by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) August 31st, 2010 at 12:42 am
After some spy photos showing the 2012 Mercedes SLK being tested while wrapped in heavy camouflage, photographers have succeeded to take a much revealing photo of the German coupe-convertible.
Based on the photo, the automobile showed some improvements and modifications in its body, even though the enhancements that really matter, which includes the more aggressive front nose is still hidden in thin layer of camouflage.
On the next generation SLK, the side mirrors will also be modified, as they are now much larger and adjusted further back than the present version. It is also situated on the doors and not in the front front of the side window.
Nonetheless, those who were aspiring for a design transformation with the latest SLK may be disappointed, as the SLK continues to carry the design cues that is familiar to its model.
With regards to the engine, it is anticipated that the SLK will feature four and six-cylinder petrol engines, with an average of 180 hp, and a much stronger AMG version of one of them is also to be also presented.
The AMG SLK will also be fitted with a smaller, twin-turbocharged engine (possibly a V6), rather than the present 5.4l V8. Though it is much smaller, the engine will be at about the same levels as in the present SLK AMG Black Series, with at least 400HP.
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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 21st, 2010 at 8:43 pm
We owe you guys and gals another installment of CLS updates, but this time, we aren’t going to give you renderings. The photos in the gallery below are the next-generation CLS sedan in what seems to be AMG tailoring. We may have been too excited to suggest that previous renderings of the next CLS were in fact its much-awaited AMG variant. This time, however, we’re quite sure that we’re staring at the right creature, unless of course Mercedes-Benz says otherwise.
We could go on and on with the next CLS’ sexy lines, intimidating headlights and taillights, and bold fascia, but we’d rather stick to what really matters when involving anything that rolls out of AMG’s front yard—the engine. You can expect no less than Mercedes-Benz’s all-new 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 to charge this baby with so much steroids, you’ll be running out of adrenaline in no time. What’s cool about this is that this engine will soon become standard on all of AMG’s V8-powered creations. So you could more or less say that AMG’s variant of the next CLS will be pioneering this engine, along with the S63 and the CL63.
Performance figures? Let’s just say that it’ll have around 540 horses, plus 590 pound per feet of torque, that it can literally grow hair on your chest. What’s really scary is that, knowing AMG, they’ll be coming up with an upgraded performance kit that will bring these numbers up to goodness knows what. We can already see AMG loyalists calling in to place their reservations.
As for the rest of you digging this, stay tuned. There’s definitely more to come.
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by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) August 21st, 2010 at 8:00 am
Based on the spy photo, the team behind AMG have been hard at work on a latest Mercedes-Benz model. Behind all the camouflage is the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. Even with all of the plastic concealing its bodywork, it is certain that the engineers attempt for the convertible to have some air intakes in its front face. Based on the rumors, the reason for this has something to do with the large sized brakes of this automobile. If you examine its front brakes closely, you should notice six-pot calipers compressed on cross-drilled rotors.
According to the news, the SL63 AMG is powered by a 571 horsepower twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, thus the supposed need for a much tougher breaking system. Additionally, it is also said to include an AMG Speedshift seven-speed gearbox to provide for its shifting tasks.
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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 7:59 pm
Wondering what the next Mercedes-Benz CLS might look like? Well, here’s something to fuel your imagination. These images had been leaked out despite Stuttgart’s best efforts to keep you guys and gals scintillated with anticipation. It’s a four-door coupe that’s just waiting to be queued into the production line.
As you can see, the next CLS will take a lot of design cues from the Shooting Break CLS concept, specifically the front grill and the more raunchy fascia. The sectioned style of the headlights have been retained from the current design, albeit they’re somewhat more slender and a lot more attention-grabbing. The LED arrays that are clearly visible makes you wonder how this baby will appear in the evening, all sexy and intimidating. As with the Shooting Break CLS concept, the rear quarter panels are well-rounded out, giving it that graceful stance that just begs high-speed cruising. More graceful, in fact, than the current CLS.
As you step inside, the exclusive four-seat arrangement plus a full-length cabin console won’t fail to raise you on cloud nine, as if you’re sitting on your very own limousine. The level of refinement? Almost at par with the E-Class and S-Class. Level of comfort? Definitely worth the hype.
Under its powerful yet slender hood, a brand new 3.5-liter direct injected six banger is an option, as well as a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 that’s rated at 430 horses and 516 pound-feet of feet-numbing torque. And yes, in case you and everyone else are wondering, there will be an AMG version down the line, and it will surely be blessed with Mercedes-Benz’s brand new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8.
There you have it—credible leaked images of the next CLS. You can bet your bottom dollar that an official press release will soon follow. Until then, keep tuning in ‘cause we’ll be sure to give you updates.
A big thank you to Marcus Jordan over at the Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog for uncovering those prints
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by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) August 17th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
New spy photo reveal that the performance-driven 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is in its testing phase. Making it different from previously spied models, this automobile boasts of cross-drilled brake discs behind larger sports wheels and, at its back, dual exhaust tips. Although the wheelbase of the latest ML-Class looks untouched from the present model, lesser overhangs front and back point to a fairly more compact body in contrast to the 2009 model.
Expected to draw power from the German automobile’s latest 5.5 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the top of the line ML-Class SUV is likely to preserve AMG’s 63 badging. Accentuating direct-injection, the latest smaller-capacity twin-turbo-charged V8 delivers 400kW and 800Nm of torque, exceeding the naturally-aspirated 6.2 litre engine’s 390kW and 630Nm of torque. Presently powering the latest S63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz stated that the latest engine exhibits a 25 percent improvement of fuel consumption, utilizing only 10.5l/100km. This model’s 0-100km/h sprint is covered in 4.5 seconds, which is 100 hundredth of a second quicker than the present model.
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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 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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by Michael Cavinta (RSS feed) July 21st, 2010 at 12:12 am
The modern make of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which was launched in 2005, will soon be replaced by a more updated model. This latest depiction from spy photos is meant to provide a quick look of what we should expect with regards to the styling of the new B-Class when it comes out in 2011. The model given away in our spy photo is that of the five-door hatch but there have been talks in recent months that Mercedes-Benz is looking to include coupe and convertible variations to the line-up of the B-Class. A report which broke out in July of 2009 indicated that Daimler – which is currently considering platform-sharing prospects with a good deal of carmakers – would build the new B-Class on a platform which would be a Toyota derivative.
Just last April, Daimler corroborated that it would collaborate with the Renault-Nissan alliance; a joint venture that would make sure that each company would gain something from the expertise and powertrain options of its partners. A common structural design will also be developed and this will form the foundation of the ForTwo substitute and the next-generation Twingo, with both models projected to be launched in 2013. These two models will come out in two- and four-seater variants and will be built in a rear-wheel-drive platform. Also included in the line-ups of both cars are all-electric models. Mercedes-Benz has offered no further details about its next-generation B-Class although hybrid variations, which are probably based on the B-Class F-Cell model which was unveiled in August of last year, are definitely included among the hatch’s powertrain choices.
Other hybrid alternatives include the new diesel hybrid technology which is listed among the characteristics of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC and the plug-in hybrid technology sampled in the Vision S500 concept at Frankfurt last year.
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