Mercedes Benz Blog
Väth V58 turns up the wick on Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG to the tune of 565 HPFiled under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz 
Väth V58 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is already a fierce little roadster, what with its 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 cranking out 355 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. But for those who want something a bit more bonkers, the folks at Väth have just the solution, by way of the V58 - an SLK55-based beastie that produces - get ready - 565 hp and 568 lb-ft, gains of 210 and 192, respectively. Holy moly.
How does such a thing come to life? Väth starts by upping the Merc's engine displacement to 5.8 liters and adding things like a new compressor, new pistons, high-grade steel catalysts, a sport air filter and much more. In addition to these mechanical tweaks, the engine's electronics have been re-calibrated, and the end result is an SLK that will max out at 193 mph. To manage all of that added power, a new set of high-performance brakes have been added up front. Vath also offers a locking differential and a new fuel cooler as optional upgrades.
Other exterior changes include hot new 19-inch wheels and a custom suspension that can be lowered anywhere from 20 to 65 millimeters, depending on user specification. An aerodynamic package is also on hand, featuring a front lip and rear diffuser made of carbon fiber. Inside, Väth has added the usual decorative touches to the climate control system, ashtray, shift gate, shift knob, door coatings and seat adjustment controls.
Naturally, all of this extra kit comes at substantial cost, and for all of the upgrades that we've listed, you'll need to shell out €55,512 (that's just over $75,900 based on current exchange rates). For that price, you could buy two SLK55s and tie them together, but there's no doubt that the Väth creation would provide buckets and buckets of fun. Hit the jump for the full details in Väth's press release and check out our high-res gallery below.
[Source: Väth]Continue reading Väth V58 turns up the wick on Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG to the tune of 565 HP Väth V58 turns up the wick on Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG to the tune of 565 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes SLS AMG Roadster final form revealed in patent drawings?Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster patent images - Click above for image gallery
Not that there's anything new to report from last week, when we saw a prototype Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster at the factory in Affalterbach, but if you're the type that gets giddy over sketches then these are for you.
As sussed out by Auto Bild, these images are said to be German patent office filings for the roadster. Apparently they sneaked out for a stein one evening and were lured back to the home of the Internet. While it's true that black-and-white drawings can only tell you so much about a car, we're thinking we might enjoy having the top down on this even more than we enjoy the coupe. Maybe. Either way, you can see it from every angle and judge for yourself in the gallery of images below.
[Source: Auto Bild (translated)]Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster final form revealed in patent drawings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes-AMG Driving Academy picks up dates for 2010, adds SLS and Pro-level coursesFiled under: Etc., Safety, Mercedes-Benz 
AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock - Click above for high-res image gallery
What do you do after hitting success with a trial product? Bring it back and make it bigger, of course. That's just what Mercedes-Benz has done with its AMG Driving Academy, a program that our own Editor Paukert attended the course last fall at Lime Rock to his great amusement and education.
This year's courses will put participants in the Mercedes E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and, new for this year, the SLS AMG gullwing. After working your way up through Basic and Advanced courses, you're ready for Top Gun testing in the new Pro level course, which means an "intense curriculum" and open lapping at Road Atlanta. Follow the jump for all that goes on this year's academy including dates and locations, and have a look at what you can be doing in the gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Mercedes-AMG Driving Academy picks up dates for 2010, adds SLS and Pro-level courses Mercedes-AMG Driving Academy picks up dates for 2010, adds SLS and Pro-level courses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFirst Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er)Filed under: Convertible, Mercedes-Benz, First Drive, Luxury 
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery
Convertibles have long been something of an acquired taste. Devotees steadfastly defend the unique sensation of elemental motoring that can only come when plugged in to one's surrounding breezes, noises and smells. Conversely, detractors have traditionally lambasted droptops for their lackluster foul weather performance, added weight, vulnerability, and creaky, ill-handling platforms. And while the naysayers may have had a point in the era of tonneau-covered British roadster pilots with their tepid heaters, dubious structural rigidity and leaky, masochistic roof mechanisms, modern topless numbers like this 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet give lie to the idea that convertibles make lousy year-round companions.
Follow the jump to find out why.
Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er) First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Daimler dumping stake in Tata MotorsFiled under: Mercedes-Benz, Tata 
Daimler has been hit hard by the weakening global demand for luxury automobiles, as evidenced by the German automaker's larger than expected 2009 losses and the company's decision to cut its dividend for the first time in 14 years. Automotive News reports that Daimler is looking to raise money to rebuild its business in developed regions by selling its 25.6 million shares of Tata Motors stock. The move would reportedly net the German automaker an estimated $429 million, four to seven percent below market value. Shares of Tata Motors stock are up 19 percent since February 26, so Daimler stands to earn some serious coin from the share sell off.
AN quotes Juergen Pieper at Metzler Equities as saying "we certainly now have as a priority turning around the mature markets and then China. This is certainly now a higher priority for Daimler than India." And while Daimler is selling, it appears that Tata isn't buying, stating that its collection of companies isn't interested in purchasing the shares. Daimler is looking to sell the stocks on the open market in block deals, which moves large amounts of stock at once.
Daimler's break from Tata will be likely be a clean one considering the two companies reportedly don't have any joint ventures or collaborative projects in the pipeline. Analysts reportedly don't foresee Daimler's sale of Tata shares affecting the Indian automaker's stock price.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Sascha Schuermann/AFP/Getty Images Report: Daimler dumping stake in Tata Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Mercedes to launch B-Class-based hatchback, CUV in U.S.Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric 
Mercedes-Benz B-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery
Here in the United States, the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio starts off with the C-Class sedan. Those familiar with the alphabet may realize that there are at least two available letters before 'C' that would theoretically allow the German automaker to offer something a bit less expensive before graduating up the ranks to the likes of the E-Class and S-Class, in all their assorted variations.
Wouldn't you know it, Mercedes has seen fit to fill those two pre-C-Class slots with A- and B-Class ranges across the Pond (okay, so Canada gets the B as well), and we've been hearing rumblings for quite some time that one of these models might make its way Stateside before too long. Those rumors gain new traction today with this report from Automotive News, which suggests that a compact car and a "small SUV" (read: crossover) may soon be in the offing in the U.S.
AN says that Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the next version of its B-Class in Europe in 2011, and that's the likely candidate for conversion to be sold here in the States. Included amongst the powertrain options will reportedly be some kind of fossil fuel alternative, perhaps either an electric version or one powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
All of this news would seem to gibe with what Autoblog sources within MB have told us in recent days. While earlier reports indicated that the recently launched F 800 Style concept sedan was an indicator of the next CLS or E-Class, we now understand that the Geneva Motor Show star is actually more of a hat-tip regarding the next C-Class, a vehicle that is slated to grow slightly in order to better accommodate new models slotting in below it. Incidentally, we hear that the F-800's controversial snout is in fact a near match for the next-gen E, and that America could receive a sedan version of the rumored B-Class lineup as well.
So, when might we expect all this to go down? Depends. Says Joachim Schmidt, sales and marketing chief at MB, "The behavior of Americans depends on fuel prices. Nevertheless, we see a trend also toward fuel-efficient cars."
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]Report: Mercedes to launch B-Class-based hatchback, CUV in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuper Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door formFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz 
2010 Brabus E V12 Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been several days since we left the Geneva Motor Show and we're still finding cars that we somehow missed out on the floor. We especially don't know how we managed to skip this bad boy in the Brabus booth, as it should have been nearly impossible to miss. It's called the E V12 Coupe, and it's got 800 horsepower. Enough said.
There's nothing new about Brabus stuffing a V12 into an E-Class. They've been doing it since 1996, and have been making twin-turbo models since 2003. The latest version is based off of the new E Coupe, and it's a much prettier car than the awkward looking E V12 Black Baron that we saw in Frankfurt. Fortunately it does share the same engine - a 6.3-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 800 horsepower and 1047 lb-ft torque. Brabus quotes a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 230 mph, and judging from the performance of their previous cars we are inclined to believe them.
Besides the engine, the E V12 Coupe also comes with larger brakes, a Brabus-spec coilover suspension system, 19-inch wheels and more carbon fiber than you can shake a stick at. The front spoiler, grille, front and rear fenders, rear diffuser, intake system, interior trim and seats are all made from the lightweight material. What is all of this going to cost you? 478,000 Euros - approximately $650,000 using today's exchange rate, or more than 13 E-Class Coupes.
[Source: Brabus]Continue reading Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFinal three World Car of the Year finalists announcedFiled under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Diesel  The votes from 59 international journalists have been counted and the finalists for World Car of the Year have been named. The Detroit News is reporting that the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have made the final cut, and the three vehicles will go toe-to-toe on April 1st (no foolin') at the start of the New York Auto Show, which is where the World COTY award is announced.
On the performance vehicle front, the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California are jockeying for the big prize. We feel sorry for the judges who have to choose from among these three junkers, but we're sure they'll somehow make it fun for themselves.
Design finalists are the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro, and from the green category we have the previously mentioned Prius, the Honda Insight and Volkswagen's BlueMotion diesel offerings. Check back on these pages to see the winners of the individual categories when they are announced in New York on April Fool's Day.
[Source: The Detroit News]Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terrorFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz 
Carlsson C25 - Click above for high-res image gallery
We have to admit that we were a little disappointed when we saw the Carlsson C25 in person. The finished product doesn't seem to quite have the ultra-aggressive look of the original concept sketches. It could also be that we're not huge fans of the silver, black and orange paint scheme, nor of the brown and orange interior. In Carlsson's defense, the color combination was chosen by their customer, and we'd like to see another version in a solid color and a better choice of interior hues before we declare a verdict.
Even so, the C25 is an impressive beast. Under the hood is a Carlsson-built 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 753 horsepower and 974 lb-ft of torque, good for a conservatively listed 3.7 second sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of just under 220 mph. To also appeal to potential clients, Carlsson has made exclusivity a top priority, limiting production to just 25 units and selling only one example in each country where they're available. As is proven by the car you see here, customers can choose from a near-limitless range of exterior and interior color combinations. Hit the jump for more details on the Carlsson C25 or browse through the gallery of live photos below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror Geneva 2010: Carlsson C25 is a 753-horsepower twin-turbo terror originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Mansory Limited Edition G-Couture is anything butFiled under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
Mansory G-Couture - Click above for high-res image gallery
If there's one thing we can say about Mansory, it's that they sure aren't afraid to try new things. A pink Bentley? Sure. A blue and gold Rolls-Royce Ghost? Why not? Then there's this highly modified G55 AMG built in cooperation with fashion designer Philipp Plein named the G-Couture. With a production run of just seven examples, this heavily modified Benz will only be available to a limited few. Truthfully, it's probably better that way.
While we aren't necessarily against fully cladding a G55 in carbon fiber, our hesitation with the G-Couture is less about the concept and more about the execution. The front end particularly looks overly-styled, and the unpainted fibers seem more appropriate on a sports car. We can, however, appreciate the upgrades done underneath the hood. Mansory has boosted the supercharged V8 to 700 horsepower and 649 lb-ft torque. Necessary? Of course not, but impressive nonetheless. Hit the jump for more details about the G-Couture, or check it out in all its carbon fiber glory in the gallery below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Mansory Limited Edition G-Couture is anything but Geneva 2010: Mansory Limited Edition G-Couture is anything but originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style concept ladels on the tech and glitzFiled under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style
Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style - Click above for high-res image gallery
While most automakers have scaled back their auto show vehicle press introductions due to budgetary cutbacks or newfound modesty, Mercedes-Benz hasn't forgotten the value of theater. As part of its press conference today showing off several models, the Three Pointed Star kept it flashy with dancers who tubed and bungied in from the ceiling, not to mention the lights blaring debut of the SLS AMG F1 safety car with Messrs. Rosberg and Schumacher inside. Peeling back the frosting, the real focus of Benz's show is this car, the F 800 Style concept.
Said to preview the next CLS, the F 800 Style is a plug-in hybrid with a 272-horsepower gasoline-fed V6 engine. Together with the electric motor, the combination is said to be good for over 400 horsepower and incorporate an electric-only range of 18 miles. Benz also says that the F 800 Style could incorporate a fuel cell powertrain.
The five-passenger sedan looks quite tidy in person, with a shorter tapered trunk than the current CLS, and indeed, the entire concept appears smaller than the aforementioned, with a bluffer face that is said to presage the new face of Mercedes. When viewed in profile, the front looks almost Maserati GranTurismo.
In addition, the F 800 also shows a future derivation of Benz's COMAND all-in-one interior control system that includes a touchpad console. Unlike the production touchpad application in the new Audi A8, the F800 also employs a camera that "...records video images of the user's hand as it works the pad. The live image of the hand is presented in transparent form on the central display above the center console." Uh-huh.
The F 800 also features an evolution of the company's Distronic Plus system that is optimized for use in traffic jams as well as a 360-degree implementation of its Pre-Safe system that monitors for rear impacts. If it senses an impending rearward crash, the system applies the brakes to prevent the car from being pushed forward into other vehicles or pedestrians, though the driver can take control of the vehicle and override the system by hitting the accelerator should that be the safer option.
Live Photos: Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Geneva 2010: Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style concept ladels on the tech and glitz Geneva 2010: Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style concept ladels on the tech and glitz originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFirst Live Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety CarFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Safety, Mercedes-Benz 
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Safety Car live shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
During our tour of the Mercedes-Benz AMG facility in Affalterbach, Germany this morning, we spotted this track-ready SLS AMG Safety Car hanging out, and we couldn't resist snapping a few photos.
As we reported earlier, the SLS AMG F1 Safety Car is, for the most part, mechanically unchanged from the street-ready version, save its slightly augmented tailpipe. From there, Mercedes-Benz has outfitted a new carbon fiber hood with front-mounted camera, an all-LED roof light bar, and a rear number plate with an integrated camera.
Checking out this SLS Safety Car in person only has only made us more excited to see it put to good use during the Formula One season, and it brings back fond memories of our time spent flogging the 2011 SLS on both the track and street. Hot stuff. Click through our attached gallery to see high-res shots of the car in the flesh.
Photos Copyright (C) 2010 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.First Live Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS roadster spotted in AffalterbachFiled under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz 
2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery
Our man Chris Paukert had a layover in Germany this weekend on his way to the Geneva Motor Show that included a visit to the headquarters of AMG in
Affalterbach. While there, a prototype SLS AMG Roadster made a suspiciously timed pass and pause while he and other journalists were walking around the compound. No matter the motivation, our man Paukert snagged a brace of shots and says that the droptop is expected to arrive as a 2012 model.
Aside from the folding top in place of the upward swinging gullwing doors, not much else is expected to change. Paukert got off-the-record confirmation from a company official, however, that the roadster will not immediately receive the new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 that is going into the 2011 S63 sedan. Instead, it will carry over the 563-horsepower, normally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 already on sale in the coupe.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS roadster spotted in Affalterbach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 gets smaller but more powerful 5.5-liter biturbo V8Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 showcar - Click above for image gallery
We're here in Affalterbach, Germany this morning for a Mercedes-Benz AMG tech day ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, and while we have yet to get a tour of the facilities, we already have some news - the 2011 S63 AMG will receive the company's all-new 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 engine, as well as the SpeedShift MCT seven-speed gearbox already on offer in the E63 and SL63.
Even though it's down on displacement compared to the outgoing 6.2-liter engine, the M 157 generates more power (544 horsepower in 'standard' mode, 571 with the optional performance package) and more torque (586 pound-feet or 660 lb-ft. with the optional performance pack). And despite the change in engine size, the big sedan's S63 moniker will remain.
MB chairman of the board Volker Mornhinweg has also confirmed to Autoblog that the U.S. market will indeed receive start-stop technology despite the fact that its efficiency gains aren't really recognized by the EPA's fuel economy testing methodology. Even so, the user-defeatable fuel-saving measure ought to pay dividends in city traffic, which is important because cities like Los Angeles and New York are prominent AMG markets.
Despite offering an embarrassment of performance, the S63 will also cut fuel consumption by an astonishing 25 percent, thanks in part to clever programming of its SpeedShift gearbox and a driver-selectable 'Controlled Efficiency' program, an eco-mode that, among other things, instructs the transmission to always start in second gear, shift up as quickly as possible, and remain in higher gears whenever possible. In addition, the Intelligent Generator Management System employed on the E63 is also used to funnel kinetic energy back into the battery, and there is a new generation of cylinder deactivation technology at work as well. All-in, the still-massive motor will turn in an impressive 23.5 miles-per U.S. gallon on the EU cycle and Morninweg pledges that the car will skirt U.S. gas guzzler taxes.
The 'standard' S63 will run to a governed 155 mile-per-hour top end, while the performance package model has been let out to 186 mph. The new car is slated to go on sale in the second half of the year, and the 5.5-liter engine is expected to supplant the 6.2-liter in other AMG offerings over the next several years. We'll see the new engine tomorrow in person at the Geneva Motor Show, where it will reside in the engine bay of a special S63 showcar. The showcar (above) pays tribute to an early AMG-powered 300 SEL that won its class and finished second overall at the 1971 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps.
Continue reading 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 gets smaller but more powerful 5.5-liter biturbo V8 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 gets smaller but more powerful 5.5-liter biturbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car unveiledFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Safety, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Racing 
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car - Click above for high-res image gallery
Sometimes, speed equals safety. Perhaps nowhere else is that more true than on a racetrack when you're piloting the so-called safety car and you've got a pack of Formula One cars riding up your tailpipe. Good thing, then, that the newest safety car to be used for F1 duty is the 571-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
Interestingly, that tailpipe is the only mechanical change made to the SLS AMG to bring it up to Official F1 Safety Car specs. Mercedes-Benz left everything else on the car, including the engine, suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes, stock. Not that you won't be able to tell the difference between the Safety Car and a standard Gullwing - a new carbon fiber hood with front-mounted camera, rear number plate with a camera and 700 LEDs and an "aerodynamically optimised roof light bar" (for the first time using all LEDs) ensure nobody can miss this particular SLS AMG.
For what it's worth, the SLS AMG replaces the SL63 AMG, which had been the Official Safety Car for the previous two seasons. Again, the F1 Safety Car will be piloted by former DTM driver Bernd Mayländer. Also, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate (that's wagon to us Americans) will serve as the Official F1 Medical Car. Let's hope that one doesn't see too much track time, eh? Click past the break for the official press release.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car unveiled Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRobb Report dubs Mercedes SLS AMG 2010 Car of the Year, Bugatti Veyron Car of the DecadeFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury  The time has come for luxury mag Robb Report to issue its latest Car of the Year. Being that the end of 2009 also marks the end of a tidy little decade, the editors at the magazine took the opportunity to bestow one important car with the title Car of the Decade - the first time in the 17 years that Robb Report has been handing out automotive awards that it's granted two in one year. So, who won?
First up is the Car of the Year, which goes out to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. In taking the award, the SLS AMG beat out 11 other worthy contenders to the throne. Certainly not a terrible choice by any means, though this particular writer has yet to find himself lodged behind the Gullwing's leather-wrapped steering wheel. Moving on, then.
Robb Report's Car of the Decade trophy has been awarded to the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. A good choice? Click here to refresh your memory on what it's like to pilot a $2,000,000 drop-top cruise missile. Yeah, as good a choice as any, we'd say. Click past the break to read more commentary from the magazine and click here to visit the new RobbReport.tv, where you'll see a series of videos recorded during the crew's testing in Napa Valley. Official press release after the jump, high-res galleries below.
Mercedes-Benz photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
Bugatti photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Robb Report]Continue reading Robb Report dubs Mercedes SLS AMG 2010 Car of the Year, Bugatti Veyron Car of the Decade Robb Report dubs Mercedes SLS AMG 2010 Car of the Year, Bugatti Veyron Car of the Decade originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization programFiled under: Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury
MercedesSport E-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery
"Sporty" is a relative term. Some might consider a base Mercedes-Benz "sporty" enough. AMG drivers would undoubtedly beg to differ. But there's a big gap between the two, one that Benz is keen to bridge. The German automaker has already done that in part with various AMG appearance packages, but now it's taking things a step further with the new MercedesSport accessory line.
Offered initially on the new E-Class - in all its iterations, including sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible - the MercedesSport package upgrades with a ground-effects aero kit, spoilers, and 18-inch alloys in glossy black or chrome. Upgraded brakes and suspension are also available, along with interior trim upgrades.
Packages are in the works as well for other models in the Mercedes range, but you can read about this one in the press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below ahead of the program's debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: AMG working on entry-level coupeFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill
Mercedes-Benz F800 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mercedes-Benz is diligently trying to attract new, younger customers to its AMG performance line, and one giant step forward might be the introduction of a new small coupe, set to rival small performers such as the Volkswagen Golf R, BMW 1-Series, and so on.
A report from Autocar states that this rumored new AMG coupe would be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with direct injection, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This engine may produce as much as 300 horsepower, putting the AMG coupe right in line with the competitive set. Fuel-efficient technologies like brake energy regeneration, stop-start and a shift indicator lamp are likely to make their way into this new model, and all-wheel drive isn't out of the question, either.
Autocar reports that the design of this entry-level AMG model will be previewed by the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style concept, set to make its debut next week at the Geneva Motor Show. Consider our interest piqued.
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: AMG working on entry-level coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for GenevaFiled under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Citroën 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #167 of the Autoblog Podcast is a fine quartet of Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth. We breeze through the Autoblog Garage, filled with a snow-tired Camaro, a pair of Audi cabrios and a Kia Forte Koup, before hitting the news.
Audi's updated RS5, with a clear-voiced 4.2-liter V8 is up first, followed by the want-it-now BMW 5 Series Touring. We're not done with Europe yet, kicking around the Mercedes-Benz F800 and Citroën DS3 Racing before heading across La Manche to check out the Lotus Proton PHEV and then discuss Kia's Magentis renderings. Wrapping it up, we surmise what Chrysler's purported refreshes might turn out to be and talk about the overwhelming crush of Toyota recall and Congressional hearing news before taking some questions and calling it a night.
Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideos: The Mercedes F800 from every angleFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
The Mercedes F800 Concept - Click above to view the videos after the jump
The Mercedes-Benz F800 Concept is bringing its slick silver sleekness to the Geneva Motor Show next month and M-B has animated the concept, showing off the car's various and progressive components. Our favorite was probably the powertrain video, picturing the hybrid, fuel cell and internal combustion options. That kind of versatility might still be a ways off, but it's good to see a mass luxury maker designing hot bodies around a variety of green internals. Follow the jump to have a look the F800 yourself.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Videos: The Mercedes F800 from every angle Videos: The Mercedes F800 from every angle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
 
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