BenzInsider.com - A Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog - Page 516 of 662 - Latest Mercedes-Benz news, reviews and rumors

Mercedes-Benz Viano 4MATIC winner in women’s rally

Muamer Hodzic April 8, 2009

The first time a Mercedes-Benz Viano was entered in a rally competition, the MPV took first place in the SUV category. Seated at the wheel of the vehicle (for the most part a production model) in this 19th Rally des Gazelles were Irishwoman Jeanette James and FrenchÂwoman Anne-Marie Ortola. The two also won the special prize for first-time competitors in their class. The world’s only women’s rally went through the Moroccan desert, as in previous years. The only difference between the desert Viano and its series counterpart was a roll-over cage, racing-style bucket seats and the six-point seat belts.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Sells 110,400 vehicles in March, a 16% decline

Muamer Hodzic April 7, 2009

In March, Mercedes-Benz Cars delivered 110,400 (March 2008: 131,500) Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach brand vehicles to customers worldwide, which represents a 16% decline. Mercedes-Benz sold 98,500 (March 2008: 119,400) cars in March, an 18% decline. Despite the continuing difficult situation on the automotive markets, and the E-Class model changeover, sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars in March were up from the previous month’s total. The division also posted an increase in incoming orders compared to the numbers for January and February of this year. Overview of Sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars March 2009 % change January- March 2009 % change Mercedes-Benz 98,500 -17.5 216,000 -25.4 smart* 11,900 -1.8 28,800 -0.5 Mercedes-Benz Cars… Continue Reading »

Next-gen Mercedes-Benz SLK has mechanical problems at NÃ¼rburgring

Muamer Hodzic April 6, 2009

GlobalMotors’ spy photographers were able to capture pictures of the next-gen SLK while it tried to make a test run around the Nürburgring track. Before it was able to complete even one 21 km lap, it was pulled aside due to issues with the engine. White smoke is seen on some of the spy pictures, and the test driver had even a fire extinguisher in hand, not sure if it was used. While these things certainly happen in prototype cars, it is still interesting to actually see that in pictures. Rumors about the next-gen SLK are still sketchy, but some say that it will have LED daylights (very likely), bigger… Continue Reading »

2009 Malaysia Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur

Muamer Hodzic April 6, 2009

What a messy race that was yesterday in Malaysia. Due to torrential rain, the race was red-flagged on the 33rd lap and not restarted. Half points were awarded because less than 75 percent of the scheduled 56 laps (310.408 kms) had been covered. Brawn Mercedes driver Jenson Button took the second consecutive victory of the season. This is shaping up to be a great season for Jenson and his new team – Brawn GP. He won his third carrier race, and two of them were in the past two weeks; it seems those Mercedes-Benz engines are working better at Brawn GP than at Mclaren. Lewis Hamilton finished the Malaysian Grand… Continue Reading »

Mercedes-Benz crushes Canadian competitors

Chris April 5, 2009

Mercedes-Benz Canada continues to defy the recession and outperform its competitors. Sales for March were up 26% compared to last year, and sales for the first quarter of 2009 were up by nearly 20% compared to 2008. This is a remarkable performance for a luxury brand in these uncertain times. Reasons for this success appear to be the wide range of BlueTec diesel vehicles offered, which have struck a chord with buyers tired of gas-guzzling SUVs, and low finance and lease rates. Like in the U.S., E-Class sales are still strong despite the impending arrival of the 2010 W212. Dealers must be offering great deals on the remaining W211s. Canadian… Continue Reading »

1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing in Camo

Muamer Hodzic April 3, 2009

Nigo, owner of Japanese fashion house ‘A Bathing Ape’, has put a modern twist to a classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, giving it a BAPE camouflage. Word on the street (interweb) is that he had AMG custom build the 1954 SL with custom interior and even install a new 6.0L V8 engine. While Nigo is famous for collecting exotic cars and turning them into something one has never seen before (like a Bugatti Veyron with pink camo) this was certainly an even bigger undertaking, as MB’s own tuner company pitched in.

Lewis Hamilton disqualified from Australian GP

Muamer Hodzic April 2, 2009

While some might think this is another April fools joke, it certainly is not. Officials from FIA have disqualified Hamilton from the Australian GP after new evidence has shown that they had provided false or misleading information during a post race hearing. Hamilton had finished the race in fourth position, but was moved to third when Jarno Trulli, who finished the race in third, was given a 25 second penalty for overtaking Hamilton while the safety car was out. It is said that radio transmissions contradict the original story given to the officials by Hamilton and the Mclaren team. This is what the officials had to say: “The Stewards having… Continue Reading »