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Spy photos of the next-generation S-Class

by Kharl Prado (RSS feed) May 16th, 2011 at 10:26 am

These latest spy images reveal a camouflaged 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in various times. There isn’t much info about the next-generation S-Class apart from what we’ve written in previous posts. Daimler AG’s flagship vehicle will reportedly feature Mercedes-Benz’s new MRA technology, short for Mercedes Rear-wheel Architecture.

The MRA platform will showcase a brand new four-link front suspension system that comes standard with air springs. Mercedes-Benz officials say that the MRA platform is extremely unique, being highly adaptable to differing road condition. The best about the MRA platform is that it allows Mercedes-Benz to play around with at least four new model variants of the 2013 S-Class, namely a short wheelbase, long wheelbase, coupe and four-seat convertible models.

Like we said before, the new S-Class will also feature Mercedes-Benz’s revolutionary Magic Light Control and Magic Body Control systems. The MBC uses a pair of on-board cameras to scan for changes in terrain and road conditions, instructing the suspension to adapt for maximum ride handling and comfort. Meanwhile, the MLC monitors outside conditions in order to automatically adjust the S-Class’ headlamp lighting.

Another plus is the new COMAND entertainment system that will now feature Internet connectivity and downloadable software updates.

Of course, there’s the whole new lineup of new V6, V8 and V12 engines that will define the new S-Class’ character. No question that there will be an AMG engine in V12 form to push the S-Class beyond the envelope.

As for now, you’ll just have to settle for some spy photos courtesy of World Car Fans. Stay tuned.

Source: World Car Fans

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Tags: 2013 S-Class, AMG, CL, Magic Body Control, Magic Light Control, Mercedes Rear-wheel Architecture platform, spy photos

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New S-Class models provide a real taste of sci-fi tech

by Kharl Prado (RSS feed) May 15th, 2011 at 10:44 pm

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is arriving soon – 2012 to be specific. According to reports, the new model will come in four different versions, all falling under the codename “W222”. It’s an attempt by the German car manufacturing giant to fill in a much bigger area of the premium vehicle segment with four bodystyle options, namely the standard wheelbase salon, an extended wheelbase salon, a coupe to replace the current CL model, and a four-seat top down.

Now, you might ask if “Isn’t that a little too many S-Class models?” We might agree with you on that but the thing is, you can’t stop a good thing from happening. Mercedes-Benz is simply playing around with their brand new set of MRA parts. MRA, short for Mercedes Rear-wheel drive Architecture, can be divided into 93 unique modules. That’s how flexible the company’s design matrix is. And so, you can expect a lot more rear-drive models coming out in the near future.

The main highlight of the next batch of S-Class models is the front suspension design. It’ll be featuring Mercedes-Benz’s all-new four-link system that’ll make steering, braking and damping forces fully independent of one another, while the rear will be featuring an improved version of the old, tried-and-proven multilink arrangement. Yes, air springs will be standard, albeit the ABC anti-roll function will fetch an extra few dollars.

Also look out for Mercedes-Benz’s MBC, or Magic Body Control system. It uses a pair of cameras to monitor the road and instructs the vehicle to compensate the control systems for surface irregularities. Kind of like KITT from Knight Rider. And don’t forget the MLC, or Magic Light Control system, which dynamically controls the full LED headlamps based on the vehicle’s speed, steering angle and weather conditions.

Sounds too good to come true? You better believe it.

Source: Car Magazine

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Tags: 2012 S-Class, CL, Magic Body Control, Magic Light Control, S-Class

Comments: 2

Brabus creates kits for S-Class variants

by Kharl Prado (RSS feed) April 29th, 2011 at 11:08 am

The guys at Brabus just can’t stop fiddling around with anything that wears the three-pointed star badge. This time, their latest performance package has been made specially for a number of Mercedes-Benz models, namely the S63 and CL63 AMG as well as the S500 and CL500. Quite a deal, considering that it fits onto four model variants each having Mercedes-Benz’s latest twin-turbo V8 engine under its hood.

Of course, Brabus doesn’t stop at perking up the engine. Besides the powerplant, the tuning company has created a cosmetic and handling package to shape the look and feel of these four models in true Brabus style. For the price of 4.9k euro and 5.9k euro respectively, owners of the CL500 and S500 shall have the option of choosing between two engine programs for the 4.7-liter twin turbo V8 – one which boosts power from 435hp and 700Nm all the way up to 482hp and 780Nm, while the other setup involves a supplementary intercooler to cool all 520hp and 820Nm or resulting power.

Yes, these figures are quite hard to digest at first. Perhaps a top speed of 188mph is a little bit easier to understand. That’s what the S500 and CL500 will be capable of once equipped with the more powerful kit when coupled with the Brabus Vmax Unit.

Meanwhile, the CL63 AMG and S63 models are even more fortunate because once Brabus is done with them, they should easily pull 620hp and 1,000Nm of peak torque once upgraded with a water-to-air intercooler plus optimization of their ECUs. Price plays around 6k euro for this kit. Enough said, guys. Time to check out the images below.

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Tags: Brabus, CL500, CL63 AMG, S500, S63, Tuner

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V8 power in the new CL63 AMG

by Kharl Prado (RSS feed) October 25th, 2010 at 2:04 am

Who doesn’t want to feel the brain crushing mindless power of a V8 engine? We know we do, but you’ve got to admit that it doesn’t come free of charge. With that kind of power comes great responsibility, and some great deal of financial capability.

Take the up and coming 2011 CL63 AMG for example. Both its coupe and sedan variants are soon to roll out of Mercedes-Benz’s production lines, and so the company has announced publicly their base prices. The coupe’s price tag will begin at $151,125, while the sedan version will fetch you $138,875 at the least. Of course, you’ll have the option of getting the AMG Performance Package to come with your car. That will give it around 563hp and 664lb-ft torque.

The 2011 CL550 4MATIC however won’t enjoy that much power. Bearing a price tag of $114,025, the 4.6-liter V8 engine sitting under its hood will only be capable of 429hp and 516lb-ft torque. Still, that’s a lot of power if you’ve never come face to face with an eight banger engine. Although it’s 20 percent less in displacement than the CL550′s current engine, it ups the ante with 12 percent more hp and 32 percent more torque. This improves fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent, which is quite a lot considering the bump in power.

The AMG variant, meanwhile, is blessed with direct injection and start-stop technologies, giving it as much as 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency. Now, that’s a lot.

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Tags: CL550, CL63 AMG, engine

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The all-new CL Coupe unsheathed in Australia

by Kharl Prado (RSS feed) October 16th, 2010 at 6:20 am

We just can’t help but notice the subtle similarities between the new CLS and the 2011 CL-Class Coupe, as it was unearthed at the Australian International Motor Show by none other than Mercedes-Benz Australia.

The new CL will have a different powerplant—a 4.7-liter V8—replacing the retiring CL 500′s 5.5-liter V8. This new engine, despite its being smaller than the old CL’s powerplant, is capable of delivering more power at less expense to both the driver and the environment. So despite the new CL’s subtle external makerover, it does get more than it bargained for in the form of a much more reliable and fuel efficient engine featuring BlueDIRECT technology.

If you look over at its front, you won’t miss its obviously-SLS-inspired grille, so that says a lot about Mercedes-Benz’s design current design philosophy. And did we mention there are subtle similarities with the new CLS? The headlamps, for example, although missing the mid-LED strip on the CLS, is a stark semblance. And so are the muscular rear quarter panels which give obvious hints of the power driving the rear wheels. The front bumper has been redesigned while the daytime LED running lights are capped over by a reworked hood.

We can’t say we’re not as excited about the new CL as we were about the new CLS, having Stop-Start and Brake Energy Recovery technologies. The 320kW of power and 700Nm of torque ain’t bad either. We like. Do you?