Mercedes Benz Blog
Bloomberg: Mercedes to overtake battered Lexus as U.S. luxury leader?Filed under: Car Buying, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Earnings/Financials, Luxury 
2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery
After a decade at the top of the U.S. luxury vehicle sales charts, Lexus may soon be unseated by the previous leader, Mercedes-Benz, as well as BMW. While Lexus sales have been recovering this year from the dismal first half of 2009, Mercedes-Benz has been climbing even faster.
One possible reason for this disparity is the string of recalls Lexus has been hit with this year, including accelerator pedals, floor mats, leaking gas tanks and defective valve-springs. Another reason is the sales strength of Mercedes' updated bread-and-butter vehicles, including the new E-Class.
In June, Lexus sales were up just 2.7 percent compared to 25 percent and 15 percent for Mercedes and BMW respectively. Unless Lexus cleans up its act quickly and manages to convince customers that its quality problems are behind it, Toyota's premium brand could fall behind both German brands.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Bloomberg]Bloomberg: Mercedes to overtake battered Lexus as U.S. luxury leader? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsTwin-Turbo Temptresses: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMGFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery
How does one make the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class more exclusive than it already is? If you're Mercedes, you unveil the gonzo AMG variants. Appearance-wise, changes are minimal for the 2011 CL63 and CL65 AMG, save for the addition of Mercedes' new corporate face, which includes the standard LED running-light strip and some small tweaks to the rear fascia. The big news, however, centers on the changes underhood.
Gone is the naturally aspirated 6.3 6.2-liter AMG V8 in favor of a smaller and more powerful 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged mill. In base form, this V8 cranks out 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque (increases of 18 and 125, respectively), and with the optional AMG Performance Package, these numbers increase to an even more robust 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. Sweet stuff, and when matched with Mercedes' AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic, 0-60 runs will take just 4.4 seconds (4.3 if you opt for the more powerful setup). What's most impressive, though, is that even with this added power boost, fuel consumption has been reduced by 27 percent. The range-topping CL65 AMG will carry over its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, though Mercedes has managed to coax an additional 17 horsepower from it for 2011. Output for the CL65 is now rated at 621 horses and 738 lb-ft of torque.
Both AMG CLs get a host new standard equipment as well. Mercedes-Benz's Direct-Steer system is on hand, as is a new crosswind stabilization feature that alters wheel-load distribution to keep things in line during heavy breezes. From there, a new torque-vectoring brake system applies one-sided braking during instances of understeer. The full suite of Mercedes-Benz driver aids is thrown in as well, including drowsiness detection, night-view assist, active lane-keeping assist and blind-spot assist. After all, with so much power on tap, you'll need a nanny (or several) to help keep things in line. Interior upgrades are similar to what we've already seen in the 2010 S-Class.
Official pricing hasn't been released yet, but expect MSRPs to increase slightly over the 2010 models ($145,200 for the CL63 and $207,170 for the CL65). Shoppers in that tax bracket shouldn't have any trouble shelling out a few grand extra for the latest in CL-Class exclusivity.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Twin-Turbo Temptresses: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMG Twin-Turbo Temptresses: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: Smart Roadster to make a comebackFiled under: Convertible, Budget, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault, Rumormill 
The internets are abuzz with word that the recent partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Renault may allow the the long dead Smart Roadster to be revived. The folks at Autocar report that a source within Smart says the company has had its eyes on bringing the roadster back to market for awhile now. Evidently, the purveyor of pint-sized transportation is interested in branching out from its city car roots - something that the recent partnership with Renault just might facilitate. Renault has a host of experience producing inexpensive small cars that Smart just might be able to capitalize on.
Autocar doesn't say exactly which Renault model Smart would use as the basis for the reborn Roadster, but there is some indication that other products may be part of the company's plans as well. The article even made mention of a potential Mini Countryman competitor, meaning that Smart is eying jumping into the CUV fray. Either way, any new blood in the Smart portfolio is bound to help. With fuel prices down, American buyers aren't interested in making the kind of sacrifices that the ForTwo requires, but an ultra-compact convertible? That has some potential.
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: Smart Roadster to make a comeback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: Mercedes-Benz A-Class AMG to bring 270 hp to the partyFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury  A few months back, word began to spread that AMG is working on a performance version of one of Mercedes' smallest cars. If true, it would not only mean giving the hi-po treatment to a segment hitherto untouched by the gents at Affalterbach, it could entail swapping a front-wheel drive hatch for a RWD platform. A month later, this small car's benchmarks were found out: the Golf R, Audi S3 and BMW 1 Series. And a month after that the rumors began to coalesce around the B-Class as AMG's subject of choice.
It turns out that the A-Class will be the first in line for an AMG makeover and the Ford Focus RS is also one of its targets. The diminutive Benz will get a four-cylinder, direct-injection engine with a pressure-wave supercharger that's looking at an output of somewhere around 270 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That gumption will reportedly get to the wheels through a dual-clutch gearbox and then navigate yet more clutches in the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.
A two-car line-up is planned: a five-door hatch and a CLS-like sedan. But we won't see any of this until 2012 or so, when the next-generation A-Class arrives. And the U.S. is only expected to get the sedan version, which will wear the name CLC, salvaged from the C-Class sport coupe that ended production not a moment too soon.
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz A-Class AMG to bring 270 hp to the party originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes-Benz's all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgradesFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mercedes-Benz has released the skinny on the upgrades the company has planned for next year's E63 AMG, at least for European buyers. According to the German automaker, the four-door will come from the factory with an extra 11 horsepower, thanks largely to new tuning. That bumps the final figure to 525 ponies, though the Silver Arrow claims that it has managed to increase the mill's efficiency as well - cutting consumption by a full 12 percent. Of course, that's assuming that you can keep from bumping the redline on that big 6.3-liter V8 every time you leave a stoplight, something you're sure to want to do.
We're not sure whether buyers will actually be able to feel that 11 horsepower bump, either, but odds are that they will notice some key changes to the interior. Mercedes-Benz is offering the 2011 E63 AMG with a slew of interior niceties as standard equipment. The company has skinned the dash and door panels in Artico leather, and the center console will henceforth be dipped in a piano black lacquer finish for good measure - both of which used to be optional. We can't speak for the power and efficiency updates, but we have confirmed with Benz reps in the States that the interior upgrades are headed to U.S. showrooms, so chances are this is a good look at what we can expect when the 2011 E63 AMG hits our shores. Hit the jump for the official press release.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Mercedes-Benz's all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades Mercedes-Benz's all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Next-gen Mercedes A-Class to draw influence from Concept Fascination, F800 showcarsFiled under: Wagon, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style 
Mercedes-Benz Concept Fascination - Click above for high-res image gallery
Things are looking up for the much ballyhooed Mercedes-Benz A-Class. While most of the motoring world has been wincing since the Silver Arrow said that it would be reworking its compact segment entry, rumor has it that the German manufacturer is actually contemplating incorporating design cues from a handful of its more successful concepts into the look of the new pint sizer. According to The Detroit Bureau, the A-Class will borrow heavily from both the F800 and Concept Fascination prototypes. We're not sure whether that means that the final product will be available in both four-door and hatchback trims or if the real deal will simply be a mash-up of the two. Either way, we're expecting good things here.
The Concept Fascination Prototype first hit the scene back in 2008 and immediately piqued the interest of anyone with a long-roof loving bone in their body. With a long, arching roof line and aggressive rear flanks, the car was all things right in the wagon world. Meanwhile, the F800 surfaced more recently - at this year's Geneva Motor Show - and wears the corporate nose we see all over the majority of the Mercedes-Benz stable. Blend the two, shrink it to scale, and you probably have a pretty good idea of what the upcoming A-Class will look like. At least that's what we're hoping.
[Source: The Detroit Bureau]
Concept Fascination photos by Jonathan Ramsey / Copyright (C)2008 Weblogs, Inc.
F800 photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Report: Next-gen Mercedes A-Class to draw influence from Concept Fascination, F800 showcars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Fifth Gear joins David Coulthard on the Isle of Man with Benz's SLS AMGFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, UK, Luxury 
Fifth Gear's Tiff Needell tries to outdo David Coulthard in the SLS AMG - Click above to watch video after the jump
David Coulthard was called to the Isle of Man to pilot an SLS AMG for a scene in a 3-D film. To ensure that DC could strut the coupe's stuff, some of the island's roads were closed to the public. That meant a place with no speed limits also had no traffic. And that meant Fifth Gear's Tiff Needell felt the need to join DC and take the wheel himself. His goal: beat David's top speed of 160 miles per hour. The sound of him making the effort alone is worth following the jump for the video.
[Source: Fifth Gear]Continue reading Video: Fifth Gear joins David Coulthard on the Isle of Man with Benz's SLS AMG Video: Fifth Gear joins David Coulthard on the Isle of Man with Benz's SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsIt Will Never End: Mercedes-Benz reportedly working on nine-speed automaticFiled under: Technology, Mercedes-Benz 
According to Autocar, an admission by a Mercedes-Benz engineer proves that the company is working on a nine-speed automatic transmission. That isn't exactly new, since talk of such a beast has been broached before. The difference this time is that Autocar's sources says the gearbox will be "introduced on large-capacity engines."
With no numbers for context we can't be sure what's meant by "large-capacity." However, Motor Trend reported that the baby SLS would get a nine-speed double-clutch transmission for it's twin-turbo-V6-hybrid engine, and Automobile said that all of the next generation S-Classes, arriving in 2012, would "have hybrid powertrains and a new nine-speed automatic transmission."
We don't expect any of those engines to be of particularly large displacement, especially now that the SSK AMG appears to have gone from a twin-turbo V8 to a V6 twin turbo with electric assistance. Still, we have no doubt we'll see a nine-speed transmission somewhere. And when the Mercedes engineers opine that "nine ratios is the maximum that is technically possible, as well as being the most that customers will be able to cope with," we believe they're wrong. A company is really going to leave double-digit transmission bragging rights on the table? Uh, no. Can I get a ten-speed... anyone...?
[Source: Autocar]It Will Never End: Mercedes-Benz reportedly working on nine-speed automatic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: German mfgs cleaning up as appetite for luxury cars is 'bottomless'Filed under: China, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Earnings/Financials 
There's a three-to-four month wait for a new 5 Series and BMW has raised its 2010 global forecast to 1.4 million units. Mercedes-Benz Q2 production exceeded 300,000 units and Daimler's operating profit for the period was €2.1 billion ($2.7B U.S.) Audi's percentage increase in sales in 2010 compared to last year has outdone both BMW and Benz. The reasons for all that, says Bloomberg, is new product, growing U.S. demand and Chinese-market growth "that's way beyond expectations."
While there's an undeniable story in the recovery of U.S. sales, this is even more so about China. The demand for luxury by that country's million or so millionaires and their underlings is a leather-lined sinkhole, and the three German manufacturers are doing everything they can to fill it. Their best is barely enough. Benz and Bimmer have added workers and shifts this summer to try and fill orders.
From the sounds of it, they might not be able to manage that this year - China's appetite is such that the demand "won't be easily derailed even if economic growth slows," according to one analyst. If nothing else, and assuming the analyst is correct, it should lay a decent foundation for 2011 and perhaps allay some concern about that double-dip recession talk.
[Source: Bloomberg via BusinessWeek | Image: Doug Kanter/AFP/Getty]Report: German mfgs cleaning up as appetite for luxury cars is 'bottomless' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class tries to overcome inattentive driversFiled under: Safety, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class active steering correction - Click above for high-res image gallery
The refreshed 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupe is a prime example of how engineers are starting to take some of the disparate hardware technology that has been introduced over the last decade and integrate it to provide new functionality. The CL employs the various optical camera and radar sensors used for features like adaptive cruise control to help prevent accidents by first warning the driver and then intervening if the driver doesn't respond.
We've had various lane departure and blind spot warning systems for several years now and like those, the Mercedes system starts by alerting the driver. At first, the blind spot system illuminates a yellow lamp in the relevant mirror, which changes to red and adds an audible warning if the driver doesn't react. If the driver keeps moving into the path of another vehicle, a motor sends a rumble through the steering wheel and the brakes on the car's opposite side are applied to pull it back in line.
Inifiniti has had similar lane-keep functionality for several years, but the CL is first car we're aware of that integrates it with a blind-spot warning system.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class tries to overcome inattentive drivers 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class tries to overcome inattentive drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenntech and Domani Motors team up for meaner Benz SL65 AMG Black Series [w/video]Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Luxury 
Renntech SL65 AMG Black Series - Click above for high-res image gallery
Allow us to provide you with your daily dose of lunacy. Not too long ago, the head honchos over at Domani Motors happened to find themselves with a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series in their showroom. Unsatisfied with the car's already otherworldly performance, they called up the twisted minds at Renntech to have them install the tuner's Perfomance Package 1. Think of it as PCP for Silver Arrows. The work included remapping the car's ECU, installing an easy-breathing exhaust and a few other tricks. The result? A mind-bending 805 streetable horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque.
The team had to install a unique, 100 percent locking rear differential just to handle the dizzying power from the engine. Likewise, the gearbox had to be upgraded as well. Even so, we're guessing this particular SL65 AMG Black Series would have no problem turning its tires aerosol should the driver demand it. So far, neither Renntech nor Domani Motors have released any times on the car, but we're guessing the numbers are nothing to scoff at. Hit the jump for a video of the car on the dyno, as well as the press release.
[Source: Renntech]Continue reading Renntech and Domani Motors team up for meaner Benz SL65 AMG Black Series [w/video] Renntech and Domani Motors team up for meaner Benz SL65 AMG Black Series [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS spotted completely nudeFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
One would think that if Mercedes-Benz was really invested in keeping the upcoming 2011 CLS under wraps, it wouldn't be conducting an official photo shoot right outside of the company's museum in Stuttgart. Evidently, though, that's not the case. One keen-eyed visitor to the halls of Silver Arrow lore happened to spot a camera crew snapping photos of what looks to be an undisguised CLS, and was kind enough to share the find with Notícias Automotivas. It's the clearest look anyone has gotten of the reworked four-door yet.
As expected, the CLS now wears a more upright grille and plenty of familiar nose lines. That means more pronounced front fender flares and a smartly drawn hood are all part of the package now. The look is taken page for page from the same treatment the company spread onto its 2011 R-Class recently. Toward the rear of the car, buyers will notice more stylized quarter panels as part of an overall departure from the bubble look of this year's car - if anything, the new CLS doesn't look quite as swoopy, a bit less 'four-door coupe' than its trend-setting antecedent. While the outgoing CLS is plenty attractive as it is, we're still looking forward to seeing the new model in the flesh - even if it does look a bit more traditional. Head over to Notícias Automotivas for a closer look at the car. Thanks for the tip, Eber and Polandi!
[Source: Notícias Automotivas]Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS spotted completely nude originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class struts its stuff out in publicFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
Mercedes-Benz S-Class spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mercedes-Benz has a lot on its plate at the moment. In addition to the spy shots we've seen of the next-generation GL, ML, SLK and C-Class Coupe, our men in the trees have spotted this S-Class mule out roaming the streets, giving us a glimpse at what the all-new flagship Benz will have in store when it launches in the next few years.
Up front, it appears that the headlamps have been reduced in size and our spies indicate that full-LED units will be in place for the 2012 model year. Additionally, the front grille appears larger, mimicking what we've seen in the F700 concept car. Under the hood, we expect a full range of new engines, including gasoline, diesel and hybrid variations, keeping the big S-Class competitive with what the rest of the luxury barges coming to market in the next few years.
We fully expect to see more spy shots of the new S-Class as development continues, so stay tuned. As for the official reveal, look for that to happen sometime in 2011 with production models hitting the road in 2012.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class struts its stuff out in public originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDomestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL studyFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Volkswagen 
Click above for gallery of the graphics from J.D. Power and Associates
Porsche once again grabs the top spot (for the sixth time in a row) in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. This year's study asked 76,000 owners 90 days after purchasing their 2010 model-year cars "how gratifying their new vehicle is to own and drive." The answer, for the first time since 1997, was that the domestic brands were more "appealing" as a whole than the imports (the domestics earned a score of 787 on a 1,000-point scale - 13 points greater than the imports).
When it comes down to specific awards (as shown in the segment-level graphics), Ford leads with five. The automaker earned one each for the Expedition, Explorer Sport Trac, Flex, Fusion and Taurus. Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen each garner two awards. The Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Avalanche, both segment leaders, are the only two models that ranked highest in the 2010 APEAL study and in the 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS) announced in June. Suzuki is credited with the greatest improvement this year, while Jeep drops one slot from last year's 2009 APEAL Study and falls to the bottom of the list for 2010. Check out the gallery for the graphics, and read the full press release after the break.
[Source: JDPower.com]Continue reading Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsWill Schumacher re-retire at season's end? Ecclestone, Stewart think soFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities 
Michael Schumacher's triumphant comeback has been anything but. The seven-time world champion has been consistently outpaced by his junior team-mate Nico Rosberg, who most recently scored a podium finish at this past weekend's British Grand Prix while Schumi could manage no better than ninth. The question on everyone's minds, then, has been whether he'll stay for another season.
According to Jackie Stewart, Michael could - or at least should - call it quits. Sir Jackie retired at the top of his game, a three-time world champion, and evaluates Schumacher's return from retirement as a mistake. Bernie Ecclestone seems to agree, but blames the team and the car they've provided, claiming that if Schumi were driving a Red Bull, he'd be back on pace immediately instead of languishing behind the wheel of a sub-par chassis. For Schumacher's part, the champ has conceded that his performance this season has eliminated his chance for the title, and that he's shifted his focus on preparing for the 2011 championship instead.
If he does retire at the end of this season instead of fulfilling his contract through 2012, who would fill Schumacher's seat? Related rumors suggest Kimi Raikkonen. The Finnish champion, who left F1 for the World Rally Championship at the end of last season, has been tipped to join Renault next season, but was reportedly visited recently by Mercedes racing chief Norbert Haug.
[Sources: Autosport, ESPN, grandprix.com | Image: Luca Bruno/AP]Will Schumacher re-retire at season's end? Ecclestone, Stewart think so originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG sounds like a V8?Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
2012 Mercedes SLK AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery
And even the least of them shall not be forgotten. After catching the Mercedes-Benz GL and C-Class Coupe parading around in camouflage last week, our shooters have caught the next-generation SLK AMG out and about. The roadster appears set to receive the upright, SLS-inspired projecting grille being spread throughout the family, and there will undoubtedly be some LEDs in those headlight clusters. The mirror stalks move to the doors and there are quad pipes out back, but based upon what we see here, that's a pretty tame sill skirt for an AMG model.
Under the hood, our shooter said he heard what sounded like a naturally aspirated V8, not the twin-turbo V6 that's been rumored before. Either way, word still persists that there will be a jump of 100-plus horsepower, from the current 330 355 to a possible 476. Inside will be more touches from the SLS for an overdue lifting of the SLK's cabin game. We should see it naked and roaring some time next year. Have a look at it for now in our gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG sounds like a V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Top Gear pits Chevy Camaro against... Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG?!Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz 
Top Gear pits the Chevrolet Camaro vs. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG - click above to watch the video
Conducting utterly inappropriate comparison tests is completely par for the course at Top Gear. After all, these were the guys that pitted a Ford Fiesta against a Chevrolet Corvette and a Jaguar XK120 against a Vincent Black Shadow and a train. In this week's latest episode Richard Hammond samples the new Chevrolet Camaro SS with its lovely 6.2-liter small-block V8 and then pulls out a slightly different kind of 6.2-liter V8 powered car.
Frankly, we doubt many (if any!) people are actually cross-shopping the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG against the Camaro SS, but it sure is entertaining to watch the big German power-sliding around the air-strip test track at the hands of The Stig. With any luck, this episode will be the last time that we get to hear the Stig lapping to the less-than-dulcet tones of the vuvuzela. See how the Camaro fares against the E63 by watching the video after the jump.
Gallery photos copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]Continue reading Video: Top Gear pits Chevy Camaro against... Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG?! Video: Top Gear pits Chevy Camaro against... Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL caught testingFiled under: Spy Photos, SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Mercedes-Benz GL sport-ute may have received a slight refresh for the 2010 model year, but the team in Stuttgart is already prepping the next-generation GL, and our spies have caught an early test mule roaming the streets. The overall shape of the seven-passenger SUV hasn't changed much, but we can see that the front fascia has been smoothed out quite a bit, even in these early development stages.
The new GL will ride on a stretched version of the next-generation ML crossover platform, and it will share the majority of its technological data with the smaller ML, as well. In true Mercedes-Benz fashion, we expect a full range of gasoline and diesel engines to be available, though no official word has been given on exactly what will be under the hood when the GL launches. For now, check out the attached gallery to see the GL mule out on the road.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe snagged testingFiled under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
Mercedes C-Class Coupe prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery
Two months ago, Mercedes again said the C-Class Coupe would be coming, and for the first time, the greatly new-and-improved two-door has been caught outdoors. Since the existing E-Class Coupe already has the C-Class platform and roughly the same dimensions, we wondered how MB would put some daylight between it and the less expensive C-Coupe, and it looks as if Benz has addressed our questions.
It appears smaller and lacks the lower character line and haunches of the E-Coupe, as well as having a different tail treatment and much less aggressive front. Even so, we like. And if rumors prove true, we might like that cabriolet and AMG version even more, as well as being able to forget that the CLC ever existed. Have a look at the new hotness in the high-res gallery of photos below.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe snagged testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: Mercedes to partner with Ducati on new motorbike line?Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Motorcycle, Rumormill 
2010 Ducati Monster 796 - Click above for high-res image gallery
There are a handful of automakers making motorcycles these days: Honda, Suzuki, Peugeot, and of course BMW. That's about the extent of it, but the latter's German rivals won't be letting the Bavarian automaker keep the market all to itself for much longer. At least, not according to a recent round of rumors.
A couple of months ago, a report surfaced that Volkswagen could team up with Suzuki to revive the old NSU motorcycle brand under its own umbrella. Now reports suggest that Mercedes-Benz could follow suit, potentially partnering with Ducati on a two-wheeled venture of its own.
The rumors are spurred by displays during Ducati events, where Mercedes unveiled a special edition SLK and marked the Italian debut of the SLS GT3, but don't seem to have much more traction than that. A partnership between the German automaker and the Italian motorbike firm could also potentially damage the latter's close ties with Ferrari, but if the industry has taught us anything in the past few years, the sky's the limit when it comes to joint ventures.
[Source: eurocarblog]Rumormill: Mercedes to partner with Ducati on new motorbike line? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
 
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