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Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series on Video

Hereto a great information package on the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, on video, narrated over by someone who sounds like a nice lady. Stats on the SL65 AMG Black Series are all over WCF but it's always nice to recap on where exactly everything is at any point in time. Follow closely then.

SL65 AMG Black Series is bolstered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine with two turbos, making heavyweight punches worth 493kW/ 670 and 1,000Nm of torque, limited. An interesting fact is that like the legendary E55 AMG, both SL65 AMG and Black Series versions make do with a 5-speed semi-automatic gearbox, instead of Merc's latest 7-speed G-Tronic unit. The nice lady says 0 - 100km/h is dispatched in 3.8 seconds while a top speed of 320km/h is attainable, even though it also is limited at that.

Source: Daimler

Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series on Video

Hereto a great information package on the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, on video, narrated over by someone who sounds like a nice lady. Stats on the SL65 AMG Black Series are all over WCF but it's always nice to recap on where exactly everything is at any point in time. Follow closely then.

SL65 AMG Black Series is bolstered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine with two turbos, making heavyweight punches worth 493kW/ 670 and 1,000Nm of torque, limited. An interesting fact is that like the legendary E55 AMG, both SL65 AMG and Black Series versions make do with a 5-speed semi-automatic gearbox, instead of Merc's latest 7-speed G-Tronic unit. The nice lady says 0 - 100km/h is dispatched in 3.8 seconds while a top speed of 320km/h is attainable, even though it also is limited at that.

Source: Daimler

Spy Shot: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon

Mercedes-Benz and AMG are out and working on the next generation of one of that company’s oddest, and most exciting products; the totally bananas E63 AMG wagon.
Just the thing for sports car lovers who’ve a few kids, dogs, or loveseats to haul around, the radical E-Class is said to be sporting a 6.2-liter V-8 capable of more than 500 horsepower. The package will also feature huge cross-drilled brakes, a large set of quad exhaust pipes, lowered ride height (natch), and a new bumper with huge air intakes. We are still scratching our heads about the rear light clusters seen in these photos—a treatment that looks as much like a triple set of Maglites and some bicycle reflectors as anything right now—but we’ve no doubt that Mercedes will get the car all prettied up before launch.

Take a closer look at the AMG wagon in our gallery above and read on below for the spy shooter’s own comments.

 What do you do if the family and the 2 big dogs you have don’t fit into your Porsche 911 anymore? Well, don’t worry; Mercedes AMG are developing a substitute for all you + 500 horsepower lovers. The new Mercedes E 63 AMG wagon.

It may not look as sporty as the Porsche, but beware when you put that pedal to the floor, this 6.2 liter V8 powered + 500 horsepower wagon will scare one or two sport car owners when showing up in the rear mirror. And when you have overtaken them, all they will remember are the four big exhaust pipes screaming “looser” to them. 

At a closer inspection they will notice the big brakes with cross drilled discs behind those gigantic wheels and the lowered suspension. A new front bumper with some larger air intakes will be the most noticeable from the discreet body kit.
But, there is just one problem; you have to wait until the Frankfurt Car Show in September 2009 until you can get it.

Spy Shot: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon

Mercedes-Benz and AMG are out and working on the next generation of one of that company’s oddest, and most exciting products; the totally bananas E63 AMG wagon.
Just the thing for sports car lovers who’ve a few kids, dogs, or loveseats to haul around, the radical E-Class is said to be sporting a 6.2-liter V-8 capable of more than 500 horsepower. The package will also feature huge cross-drilled brakes, a large set of quad exhaust pipes, lowered ride height (natch), and a new bumper with huge air intakes. We are still scratching our heads about the rear light clusters seen in these photos—a treatment that looks as much like a triple set of Maglites and some bicycle reflectors as anything right now—but we’ve no doubt that Mercedes will get the car all prettied up before launch.

Take a closer look at the AMG wagon in our gallery above and read on below for the spy shooter’s own comments.

 What do you do if the family and the 2 big dogs you have don’t fit into your Porsche 911 anymore? Well, don’t worry; Mercedes AMG are developing a substitute for all you + 500 horsepower lovers. The new Mercedes E 63 AMG wagon.

It may not look as sporty as the Porsche, but beware when you put that pedal to the floor, this 6.2 liter V8 powered + 500 horsepower wagon will scare one or two sport car owners when showing up in the rear mirror. And when you have overtaken them, all they will remember are the four big exhaust pipes screaming “looser” to them. 

At a closer inspection they will notice the big brakes with cross drilled discs behind those gigantic wheels and the lowered suspension. A new front bumper with some larger air intakes will be the most noticeable from the discreet body kit.
But, there is just one problem; you have to wait until the Frankfurt Car Show in September 2009 until you can get it.

Mercedes-Benz Goes GLK Crazy for SEMA

GLK Rock Crawler

The team at the Legendary Motorcar Company from Ontario, Canada, which is more commonly associated with the restoration of American muscle cars, created The GLK Rock Crawler. The exotic design for snow and sand includes a winch system that can provide wakeboarders and snowboarders alike with the necessary impetus.

Mercedes-Benz continues to try to shed its sometimes stodgy image, through liberal use of its rather funky GLK small SUV, some imaginative tuning houses, and everyone’s favorite Animal House-style auto show, SEMA.

We tend to believe that this sort of thing is only acceptable in Las Vegas, where bigger and brasher almost always overpowers good taste and sense. How else can you explain a GLK decked out like the Pike’s Peak Suzuki Escudo, or another chopped into a speedster that Lil John might find a bit obscene? All in good tuner fun we suppose. Click through the gallery above for the official M-B line on each concept or find the rest of the press release below.

Stuttgart/Las Vegas - Mercedes-Benz has created an unconventional presentation idea under the heading "Tuner Challenge". Ahead of the equally unconventional SEMA Show in the gaming hotspot of Las Vegas, the Stuttgart company announced a competition for tuning firms. The object of desire - the compact GLK-Class. The distinctively styled automotive character with an edge seems predestined to arouse a wide range of tuning fantasies.

Tuning operations were tasked with highlighting the possibilities presented by the GLK's wide-ranging talents through their ideas and designs. The four most convincing concepts were selected and the winners given the opportunity to implement their proposals. This process saw the creation of GLK models that are as leading-edge as they are unorthodox, and that now take centre stage in Mercedes' participation at this year's SEMA Show. "Widestar", "The GLK Urban Whip", "The GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer" and "The GLK Rock Crawler" will attract attention even at SEMA, which is not exactly short on highlights and is becoming increasingly important as a trendsetting springboard for the European tuning scene. This presentation also represents the GLK premiere on the North American market, where sales are scheduled to begin in January 2009. "Our GLK is a character bursting with expressiveness, and a new model for us within a young market segment in the U.S.," comments Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Gorden Wagener. "We selected SEMA in Las Vegas as the backdrop for its first appearance in North America because we want to take advantage of the show's glamour and to underscore the highly individual character of the GLK. An SUV with an edge that is so refreshingly alternative, demands a somewhat alternative setting."

Good market prospects are being forecast for the compact GLK in the U.S. The visual appeal and functionality of its exterior design make the GLK a distinctive and versatile vehicle, as do its exceptional handling and excellent safety characteristics combined with superb comfort both on and off-road.

GLK-Class freely interpreted four times

Four fundamentally different rebuilds make one thing abundantly clear - the GLK-Class is one of the most multi-faceted SUV models ever, and one that retains its distinctive character, even in the face of somewhat unconventional modifications. With each respective tuner fantasy and the help of some exotic ingredients, the SUV has been turned into an exclusive specialist for the road, beach, city or rally stage. "We wanted to see what kinds of interpretations were inspired by our GLK and how they would further sharpen this very strong character. The tuners opted for completely differing approaches, demonstrating the potential of our GLK concept," continues Gorden Wagener.

Mercedes-Benz Goes GLK Crazy for SEMA

GLK Rock Crawler

The team at the Legendary Motorcar Company from Ontario, Canada, which is more commonly associated with the restoration of American muscle cars, created The GLK Rock Crawler. The exotic design for snow and sand includes a winch system that can provide wakeboarders and snowboarders alike with the necessary impetus.

Mercedes-Benz continues to try to shed its sometimes stodgy image, through liberal use of its rather funky GLK small SUV, some imaginative tuning houses, and everyone’s favorite Animal House-style auto show, SEMA.

We tend to believe that this sort of thing is only acceptable in Las Vegas, where bigger and brasher almost always overpowers good taste and sense. How else can you explain a GLK decked out like the Pike’s Peak Suzuki Escudo, or another chopped into a speedster that Lil John might find a bit obscene? All in good tuner fun we suppose. Click through the gallery above for the official M-B line on each concept or find the rest of the press release below.

Stuttgart/Las Vegas - Mercedes-Benz has created an unconventional presentation idea under the heading "Tuner Challenge". Ahead of the equally unconventional SEMA Show in the gaming hotspot of Las Vegas, the Stuttgart company announced a competition for tuning firms. The object of desire - the compact GLK-Class. The distinctively styled automotive character with an edge seems predestined to arouse a wide range of tuning fantasies.

Tuning operations were tasked with highlighting the possibilities presented by the GLK's wide-ranging talents through their ideas and designs. The four most convincing concepts were selected and the winners given the opportunity to implement their proposals. This process saw the creation of GLK models that are as leading-edge as they are unorthodox, and that now take centre stage in Mercedes' participation at this year's SEMA Show. "Widestar", "The GLK Urban Whip", "The GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer" and "The GLK Rock Crawler" will attract attention even at SEMA, which is not exactly short on highlights and is becoming increasingly important as a trendsetting springboard for the European tuning scene. This presentation also represents the GLK premiere on the North American market, where sales are scheduled to begin in January 2009. "Our GLK is a character bursting with expressiveness, and a new model for us within a young market segment in the U.S.," comments Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Gorden Wagener. "We selected SEMA in Las Vegas as the backdrop for its first appearance in North America because we want to take advantage of the show's glamour and to underscore the highly individual character of the GLK. An SUV with an edge that is so refreshingly alternative, demands a somewhat alternative setting."

Good market prospects are being forecast for the compact GLK in the U.S. The visual appeal and functionality of its exterior design make the GLK a distinctive and versatile vehicle, as do its exceptional handling and excellent safety characteristics combined with superb comfort both on and off-road.

GLK-Class freely interpreted four times

Four fundamentally different rebuilds make one thing abundantly clear - the GLK-Class is one of the most multi-faceted SUV models ever, and one that retains its distinctive character, even in the face of somewhat unconventional modifications. With each respective tuner fantasy and the help of some exotic ingredients, the SUV has been turned into an exclusive specialist for the road, beach, city or rally stage. "We wanted to see what kinds of interpretations were inspired by our GLK and how they would further sharpen this very strong character. The tuners opted for completely differing approaches, demonstrating the potential of our GLK concept," continues Gorden Wagener.

Comparison Test: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 vs. Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG vs. Porsche 911 GT2

European Editor Matt Davis tests the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, and the Porsche 911 GT2 in the Italian countryside. Click here to read the full story in Winding Road magazine.

Comparison Test: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 vs. Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG vs. Porsche 911 GT2

European Editor Matt Davis tests the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, and the Porsche 911 GT2 in the Italian countryside. Click here to read the full story in Winding Road magazine.

Mercedes-Benz And Hungary Government Sign Cooperation Agreement To Build New Plant In Kecskemét

At the Hungarian Parliament today, Rainer Schmückle, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars, and Gordon Bajnai, Hungarian Minister for National Development and Economy, signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of a new plant in Kecskemét. On hand to witness the signing were Ferenc Gyurcsány, Prime Minister of Hungary, and Dr. Gábor Zombor, the Mayor of the city of Kecskemét, as well as additional representatives from both Mercedes-Benz and the Hungarian government.

Mercedes-Benz is building the plant to create additional production capacity in the compact car segment, which the company will be expanding from two to four vehicles in the next few years. The project will come at an investment of some €800 million and create up to 2,500 jobs, while production at the plant will be more than 100,000 compact models annually beginning in 2012.

Commenting on the decision to build the plant in Kecskemét, Schmückle had this to say: "By choosing this region, your country, the city of Kecskemét and the people there are becoming part of the history of Mercedes-Benz. And we believe in the performance of the location and the employees. Because, no matter where a Mercedes comes from, it must always meet the highest quality standards."

To learn more about the cooperation agreement between Mercedes-Benz and the Hungarian government as well as the future plant in Kecskemét, keep reading for the official press release.

Enjoy.



OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz and Hungary Government Sign Cooperation Agreement for New Plant in Kecskemét

• Contract signing to create additional production capacity in premium compact car segment
  
  
• Investment of approximately €800 million
  
  
• Start of production in 2012

Budapest – Rainer Schmückle, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars, and Gordon Bajnai, Hungarian Minister for National Development and Economy, signed the cooperation agreement for the construction of a new Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét in presence of Ferenc Gyurcsány, Prime Minister of Hungary, and Dr. Gábor Zombor, the Mayor of the city of Kecskemét.

The signing ceremony took place in the Hungarian Parliament where representatives of Mercedes-Benz and the Hungarian government agreed upon the cornerstones for the construction of the new plant. This includes an investment of €800 million and the creation of up to 2,500 jobs. The plant will manufacture over 100,000 compact cars annually beginning in 2012.

“By choosing this region, your country, the city of Kecskemét and the people there are becoming part of the history of Mercedes-Benz. And we believe in the performance of the location and the employees. Because, no matter where a Mercedes comes from, it must always meet the highest quality standards,” Schmückle said.

Mercedes-Benz is building the plant in order to create additional production capacity in the compact car segment, where the model range will be expanded from two to four vehicles. The plant contributes to the profitability of the product portfolio extension.

Kecskemét is located in the Puzta region, approximately 80 km southeast of Budapest on the M5 freeway which runs north to south through Hungary. In association with the plant in Rastatt, two vehicles from the next generation of today’s A and B Class are to roll off the production line in Kecskemét from 2012. At the Rastatt plant, which in the future will produce three vehicles, investments of €600 million are planned.

Mercedes-Benz And Hungary Government Sign Cooperation Agreement To Build New Plant In Kecskemét

At the Hungarian Parliament today, Rainer Schmückle, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars, and Gordon Bajnai, Hungarian Minister for National Development and Economy, signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of a new plant in Kecskemét. On hand to witness the signing were Ferenc Gyurcsány, Prime Minister of Hungary, and Dr. Gábor Zombor, the Mayor of the city of Kecskemét, as well as additional representatives from both Mercedes-Benz and the Hungarian government.

Mercedes-Benz is building the plant to create additional production capacity in the compact car segment, which the company will be expanding from two to four vehicles in the next few years. The project will come at an investment of some €800 million and create up to 2,500 jobs, while production at the plant will be more than 100,000 compact models annually beginning in 2012.

Commenting on the decision to build the plant in Kecskemét, Schmückle had this to say: "By choosing this region, your country, the city of Kecskemét and the people there are becoming part of the history of Mercedes-Benz. And we believe in the performance of the location and the employees. Because, no matter where a Mercedes comes from, it must always meet the highest quality standards."

To learn more about the cooperation agreement between Mercedes-Benz and the Hungarian government as well as the future plant in Kecskemét, keep reading for the official press release.

Enjoy.



OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz and Hungary Government Sign Cooperation Agreement for New Plant in Kecskemét

• Contract signing to create additional production capacity in premium compact car segment
  
  
• Investment of approximately €800 million
  
  
• Start of production in 2012

Budapest – Rainer Schmückle, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars, and Gordon Bajnai, Hungarian Minister for National Development and Economy, signed the cooperation agreement for the construction of a new Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét in presence of Ferenc Gyurcsány, Prime Minister of Hungary, and Dr. Gábor Zombor, the Mayor of the city of Kecskemét.

The signing ceremony took place in the Hungarian Parliament where representatives of Mercedes-Benz and the Hungarian government agreed upon the cornerstones for the construction of the new plant. This includes an investment of €800 million and the creation of up to 2,500 jobs. The plant will manufacture over 100,000 compact cars annually beginning in 2012.

“By choosing this region, your country, the city of Kecskemét and the people there are becoming part of the history of Mercedes-Benz. And we believe in the performance of the location and the employees. Because, no matter where a Mercedes comes from, it must always meet the highest quality standards,” Schmückle said.

Mercedes-Benz is building the plant in order to create additional production capacity in the compact car segment, where the model range will be expanded from two to four vehicles. The plant contributes to the profitability of the product portfolio extension.

Kecskemét is located in the Puzta region, approximately 80 km southeast of Budapest on the M5 freeway which runs north to south through Hungary. In association with the plant in Rastatt, two vehicles from the next generation of today’s A and B Class are to roll off the production line in Kecskemét from 2012. At the Rastatt plant, which in the future will produce three vehicles, investments of €600 million are planned.

Chrome Mercedes McLaren spotted in Dubai

This chromed Mercedes McLaren was spotted outside the Emirates Mall, one of the largest malls in Dubai. This will be damn reflective when drive under hot sun. More pictures after the break.

[via New Launches]

Chrome Mercedes McLaren spotted in Dubai

This chromed Mercedes McLaren was spotted outside the Emirates Mall, one of the largest malls in Dubai. This will be damn reflective when drive under hot sun. More pictures after the break.

[via New Launches]

Mercedes hybrid coming June 2009

The first ever Mercedes-Benz hybrid goes on sale next summer. Business Week reports that the S400 BlueHybrid will be available from June 2009 in Europe, with the US and China following later in the year. Mercedes-Benz's press office tells me it can't confirm Britain will get the luxury car; concrete word on a UK edition is expected next month.

While greener than some of Mercedes-Benz's current top-end models, the S400 is still effectively a small tank, so it's hardly the future of sustainable transport. It really just an efficient luxury model, akin to Lexus' LS600h.

The S400 is based on a lithium battery and a 'mild' hybrid system, meaning it can't run on electric power alone. Instead, the electric motors assist the petrol engine to improve its miles per gallon.

If a UK model gets confirmed, you'll read about it here.

Mercedes hybrid coming June 2009

The first ever Mercedes-Benz hybrid goes on sale next summer. Business Week reports that the S400 BlueHybrid will be available from June 2009 in Europe, with the US and China following later in the year. Mercedes-Benz's press office tells me it can't confirm Britain will get the luxury car; concrete word on a UK edition is expected next month.

While greener than some of Mercedes-Benz's current top-end models, the S400 is still effectively a small tank, so it's hardly the future of sustainable transport. It really just an efficient luxury model, akin to Lexus' LS600h.

The S400 is based on a lithium battery and a 'mild' hybrid system, meaning it can't run on electric power alone. Instead, the electric motors assist the petrol engine to improve its miles per gallon.

If a UK model gets confirmed, you'll read about it here.

Mercedes-Benz eco C-Class tells you when to shift gear

A new greener version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will tell drivers when to change gear to save fuel. Using a computer and display that informs drivers of the most efficient time to shift gear, the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition hopes to maximise mileage from its efficient diesel engine.

The C 250 will cost 40,638 Euros (£32,330) and goes head-to-head with compact executive cars such as the BMW 3 Series 318d.

Mercedes-Benz says its car will manage 138g/km CO2: not bad, but not as good as the class-leading Beamer. Performance looks respectable, with a promised 0-60mph of 7 seconds.
The car will be available this autumn in a limited 5,000 run.

Mercedes-Benz eco C-Class tells you when to shift gear

A new greener version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will tell drivers when to change gear to save fuel. Using a computer and display that informs drivers of the most efficient time to shift gear, the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition hopes to maximise mileage from its efficient diesel engine.

The C 250 will cost 40,638 Euros (£32,330) and goes head-to-head with compact executive cars such as the BMW 3 Series 318d.

Mercedes-Benz says its car will manage 138g/km CO2: not bad, but not as good as the class-leading Beamer. Performance looks respectable, with a promised 0-60mph of 7 seconds.
The car will be available this autumn in a limited 5,000 run.

Mercedes A-Class gets stop-start (finally)

Following hot on the exhaust of Citroen and BMW, Mercedes is jumping on the stop-start bandwagon. The luxury car maker's new A150 and A170 compact cars will come equipped with 'ECO start-stop', a spot of technical wizardry that automatically stops and restarts the engine when you flick into neutral.

Like Citroen's C3, all the technology is invisible and you won’t have to panic about restarting the engine when the traffic lights go green. Elsewhere on the car, tweaks to the diesel engine, aerodynamics and weight knock the A150's overall CO2 emissions per kilometre down 12 per cent on the old version.

That's not a bad improvement. Despite the step in the right direction, however, the A150 still comes out at 139g CO2 per kilometre. That's well above the new discounted bands for vehicle excise duty and above the EU's green target of 130g CO2 by 2012.

Mercedes is also keen to tell us it's looking at the overall eco lifecycle impact of the A-Class series, rather than just high MPG and low CO2. As such, its new cars will be the first to carry the ISO 14062 badge. Yes, I had to look it up too. Officially, it means Merc has been "integrating environmental aspects into product design and development." The overall ISO 14000 eco management standards are well respected, so this move's definitely worth a thumbs-up.

To buy a new A150 and A170, put spring 2009 in your recycled diary.

Mercedes A-Class gets stop-start (finally)

Following hot on the exhaust of Citroen and BMW, Mercedes is jumping on the stop-start bandwagon. The luxury car maker's new A150 and A170 compact cars will come equipped with 'ECO start-stop', a spot of technical wizardry that automatically stops and restarts the engine when you flick into neutral.

Like Citroen's C3, all the technology is invisible and you won’t have to panic about restarting the engine when the traffic lights go green. Elsewhere on the car, tweaks to the diesel engine, aerodynamics and weight knock the A150's overall CO2 emissions per kilometre down 12 per cent on the old version.

That's not a bad improvement. Despite the step in the right direction, however, the A150 still comes out at 139g CO2 per kilometre. That's well above the new discounted bands for vehicle excise duty and above the EU's green target of 130g CO2 by 2012.

Mercedes is also keen to tell us it's looking at the overall eco lifecycle impact of the A-Class series, rather than just high MPG and low CO2. As such, its new cars will be the first to carry the ISO 14062 badge. Yes, I had to look it up too. Officially, it means Merc has been "integrating environmental aspects into product design and development." The overall ISO 14000 eco management standards are well respected, so this move's definitely worth a thumbs-up.

To buy a new A150 and A170, put spring 2009 in your recycled diary.