Report: Mercedes-Benz developing ‘Magic’ active body control

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz CL Class

Mercedes-Benz has codenamed its latest suite of driver convenience aids “Magic,” and the automaker will soon introduce a Magic Carpet Magic Body Control suspension technology and a Magic Sky Control roof tech. Sadly, there are no wizards nor Tinkerbells involved in any of this, just a whole bunch of electro-hydraulic and magnetorheological engineering.

Magic Body Control is the next generation of Active Body Control. Created with the help of ZF, the system of bushings atop the strut towers neutralizes wheel and body movements at two different frequencies. Daimler’s testing indicates that MBC reduces 80 percent of unsavory suspension reverberations. It will show up on the S-Class and CL-Class in 2013.

Magic Sky Control will be seen as soon as next year on the new SLK. Working like photochromatic sunglasses that get darker in the sun, a magnetorheological glass offers a range of opacity from “near totally clear” to “dark blue.” It doesn’t alter the form of the roof and can be applied to any window, so expect to see this new development work its way through Mercedes-Benz’s lineup. This technology could be used around a car’s entire greenhouse and perhaps obviate the need for sun visors.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Mercedes-Benz developing ‘Magic’ active body control originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz updates Mbrace app with ‘Concierge’ service

Filed under: Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

mercedes-benz mbraceMercedes-Benz and its partners at Hughes Telematics have released an updated version of its Mbrace app for the iPhone, and 2.0 brings along a new line of location-based services.

In addition to the usual array of safety and convenience features (locking and unlocking doors, finding the Benz in a parking lot, etc.), the app now includes Mercedes-Benz’ Concierge service which can pull down everything from driving directions and traffic updates to movie times and restaurant listings and then ports them directly into the navigation system. The Roadside Assistance program has also undergone a rework and Mbrace Plus subscribers can download it now from the App Store. Full details in the press blast below the fold.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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Mercedes-Benz updates Mbrace app with ‘Concierge’ service originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mercedes-Benz readying raft of new product, including B-Class coupe

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz

The product pipeline for Mercedes-Benz is a Horn of Plenty over the next three years, with at least seven new models landing on American shores on top of refreshed and new-generation offerings. We’ve seen the new CL, CLS, S-Class and R-Class, and spy shots of the coming SLK, SL, SLS Convertible, C-Class Coupe.

Beyond those, it’s the next B-Class that could be one of the most intriguing additions to the MBUSA playbook. The redesigned hatch will be made more compelling for American buyers, and will be the first Mercedes to arrive Stateside with front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engines. Recent rumors also suggest it will get a rear-wheel-drive AMG version and be the basis for a CLC Shooting Brake, as well as getting its own coupe, crossover and sedan trims.

Other models in the queue will be brand new, not just new to us. These include a C-Class convertible and potential crossover would give M-B 3 Series convertible and X3 competitors. A 100-strong fleet of F-Cell vehicles will be tested in California, and the SLS E-Cell will come in 2013 with 526 horsepower and a 120-mile range. And just as all of those treats are arriving, the same year will see the arrival of the new S-Class Coupe (replacing the CL nameplate), S-Class, E-Class and GL.

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: Mercedes-Benz readying raft of new product, including B-Class coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Brabus Merecedes-Benz SLS AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

It was only a matter of time before Brabus got around to turning its attention to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The German tuner has given the Silver Arrow’s newest supercar the once over with a smattering of aesthetic additions both inside and out, as well as a few mechanical tweaks. Things get started with a carbon-fiber spoiler up front, as well as new fender vents made of the same light-weight material. A similar treatment crops up on the rear fascia, along with new titanium exhaust tips. Those tips are part of a full system that Brabus claims weighs a full 40 percent less than the stock pipes. Throw in a set of massive forged wheels (20 inches up front, 21 out back) and you’ve got the full package.

Inside, Brabus will be happy to custom tailor the SLS AMG interior to each customer’s taste. A new ergonomic steering wheel comes along with stainless scuff plates with an illuminated Brabus logo, though beyond that it’s up to the buyer to decide on what type and color leather strikes their fancy. How much will all of this kit set you back? Brabus isn’t saying, but you know what they say about if you have to ask. Hit the jump to take a look at the full press blast.

Gallery: Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Porsche-built 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is the timewarp sleeper of our dreams

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Auctions, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Luxury

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E – Click above for image gallery

In 1992, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche briefly entered into a love affair that would produce one very special offspring: the Mercedes-Benz 500E. The car was to become the godfather of all super sedans, packing a 5.0-liter V8 with a staggering (for the time) 322 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Bolted to a four-speed automatic gearbox, the engine could scoot the big four-door to 60 mph in a mere 6.1 seconds. Something tells us that those power numbers were a little conservative. But where does Porsche come in to this dance?

Germany’s sportscar manufacturer was responsible for working the sheetmetal of the 500E into the shape you see above. Those healthy fender arches were all massaged into place by the gurus at Porsche before the body was shipped off to Mercedes-Benz for paint and final assembly. Once done, the whole kit and caboodle was shipped back to Porsche for final inspection. Needless to say, this was an incredibly limited production vehicle, with the two companies only creating around 500 examples per year.

This particular car has a grand total of 587 miles on the clock, having spent the fair majority of its years tucked away in a museum. Bidding is at $35,200 with the reserve not met and less than 8 hours to go as of writing. Follow the jump for jazz-tastic video walk around and check out pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Porsche-built 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is the timewarp sleeper of our dreams

eBay Find of the Day: Porsche-built 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is the timewarp sleeper of our dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS – Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems like every automaker wants to have a “four-door coupe” in its lineup these days. Hyundai has its rakish new Sonata, Volkswagen has the stylish CC and BMW has reportedly given its Gran Coupe concept the go-ahead for production. This is certainly one of the hottest automotive design trends of recent memory, but we must remember that it all started with the Mercedes-Benz CLS back in 2004. The folks from Stuttgart told us that coupes can have more than two doors (though we’re still not 100 percent behind that idea), and the CLS quickly became one of the most stylish four-door vehicles on the market. Even today, the original CLS bodystyle still looks fresh, modern and sexy.

Recently, we came across some leaked shots of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS, showing the stylish new design that will be unveiled at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Now we have the official images direct from the manufacturer, and this car is even more beautiful in full high-res glory. The new headlight design is quite striking, and the CLS uses a full-LED setup, with a total of 71 bulbs making up the main headlamps, running lamps, turn signals and side lamps. We’re really anxious to see what this looks like in person with the sun below the horizon.

Even today, the original CLS still looks fresh, modern and sexy.

Inside, a new three-spoke sport steering wheel is on hand, and the CLS now uses a column-mounted gear selector similar to that in the higher-end CL and S-Class cars. The rest of the interior mixes luxurious appointments with modern style, and the end result is something that not only looks sporty and elegant, but immensely comfortable and cozy.

We don’t have official word about powertrains, but expect the CLS to be offered with two different gas engines when it goes on sale in North America in mid-2011. An all-new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 is anticipated to be the base engine in the CLS350, while CLS550 models will reportedly receive a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 good for around 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Of course, a CLS AMG will come shortly thereafter, packing lordly amounts of power.

We’ll have the official specs closer to the car’s scheduled unveiling in Paris, but for now, you can read what Mercedes-Benz has to say about the CLS in the press release after the jump and scroll through the gallery below for a few high-res shots of the svelte new Benz.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut

Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz CLS getting the inevitable AMG treatment

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG spy shots

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprise, surprise – Mercedes-Benz is working on an AMG version of its next-generation CLS-Class coupe sedan. Our spies recently caught this prototype out and about, and underneath all of that cladding is what we imagine to be an immensely attractive, steroid-enhanced version of the new CLS body. We’ll take one in black, please.

Shapely lines aside, the most important part of any AMG car is what’s under the hood, and the CLS AMG will doubtlessly pack wallop. Expect Benz’s new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 to be under the bonnet, as this will rapidly become standard spec for Benz’s V8-powered AMG cars. We’ve already read about this mill in the new S63 and CL63, so expect the CLS to bring around 540 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque to the table, though we assume that an upgraded performance package will be available, increasing these output numbers.

We’re on the edge of our Recaros for this one, folks. But until the final tweaks have been made, we’ll have to settle for these spy shots. See for yourself in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz CLS getting the inevitable AMG treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked! 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS peeks out before official debut

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS leaked shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Whoops! The men and women in Stuttgart weren’t planning to unveil the new Mercedes-Benz CLS just yet, but the crew from eMercedesBenz snagged these leaked images showing the new four-door coupe in all its production-ready glory.

As expected, the new CLS takes a lot of its styling cues from Benz’s Shooting Break concept (they’re name, not ours) notably the upright grille and more aggressive front fascia. The sectioned-off headlamp design has also remained intact, and from these photo-realistic renderings, it looks like someone shot the CLS in the eyes with lemon juice. Still, we’re eager to see how this mix of LEDs looks out on the road at dusk. The CLS also uses the more shapely rear hips of the Shooting Break concept, rounding out the revised rear end. It’s certainly more stylish than the outgoing CLS, which says a lot.

Inside, the CLS continues to use its four-seat arrangement with a center console that extends the full length of the cabin, and we fully expect the overall refinement to fall somewhere between the E-Class and S-Class sedans. Plush stuff, we’re sure.

When the CLS launches, eMercedesBenz reports that a new 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 will be offered, as well as a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 good for around 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Of course, an AMG version won’t be far behind with the all-new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 underhood.

Now that these leaked shots have hit the web, don’t be surprised if the official images and details are published in the very near future. Stay tuned for the full smattering, and in the meantime, scroll through the attached gallery to see the high-res leaked images.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Leaked Shots

[Source: eMercedesBenz]

Leaked! 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS peeks out before official debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2010: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 shines in silver

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Racing

Chromed Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

That image above speaks for itself. All you really need to know is that this isn’t Dubai, Russia or even Germany – it’s right here in Monterey for classic car week. You can probably identify the Mercedes-Benz inside that shiny wrapper on your own, but just in case you’ve recently taken an amnesia-inducing blow to the head, it’s the SLS AMG GT3 – the race version of the company’s new gullwing sports car. There’s something to be said for having a mirror with you wherever you go, but this is a bit extreme. No matter, we think it looks amazing, even if it is just a wrap and not a polished car that’s been stripped of its white paint to shed precious ounces before a race. Click on any image to see our full high-res gallery.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Monterey 2010: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 shines in silver originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz recalls 3,500 G-Class SUVs over turn signals

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2002 through 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is equipped with covers for the front turn signals – added for style as much as protection. Undoubtedly, many owners of the blocky SUV have never given the covers a thought, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has and it’s been deemed unworthy of Federal Standard 108.

If you’re wondering, that’s the standard that covers “lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.” In this case, NHTSA claims that the cover could “impact over time the signal’s ability to meet the minimum requirements of FMVSS 108.” In other words, the cover could inhibit the visibility of the signal.

If you’re one of the 3,522 G-Class owners affected by this recall, you’ll be notified to bring your $100,000 off-roader to a Mercedes dealer, where they’ll install a new turn light unit that works better with the grill cover. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz recalls 3,500 G-Class SUVs over turn signals

Mercedes-Benz recalls 3,500 G-Class SUVs over turn signals originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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