The new CLS – the new design icon from Mercedes-Benz

Yes it is official, this is the new 2012 Mercedes Benz CLS, characterized by a striking design, fabulous interior and an aura of luxury. But don’t forget the mad power, able to take you from your office to the board meeting across town in 7 seconds flat. We expect to be the base 3.5 V6 model as well as a 4.6 litre V8 twin turbo, similar to BMW’s which should be followed by the AMG version. Oh goody. One problem though, it’s going to be expensive, but that doesn’t matter, who needs a house after all?

Here is the press release for more details, (just ignore the marketing nonsense):

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Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition

Two new derivatives from Mercedes Benz aim at the customer looking for a bit more exclusivity with their SLK or SL. Although only the design detailing differs from the standard model, I am sure this will be enough to turn heads. Or is it just a marketing scheme to steal your money? You decide. Here is the blurb from Mercedes:

“These exciting new additions to the model range will be offered in limited numbers.  These roadsters will give sporty drivers, who have a preference for individuality, the opportunity of exclusivity,” says Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz 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.

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Sales launch for the SLS AMG GT3

Sales launch for the SLS AMG GT3

Interested teams can now order the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. The gullwing model for the racetrack is being delivered on time for the coming motorsport season, starting in February 2011. The sales price is €334,000 (net)/€397,460 (incl. 19% VAT). Developed in accordance with the GT3 regulations of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a customer sports car for sprint and endurance races. These races for GT cars which are similar to their roadgoing counter-parts have diversified starting fields and are always filled with excitement. They are becoming increasingly important on the world stage, not least thanks to their relatively inexpensive cost structure. The development and testing programme for the SLS AMG GT3 is proceeding as planned. Bernd Schneider, who has been a Mercedes-Benz works driver for many years and has won more DTM championship titles than any other driver, is at the wheel for the bulk of the test drives, which started in June. The first competitive action for the car, as part of the testing programme, will be in the VLN race at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop) at the end of September.

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Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe on its way

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Mercedes Benz SLS AMG specs and technical features

Engine

Number of cylinders/arrangement		8/V, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement	cc	6 208
Bore x stroke	mm	102.2 x 94.6
Rated output	kW	420 at 6 800 r/min
Rated torque	Nm	650 at 4 750 r/min
Compression ratio		11.3 : 1
Mixture preparation		Microprocessor-controlled petrol injection, HFM

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KICHERER SLS Supersport Edition Black

True to the company’s philosophy to only make coherent amendments and to retain the basic form of the AMG, an even more sporty version than the wing-door version was created. Especially the aerodynamics have benefited from a high-class fine tuning. For this the developers created and mounted a sports spoiler skirt at the front and special diffuser fins on the rear of the vehicle. All new parts designed by KICHERER are naturally made of high quality carbon. A further highlight on the sports car are the 3-part 20 inch RS-1 lightweight wheels. The classic double-spoke design harmonises perfectly with the equally classic sportscar silhouette of KICHERER’s SLS Supersport Edition Black.

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Mercedes Benz Unimog 4000

If you were looking for an ideal car to go on an adventure with, this might be it. Now you can head through Africa and to holiday destinations such as Mozambique whilst towing a boat with the comfort of knowing you won’t get stuck at all.

Michael Bocklet from Koblenz and his team have built a fully fledged go-anywhere vehicle based on the UniversalMotorGerät (Universal Motorized Unit), to give the Unimog its full name. The distinctive Unimog U 4000 with its Bocklet body is the archetypal expedition vehicle.

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

The highly appealing and emotionally charged Cabriolet is the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model, features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling.

“In keeping with the motto “four seasons, four passengers”, all-year-round suitability was right at the top of the developers’ list of priorities. With the new E-Class Cabriolet, the cabriolet season lasts the whole year. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet provides pleasurable driving and comfort whether the roof is open or closed,” says Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

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Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3 2011

If you are looking to take part in the FIA GT3 cup you are spoiled for choice. You have offerings from Aston to BMW to Ferrari and now it has become even more difficult with the launch of the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Gt3.

This truly magnificent looking car is based on the standard SLS but has sprouted a huge rear wing for down force as well as various vents and cooling ducts including a front splitter, a rear diffuser as well as side flics which provide down force on the front axle. The race engineered chassis is covered with carbon fibre bodywork which reduces weight as well as provided very effective aerodynamics thanks to CFD utilization.

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Mercedes Benz E-class Estate

If you were looking for a comfortable sized saloon with lots of boot space, luxuries and practicality then you might want to have a look at the latest press release from Mercedes Benz about their new E class estate.

 

Crank motoring will also be road testing the Audi Sportback in a month’s time and we hope to compare that with the Mercedes Benz to give you a proper analysis of the two vehicles.

 

Here is the Press Release:

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Mercedes SLK 350 (R171)

Are you a driving enthusiast? Then what does this sound like to you: A light two seat sports convertible, huge cross drilled front discs and a 3.5l V6 producing 200Kw feeding a 7 speed gearbox driving the rear wheels. It sounds good to me. So then what if I say this sports car combination has electric seats that are heated, a front loader and a 6cd stack in the cubby hole. An air scarf, a plush leather interior, airbags and a suspension set up that handles our pothole laden roads. This is exactly what the SLK is; a luxurious two seater sports car that has the ability to snap your neck should you feel the urge.

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Mercedes ML320

The Mercedes ML320 was one of the first SUV’s or sports utility vehicles that Mercedes Benz built. The ML320 that I tested came with a 3.2 liter V6 petrol motor, which sounds good but it only has 215 HP. It weighs in at a staggering 2080 Kg’s also. So it has almost the same power as a decent 2 liter turbo but weighs almost twice as much, giving it dreary acceleration when you need it most. The V6 power plant through the automatic gearbox, which I don’t like, always makes you feel tense and nervous when approaching the rev limiter, not that it’s a sports car but you never feel comfortable giving the motor the beans. Which you need to do if you are going to make it to your appointment on time. However there is an Ml430, Ml55 AMG and now the Ml 63 AMG with over 500 BHP, so if its power you want go for the latter. Read more

Mercedes C220 CDi (W203)

The Mercedes Benz C-class is a car that has been with us from 1993 in various shapes and forms. It’s a bit like a police officer in a tree. In other words it’s always around. Take a drive up to the shops now, and I am willing to bet money you’ll spot one. Chances are you probably know someone that either has or had one. There is a reason for this popularity. This reason is reliability and nonsense-free motoring. People have a perception that a Mercedes just doesn’t brake down, and the majority is correct, if correct maintenance is carried out, the c-class will take you many, many miles as will most German saloons.  

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Mercedes C270 CDi

Diesel is quite a controversial source of fuel at the moment. You get lots of kilometers per tank, a lot of torque, and a bomb proof motor, but with every smile comes a frown. You also get the noise of a farm tractor, the horrid smell and smoke out of your exhaust. And in the case of the C270, a lot of turbo lag. Read more