mercedes car

2010 Buick Regal GS Show Car

2010-01-20T05:49:00.001-08:00

(from GM Press Release) Buick Unveils Regal GS Show Car

-- 21st-century successor to Buick’s Gran Sport heritage
-- Bold, sporty design with unique exterior details and an aggressive stance
-- High-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission
-- Adaptive all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential
-- 0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds
-- Buick’s class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control System

DETROIT – With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS show car is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand’s newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

The mechanical elements were developed with the aim of delivering a driving experience that is sporting, confidence-inspiring and refined. It has a performance-oriented drivetrain, a lowered body and lower center of gravity. Exterior and interior cues include two additional vertical front air intakes; large, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires; a racing-inspired sport steering wheel and metal pedals. Recaro high-performance front seats feature four-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.

“We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal,” said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. “Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick’s storied Gran Sport legacy.”

The Regal GS exterior is distinguished by vertical air inlets in the front fascia, as well as unique rocker panels, an integrated rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, Olympic White paint and satin metallic accents.

“The idea behind the Regal GS was taking the production model in a more aggressive direction to appeal to performance enthusiasts,” said John Cafaro, Buick design director. “But along with its aggressive stance, there’s sophisticated style in the design that complements the driving experience.”

Inside, the Regal GS varies from the standard Regal by featuring a completely jet black interior, including the pillars and headliner, sport shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and a suede-covered, flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of those used in international racing series. The instrument panel glows ice blue when the driver engages the sport mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Turbocharged AWD performance

Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system calibrated for performance driving. An electronic, limited-slip rear differential helps ensure the engine’s power is distributed effectively during cornering.

The high-performance drivetrain is expected to enable the Regal GS to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. That performance is complemented by a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) design in front. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering. This improves ultimate grip levels in dry and wet conditions, as well as improves the direct feel of the road, while isolating undesirable feedback. Behind the wheel the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The Regal GS features a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

The Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on Regal CXL models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety, while also adapting the driving characteristics of the car to the driver’s preferences. The driver selects among three operating modes – normal, sport and GS – that change the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

About Buick

Buick is in the midst of a transformation that started with the Enclave luxury crossover and continues with the completely redesigned LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal sport sedan. Buick is emerging as a modern, premium brand with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance. Future new sedans and crossovers are planned and will continue to expand Buick's portfolio both in North America and China. More information can be found at www.buick.com.

2010 Mercedes-Benz Design Sculpture

2010-01-20T05:45:00.000-08:00

(from Daimler Press Release) Mercedes-Benz Design: Automobile design as an art form: sculpture

-- A jewel of automotive artistry
-- Artistic imagination and the forces of nature

Mercedes-Benz is not only treating visitors to the North American International Autoshow 2010 in Detroit to the world premiere of the new E-Class Cabriolet and innovative technology, but also placing a beautifully executed automobile sculpture at centre stage. It represents a vehicle body taking soft, flowing form from a level surface – as if an automobile of liquid silver was being created, or a shimmering cloth was gently draped over a newly conceived design. As if by a natural process, clearly contoured surfaces are ordered and delineated by sharply drawn, curved lines. They lend the sculpture an organic appearance, giving it a future and origin.

The sculpture is an exclusive, sensuous creation and extraordinarily eye-catching. But it also transports car design into a new, artistic reality. "To us, automobile design means artistic, aesthetically and sensuously oriented creation", says Head of Design Prof. Gorden Wagener. "Mercedes-Benz designers translate their artistic inspiration into the modern idiom of Mercedes-Benz automobile design, which combines dramatic details with harmony, style and passion. Mercedes-Benz design is clear, calm and consistent, but yet emotional and highly sensuous. Mercedes-Benz is the brand best able to present automobile design as an art form in an authentic way."

As an extraordinary jewel of automotive artistry, the sculpture uses its flowing, cloth-like connection to its surroundings and the resulting pattern of folds to symbolise the positively and negatively curved surfaces of the modern Mercedes-Benz design strategy. This is characterised by dramatic, full surfaces whose proportions are attractively defined by fine, softly emerging but sharply contoured lines.

Viewing the sculpture can conjure up many associations. Perhaps a sand dune or a snowdrift, a viscous substance such as hot lava or mercury from which an automobile is being created. The sculpture imitates the formative power of nature: flowing elements change their shape as the form of a new automobile emerges in line with the dynamic laws of gravity and aerodynamics, making this form vaguely visible and solidifying into a work of art with the appearance of a casting possessing contours and clear definitions. It shows shapes and lines that appear natural gradually taking the form of a vehicle body, a sensuous basic structure on which curving, sinewy lines create emotional contours. An aesthetic transformation, "shaped by nature" and the artistic imagination of the designer.
Inspired by and taking its origin from the forces of nature, this artistically executed sculpture also symbolises the key basic values of the Mercedes-Benz brand – intelligent technology and quality, sensuous beauty, style, dynamism and innovative strength for well over a century. Coupled with respect for man and nature. Mercedes-Benz is one of the few automobile companies able to communicate this credibly as a work of art.

This is also reflected in the shining Alubeam silver paint finish, which interacts with the contours of the sculpture to create multi-facetted areas of light and shade. At the same time this Mercedes colour is a reference to the glorious motor racing history of the Mercedes-Benz brand, but also suggests visions of the day after tomorrow and promises the innovations of the future.

This high-quality sculptural depiction was essentially created as an attempt by Mercedes-Benz Design to show the cultural feeling and creativeness of its designers in the five international design studios in Germany, Italy, the USA, Japan and China, to further their artistic ideals and develop a design for Mercedes-Benz. "Many of our designers come from artistic families, carry artistic ambitions in their genes, so to speak, and found their way into automobile design via their artistic talent," is how Prof. Gorden Wagener explains the potential.

With this sculpture, Mercedes-Benz provides an insight into the thinking and perceptions of its team of designers and model-makers. While a design idea initially takes shape on paper, it is subsequently modelled in clay. This is sculptural work in its purest form, and eminently suitable for finding new shapes and creating sensuousness. The automobile as an art form, with heavy concentration on attention to detail that also includes the interior design and choice of materials.

Designing and modelling at Mercedes-Benz Design has a great deal to do with creativity and the work of artists – though art for art's sake is certainly not the intention behind this sculpture! The form of an automobile that suggests itself here in such an artistically sophisticated and encoded way is only vaguely perceptible. Nonetheless the basic proportions challenge the onlooker to interpret the shape of the future, real product that may be nearing the end of its flowing design process. Amazement and speculation in equal measure.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition

2010-01-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

(from Daimler Press Release) Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz is now offering special editions of the SL and SLK, both of which feature a stylish interior with numerous sophisticated highlights. The optional designo magno night black matt paint finish accentuates the exclusive, sporty appearance of the SL Night Edition, while the special designo graphite paint finish makes the SLK Grand Edition a real eye-catcher. Both of these new special models combine the advantages of a roadster with those of a coupé, and are both thoroughbred sports cars and comfortable everyday cars.

Masterpieces to dream of – the theme for the two new special editions of the Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK sports car series. The special designo magno night black paint finish specially developed exclusively for the SL Night Edition is particularly effective with the dramatic design of the SL. 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in a two-tone, high-gloss finish, silver-painted front brake callipers with the Mercedes-Benz logo and darkened headlamps/tail lights accentuate the exclusive status of these special models. A badge on the front wings identifies the Night Edition.

Black nappa leather and shining chrome trim provide striking contrasts in the interior, with numerous fine details interacting to produce an intriguing effect. The newly designed seats have arrow-shaped seams and silver-coloured contrasting features. The sports steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining are in black. The trim strip of the draught-stop has a high-gloss finish complemented by the silver-coloured vents of the AIRSCARF® system, which bathes the driver in warm air when the soft top is down in cool ambient temperatures.

The SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition can be ordered now. Depending on the engine variant, the additional cost for the special model is between 3700 and 5200 Euro for the SL Night Edition and between 2300 and 3500 Euro for the SLK Grand Edition. The special paint finishes cost an additional 3640 Euro for designo magno night black and 1800 Euro for designo graphite (German list prices incl. VAT).

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK Grand Edition

2010-01-20T05:40:00.000-08:00

SLK Grand Edition – in stylish grey

The exclusivity of the SLK Grand Edition is underlined by the elegant designo graphite paint finish. Other highlights include exclusive 18-inch light-alloy wheels with five triple spokes, silver-coloured fins on the bonnet, headlamps matching the paint finish and a third brake light.

In the interior of the SLK Grand Edition, the AIRSCARF® system included as standard ensures that the open-top season can last all year. The driver and passenger are cosseted by finely coordinated materials in a restrained, stylish grey. The newly designed seats are upholstered in basalt grey nappy leather, with arrow-shaped seams and designo pearl leather on the side bolsters. The effect is complemented by the tone-in-tone, grey seat belts. Basalt grey nappa leather is also used for the door linings, with a harmonious contrast provided by the designo pearl leather armrests. Finely executed, red topstitching on the seats and door armrests create a special look. Colour-coordinated trim in designo pearl leather - with the embossed Grand Edition emblem above the glove compartment - rounds off the interior. The floor mats bordered in the same shade of grey also bear this logo.

2010 RDX Racedesign Peugeot 207

2010-01-20T05:38:00.000-08:00

- All component parts made of high-quality PU-ABS
- All parts including component part certificate and approval by the German Technical Control Board (TÜV)

French automobiles are often disregarded in the tuning business. But RDX RACEDESIGN attends to the Peugeot 207 and the 207 CC. In its usual quality, the specialist for body kits offers an entirely new robe for the compact car.

Already the RDX front spoiler confirms the perfect manufacture. Without any problem, the new component can be exchanged with the original front of all 207 models until its facelift in 2009. The price of 169 Euro including VAT includes the mounting material and the grid. Of course, the delivery includes a component part certificate by the German Technical Control Board (TÜV).

The RDX headlight blends are even easier to fit. With the enclosed assembly adhesive, the blends for only 49 Euro can be attached onto the serial lights. As the parts are already approved by the Technical Control Board, the RDX headlight blends do not have to be registered separately.

The rear apron attachment for all 207-models except the SW, is suitable for use with the serial exhaust, but also for one- and two-sided sport exhaust systems, as it is delivered without any cuts for the end pipes. Also the RDX rear apron attachment is already approved by the Technical Control Board and therefore does not have to be registered separately. The required mounting material and the grids are already included in the price of 169 Euro.

Also the RDX side skirts are already checked by the TÜV. They can be attached to all two- and three-door 207-models including the CC. Also here, the mounting material and grids are included in the price of 169 Euro.

The RDX roof spoiler is made for all 207-models except the CC and SW. For only 99 Euro this also includes the mounting material and the component part certificate by the Technical Control Board.

RDX RACEDESIGN produces all parts in the high-quality material PU-ABS and in OEM-quality. This ensures best material stability as well as elasticity combined with light weight.

Also for the 207 body kit, RDX RACEDESIGN offers its popular RDX package prices. If you opt for the front spoiler, the side skirts and the rear apron attachment, you will receive a 10-percent discount on the individual prices.

RDX RACEDESIGN knows the quality of its own products and therefore gives a two-year-warranty for material- and production mistakes. Moreover, every customer is granted the right of withdrawal within 14 days if the components fail to please him.

Also, the international focus confirms the success of the body kit specialist RDX RACEDESIGN. The web shop with all product descriptions is not only available in German, but also in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch. RDX RACEDESIGN delivers the component parts for the Peugeot 207 as well as all other mounting parts from its extensive programme at a favourable handling and shipping flat rate into more than thirty countries.

If you have further questions about the delivery programme, please do not hesitate to contact the experts by phone or e-mail. For more information about the RDX RACEDESIGN products, please visit the web site www.rdx-racedesign.com or visit one of the specialised dealers.

2010 Lotus Exige S Type 72

2010-01-20T05:34:00.000-08:00

The Lotus Exige S Type 72 celebrates the most successful F1 car of all time, the Lotus Type 72 Formula One car, which achieved 20 Grand Prix victories between 1970 and 1975.

The Lotus Type 72 was driven by such Lotus greats as Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx and won three Formula One Constructors’ Championships (1970, 1972 and 1973) and two Drivers’ World Championships (the first being won by Jochen Rindt in 1970 and the second by Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972).

The colour scheme of the Exige S Type 72 commemorates the famous and easily recognisable black and gold Lotus Type 72 livery and is finished by the same sign writer who painted racing cars for Team Lotus.

Performance through light weight has long been a Lotus philosophy. The 935kg Exige S Type 72 sprints to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 145 mph, 233 km/h. The Exige S Type 72 also offers class leading fuel economy and emissions, with fuel economy of 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) on the Extra Urban Cycle and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km.

The Exige S Type 72 is a powerful supercharged mid-engined sportscar that is equally at home on the racetrack or open road. The intercooled engine has VVTL-i technology ensuring impressive performance all the way to the rev limiter at 8500 rpm.

The Sport Pack comes as standard on the Exige S Type 72 which has a bespoke high quality interior, including black micro fibre ProBax sports seats with gold stitching. Each car comes with a special build plate commemorating one of the F1 car’s 20 Grand Prix victories. The exterior of the Exige S Type 72 features unique black and gold light weight wheels and is finished with hand-painted gold Type 72 and Exige S logos, (the Sport Pack also includes a T45 steel main roll hoop, Lotus Traction Control, twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar).

All Lotus cars offer outstanding handling and performance, and the Exige is no exception offering excellent dynamics and great driver involvement. Lotus ride and handling gives an inspiring driving experience and the mid-engined layout of the Lotus Exige S Type 72 offers fantastic balance and agility.

Luke Bennett, Operations Director for Lotus Cars Limited stated, “The Lotus Exige S Type 72 is an evocative sportscar, combining cutting edge handling and performance with the iconic Type 72 colour scheme, one of the most famous racing liveries of all time. The Exige provides an intense driving experience either on road or track and this limited edition is a worthy car to celebrate such a legendary racing car.”

Clive Chapman, Director of Classic Team Lotus said, “The Type 72 was a very significant car for Team Lotus and indeed for the world of F1. It was a revolutionary design that pioneered the use of side mounted radiators to achieve its distinctive ’wedge’ profile, which delivered a significant aerodynamic advantage. Furthermore, by minimising unsprung weight and using a torsion bar, rising rate suspension, tyre performance was excellent. The Lotus Type 72 design was so advanced that it was competitive for an extraordinary six years.”

The Exige S Type 72 options include: Air Conditioning, Limited Slip Differential and the Performance Pack, which includes a power increase to 240 PS, larger AP Racing brakes, enlarged roof scoop (compared to the standard Exige S) and Lotus variable traction control and Lotus launch control.

To commemorate the impressive number of Grand Prix wins the Type 72 achieved, Lotus will be producing 20 of this special edition for the UK, a further 20 cars for mainland Europe and there will be a limited run of cars in Japan and selected markets around the world.

2010 Saleen Ford Mustang 435S

2010-01-20T05:30:00.000-08:00

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., July 24, 2009 – Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled its first 2010 product, the Saleen 435S, based on the new 2010 Ford Mustang. The introduction took place as part of the Special Vehicle Team Owners Association’s annual “Mustang Week” event. The 435S is the first vehicle launched under Saleen’s new ownership, following the purchase of Saleen Inc. earlier this year.

This car continues the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined drivability for real-world road conditions.

The 435S is designed to provide affordable, high-value performance.

“In these difficult economic times we wanted our first vehicle to deliver a lot for an affordable price,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “It was created much more for ‘go’ than for show. We focused on power and handling, and it’s a great platform to build on if a customer wants to take it farther later on.”

Heart of the car’s performance is its 4.6-liter, 3-valve SOHC V8 engine, complete with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger and two-stage intercooler. This engine produces a vigorous 435 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, and has a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio with limited-slip differential.

The car rides 1.5 inches lower than a Mustang GT, thanks to its Saleen Racecraft performance suspension. The system is designed to reduce body roll, provide nimble, precise handling and improve traction, while retaining the compliant ride of a good daily driver. The suspension package includes springs, a stiffer front stabilizer bar, and nitrogen-pressurized shock absorbers tuned exclusively for the 435S.

The vented brake rotors, front and rear, are slotted and cross-drilled for improved feel and stopping performance. Larger, 14-inch slotted front rotors with 4-piston calipers are available as an option.

The 435S has the Saleen-signature long, low, sleek looks and aggressive stance that have distinguished the company’s previous cars. Traditional Saleen styling cues include an understated trim panel between the taillights with “Saleen” in raised lettering, mesh covers over the fog lights in the grille, and the Saleen name and chevrons as graphic elements placed low on each side. An optional Aero Package includes a lightweight chin splitter and rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.

Other exterior highlights include unique, 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels (19- and 20-inch wheels are available), and “435S” lettered on each side of the hood’s power dome.

Inside, the modifications are designed to enhance the driving experience and to express the car’s character. These include a new, short-throw shifter for quick, precise gear-changing performance, and new, driver-oriented gauges. These uniquely styled gauges retain Mustang’s MyColor™ capabilities that allow the owner to select from more than 125 custom colors for the instrument cluster. The car’s identity is highlighted by a Saleen logo embroidered on the headrests.

“All in all, we believe the 435S is the right car at the right time,” said Shields. “It’s a terrific performance value that we’re proud to offer. And this is just the first of many great Saleen vehicles we’ll be launching in the future.”

A LEGEND REBORN: SHELBY AMERICAN BRINGS BACK THE SHELBY GT350

2010-01-20T05:27:00.001-08:00

• Shelby American brings back the Shelby GT350 on 45th anniversary of car’s introduction
• The Shelby is supercharged and enhanced in every way
• The car was introduced during the Barrett-Jackson Opening Night Gala in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 18, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars. The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.

“In 1964, Ford Motor Company asked Shelby American to turn their secretary’s car into a race winner to help them sell Mustangs,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “Our Shelby GT350 ruled its class at the track and was feared by GM and Chrysler owners on the street. Enthusiasts have anticipated the GT350’s return since it went out of production in 1970. Now my band of hot rodders has created a car worthy of the name.”

The concept behind the GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the “small block” 5.0 liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, the Shelby American team worked with experts from Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer to create a car that is fast and has razor sharp handling. Every segment of the car is enhanced or replaced to create the ultimate balanced performance pony car that is true to the spirit of the 1965-1970 MY Shelby GT350.

“The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity,” said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. “Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19” modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package”

“Since this was one of the most important cars in Shelby’s history, everyone stepped up to make sure it meets Carroll’s performance standards,” added Gary Davis, vice president of production for Shelby American. “After it was hand built in our new design studio, it began extensive testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by veteran test drivers Vince LaViolett and Gary Patterson. We’re all proud to be part of this milestone Shelby car.”

Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14” ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.

The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. A Ford Mustang GT can be dropped shipped by a Ford dealer to Shelby’s Las Vegas facility for conversion or a customer can arrange to have a properly specified car transported to the factory. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.

Customers interested in a Shelby GT350 should contact Roger Sorel at (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.gt350.shelbyamerican.com.

Mercedes-Benz

2010-01-20T05:25:00.000-08:00

Car manufacturers are rolling ahead with dissatisfactory sales figure and a drowning smile. This fiscal has seen a great variation in the sales graph due to ups and downs in the fuel prices.

But…Mercedes-Benz takes a toll above all.

Yes! Mercedes has showcased an accelerated growth with the car sales figure crossing about 3,000 so far this year. The Mercedes-Benz car range including C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class dominates the high sales growth.

Doesn’t that dictate the changing face of the Indian car industry? Car customers being least concerned about the high fuel prices are increasingly buying luxury cars. As it is the people who can afford Mercedes can easily manage to pay for the high fuel prices. Infact, we feel that the luxury car market has nothing to do with inflation. Does it?

Mercedes still has many more plans behind the veil to strengthen its foothold in India.

2010-01-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz F700 research car

2010-01-15T07:13:00.000-08:00

Arguably, the most interesting vehicle that Mercedes is displaying at the Frankfurt Motor Show is their beautiful F700 research car concept, which Mercedes-Benz describe as a “rolling bed” of their latest technologies.
The F700 is powered by a unique drivetrain that features a Diesotto engine - a four cylinder, direct-injected, sequentially-turbocharged 1.8-liter petrol engine that can alternate between conventional spark ignition and extremely high pressure compression ignition (like a diesel).
The Diesotto 1.8-litre engine is mated to a hybrid starter/generator which is integrated into its seven-speed transmission, a combination that is said to push the F700 to 100km/h/62mph in 7.5 seconds.
Overall, the F700 is shorter than current LWB S-Class but Mercedes say the F700’s unique drivetain has allowed them to endow the F700 with a longer overall wheelbase than the LWB S-Class – a by product of a reduced front overhang.
Not only is the F700 more commodious than a LWB S-Class and comparable in performance to an S350, it is also fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Achieving around 8.6L/100km (44mpg) and producing CO2 at the rate of 127 grams per kilometre the F700 is the green answer to the gas guzzling limousine.

The suspension of the F700 is Mercedes-Benz’s active-damping system that’s been fitted with two front-mounted LIDAR sensors, which “read” the upcoming road surface and dynamically adjusts the system to compensate.

The F700 also marks the first use of Mercedes’ SERVO-HMI “Human-Machine Interface”, which shows data from the instrument cluster on a display at the base of the windshield. The idea, which Mercedes claims is backed by scientific studies, is to reduce eye strain from having to refocus from near to far every time the dashboard is glanced - which is said to alleviate driver fatigue.

Mercedes E-Class Coupe & Cabrio - C207 (Spy pics & info) - Formerly CLK Model Line

2010-01-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

The current Mercedes-Benz CLK is something of an enigma - built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sits in its own unique segment and has no direct competition from its German rivals. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the U.S., but reports are surfacing that the German carmaker is planning to end the CLK name and instead brand its successor as an ‘E-Class’ Coupe and Convertible.

In the press release for the new ConceptFASCINATION Mercedes-Benz states that its designers are working on a ‘future E-Class Coupe.’ This goes towards explaining why Mercedes would drop such an important nameplate - the main reason is that the car’s successor will be based on the same platform that will underpin the next-generation E-Class due next year.

Meanwhile, near production-ready test mules for the E-Class Coupe and Cabrio have been spotted near Mercedes headquarters in Germany and now these latest renderings give us a clue as to what the final car will look like. As expected, the car draws heavily from the recent ConceptFASCINATION, while in keeping with its more upmarket positioning a new folding metal roof will come standard with the Cabrio.

Powertrains should include the new 272hp (203kW) 3.5L V6 engine as well as Mercedes’ 5.5L V8 for the E500 Coupe flagship. An even more powerful AMG version is guaranteed; sporting a 481hp (359kW) version of the hand built 6.2L V8 engine. The E-Class Coupe will be offered with optional 4Matic AWD and could possibly come with a new mild-hybrid option further down the track.
More:MotorAuthority

Mercedes E Class Coupe AMG (2010)

2010-01-14T06:43:00.001-08:00

Mercedes E Class Coupe AMG (2010) that features both performance and styling upgrades has been unveiled by Daimler.

Comes with a rear apron with a black insert, the 2010 Mercedes E Class Coupe AMG also features new side skirts and a new front apron with large air intakes.

Mercedes E Class Coupe AMG (2010) sits on 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 6 twin-spoke design with 235/40 R 18 tires at the front and 255/35 R 18 at the rear.

2010 Mercedes E Class Coupe AMG comes with the AGILITY CONTROL sports suspension with stiffer springs and shock absorbers. The speed-sensitive steering also has a more direct ratio.

2010 Mercedes E Class Coupe AMG interior features multicontour seats and black ARTICO leather.

Mercedes Benz Maybach Introduced

2010-01-14T06:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest Mercedes Benz Maybach introduced in market this is the latest version of amazing
Mercedes car with including excellent features it is best for driving anywhere this is fastest running super model car.

It is available in stylish design with amazing color it looks so attractive and stylish now days there are lots of Mercedes are available but this new Mercedes Benz Maybach is quite different to others it has great internal and external features.

The new Mercedes Benz Maybach has great designed it looks so gorgeous and attractive this is the new generation of amazing model car with attractive looks it has great functions of internal it has minimum five people can easily seat also the seat of this car is so stylish this is fully-air-conditioned super model car.

The seats as standard are luxurious with their diamond-quilted seat cushions and lamboskin carpets it’s really looks so nice you can feel comfortable on this model car.

Mercedes Benz Maybach is available in two color schemes Taiga Black and Rocky Mountain Light Brown it is powered by Powered by a 6litre V12 twin turbo giving 631 horsepower the price of this new Mercedes Benz Maybach is starts at £365,000 ($524,067) for the 57 and £425,000 ($610,096) so what you think are you ready to buy this amazing model car.

The Car Of Paris Hilton Is Also A Benz McLaren

2010-01-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

For this post, im bringing out the popular celebrity who rocked the internet searches for years now. Her name has been an icon for fame and fortune along with a little rated-R acts and naughtiness, she could not miss this opportunity to be included on this blog.

I have a question tough, if you were an heir to the 360M worth of wealth, what would you do to even spend enough in your lifetime? Well, Paris Hilton sure knows how to spend half a million dollars in style. Shes got a Mercedes-Benz Mclaren which the previous post about Britney Spears' Car is much alike.

Check her out on this monster. Ive got nothing about Paris Hilton but she almost makes the picture ridiculous when she in on the front wheel. Dont you think so?

Mercedes ML 450 Hybrid

2010-01-14T06:34:00.001-08:00

Mercedes will unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show the ML 450 HYBRID, due to be launched on the market in 2009 as the most economical two-mode petrol hybrid SUV worldwide. Its innovative two-mode hybrid system enables electric driving and satisfies the highest comfort demands.

With a combined system output of 250 kW/340 hp and a combined maximum torque of 480 Nm, the ML 450 HYBRID consumes just 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres - equivalent to CO2 emissions of 185 g/km.

Product highlights at this year’s International Motor Show in Frankfurt also include the new C-Class Estate, which combines functionality with stylish design and hallmark Mercedes refinement. Mercedes-Benz will also be exhibiting various C-Class BLUETEC versions — with and without hybrid — which are due to be launched successively.

The Mercedes Car Group will also be presenting future hybrid solutions for smart models at the IAA. The fuel-efficient 3-cylinder petrol smart fortwo mhd, or “micro hybrid drive” will be available from October 2007. A study of the smart fortwo mhd based on the current CO2 champion among series-production cars, the smart fortwo cdi (88g/km), shows a further clear reduction in CO2 emissions to just 78g/km by use of the micro hybrid drive concept’s start/stop function.

Mercedes CLK Replaced With E-Class Coupe

2010-01-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

Mercedes Benz has announced the unleashing of its 2010 E-class Coupe in the fourth coming Geneva Auto Show. The E-Class Coupe will be replacing the 12 years old CLK.

The upmarket E-Class is coming with a lot of modifications. E-Class’ pictures are officially out 2 weeks prior to the show.

Mainly featured are unique twin trapezoidal-shaped headlamps, clamshell hood, rear wheel flares, large grill on the front without a B-pillar; refer back to CLK.

About an inch lower than prevalent CLK, E-Class is 1.8 inches longer and wider, 2inch longer wheel base, has a roomy interior too.
The dash board layout and cabin looks similar to Sedan’s E-class though a lot has been done to avoid similarities.
The car features are topped with frameless doors but still it is a two door car. It is hoped that the future models will have a modification of 4 doors and a convertible fabric roof.
The high class effect is enhanced by using plush materials for interiors. The front seats have full length back support while the individual back seats can be folded. Advanced gadgets like the rotary Comand Controller uplift the car class.
E-Class Coupe will be the first Mercedes car to come with four cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection.

Mercedes Benz SL 600-2009

2010-01-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

MERCEDES-BENZ UNVEILS RESTYLED SL 600 FOR 2009

The streets of southern California provide an ideal setting for the on-road debut of the restyled 2009-model SL 600, the iconic sports car that's a direct descendant of the legendary 300SL “Gullwing” of the 1950s. With its public debut in March at the International Motor Show in Geneva , the new SL features dramatic new styling with fenders that incorporate bold new headlamps and modified gill-type air outlets behind the front wheels. A redesigned hood with twin power domes and a wider, single-bar grille emphasizes the width of the body and makes a symbolic visual connection to the famous 1954 300SL. Standard AMG body styling further enhances the aggressive new appearance. The 2009 model year SL line-up is scheduled to make its showroom debut this Spring.

Larger side mirrors reveal built-in arrow-shaped turn signals. At the rear, the SL 600 looks sportier than ever, with a new air diffuser in the bumper that adds a motorsports touch, as well as trapezoidal exhaust tips that emphasize its width and suggest all the power that's on tap.
Center-stage in the cockpit are a new-design three-spoke steering wheel and a restyled instrument cluster with eye-catching red tachometer and speedometer needles that swing to the max position and back to zero whenever the ignition is turned on.

New Direct-Steer System

The restyled SL 600 will boast even more athletic performance thanks to a clever new direct-steer system (available on 2010MY vehicles). A variable-ratio rack gear provides impressively quick on-center steering with an even higher gear ratio beyond the first five degrees of steering angle. This means the driver doesn't have to move the steering wheel as far when cornering, especially in low-speed maneuvers such as parking, and the car's response is noticeably more direct.

AIRSCARF Around the Head and Neck

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 600 is now available with AIRSCARF, an innovative feature that can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Another technological first from Mercedes, AIRSCARF is an extra heating system built into the driver and passenger seats. At the touch of a button, warm air flows from vents in the head restraints, acting as an invisible scarf around the head and neck.

Testing revealed that warming just a relatively small area around the neck dramatically improves comfort in cooler weather. The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system blows warm air from the head restraints of the driver and passenger seats, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in colder weather. AIRSCARF uses a heating element made primarily of barium titanate, which heats up in a matter of seconds when an electrical current is applied.

Its electrical resistance jumps once it's heated, reducing power use – engineers call this balance “Positive Temperature Coefficient” or PTC for short. The PTC heater is only a few inches in size, allowing it to hide inside the SL 600 seatback. Aluminum fins on the heater help transfer the heat to the air, and a small fan pushes the heated air through the vents in the head restraint.

The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system even compensates automatically for changes in air temperature and vehicle speed. AIRSCARF comes with a three-speed switch and an electronic control module that monitors data from the speedometer as well as from inside and outside temperature sensors. AIRSCARF automatically adjusts the fan speed based on this information, and at the same time, the switch can override the automatic settings.

New Audio Technology

With its 6.5-inch color display screen, the standard COMAND system with GPS navigation has been refined with a new multimedia interface and a four gigabyte hard drive as well as an integrated six-disc CD-DVD player and a Music Register for around 1,000 MP3 tracks. The interface makes it easy to connect an iPod, USB stick, memory card and other devices. Music tracks can be indicated on the COMAND display located on the center console as well as a smaller display in the center of the instrument cluster, and they can be selected easily using the buttons on the multi-function steering wheel.

Bluetooth-enabled cell phones will work hands-free – even with the phone in a pocket or purse, the audio is automatically muted when a call is made or received, and callers are heard over the audio system speakers. In addition, phone address book info can be displayed by the COMAND system.

From Coupe to Roadster in 16 Seconds

At the push of a button, the SL's retractable hardtop can be fully opened or closed in just 16 seconds, transforming the car from a quiet, weather-tight coupe to a top-down, open-air convertible. A hydraulic pump and 11 computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders power the system, and roof operation is controlled by a switch on the center console. A clever folding design allows for a surprisingly large cargo area of 7.2 cubic feet when the top is down. With the top up, the trunk holds 10.2 cubic feet.

The World's Safest Convertible

Widely acclaimed as one of the world's safest convertibles, the SL 600 provides sports car performance with all the built-in safety that's expected from Mercedes-Benz. Since an open car can leave its occupants vulnerable in a rollover, Mercedes engineers met the challenge in the SL 600 with the world's first automatic roll bar. Normally part of the interior's rear-compartment surround structure, the padded, leather-covered bar pops up, locking in place in a third of a second if sensors detect an impending rollover. The driver can also raise and lower the bar by a switch on the console.

Major Stopping Power for All SL Models

Excellent stopping power for the SL 600 is provided by large, four-wheel disc brakes enhanced with four-channel ABS anti-lock control. Matched to its power and speed capability, The SL 600 comes with even larger 14.2-inch vented rotors up front and 13.0-inch vented rotors at the rear.

ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility

The SL 600 chassis uses a fully independent, double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. All SL models come with second-generation Active Body Control (ABC), the Mercedes-Benz active-suspension technology that virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking.

Mercedes-Benz engineers use ABC's interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent (compared to the same vehicle with a conventional suspension), providing the driver with needed feedback through the vehicle chassis. A ‘Sport' switch on the center console can make it 95 percent reduced roll, along with tighter shock damping. Active suspension solves the usual tradeoff between ride comfort and handling precision, so SL 600 offer excellent comfort and league-leading handling.

Mercedes Car Insurance

2010-01-12T07:15:00.001-08:00

Mercedes-Benz has always been and still is a luxury vehicle. To own a Mercedes, is to say one “has arrived”. And it is just as prestigious to own the sedan as the convertible. But owning such a high priced, luxury vehicle, has its costs and one of them is Mercedes car insurance.

Although, Mercedes is a luxury vehicle and may in fact cost more to insure, all of the large insurance companies who provide online quote generators included Mercedes-Benz in their databases. And like other vehicles, the owner is entitled to different types of discounts when purchasing Mercedes car insurance.

If you decide to purchase the Mercedes SL convertible which ranges anywhere from one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand dollars, you might want to limit the mileage in driving the car. For example, if you own another vehicle in which you drive the family around during the week and then on the weekends, the Mercedes SL is your play car, reduce your Mercedes car insurance by obtaining a premium based on lower expected miles to travel per year.

Furthermore, unless you do not really care how much your Mercedes car insurance costs, insurance company quotes can vary in the hundreds of dollars. And even if you do have money to squander, it does not make sense to pay extra for the same coverage assuming you compare apples to apples. In fact, when requesting quotes make sure that you give the exact same information as it relates to expected mileage, deductible amounts, value of the vehicle, theft deterrent devices, anti-lock brakes, and any other pertinent details.

Many Mercedes drivers are older. It is true that younger people are buying the vehicles but as a rule, more mature drivers can afford the luxury of a Mercedes-Benz. This has benefits with some insurance companies. In fact, several insurance companies mention that if you are fifty-five and older with a good driving record and the successful completion of a defensive driving course, you may be eligible to reduce your Mercedes car insurance premium.

Some companies go as far as offering this same age bracket another discount if the driver does not work full-time. The reasoning behind this benefit is that the driver is less of a risk since he/she will not be on the road with the vehicle as much as a working driver. So if you are retired or semi-retired, this too, may work in your favor when purchasing Mercedes car insurance.

Despite the fact that drivers should always carry excellent insurance coverage, it is possible to customize the insurance according to state laws. In other words, a driver may choose to purchase the bare minimum of what is legally required to be safe. Just be sure that you think about what might happen in a worst-case scenario. If you can live with the outcome, then choose the cheaper Mercedes car insurance.

In summary, whatever model Mercedes-Benz vehicle that you purchase, the insurance costs are bound to be higher than most vehicles. But do your proper research and you will find the company that has the best coverage for Mercedes car insurance.

Inden Design Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC

2010-01-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

Germany is probably the best country in the world when it comes to car tuning. Inden Design is just another car tuning company that love to modify german cars and they recently revealed a sport package for Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC. The stock version of this car has a 5.5L V8 engine that can develop 388 HP and could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. After they reprogammed the car’s control unit, Inden Design got 27 additional horse power and now the engine has 415 HP. More than that, the german tuner offers a lower suspension system that lowers the car with 45mm, a high performance exhuast system and 20″ BBS rims that are equipped with wide sport tires.

How to Buy Mercedes?

2010-01-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

So, you are gaga over Mercedes cars and you perfectly know, that you definitely need one. But, money… Very important question, even the crucial one. And then one solution comes to your mind - used Mercedes. You start thinking about it, dreaming about it and imagining it. There is no way out indeed, you’d better buy it. But, before buying just look through some car buying tips:

select the right dealer. For instance, if this or that online company offers you not more than 25 models of used Mercedes cars, forget about them, they are either not very professional or simply have too high prices;
prices. Don’t believe such dealers, claiming that used cars can’t cost very cheap. They can, indeed. The moment the car hits the street it prices decreases by 10%-20% and even more;
you can have many problems, if it happened an old owner of your new car didn’t take care of it;
take into consideration the level of the used car depreciation

In general, while buying a used car, don’t forget to trade, trade and once again trade. Imagine a vehicle you would like to buy, think about it and be ready - it is impossible to buy a super-powerful and almost new Maybach Exelero for nothing.

And while you are thinking, enjoy Mercedes wallpapers and pay special attention to Mercedes screensaver, it is so cool, isn’t it? Hope, you’ll like it!

Mercedes Benz “S” Class 2007

2010-01-10T04:47:00.000-08:00

Think of pure luxury, class and style. Think of a brand that redefines class and reinforces your status symbol. The only name that comes to mind is Mercedes Benz - the German car giant. And their latest offering to the world is the Mercedes Benz S class 2007.

S class has been in production for almost 50 years and has always provided the highest levels of performance, luxury and power; never disappointing even once. The latest model in the S class series is the W221 S-class launched in 2007. Read more

Mercedes Benz SL-Class (2006)

2010-01-10T04:46:00.001-08:00

If there is any car that can make you miss a breath and fill you with envy when you see another person driving one, then it's bound to be a Mercedes Benz. It’s the power of German engineering and styling that has given this car the cult status it enjoys worldwide. Read more

Mercedes Benz SL Class (2005)

2010-01-10T04:44:00.000-08:00

The Mercedes Benz has always been known for its quality and style. It has never disappointed its ardent lovers when it comes to performance and setting new bench marks for quality - and the 2005 Mercedes Benz SL class keeps up this long tradition of the venerated German auto giant. Read more

Mercedes Benz SL- Class (2003)

2010-01-10T04:29:00.000-08:00

Driving a Mercedes Benz is seen as the ultimate experience in the world of cars. But there is something even better than that - and it is to own a Mercedes Benz SL Convertible Roadster. The SL-class 2003 is one of the best driving experiences you could ever wish for. It looks very similar to its predecessor (the SL500) with its internal features, aero styled body panels, its wheels, its special seats and the unique steering wheel. The difference lies under the hood. You lift the bonnet and you see the impressive 5.5 litre, V8 turbo charged engine which gives an impressive 493 bhp. It is capable of doing 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and what is even more impressive is its ability to go from 0 to 100 mph and then back to 0 in just 13.4