFP/Getty]

Pope Benedict wants... solar-powered electric Popemobile? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Pope gets a new Mercedes G500 Popemobile

Chris Tutor — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz

The Pope's got himself a new ride, and boy is it, uh, white. Mercedes announced today that they have given his Holiness a highly-customized G500. Like previous Popemobiles, the G500 has a folding windscreen, and handrails and steps in the rear for entry.

The Vaticanmysitc white interior matches the Vaticanmystic white exterior which, we assume, matches the Pope's Vaticanmystic white robes.

Mercedes says the topless G500 will be the Pope's fair weather car and the S-Class in the Vatican garage can be summoned for less sunny driving.

Read the company's full press release after the jump, and click on the photo for high-res images.

Gallery: 2007 Popemobile

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading The Pope gets a new Mercedes G500 Popemobile

The Pope gets a new Mercedes G500 Popemobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: GoldenPalace.com Popemobile

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc., Hatchback, Volkswagen

It's ba-ack. The VW Golf that drew 8.5 million hits the first time it appeared on eBay is back on the block. That was almost two years ago in May of 2005, believe it or not. In case you don't remember, this 1999 Volkswagen Golf was the personal conveyance of then-Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, until shortly before his ascendance to Popehood. The Cardinal sold the car and it ended up in the hands of one Benjamin Halbe, who had no idea who the former owner was, but hit the jackpot when Ratzinger became Pope. The 6-year-old grey car sold for almost €190,000 when press-hungry GoldenPalace.com decided they had to have it. Well, apparently the novelty has worn off and it's time to shed the vehicle from their collection of oddities.

GoldenPalace.com has put the VeeDub up for sale and promises that the proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity Great Britain. They also say that the car has not been driven since it was bought in 2005, so mileage should still be around 75,000 KM. In case the lucky bidder decides to drive the car, they should know that it has been started and features a 5-speed manual transmission, AC, PW, PL, tilt steering, cassette stereo, alloys, ABS, dual front airbags, side airbags, safety belt pretensioners, and presumably, God as your co-pilot. With more than eight days left, the bidding is already over $55,000.

[Source: eBay via German Car Scene]

eBay Find of the Day: GoldenPalace.com Popemobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The real Holy Roller: DUB's crucifx-bedecked Blessinem wheels

Chris Tutor — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket

Holy Dub! These Blessinem 24s are perfect for the WJWD (What Woud Jesus Drive) crowd: chrome, oversized rims with crosses. We think this might have been one of the things Nostradamus predicted would happen before the end of the world. Can I get an amen?

So who might be interested in letting their wheels do their witnessing? Jerry Falwell? President Bush? Check after the jump to see one logical possibility.

[Source: MHT Wheels via Winding Road]

Continue reading The real Holy Roller: DUB's crucifx-bedecked Blessinem wheels

The real Holy Roller: DUB's crucifx-bedecked Blessinem wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Papal Power: VW presents Pope Benedict with 450HP Phaeton

Alex Nunez — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 17:23:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Volkswagen

The Pope has a new set of wheels. VW's head honcho, Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, has presented Pope Benedict XVI with a customized long wheelbase W12 Phaeton. The car is trimmed out to maximize the Holy Father's privacy, comfort and security (translation: it's armored) as he's shuttled about in the 450-horsepower super-sled.

More photos of the presentation of the car to the Pope can be found after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Papal Power: VW presents Pope Benedict with 450HP Phaeton

Papal Power: VW presents Pope Benedict with 450HP Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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