by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) August 30th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Mercedes-Benz has at least seven latest models of automobiles to launch in the US over the next three years. According to the reports, these new models are a refreshed and latest generation offerings. We already saw their new CL, CLS, S-Class and R-Class, also the spy photo of the anticipated SLK, SL, SLS Convertible and the C-Class Coupe.
Furthermore, its the latest B-Class that may be one of the most fascinating vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz USA lineup. The modified hatch will be developed to be more appealing for its American clients, and will be the first Mercedes to be presented in the US with front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engines. According to the rumors, it will also include a rear-wheel-drive AMG version that would be the foundation for a CLC Shooting Brake, and will be fitted with its own coupe, crossover and sedan trims.
Other models in line include a C-Class convertible and potential crossover that would give M-B 3 Series and X3 competition. A total of 100 F-Cell automobiles will be tried out in California, and the SLS E-Cell will be presented in 2013 with 526 horsepower and a 120-mile range. Additionally, that same year, Mercedes-Benz will also showcase the new S-Class Coupe (to take the place of the CL nameplate), S-Class, E-Class and GL.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 26th, 2010 at 11:35 am
In case you’re wondering, yes Mercedes-Benz has indeed said yes on a new C-Class Coupe. They say its set to joint the rest of the gang once the current C-Class expires, making way for a replacement. To back it up, here are new spy photos of an orange crash test coupe that show brand new details of what the C-Class Coupe may look like.
If you look closely at the base of the C-pillar, you’ll notice that there’s an ascending line that’s quite a stark difference from Mercedes-Benz’s current models. Apart from that, nothing really certain right now. Wait, there is. Some of the photos also suggest wide wheel arches, deeper character line along the sides and, of course, Mercedes-Benz’s new headlight designs.
None other than Mercedes-Benz CEO for United States Ernst Lieb confirmed that their company is indeed planning on adding to the C-Class lineup to be able to go head-to-head with fellow German rival BMW, which already has sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon types of their 3 Series. This new lineup will be tailored for a target market that’s not crazy about the E-Class and S-Class.
If things turn out as imagined, the C-Class Coupe will join the rank of the E-Class Coupe. As for what engine it’s going to get, we’ll bet that it’s the same for the rest of the new C-Class platforms. Of course, there will be an AMG-powered variant that’s likely to feature the 5.5-liter V8. But for now, only time will tell.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 20th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Here’s exciting news for the upcoming B-Class. None other than Mercedes-Benz marketing chief Joachim Schmidt announced that the new B-Class will have no less than four variants, and that includes one SUV and a hatchback version. The company is also working on a sedan variant that should be able to place itself well below the C-Class sedan. The entry-level B-Class sedan will hopefully attract younger buyers who are still not able to purchase, and maintain, a full-sized C-Class. Apart from the price tag, the B-Class sedan will surely be more fuel-efficient thanks to a smaller engine.
Germany’s Autobild magazine reported earlier the previous year that the next-generation B-Class would feature more headroom and legroom plus a more comfortable entrance. To make things a little bit more comfy, independent suspension will be featured at the rear. Power would stem through a 7-speed DCT double clutch transmission on either two or all-wheel drive modes. It’ll have a wide sunroof up top, while down below, cushiony seats plus a Command System will make sure you’re all warm and cozy. The report further suggested a 600-km range using BlueZero and an 80-km range on full electric power.
Finally, according to the 2009 report, the new B-Class will be carrying engines from the current C-Class, namely 3 CDI engines and 3 direct-injection engines with direct injection, turbocharger and intercooler. As anticipated, the next B-Class will have an AMG version built, as well as a coupe and cabriolet variants in the works.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 18th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Tuners in Germany just won’t be able to complete their day without getting their hands dirty on a Mercedes-Benz. As proof, Vath has just released their customized turbocharger kit for your brand new Mercedes-Benz C 250 CGI. This little kit, whose price tag reads 1,200 euros, has the ability to bump up your C 250’s power to 270 hp. Theat means you’re going to get 66 hp more than what you initially paid for when you bought your car.
So how did Vath come up with such a huge increase? Well, if you must ask, that’s what the turbocharger does. Vath went further and worked their magic in optimizing engine electronics. They made sure that the power equation gets balanced with their patented charged air cooler and sports exhaust system. Of course, for tweaking your C 250’s ECU, putting in a charged air cooler and a mean exhaust, you’ll have to shell out an extra 3,200 euros.
So now, you’ve got around 255 horses of power at your disposal, and around 370 Nm to burn rubber with. With those figures you’ll be able to get up to speed, the fastest of which is 161 mph. Of course, Vath won’t let you reach horrific speeds without tuning your suspension for both stability and handling. They’ve added a lower and harder suspesion plus huge brake rotors—360mm up front and 320mm a the rear—just to make sure you’ve got enough stopping power in case you get too excited.
Finally, a carbon body kit that includes a hood, front spoiler, rear diffuser, and boot lid spoiler completes the Vath package. Oh yeah, don’t forget the 19-inch alloys. Them Germans really know how to have fun, don’t they?
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 18th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Despite the financial crisis that plagued the automotive industry in 2009, car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz haven’t given up from trying to reach more niche markets. Unlike other companies who are afraid that their attempt at tapping into a niche segment would simply draw popularity and thereby kill the main purpose of exclusivity, Mercedes-Benz has plans is to introduce a shooting brake concept, something the company has never tried but is boldly considering.
News of this actually comes after fellow German rival BMW talked to the media about creating a shooting break model of their future 6 Series. It seems Mercedes-Benz wants to enter the fray instead of just passively sit around. Autobild magazine thus reports that Daimler’s breadwinner is considering a shooting brake concept that shall be included in the C-Class range. And since the C-Class is about to be reworked, a shooting break variant would be very much welcome.
If successful, the C-Class shooting break will be called the CLC, and should be something of a mix between a sedan and a wagon, although very much sleeker. The image above, however, is a CLS Shooting Break concept. Although the CLC would probably take up similar design cues. More details to follow, but right now, we’ll leave you to your imagination.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 15th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Finally, after the long wait, Mercedes-Benz has announced that the 2011 C-Class will be presented next year in Detroit. As expected, the new C-Class will be of a slightly different design, with new headlights, a reshaped bonnet and refurnished bumpers. The company is going to be putting in modified engines from the current C-Class lineup, and will be offering a seven-speed transmission as an option.
Apart from the four-door saloon, Mercedes-Benz is also preparing a brand new C-Class Coupe. They say it should be worthy to take on arms against fellow German rivals, the Audi RS5 and the BMW M3, who already command quite a following for their high-performance. Mercedes-Benz’s contender shall be known as the C63 AMG Coupe. Yes, you heard it right, folks. AMG is taking responsibility, as it always has, in giving you a little more—more power and more bragging rights—from the upcoming C-Class.
If AMG’s word is as good as their creations, the C63 AMG Coupe should easily outpower both the RS5 and the M3. Now, there’s something to look forward to. Of course, AMG won’t limit themselves to the Coupe. They’re also going to be offering performance packages for the saloon as well.
It’s all going down in 2011, so stay tuned for updates.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 12th, 2010 at 2:52 am
Here’s another update to the upcoming C-Class. These spy photos show much of the external ramifications Mercedes-Benz will be making to its best selling vehicle range. Most evident are the changes that’ll be appearing on the front bumper and headlights, in line with the company’s new design outlook for the future as well as on current Mercedes-Benz models.
Just last month, the C-Class coupe was seen testing. And now, there’s a whole batch of fresh photos of the C-Class Estate proving that the 2011 lineup will come as a full range. And they’re going to come with brand new, highly-efficient engines that feature direct injection diesel and gasoline technology. Those should include Mercedes-Benz’s cutting edge BlueTEC diesel engine technology as well.
We’ve already told you that Mercedes-Benz is already planning on an AMG variant of the 2011 C-Class Coupe, and they’re going to call it the C63 AMG. What we haven’t told is that Mercedes-Benz is looking to add a third engine in the lineup, next to the 3.5-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 direct injection multi-spark ignition engines. It’s none other than a three-cylinder engine that promises to deliver superb fuel efficiency at no expense of power. There are also plans, albeit still unconfirmed, that they’ll build a hybrid varaint as well, like the S400 Hybrid.
When will it all be revealed? Very likely in the Paris Auto Show late this year. So better start planning that trip to France, people.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 6th, 2010 at 2:52 am
Guess what, people? Mercedes-Benz is now planning to offer an AMG version of the upcoming C-Class Coupe. Coming from AMG insiders themselves, the company is planning on making this one a direct rival of the BMW M3, as well as the Audi RS5. It looks like there’s more hatred than it seems between these fellow German premium car players. And now that the performance war is in its early rounds, Mercedes-Benz will be calling this model the C63 AMG Coupe. But it’ll supposedly be available only late next year.
Just to squash all the rumors of cannibalization, Mercedes-Benz will not apply its downsizing trend on the future AMG variants of the upcoming C-Class. This means that they won’t be hacking the 6.2 liter naturally-aspirated V8 in place of their new 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8. Although their new engine offers a great deal more in terms of efficiency, the old engine just seems to a be a lot more appropriate when going up against Bimmers and Audiphiles.
Here’s more. According to AMG insiders, the 6.2 liter V8 N/A is going to be a lot more powerful than what is currently available. We’re talking around 457 to 480 horsepower with AMG’s Performance Package, as compared to the M3’s 420 hp and the RS5’s 450 hp. It’s as good as it gets, baby. Power’s going to be directed by a seven-speed multi-clutch tranny. That ought to keep its rivals at bay.
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by Keiichi (RSS feed) August 4th, 2010 at 2:32 am
A milestone has been reached with the one-millionth Mercedes-Benz C-Class sold since the range’s introduction back in March-November in 2007. It has only been three years and Mercedes-Benz’s most popular sedan and estate has been able to win the hearts of Mercedes-Benz lovers worldwide. Such is the success of Mercedes-Benz’s entry level vehicle.
Breaking down the figures, Mercedes-Benz has sold over 840,000 C-Class sedans and more than 160,000 C-Class estates, thus actually overtaking the one-million mark. It looks like its set to break the 1.9 million record sales of the previous generation C-Class.
Undoubtedly, the C-Class’ strongest market is the U.S., accounting for almost 25 percent of the million, while Germany and China having the next largest sales next to Uncle Sam.
According to the company, the C-Class’ success is its almost unparalleled fuel and power efficiency. They’re even now making standard their ECO start-stop function technology on the C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models. Both of these models have mechanical six-speed transmissions, by the way, so the technology should prove to be very help in terms of fuel money—up to ten percent, according to Mercedes-Benz.
The C-Class continues to be Mercedes-Benz’s hottest selling model range, so it’s no surprise why the company puts so much premium on them.
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by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) July 28th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Last week, German carmaker Mercedes-Benz summarized its plans to release at least 20 new auto models in the next five years. Their plan is to continue and, if possible, intensify their present sales levels. These large number of models would include new releases, modifications and variants of existing car models. The new 2011 Mercedes C-Class Coupe would place into that last group. With the public release date of the said variant still to be announced, the coupe version of the C-Class is intended to provide the class the same selection of models as the E-Class. Unlike the coupe version of the E-Class, this model would not be modified individually, but will be mostly based on the saloon version.
The said version would include comparable front end, taillights and rear bumper. What will obviously change are the centre-section and the roofline. This would mean that the doors and windows will be modified as well. As with the engines, the latest C-Class coupe will utilize the same units as the ones used in the saloon, which are four or six cylinder petrol units running in between 156 and 292 hp and diesel engines having outputs in between 136 and 231 hp.
A semi hybrid version, utilizing a 20 hp electric motor, is also reportedly geared towards production. There are also rumors about a plug-in version of the model, and its 60 hp electric motor engine. With regards to the price, the model is likely to be much cheaper that the four door version, as it is directed towards the customers of the existing C-Class coupe semi-hatch.
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