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How the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell left us both stranded and impressed

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

Driving the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Tour

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Tour

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Tour – Click above for high-res image gallery

Stealing a scene from the Jetsons, our little fluorescent green sedan zooms down the Autobahn at triple-digit speeds, puffing little white plumes of water vapor in its turbulent wake. While this animated family of the future cruised in a bubble-top “capsule car” (it folded conveniently into a briefcase, if you recall), we are whisking through Europe in a hydrogen-powered B-Class F-Cell.

The prime-time Jetsons sitcom was penned by artists in a Hanna-Barbera animation studio in the early 1960s. Not so our transport. The compact F-Cell was engineered and built by the team at Mercedes-Benz – the same German company credited with building the world’s first combustion-powered automobile 125 years ago. This morning, the automaker is leading the charge to introduce the world to hydrogen as it feels the clean technology is finally mature enough for widespread use. Engaging the media to drive its point home, the company has launched an around-the-globe excursion called, appropriately enough, the “Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Tour.” We’ve been invited to take the wheel during the first leg to Paris, starting at the company’s headquarters in Germany.

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Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Tour

Continue reading How the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell left us both stranded and impressed

How the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell left us both stranded and impressed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate puts the hammer down

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t made a whole host of changes for the 2012 C63 AMG. Exterior styling aside, the engine has carried over unchanged, and if we’re honest, that’s perfectly fine with us. After all, the 451-horsepower 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 under the hood is a gravel-voiced honey of a powerplant, and even if you don’t add in the optional AMG Development package that boosts output to 481 hp, the end result is simply stunning.

Among the limited changes under the skin is the institution of AMG’s 7-speed Speedshift MCT gearbox derived from the cogswapper in the SL63 AMG. The transmission has a new ‘Controlled Efficiency’ mode, and combined with a new power steering pump and other small changes, Benz says the C63 gulps down about 10 percent less fuel than it did last year.

So, what’s new for 2012? There’s a new front fascia with a redesigned lower apron, grille and daytime running lamps, and the new headlamps are a bit more akin to what we see on the SL roadster. Inside, there’s a new dashboard with LCD screen, a revised three-spoke steering wheel, and an expanded range of optional tech features like lane-departure warning and internet access. Good stuff, but with a car like this, we could hardly care about appearance with such an absurdly fantastic powerplant under the hood.

The 2012 C63 AMG makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and we have a fresh batch of images of the new hotness direct from the show floor. In fact, just to tease us a bit more, the automaker even chose to debut the not-for-U.S. Estate version, which turns the awesomeness level up to 11. Click through the gallery below to see what’s what, then head on over to the jump to read about the million tiny ways in which one of our favorite sport sedans has improved for 2012.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate: Geneva 2011

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate puts the hammer down originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: How not to wash your Mercedes-Benz

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Humor

mercedes-benz at car wash with trunk open

Mercedes-Benz owner quickly cleans the trunk – Click above to watch video after the jump

Automated car washes are designed to turn an easy task into a simple one. Insert coins, wait for the machine to do its thing and then drive away in your clean car. Sounds easy, right? What if you’re the nervous type that just has to fidget, and you also happen to own a Mercedes-Benz?

The Benz has lots of buttons, any one of which is capable of grabbing your nervous attention and asking to be pushed. But if you’re going to accidentally hit any button while in the car wash, make sure it isn’t the trunk. (Okay, sunroof would be pretty bad, too.)

There is a remarkable absence of shakiness in this video, since we imagine that a ton of laughter spewed forth from the mouth of the camera holder. Give in to your urges and click past the jump to view the clip.

[Source: YouTube]

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Video: How not to wash your Mercedes-Benz originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile

Filed under: Classics, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Luxury

1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile

1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile – Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time when the Pope set about cruising the world in class and style. While we’ll have no part in arguing the functionality of the current Popemobile, the machine simply can’t hold a candle to the classy lady you see above.

This particular 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet was built specifically for Pope Paul VI and served three additional pontiffs before getting mothballed in 1985. Why do you care, you ask? Because this particular piece of motoring history is headed Stateside for the very first time as part of this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance celebrations next month.

Mercedes-Benz has dug the unique 600 out of storage just for the event. Aside from the standard air-ride suspension, power brakes and heating and air conditioning, this particular model came equipped with bullet-proof glass and a unique rear seat that could be raised and lowered so that the Pope could be more easily seen by crowds.

The 2011 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance kicks off on March 11 and runs through the 13th, featuring classic vehicles from all over the globe. Hit the jump to check out the press release.

Gallery: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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Coming to America: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG called into duty for New York Fashion Week

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Police/Emergency, Design/Style, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force CLS 63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force CLS 63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve seen all manner of vehicles being equipped and commissioned for police duty around the world. But this is no ordinary police car. This 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is the ride of choice for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force.

The fashion enforcers are out in full force this week in New York as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Fortunately for “the rest of us” Benz’s fashion cops aren’t looking for people wearing outfits that clash; instead, they’re identifying trendsetters on the street and offering them free rides to their next destinations in this specially-prepared CLS 63 AMG, which may well be the best car for the job. See for yourselves in the high-resolution image gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes Benz CLS 63 AMG Fashion Force

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG called into duty for New York Fashion Week originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe set for Geneva Motor Show debut

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

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

Still puzzled as to why Mercedes-Benz killed off the CLK a couple of years ago? Puzzle no more, friend, for your answer is here. You see, the CLK was designed to slot in between the C-Class and E-Class sedan and wagon ranges, and was both preceded and succeeded by the E-Class Coupe. When Mercedes went back to the old formula, it made room for the vehicle you see here: the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

The subject of many spy shots and leaked photos, the new C-Class Coupe has finally been officially revealed by the factory ahead of its official debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. There, the new Benz coupe will arrive with two engine options: The Mercedes-Benz C250 coupe gets the 1.8-liter direct-injected turbo four with 201 horsepower, while the C350 coupe is equipped with the 304-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6. Both are mated exclusively to Mercedes’ 7-speed automatic transmission, which drives the rear wheels. 4Matic all-wheel drive will not be offered on the C-Class coupe. (The AMG version of the coupe is tipped to come along in another month at the New York Auto Show.)

So what else separates the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe from the sedan it’s based on? Two fewer doors and a slightly lower roofline. That’s about it. The C-Class coupe’s wheelbase is the same, the front end is the same, the luxury touches and the cutting-edge electronic wizardry… it’s all the C-Class we know, only coupier. Will that be enough to steal sales away from the likes of the BMW 3 Series coupe and Audi A5, both of which are more distinctly differentiated from their four-door compatriots? We’ll find out once the two-doors hit showrooms, but for now, you can scope out the official details in the press release after the jump, along with the gallery of high-resolution images below.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe set for Geneva Motor Show debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl ad director’s cut reveals C-Class Coupe, SLS AMG Roadster

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz Ad

Mercedes-Benz reveals new models in Super Bowl ad – click above to watch the video

Mercedes-Benz is throwing its hat into the Super Bowl advertising fray with a pretty new 60-second spot designed to celebrate the company’s 125th anniversary by heralding in a wave of five new models. The spot marks the very first time that the company has ever advertised during the NFL’s ultimate game. In the spot, Mercedes-Benz features four new vehicles, including a very quick peek at the upcoming C-Class Coupe and the SLS AMG Roadster.

The spot features many of the company’s past and current models escaping their owners in a bid to pay homage to the newborn Benz fleet. There are plenty of fantastic vintage Silver Arrows in the spot, along with a soundtrack by Janis Joplin and at least one celebrity cameo (we won’t spoil the surprise on that one). Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via Facebook]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl ad director’s cut reveals C-Class Coupe, SLS AMG Roadster

Video: Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl ad director’s cut reveals C-Class Coupe, SLS AMG Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second Time’s a Charm: Mercedes GP unveils its new W02 Silver Arrow

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes-Benz, Racing

Mercedes GP W02 – Click above for high-res image gallery

What the heck happened to Mercedes GP last season? The team showed at least as much promise as the three (Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull) that out-paced it at every turn – with Michael Schumacher coming out of retirement to drive for the defending championship team now backed by full factory support – but barely proved capable of keeping pace.

This could be our answer right here. When Brawn and company realized their transitioning team wasn’t capable of mounting a serious challenge for the title, it shifted focus mid-season from the W01 they were using to the new W02 for this season. It was the same sort of strategy Brawn undertook when the team was still under the Honda name, and it netted both titles the following year.

Can the new W02 follow the same path? Is it better suited (along with the new Pirelli spec tires) towards Schumacher’s driving style? Or will wingman Nico Rosberg prove capable of getting the better of him once again? Only one way to find out, and we’ll all be watching. In the meantime, follow the jump for the full press release and the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes GP W02

[Source: Mercedes GP]

Continue reading Second Time’s a Charm: Mercedes GP unveils its new W02 Silver Arrow

Second Time’s a Charm: Mercedes GP unveils its new W02 Silver Arrow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG details released

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

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has finally released official details on the 2012 C63 AMG. Buyers can expect to be met with the same 451-horsepower 6.3-liter V8 under the hood, though an optional AMG Development Package can crank that figure all the way up to 481 ponies. Bolted behind that miracle mill is the company’s seven-speed AMG Speedshift gearbox, though the transmission now comes with new mapping to squeeze as much efficiency as possible from the drivetrain. Mercedes-Benz calls the mode “controlled efficiency,” and along with a new, more efficient power steering pump, the company says that the 2012 C63 AMG will boast a 10 percent nudge in fuel economy over its predecessor.

EPA figures are still pending, but Mercedes-Benz says that the sedan will clip off the 0-60 dash in 4.3 seconds with the optional performance kit. With acceleration like that, who needs fuel economy?

The Silver Arrow has also been kind enough to include a handful of aesthetic tweaks, including a redesigned grille, lower apron and daytime running lights that were heavily influenced by the company’s SLS AMG. Inside, a new dash and LCD screen dominate the conversation, though a new three-spoke tiller is also part of the package. Look for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG to touch down in the United States this fall. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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Official 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG details released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jaguar planning XJ Coupe to compete with Mercedes-Benz CL

Filed under: Coupe, Jaguar

2011 Jaguar XJ

2011 Jaguar XJ – Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that Jaguar is safely housed under the umbrella of Tata Motors, the British marque is planning a major expansion of its current lineup. In addition to a rumored BMW 3 Series fighter, Jaguar is looking to take aim at the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupe with a stately two-door based off of the new-for-2011 XJ sedan.

According to Automobile magazine, sources within Jaguar say that the XJ coupe will feature a pillarless greenhouse design, glass roof and will use separate sheetmetal from the sedan it’s based on. Adrian Hallmark, brand manager for Jaguar in Europe, says that the two-door XJ will be “much more dynamic and emotional than a Mercedes CL.”

Hallmark also told Automobile that Jaguar is considering a whole slew of new models, including an XF wagon, high-end sports car based on the C-X75 concept, a crossover based on the Range Rover Evoque and even a possible shooting break version of either the next-generation XF or entry-level 3 Series competitor. Click here to read Automobile‘s full scoop.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Automobile]

Report: Jaguar planning XJ Coupe to compete with Mercedes-Benz CL originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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