Mercedes Benz Blog
REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size modelsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Hatchbacks, Daimler, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota 
According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Toyota is considering a partnership with Daimler to build Mercedes-Benz' A- and B-Class sub-compacts on the Japanese automaker's MC platform. The idea is to maximize the efficiency and output of Toyota's European plants, and could also include sharing development costs on each brand's next generation flagships: the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class. Daimler has dismissed the report as "speculation," while a Toyota Motor Europe spokesman toed the company line, only saying "It's part of our normal business practice that we regularly talk to other carmakers but there are no specific projects planned at the moment."
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Reuters]REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertibleFiled under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Convertibles, Mercedes-Benz 
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The engineers at Mercedes-Benz are working tirelessly to get the all-new E-Class cabrio ready for its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. So much so that they appear to be bringing dates along for a ride in the chop-topped mules.
These newest shots of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible are the first we've seen with the cloth top stowed away, and they reveal an interesting detail: a retractable wind deflector mounted on the top of the windshield.
Like Audi, Mercedes has opted to forgo the folding hard-top treatment for the new E, allowing the automaker to retain the coupe's hard-edged style and keep the curb weight in check. When the E-Class Convertible arrives in dealerships early next year, expect a range of six- and eight-cylinder powerplants, including the range-topping E500.
Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsComing to America: Mercedes AMG Driving Academy, complete with SLSFiled under: Mercedes-Benz, AMG 
Cash doesn't equal talent. That's the unfortunate reality, wherein those who have the money to spend on a powerful European performance automobile, for example, don't necessarily possess the skills to drive them like they're meant to be driven. Call it one of the great injustices of auto-dom. Fortunately there are those out there dedicated to righting that wrong. Some of them work at the AMG Driving Academy, but sadly for American enthusiasts, the experience has only been available on the other end of a trans-Atlantic flight... until now. Mercedes' in-house tuning division has announced that its driving school will be - like a Neil Diamond song or an Eddie Murphy movie - coming to America.
Covering the northeast, southeast and west coast, the AMG Driving Academy will be setting up shop - for a limited time, mind you - at Lime Rock, Palm Beach and Laguna Seca with a whole fleet of muscular Germans in three different programs. Among those vehicles in the school's paddock are the C63, SLK55, SL63, CLK 63 Black Series and the new E63 AMG. There are one- and two-day packages available at different levels, all of which you can read about in the press release after the jump, where you'll also find the hidden highlight: the SLS program at Laguna Seca, in which participants will be among the first to drive the new AMG SLS gullwing supercar ahead of its market debut.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Coming to America: Mercedes AMG Driving Academy, complete with SLS Coming to America: Mercedes AMG Driving Academy, complete with SLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsOnce More, With Feeling: Mercedes reveals details on updated S63, S65 AMG bahnstormersFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes-Benz, AMG  2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery
What, again? We know, we know...it seems like Mercedes has been unveiling its flagship sedan for eons already. The updated S-Class first appeared back in April, then the pair of AMG versions leaked out on the web before they were given their official debut at the Shanghai Motor Show. But for some reason unbeknownst to us, Benz is only now revealing the full details behind the facelifted S63 and S65 AMG muscle-sedans.
First, the essentials: the S63 is motivated by an AMG-tuned 6.2-liter V8 producing a whopping 525 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, and in case that ain't enough, the Mercedes tuning department also offers the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 pumping out a mind-boggling 612 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.
To keep all that power in check, the big AMG sedans feature adaptive braking, torque vectoring, active steering and braking, as well as a crosswind stabilizing system. Carrying the same visual updates as the rest of the refreshed S-Class range, the AMG models are further distinguished by LED lights, a full aero kit with integrated diffuser, and 19- or 20-inch titanium-finish alloys.
With sales beginning Stateside in September, U.S. pricing has yet to be revealed, however European pricing places a short-wheelbase S63 at €115,700 ($160k) with a €6k premium for the long-wheelbase version and the full-fat S65 AMG bi-turbo commanding a hearty €185,900 ($257k). Full details are available in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res image galleries below.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Once More, With Feeling: Mercedes reveals details on updated S63, S65 AMG bahnstormers Once More, With Feeling: Mercedes reveals details on updated S63, S65 AMG bahnstormers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Daimler, Porsche dismiss talks of stake as "speculation"Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Earnings/Financials 
Daimler's Dieter Zetsche has called 2009 a "Darwin year" for the car business, with the weak and the lame being pulled down by larger forces. Surprisingly, Porsche was one of those businesses that nearly went under, and it has been looking for help almost anywhere it could get it. Reuters says that Germany's Manager Magazin recently reported that Porsche and Daimler held talks in May regarding Daimler taking a stake in either Porsche or VW in order to help Porsche balance its books.
The article asserted that Zetsche and Porsche's Wendelin Wiedeking were looking at options including a cash exchange for a piece of Porsche, or a derivatives purchase from Porsche that would then be converted in VW shares. Spokesmen for both carmakers has since called the report "pure speculation" and are refusing to comment further. If such a scenario were explored, we know how it would help Porsche -- but what would it do for Daimler?
[Source: Reuters]REPORT: Daimler, Porsche dismiss talks of stake as "speculation" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsThree-cylinder coming to next Mercedes-Benz C-Class?Filed under: Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Mercedes-Benz 
Mercedes-Benz A-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to a report from AutoWeek.nl, Mercedes-Benz is taking a long, hard look at a new three-cylinder engine for its upcoming range of small cars and hybrids. Daimler already offers a 1.0-liter three-banger in the diminutive Smart ForTwo, and this new powerplant would likely be destined for the engine bay of both the next-gen Smart and Mercedes' A-, B- and C-Class vehicles.
In addition to the three-cylinder engine, Thomas Weber, director of group research and car development at Mercedes-Benz, says the German automaker plans to offer a hybrid powertrain option on each of its models - from minicars like the Smart to its line of large luxury sedans and commercial vans. To make that goal a reality, M-B is working to reduce the weight of its hybrid drivetrain by 10%.
The last interesting little nugget from this report is that Mercedes is looking for a partner to help develop this small engine family. We can't help but recall rumors from last month indicating that BMW was working on its own new three-cylinder engine architecture.
[Source: AutoWeek.nl]Three-cylinder coming to next Mercedes-Benz C-Class? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Mercedes-Benz S-Class mule with PRE-SCAN technology spotted?Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Tech, Mercedes-Benz  At the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz revealed its F700 concept. In addition to being a big sedan with a tiny gas engine, it also wore a version of Mercedes' PRE-SCAN predictive suspension system. The technology scans the road ahead with a set of lasers mounted next to the headlights, and then optimizes the suspension settings to soak up what's coming.
An S-Class mule in Stuttgart has been caught wearing something that spies suggest could be an evaluation version of the PRE-SCAN system, hinting that a production system is in the not-too-distant future. The spotter said that you could put a glass of wine on the car and drive 50 km/hr and not spill a drop. If true, that would be fantastic. If, at the very least, it made the next S-Class as smooth as the Citroen C6 around a horse track, Mercedes would have another solid achievement on its hands. Hat tip to Paul!
[Source: Spyshots.nl (translated)]Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz S-Class mule with PRE-SCAN technology spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ESF S400 Concept's "Braking Bag" in actionFiled under: Concept Cars, Sedans/Saloons, Safety, Tech, Mercedes-Benz 
Mercedes-Benz ESF 2009 - Click above for a high-res gallery. Follow the jump for video.
Mercedes-Benz has built an S400 Hybrid called the Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESF in German) as a rolling jack-in-the-box of the company's safety technology. One of those tech highlights is the braking bag -- the panel under the car in the picture above -- which operates both as an air brake and a support in the event of an accident.
When the PRE-SAFE system detects a crash is imminent, it will deploy an airbag located in the vehicle floor above the front axle carrier. This action will thrust a panel to the ground that, in its most simple form, slows the car down fractionally due to aerodynamic and friction drag.
But the panel is also thrust down forcefully enough to raise the car up 8 centimeters, reducing dive and possibly helping to prevent the car from submarining under an obstacle in front of it. The Mercedes-Benz ESF S400 will be displayed at the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles conference on June 15 in Stuttgart. To learn all about it right now, check out the gallery below, then follow the jump to watch three videos and read MB's excruciatingly-long press release.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ESF S400 Concept's "Braking Bag" in action VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ESF S400 Concept's "Braking Bag" in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsTopless Transformation: Mercedes-Benz CL loses its headFiled under: Aftermarket, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz CL-Class AMG Convertible conversion - Click above for image gallery
With every passing year, there seems to be more convertibles on the market. But if you live in a sunny clime like California's, enough sunshine is never enough. That's where convertible chop-shops like Newport Convertible Engineering step in. The folks at NCE will take just about any automobile and turn it into a custom cabrio to a buyer's specifications. The company's portfolio includes recent conversions of a Dodge Challenger, Toyota Prius, Cadillac CTS, Hummer H2, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and this Mercedes-Benz CL AMG. Unfortunately, from the photos seen here, the soft top doesn't seem to collapse quite flush with the rear deck, leaving something to be desired in terms of aesthetics - to say nothing of rearward visibility. Here's hoping there's a snug-fitting cover lurking in whatever trunkspace remains.
[Source: NCE via CarScoop]Topless Transformation: Mercedes-Benz CL loses its head originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes set to debut S-Class ESF safety concept with more airbags than a balloon shopFiled under: Concept Cars, Sedans/Saloons, Safety, Mercedes-Benz 
Mercedes-Benz ESF 2009 concept - Click above for image gallery
An inordinate number of the safety features that we now find commonplace in roadgoing automobiles made their debut in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. So where better to look for the next generation of safety technology? You guessed it.
To that end, Mercedes is slated to unveil a concept S-Class to showcase the safety features it is working on next. The ESF 2009 Concept is based on the S400 Hybrid - as if to show that "green" and "safe" can co-exist - and it comes packed with a bunch of new airbags. There's a new curtain airbag in between the seats (you know, so you don't butt heads), airbags in the seatbelts themselves, and perhaps the most innovative feature, a giant airbag underneath the vehicle that inflates in the case of an imminent crash, adding friction to help the car decelerate and lifting the front of the car a bit to compensate for brake dive. That last part worries us a little, as it strikes us that it could hinder any attempt to steer away from the crash, but for the time being we'll trust that Mercedes knows what it's doing. There are also seat bolsters that can move the occupants a couple of inches away from the doors in case of a side impact, metal beams that can actually inflate - thereby cutting weight and saving space on impact beams - and reflective tires.
With the airbag count rising rapidly, a potential crash is looking more expensive by the day, but Mercedes seems to revel in the "how can you put a price on safety?" approach. Stay tuned for more information, and check out the images in the gallery below in the meantime.
[Sources: Autocar and eMercedes-Benz]Mercedes set to debut S-Class ESF safety concept with more airbags than a balloon shop originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReader Spy: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes E-Class wagon arrives from NamibiaFiled under: Spy Photos, Wagons/Estates, Mercedes-Benz 
2010 E Class wagon testing in Namibia - Click above for a high-res gallery
We find it cool that carmakers cart their rides all over the globe to carry out the most brutal testing in the most out of the way places. They must find it a little frustrating, however, that car mavens with cameras and internet connections lurk in even in the most remote locations .
According to AB reader Tom, he spotted a pair of lightly-camoed Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagons and a sedan "on the desert gravel roads between Walvis Bay and Solitaire in Namibia." The wagons are getting ready for their debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in a few months, and if the tailpipe application is accurate then the black one is likely a V8 - and yes, this does mean we want a blacked-out wagon E550 wagon. You can check out high-res pics of the trio below. Thanks for the images, Tom!
Reader Spy: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes E-Class wagon arrives from Namibia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes planning production E-Class shooting brake?Filed under: Coupes, Wagons/Estates, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill  Mercedes-Benz Concept Fascination - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Body-styles in Mercedes' staple E-Class range have been taken on a heck of a roller coaster these past few years. The original included sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible variants. Then the latter two were split off as the CLK, but after introducing the CLS as essentially a four-door coupe version of the E-Class, Mercedes opted to bring the two-door variants back into the fold for the current generation. Recent rumors have suggested that Mercedes could delay the wagon and cabrio versions, and even re-introduce the CLK alongside the E-Class Coupe, but with neither of those conjectures looking very likely, the latest report from the rumormongers at Auto Express suggest that Mercedes could be planning yet another body-style for the E-Class range: a three-door shooting brake.
For the uninitiated, a shooting brake is an old-school body-style that melds a station wagon with a coupe, traditionally, such load-lugging solutions have been arrived at by hiring a coachbuilder to turn a sedan or a coupe into a wagon. Think Chevrolet Nomad and you're not far off. And with the German auto industry playing an increasingly intricate game of one-upmanship with segment-busting body-styles, Mercedes apparently looks poised to take things one step further with a fifth E-Class form. The prospect looks even more likely when you consider that the current E-Class' design was previewed in the first place by a shooting brake show car called the Concept Fascination at last year's Paris show. If Daimler decides to give the three-door E the green light, it'd likely carry over the mechanicals and engine options from its two-door counterpart, including four, six and eight-cylinder gasoline and clean diesel powerplants. Whether an AMG version like the sedan is offered or nixed like the coupe's remains to be seen, however, but we could get a look at a production prototype as early as the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, so stay tuned.
[Source: Auto Express]Mercedes planning production E-Class shooting brake? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes introduces new range of bicyclesFiled under: Etc., Green, Mercedes-Benz, Lifestyle 
New Mercedes Benz bikes - click above for a high-res gallery
Mercedes Benz has announced an updated and expanded range of bicycles for 2009/2010. The new lineup includes two-wheelers of all shapes and sizes, including a pair of kids bikes. For more grown-up riders, Mercedes offers a range of styles, including the usual choices of mountain bikes and road racing bikes. There is also a new folding bike with a patented folding mechanism that allows it to collapse quickly without tools. In the fully collapsed position the bike takes up a volume of 31 inches by 31 inches by 14 inches, and it even has front and rear suspension.
There are also trekking and fitness bikes, and no Mercedes bike rider would be complete without a set of Mercedes riding clothes. Of course, in typical Mercedes fashion, the technology comes with a price to match. The bikes range from €299 for the kid's bike (around $430 USD) to €4,999 (more than $7,150) for the limited-edition carbon fiber racing bike.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Mercedes introduces new range of bicycles Mercedes introduces new range of bicycles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsKerfuffle? What kerfuffle? All Formula 1 teams reportedly sign on for 2010Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Ferrari, Renault 
At least for now, disaster seems to have been averted as all ten teams currently taking part in the 2009 Formula 1 championship have signed conditional agreements to take part in the series in 2010. These reportedly hinge on the Formula One Teams Association's ability to reach a mutually-agreeable compromise to the contentious budget cap negotiations currently taking place between the FIA and the teams themselves.
At various points over the last few weeks, powerhouse teams such as Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull, Toyota and Toro Rosso had all threatened to withdraw from the 2010 F1 season due to the FIA's insistence on a $60 million voluntary budget cap, which the competitors say would have resulted in a two-tiered rulebook. Prior to this announcement, Williams had been the only current F1 team to commit to racing next season.
In addition to the ten teams taking part in this year's festivities, Campos Racing from Spain and USF1 from the United States have both signed on for 2010 with Prodrive/Aston Martin and Lola from Britain also waiting in the wings. Now, if we could just keep overly attractive girls from messing with the driver's heads, we'd be all set. Thanks for the tip, Pat!
[Source: The Globe and Mail | Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty Images]Kerfuffle? What kerfuffle? All Formula 1 teams reportedly sign on for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsDespite new Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe, rumors of a new CLK persistFiled under: Coupes, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill 
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to a puzzling report from L'Automobile Magazine in France, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a new CLK coupe even though that model would undoubtedly compete with the German automaker's own just-released E-Class coupe. Ostensibly, there's a gap in the automaker's lineup that could be filled by a coupe that's slightly smaller and a bit less expensive than the new E-Class, but the rumor continues to confuse by suggesting that the revived CLK would still be longer than its predecessor by five centimeters.
Styling would reportedly draw from the design of the current C-Class sedan, including the oversized front grille with Three-Pointed-Star emblem, rising character lines along the sides and chiseled head- and tail- lamps. In other words, it would look suspiciously like a downsized E-Class coupe. Powering the new CLK would be a range of gasoline and diesel engines, all featuring direct injection and stop/start technology and many force fed by a turbocharger.
Considering how much this supposed CLK would overlap the new E-Class coupe, we're happily going to assume there's not much truth to these rumors. If we're wrong, you may just see the new CLK in dealerships sometime in 2011.
[Source: L'Automobile Magazine (translated) via Top Speed]Despite new Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe, rumors of a new CLK persist originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Mercedes delaying not delaying E-Class convertible, wagonFiled under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Mercedes-Benz UPDATE: Mercedes wrote us to say that the report of E wagon and cabrio delays is inaccurate, and "the cars are on schedule as planned."
There's a financial swine flu making its way through the car industry. Chrysler caught it and it proved terminal. Porsche was on intensive care for a moment but should recover. And now Mercedes, it turns out, has a runny nose and a little cough. The home of the three-pointed-star is delaying the introduction of the E-Class convertible and wagon in order to save money on development and marketing.
The E-Class convertible was due to be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, but a report states we won't see the car unveiled until the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. In addition to the cash savings, it will also let Mercedes reveal the car much closer to convertible buying season. The E-Class wagon, described as a shooting brake and more design-driven wagon, won't bow until 2012.
The moves will allow Mercedes to stash money from E-Class sedan and coupe sales. It also lets Mercedes focus 2010 on the new CLS, its plans for the V6 Bluetec hybrid and, according to Auto Motor und Sport, a four-cylinder diesel replacement for the S-Class.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport (translated)]REPORT: Mercedes delaying not delaying E-Class convertible, wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpoiler Alert: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix recapFiled under: Motorsports, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Ferrari, Renault 
2009 Monaco Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery
Another race, another week of wondering whether the other Formula 1 teams would make enough progress to catch Brawn GP. Saturday's qualifying session for the Monaco Grand Prix looked pretty familiar, save for a sorely missed flash of red on the front row. This week's top three? Not surprisingly, Brawn's Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello bracketing Ferrari's former champion, Kimi Raikkonen. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel was fourth, with last year's runner-up, Felipe Massa fifth in the other Ferrari. Massa had shown the updated F60's potential by qualifying fourth last time out in Spain, but it was refreshing to see both Ferraris in the front three rows for a change. Would KERS help Kimi grab the lead going into turn one? Would Brawn show any chinks in its previously impervious armor? Would Vettel somehow get through to bring Red Bull its second victory of the season? Follow the jump to find out.
Continue reading Spoiler Alert: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix recap Spoiler Alert: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsNew Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe gets a boost from BrabusFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus 
Brabus Mercedes-Benz E500 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
If there was one thing we discovered during our time with the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, it was that more power and a reworked suspension could do wonders for the lumbering E. As expected, Brabus has stepped up to the plate to offer a comprehensive tuning package for the latest Mercedes, and as always, it starts with the engine.
The German tuning firm's has stroked the 5.5-liter engine to 6.1-liters to net a total of 462 hp and 454 lb-ft of torque - up from 383 hp and 391 lb-ft. The result is a 0-60 mph time of 4.7-seconds and a top-speed of 196 mph.
The styling is somewhat subdued compared to Brabus' other offerings, and includes new front and rear bumpers, 20-inch wheels and vertical front LEDs. Coilovers are available to lower the coupe and firm-up the ride, while six-piston aluminum calipers clamp 14.2-inch vented and cross-drilled brakes up front.
The package runs 39,000 euros (just under $40k), and if you're living abroad and more interested in oil-burning performance, Brabus is in the process of creating a tuned E250 CDI BlueEfficiency with many of the same upgrades. Hit the jump for all the details.
Continue reading New Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe gets a boost from Brabus New Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe gets a boost from Brabus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe a C-Class underneath?Filed under: Coupes, Mercedes-Benz 
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is all-new for 2010, with sleeker, sportier proportions and improved efficiency and performance. The E-Class also weighs 400 pounds less than its sedan stable-mate, but not because of light weight materials. It's because the E-Class coupe is underpinned by the C-Class platform, produced in the same Bremen factory as the C-class, while the E-Class sedan is built in Sindelfingen.
So why not just make a two-door C-Class and base another coupe on the new E-Class architecture? Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said the C-Class platform was used to give the E-Class Coupe improved performance characteristics. Changing the C to an E also enables Mercedes to charge over $48,050 to start; $50 less than the outgoing CLK350, but a whole lot more than a two-door C-Class. With its smaller proportions and lighter weight, using the C-Class platform also enables Mercedes to make the new E-Class Coupe far more efficient than its predecessor. The E250 diesel will deliver 36% better power while using 17% less fuel. Hat tip to Mike.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe a C-Class underneath? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsDaimler buys 10% stake in Tesla, will supply parts and engineeringFiled under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz  Mercedes-Benz/Tesla press conference - Click above for ABG's liveblog coverage
During a press conference held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart this morning, Dr. Thomas Weber, the head of research and development for Mercedes-Benz, announced that Daimler is buying a 10% stake in Tesla Motors. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was also on hand for the announcement. The companies did not specify the amount paid by Daimler, other than it was in the double digit millions. Daimler will be providing Tesla with engineering support and possibly parts that may go into the Model S. Tesla, meanwhile, will continue providing battery packs for the second-generation Smart ED starting later this year. Tesla will also focus on battery pack integration and battery management systems for Daimler going forward. The deal will also give Tesla access to the automotive lithium ion cells being produced by Daimler's investment in Li-Tec, a joint venture between Evonik and Daimler. Weber announced that Daimler would commence series production of electric Smarts in 2012, with volume projections in the five digits. Daimler's Prof. Herbert Kohler (who is in charge of e-drive systems at the German automaker) will take up a board seat at Tesla and oversee development at the California company. We live blogged the conference at AutoblogGreen this morning and the official press release is after the jump. [Source: Daimler] Continue reading Daimler buys 10% stake in Tesla, will supply parts and engineering Daimler buys 10% stake in Tesla, will supply parts and engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
 
Mercedes blog
Mercedes History
300 SL SLR Roadster
CLK GTR GT
Vintage Gallery
Classic Gallery
Sports Gallery
Latest Mercedes News
Brabus Rocket
Dutch tuning & styling
Oz Free Car blogs
Best blog for car tips
|
