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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-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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Mercedes students create B55 using big V8 and little B-Class

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz B55

Mercedes-Benz B55 – Click above for high-res image gallery

After the nuclear apocalypse wipes out all of civilization, there will still be cockroaches wedging huge engines into tiny cars. You just can’t kill the oldest recipe in hot rodding history, and for good reason. As a handful of trainees at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt just found out, the big engine, small car combo is the easiest way to mint cheap speed. Plant manager Peter Wesp got the idea to squeeze a 5.5-liter 385 horsepower V8 from the likes of the big E550 into the Silver Arrow’s trim B-Class.

After finding a B200 CDI that had been sacrificed to training, Wesp and his team set about the mechanical contortions necessary to pull off the swap. Surprisingly enough, the workers were able to use the original engine mounts, and with a little parts-bin raiding, everything was sitting pretty under the hood. The team snugged in a rear axle from a W 2010 E-Class, front brakes lifted from a C32 AMG and bolted on snazzy 18-inch wheels from AMG as well. How’s that for perfection? Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz B55

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes students create B55 using big V8 and little B-Class

Mercedes students create B55 using big V8 and little B-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:01:00 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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Report: Renault-Nissan engines to power future Mercedes, Smart models

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Smart, Renault

The door metaphorically adjoining the offices of Msr. Ghosn and Dr. Zetsche swings both ways. The two executives – heads of Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance respectively – signed a deal that would see the two auto groups collaborating on future products. So far all the reports appear to be benefiting Nissan – including the latest on AMG engines in Infiniti Performance Line models – but the latest indicate a measure of reciprocation.

According to the wire coming in from across the pond, the next generation of Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class hatchbacks will be powered by Renault-Nissan’s new 128-hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel four. Beyond that, the two auto groups will reportedly begin developing a new range of small engines, similar to the engine program between BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroën.

Their displacements will, according to reports, range from 1.2 liters to 1.8, cylinder counts from three to four and coming in both gasoline and diesel formats, to be used in a broad range of small cars bearing Mercedes, Smart, Nissan and Renault badges.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Renault-Nissan engines to power future Mercedes, Smart models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Binz takes Mercedes E-Class Estate to the extreme

Filed under: Aftermarket, Wagon, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

Binz E-Class EXTEND

If you’ve determined the current Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate doesn’t have the room you need to stretch your legs, Binz has the answer. The company has released photos and specifications for its XTEND version of the Silver Arrow’s long roof, and the new machine has enough cubes to comfortably ferry around an NBA team and a pilfered sarcophagus or two with room to spare. At nearly 19 feet long, the stretched wagon has a wheelbase of over 12 feet and hits the scales at 4,629 pounds.

Binz is offering the E-Class EXTEND in E250 CDI, E350 CGI and E500 configurations, with prices starting at €121,950. If you’ve got your heart set on bringing one of these home for the holidays, just make sure that your neighborhood is commodious to the country mile this beast will undoubtedly need to turn around.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Binz takes Mercedes E-Class Estate to the extreme originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:58:00 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 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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Pagani, Mercedes say V12 bound for C9 isn’t shared

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz

Pagani C9 spy pics – Click above for high-res image gallery

For reasons unclear, Mercedes and Pagani both felt the need to quash increasing speculation that the V12 in the coming Pagani C9 has anything to do with the V12 in the SL65 AMG Black Series. AMG is developing the motor for Pagani’s next supercar, and Road & Track and Autocar had both said the Pagani engine was an evolution of a mill from Mercedes.

The twin-turbo V12 in the Black Series was rated at 670 horsepower and 730 pound-feet – itself a massaged and tuned version of the motor in the standard SL65 AMG. The joint statement to refute said, however, that “The engine of the Pagani C9 is not a derivative of the AMG V12 engine developed for the SL65 Black Series, nor is the AMG V12 engine in the SL65 Black Series derived from the engine AMG is currently developing for the Pagani C9.” That about says it all, no?

Gallery: Pagani C9 high-altitude testing spy shots

[Source: AutoWeek | Images: CarPix]]

Pagani, Mercedes say V12 bound for C9 isn’t shared originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:28:00 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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