Mercedes finally revealed the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series, a model limited to only 200 units for the US market, each priced at $320,000.
The new SL65 AMG Black Series coupe features a carbon-fiber fixed roof, front fenders, hood, trunk lid and front and rear aprons. With all these super-strong, lightweight parts, plus the absence of retractable roof hardware, the car is more than 550 pounds lighter than the standard SL.
Under the hood AMG placed a modified version of the 6.0-liter AMG V12 engine that now delivers 650 horsepower and a staggering 738 pound-feet of torque. Its twin turbochargers are 12 percent larger, passages for intake air and the turbo wastegates have been modified, and the intake air intercooler is 30 percent more efficient. The result is zero-to-60 mph acceleration of only 3.8 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 198 mph.
Press release after the jump.
>> read 2009 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series Picture Gallery
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In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to commence a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur fuel in the United States of America. The E 320 BlueTEC proved a great success from the outset, and was voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007". As a next step, Mercedes-Benz is now due to offer the R, ML and GL 320 BlueTEC in the USA, the world’s first three diesel cars which not only meet the particularly demanding criteria of the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfil the stringent EU6 standard due in the future - and which therefore considerably better all the current, worldwide exhaust emission standards for diesel passenger cars.
The muscular V6 diesel engine powering the new BlueTEC models in the GL, M and R-Class shows that a low fuel consumption and very low emissions are also possible for large SUVs. It has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and develops a torque of 540 Nm. Fuel economy is outstanding: the GL 320 BlueTEC, for example, consumes just 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg). This represents an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent versus a comparable petrol model, and easily makes the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTEC the most economical full-size SUV in the USA.
>> read
Mercedes already announced its intention of dropping the current A-Class platform and build the future A-Class on the same platform as the current C-Class. What does this mean for the future A-Class that will be launched most probably in 2011? It will be a sporty-coupe capable to compete with models like Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and upcoming Saab 9-2.
The future A-Class will be built on a new layout, called MFA (Mercedes Front-wheel drive Architecture), that has been conceived to support a much wider range of models and allows for four-wheel drive, paving the way for high-performance variants.
Even if Mercedes recently launched a facelift for the A-Class, the current model will be dropped and replaced with a new model, that - according to the latest internet rumors - is already in the concept version.
>> read
Mercedes today unveiled the 2009 G55 AMG. The vehicle will be available from September 2008 at a price of 121,618 euro.
The G55 AMG is powered by a supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers 507 hp, with maximum torque remaining at 700 Nm. Likewise unchanged is the vehicle’s effortless performance, with the G 55 AMG accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and peaking at a top speed of 130 mph (electronically limited).
The new G 55 AMG boasts discreet but effective design modifications,including a new radiator grille with three distinctive horizontal bars that are painted the same colour as the rest of the body and - exclusive to the AMG top-of-the-range model - also feature chrome inserts. Moving around the vehicle, the highlight of the side view are the new polished 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey. They are 9.5 inches wide and equipped with 275/55 R 19 tyres that impressively bulk out the wheel arches.
Still a standard feature of the AMG body-styling package are the bumpers painted in body colour and the characteristic AMG wide fenders. Other features include a brushed-aluminium trim set boasting a distinctive AMG logo and the twin oval chrome tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, emerging from beneath the stainless-steel running boards on either side of the vehicle - an unmistakable sign of the power of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine.
>> read 2009 Mercedes G55 AMG Picture Gallery
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Mercedes today unveiled the 2009 G-Class. The new model will go on sale in September 2008 with prices for Europe starting at 68,425 euro for the G 320 CDI and going up to 92,344 G500 Cabriolet.
The newest generation of the G-Class can be identified by its restyled, three-fin radiator grille, with the G 500 sporting new-look 18‑inch light-alloy wheels as an additional distinguishing feature.
The 2009 G-Class continues to comprise three different body variants (short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon and Cabriolet), which are either powered by the fuel-efficient V6 CDI engine generating 224 hp and 540 MN or a new, mighty 5.5-litre V8 petrol unit with an output of 388 hp and 530 NM of torque.
Powered by this engine, the new G-Class will make the 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.
Press release after jump.
>> read 2009 Mercedes G-Class Picture Gallery
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The
Mercedes R-Class was introduced back in 2006, a time where minivan sales where plummeting and crossovers were coming out of every design studio. It was no surprise that
Mercedes wanted a part of the action, made strong from their alliance with Chrysler, a leader in the minivan market. What was more surprising was the product. The R-Class was a self proclaimed ’Sport Cruiser’. The R-class was touted as a vehicle half way between the comfortable minivan and the smaller and more stylish crossover
>> read 2008 Mercedes R320 CDI 4-Matic Picture Gallery
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The AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO has developed a new limited edition vehicle, the exclusive SL 63 AMG Edition IWC. Limited to a total of 200 units, the new roadster features an eye-catching designo magno Kashmir white finish as well as an AMG Exterior Carbon package with a matte surface. In keeping with the exterior appearance, the vehicle’s interior is fitted with Carbon matte trim as well as Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery that creates additional visual and tactile highlights.
In addition, the vehicle features the AMG Performance package to ensure unparalleled handling. All SL 63 AMG Edition IWC vehicles will be delivered to customers along with an exquisite “Grosser Ingenieur” (Great Engineer) watch from the renowned Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.
The SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will be powered by a AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine engine that delivers 525 hp and a peak torque of 630 Nm. The engine is mated by an all-new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission. It makes the 0to 60 mph sprint in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed limited to 186 mph.
>> read 2008 Mercedes SL 63 AMG Edition IWC Picture Gallery
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Mercedes Netherlands launched today the CLK Grand Edition, a new special edition priced at an extra 1000 euro over the price of the standard CLK.
The Grand Edition is being offered in five new metallic colours: Palladium Silver, Obsidian Black, Indium Grey, Irridium Silver and Diamond Metallic, each of them priced at 2107 euro. At the interior the Grand Edition features tobacco or grey colors.
In order to accentuate the sportiveness of the vehicle, Mercedes added new sport pedals, aluminum insertions and sport steering wheel and at the exterior 18” alloy wheels fitted with 225/40R 18 tyres on the front and 255/35 R18 on the rear.
The Grand Edition is available with the following engines: CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR 4-cylinder, CLK 280 and 350, CLK , CLK 200 CDI and 320 CDI.
2008 Mercedes CLK Grand Edition Picture Gallery
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The GLK-Class production version will make its world debut this week-end at the Beijing Auto Show. It will make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.
The new sport utility is destined to be one of the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever. Smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the GLK features a fuel-sipping 3.5-liter V6 engine, a sophisticated seven-speed automatic transmission and available 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive. All of these components combine to give the GLK350 an impressive 0-60 time of just 6.5 seconds (estimated) while achieving an 23 mpg (estimated) on the highway.
Both the GLK350 and GLK350 4MATIC are matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. Low overall weight (estimated 4,036 lb. curb weight) and the exceptional aerodynamics for a vehicle of this design (cd figure 0.35) further contribute to the exceptional performance and low fuel consumption.
The 2010 GLK features all the impressive design and safety technology found in other Mercedes-Benz models, including standard front and side air bags as well as window air bags. Among its many comfort and convenience features is an available rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player.
>> read 2010 Mercedes GLK-Class Picture Gallery
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Mercedes will offer an all-wheel drive for its luxury CL-Class Coupe for the first time. The new CL 500 4MATIC offers even greater traction and handling stability.
The CL 500 4MATIC is powered by a V8 engine with an output of 388 hp and 530 Newton metres of torque, which is on tap between 2800 and 4800 rpm. The combined fuel consumption in the NEDC cycle is 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres - a further bonus of the new, highly efficient Mercedes all-wheel-drive system. The CL 500 4MATIC requires just 5.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph, and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Mercedes-Benz has further improved this all-wheel-drive system, and uses the latest-generation system in the CL 500 4MATIC – the one that has already proved successful in the S-Class. 4MATIC is permanently active and therefore requires no response time to come to the driver’s aid in unfavourable weather and driving conditions. As a result, critical situations can be mastered more effectively and confidently.
Press release after the jump.
>> read 2008 Mercedes CL500 4MATIC Picture Gallery
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