Mercedes’ turbo diesel powerplants have always garnered high praise for their refinement and economy, if not for their outright pace. But now Buckingham-based performance automotive electronics expert Superchips Ltd can rectify this relative lack of urge with the launch of an ECU remap for a range of Mercedes models using the 231 bhp 350 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY engine.
Mercedes-Benz is in the midst of a product renaissance. The CLS started the ball rolling, while the revamped C-Class, SL, new GLK and SLS AMG have kept the world buzzing. However, the new E-Class is the one that matters the most.
Available as a coupe, convertible or sedan, the E hits the broadest point in the company’s line-up. And while the four-door E350 and E63 AMG offer either great value or massive performance at either end of the spectrum, it’s the E550 that tries to balance those two attributes.
FAITHFUL 5.5L V8 DELIVERS THE GOODS
As expected, the E550 differentiates itself by its engine: in this case, a 5.5-liter V8 that produces 382 hp at 6000 rpm and 391 ft-lbs of torque from 2800 to 4800 rpm. It’s still reasonably competitive compared to its rivals and the standard seven-speed automatic transmission allows for a quick 0-60 mph sprint of just 5.2 seconds. The sound doesn’t have the sharp, muscle car roar of the AMG cars, but it is throaty enough.
Fuel efficiency isn’t bad either, with 16/24-mpg (city/highway) being above average in the class. Because of some creative construction techniques, curb weight is relatively svelte at 4,034 lb.
These are the very first images of the new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Apparently these images were accidentally published by Mercedes Netherlands website. The picture above shows the face of the new AMG-styled CL, while the one after the jump is the normal model. Contrary to the rumors, the car is not called S-Coupe, and apart from the LEDs in the bumper, it doesn’t look that much like the S-class! But you know, Internet is not that reliable, so we better wait for the official info!
MERCEDES-BENZ has emerged as the second-best-selling car in Singapore - thanks to a smaller supply of certificates of entitlement (COEs).
In the first five months of the year, 1,913 new Mercedes cars were registered, making it the most popular after Toyota, which still holds a comfortable lead with 3,958 cars sold.
The German brand has traditionally taken fifth or sixth spot in the sales tally.
Victory for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG over some strong competition. In the “Sportiest cars of 2010” readers’ poll organised by the renowned car magazine sport auto, the gullwing model took the title in the “super sports” section.
The very best series-production and performance-tuned vehicles compete against each other on an annual basis in the sport auto readers’ poll; taking part this year were 260 vehicles in 25 categories.
Attracting no less than 17.2 percent of the votes cast, the SLS AMG left all the other super sports cars trailing in its wake. With over 13 competitors from Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain, the USA, Sweden and France – the win underlines just how popular the SLS AMG is amongst the readers.
A total of 10,000 readers cast their vote. Not only did the super sports car from Mercedes-Benz win over the judges’ hearts – it was also victorious when put to the test.
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication and 420 kW (571 hp) plus a torque of 650 newton metres, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a transaxle configuration – not to mention its athletic double-wishbone sports suspension – add up to a unique high-tech blend, ensuring driving dynamics of the highest calibre.
These were very much in evidence at the “super test”, too, which is very highly regarded amongst the sport auto readers and industry experts alike: a lap time of 7.40 minutes on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring is an impressive performance indeed.
“Respect! The Mercedes sports brand AMG has put a magnificent machine on the road” was the reaction following sport auto’s “super test”.
Since its world premiere at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, the SLS AMG has already been showered with a plethora of major awards:
Times like this I wish I would have paid attention in my German classes because I would be able to understand what this guy is saying in the video below of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing in action. Just the other day we posted exclusive images of the new Benz SLS AMG (Gullwing) and now we are sharing a new video release just a couple days ago of the all new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing in its new skin.
Living down under and craving for a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG? Well, guess what? Mercedes-Benz recently revealed how much it would take for an Aussie to own an SLS. Starting at around $464,000, more than 40 SLS vehicles have been paid for, in Australia, and are set to be delivered this August.
Mercedes-Benz Australia Managing Director Horst von Sanden gave out the scoop on the current demand for the SLS in the country, which was far greater than expected. Even while they’re still waiting for the units to arrive and with months to go before deliveries go underway, orders are already piling up fast.
With reservations and payouts flooding in, Sanden fears they may run out of SLS units and not be able to keep up with the year’s demand.
It’s no wonder why the Aussies are so into the SLS. It’s one of the lightest supercars ever to grace the market, and with a racing heritage that it earned from its ancestor, the 300SL Gullwing, it’s a must-have for Mercedes-Benz collectors everywhere.
We all know that the Mercedes SLS AMG is a truly delicious sports car, but what some of us may not know is that there is an even more delectable version in the works. This sinfully delicious version will go into limited production in 2013 and will cost at least 50% more than a standard model.
What’s so yummy about this model? The new Black Series from Mercedes will feature the 6.2-liter V8 engine, but revised to deliver up to 600 hp and 500lb ft of torque done with a few special ingredients such as a larger air manifold, higher compression ratio, reprofiled camshafts, and other unspecified tweaks. Weight’s not going to be an issue with this dessert. The total weight of the Mercedes SLS AMG will be reduced by 50 kilos in the Black Series, so we can expect a sprint from 0 to 60 mph made in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph. Satisfied yet?
Mercedes are currently running two online competitions: 1. SLS Behind The Speed Facebook game Log on to your facebook then head over to http://apps.facebook.com/behind-the-speed/ where you’ll find a game revolving around the new SLS. You can challenge your friends, show how good your braking reaction time is, try fast shifting and much more.
The prize? An awesome PS3 GT5 Racing Rig, plus a special edition PS3 and a copy of Gran Turismo 5 when it finally comes out!
2. GLK – create the print advert Mercedes recently launched a Middle East special edition GLK called the Grand Edition and to promote this, a microsite has been created. Visit that here www.mb-glk.com and you’ll have a chance to design a print advert for the Grand Edition.
The best design wins and will be published in magazines – hopefully including CAR Middle East magazine (!) and the winning designer gets to run the Grand Edition GLK for a month.
What do Mercedes get? Their ad artwork done for free – genius!
Think you’ve seen everything? Well, not yet. You haven’t seen what Binz has been up to. The company got the green light from Mercedes-Benz to build a limo version of the ever-reliable E-Class, and they wasted no time in doing just that.
The outstretched E-Class gains 1.11 meters from its standard length. It gets two additional doors plus an additional row of seats, pegging its loading capacity at seven passengers, excluding the driver. Customers are given the option to turn the 2nd row aft, facing the 3rd row in traditional limo style, or simply get rid of it for a really individualized setup and lots of space. A leather-clad wall is available at the touch of a button to separate the driver from the passenger cabin portions.
Of course, with the longer wheelbase comes a strengthened chassis to increase torsional rigidity. You’ll also have the option to add armoring hardware in case you lead a very dangerous, high-profile life.
Powering the E-Class limo is a choice between the 350 CGI BlueEfficiency, the E500 and the E250 BlueEfficiency. The engine will be electronically limited, meaning the driver won’t be hooning around town while you’re in the office. Available now in Germany.
May 1, 2010. Pune: Continuing the high-octane start of 2010, Mercedes Benz India today announced a sale of 321 units in April 2010 taking the cumulative sales for January- April 2010 to 1603 units. This marks a growth of 80% as compared to April 2009 and 69% as compared to Jan- April 2009.
Category
April ’10
Jan-Apr ’10
April ’09
Jan-Apr ’09
S-Class
22
166
19
124
E-Class
127
788
69
330
C-Class
147
539
86
407
Imported cars
25
110
4
88
Total
321
1603
178
949
Key Points:
Total of 1603 units sold in Jan-April 2010 which is a 69 % growth over corresponding period 2009 (Jan-April 2009: 949units total). During this period E-Class registers 139% growth while the SUV portfolio registered 67% growth.
Total of 321 units in April 2010 marking 80% growth over April 2009 (April 09: 178 units). Significant month-on-month growth in April 2010 for C-Class (71%) and E-Class (84%)
In Jan-April 2010 the New E-Class (powered by 4 engines E350, E 350CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, E250, E250CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) continued to lead the segment and registered 139% growth, while the C-Class reinforced its popularity registering a growth of 32% over Jan-Apr 2009. The SUV’s from the Mercedes stable has received an overwhelming response. In Jan-April 2010 the company sold a total of 92 units of GL-Class and M-Class. In contast there were 55 units sold during the same period in 2009.
Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India commented: “Our intensive customer engagements, aggressive product introductions coupled with deep network penetration and focus on customer delight have ensured that we are the preferred choice for luxury car aficionados. Our sales numbers reflect our traction with the market.”
Mercedes-Benz started the year with the presentation of the SLS AMG at the Auto Expo 2010. In the past four months the company continued its aggressive product launch plans with12 new products introduced since January 2010.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG embodies a blend of consummate automotive fascination and high tech. The super sports car delivers a compelling mix of purist styling, consistent lightweight design and superior driving dynamics. At the same time, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG fully lives up to all the expectations of hallmark Mercedes everyday practicality and optimum safety. In essence, the new ‘Gullwing’ offers the ideal synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG makes for an alluring proposition with its unrivalled technology package: aluminium spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 420 kW/ 571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DINstandard - this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The ‘Gullwing’ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). The fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) puts it at the front of the competitive field (all figures provisional).
Latest internet rumors report that Mercedes will unveil a GT3 version for their newly launched SLS AMG supercar in April at the New York Auto Show.
While there are no official details on the car's specifications, it is rumored that the 6,2 liter V8 engine will be tuned to deliver a minimum 600 hp.
The SLS AMG GT3 will feature a rear wing for more down force, it will loose approx 300 kilos from its total weight, while the interior will be stripped of all luxury such as air conditioning, navigation and upholstery.
When the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class sedan is released in 2012, it will be available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. According to a source contacted by Autoblog, the 2012 S-Class will be hybrid only, except for any model built by the company’s high-performance AMG division.
The only hybrid S-Class currently sold is the S400 hybrid, which is the lowest priced model in the S-Class line. The S400 hybrid starts at $87,950. The current S-Class hybrid gets 26-mpg on the highway and has 295-hp with its V6 engine and mild hybrid assist system.
Autoblog’s source also claims that the current S-Class hybrid is selling well in America right now, particularly in Hollywood. Apparently many of the celebrities who bought Prius hybrids as statements of their dedication to environmentalism are getting rid of them amid the unintended acceleration reports. Many of those affluent entertainers are buying S-Class hyrbids to replace their Toyotas.
Mercedes C63 AMG Front Spoiler borrows accents from the CLK Black Series while maintaining a genuine Mercedes C63 feel, graciously contouring the front AMG factory bumper. In its design, the form follows function while considerably increasing downforce to the front of the vehicle using lightweight carbon fiber.
Mercedes-Benz' F800 Style research vehicle is showing the future of premium automobiles from a new perspective, as the five-seat premium sedan combines highly efficient drive technologies with unparalleled safety and convenience features and an emotive design idiom, which interprets current Mercedes-Benz styling in line with the brand's hallmark attribute of refined performance.
The F800 Style has a spacious interior full of intelligent seating, operating, and display concepts. Another unique feature of the large sedan is an all-new multi drive platform, which accommodates electric drives with fuel cells (enabling ranges of almost 375 miles) as well as the use of Plug-in Hybrids that can drive for up to 18 miles solely on electricity. Both variants of the F800 Style therefore make locally emission-free mobility possible at the level of a premium-class automobile, while at the same time being fully suited for everyday driving and providing a dynamic driving experience.
136-horsepower Mercedes-Benz? What if it were powered by hydrogen fuel cells? Are you so committed to green-car technology that, besides the six-figure price tag, you would put up with zero-to-60 mile-per-hour times of more than 11 seconds?
Well, that is sort of the value proposition behind the Mercedes F 800 Style “research vehicle” that the German automaker is planning to unveil at the Geneva auto show, which opens to the news media on March 2.
Because the F 800 is a concept car — and 13th in a line of what Mercedes calls “research vehicles,” introduced since 1981 — it is likely to change by the time anything remotely like it makes its way to production, which would be at least three years from now.
Four seasons, four personalities – Comfortable: AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop plus AIRSCARF® - Quiet: sound-dampening soft top as standard - Safe: robust roll-over protection and new headbags
The all new E-Class Cabriolet is the latest addition to the successful Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model, which goes on sale in May 2010, features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling. Viewed from the side, the new model is an intriguing proposition – with its clear proportions and a flawless cabriolet silhouette.
In keeping with the motto “four seasons, four personalities”, all-year-round suitability was right at the top of the developers’ list of priorities. With the new E-Class Cabriolet, the cabriolet season lasts the whole year because, while many cabriolets tend to disappear from the roads in the Fall, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (length/width/height: 185.0/70.3/55.2in.) provides driving pleasure and comfort whether the roof is open or closed.
New features include: – The AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop: always on board and easily controllable at the push of a button, it reduces turbulence substantially for all four seat occupants - The modified AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system - The sound-dampening soft top fitted as standard
The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds – even when driving at speeds of up to 25mph. The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel. A retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the trunk area; it must be closed in order to close the soft top. If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the trunk capacity is increased by 3.17 cu. ft. to 13.8 cu. ft. A through-loading feature is included as standard for the new Cabriolet, as is EASY-ENTRY – a manually operated entry and exit aid for the rear passengers.
The power plants for the new E-Class Cabriolet are equally innovative: the engines combine efficiency with effortlessly superior power delivery. The exemplary, low fuel consumption has been achieved because of a number of practical measures. These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tires with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle’s electrical power requirements, plus the crucial factor of outstanding aerodynamics. The Cabriolet’s cd figure of 0.28 is the best in its class, marking a continuation of the E-Class success story in the field of aerodynamics.
An overview of the engines:
E350 Cabriolet: 268 hp / 258 lb-ft. E550 Cabriolet: 382 hp/ 391 lb-ft. Less turbulence, easier to use: AIRCAP® is a world-first
In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced a world premiere in the shape of a draught-stop for the SL model series, followed in 2004 by the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to further enhance comfort in open-top models. Now comes another world-first: the AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button, greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than conventional draft-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet’s flowing side lines remain uninterrupted. AIRCAP® is therefore a classic Mercedes innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe.
AIRCAP® consists of two components: a wind deflector that can be extended by around 2.4 inches with a net in the windscreen frame and a draft-stop between the rear seats.
The functions of the two components: – Elevation of the free flow above the interior - Net at the front increases the basic pressure in the interior - Draft-stop at the rear reduces the backflow
As well as enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing, the reduction in draft when AIRCAP® is activated (it can be activated at speeds of up to 100 mph and remains in use right up to the car’s top speed) reduces the interior noise level – so passengers in all seats find it far easier to communicate.
When the standard AIRCAP® is combined with the optional AIRSCARF®, the system functions like an invisible scarf warming the occupants’ head and neck areas. AIRSCARF® is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.
Mercedes engineers have modified this unique innovation specifically for the E-Class Cabriolet: in this model, an adjustment wheel pivots the outlet nozzle upwards and downwards by a total of 36 degrees over and above the head restraint height adjustment, meaning that the driver and front passenger can enjoy the unique neck-level heating regardless of how short or tall they are.
Quiet, warm and windproof: sound-dampening soft top fitted as standard
Thanks to its sound-dampening soft top, fitted as standard, even the closed E-Class Cabriolet has one of the quietest interiors in the segment for four-seater premium cabriolets with a fabric roof. The soft top’s exceptionally high-quality insulation brings about a clearly noticeable reduction in the interior noise level compared to conventional fabric soft tops. Exterior noise caused by other vehicles and wind noise are therefore absorbed more effectively.
On the road, the difference is audible from speeds of just 50 mph, for example when driving through a tunnel or overtaking a convoy of trucks. At higher speeds, the benefits of the acoustic soft top are even more tangible. For instance, it is possible to have a perfectly normal phone conversation in hands-free mode even when travelling at a speed more than 125 mph.
The soft top is of course waterproof and windproof. Plus it can be put through an automatic carwash without any hesitation. With a total thickness of .9 inches, the fabric soft top offers excellent thermal insulation, meaning that the E-Class Cabriolet is also ideal for use in winter.
Safety: robust structure, anticipatory protection and windowbags
The new Cabriolet offers the wealth of safety innovations one would expect from a Mercedes-Benz model. Highlights of the open-top two-door model include roll-over protection, the A-pillars reinforced by two additional tubes and the plug-in B-pillars. This new model is also the first Mercedes cabriolet to feature headbags.
The roll-over protection consists of two robust bars, each with a diameter of 1.4 inches, which are housed in the rear head restraints in modules behind the rear seat backrests. A tilting cone sensor detects imminent danger to the occupants based on extreme skidding movements or acceleration caused by impact. If this sensor then sends a corresponding signal, pre-tensioned pressure springs are activated by pyrotechnic means, i.e. extremely quickly.
Consequently, both roll-over bars in the rear head restraints are extended. They reach their highest point and are locked automatically within a fraction of a second. In combination with the robust A-pillars, each of which is reinforced with two high-strength steel tubes, the steel bars provide highly effective roll-over protection.
The plug-in B-pillars are extremely robustly connected as they engage in the side skirts, thus offering highly effective protection in the event of a crash. A shoe made from ultra-high-strength steel braces the inside of the B-pillar against the rear seat crossmember.
With seven airbags fitted as standard, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats, not to mention crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class Cabriolet offers the most extensive safety equipment package in this vehicle category. The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds in the event of an accident, include front airbags and sidebags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag on the driver’s side, and headbags. The latter, which appear in a Mercedes cabriolet for the first time, are housed in the door panelling in the beltline area. Covering a wide area – around 2.3 × 1.6 feet with a volume of 17 liters when deployed – the airbags provide extremely effective protection for occupants large and small in the event of a crash. The three-part side protection system – comprising headbag and thoraxbag – optimises the level of protection afforded to individual parts of the body. Rear sidebags are available as an option.
Further exemplary safety equipment available for the E-Class Cabriolet includes ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control.