Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC beats EPA mpg

We may have saved a few mpg on our road trip, but we didn't do any favors for the insect life along I-5.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

We were recently given the opportunity to take the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC on a long-distance road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back. While this seven seated behemoth was probably not the best vehicle to transport one journalist across the state of California, we figured this long trip down Interstate 5 would be a good opportunity to see how close the fuel-efficient diesel powerplant could get to its EPA estimated mileage.

The powerplant in question is a 3.0-L turbodiesel V-6 that outputs 210 horsepower and a beefy 398 pound-feet of torque. The engine sends its power through a seven-speed adaptive automatic transmission to Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. Keeping the diesel's emissions clean is an AdBlue injection system that scrubs up to 80 percent of NOx from the exhaust gases. Greenies will be happy to know that the BlueTEC diesel is also approved for use with B5 biodiesel.

2009 Mercedes-Benz G550

Who says that prestige vehicles have to be modern, that luxury vehicles have to be refined, or that off-road vehicles have to be slow? To those people, the Mercedes-Benz G550 wags a finger and thick coat of mud, and ambles off to hurdle the nearest Jersey barrier. The anachronous G-class—orGeländewagen to purists—was introduced 30 years ago as a go-anywhere, off-road military vehicle, and today rides on essentially the same frame as the original, with the same suspension layout and nearly identical styling. It does, however, benefit from the accumulation of three decades of incremental improvements in two key areas: luxury and power.

For luxury, the G550 comes standard with everything. No option list exists. Standard equipment includes a sunroof; a windshield with embedded heating elements á la Land Rover; Mercedes’ COMAND navigation system with Bluetooth, Sirius radio, and iPod connectivity; 10-way power and heated front seats; heated rear seats; and a rear-view camera, among a host of other goodies.

Power Proportionate to its Boxiness

As for the major 2009 upgrade, the G550 is now equipped with the automaker’s ubiquitous 5.5-liter V-8. Sporting the same 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque as in its other applications and growling through an exhaust system that dumps out right in front of each rear wheel, the aluminum lump whips this 5700-lb packing crate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 14.5 at 94 mph. For something shaped like a brick and weighing nearly three tons, that’s world class.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED: $101,125 (base price: $101,125)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 333 cu in, 5461cc
Power (SAE net): 382 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 391 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 112.2 in Length: 185.6 in Width: 71.8 in Height: 76.0 in
Curb weight: 5665 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.7 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 34.9 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 6.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.5 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 133 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 186 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.63 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 11/15 mpg
C/D observed: 13 mpg
*Stability-control-inhibited.

Keep Reading: 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 - Short Take Road Test

Mercedes-Benz working on the next CLK for 2011

Even though the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe replaced the CLK nameplate, a successor to the model based on the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class could be in the works for 2011.

According to sources of a French car magazine, the next CLK will fill the gap between the 2010 E-Class Coupe (which is already built on the C-Class platform but is a little larger than the old CLK) and the CLC Coupe.

Source say that the next-generation CLK will be aimed at the BMW 3-Series Coupe and will by very similar to the new C-Class in terms of design.

The model is expected to borrow the same engine lineup from the C-Class sedan. Of course, this has us dreaming of the next CLK AMG with the C 63 AMG 450-hp V8.

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

Six years ago, I attended the Electric Vehicle Symposium in Long Beach, California, and at the conclusion of a riveting presentation by a major advanced-tech battery manufacturer, a questioner asked about the prospects of lithium-ion batteries for automobiles. The presenter was stony-faced for a few seconds — and then responded with a cocked head. “What do you mean by lithium batteries in cars?” Nickel metal hydride was then considered the cutting-edge in battery tech for hybrids, and this question about lithium-ion — provoked by its chief advocate, the late Dr. Paul MacCready, who was elsewhere in the hall — seemed beyond the presenter’s grasp. The questioner might as well have asked when worm holes in the fabric of space and time were going to let cars blink from one place to another.

Well, I’ve just driven the world’s first mass-production automobile that employs a lithium-ion battery (the lithium-ion-using Tesla Roadster being a low-production affair). No, it isn’t a full electric vehicle as Dr. MacCready would have preferred. But there, tucked in the corner of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid’s engine bay, was a 32-cell, 120 volt, 0.9 amp-hour, lithium-ion battery about the size of shoebox.

Jaguar XF Is Best Executive Car In 2009 Fleet World Honours

The Jaguar XF has won the award for Best Executive Car at the 2009 Fleet World Honours, proving the growing popularity of Jaguar’s new sports saloon amongst the business community. The trophy was presented at a special ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall on Wednesday 20 May. The awards are judged by a [...]

BRABUS Refines the New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

The new Mercedes E-Class Coupe just went on sale and BRABUS already presents an extensive tuning program for the new two-door. The pinnacle of the available performance tuning is the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine. It has a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and propels the E 500 (US: E550) to an impressive top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph).

Courts asked to cancel Madoff's car leases

There are many jobs in the world which we wouldn't want. Ranking high among them is Irving Picard's. He's the guy stuck with managing the liquidation of Bernie Madoff's firm. Having purportedly defrauded his clients (including numerous charitable foundations) of over $50 billion, Madoff has undoubtedly left quite a mess to untangle, and we're glad someone else is taking care of it while we write about cars for a living. But amidst that assuredly insurmountable mess is a fleet of luxury automobiles that Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities had leased for use by the firm.
Included in the Madoff garage are a Land Rover Range Rover, a Cadillac DTS, a pair of Mercedes S550s and a GL450, along with an unspecified Lexus. Several of the vehicles have already been returned to their dealerships, but Picard is petitioning the Federal Bankruptcy Court to rubber-stamp the cancellation of the leases in order to mitigate the cost of administrating the case. Considering that Picard has already delivered letters of termination to the firm's sixty employees and that Madoff himself is under house arrest in his Manhattan penthouse apartment, it's not like anyone's going to be using them, anyway. Unfortunately, since the cars are leased, there's no capital to recuperate for the reimbursement of Madoff's defrauded clients who are, themselves, still waiting to find out how much they've each lost.
[Source: The New York Times via The Car Connection]

Maybach 62S Landaulet, Sells on eBay?

Not sure about you, but for me that looks like someone trying to make a quick buck. Apparently what we have in here is a semi-convertible Maybach 62S Landaulet - the world’s most luxurious sedan , that is selling on eBay for a buy-it-now pice of $2.2 million. With a MSRP of $1.35 million for the US market and only 20 units to be produced, we find it hard to believe that a Texas guy got his hands on it and is trying to sell it. But if that’s true, you should know that it’s a loaded version that packs a 612hp (450kW) twin turbo V12 engine, has an amazing rollback canvass roof and a beautiful Baltic Black over Aspen White interior. I sure hope they have a chauffeur and a few ladies to go with the sale. [ebay via jalopnik]

Mercedes-Benz S400 : 2010

The Mercedes-Benz S400 is the first series-production passenger car with hybrid drive and the world's first car with a lithium-ion battery.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Body Kit Unveiled By MEC Design

Going through our inbox this beautiful Wednesday morning, the fine gentlemen at MEC Design sent us details of a new body kit they've created for the Mercedes S-Class. Up front, you'll notice a new front apron is in place which features your choice of either fog lights and driving lights or a mesh insert, while in the back, a new rear diffuser and one piece rear spoiler are both present.
Also featured on the kit is new side skirts and an MEC Design Electronic Lowering Module which lowers the S-Class between 40 and 70 millimeters, as is an MEC Design exhaust system with chrome tips.
Completing the package, bi-colored MECXTREMEIII 22-inch wheels are fitted to the MEC S-Class, which feature a stainless steel outer rim with a forged center piece.
© Source: emercedesbenz

2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG - Car News

WHAT: The only version of the recently restyled E-class that is worthy of appearing in poster form on your bedroom wall. Packs the same hand-assembled 507-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 from last year’s E63.

WHY: AMG makes astounding improvements to Benzes. We’re grateful.

Keep Reading: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG - Car News

Brabus unveils tuning package for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe just went on sale in Europe (coming to the U.S. later this summer) and German tuner Brabus has already released an extensive tuning package for the new coupe. We’re going to avoid talking about visual enhancements (if you really care just check out the press release or the images after the jump) and jump straight into the performance part of Brabus’s package.

The range-topping performance package is the Brabus 6.1 displacement engine. The upgrade increases the displacement of the 4-valve V8 engine from 5.5L to 6.1L. That allows for a total of 462-hp and a maximum torque of 453 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph.

Pricing for the Brabus 6.1 displacement engine upgrade will go for 29,000 Euros ($39,944 USD).

Follow the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Brabus 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe:

Press Release:

The new Mercedes E-Class Coupe just went on sale and BRABUS already presents an extensive tuning program for the new two-door. The pinnacle of the available performance tuning is the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine. It has a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and propels the E 500 (US: E550) to an impressive top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph). Also on offer is an aerodynamic-enhancement program that was developed in the wind tunnel. Further highlights are custom-tailored wheels up to 20 inches in diameter, sporty yet comfortable suspension solutions and exclusive interior options.

A rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and a peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft) at just 3,100 rpm are the result of the displacement increase of the four-valve V8 engine from 5.5 to 6.1 liters. 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph): The BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine turns the E 500 Coupe into a true high-performance automobile.

The displacement increase of the eight-cylinder engine sells for 29,000 Euros. It is facilitated by the installation of a billet crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons. Furthermore the four-valve cylinder heads are precision-machined and fitted with custom camshafts. The BRABUS sport exhaust system with high-performance metal catalysts also contributes to the impressive power output as do specially programmed engine electronics.

More driving fun with the turbodiesel models is available with the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra kits. For the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY BRABUS offers its D4 tuning kit. For just 1,390 Euros power output of the common-rail four-cylinder engine jumps from standard 204 hp (201 bhp) / 150 kW to 235 hp (232 bhp) / 173 kW. Peak torque grows to 560 Nm (413 lb-ft).

The V6 turbodiesel engine of the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY equipped with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) module produces 272 hp (268 bhp) / 200 kW and a peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft).

All engines are lubricated with ARAL high-performance motor oil and like all BRABUS components they are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers or 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

Stainless-steel BRABUS quad sport exhaust systems are available for all new E-Class models.

The BRABUS designers have also developed a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement package for the two-door E-Class. It is manufactured from Pur-R-Rim in OEM quality. The BRABUS front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights gives the coupe an even more striking face and reduces aerodynamic lift on the front axle at high speeds.

BRABUS adds sporty highlights to the sides with new aluminum front sport quarter panels with integrated clear-coated carbon-fiber inserts. New rocker panels visually give the coupe a lower and sleeker stance. They feature LED entrance lights integrated into their undersides. Customers can also choose a version with integrated illuminated BRABUS logo.

The BRABUS rear apron features a centrally mounted reflector and custom-tailored cutouts on either side for the four tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system.

The exclusive BRABUS appearance is rounded out by one-piece or multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 17, 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features BRABUS Monoblock VI, E, Q or S wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in size 9.5Jx20 in back. High-performance tires from BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA are mounted in size 235/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 265/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

The available BRABUS suspension solutions offer sporty handling combined with excellent ride comfort. They were custom-developed for the various engines available in the new E-Class. The list of options starts with lowering springs and culminates in a complete height-adjustable coil-over sport suspension.

BRABUS also offers a high-performance brake system for the new Mercedes coupe. It features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 360-mm (14.2 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops with four-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

BRABUS will customize the interior of the new E-Class Coupe to customers’ specifications. The list of interior options includes stainless-steel scuff plated with illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel and an entirely new interior crafted from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

The ultimate Mercedes W124

Tracking down old and obscure cars for stories gives a chance to play detective, but it can sometimes feel like trying to find a needle in a long row of haystacks.
So when we decided that we wanted an original Mercedes 500E for our latest Meet the Ancestors video, I suspected that – as a rare groove car that came here in tiny numbers two decades ago – I was going to have my work cut out.

But as it turned out, it couldn’t have been easier, thanks to Mercedes uber-fan Talbir Bains. He’s a man who has pretty much assembled his own heritage collection of the brawniest products produced by Merc and its various tuners in the Eighties and Nineties.
Indeed, his response to my first tentative question as to whether we could turn his 500E into a film star was tellingly simple: “Which one?”
Because in addition to two 500Es, Talbir has a fleet of tuned SEC Coupes, a 1987 V12 SEL Brabus, a W124 560E ‘Hammer’ that used to belong to George Harrison  and – my personal favourite – a 1992 5.6-litre W124 Brabus estate that could well be the world’s greatest Q-car.
As for the 500E, what can I say? It was the first time I had driven one and, as a confirmed W124 fetishist, I wasn’t disappointed. It couldn’t muster anything like the toys or even the cabin quality of the modern CLS we compared it against – but even after two decades, it still felt properly quick once that big V8 got wound up.

Detroit 2009: The top ten cars that still could not care less about fuel efficiency

Click above for a high-res gallery of the top ten anti-fuel efficient cars

With the dramatic fluctuation of fuel prices in recent years, auto shows and the automakers that frequent them have focused more on green cars and increased efficiency. Gone are the days of supercar concepts like the Cadillac Cien and Chrysler ME412, as they're replaced by fuel sipping hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles. Still, a few manufacturers dare to bring gas-guzzlers to the joy of those who still enjoy tire-shredding horsepower. Click on the link below to see the top ten vehicles of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show that relentlessly celebrate smokey burnouts and completely unnecessary top speeds.

2009 Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SL 63 RS

(from Kicherer Press Release) Even after its facelift Mercedes Tuner Kicherer saw sufficient hidden, sports potential in the Mercedes SL 63 AMG which it then brought to the fore in the Kicherer SL 63 RS. Kicherer transforms the Mercedes SL 63 AMG into the SL 63 RS.
Whilst the 6.2 litre large V8 engine in the standard modell produces 525 Ps and 630 Nm with fine tuning Kicherer have teased 560 PS and 670 Nm out of the high performance machine.
So the customer can experience this extra performance Kicherer are simultaneously offering a Vmax-upgrade, which disables the electronic brakes at speeds of 250 km/h. To counter this the ABC-suspension has been electronically adapted to meet the increased demands and equipped with more sporty lines. Kicherer has also improved the brakes.
The Kicherer SL 63 RS is of course allowed to display it potential. And for this the tuner has applied an extensive exterior package of laminated carbon fibre. To visually improve the two-seater a new front spoiler, LED daylight driving lights, headlight blenders, a new front grill, a bumper on the front wings along with special mirror covers and a completely new shaped rear diffuser have been added. This latter also frames a sports exhaust system with four exhaust outlets.
Downforce system is the name given by Kicherer to the boot lid with integrated spoiler that is also made of laminated carbon fibre and which should clearly increase the downwards pressure on the rear axle.The transformation of the Mercedes SL 63 AMG is rounded off with 20 inch large light metal wheels, which at the front have 255/30 tyres and at the rear are fitted with 305/25 tyres.Carbon fibre is also the material from which Kicherer has made the new decorative parts in the interior. The tuner has also added a new sports steering wheel to the package.
© Source: seriouswheels

Kicherer Updates SL 63 RS facelift package

Kicherer takes the standard SL 63 AMG's naturally aspirated 6.3 liter (6208cc) V8 with 525 hp and 630 Nm of torque and boosts those figures to 560 hp and 670 Nm of Nordic strongman-like cranking power. Sounds not too excessive, a solid display of tuning propriety.
An aerodynamic kit helps improve air flow above and beneath the car while being made up of lightweight laminated carbon fiber parts to keep this SL 63 on a high-carb/low fat diet. The kit includes a new front grill and spoiler, rear spoiler for better downforce and a rear skirt with a newly-shaped integrated diffuser that assiduously ushers air flow beneath the car while framing a quad-piped sport exhaust system.
Press Release
Kicherer transforms the Mercedes SL 63 AMG into the SL 63 RS
Whilst the 6.2 litre large V8 engine in the standard modell produces 525 Ps and 630 Nm with fine tuning Kicherer have teased 560 PS and 670 Nm out of the high performance machine.
Aerodynamic kit made of carbon fibre
So the customer can experience this extra performance Kicherer are simultaneously offering a Vmax-upgrade, which disables the electronic brakes at speeds of 250 km/h. To counter this the ABC-suspension has been electronically adapted to meet the
increased demands and equipped with more sporty lines. Kicherer has also improved the brakes. Here a high performance braking system ensures adequate delaying values.
The Kicherer SL 63 RS is of course allowed to display it potential. And for this the tuner has applied an extensive exterior package of laminated carbon fibre. To visually improve the two-seater a new front spoiler, LED daylight driving lights, headlight blenders, a new front grill, a bumper on the front wings along with special mirror covers and a completely new shaped rear diffuser have been added. This latter also frames a sports exhaust system with four exhaust outlets.
Carbon fibre for the boot lid and interior
Downforce system is the name given by Kicherer to the boot lid with integrated spoiler that is also made of laminated carbon fibre and which should clearly increase the downwards pressure on the rear axle.The transformation of the Mercedes SL 63 AMG
is rounded off with 20 inch large light metal wheels, which at the front have 255/30 tyres and at the rear are fitted with 305/25 tyres.Carbon fibre is also the material from which Kicherer has made the new decorative parts in the interior. The tuner has also
added a new sports steering wheel to the package.
via:World Car Fans

First 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe delivered

Mercedes-Benz announced today that it has delivered the first unit of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe to Siegfried Moller. Moller chose a 2010 E500 in a palladium silver color with a range of extras including the AMG Sports Package and the COMAND multimedia system.

U.S. sales of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe will start later this summer. Two variants will be offered including the $48,925 292-hp E350 Coupe and the $55,525 388-hp E550 Coupe.

Video and Wallpaper-Walter Rohrl wrings out the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3

Walter Röhrl drives better than you can. In fact, he drives better than most people presently walking this Earth. The rally legend and Porsche test driver recently took the 435 hp Porsche GT3 and lapped the 'Ring in a blistering 7:40. Now he's tossing the track-ready 911 variant on video for all to see. Hit the jump to watch Mr. Röhrl show the 2010 911 GT3 who's boss. It's too bad we can't switch off the underwhelming promo music so we can focus in on the beautiful noises emanating from the GT3's tailpipe, but Röhrl's handiwork more than makes up for it.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3

Porsche Boxster Speedster already on road tests

While all automobile public watched victorious debut Porsche Panamera, the German motor-car manufacturer has had time to roll out on test lines the camouflaged version high-speed Boxster, known under name Porsche Boxster Speedster.
That fact that on espionage photos is shown Speedster, confirms design of the car and characteristic for given versions Boxster the reduced windshield, narrower lateral glasses and snubber arches located behind headrests of seats.

Concerning power "stuffing" of new model of the exact information is not present. But presumably, under cowl Boxster Speedster the six-cylinder 3,4-litre engine by capacity of 303 h.p. Possibly will be established, then a ruler of engines will expand with the optimised four-cylinder motor equipped with the turbine.

Date of start of assembly of serial version Porsche the motor-car manufacturer while keeps a secret, as well as the official data concerning technical characteristics.

Porsche GT2 Champ Of BeaveRun; GT-R Poised For Overall One Lap Win

Ian Stewart and Peter Lier's Porsche GT2 performed masterfully today at BeaveRun Motorsports Park. With Stewart behind the wheel, the GT2 stormed to first place in both events around the 12-turn track, setting a 3:08.4 cumulative lap time in the morning and afternoon.
Still, the Cannonball GT-R -- which placed second in both events -- leads the GT2 by 100 points overall. With one event and 24 hours remaining in this year's competition, the Nissan looks as though it will clinch the overall win barring a catastrophic mechanical failure.

MAFF Muron Wide Body Styling Kit for Porsche Cayenne

A new tuning kit for the Porsche Cayenne is unveiled by MAFF Tuning. Called the Muron project the kit emphasises detailed customisation as much as it does high performance.

Porsche kicks off Panamera production in Leipzig, offers free plant tours

Porsche announced that it has started production of the 2010 Porsche Panamera at its Leipzig plant. After undergoing a 22,000 square meter expansion over two years, Porsche is building the Panamera sedan and the Cayenne SUV on the same product line.

During the past 8 months, plant tours were shut down due to construction. Porsche said that effective immediately, visitors may come in experience the production of the Panamera as it rolls off the line.

The tours are approximately two-hours long and free of charge.

Click through for the press release.

Porsche Panamera Leipzig Production Line:

Press Release:

Sports Car Manufacturer reopens the Leipzig Plant to Visitors

Experience the new Porsche Panamera up close and personal

Stuttgart/Leipzig. In the Leipzig plant of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, the production of the new Panamera has started. On April 19, it was presented to the global public in Shanghai for the first time. The car will be launched in September starting with some European markets. Porsche is manufacturing the four-door Gran Turismo together with the successful sporty Cayenne SUV on one product line. For this, the Leipzig plant has undergone a 22,000 square meter expansion over the course of two years. The state-of the-art production and logistics concept was also refined further during this time.

No plant tours were possible during the past eight months due to the construction. Effective immediately, visitors may again experience production up close and personal and have the chance to see the first Panamera vehicles roll off the assembly line in Saxony. The approximately two-hour tours are free of charge, they can also be booked in connection with pilot and co-pilot offers, where participants have the chance to experience the Porsche driving features with a sporty Cayenne SUV on the racetrack or on the off-road premises.

Further information, all key dates and the possibility to book online are provided around the clock under the internet address www.porsche-leipzig.com.

Daimler to open Mercedes hybrid electric research base in MI

In an all-too-rare win for Detroit's automaker base, the state of Michigan and Daimler have reportedly reached a deal to see a new Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric car research and development facility built in neighboring Ann Arbor. Among other things, the facility will develop hybrid transmissions, electric motors, and powertrain management software.
The German automaker is reportedly seeking a 65,000 square-foot facility to house the R&D works, and the development will also see the relocation of an existing facility currently located in Troy. Over the course of the next decade, the new operation is expected to represent a $9.9 million investment and generate 454 jobs – 223 of them directly. However, in order to secure the facility in Michigan (California and South Carolina were reportedly also considered), the state has had to cough up a tax break package worth some $7.5 million over 10 years.

Lagonda Concept gives first hint at Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz cooperation

It’s no surprise that the reception of the Lagonda Concept by Aston Martin was … well, awkward. Not many liked the design of the concept that is said to revive the old luxury brand by 2012. However, according to Aston Martin Lagonda designer Marek Reichman, said that the “body language is avant-garde.”
Reichman confirmed that the Concept [...]

It’s no surprise that the reception of the Lagonda Concept by Aston Martin was … well, awkward. Not many liked the design of the concept that is said to revive the old luxury brand by 2012. However, according to Aston Martin Lagonda designer Marek Reichman, said that the “body language is avant-garde.”

Reichman confirmed that the Concept in fact shares its platform with the Mercedes-Benz GL, giving us the first hint at a closer Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz relationship. Reichman said that the Lagonda Concept is the very first product of cooperation between Aston and Daimler.

It’s been previously reported that Aston Martin is working with Mercedes-Benz in a relationship that could spawn a hybrid Aston Martin, a full-range of Lagonda models, a possible DB10 and SUV from Lagonda.

Reichman said that with a GL platform, the Lagonda Concept can accommodate a range of diesel, V6 and AMG V8 engines as well as Daimler’s two-mode hybrid system. He said that the luxury Lagonda Concept is also capable of doing some off-roading on rough roads.

So will the Lagonda Concept enter production? Reichman says that so far this is all a test. “We are launching the Lagonda brand with a concept. But typically we have not done concepts that we have not put into production.”

Aussie Driver Accidentally Parks Mercedes On Neighbor's Car

Even if you tried, we doubt that you could do what Pauline Grodski from Melbourne, Australia, did with her Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Ms Grodski reportedly lost control of her luxury sedan near her home in Malvern as she was... reaching for her lunchbox. As you can see in the picture above, Ms Grodski's carelessness -and that's an understatement- ended with her car hovering on two wheels astride a neighbor's parked Holden Astra sedan. Luckily, no one was injured in the incident.

First Look: Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss

The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss can accelerate to 62 mph in 3.5 sec. It’s capable of 217 mph. So what, you say. Those numbers have become standard supercar fare. The Ferrari Enzo can touch 225 mph. The Corvette ZR1 barrels to 60 mph in 3.3 sec. Ah, but here’s the twist — this SLR does its thing without roof, windows, and windshield.

Envision the wind buffeting you mercilessly at 150 mph or how a bug or rock would feel hitting you at that speed. That’s the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss sensation. It’s a car created as a tribute to the man crazy enough to drive a Formula 1-based car 1000 miles flat out at an average speed of nearly 100 mph — all with little more than an open-face helmet and goggles protecting him from the violently onrushing air and debris.

Spy shots: First prototypes for next-gen Mercedes Benz CLS

The Mercedes Benz CLS ignited the four-door coupe market when it was introduced back in 2004, and since then we’ve seen several other luxury rivals attempt to emulate the design with cars like the Porsche Panamera, Audi A7 and Aston Martin Rapide all under development.

Now the first prototype for Mercedes’ next-generation CLS has been spotted, revealing a few subtle clues about the new model (previously we saw a test-mule disguised under the sheet metal of the current model). The new car is expected to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model, and positioned more upmarket to bring it in line with some of its more premium rivals. This will also allow Mercedes to introduce a second four-door coupe model, rumored to be based on its next-generation small car platform.

RENNtech Looks for Mercedes SL 65 AMG to Hit WARP Speed

RENNtech creates Starship Enterprise-like SL 65 AMG to challenge arch-competitor BRABUS with continuous references to Star Trek.

Lorinser Styled Mercedes GLK Unveiled at Essen Motor Show

Mercedes design tuner Lorinser brings its version of the new GLK to the Essen Motor Show.

Mercedes Presents SUV 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

Mercedes Benz has launched pair special editions of the goliath that is the Mercedes ML 63 AMG. Undivided is called the 10th Anniversary number printed at once while the other is called the consummation Studio edition.

Apparently its to solemnize what happened 10 years ago, then its AMG division decided that level SUVs should be offered with y AMG badge and a highly tuned up machine. That was the birth of the 346 horsepower ML 55 AMG, and I wager you pretty soon we might examine something like the X5 M and the X6 M.

below the hood is the same powerhouse at the same time that the standard ML 63 AMG, a handiwork-crafted 6.2 liter normally aspirated V8 agent producing 510 horsepower and 630Nm of torque, mated to some AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic 7-quicken automatic transmission.

The Mercedes ML 63 AMG Performance Studio is fitted with materials that suit a car of its status. The car has filled nappa leather upholstery and a absolutely sweet porcelain-coloured diamond design. Exclusive AMG sports seats are wrapped in this leather, onward with door linings and also raise seats. Alcantara is all you feel looking up; from the sun visors, erect window frame, to the roof lining and grip suddenly handles. Sporty and tasteful at the similar time.

Along with the new headlamps, the 2009 Mercedes ML 63 AMG features a strange front apron, a redesigned AMG-peculiar radiator grille painted in high-make explanatory remarks black, LED tail-lights with unimpeded-glass look if the optional bi-xenon headlamps are specified, just discovered 20-inch 5-spoke AMG public notice-alloy wheels and a new rare apron with integrated reflectors. The larger from without mirrors as well as the gauge-fit aluminium-look roof rails tag the finishing touches to the styling modifications.

The of recent origin AMG ergonomic steering wheel with the aluminum mean refuge paddles stands out in the part of the 2009 Mercedes ML 63 AMG. Like the pause of the range, the ML 63 AMG likewise benefits from higher quality materials and a starting a telematics generation in the cabin.in that place are no mechanical changes as the 209 ML 63 AMG continued to have ing equipped with a 510 Hp 6.3-liter V8 agent matted to a SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC self-moving transmission with three drive modes. The ML 63 AMG accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 sec space of time its top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).