Tag: benz

Carlsson strikes first with custom 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

Carlsson Mercedes-Benz CLS

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 by Carlsson – Click above for high-res image gallery

The svelte Mercedes-Benz CLS has long been a favorite of tuners, and with the new model on the way, you can expect a veritable onslaught to ensue. The first bit of blood has been drawn by Carlsson, which has just unveiled its tuning program for the CLS350 before it even reaches showrooms.

Engine modifications are available for both the CLS350 gasoline and diesel V6 mills. With the petrol engine, power is increased to 333 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque (gains of 27 and 29, respectively), and the oil-burning powerplant now cranks out 320 hp and 575 lb-ft (increases of 55 hp and 96 lb-ft). Both the gasoline and diesel CLS350s will sprint to 62 miles per hour in just 5.9 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than the stock petrol car and 0.3 seconds faster than the standard diesel model.

Carlsson’s C-Tronic adjustable suspension (mounted to a choice of wheel options) is also on offer, as is a full body kit – complete with a new front bumper, grille, power-dome hood, LED fog lamps, side skirts, side vents and rear apron with diffuser – and an Alcantara and brushed aluminum-trimmed interior. Have a closer look in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 by Carlsson

[Source: CarScoop]

Carlsson strikes first with custom 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition is a private jet sans the wings

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition – Click above for high-res image

Here in North America we know Mercedes-Benz as purveyors of luxury automobiles. But overseas, the Silver Star is known just as much for its commercial trucks. In between exists a huge chasm, but if one vehicle is capable of single-handedly bridging that gap, it’s surely the Sprinter Grand Edition.

Now you may have seen the Sprinter delivering your packages or taking you to the airport, but this is no cargo van or mini bus. Offered exclusively by Mercedes-Benz Manhattan – the manufacturer-owned dealership on Park Avenue – the Sprinter Grand Edition is everything an upscale buyer would expect from a Mercedes and then some.

It’s referred to as a “stand-up Maybach” for a reason, and that reason is what it packs inside: DVD players hooked up to pair of 32-inch flat-panel televisions, reclining power massage arm chairs, sofa bed, refrigerator, 30,000-BTU HVAC system, satellite radio, wireless internet… it’s essentially a private jet inside, only installed into a van.

The privilege of ownership will cost you though: instead of the $40,000 your average working-grade Sprinter sells for, the fully-equipped Grand Edition goes for a hair under $190,000. That makes it marginally more expensive than the SLS AMG supercar and chump change cheaper than the S65 AMG performance sedan… but still around half the price of a Maybach. Want to know more? Follow the jump for a full list of features.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via The New York Times]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition is a private jet sans the wings

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition is a private jet sans the wings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets new four-cylinder model, refreshed styling

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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

Look very closely – this is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which gets a very modest facelift for the new model year. Good thing, then, that the majority of changes made to the C-Class are found underhood, where Mercedes-Benz is offering an all-new four-cylinder engine option here in the United States (as well as a new model designation – C250), not to mention some tweaks for the V6 found in the top-end C350.

Design tweaks are limited to a new aluminum hood with slightly restyled headlamps and LED running lamps down below. Yes, it looks extremely similar to the 2011 model, but if we’re honest, the current C-Class design isn’t exactly growing old. In fact, we rather like it as-is. The styling upgrades to the rear end are hardly noticeable, and that’s just fine, too.

Four-cylinder powerplants are quickly replacing six-cylinder mills these days, even in the entry-level luxury segment. You’ll remember that just a few years ago, Audi discontinued the 3.2-liter V6 in its A4, leaving only the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine on tap. Based on preliminary specifications, the new direct-injected 1.8-liter turbocharged mill looks to be plenty potent, with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque on hand. That’s 27 less horsepower than the mid-range 3.0-liter V6, but the 1.8T offers eight more pound-feet of twist. Thus, both the C250 and the mid-range C300 4Matic will do the 0-60 sprint in 7.1 seconds, but the C250 returns 24 miles per gallon (combined) while the C300 nets just 20 mpg. The range-topping C350 also gets some help from direct injection, meaning its 3.5-liter V6 now produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft, gains of 34 hp and 15 lb-ft over the outgoing model.

In addition to new engines, the 2012 C-Class benefits from a restyled interior, mimicking what we’ve grown accustomed to in the E-Class. New driver assistance systems like Attention Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Parktronic help keep things in check out on the road.

The 2012 C-Class will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month with the cars going on sale in the United States next summer. (Full Disclosure: This information was under embargo, but a few other websites decided to spill the beans a bit early). Follow the jump for Mercedes-Benz’s official press release.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets new four-cylinder model, refreshed styling

Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets new four-cylinder model, refreshed styling originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe to get 5.5-liter turbo

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Mercedes-Benz AMG Black Series badge

The Mercedes-Benz C Class already has a hugely capable and entertaining performance model in the 451-horsepower C63. But a refreshed C Class is expected to bow at next month’s Detroit Auto Show, and an exotic Black Series Coupe is expected to follow later in the year.

Inside Line reports that a conversation with Mercedes spokespeople has revealed that the 6.2-liter in the C63 will not be tweaked for Black Series duty, opting instead for the company’s twin-turbo 5.5-liter mill. That powertrain, as you may recall, already puts out 571 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque in the S63 AMG. That’s 71 more ponies than the the CLK AMG Black Series and more twist than almost anything this side of a diesel-powered heavy-duty pickup truck. That should help justify the expected $100k-plus price tag of the rarest of AMG variants, while simultaneously making every BMW M3 owner a bit leery of a race with the Black Series coupe. Let’s just hope it maintains the otherworldly bark of the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter, which is one of the C63’s primary draws.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe to get 5.5-liter turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man says he lost consciousness at the wheel due to Benz’s ‘new car smell’

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

new car scent

Numerous studies have shown that the so-called new car smell – which is actually a potent outgassing of volatile organic chemicals and heavy metals – can be potentially dangerous to breathe in, and that some people are more bothered by these VOCs than others.

But could that new car smell be so insidious that it could cause you to lose consciousness long enough that you get into an accident? And if so, could an attorney use such a new car smell defense to ease a client’s legal woes? Sounds a bit odd, but just such a case is currently taking place in Colorado.

Here are the facts: Martin Erzinger, owner of a 2010 Mercedes-Benz sedan (model unknown), fell asleep at the wheel, drifted off the road and struck a bicyclist named Dr. Steven Milo before colliding with a concrete barrier. The unresolved questions are whether Erzinger’s sleep apnea was compounded by his car’s odors, as suggested by a forensic specialist, and if he was aware that he had struck a pedestrian.

Of course, it’s not up to us to decide how guilty or innocent Erzinger may be… we’ll leave that up to the court. But we are curious what you think. Could a particularly noxious new car smell be a contributing factor in an accident?

[Source: VailDaily.com | Image: Dyanna – CC 2.0]

Man says he lost consciousness at the wheel due to Benz’s ‘new car smell’ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK revealed ahead of schedule [w/video]

Filed under: Convertible, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK leaked in French promo film

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK leaked in French promo film – Click above to watch video after the jump

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the drapes back on its 2012 SLK… by accident. A French promotional film made its way to the Internet, and the star of the clip is the redesigned hardtop convertible. We’ve got the video and a host of screen-grabs that show off some of the SLK’s new features.

The compact two-door Benz will be available with the company’s neck-warming AirScarf system, adaptive headlights, a seven-speed automatic transmission and a Magic Sky Control roof that darkens at the touch of a button.

The style of the Mercedes-Benz SLK has grown up to fall in line with the rest of the family. The front sports a very aggressive treatment with a gaping grille and a massive Three-Pointed Star. The whole package comes off as a miniature SL rather than a soft imitation of one.

Check out the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK from all angles by taking a stroll through the gallery below, and then hop the jump to see the video. Hat tips to Douglas and K7!

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK leaked in French promo film

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK leaked in French promo film2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK leaked in French promo film2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK leaked in French promo film2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK leaked in French promo film2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK leaked in French promo film

[Sources: CarScoop, bobaedream.co.kr]

Continue reading Leaked: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK revealed ahead of schedule [w/video]

Leaked: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK revealed ahead of schedule [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Susie Stoddart drives the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Racing

Susie Stodart in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Susie Stoddart drives the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 – Click above to watch video after the jump

Susie Stoddart is a professional race driver who hails from Scotland, and has moved up through the motorsports ranks to arrive in the DTM world. Getting started in karting before moving on to Formula Renault and then Formula 3, Stoddart has been driving a Mercedes-Benz for its DTM team since 2006. Driving a Benz has its privileges, of course, and that’s even more true when you’re a factory race driver. In this case, while Stoddart’s normal racecar is a DTM-prepped C-Class, she recently got to spend some time behind the wheel of the SLS AMG GT3.

In the video, Stoddart tells how she became a professional driver because of the encouragement of her father. He instilled a strong sense of determination and will, and Susie takes time to thank him. The highlight of the clip, however, is watching Susie pilot the SLS AMG GT3 around the track. She scored her first points in a DTM season this year and she has come a long way from the kart track.

If that is not enough SLS AMG – or the lovely Ms. Susie Stoddart – action for you… we also have video footage of her flogging an E63 AMG wagon. Before you jump off, however, click past the break to watch pilot the SLS AMG GT3.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Susie Stoddart drives the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Video: Susie Stoddart drives the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Car and Driver gets bored, does doors-up donuts in Benz SLS AMG

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG donuts

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – Click above to watch the video after the jump

To some, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a demure looking beast, but don’t let the classy lines fool you. Beneath that long, elegant nose is a 6.2-liter, 563 horsepower AMG V8 that propels the top Benz to supercar status. But while the SLS can hold its own on the race track against some of the world’s finest automobiles, it also has the punch to take on low-brow muscle cars at their own game.

While the folks at Car and Driver no doubt have the resources to hit the track, they instead opted to take the SLS AMG out for some donuts. We’re not talking polite, single turn donuts, either. This is the kind of donut that leads to a fast trip to the tire store for some very expensive Continental ContiSportContact rubber. And just for kicks (and visual flair), the C/D gang has left its gullwing doors ajar for maximum tire smoke inhalation. Hit the jump to watch the tire-shredding action for yourself.

[Source: Car and Driver via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Car and Driver gets bored, does doors-up donuts in Benz SLS AMG

Video: Car and Driver gets bored, does doors-up donuts in Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes-Benz investigates where your eyes wander

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz TV eyes wander

Mercedes-Benz wants to know what catches your eye – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Chances are, if we were to ask you what catches a man’s eye in the natural world, you wouldn’t have to hire a team of researchers to come up with the answer. Of course, odds are that you don’t work for Mercedes-Benz, either. The German automaker wanted to discover exactly what it is about its vehicles that snags someone’s pupils, so it hired a team of scientists equipped with fancy camera-equipped glasses and unleashed a few unsuspecting test subjects on a quick walk-around the new CLS.

What’d they find? Not surprisingly, our eyes are immediately drawn to traits like the arching roof line, long hood and unique body contours down each flank. Surprise, surprise, we know. And what draws our eye in the opposite sex? Well, we’ll just let you watch the video after the jump to figure that one out for yourself. Unlike the CLS, the answer may actually surprise you.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes-Benz investigates where your eyes wander

Video: Mercedes-Benz investigates where your eyes wander originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

In the span of two weeks, Mercedes-Benz announced two new CLS-based production models: the recently revealed CLS63 AMG and plans to produce a wagon version inspired by the CLS “Shooting Brake” Concept shown at the Beijing Motor Show. Now we’ve learned that another CLS variant could combine the two.

The CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake would adapt all the go-fast bits of its sedan counterpart into the five-door model set to go into production in 2012. That means the M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 putting out between 518 and 550 horsepower and up to 590 pound-feet of torque depending on the spec. We’ve yet to get official word from M-B if the CLS Shooting Brake is bound for U.S. shores, but if the AMG version does come to fruition, don’t expect it much before 2013.

Additionally, AMG execs told us that diesel performance models from the in-house tuner are a long way off. More to the point, AMG officials believe that gasoline engines have the potential to return just as much torque and fuel economy as their oil-burning counterparts, negating the need to develop high performance diesels. Here’s hoping they’re right…

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break Concept

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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