Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by FAB Design

FAB Design has finally released some shots of their take on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The latest sports car from the German manufacturer has reached a ‘proper’ upgrade.

The tuner changed the front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and diffuser. They have added a hood scoop, rear spoiler, 20 inch rims, lower suspension using special springs and 40hp of additional performance. The total horsepower is now 611hp. The sprint from 0-100km/h has increased with only 0.1 second to 3.7 seconds.

Any thoughts on the new design of this German sports car?

[Via Autoblog.nl]

Collaboration Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz

Aston Martin

Autocar reports that Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche believes a collaboration between his company and Aston Martin could happen pretty soon. Plans for Mercedes to supply Aston Martin with engines and possibly platforms for future models can be an option. Zetsche said:

Smaller brands need help with new technology and it’s possible we could do things in the future.

We have to wait and see what the collaboration will hold in the future.

2010 Mercedes S 350 BlueTEC

2010 Mercedes S 350 BlueTEC

The new S 350 BlueTEC which is now available from Mercedes-Benz is the most efficient and safest S-Class ever. And thanks to AdBlue® emission control it also offers one of the cleanest diesel models in the world. With combined fuel consumption of just 6.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC) - corresponding to CO2 emissions of 177 grammes per kilometre - the new diesel model is eleven percent more economical than its predecessor. At the same time, the power output is up ten percent at 190 kW (258 hp) and torque is 15 percent higher at 620 Newton metres. In addition, the S 350 BlueTEC already complies with the emission levels which are planned for 2014 with the introduction of the EU 6 standard. Other new features for the S-Class of model year 2010 include Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

2011 Mercedes Vito

2011 Mercedes Vito

The new generation of Mercedes-Benz Vito is a benchmark among vans. Its new drive system is extremely efficient and delivers top performance. The optionally available BlueEFFICIENCY technology offers the utmost in eco-friendly and economical driving. The Vito is also a star in terms of its improved payload and robust nature. Significantly reduced noise levels as well as the new suspension and an upgraded cockpit make handling and controls much simpler whilst also improving the vehicle's ergonomics.

Drive system: extremely economical and clean, optional BlueEFFICIENCY technology

Economic running thanks to low fuel consumption, low emissions thanks to emissions level Euro 5 – the new drive system in the Mercedes-Benz Vito demonstrates just what vans fitted with the latest technology are capable of. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption have been reduced by up to 15 percent compared with the previous models, giving record figures.

2011 Mercedes Viano Official Revealed

The new generation of Mercedes-Benz Viano raises the benchmark for comfort, material quality and efficiency in large-capacity vehicles to a whole new level. The improved interior of both cockpit and passenger compartment sets new standards, as does an efficient new drive system. The vehicle's unique BlueEFFICIENCY technology, which comes as standard, ensures maximum fuel economy and minimum environmental impact. The new suspension offers comfort in conjunction with driving enjoyment and active safety, while the fresh styling of the Viano takes cues from the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car range to give the Viano a character all of its own.

2011 Mercedes Vito Official Revealed

The new generation of Mercedes-Benz Vito is a benchmark among vans. Its new drive system is extremely efficient and delivers top performance. The optionally available BlueEFFICIENCY technology offers the utmost in eco-friendly and economical driving. The Vito is also a star in terms of its improved payload and robust nature. Significantly reduced noise levels as well as the new suspension and an upgraded cockpit make handling and controls much simpler whilst also improving the vehicle's ergonomics.

Drive system: extremely economical and clean, optional BlueEFFICIENCY technology

Economic running thanks to low fuel consumption, low emissions thanks to emissions level Euro 5 – the new drive system in the Mercedes-Benz Vito demonstrates just what vans fitted with the latest technology are capable of. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption have been reduced by up to 15 percent compared with the previous models, giving record figures.

The New Blacked Out and Pumped Up Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing

Germany based tuning firm viz. Kicherer has revealed a whole new tuning package for the new Mercedes SLS AMG Black Edition. A full body matte black foil wrap coalesced with some glossy details such as the center-section of the hood and the new front and rear aprons provides a modified look to the new Gullwing model. The German tuner has also installed a set of 20-inch blacked-out rims with a polished lip to make the car even more attractive and appealing.

The new Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing model has improvised performance alterations that include a recalibrated ECU and a custom sport exhaust system. This custom sport exhaust system enhances the front or mid mounted 6.3-liter V8 engine’s output from 571HP to over 620HP. It also provides for an adjustable sports suspension.

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Details and Pictures

mercedes benz ml63 amg

mercedes benz ml63 amg wallpapers

mercedes benz ml63 amg

mercedes benz ml63 amg pictures

The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG, featuring a powerful 375 kW (510 hp) AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, unveils its updated exterior takes on a more attractive appearance thanks to some subtle but effective changes.

From the front, the eye is immediately drawn to the new bonnet with power domes, and the darkened bi-xenon headlamps with active light function. The rear, meanwhile, also contributes appropriately to the new look: the performance SUV now features darkened tail lamps incorporating a clear-lens design and LED technology. The subtle changes to the exterior coordinate perfectly with the high-gloss, chromed front and rear underguard, and afford the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG an even more powerful and distinctive appearance.

Powerful and torque-laden AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine

Still boasting a power output of 375 kW (510 hp) at 6800/rpm as well as 630 Nm of torque, the Mercedes ML 63 AMG is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). At the renowned International Engine of the Year Awards in 2009, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine took the top places in both the "Best Performance Engine" and "Above 4 litres" categories.

As before, power transfer is taken care of via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes. The permanent all-wheel drive is decidedly sporty: the power is split asymmetrically 40:60 between the front and rear wheels to provide optimum agility. The AMG sports suspension, based on the AIRMATIC package with air suspension, adaptive damping system ADS and automatic level control all-round, provides dynamic performance combined with the hallmark Mercedes long-distance comfort. The generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system, which features internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round, ensures short braking distances and optimum resistance to fading.

The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG comes with 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, which are painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with 295/40 R 20 tyres on the front and rear. As an optional extra, titanium-grey-painted, high-sheen twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels fitted with 295/35 R 21 tyres are also available.

High-quality interior with nappa leather upholstery

As usual, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG is both functional and high-quality: electrically adjustable AMG sports seats finished in nappa leather upholstery, with Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas and multicontour function and heating, are complemented by the AMG sports steering wheel with AMG aluminium shift paddles and perforated leather on the specially-shaped grip area. A nappa leather-trimmed dashboard is also available as an optional extra.

The updated Mercedes ML 63 AMG is available to order with immediate effect and will be delivered to customers from July 2010. It carries a price tag of 105,077 euros (incl. 19% VAT).

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The 2011 R-Class is being touted by Mercedes-Benz as the new generation of its grand sports tourer, a.k.a. luxury crossover, which was first introduced in Canada in the 2006 model year. But the truth of the matter is that the 2011 model is basically a heavily restyled version of the existing vehicle.

These days, image is everything, and the R-Class definitely had an image problem. First and foremost, Canadian car buyers had difficulty figuring out exactly what the R-Class actually was. Was it a lowered minivan, a taller station wagon or a softer-edged SUV, all characterisations that seemed to fit the R-Class in some ways if not all? Second, the vehicle was very large, yet it did not have much road presence, which was largely due to its unassuming styling. In terms of sales in Canada, the R-Class accounted for only 394 units in 2008 and 308 units in 2009 for Mercedes. These numbers mean the R-Class was massively outsold by a four-to-one margin by the GL-Class large SUV and by a 10- to-one margin by the M-Class SUV for the last two years running, a trend Mercedes hopes to buck with the arrival of the facelifted luxury crossover for the 2011 model year.

In reworking the R-Class, Mercedes set out to give the vehicle a much more muscular look, while integrating various styling elements borrowed from its line of SUVs and cars. Gone is the soft-edged, almost feminine look and in comes the new bold corporate face with a larger three-pointed star set in a more upright and rectangular grille. The front end also features the sharpened edges of the new hood and front fenders as well as the now de rigueur LED running lights and Bi-Xenon headlights. The back end has also been redone with a revised rear bumper with integrated exhaust tips as well as LED tail lights. Inside the cabin, the only significant change to the R-Class is the adoption of a new gauge cluster.

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Not too long ago, there was a time when all of the vehicles in an automaker's portfolio weren't required to wear the same uniform. Each model could be its own unique expression of the brand's strengths without being forced to schedule an appointment with the corporate plastic surgeon. Granted, some marques lost a bit of identity with scads of mismatched children running around the lot, but the world's automotive variety pack was considerably more interesting. If you didn't like the face on one product, but wanted to stick with the brand, there were a plethora of options to choose from.

That's not the case anymore. We live in a world of increasingly unified automotive design, and while that's resulted in a few products missing the mark in a big way (we're looking at you, Acura), just as many manufacturers have created some real winners by spreading the corporate face among its progeny. Dodge's decision to share the Ram grille across its line was one of the best moves the company has made in recent history, and Ford and Chevrolet have similarly benefited from strong familial design cues.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

For 2010, changes to the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class are minimal. The SL550 and SL600 receive a standard Sport Package, which includes 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels, sport steering wheel with shift paddles, upgraded front calipers, perforated rear rotors, and tinted head- and taillights. Also new is standard Direct Steering similar to that used on the SLK-Class. The leather-wrapped steering wheel now uses Nappa leather, the navigation system includes an "Economic Route" function for optimal fuel mileage, and Sirius satellite radio includes HD Radio, although coverage is currently very limited in Canada. Prices are unchanged from 2009.

The SL-Class comes in four models. The SL550 uses a 5.5-litre V8 with seven-speed automatic transmission; the SL600 uses a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V12 with five-speed automatic; the SL63 AMG uses a 6.2-litre V8 with seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission; and the SL65 AMG uses a twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 with five-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission. All come with a fully automatic retractable hardtop.

Features on the SL550 include 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, Active Body Control, hard-drive navigation system with Music Register, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, media interface, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, AMG skirt package, active bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights and washers, power-folding heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, rain-sensing wipers, multi-contour leather seats with massage function and memory, Burl Walnut trim, three-spoke leather and wood multifunction steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic column, auto-dimming rearview and driver’s exterior mirrors, auto up/down windows, fabric windscreen, rear luggage belts, Parktronic parking assist, cruise control, Smart Key, garage door opener, TeleAid emergency calling system, tire pressure monitoring system, and first-aid kit.

The SL63 AMG is similarly-equipped, but adds AMG carbon fibre trim, Nappa leather upholstery, Alcantara headliner, leather-wrapped multifunction sport steering wheel, and Keyless Go.

2011 Mercedes CL-Class Facelift

Mercedes Netherlands website accidentally published the first image of the new Mercedes-Benz CL Class and it has soon traveled through the inter-web across the various auto sites. So here is the face of the new AMG-styled CL which looks great and definitely quite different with a facelift.

The premium coupe, as we see, gets a more pointed design and features a new front bumper, revised headlights, LED fog lights, and a sportier grille with a single horizontal bar instead of two. The high-performance AMG model hides under the hood a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 that delivers 544 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque along with an optional performance package capable of producing 571 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Also the V12S will be carried on to the flagship S65 AMG Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz showcases the SLS AMG GT3

Coinciding with the market launch of the SLS AMG on 27 March 2010, Mercedes-Benz AMG is showcasing the gullwing supercar’s GT3 variant. This racing version of the SLS AMG has been developed to comply with the FIA GT3 regulations enabling customers to compete in sprints and long-distance races.

AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz, is entering a new class of car with the SLS AMG GT3: the development, production and marketing of sports racing cars intended for customer use.

“Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a highly competitive racing car. This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer demand for a car designed for these attractive motor sports series. Once again, it demonstrates AMG’s huge experience gained in more than 40 years of motor sports, and its great expertise in the development of unique high-performance cars,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

This new racing version of the SLS AMG is developed and produced by AMG in close cooperation with HWA AG, who are responsible for the DTM racing team on behalf of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports. The HWA team is one of the most successful in international motor sports, having gained 9 driver championships in the DTM and ITC, as well as 2 championship titles in the FIA GT championship.

Brabus Builds One-Off Mercedes SL65 Black Series

Brabus, the modifier house known for its high-performance Mercedes-Benz tunes, has created another one-off Mercedes SL65 Black Series.

Mercedes SL65 Black Series

It decided to go with the covert theme again (the last one was called the Vanish) and named it the Stealth 65. Output is increased on the vehicle's 6.0-liter AMG V12 twin-turbo to a whopping 809 horsepower and 1,047 pound-feet of torque — a whole 148 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque over the stock SL65 Black Series.

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

This morning, a lone image has appeared that shows off the shapely new 2011 CLS' SLS-inspired fascia with LED lighting, dramatically sloping roofline and its newly contoured bodysides. As we saw last week, a bit of comparison work proves that the production car will share the vast majority of its sheetmetal with the CLS Shooting Break (yes, we know... it should be Brake, but we didn't name it) concept that M-B introduced just a few months back.

In fact, the car in the spy shot looks so much like the conceptual CLS hatch that we had to open the two in their own windows the double check what we were looking at. See for yourself. In any case, we're mostly digging this new fastback sedan shape and relishing the idea of a 5.5-liter turbocharged and direct injected AMG-fettled V8 engine underhood.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-class - Spied

Born in 2004, the Mercedes-Benz CLS defines sleek, its elegant body seemingly drawn entirely from the simple sweep of the body-side crease. In the car business, falling in love with a design is dangerous, but we did. As previous spy shots (and one frightening concept said to lend cues to upcoming Benzes) trickled out, we feared the next-generation CLS might be headed in the direction of a Hollywood plastic-surgery disaster.

Although slightly obscured, the most recent photos captured by our spies prove the 2012 CLS will thankfully do without the superfluous forms of the F800 Style concept, although the shape won’t be quite as dramatic as the CLS-shaped sculpture Mercedes trucked to Detroit. The new look does little to quell the debate in our office about whether or not the upcoming car will be an improvement on the last generation.

Our past peek at a car wearing tight-fitting vinyl camouflage had already exposed the modifications to the new design. The nose is reshaped with a larger grille, more sculpting to the front bumper, and bigger headlights. The grille has to grow to match up with the taller hood, raised to provide more space between sheetmetal and hard bits in accordance with stringent new European pedestrian-protection standards. (Relatively speaking, sheetmetal is softer than engine components, and more space between hood and engine ostensibly means less-severe injuries in car/human collisions.) The most controversial aspect of the new shape will likely be the buff new E-class–style rear haunches, which are decidedly outside the standard of conservative elegance established by the first CLS. Like the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the 2012 car is going in a more muscular, angular direction.

2011 Mercedes CLS Caught Virtually Undisguised

One of most anticipated cars to be launched this year is indeed the new generation Mercedes CLS. The company has already showed us how the new model would look like through the new shooting brake concept, but here’s the first pictures of the real CLS sedan caught before an official photoshoot.


As you know the first gen CLS was the first car in the world in form of a four-door coupe, the shape that is still being copied by various manufacturers. And it still looks cool and fresh today, even though it’s like 7 years old. So naturally expectations are quite high from the new CLS, not only it has to retain that amazing style, it must come up with something new and amazing to keep the edge over the competition.

The car make its official debut in a couple of months, so let’s wait until then to judge it. But based on what we see from these pictures, the new CLS seems to have become very fat! It’s become so chubby that those big AMG wheels look almost lost in the fenders. And even though the headlamps have become more normal than the old model’s, the taillights have become crazier. They look like the eyes of the aliens!

Mercedes-Benz reveals price of the new 2011 R-Class

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Mercedes Benz is currently accepting orders for the 2011 Mercedes Benz R-Class that has been recently launched. On offer are nine basic versions with the entry level model being priced at 42,000 euros while the top of the line R 500 4MATIC long-wheelbase version with all the bells and whistles will set one back by a cool 62,000 euros.

The new 2011 Mercedes Benz R-Class has several distinguishing features on the exterior, which includes a horizontally structured bonnet along with wings that has been redesigned, a new radiator grille and surround. The headlamps and bumpers have been worked upon too. Buyers have the option of a chrome insert that has integrated LED daytime driving lights as well as bi-xenon headlamps. The new 2011 Mercedes Benz R-Class has a whole host of safety equipments that come as standard on all models and these includes a PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system, NECK-PRO head restraint systems that are crash-responsive and as many as eight airbags. An in-built system acts to warn the driver if tire pressure deviates from the optimum requirement. The new R-Class also boasts of adaptive brake lights.

Mercedes M-Class Grand Edition Unveiled

The German car-maker Daimler has revealed the 2011 M-Class Grand Edition. The special edition of the premium SUV now sports a bunch of new modifications in the form of some cosmetic touch ups and upgraded equipments.

Starting from its outer shell, the 2011 M-Class Grand Edition features blue-tinted windows, darkened headlamps and LED technology for daytime running, an AMG grille, aluminum roof rails, extensive chrome package and power-dome hood (standard on the ML 450 CDI 4MATIC and ML 500 4MATIC). The SUV rests on 19-inch light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design with tire size 255/50 R19. A stylish set of 20-inch bi-color light-alloy wheels are also available as options. You may chose to paint your Grand Edition in chromite black or diamond white color.

Mercedes-Benz at the Mille Miglia 2010

Mercedes-Benz

It’s Friday ladies and gentlemen, and I must preface this article with a brief disclaimer: if you’re at work reading this, your mood is almost certainly going to get a bit more somber, because right now, as we speak, a caravan of incredibly gorgeous historic Mercedes-Benz models are traversing the beautiful Italian countryside in the 2010 Mille Miglia, and you (we) are missing it. All is not lost, however, because despite our unfortunate placement, we’ve still got firsthand coverage for you from the event, and believe me when I tell you, the Mercedes models on hand are truly a sight to behold.

The festivities for the 2010 Mille Miglia actually kicked off yesterday in Italy, after heavy rain finally gave way to sunny conditions. A total of 15 classic Mercedes-Benz models made the journey to Italy – nine Mercedes 300SL Gullwings, three Mercedes SSK’s, one Mercedes SS, one Mercedes 220A and one W194 prototype I – the largest factory team turnout for the event. Also on hand for Mercedes are ex-Forumla 1 drivers Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.

Mercedes Benz CLS Shooting Break Concept

Mercedes ads a lot of flair to the CLS with this breaking concept car which outputs 435 horsepower.

While a soft spot will always remain for the big and boxy Benzes of yore, its designs like the new CLS Shooting Break Concept that keeps us excited for what’s to come. The design, which is a close indicator of the final model (and even more excitingly, the new CLS sedan), is a significant evolution of the curvy lines of the former CLS with sculpted lines and a new aggressive stance. Engine options will vary from a new direct injection V6 all the way to a 4.6 liter V8 that will deliver around 435 horsepower.

Mercedes-Benz 1st-quarter China deliveries double

Mercedes-Benz was China's fastest-growing premium brand in the first quarter, according to the firm. "We aim to sell more than 100,000 passenger vehicles in China this year," said Joachim Schmidt, an executive vice president at Mercedes-Benz Cars. China was Mercedes-Benz's third-largest sales market in the first quarter of 2010, behind Germany and the U.S., the firm said. In the same quarter of 2009, China had been in sixth place.

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The refreshed 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class gets an E-Class nose job.

Introduced on Wednesday: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Wagon

What is it? A hurried midcycle freshening of some of the more unfortunate aspects of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class “sports tourer.” Help couldn’t come soon enough. And apparently more than a “freshening” was needed for this styling bomb.

BRABUS takes Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series to the next level

Owning a Mercedes-Benz is one thing. Taking it to the next level is another. But how are you going to deal with a Benz that’s already sickeningly fast? We’re talking about the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series. This baby can hit 62 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds, while having the capability to accelerate up to a 198.8 miles per hour top speed.

So what do you do to get such an already impressive machine to become even more impressive. You go to BRABUS, of course. Next to AMG, BRABUS has the means and ends to turn your already out-of-the-ordinary Mercedes-Benz into something that’s even more sinister and death-defyingly powerful.

Brabus Vanish: A Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series with 789-hp

Producing a total of 661-hp from its 6.0L twin-turbo V12, the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series is far from anything but one of the most ridiculously fastest cars to come out of Stuttgart. However, if you’re German tuner Brabus, than too much horsepower is never enough.

Future Infiniti G Could Get Mercedes-Benz 4-Cylinder

The Infiniti G comes with a 3.7-liter V-6, but automakers are turning more toward smaller fuel-efficient engines for even their luxury cars.

Nissan’s Infiniti G will someday be available with a Mercedes-Benz 4-cylinder engine, said Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of Renault and Nissan, in a conference call with reporters this week.

Mr. Ghosn’s informal announcement came after a Wednesday press conference in which Daimler and Nissan announced a strategic partnership.

The use of modest displacement, fuel-efficient engines in luxury and near-luxury automobiles has been common in Europe for many years, but until now United States car buyers have mostly not been offered that choice, nor have they clamored for it. But with a flood of electric and fuel-stingy cars pouring into every level of the automotive market, it appears that efficiency will no longer be the sole province of small, inexpensive cars.

Mercedes confirms C-Class Coupe

Mercedes C-Class Coupe
Mercedes confirmed that a Coupe version for the current C-Class will be unveiled in 2011. It will be produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, next to the Saloon, the Estate, and the compact GLK SUV.

"The decision by the Board of Management to produce the Coupe version of the current C-Class here in Bremen as well represents another important milestone on our way to becoming Mercedes’ competence center for the C-Class and is a clear sign of the trust in the Bremen team’s capabilities and standards," says Peter Schabert, Head of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen.

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Confirmed

Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a new C-Class Coupe to replace its CLC Sportcoupe model sold overseas and partially fill the gap left by the CLK, which itself has become the new E-Class Coupe.The information was confirmed by Peter Schabert, the chief of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany where the current C-Class is built.

"The decision by the board of management to produce the Coupe version of the current C-Class here in Bremen as well represents another important milestone on our way to becoming Mercedes’ competence center for the C-Class and is a clear sign of the trust in the Bremen team's capabilities and standards," Schabert revealed in an official statement.

The new 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is expected to join the rest of the facelifted C-Class range early next year. The car will feature a unique body and styling to set it apart from its Sedan sibling, however, all engines will be shared across the range and there could even be a high-performance AMG version complete with the company’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8.

MERCEDES E-CLASS COUPE CABRIOLET ; new Mercedes convertible

FIRSTDRIVE MERCEDES E-CLASS COUPE CABRIOLET: FOR ALL the modern gadgets and gizmos on offer these days, it was the sight of a simple folding cloth roof that brought a smile to our face at the Mercedes launch, writes MICHAEL MCALEER Motoring Editor

Such a basic bit of technology from a company whose lineage can be traced to the founding father of the modern automobile, might suggest Mercedes is not moving with the times.

Complete tosh: given its chequered history in the last decade of applying some new gizmos that caused more trouble than they were worth, it’s nice to see the three-pointed star is now more selective about which new trends to follow and which to ignore.

After several years of supposed engineering innovation and improvement we can officially confirm folding metal roofs are a flop. The engineering brains behind the auto origami deserve credit. But the price paid in terms of storing that folded mass in an extended rump, along with the extra weight from motors to perform the magic, turns even the sportiest convertible into a metal sloth.

So hats off to Mercedes for ignoring the peer pressure and sticking to the winning formula of folded cloth for its new E-Class coupe cabrio. With the roof up, there’s little difference inside the cabin as the lining is more padded than a luxury mattress. Push the button and 20 seconds later it’s retracted and stowed away in the boot, leaving nothing but clean metal. The great news is it has no impact on the smart lines of the E-Class coupe, except for a missing roof.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG racer

Mercedes-Benz is showing off its new SLS AMG GT3. Basically, they took the hottest car and made it hotter for the racetrack.

It's the racing version of the SLS AMG, and it should start showing up on the circuits next year.

The GT3 race car has a new front skirt with enlarged air intakes. The hood features a central opening for the extraction of heat from the engine and there are side openings in the front fenders. The side and rear windows are made of polycarbonate instead of glass to reduce weight. The windshield might even get the same treatment. There's a carbon fiber spoiler on the rear.

New York Auto Show: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The refreshed 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class gets an E-Class nose job.

Introduced on Wednesday: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Wagon

What is it? A hurried midcycle freshening of some of the more unfortunate aspects of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class “sports tourer.” Help couldn’t come soon enough. And apparently more than a “freshening” was needed for this styling bomb.

How’s it look? Hearselike — still — from the back. An E-Class nose job helps disguise the R-Class coming, but liposuction is still sorely needed to camouflage it going. Even with new taillights and bumper, everything from the C-pillar back remains wrong, proportionately. The interior, which was downright handsome in the lighter optional colors, needed little to improve it -– and that is what it gets. Next time, the interior and exterior design teams should swap assignments.

Mercedes SLK AMG Tuned

Mercedes SLK AMG Tuned
Mercedes SLK AMG Tuned

Mercedes SLK AMG Tuned

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Launched in Majorca

The new four seater convertible from the Mercedes-Benz stable does full justice to the hype surrounding its arrival. Armed with a set of premium features, the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet provides a luxurious and well-sheltered interior. Armed with one-inch thick canvas top with good sealing capabilities and a solid chassis, the convertible presents a whole set of unique qualities, including the new feature called Aircap.

The Aircap is essentially a motorized airfoil that works from the windshield header in association with a power-actuated rear wind blocker that rises with the rear headrests to reduce in-cabin air turbulence.

Apart from the Aircap technology, the car provides an improved version of its Airscarf in-seat neck vents, along with seat warmers and a new HVAC system. The car was launched on the Spanish island of Majorca, where officials assured that the car is a four-seasons convertible for four passengers.

premium Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

That’s certainly the case with the ultra-luxury hybrids out there: the BMW Activehybrid 7 will run you $19,250 more than a 750i, and a Lexus LS hybrid carries a $34,350 premium over an LS460L AWD. With the Mercedes-Benz S-class, however, the hybrid is actually the least expensive variant: an S400 Hybrid undercuts the S550 by $3650.

So even before your first refuel, you’re ahead of the game. And speaking of refueling, the S400 Hybrid gets a not-insignificant 5 mpg better gas mileage than the S550, in both city and highway ratings. Still, its 19/26 mpg figures don’t exactly make it an economy car.
And there is a price to pay in performance. The S400’s 0-to-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds isn’t exactly slow, but neither is it the 5.4-second rocket blast of the S550. Nor does the S400 Hybrid’s big V-6 equal the muscle of competitor hybrid’s V-8’s (their V-8s help explain their higher prices). Still, the S400 is very quick pulling away from a stop, and its powertrain exhibits the same liquid smoothness as the S550. It’s only once you’re moving along that foot-to-the-floor acceleration requests are met with a noticeably less urgent response than in the V-8-powered car. When the S400 is doing its hybrid thing, shutting down the engine as you brake to a stop, restarting when you remove your foot from the brake, the processes are so transparent that the only way to tell is by watching the tachometer.
At $88,825 (before options), the S400 Hybrid is hardly an economy car, nor is its 19 mpg city fuel economy especially green. But the fact that it’s both significantly greener and also a bit cheaper than other S-class models and competitors’ hybrids, make a very strong case for the S400 Hybrid as a smart buy amongst megabuck sedans. And I’d guess that even rich folks are happy when they can both go green and save some green at the same time.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid 81 mpg

Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid was reported that Mercedes-Benz will offer the next-generation S-Class with a plug-in hybrid variant. At the time, insiders said that with the help of weight reduction and aerodynamic improvements, the S-Class plug-in hybrid sedan
will be able to return an estimated 67 mpg.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid, passenger-car development boss Thomas Weber said that the Mercedes-Benz Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid Concept shown in Frankfurt last year could achieve a fuel-economy of 78 mpg. He said that when the large luxury plug-in sedan hits markets it could hit at least 81 mpg (based on the European hybrid cycle).

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

A luxury-class stalwart for many years, the E-Class has been a test bed for technology that eventually winds up in more modest vehicles.

Drivetrain: The starting point is a 268-horsepower 3.5-litre V-6 or a 5.5-litre V-8 snorting out 382 horses that drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission.

-Would you prefer your Mercedes-Benz E-Class with two doors or four?

That's right. This year, one of the German manufacturer's most popular model comes as a traditional four-door sedan and as a new high-fashion two-door coupe.

The ninth-generation E-Class strikes a more ambitious and distinctive form, yet remains instantly recognizable as a member in good standing of the three-pointed-star club.

The new car's roofline also borrows from the more radical-looking CLS-class sedan, which is actually based on the E-Class.

It's a bit of a toss-up as to whether the first E-Class two-door is a visual improvement over the 2009-CLKclass design it replaces.

The new E-Class shows off a cushier interior highlighted by redesigned seats with improved padding and an available massage feature.

E350-designated models come with the familiar 268-horsepower 3.5-litre V-6, while E550 versions offer a 382-h. p. 5.5-L V-8.

Either way, you get standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive on the sedan versions. Seven-speed automatic transmissions handle the shifting duties for the two engines.

Mercedes-Benz's E350 Coupe Rides Like A Six-Figure CL

The silver bullet passed us ferociously and I was left wondering "What kind of Mercedes was that?" It had two doors, an aggressive body kit, four circular headlights and awesome five-spoke wheels.

Did you guess?

Well, it was a W208 CLK430, of course. I adored that car.

Then, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W209 CLK and it was not terribly exciting. Lacking that certain gusto of the original CLK, it did not speak to many male buyers – excluding the Black Series. Soon enough, Brittany Spears was pedaling one around town and I am pretty confident that was equal to stabbing a vampire in the heart with a silver blade.

Fast forward to the 2010 model year. The all-new E-Class made its highly anticipated debut to a lot of critics who said it was an abysmal effort at best. On the other hand, we think it is a great car and its sales would back us up on that claim.

Mercedes set for electric future

Mercedes is preparing for all possibilities as we move towards greater electrification of the car. The F800 concept revealed at the Geneva motor show, although only a research vehicle at this stage, previews a flexible architecture for rear-drive models that could support plug-in hybrids, all-electric and range-extender electric cars, or even those powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

Mercedes has already promised that there will be a plug-in hybrid of the next-generation S-Class. At the Frankfurt motor show last September, CEO Dr Dieter Zetsche said it would be capable of 90mpg and have CO2 emikssions of only 74g/km.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 CGI BlueEfficiency, E550 Convertible

the A208 CLK-Class convertible of 1996 to 2002—this was a masculine-looking car. Today’s recently discontinued generation A209 CLK convertible was more leaning toward the feminine side with nearly 65 percent of purchases having been made by the fairer sex worldwide. With this new A212-generation convertible E-Class (the CLK name exists no more, soon to be followed by the death of the CL name as it becomes the S-Class coupe), Stuttgart wants again to toughen up the image a little for the street version. But not too much.

That is sooo sexist, we know, but it is a real hurdle in discussions with Mercedes experts that cannot be avoided. It’s always strange to us, too, why any premium brand with powerful technology under the hood and racing in its veins sort of shrugs almost in embarrassment at the fact that women buy a majority of this or that model. Do women taint the manly engineer-racer image that much? Does it hurt business? We are left to wonder.

At any rate, we just tested the latest ragtop E-Class in relatively sunny conditions on the mostly German and British Spanish island of Majorca, and she holds up well to those small fairy-tale roads. The 2011 E-Class convertible is still and unavoidably a softer lifestyle purchase, yes, but it’s one a middle-management, manly man can still make without too much concern for his image, even if construction crews might still whistle and call you Cupcake as you pass.

Okay, now that was just plain mean, because we enjoyed the hell out of the open-car lifestyle for these two days and 150 or so miles. We’re not ever going to be 100 percent on-board with the current-look Mercedes edgy face and the rear fender flair action, but we’ll go so far as standing firm at 86.3 percent there, so not too shabby. With this convertible in particular, the straight-on rear view looks a touch chunky in stacked Ferrari California style, which is odd since the top is cloth. But Mercedes wanted people to have semi-decent luggage space with the top open or closed, the cubic feet while open being an awkwardly engineered 10.6 cubic feet. When she’s closed and the plastic roof hamper moves up a touch, it’s a much more useful 13.8 cu. ft. configuration.

And we do, yes, we do prefer thick cloth tops by a slim margin over folding hard tops here at Winding Road. Tempers flair during these debates, but the softies rule.

The versions coming to North America of this body style that completes the W212 E-Class family will be only the 268-horsepower E350 V-6 (tested here as the Euro 288-hp E350 CGI BlueEfficiency) and 382-horsepower E500 V-8. Mark your calendars for mid-May 2010, just in time for summer. Advise your loan officers that you’re looking at around $57,000 base for the E350 and $68K for the E550. Our favorite version of all the engines offered worldwide was for once not the 228-horsepower/398-pound-foot 350 CDI BlueEfficiency (read: the Euro raft of tech touches to save fuel and lower emissions, but non-urea-enhanced as with our BlueTEC with 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet that we still get in the current R-, ML-, and GL-Class, and should be getting in the new E-Class sedan.).