Mercedes-Benz to replace CLK with E-Class Coupe

Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Ernst Lieb says the German luxury automaker will axe the CLK in its current form (based on the C-Class chassis) and replace it with a 2-door coupe (wow, a new coupe announcement that’s not a 4-door one) based on the E-Class chassis.

Lieb said this was to move the smallest Mercedes-Benz coupe up a segment in order for it to be more competitive against cars such as the hot-selling Audi A5. It would also mean the new E Coupe will be more expensive than the CLK it replaces.

Source

Mercedes Benz CLC C-Class Sportcoupe

Mercedes-Benz USA launches a bigger Baby Benz imbibing the Mercedes standards. “The C-Class is a gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand,” said Bernie Glaser, general manager, product management. The new Mercedes C-Class gets minor facelift for 2008 while the least-expensive 2007 model is discontinued. The new C-Class sedan has $31,975 as manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the C300 Sport model, with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The 2008 C300 Luxury model is $33,675, with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Sales of those three models start on August 7. All-wheel-drive 4Matic models will be available starting in September. The 2008 C-Class is the third generation of the Mercedes entry-level car. In 1993, the C-Class replaced the 190 Class, and the next generation C-Class generation debuted in 2000.




The all-new C-Class offers an impressive list of exciting features, including:

* A choice of two V-6 engines (3.0 or 3.5 liter sport sedan and 3.0 liter luxury sedan)
* Standard 7-speed automatic transmission (optional on C300 Sport Sedan)
* Standard 8-way power driver and passenger seats
* Adaptive brakes
* Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
* Burl Walnut trim (luxury sedan) or Aluminum trim (sport sedan)
* DIRECT CONTROL adaptive suspension system with selective damping for comfort and handling
* Standard Bluetooth® connectivity
* Aggressive AMG bodystyling on sport sedan models
* Standard power sunroof
* Six standard air bags
* 17-inch twin-spoke aluminum wheels (Optional 18-inch twin-spoke aluminum wheels on C300 and C350 Sport Sedans)


With the 2008 model, Mercedes is also trying to make its “Sport” and “Luxury” C-Class models more distinct from each other.

New 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Mercedes-Benz SLK - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK ranks 7 out of 8 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.



In addition to its surprisingly smooth ride and sports-car handling, the SLK's power-retractable hardtop gives it an advantage over soft-top sports car convertibles and makes for a unique coupe/roadster experience. Still, it falls a bit short on its interior space and controls. Overall, it ranks near the bottom of its class.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is a fun-to-drive convertible. Its power hardtop gives it all the practicality of a coupe along with the open-air exhilaration of a roadster. Redesigned in 2005, the second generation SLK is described by Car and Driver as the "sweetest-handling Benz ever" and "an everyday please-me machine."




While the SLK's strengths are its quick-folding steel hardtop and luxurious interior, its weakness include a small cabin and little cargo space -- but that's to be expected for this class. With a base price just under $45,000, the SLK may be inexpensive for a Mercedes -- but it still commands a premium. Less expensive hardtops include the Pontiac G6 and Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, when compared to such luxury (and pricey) rivals as the Porsche Boxter and Chevrolet Corvette, the SLK could be a good value.



Mercedes-Benz's smallest sports car comes in several trims. The base SLK280 features a 3.0-liter V6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, while the SLK350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 and a seven-speed automatic. Though it's not addressed in this review, a performance-minded SLK55 AMG is also available.

source: US News

U.S.News Scores
Overall: 8.4
Performance: 8.3
Exterior: 8.5
Interior: 7.3
Safety: NA
Reliability: 8.0

2006 Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR

2006 Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR

2006 Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR

2006 Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR

Kicherer CL 600 Tuning Package

Kicherer may not be as well known as its rival German tuners such as Brabus and MTM, but the company has a penchant for building some of the most stylish and aggressive kits in the business - especially when it comes to modifying cars from Mercedes Benz. Some recent highlights include the SL63 Evo Edition and CLK63 Black Edition, and now the tuner has released a package for the less extreme but more luxurious CL mega coupe.






Kicherer’s latest kit is based on the twin-turbo V12-powered 2009 CL 600 but the styling modifications can be applied to any model in the CL lineup including the base CL 500/500 and AMG prepped versions. Called the CL 60, the new package adds several subtle styling mods as well as a range of engine and wheel and tire upgrades.

The most powerful kit for the CL 600 sees engine power boosted from 517hp (385kW) in the stock model to 570hp (425kW). Torque levels are also increased to 664lb-ft (900Nm). Furthermore, the vehicle has been provided with a high-performance rear axle equipped with a differential lock and a modified transmission control module to handle the boosted power levels.

The power is put to the ground via a set of handcrafted 20in Kicherer RS-1 wheels, wrapped with 285mm rubber. The car’s suspension has also been lowered by 25mm and has been beefed up with stiffer springs and dampers.

To match the performance mods, Kicherer adds several exterior pieces such as the new side skirts, revised bumpers, a modified grille and an integrated rear diffuser. Inside, the CL is fitted with option Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim.

The Lorinser Mercedes-Benz C-Class Tuning

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Lorinser makes the C-Class "hot" with 305 HP: Digital revolution renders classic engine tuning more effective than ever

Hot camshafts? In the age of chip tuning, that sounds like a relic of the Eighties. Incorrectly, as there is not much extra power to be gained electronically from a naturally aspirated engine. Mechanical measures continue to be the first choice there, and more effective than ever before in combination with an adjustment of the engine management. One particularly successful example is the C 350 Limousine from Sportservice Lorinser, an almost irresistible temptation for everyone with petrol in their blood: special camshafts and a modified engine control unit kindle here far more fire than the series version of the extremely successful 3.5-litre V6. 305 HP (224 kW) instead of 272 HP (200 kW) are an end result that can be more than seen in a non-charged engine, especially since the fast Mercedes accelerates powerfully with 380 instead of 350 Nm, even at very low RPM. As a result of the tuning measure, the interval between opening the exhaust valve and closing the intake valve becomes bigger. The result is a "hot" overlap, which is where the camshaft modification gets its name from. On the other hand, the Lorinser lowering kit is responsible for the "hot" handling in the bend. An additional bonus in the driving-fun account.

Digital or analogue? Music fans may argue about this point, but not car enthusiasts. Of course, the Lorinser sports exhaust system plays music purely mechanically, and develops such a crescendo when the accelerator pedal is pushed enthusiastically that even eardrums get goosebumps. But the optical charms of the C-Class also easily arouse the desire to own one. Is it the well-designed exhaust tailpipes integrated into the Lorinser rear apron that the sporty roof and rear spoiler soar above? The muscular side sills or the striking front apron? An abundance of details that add up to a fascinating automobile. The model RS 8 matt black 19-inch light-alloy wheels draw attention to themselves as they provide exciting contrasts in combination with the white bodywork colour. An additional stylish alternative is the silver-coloured light-alloy wheel RS 9 from the Lorinser assortment. An offer that repeatedly proves in its totality that the Winnenden customiser won't be losing steam any time soon when it comes down to stirring up passions for automobiles.

Copyright © 2008, Lorinser

The Diamond Encrusted Mercedes-Benz SL

2008 Brabus B63 S

The high performance car made by the BRABUS is now available in the new C 63 AMG. The BRABUS B63 S performance kit has a amazing 73 hp/ 53.7 kW to the rated power output of the 6.2-liter V8 engine, and achieving top speeds of 197 mph. BRABUS offers a wide range of exclusive accessories to a limited-slip rear to a custom-made 19-inch wheel, high-performance, height-adjustable coil-over suspension and a newly designed brakes to ensure the most possible safety.




Acceleration performance has improved with their added power: Reaching top speeds of 0-60 mph in a short time of 4.1 seconds. Only reasons why this car can achieve top speeds of that magnitude and accelerates that fast are due to their 19-inch high-performance tires from Pirelli or YOKOHAMA. The tires range in sizes of 235/35 ZR 19 and side wheels of 265/30 ZR 19. The high-adjustable BRABUS coil-over suspension features gas-pressure shocks with ten selectable settings for bound and rebound. It offers the drivers a sporty feeling with quick precision handling and safety.

Mercedes-Benz SLR Hamann VOLCANO

The serial Mercedes-Benz SLR is already one of the most impressive cars on our roads – but compared to the Hamann VOLCANO it still looks rather harmless. Once again, Hamann-Motorsport proves its cutting edge when it comes to refining superb sports cars. From a lift-reducing body design to a powerful performance enhancement to a lavishly styled interior, Hamann focuses on all components of this luxury car and makes the automobile dreams of its exclusive clientele come true.
The total makeover of the Laupheim-based refiner is made of extremely light full carbon and consists of front- and rear wing extensions and also new side skirt attachments and sheathings. The front view of the Volcano is optically perfected with a newly designed bonnet which enhances the overall impression by its integrated hood scoop. But also for the rear, the refining technicians implemented new ideas giving the SLR appearance its finishing touch. Under the boot lid cover, Hamann placed a strong diffuser which improves the car´s output in combination with the large rear wing. At the front axle, a newly developed front spoiler renders the necessary contact pressure. If desired, an especially developed overall paint for the VOLCANO in either aluminium/chrome or white/matt completes the striking appearance of this bolide.



The 21-inch rims named EDITION RACE with tyres measuring 255/30ZR21 at the front and 345/25ZR21 at the back render an optimal road grip. The design of the extraordinary light forged wheel thereby combines vitality and elegance and also perfectly fills out the wheel houses.

The Hamann makeover is not only sportive, but also has a lot to offer under the bonnet. The Hamann motor technicians get the most out of the Mercedes Benz V8-aggregate (5.4 litres, 626 hp, 780 Nm): 700 hp / 515 kW and a maximum torque of 830 Nm at 3,300 crankshaft revolutions per minute. The therefore necessary modifications include a newly programmed control unit, especially developed high performance exhaust manifolds and an amended belt pulley combination for the serial compressors. In order to facilitate the increased motor performance, Hamann adds a second water pump and adjusts the gearbox electronics. Invigorated in this way and with the adequate sound from the six end pipes of the sport exhaust system, the VULCANO accelerates from naught to a hundred in only 3.6 seconds. With a maximum speed of 348 km/h, the Hamann VOLCANO is 14 km/h faster than the serial model.

The Hamann product even beats the factory-provided performance-enhanced special series SLR 722 by impressive 11 km/h.

A skillfully refined interior is waiting for the VOLCANO-pilot and also the exterior does not rank behind. The overall makeover contains pedals and foot rests in aluminium as well as noble door sill protectors and headrests with embossed embroidered Hamann-Logos. They can also be found on the exclusive floor mats. The overall makeover can be enhanced with a Hamann interior set containing custom-made carbon parts for the dashboard and centre console. If desired, also the roof interior, all pillars, the cockpit including the steering wheel and the sun visors can hereby be adjusted in terms of colour. Therefore, Hamann solely uses the high-quality material Alcantara.

Mercedes SL 2011

Is this the UpComing Mercedes SL 2011 model? Well, rumours from the internet said so. The UpComing Mercedes SL 2011 is also coming with SL 350 V6, 272 bhp, SL 500 V8, 388 bhp, SL 600 V12, 517 bhp, SL 63 AMG returning 525 bhp and SL 65 AMG with no less than 612 bhp. The Mercedes SL defenitely looks impressive and futuristic.

Source NetCarShow