Posted on March 12th, 2008 by Auto News
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury-class SUV that offers a 292hp or a 493 hp V8 in its two trim levels, the G500 and the G55AMG. Strikingly different than its stable mates, the G-Class has a square, functional silhouette and is more suited for off-road than its siblings. For 2008, the G-Class undergoes minor exterior enhancements including redesigned tail lights. The interior sports a new steering wheel and freshened instrumentation.
New options are also available this year including a rear-facing video camera to assist parking, hardy leather seating surfaces, and a practical tire pressure monitoring system. Both models are equipped with a 7-0speed automatic transmission and a choice of three locking differentials. Regardless of which model you choose, the G-Class is the alpha and omega of off-road driving.
The engine powering the Mercedes-Benz G500 is a 5.0L, 292hp V8 that generates 336 lb-ft of torque. A standard GPS DVD navigation system compliments the sumptuous wood and leather interior. With heated steering wheel and seats you have a luxurious counterpoint to the go-anywhere spirit of the new G500.
As with any Mercedes wearing the AMG badge, performance vanquishes all competitors. A supercharged 5.5L 493hp V8 has been hand-built to nano-specifications to power the G55AMG. A testament to the Mercedes heritage of precision and performance, the SUV has 4-wheel drive, special sports suspension, and a hearty note that reverberates from its dual side-pipes as it runs the 0-60 in 5.4 seconds.
M.S.R.P. on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class ranges from $83,700 to $107,500 depending on model. You can always comparison shop for the best financing and dealer incentives. The G-Class is a thrill to drive, whether you are an off-road junkie, or a street cruiser, with loads of power, style, and prestige.
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Posted on March 11th, 2008 by Auto News
Unmistakable style and performance are the calling cards for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, a 2-door sports car with a retractable hardtop roof. Built from the ground up with one goal in mind, the SLK-Class leaves its driver breathless and wanting more. Each of the three trim levels are one more magnificent than the next; the SLK280 with a 3.0L 24-valve V-6 engine; the SLK350 with a 3.5L 24-valve V-6 engine; the SLK55 AMG with a 5.5L SOHC 24-valve V-8 engine.
The 280SLK offers sleek styling and impeccable road manners, with desirable features including a 9 speaker AM/FM stereo with CD. The speed-sensitive volume control adds drama to the starts and stops of the daily commute. Safety features complete the package with anti-lock disc brakes and seat-mounted side-impact airbags with head protection.
Driving that becomes a union of man and machine is made possible in the SLK350 with its tiller-mounted stereo and sensor display controls. From fuel consumption to maintenance interval reminders, the instrumentation on the new SLK-Class keeps you in touch with all of its vital signs. Reaching out into the night with uncanny acuity are the twin halogen projector beams that nearly see around corners.
With an M.S.R.P. of $62,950, the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG with its Sirius Satellite Radio capability and performance-enhanced suspension brings you all anyone could ask for in a premium luxury sports car. Decked out in Storm Red Metallic paint, the optional chrome exterior door handles and front and rear mud guards make your SLK55 AMG a personal statement of your unique style. To enhance the racetrack performance capability of your Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, consider the AMG Performance Package with 19-inch alloy wheels, precision tuned suspension, and ergonomic steering wheel.
Your Mercedes-Benz dealer would love to assist you by helping you stamp your individual personality into your SLK-Class with an Audio 30 APS navigation system or a set of accessory side skirts or alloy wheels. Plan to have adventures all over the place with your 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class luxury sports car.
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Posted on March 10th, 2008 by Auto News
Mercedes is planning to offer a hybrid S-class starting in 2009. The S400 BlueHybrid, a mild hybrid powered by M-B’s 3.5-liter V-6, boasts a lithium-ion battery co-developed with supplier Continental and described by Daimler R&D boss Thomas Weber as “a crucial breakthrough.”
Unlike Lexus??™s LS600hL, the S400 is not aimed at the performance market. Instead, it uses its hybrid drivetrain solely for the traditional aim of fuel efficiency. Mated in the style of a mild hybrid with a 20-hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the V-6 will turn off while the car is stationary and kick back on when the driver wants the car to move. Under braking, the batteries are charged. The electric motor can’t propel the S400 on its own but assists in acceleration.
The compact lithium-ion battery module is far more powerful than conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is integrated in the car’s cooling system to ensure optimal operating temperature.
BMW seemed miffed at the announcement, with executives pointing at the joint hybrid-vehicle alliance between BMW and Daimler. But this particular battery is a Mercedes development, and the carmaker holds 25 patents on it.
With internal combustion and electronic wizardry working together to produce 295 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, the S400 is capable of a 0-to-62-mph sprint in a claimed 7.3 seconds and will pull to a governed 155 mph??”all while delivering 30 mpg on the European cycle (up from 23 mpg) in S-class comfort. Additionally, the S400 packages all the hybrid equipment under the hood, so neither passenger room nor cargo space suffers for the driver’s conscientiousness.
Europe will get this hybrid in 2009, and a Mercedes spokesman confirmed that it will be offered in the U.S. later??”we believe in 2010. If 30 mpg is not enough for you, and you can??™t picture yourself in a Prius, start hoping Mercedes offers the upcoming and even thriftier S300 BlueTec diesel hybrid outside Europe.
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Posted on March 3rd, 2008 by Auto News
Does telepathy exist in the automotive industry? Arch rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz are showing two SUV concepts that are??”at least partly??”technological clones.
There is certainly no mistaking the boxy Mercedes GLK with BMW’s well-established X5, but the technology under the skin of BMW’s X5 Vision diesel hybrid concept and Mercedes’ Vision GLK BlueTec hybrid is similar.
The GLK hybrid concept uses a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel with the jointly developed hybrid module that incorporates start/stop functionality along with an electric motor that provides additional thrust as well as regenerative braking. However, the GLK can??™t propel itself under electric power only, unlike many hybrids. There shouldn??™t be many complaints about the power, though, with a combined output of 221 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque.
That translates into a claimed 0-to-62-mph time of 7.3 seconds, a top speed of 134 mph, and Euro-cycle mileage of 39.8 mpg. Acceleration and consumption are even better than in BMW’s concept, but remember that the GLK is a smaller SUV comparable in size to a BMW X3 and that this GLK is rear-wheel drive only. The X5 concept has all-wheel drive.
Although the electric module is virtually identical, the diesel engine in the GLK concept is a milestone for Mercedes. It??™s a preview of a new diesel-engine family that will have four-cylinder and six-cylinder variations. The new engines will be rolled out starting in 2009.
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Posted on February 28th, 2008 by Auto News
The talk of global warming notwithstanding, it has been a rough winter in many parts of the world. And one of the potential unpleasantries of the season is getting stuck in the snow with a new, $100,000-plus luxury coupe??”particularly with savvier neighbors zipping by in their all-wheel-drive Bentley Continental GTs.
Why all-wheel-drive sedans and coupes have not attained the success envisioned when many appeared in the 1980s, we don??™t understand. Audi, with its Quattro system that gives its front-wheel-drive vehicles a dynamic improvement, has fared better than Mercedes and BMW and their setups that spring from rear-drive roots.
Nevertheless, automakers have faithfully continued to refine the technology and streamline production for passenger cars. Mercedes introduced its all-wheel-drive system??”4MATIC??”in 1987 and incorporated the technology with the model changeover to the W210 E-class. Initially, many 4MATIC cars were produced for Mercedes by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, before the work was brought in-house. Today, the cars roll off Mercedes??™ production lines, and cost has come way down.
Now, all-wheel drive is joining the CL luxury-coupe lineup as well. The European version, badged CL500 4MATIC, will be unveiled at the 2008 Geneva auto show and hit dealerships in June.
North America gets the vehicle, to be called the CL550 4MATIC, in August. Both versions are powered by a 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8.
Mercedes-Benz has managed to keep the all-wheel-drive CL??™s fuel consumption identical to that of its rear-wheel-drive counterpart: 19 mpg in the European test cycle. There is a sacrifice in that you can’t get 4MATIC in the more powerful CL600, CL63 AMG, or CL65 AMG versions. All of them remain rear-drive only, with traction and stability control systems working overtime year-round.
The rear-wheel-drive CL550 starts at $104,425 in the U.S. Expect a premium of about $3000 for the 4MATIC system.
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Filed under: Mercedes-Benz
Posted on February 25th, 2008 by Auto News
After making its fashion runway debut only three years ago as the world??™s first four-door coupe, the highly successful Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is getting a facelift for the 2009 model year. An instant style icon from day one, the CLS coupe has spurred an automotive industry trend toward more eye-catching four-door cars ??“ vehicles that blur the line between coupe and sedan.
The sleek new nose of the CLS is complemented by a more dramatic two-bar grill (replacing the original four-bar grill), with upper and lower mesh now finished in Atlas Grey. Larger outside mirrors now feature built-in arrow-shaped turn signals, and new dual-five-spoke 18-inch wheels make the car even more striking. A new rear bumper with trapezoidal dual exhaust pipes and arrow-shaped LED taillights complete the fresh look of the new model.
Opening the driver??™s door reveals a sportier three-spoke steering wheel and new gauges in white with silver backgrounds. And, a new COMAND display in the center console now incorporates Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone operation, a six-CD ???stacker??? unit and voice control of audio and phone.
Two Sleek Models for 2009
For the 2009 model year, the CLS line will include the CLS550, powered by a DOHC four-valve-per-cylinder V8 engine that produces 382-horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, and the high-performance CLS 63 AMG, fitted with a AMG-designed 6.2-liter V8 that produces 507 bhp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
A handsome, coupe-like car that boasts the comfort and convenience of four doors, the CLS line features sleek, sensuous exterior lines. Its large rear doors and spacious rear seats also represent tangible added value.
Those stylish contours continue throughout the interior, which is complemented by an abundance of leather and wood. Its three chronometer-type gauges and two LCD bar graphs in the instrument cluster are accented by chrome rings and more wood trim. Four-zone climate control regulates temperature separately for each front and rear seat. The rear passengers even have their own digital control panel for setting a desired temperature and adjusting airflow.
The COMAND color display screen uses one set of easy-to-use controls for the audio system (includes AM/FM/ weatherband and CD), standard satellite radio and optional features such as GPS satellite navigation. The system includes a full array of mobile communications functions when combined with the optional phone.
A standard harman/kardon Logic 7 digital surround sound system provides a luxurious listening experience.
AMG Racing Success Spawns High-Power Production Engine
The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is powered by one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, also the first engine developed entirely by AMG. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the 6.3-liter features four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms), an 11.3-to 1 compression ratio and a variable intake manifold.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels of the CLS63 AMG via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission that can be shifted manually by either a conventional lever or Formula-1 style shift paddles on the AMG sport steering wheel. AMG Speedshift electronic control provides 35% faster gear shifts, and to give performance-minded drivers total control of shifting, the manual mode of AMG Speedshift doesn??™t make any automatic upshifts or downshifts ??“ even at max engine speed or full load.
To make sure the CLS63 AMG stops as fast as it goes, giant vented and perforated disc brakes all around feature 14-inch discs and six-piston calipers up front and 13-inch discs with four-piston calipers at the rear. Staggered 19-inch wheels with 8 1 and 9 1 inch widths carry 255 / 35 tires in front and 285 / 30 at the rear.
A 186-MPH Option
The CLS63 AMG can be ordered with the optional performance package that allows a 186-mph top speed instead of the usual 155-mph speed limiter. Other features in the package include AMG Airmatic sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, larger front discs (15.4- inch diameter), a limited-slip differential and a leather and Alcantara-wrapped AMG sport steering wheel.
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Posted on February 21st, 2008 by Auto News
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 4 door coupe combines the convenience and efficiency of an upscale sedan with the appeal and performance of a sports car. Of course, being a Mercedes, the entire CLS class benefits from superior German engineering, unique aesthetic appeal and a distinctively luxurious interior. The only changes to this recently redesigned lineup is the addition of satellite radio to the list of standard equipment and a sharp looking set of new wheels.
The CLS-Class is represented by the CLS550 and the CLS63AMG. Both models are lightning quick will well balanced suspension systems and smooth shifting transmissions. A 382 horsepower 5.5 liter V8 puts powers the CLS550 through the 0-60 sprint in 5.4 seconds. An amazingly aggressive 507 horsepower 6.2 liter V8 fuels the CLS63 AMG, which flies from 0 to 60 in an astounding 4.4 seconds. Both models come standard with the sole transmission for the CLS-Class, which is a 7 speed Sportronic automatic with manual shift override.
The CLS-Class consists of 2 models-the CLS550 and the CLS63 AMG. The CLS550 has an impressive list of standard equipment that includes 18 inch wheels,sunroof, a a semi-active air suspension system, satellite radio integrated with a Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound audio system with six-CD changer and auxiliary jack, leather upholstery, power front seats, tilt/telescoping steering column and 4 zone automatic climate control. The CLS63 AMG has all the features of the CLS550 and replaces the 18 inch wheels with 19 inch wheels that compliment its AMG specific sport performance and style enhancements. In addition, the standard equipment list for the CLS63 AMG also includes heated Alcantara accented premium leather seats, and a flat bottom sport steering wheel. Numerical Premium Options Packages are available for both models, like the Premium Package II which includes heated front seats (for the CLS550), active ventilated front seats, Bluetooth, a power trunk closer, a navigation system, keyless entry and ignition and bi-xenon headlamps. Many stand alone options are also available.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a unique coupe lineup that generously offers high performance powertrains, sports car style, and more practical interior space than any other car in its category-and of course the high quality standards and reliability associated with the brand name.
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Posted on February 20th, 2008 by Auto News
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spans an array of all wheel and rear wheel drive luxury sedans and wagons that come in a variety of trims that offer a choice of four engines and two drivetrains to accommodate a variety of discriminating luxury car drivers. There have been no significant changes for the 2008 model year, with the exception of the addition of a new AMG Sport Options Package for the E350 and the E550. With MSRPs ranging from about $50,000 to well over $80,000, the E-Class is not an inexpensive car. However, it is a sleek, safety rich and luxuriously feature rich ride that offers plenty of passenger and driver enjoyment while harmoniously enticing the senses.
The abundant variety of possible E-Class configurations only adds to the alluring appeal of the car. The E320 Bluetec is only available as a sedan and features a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt-telescoping steering column, a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system with a CD changer and auxiliary audio jack and 10-way power front seats with memory. Its 3.0 liter turbodiesel V6 engine delivers 210 horsepower and takes the E320 from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds. EPA estimates are excellent at 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The E350 is available in both sedan and wagon body styles and is equipped identically to the E320, with the E350 being eligible for a no cost Sport Options Package that substitutes 18 inch wheels, a low profile sport suspension system, chrome tailpipes, tinted glass and chic interior wood trim accents. The E350 effortlessly glides onward with its 268 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine and is available with either rear wheel or all wheel drive. Acceleration is relatively quick, and the E350 accomplishes going from 0 to 60 in about 6.5 seconds. Fuel economy is satisfactory for this model, which has been rated at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The sedan only E550 comes with the Sport Options Package and leather upholstery, 4 zone automatic climate control and semi-active air suspension. Power is supplied by a 5.5 liter V8 engine that delivers 382 horsepower and quickly goes from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. All wheel drive is optional. The rear wheel drive version has EPA estimates of 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The E63 AMG high performance sedan or wagon adds on to the list of standard features for the E550 with heated front seats, satellite radio, a split folding rear seat, unique interior enhancements, and highly regarded AMG performance and style package that includes a track calibrated sport suspension, advanced braking system and unique AMG specific interior style and options. This super coupe is powered by an astounding 507 horsepower 6.2 liter V8 engine and it will soar past you doing 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds.
Non-AMG models are eligible for options packages that bundle several popular features such as sunroof, navigation system, heated and ventilated seats and more. All rear wheel drive E-Class versions are equipped with a 7 speed automatic transmission and the all wheel drive models come with a 5 speed automatic. The E63 AMG comes with ‘Speedshift’ - Mercedes proprietary system that prevents excessive up shifts in turns and enables 50% faster gear changes.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes the only diesel powered mid size luxury sedan on the market today (the E320 Bluetec) and it does an excellent job of combining outstanding fuel economy with an exhilarating powertrain. The gas powered E350 offers a lively driving experience and average fuel economy. Sports car enthusiasts will savor the extreme power of the E550 and E63. The entire 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup offers sophisticated styling, elegantly appointed interiors, ample power and impressive performance-there really is an excellent mid size luxury car here to satisfy just about all personalities and preferences.
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Posted on February 15th, 2008 by Auto News
The new SL 63 AMG roadster is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 525 hp and 630 Nm - which makes it today’s most powerful model with a V8 naturally aspirated engine in its class. The SL 63 AMG comes exclusively with the all-new, innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The newly developed power transfer concept features a compact, wet start-up clutch that replaces the conventional torque converter.
The SL 65 AMG will also be launched alongside the 63 model. Thanks to its 612 hp AMG 6.0-litre biturbo engine developing 1000 Nm of torque, the V12 top-of-the-line model delivers eye-watering performance.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT sports transmission combines the best of two worlds: the sporty, direct and agile feedback of a manual transmission and the maximum convenience of an automatic transmission. This useful gearbox is fitted with seven speeds, four drive modes, a double-declutching and Race Start function. MCT stands for Multi-Clutch Technology and only employs clutch elements to perform gearshifts.
The AMG V8 is packed with a wealth of fascinating racetrack technology, including the lightweight, extra-rigid closed-deck crankcase and cylinder walls with a revolutionary TWAS coating as well as the valve train designed for high engine speeds with bucket tappets in the cylinder heads. The vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ports together with the variable intake manifold featuring two integral throttle flaps results in superlative cylinder charging and high power output.
On the inside, expect the usual cosseting of an AMG car. The standard specification includes fine nappa leather upholstery, genuine carbon-fibre trim and the multi-way electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with multicontour and memory functions, seat heating, AMG-specific perforation pattern and seat design, and AMG badge. The optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating system is a new addition. At the push of a button, it blows warm air through the head restraints - providing open-air motoring pleasure even if there is a chill in the air.
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Filed under: Mercedes-Benz
Posted on February 13th, 2008 by Auto News
Subtle surface changes for the 2009 model include a revised front air dam with a Formula 1-inspired divider; a larger, higher-mounted Mercedes star on the grille (the previous badge wasn’t big enough?); attractive new sideview mirrors; and bigger tailpipes straddling diffuserlike ribs. Inside, the C-class sedan has donated its steering wheel, which controls Mercedes’ new variable-ratio “direct-steer” rack that has a firmer, sportier feel and reduces required steering angles by an average of 22 percent.
The ‘09 SLK is also an early adopter of Benz’s fresh, ergonomic-wheel-less navigation unit that tries its best to mimic the excellent system that debuted in the S-class. Aluminum trim has been added in the cabin, while some tacky silver buttons have been jettisoned.
More important than any cosmetic update is the SLK350’s extra 32 hp and 7 lb-ft of torque, thanks to the 3.5-liter V-6’s higher compression ratio, enhanced pistons, revised intake manifold, modified valvetrain, and raised redline. Expect this sonorous, more efficient version of the V-6-which slices the SLK’s 0-to-60-mph time by two-tenths to 5.3 seconds - to migrate soon to other 350 Benzes. (At the top of the SLK-class pile, the SLK55 AMG carries on basically unaltered, aside from minor cosmetic changes; AMG engineers chose not to shoehorn their stunning 6.2-liter V-8 into the two-seater, so the SLK and the Triassic G-wagen are the only AMG models still using the 5.4-liter V-8. The base SLK’s output is unchanged, too, although its name has inflated from SLK280 to SLK300.)
True, the SLK’s updates aren’t earth-shattering, but if you’re going to get a face-lift, you may as well have it done before summertime.
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