- Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz
Click above for a gallery of leaked Mercedes-Benz E-Class scans
Mercedes-Benz needs a successful E-Class sedan in its lineup to properly compete with the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. With the current W211 model soldiering on since since 2002 and getting long-in-the-tooth, the German automaker is expected to launch a new E-Class sedan at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. As is often the case, it's proving rather difficult to keep the floodgate of images and specifications held back, and we've assembled the images from a leaked European brochure for your perusal.
From the looks of things, MB is trying to split the difference between the current E-Class and its CLS sibling that was first introduced in 2005 to spice up the lineup with something more stylish. There are plenty of current-gen C-Class cues on the new E's flanks, with headlights that look very much like the units that debuted on the ConceptFASCINATION from Paris. The interior will get an upgrade and will be offered in a few different variations between super luxurious and overtly sporty. Check it out yourself in the gallery below.
[Source: AutoScoops]New Mercedes-Benz E-Class brochure scans hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Economy, China, Euro, Government/Legal, Hatchbacks, BMW, Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes decided to sue Shuanghuan Automotive for copyright infringement for its Bubble microcar (called the Noble in China), claiming it was a copy of the smart fortwo. BMW then decided to bring its own case against Shuanghuan, citing the Shuanghuan CEO as a blatant facsimile of the BMW X5 (that's the CEO on the wall in the above picture). Mercedes got the Bubble banned from display at a couple of auto shows, BMW won its copyright infringement lawsuit in Munich, and Mercedes sued the Bubble's importer, Martin Motors of Italy, to block sales of the car.
It was all looking good... until BMW lost its case in courts in Munich and in China. The Italian court ruled that "consumers could not get confused" when similar vehicles are offered "with a significant price difference." With BMW cold knocked out in the Copyright Cage Match, Mercedes has been left alone in the octagon with Shuanghuan bearing down on it. It also hasn't helped that Italian commentators have already said they don't think the two cars will be confused.
Now Mercedes is looking for an exit. Martin Motors countersued Mercedes for €100,000,000 - around $134.2 million USD - citing potential lost Bubble sales (that's a lotta Bubbles), and Mercedes doesn't want to lose its case and have to fork over colossal damages. Both sides expect the case to be resolved in a couple of weeks, and Bubbles are expected to go on sale this summer.
[Source: Motor Authority]Mercedes tries to burst Shuanghuan's tiny Bubble, gives up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Mercedes-Benz, Special/Limited Editions
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is due for a refresh within the next two years, but before M-B releases an all-new version of its pioneering and often imitated four-door "coupe," at least one special edition is in order. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition features a set of bi-xenon headlamps, with an integrated cleaning and range adjustment system, along with fog lamps that swivel with the steering wheel to illuminate around the bend. AMG provides a set of 18-inch, five-spoke wheels coated in titanium grey and wrapped in 245/40 (front) and 275/35 (rear) rubber, while "Grand Edition" badges adorn the front fenders and floor mats.
By far, the most intriguing part of the CLS Grand Edition is the available platinum matte paint which M-B assures is highly scratch- and dirt-resistant, but for those not particularly partial to the low-gloss coating, obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red or flint grey metallic finishes are available. Inside, the "designo" interior (a Benz customization option) features anthracite Alcantara headliner and joins "marron," sand, black, mystic red, porcelain or Chablis leather seats and accents, along with laurel wood trim and stainless steel pedals.
Orders for the CLS Grand Edition begin abroad today, with four engines choices, a starting price of 67,294 euros and deliveries starting in March.
Continue reading Matte stop-gap: 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition
Matte stop-gap: 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is hard at work on the replacement for its mid-range E Class line-up, as these spy shots snapped in snow-capped Finland suggest, cunningly camouflaged in white paint to blend in with its surroundings.
As we already know, Mercedes is ditching the CLK nomenclature to go back to the E Class coupe nameplate, bringing the two-door closer to the sedan and wagon variants it will join. Previewed by the ConceptFASCINATION at the recent Paris Motor Show, the production E Class coupe is expected to debut in just a few months in Geneva, with cabrio and AMG versions to follow in Frankfurt in the Fall. And if the spy shots are any indication, Mercedes looks to be running on schedule in true German style.
[Source: WCF Finland]Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E Class Coupe pops up in Finland originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes-Benz
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS is undergoing testing, and as is true with so many segment-defining vehicles, there doesn't look to be much of a change going on up top. However, down below, in the area covered by cladding, we will probably see some noticeable tweaks and refinements as the original "four-door coupe" moves from the current E-Class to the new E-Class platform (it will not be built on the S-Class platform). As for engines, in addition to gas and (in Europe) diesel options, it will be offered with the BlueHybrid drivetrain from the S400.
In the mean time, for 2009, the CLS gets revised front and rear, a new grille, larger outside mirrors, and LEDs in the tail-lamp clusters. Inside, a new steering wheel complements the reworked interior and a next-generation COMAND system.
[Source: Next Autos]Spy Shots: Next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Videos, Mercedes-Benz
Click above to view the video after the jump
When Mercedes picked an engine to motivate the SL65 AMG Black Series, the German automaker didn't fool around. A V12 powerplant carries more than enough punch for most supercars, but Mercedes strapped on a pair of turbochargers to ensure that the Black Series was ridiculous enough to justify its price tag. The net result is 670 hp and 738 lb-ft, or enough muscle to propel a two-ton vehicle to 60 in 3.8 seconds.
Armed with a dyno, some spare time and a healthy dose of curiosity, Automobile decided to test for themselves the power of the mighty Benz. The Black Series didn't disappoint, pulling down 573 hp @ 5300 rpm and 682 lb-ft @ 3620 rpm at the rear wheels. The Black Series SL65 showed its superiority over the S65 AMG, as the more spartan AMG Benz put down 36 fewer ponies and 61 fewer lb-ft. At 5500 rpm, the Black Series' beefier turbos out-muscled the the S65 by 100 hp and 100 lb-ft. Hit the jump to view video of the SL65 AMG Black Series as it went through the paces on the dynometer and set the speakers to 11.
[Source: Automobile Magazine]Continue reading Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series dyno'd [w/VIDEO]
Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series dyno'd [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagons/Estates, Mercedes-Benz
When we saw spy shots of the E63 AMG wagon a couple of months ago, we thought the extended lines might diminish the stubbiness of the E Class sedan. The camouflage, cladding, and low profile tires made it seem deceptively sleek. Now that we've seen pictures of the regular E Class wagon, we're not so sure. There are two swage lines along the sides, but without any other curvature or those nifty ConceptFascination-esque haunches, they can't break up the impression of acres of metal. It just looks huge. Even so, we're still upset we don't get it here, and with a trailer hitch, even...
[Source: Global Motors]Spy Shots: E-Class wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Videos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
With the exhibitors' roster for the upcoming 2009 Detroit Auto Show dwindling, you'd think that any cars being unveiled there might actually, you know, be available in North America. But according to reports, you'd be wrong.
Mercedes-Benz is anticipated to unveil the million-dollar Stirling Moss edition SLR McLaren, but sources indicate that the limited-production topless supercar won't even be offered in the market in which it's being unveiled. No worries for Mercedes, which will likely have sold the full run of 75 SLR speedsters being offered exclusively to current SLR owners before the show concludes. Bad news for supercar owners in the U.S,, who'll just have to blow their extra million on another Veyron, Reventon or Koenigsegg instead.
Now, for your viewing enjoyment, we invite you to follow the jump for video footage of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, the longest-named open-air sportscar since the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Spyder.
[Source: Inside Line]Continue reading SLR Stirling Moss won't be offered in North America (w/VIDEO)
SLR Stirling Moss won't be offered in North America (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: BMW, Chrysler, LLC., Mercedes-Benz
What American automaker best matches up with the uber-machines from the Germans? Lincoln... no, probably not. Cadillac? Getting warmer. How 'bout Chrysler, asks ChryCo. co-Prez Jim Press. After a quick review of Chrysler's current line-up, we're not really buying the comparison; but it's fun to dream, so we'll bite. The Sebring is roughly the size of the C-Class and 3 Series, but it's driving the wrong wheels to go head-to-head with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so that would need a complete rework, to say the least.
The 300C is a very nice car with an appropriate engine up front, rear-wheel drive and a relatively attractive price compared to the Germans. That could work, but it's clear that Chrysler would need to pump lots more money into the car to keep it up to date with it's competition from Germany. Minivans don't equate very well to any Germanic rivals, especially since the R-Class from MB has been a major disappointment.
One possible area that Chrysler has over its supposed competition is trucks. The new '09 Ram may be a major step up from its predecessor, but we're not so sure we're ready to call it the Mercedes-Benz of pickups, which is pretty much how Press says he sees it. We're all for the idea of an American competitor for Mercedes and BMW, and we'd love to see the Pentastar emerge from its financial problems a leaner, more focused manufacturer. Still, we wonder if Chrysler should set its sights on cross-town rival Cadillac before jumping all the way to Germany.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty]Jim Press says Chrysler could be America's Benz, BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: SUVs, China, Euro, Government/Legal, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, SMART
Take a close look at the image. A court in Italy has just ruled that the crossover pictured above, the five-seat CEO built by Shuanghuan Automobile of Shijiazhuang, China, is not a clone of the BMW X5. Um... yeah. The legal battles began when Shuanghuan introduced their "Noble" last year, a near-clone of the Smart fortwo. Mercedes-Benz wasn't impressed, and threatened a lawsuit. Shortly thereafter, BMW started losing sleep over the Chinese CEO, an obvious facsimile of their previous-generation X5 (E53). The Bavarian automaker took Shuanghuan to court in Munich this past summer and won their case, and when Martin Motors (the distributor of Shuanghuan Automobiles in Italy and central Europe) started selling the CEO in early 2007, BMW again took legal action, this time in the Italian judicial system.
Last week, the Germans met their defeat when the Italian courts rejected their claims. To date, Martin Motors has sold about 200 copies of the CEO and expects to sell about 1200 this year in their European markets. "We are convinced the CEO wasn't a clone of the X5. We are happy to see our view supported by a court ruling," said an obviously pleased spokesperson from Martin Motors. We have to wonder how quickly the Italians would change their tune if Shuanghuan began to knock-off the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]
BMW loses Clonewars Italian court battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz
Click above for high-res image gallery of the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Sterling Moss
Things got just a bit brighter for the Detroit Auto Show. Mercedes-Benz will officially unveil what will surely be one of the most attention-grabbing cars in Cobo Hall, the 2009 McLaren SLR Stirling Moss. The boldly styled Merc will be the last vehicle built under the partnership with McLaren, and even at a cost of €750,000 Mercedes should have no trouble finding buyers for the 75-car allotment. Each will feature full carbon fiber bodywork wrapped over the standard version, a 650-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8 and the five-speed automatic transplanted from the SLR 722. Despite lacking any sort of roof or proper windscreen, the Stirling Moss can still achieve a top speed of 217 mph and can reach 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Other unique features include "swing-wing" doors, a retractable air brake that can be operated manually and a two-piece tonneau cover (stored in the trunk) that can cover the entire cockpit or just the passenger seat. Check out the gallery below for high-resolution images, and expect plenty more when we see the car live in Detroit.
Continue reading Officially Official: McLaren SLR Stirling Moss to bow in Detroit
Officially Official: McLaren SLR Stirling Moss to bow in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertibles, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz
Click above for a gallery of the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
We've seen quite a few spy photos of a lightweight speedster variant of the McLaren SLR supercar, but up until now we didn't know exactly what Mercedes-Benz had in store for us. Thanks to Dutch magazine AutoVisie and a scanner-wielding member of GermanCarZone.com, we now have a few more rendering and a possible name: Stirling Moss.
The legendary British racecar driver won his first F1 Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz, and famously won the 1955 Mille Miglia in record time piloting a 300 SLR. The car to bear his name features a nearly identical version of the supercharged V8 in the standard SLR, although output is nearly on par with the SL65 AMG Black Series at 650 horsepower. That should allow the Stirling Moss SLR to hit 62 mph in under 3.5 seconds and on to a face-contorting top-speed of 205 mph. Beginning in June of 2009, 75 examples will be produced, with current SLR customers being the only people deemed worthy of piloting the McLaren SLR Stirling Moss. Thanks for the tip, Mark!
[Source: GermanCarZone.com, The Sun]
Edit - the photos were scanned from The Dutch magazine Autoweek and not AutoVisie. We have also added a new, better photo.
Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen
Click either image for a high-res gallery of the NACOTY and TOTY nominees
Now that the motoring world has announced the International COTY and TOTY contenders, the finalists for North American Car and Truck of the Year have been revealed. The six chosen chariots consist of some of the same nameplates, but whereas the international body tapped the Dodge Challenger, Ford Flex and Nissan GT-R for the car honors, the 50 N.A. automotive journalists have elected the Ford Flex, Hyundai Genesis and Volkswagen Jetta TDI as finalists for the 2009 NACOTY. So the Challenger makes the International list but not the North American one? Baffling. The Nissan GT-R didn't make the N.A. cut, but it could be argued that the Flex and Genesis are more important to their respective companies, and the Jetta, well, it's green and all. The Jetta TDI did appear on the separate Earth, Wind & Power list from the international committee.
On the Truck side we have the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram making both lists, but the N.A. group selected another Earth, Wind & Power nominee, the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC, instead of the internationally-nominated Subaru Forester. All of the contendors seem worthy of recognition, but we're sure you'll have your own suggestions, as do we. Both sets of winners will be announced January 11th at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The full press release with all of the eligible nominees is after the jump and we've assembled a gallery of the finalists below.
[Source: North American Car & Truck of the Year]Continue reading N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced
N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes-Benz
The current Mercedes S-Class is getting the nip/tuck treatment, and when the newer, younger looking car arrives in mid-2009 -- as a 2010 model -- it will come with an Audi-esque band of LED daytime running lights below the headlamps, and a Porsche-esque band of LEDs in the lower front fascia. Out back, the rear lamps get a much slicker treatment in basic red and white. And for the interior, SPLITVIEW will make it's split-personality entrance so that passengers can watch movies without being disturbed by all that driving going on in the next seat. Thanks for the tip, Jordan!
[Source: World Car Fans]Spy Shots: 2010 Mercedes S-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Mercedes-Benz
Click above for a gallery of the Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZero
Mercedes-Benz has unleashed a ton of information (the laughably long press release can be found after the break) on its new Concept BlueZERO threesome, which will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. The lime green E-CELL electric model features a range of 120 miles via its on-board lithium ion battery pack. If that's not enough, an extended-range model is available that carries a three-cylinder engine that's cribbed from the smart fortwo and allows for a range of 370 miles on a single charge and one tank of gas. The last version is called the BlueZERO F-CELL and features a fuel cell that will allow for a range of up to 248 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. All three use the same 100kW electric motor and can reach 60 mph in 11 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 93 mph.
Each of these three models is built atop Daimler's unique sandwich architecture that first debuted on the A-Class in 1997. This arrangement allows the entire drivetrain to sit beneath the passenger compartment and allows each of these concept cars to keep their full allotment of 17.6 cubic feet (500 liters) of cargo space and seating for five. A striking exterior, featuring a grille-less face and translucent bodywork, is designed to draw attention to the unique structure and green credentials. We'll see it all for ourselves when we bring you the goods live from Detroit.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Official Details: Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO trio
Official Details: Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO trio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'MERCEDES' Category
Thursday, January 10th, 2008
We’re running out of metaphors to describe the many ways that information, like water, leaks from automakers and bursts through embargoes. In this case it’s a flood of pictures from the facelifted 2009 Mercedes SL, and we’ve got so many of them that we’re tempted to start building a giant boat and filling it with pairs of animals. Yesterday it was just two quick glimpses of the 2009 SL 350, today we get exterior and interior photos of the new luxovert.
It’s still uncertain what’s going on under the hood of the new Mercedes because no one has been nice enough to leak the press release (but that’s bound to happen fairly soon). In the meantime, enjoy the cars and the smiley drivers MB trots out for these photos. [Carcoop]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, MERCEDES, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 16th, 2007
Filed under: Tuners, Coupes, Supercars, Mercedes Benz
Project Kahn’s SLR.
There isn’t much left to do with a supercar. That’s why they’re called “super.” Tuners of late, thankfully, seemed to be restraining themselves from going buck wild on them. On that note, with traditional British understatement, the tuning house Project Kahn has taken the Mercedes McLaren SLR and done, well, not all that much to it.
The car gets Kahn’s trademark RS-X wheels, 20-inch up front and 21’s in the rear. It also gets a 60 HP power boost to 677, a lowered suspension and high-flow pipes. Kahn expands on the smattering of colors that Mercedes offers by providing custom leather upholstery and paint jobs. Sure, it’s not much, but at this level of the financial stratosphere, every little bit of individual luxury counts, no?
[Source: Motor Authority]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, MERCEDES, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Friday, May 25th, 2007
ASMA Design released today images and some technical specifications on its new version of S-Class model named “Eagle II”. Pained in silver and black, the newcomer looks more stylish than the previous version.
The car is equipped with new sport exhaust system, lowering suspension and ASMA Design wheels. 9,5 x 21 inch on the front axle and 11 x 21 inch on the rear axle. Front tiers are 255/30/21R and rear - 295/25/21R.
Technical data:
Engine 5.5-liter V-8
Horsepower 425 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 430 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Transmission 7-speed automatic
Brakes, Front 13.9-in. vented discs
Brakes, Rear 12.6-in. vented discs
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, MERCEDES | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 15th, 2007
Mercedes-Benz will in future also market its SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster with a top.
In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it, too, will be made of carbon fibre, a material that will endow the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupe version. This gives rise, in combination with the racing-type chassis, to outstanding ride characteristics. The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h, therefore at the same high level as the coupe. Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle’s suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.
Like the coupe version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR leg-end of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.
The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.
The puristic top is suitable for high speeds
The exceptional qualities of the Roadster are attributable also to the fully retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the SLR McLaren. Its newly developed roof material, which is available in three different colours, not only guarantees complete suitability for everyday use in all weathers, but also endows the high-performance sports car with characteristics that are exception-ally unusual in a roadster. For example, at 332 km/h, the maximum speed is at the high level of the coupe version. Conversation is still possible at well over 200 km/h on open-air journeys thanks to the favourable aeroacoustics.
The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, thereby combining the desire for convenience with the puristic character of the roadster. To open, the roof merely needs to be unlocked from the windscreen frame and be briefly raised, after which it folds away electrically. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when re-tracted.
Sophisticated aerodynamics and racing-type chassis
In the wind tunnel, the Roadster has been optimised for high speeds with regard to handling, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. It likewise employs the aerodynamic concept already known from the coupe version, featuring an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffusor in the rear bumper to provide increased downforce on the rear axle.
The open two-seater is equipped with a racing-type chassis featuring high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs, thereby setting extremely high stan-dards. Its front-mid-engine provides for optimum weight distribution. With 460 kW/626 hp and a maximum torque of 780 Nm, the AMG V8 compressor engine, which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, accelerates the Roadster from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Unique safety and exclusive fittings
A high degree of safety is ensured by unique carbon-fibre crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. The comprehensive specification also features adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
The exclusive standard equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, like the coupe, is produced at McLaren’s Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, in accordance with stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria and will be available as from September 2007.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Automotive News, MERCEDES | No Comments »
Sunday, March 11th, 2007
ART’s Program 216 is aimed at the new CL in the exclusivity of the Mercedes- Benz luxury class with an abundance of top-quality tuning components.
The ART aerodynamics set for the front and rear optimizes the contours of the vehicle with an individual touch. In perfect harmony with the series design of the front spoiler, fine parallel grooved lines enhance the vehicle’s front silhouette. The eye-catching elegant lines of the ART rear skirt give the series rear an entirely new appearance. A rear spoiler shaped like a separation edge on the rear hood is the third element in the ART design system for the exterior of this beautiful coupé.
The ART interior upgrades the vehicle with an alcantara roof liner and upholstery. Elegant combinations of alcantara and leather, in one or several colours, leather with contrasting seams, quilting and perforations, provide marked elegance. In conjunction with fine wood paneling in a variety of different woods and nuances, carbonized surfaces in magical colours, sports steering wheels with paddle shifter, steering wheels in alcantara/leather, leather/wood, and leather/carbon offer an ART tuning GmbH, IGA, 04.01.2007, 14:31, Pressemitteilung Programm 216 extensive range to choose from for the design of the CL interior. Every custom feature is the owner’s choice. There are no limits to the individualization.
And under the hood: engine performance from ART includes a Vmax delimiter for the CL and electronic performance optimization of the motor control. They give the powerful series V8 and V12 power units that final performance kick.
The four highly polished chrome-plated 80mm tailpipes of the ART sports exhaust system with the ART logo draw the gaze to this successful rear skirt solution. One right and one left rear muffler ensure the sound is right.
The electronic suspension system from ART for the series ABC suspension system lowers the ride height by 25mm. All other built-in chassis control functions remain unchanged. Only the speed-dependent ride-height control is suppressed.
For the wheel concept, ART proposes the monoART1 light-weight metal rims in dimensions 18, 19 or 20 inches for the CL class. This individual choice of rims is multiplied by the range of three different surfaces:
- TITANIUM special coating with highly polished spoke backs
- TITANIUM special coating with allover silky-matt surface
- Black or customized color, even two-tone, special coating in NANO technology
The stylish three-part ARTstar2 light-weight metal rims are an equally good choice. With a 6-spoke design, with 36 titanium screw joints, inside valve, shiny-silver rim star and mirror-finished rim base it is offered in sizes 19 and 20 inches.
To customize a car still further, it is possible to have the rim star and wheel-base painted in a special color. Of course, with a protective nano technology coating.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, MERCEDES | No Comments »
