Auto & Car Blog

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, Special/Limited Editions

Certain cars encourage a response that is as routine and predictable as the reaction to a stoplight, and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is one of those cars. This is what happens every time someone gets in one, irrespective of their age, sex, or nationality: she snuggles into the seat, looks into the footwell to make sure her feet are placed just so on the pedals, slides her hands around the steering wheel for a couple of seconds to find just the right position, snuggles into the seat again… and then she just sits there, staring off into the distance. She might flip the paddles once or twice, or check out the center console. Then it’s back to the thousand yard stare at the wall in front of her. She gets her picture taken, notices the line of people waiting to do the same thing, and it’s all repeated again and again. And for good reason - the SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is topless testosterone-topped terrificality. 650 horsepower from a supercharged 5.5L V8 and a convertible soft top that’ll stay put above 208 mph deserves the attention. You can check out the specs after the jump, or better yet, go straight to the gallery of high-res images below that we snapped in between the line of people waiting to sit in it.

Continue reading Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Wagons/Estates, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Lifestyle

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION

When Jaguar launched its latest XK coupe, the ad campaign that accompanied it was called “Gorgeous”. When the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION eventually becomes the next E-Class, the first thing Mercedes should do is call Jag to see if Gorgeous needs a friend. The shooting brake is absolutely stunning in person, the ultimate rendition of MB’s current design language. Whereas a few of the 3-pointed-star’s current cars have signature elements that ring true, this E-Class-Coupe-Wagon is the first time the entire theme sings in sweet harmony. The interior is the kind of thing that bespoke dreams are made of, with richly stained wood alternating between low-gloss metal and buttery suede. It is as if Mercedes discovered its inner passion, and if the next E-Class shares these qualities with the ConceptFASCINATION, then BMW and Audi better start worrying. You can discover more about the concept in the press release after the jump, as well as view it live in the gallery of high-res images below.

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Filed under: Convertibles, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

As the era of the Mercedes McLaren SLR winds down to its conclusion sometime in 2009, Mercedes-Benz is releasing what may be the ultimate example of the breed. The SLR 722 S Roadster picks up where the 722 coupe left off dropping the 650-hp supercharged 5.5L V8 into the open top body shell. With a top speed of 220.6 mph, this may be the fastest open top production car ever built. And unlike the first generation Dodge Viper, Mercedes has devised a soft top that can withstand sustained 200 mph+ top speeds. Mercedes has tapped into McLaren’s F1 experience to create the fully carbon-fiber body that can provide the structural integrity needed at those speeds. The semi-automatic top just needs to be unlatched from the windshield header manually before the rest of the process is handled by the electrical actuators. The vehicle dynamics are also aided by dropping the suspension by 10 mm at each end of the car and recalibrating the spring and damper rates. Only 150 examples of the 722 S Roadster will be made available starting Jan. 1 2009.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz reveals SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

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Filed under: Hybrid, Mercedes Benz

A week after Mercedes-Benz announced details of its first hybrid, battery supplier Continental Automotive has launched production of the battery packs. Mercedes will be the first manufacturer to mass produce a hybrid vehicles with lithium ion batteries. Continental spent €3 million to build the battery manufacturing facility in Nuremberg. The first batteries that being produced weigh 55 lbs and have a volume of just under 0.5 cu. ft. When the Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid launches in mid-2009 with this 120V battery pack it will be installed in the engine compartment in place of the standard 12V lead acid battery.

Since this is the first mass market automotive application of a lithium battery, Mercedes and Continental are being extra careful. The battery is designed to last a minimum of 10 years and 100,000-150,000 miles so Continental has developed a sophisticated monitoring system to make sure that it operates within normal operating parameters. Each individual cell is monitored to keeps loads balanced and ensure even charging and discharging. Continental had to develop special processes to weld the copper bus bars that act as cell interconnects. The whole battery is enclosed inside of a laser-welded stainless steel case. The initial production capacity of the factory is 15,000 units a year and that can easily be doubled.

[Source: Continental]

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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Safety, Mercedes-Benz, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard

Short of riding around in a tank, among the highest levels of protection while motoring are provided by armored Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker has been protecting heads of state and captains of industry for 80 years now, and to mark the anniversary has officially released the new S600 Pullman Guard limousine, which was initially announced way back in February 2007.

Based on a stretched version of the standard, off-the-shelf S600, the Pullman is engineered right off the assembly line to withstand handgun fire, grenades and explosive charges to the stringent B6 and B7 ballistic protection standards. The extra weight of all that armor is pulled around by Mercedes’ top-of-the-line 517-hp 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 and is further supported by run-flat tires, a self-sealing fuel tank and integrated fire suppression system. Of course, the stretched limousine can be specified with all manner of luxury equipment, coddling its occupants in security and opulence. All that protection and luxury surely doesn’t come cheap, but for wealthy public figures under threat, price is presumably no object. However, Mercedes also offers an armored E Guard and G Guard as well as the standard-wheelbase S600 Guard.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz marks 80 years of protection with new S600 Pullman Guard

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Filed under: Tuners, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Euro, Mercedes-Benz

With the arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz SL, it’s time for all the usual suspects to update their body and tuning packages accordingly. Observers familiar with Lorinser’s stuff know what to expect here, and in typical fashion, there’s enough mesh grillework to allow for every conceivable cooling need, real or imagined. A large vertical vent replaces the “gills” that are standard on the current SL’s front fender. There’s also an opening in the side skirts ahead of the rear wheel, and a wide grille spanning the area between the exhausts, too. The whole affair sits on a lowered suspension, and big Lorinser alloys fill up the wheel wells. Power upgrades aren’t ready yet, so for the time being, the kit’s an all-show, same-go proposition. Image-conscious buyers will want to keep their original tri-star grille emblem handy, as that much plainer Lorinder badge isn’t going to impress the neighbors nearly as much.

[Source: Lorinser]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Wagons/Estates, Euro, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

If you find yourself in Paris at the auto show next month, you’ll see the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION on the floor. (It’s so fascinating, it requires all caps, you see.) Chances are, the video embedded after the jump will be playing on a variety of screens behind it and around the Mercedes stand in general. It’s your typical car show stuff: light electronica over moving pictures in which the car itself never moves. Still, the panning camera gives you a better view of some of the lines likely to be found on the next E-Class family. Just dim the lights a little and imagine the car surrounded by watchful Germans who are, in turn, surrounded by a number of people speaking French. See? We just saved you airfare to Paris. Thanks for the tip, Guy.

[Source: YouTube via TheCarFanatic]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

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Filed under: Hybrid, Mercedes Benz, Daimler

German magazine Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that Mercedes-Benz expects one fifth of its vehicle sales to be hybrids by the middle of the next decade. The information came from Mercedes sales head Klaus Maier during an interview. Mercedes has already announced the first two hybrid models that will be coming to market in 2009. The S400 Hybrid will use Mercedes new mild hybrid system and a lithium ion battery some time in the spring. Later in the year, the ML450 using the Two-Mode hybrid system is scheduled to launch. Whether the ML hybrid launches on time is unknown at this time because of a lawsuit between Daimler and battery supplier Cobasys. Mercedes plans to launch at least one hybrid every year until 2015. The company has already shown several other hybrids as concepts in the past year including a BlueTec diesel hybrid version of the new GLK compact SUV. Thanks to Matt for the tip!

[Source: BenzInsider.com]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Wagons/Estates, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

When the doors open at the Paris Motor Show next month, Mercedes-Benz will be giving everyone a sneak peek of the new E-Class front-end styling. No, not in the form of the new E-Class itself, which will be unveiled at a later date, but in the ConceptFASCINATION, an attractive shooting brake concept based on the upcoming E-Class Coupe’s architecture and featuring the new E’s front-end styling.

Gone are the round headlamps we’ve become accustomed to. In their place are new “rhomboid” lamps that, on the show car at least, incorporate fiber-optic driving lights. The grille will likely be the same one seen on the new E Coupe, while we’d expect the sedan to have the traditional grille-and-hood-ornament combo instead. Power comes from Mercedes’ new 2.2L, 204-horsepower BlueTEC (with AdBlue) 4-cylinder diesel, which will make its production debut this fall in the Euro-market C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Super Verbose Prime Edition sedan.

The ConceptFASCINATION’s cargo area is covered in wood, and boasts such show-car goodies as a folding glass table that can be pulled rearward, a humidor, a chilled compartment (natch), and storage for binoculars and a camera. A pronounced rear fender arch lends some visual muscle to the whole affair. Hopefully, that’s also a hint at what the inevitable E-Class wagon’s rump is going to look like. As for the new front end, it’s a lot better looking here than spy shots have led us to believe. We’ll have much more next month from Paris. In the meantime, Mercedes’ extensive press release is pasted after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION previews new E-Class

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Filed under: Diesel, Mercedes Benz, European Union

Mercedes today released a boatload of information on the new C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition which will house the company’s totally redesigned four-cylinder diesel engine coming to Europe later this fall. The new engine displaces 2.2 liters and produces 150 kW / 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque, enough to move the C 250 from zero to 100 kmh in seven seconds. With all that power, let’s not ignore the BlueEFFICIENCY tag, which means the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition’s CO₂ emissions are a respectable 138 grams per kilometer and drivers can expect 45 mpg (U.S.), calculated on the NEDC. Mercedes says this is “a value achieved by no other comparable motor car.” The C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition got aero tweaks and low rolling resistance tires to enhance efficiency and there is a consumption display on the dash that tells the driver when to shift to another of the vehicle’s six gears. 5,000 of these Prime Editions will be produced and will appear with a price tag of 40,638.50 euros ($57,527US).

If the engine sounds good to you but you’re not keen on the C-Class looks, don’t fret. Mercedes says the compact design of the new engine means it will someday be found in the E-Class, the new GLK-Class and in the upcoming E‑Class Coupé. Read more after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes]

Continue reading Mercedes C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition

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Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks

After a far-too-long hiatus, we’re back with podcast #62, in which we recap the New York Auto Show. A large contingent of Autobloggers attended the show, and we’re hot to talk about what we saw. The first target we take aim at is Subaru, which trotted out its newly restyled Impreza, WRX and Tribeca. Caspar Milquetoast, your cars have arrived. Ford actually did something bold by translating the Fairlane concept in to the Flex production vehicle. Opinions are split on whether it’s exciting, or just some kind of bastard offspring from a MINI/Scion xB tryst. Let’s just call it a modern interpretation of the Country Squire, without the woodgrain vinyl appliqué. Also over at the Ford stand was special-edition Mustang #6,463: the Shelby GT500KR. Whoopdedooyeeha! Sure, it’s badass, what more needs to be said? GM had three well-turned-out microcars that we were all calling the Triplets. The Groove, Beat and Trax are variations on a theme, and they definitely generated buzz. We’re glad to see the General doing small cars, as well as some of the new developments over at the HUMMER area.

Speaking of buzz, the Hyundai Genesis concept takes aim at high end luxury/performance sedans from German and Japanese manufacturers. As is their wont, Hyundai will be pricing it around 30 grand to start, and offering V8 power sent to the rear wheels, all wrapped in a handsome (if derivative) skin. Speaking of handsome skin, Infiniti dropped the G37 on us, and it’s not only a significant upgrade from the outgoing G35 coupe, it stands apart from the G35 sedan, as well. While ogling the G37’s tight lines, we bumped into the EX concept that was exceptionally well done. We wrap up by briefly touching on the de-cuted Liberty, the Lexus LX570, which no longer looks like a Land Cruiser with a different grille, and finally, our visit to Mercedes on our way back to the windowless confines of the media room.

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Mercedes-Benz to Offer 40th Anniversary Edition CL65 AMG Performance CoupesBy Dwayne Thomas2007 is a significant year for Mercedes-AMG for two reasons: the first one is the arrival of a new top model, the CL65 AMG high-performance coupe which delivers …

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After a rough few years full of significant recalls, Mercedes-Benz appeared (or appears, depending on your perspective) to be getting its act together by successfully addressing its quality issues. The automaker just announced a major recall in Germany involving 130,000 vehicles windshield wiper motors that could be defective. While one recall a return to quality […]

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One more NAIAS preview today. Mercedes will take the wraps off its Vision GL420 concept at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. This particular GL has a more macho grille, flared fenders, 21-inch rims and a big enough fuel tank to give this Bluetec diesel a whopping 1,000 km range. That’s 621 miles, folks. Might not […]

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These awesome trucks have been made on a Mercedes platform and are the sexiest trucks on the planet. A Swiss-German industrial designer named Luigi Colani has crafted them.

Check out some more pictures after the break:

Via: …

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1)Copy of Kopie Isuzu Axiom:

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2)Copy of Kopie Isuzu D-MAX

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3)Copy of Hyundai Santa Fé:

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4)Copy of Kia Sorento:

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5)Copy of Mitsubishi Grandis

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6)Copy of Pick-up…

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes Benz

Click the image above for a full-sized gallery.

Mercedes-Benz put on an Icecapades-style show here at Detroit, simultaneously celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the all-wheel-drive Mercedes and of the Detroit auto show, where M-B had shown their first four-driver a century ago. Accompanied by a dogsled team, hockey players and figure skaters, the press conference-on-ice showcased Mercedes’ full range of 48 all-wheel-drive 4MATIC models globally, while simultaneously focusing on the introduction of the BLUETEC clean diesel technology. Lastly, fitting in to neither part of the split 4MATIC/BLUETEC double theme, the red carpet was rolled out for the Ocean Drive concept.

Make the jump for the rest of the story and the press release.

For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes shows Ocean Drive concept…on ice

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Mercedes Benz

Now that’s more like it. The best Renault could seem to offer their driving ace Fernando Alonso was a Renaultsport Megane after winning two back-to-back world championships. But now that the defending champ has switched over the McLaren-Mercedes, his patrons have awarded him more suitable wheels: the 650-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722, a special edition of the supercar of which only 150 are being made. This, apparently, comes as a special treat in addition to the beautiful Mercedes CLS four-door coupe which will reportedly serve as Fernando’s daily driver. Not too shabby. Not too shabby at all.

No word yet on what Ferrari will give their new wonderboy Kimi Raikkonen, but it’d be a blast to see Kimi in a 599 GTB square off against Fernando in his SLR McLaren. Oh well, we’ll just have to watch them duke it out in Formula One race cars instead. This should be an interesting season.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes Benz

Chrysler will further tout its connection to Mercedes beginning with the launch of the Sebring convertible. Well, gee, the Mercedes DNA is fairly oozing off the Sebrings, isn’t it? Underwhelmed by the Sebring sedan’s sales performance thus far, Chrysler has decided to move the image for the entire brand upmarket. The idea is to play up the idea of “German Engineering” while also emphasizing that Chrysler is the premium American offering under the DCX tent. Ultimately, the goal is to attract customers from Toyota and Honda, which are also seen as premium-engineered vehicles.

Time will tell how successful they are about passing off the Sebring and other mainstream Chryslers as having any link to Mercedes (LX platform excluded). The “merger of equals” has played out more like Mercedes throwing their dregs over to Chrysler in the form of the R170 platform for the Crossfire and the suspension design under the LX cars. The mainstream Chryslers — the ones that actually need to be popular instead of the halo cars — have nary a lick of Mercedes in ‘em as far as we can tell. Premium in this case must mean content and value for the dollar, which the Chrysler line certainly represents. Then again, how strong is the connection between Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz if one is about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder?

[Source: Auto News - sub. req’d]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Etc.

Even though the majority of European Union nations have cracked down on smoking in public places, in Germany you can still smoke inside restaurants and bars. However, one place where smoking rules may change in Germany is inside your own car. German officials are currently studying whether it would be possible to restrict automotive smoking to curb the danger of second hand smoke, which is amplified inside the tight confines of an automobile. Besides second hand smoke for passengers, smoking in the car may also prove to be a distraction that can lead to traffic-safety issues as well. While a ban on smoking inside your own car may seem like a gross invasion of personal rights, any place where freeways are sometimes without speed limits could do with as few distractions as possible.

[Source: Drive.com]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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