Certified Pre-Owned: 2003 - 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-class - Feature

No car signals the achievement—or, in today’s world, the maintenance—of affluence better than a Mercedes-Benz. We’re not talking wretched excess as displayed by one of Paul Allen’s destroyer-size yachts, but everyone knows you’re not on the dole when you pull up in a late-model Mercedes.

The German automaker’s mid-size E-class sedan is the entry-level machine for displaying such financial wherewithal, and it’s satisfying to drive as well. The basic E350 comes with a 268-hp V-6 with a broad power band and a slick seven-speed automatic. The E550 has a stirring 382-hp V-8 that can rocket the car to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, though it’s more a cruiser than a flamethrowing supersedan. Inside, it’s luxurious, roomy, and fitted with every safety feature.

As you read this, a new generation of E-class is arriving at Mercedes showrooms, but we expect that this previous model vintage—from model year 2003 through 2009—will retain its status for some time. You can acquire one for much less than the $49,475 minimum cost of a new E-class sedan by perusing the Mercedes certified pre-owned (CPO) listings, an operation that has been around since 1989.

As with most of these programs, a CPO candidate starts as a sound, accident-free vehicle, which is then inspected comprehensively by Mercedes personnel to make sure that it operates as well as a new car. Any shortcomings are corrected, all service schedules are brought up to date, and the tires and brakes are replaced if they’re more than half-worn.

credit: http://www.caranddriver.com

Russian Nightmare: Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 Tuning Gone Bad

After looking at these photos, we've reached to the conclusion that we've been extremely harsh on ASMA. Don't get us wrong, we still find the German tuner's proposals hideous, but few will disagree that there's a new king in town. Even though there's a badge with the name 'Arturos' at the rear, we're not sure who's responsible for this freakishly modded Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 that was apparently photographed somewhere in Russia.

The Merc's front and rear ends have been completely deformed with the grotesque creation featuring an ASMA inspired front grille flanked by a pair of CLK-style headlamps while at the back, Dr. Frankenstein incorporated a set of... SLK tail lamps. The vehicle also gets a variety of air vents on the hood and the front panels plus a triple exhaust pipes on each side of the bumper.

Via: English Russia

SmartTOP Roof Top Control for Mercedes Benz SL 129 Roadster

(live-PR.com) - Corona, CA, July 29, 2009 -- Mods4cars, the southern California based specialist in high-end electronics for convertible top and remote controls, announced the release of their latest SmartTOP comfort roof top control for the Mercedes Benz SL 129 roadster. The SmartTOP module allows the customer to operate the Convertible top by using the Factory Key Fob while walking up to,

or away from the vehicle. It’s even possibile to put the top up or down while driving up to 40 kmh / 25 mph.

Additionally the SmartTOP offers even more customizable, useful features, in one easy to install product: The top can be operated automatically with a short push of the open or close button, it allows starting the engine during remote top operation, it allows turning the engine off, getting out and locking the doors, while the top is still closing. All features can be individually enabled or disabled, some also allow different personal preferences to be set. All settings are retained even if the car battery is disconnected. With the help of the Shop/Diagnose mode, the SmartTOP becomes invisible to diagnostic tools. Should new features become available for this module, it can be updated easily and at very low cost.

The unique comfort controller can be installed by anyone with the help of the detailed installation manual. Installation requires little electronic skills and only standard tools. No soldering! The module comes with all wires and parts needed. There is no need for extra key fobs. All remote features are activated with the original key remote. It’s fully E13 tested and certified. It comes with an ultra-low power standby mode (less than 0.1mA) and a LED shows the correct installation and status. It’s compatible with Mercedes Benz SL R129 with IR remote and Mercedes Benz SL R129 with RF remote.

About mods4cars:
Mods4cars was founded in 2002 with the idea to add a highly demanded feature to the otherwise almost perfect Porsche Boxster: Comfort One-Touch roof operation while driving at slow speeds. The resulting product offered not only that, but also allowed quick and easy installation by just swapping out a relay box, thus leaving no traces and no permanent changes on the vehicle. The first smartTOP roof controller was born.

The success of their first products in Germany and Europe prompted them in late 2004 to move operations to the USA, to be able to serve the American market as well as all other English speaking countries such as Australia, UK and South Africa from one central location. Their business has grown to a full fledged international corporation with an office in California and a full line of innovative products as well as distributors and installation partners all over
the globe.

Being highly specialized in the development and distribution of after market roof- and comfort controllers since 2002 allows them to offer an unsurpassed level of competence and product quality. Their main goal is optimization of each individual product to a maximum in compatibility, usability and intuitive operation. They put greatest effort into development and quality checks of all their products to achieve this goal and meet all expectations of their customers.

All products are designed by a certified engineer, having years of experience on Porsche and Mercedes Benz vehicle electronics. They develop and manufacture according to all European and American (CE, FCC) directives and deliver state-of-the-art electronic onboard control units. Over-voltage protection, reverse polarity protection, safety shut-off and absolutely minimal standby power drain can be taken for granted.

The extraordinary success of their products is also based on the great communication with their customers, which usually already starts for each new product during the development and prototyping phase.

Gray Market Cars, a Cash for Clunkers Stumper

Even before Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood held a news conference Monday to explain the Car Allowance Rebate System (C.A.R.S.), also known as “cash for clunkers,” it was a busy weekend at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency’s hot line received around 45,000 calls from folks eager to learn more about the government’s program to create an economic stimulus for the troubled auto industry and encourage the move to more fuel-efficient cars.

“We’ve gotten thousands of thousands of questions regarding issues that Congress never dreamed of,” said Rae Tyson, a spokesman for N.H.T.S.A., when I called to find out if my 1985 Mercedes 230E would qualify. The car is gray market, meaning it was privately imported after being purchased outside of the United States and brought into compliance with Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

The eligibility of gray market cars is one of those issues that Congress did not plan for, but will certainly have to be addressed as more than a half million cars have been imported into the United States over the last 25 years. Bringing European cars to America was big business in the mid-1980s and again in 2001 and 2002.

Don’t let the brand name fool you. My Mercedes is hardly deluxe. It’s a manual transmission, four-door sedan with thin fabric seats and rubber mats for carpeting. Nevertheless, over the years it has been a reliable means of transportation. Three of my four children learned to drive in it, and with the car’s reputation for crashworthiness, I don’t worry when they are at the wheel. These days, my 17-year-old son Sam is driving the car and complaining about never having enough money to pay for gas.

I dismissed this as typical teenager griping until he spent a few weeks calculating the mileage he was getting — barely 12 miles a gallon. So we were primed to explore our options when the cash for clunkers program was announced.

After an hour on the user friendly Web site, I learned that to qualify for the rebate a car has to be rated at 18 miles a gallon or less on fueleconomy.gov, the Web site of the E.P.A. (and the source for determining eligibility in C.A.R.S., according to Mr. Tyson). But because my Mercedes 230E was not sold in the United States, the model is not listed.

“It’s a question of determining if there’s a comparable model being sold in the U.S. that can determine fuel economy,” Mr. Tyson said. “Our lawyers are going to have to make a decision.”

Gray market cars like mine aren’t the only vehicles falling through the cracks in the new program, Mr. Tyson told me, while admitting my particular question did have him stumped. The common industry practice of badge engineering is also causing problems, where one car is listed and a nearly identical car is not.

“If the question has stumped me, it’s going to stump the hot line too,” Mr. Tyson said. “It’s going to require an interpretation that we’re not equipped to make right now.”

Having once worked for lawyers, I did not find the idea that determining eligibility for my clunker might require a legal opinion to be welcome news, and I reminded Mr. Tyson that the program is designed to expire in November. But he hastened to reassure me and others in a similar situation.

“We look upon it as a challenge,” he said. “We’ve just created an entire program in 30 days. You don’t think we can answer a question quicker than that?”

Greece: Mercedes wins Econic order from Athens

Mercedes-Benz has received an order from the city of Athens for 108 Econic NGT models for city waste disposal. The special-purpose vehicles are targeted at municipal services, collection operations an...



credit: http://www.automotiveworld.com

Top 10 Fuel Saving Tips

Whether you drive a two-seat hybrid or a three-ton SUV, chances are you can squeeze a bit more distance out of each gallon of fuel -- and at today's gas prices, an improvement of just one or two miles per gallon (MPG) can really add up. These ten fuel saving tips have served me well over the years, and they can help you improve your car's fuel economy and take some of the sting out of high fuel prices. Most of these tips will give you a very slight increase in MPG -- but use several together and the gas mileage improvements will really add up.

1. Slow down

One of the best ways to save gas is to simply reduce your speed. As speed increases, fuel economy decreases exponentially. If you one of the "ten-over on the freeway" set, try driving the speed limit for a few days. You'll save a lot of fuel and your journey won't take much longer. (Just be sure you keep to the right, so you won't impede the less-enlightened.)

2. Check your tire pressure

Under-inflated tires are one of the most commonly ignored causes of crummy MPG. Tires lose air due to time (about 1 psi per month) and temperature (1 psi for every 10 degree drop); under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance, which means you need to burn more gas to keep your car moving. Buy a reliable tire gauge and check your tires at least once a month. Be sure to check them when they are cold, since driving the car warms up the tires along with the air inside them, which increases pressure and gives a falsely high reading. Use the inflation pressures shown in the owner's manual or on the data plate in the driver's door jamb.

3. Check your air filter

A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which harms performance and economy. Air filters are easy to check and change; remove the filter and hold it up to the sun. If you can't see light coming through it, you need a new one. Consider a K&N or similar "permanent" filter which is cleaned rather than changed; they are much less restrictive than throw-away paper filters, plus they're better for the environment.

4. Accelerate with care

Jack-rabbit starts are an obvious fuel-waster -- but that doesn't mean you should crawl away from every light. If you drive an automatic, accelerate moderately so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears. Stick-shifters should shift early to keep the revs down, but don't lug the engine -- downshift if you need to accelerate. Keep an eye well down the road for potential slowdowns. If you accelerate to speed then have to brake right away, that's wasted fuel.

5. Hang with the trucks

Ever notice how, in bad traffic jams, cars seem to constantly speed up and slow down, while trucks tend to roll along at the same leisurely pace? A constant speed keeps shifting to a minimum -- important to those who have to wrangle with those ten-speed truck transmissions -- but it also aids economy, as it takes much more fuel to get a vehicle moving than it does to keep it moving. Rolling with the big rigs saves fuel (and aggravation).

6. Get back to nature

Consider shutting off the air conditioner, opening the windows and enjoying the breeze. It may be a tad warmer, but at lower speeds you'll save fuel. That said, at higher speeds the A/C may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof. If I'm going someplace where arriving sweaty and smelly could be a problem, I bring an extra shirt and leave early so I'll have time for a quick change.

7. Back off the bling

New wheels and tires may look cool, and they can certainly improve handling. But if they are wider than the stock tires, chances are they'll create more rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. If you upgrade your wheels and tires, keep the old ones. I have fancy sport rims and aggressive tires on my own car, but I keep the stock wheels with a good narrower-tread performance tire in the garage. For long road trips, the stock wheels give a smoother ride and better economy.

8. Clean out your car

If you're the type who takes a leisurely attitude towards car cleanliness -- and I definitely fall into that category -- periodically go through your car and see what can be tossed out or brought into the house. It doesn't take much to acquire an extra 40 or 50 lbs. of stuff, and the more weight your car has to lug around, the more fuel it burns.

9. Downsize

If you're shopping for a new car, it's time to re-evaluate how much car you really need. Smaller cars are inherently more fuel-efficient, and today's small cars are roomier than ever -- one of my favorite subcompacts, the Nissan Versa, has so much interior room that the EPA classifies it as a mid-size. Worried about crash protection? The automakers are designing their small cars to survive crashes with bigger vehicles, and safety features like side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control are becoming commonplace in smaller cars.

10. Don't drive

Not a popular thing to say on a car site, I know, but the fact is that if you can avoid driving, you'll save gas. Take the train, carpool, and consolidate your shopping trips. Walking or biking is good for your wallet and your health. And before you get in your car, always ask yourself: "Is this trip really necessary?"


credit: http://cars.about.com/od/helpforcarbuyers/tp/ag_top_fuelsave.htm

SMSC’s MOST Network Again Adopted in Mercedes E-Class

SMSC (NASDAQ: SMSC), a leading semiconductor company that provides Smart Mixed-Signal Connectivity™ solutions, today announced that its Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST^®) networking technology, has been selected as part of the infotainment system of the new Mercedes E-Class. MOST is the standard network for the infotainment systems across the full range of Mercedes volume platforms. Its proliferation, which started with the previous E-Class, is now entering the second round.

"We are pleased to continue to be selected by Daimler as the in-vehicle networking system of choice across their line of high-performance car models,” said Dr. Christian Thiel, Vice President and Managing Director of SMSC's Automotive Information Systems group. "Since their first model launch with MOST in 2002, our technology has evolved to meet Daimler’s strict performance and quality of service requirements. As a result, we are once again being selected for the new generation E-Class.”

MOST multimedia networking technology enables the networking of feature-rich infotainment systems in automobiles by providing the means to distribute multimedia entertainment functions among the various control devices around the car. For example, a CD changer, radio, global positioning system, mobile telephone and DVD player can be established in an efficient ring network and can send crisp, static-free audio signals digitally to the amplifier by utilizing the MOST network.

About SMSC’s Automotive Product Line:

SMSC’s Automotive Information Systems is a supplier of TrueAuto™ infotainment and information semiconductor solutions to major automakers, including Audi, BMW, Daimler, Hyundai/Kia, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Toyota and Volvo. SMSC is a founding member of the MOST Cooperation, a cooperative of automakers, automotive systems architects and manufacturers and key components suppliers working to extend and refine the MOST^® standard for the evolving requirements of automotive multimedia networking. Additional information is available at .

Forward Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this announcement are forward-looking statements about expected future events and financial and operating results that involve risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different from those discussed in forward-looking statements. Our risks and uncertainties include the timely development and market acceptance of new products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; our ability to procure capacity from our suppliers and the timely performance of their obligations, commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange, potential investment losses as a result of liquidity conditions, the effects of changing economic and political conditions in the market domestically and internationally and on our customers; our relationships with and dependence on customers and growth rates in the personal computer, consumer electronics and embedded and automotive markets and within our sales channel; changes in customer order patterns, including order cancellations or reduced bookings; the effects of tariff, import and currency regulation; potential or actual litigation; and excess or obsolete inventory and variations in inventory valuation, among others. In addition, SMSC competes in the semiconductor industry, which has historically been characterized by intense competition, rapid technological change, cyclical market patterns, price erosion and periods of mismatched supply and demand.

Our forward looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations and may not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers or divestitures. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and are based upon the information available to SMSC at this time. Such statements are subject to change, and the Company does not undertake to update such statements, except to the extent required under applicable law and regulation. These and other risks and uncertainties, including potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation, are detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC. Investors are advised to read the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly those sections entitled "Other Factors That May Affect Future Operating Results” or "Risk Factors” for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.

About SMSC:

Many of the world’s most successful global technology companies rely upon SMSC as a go-to resource for semiconductor system solutions that span analog, digital and mixed-signal technologies. Leveraging substantial intellectual property, integration expertise and a comprehensive global infrastructure, SMSC solves design challenges and delivers performance, space, cost and time-to-market advantages to its customers. SMSC’s application focus targets key vertical markets including consumer electronics, automotive infotainment, PC and industrial applications. The Company has developed leadership positions in its select markets by providing application specific solutions such as mixed-signal embedded controllers, non-PCI Ethernet, ARCNET, MOST^® and Hi-Speed USB.

SMSC is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York with operations in North America, Asia and Europe. Engineering design centers are located in Arizona, New York, Texas and Karlsruhe, Germany. Additional information is available at www.smsc.com.

SMSC and MOST are registered trademarks and Smart Mixed-Signal Connectivity is a trademark of Standard Microsystems Corporation.

Thieves Target DE Mercedes Dealer

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) ― Delaware State Police say thieves targeted a Wilmington Mercedes Benz dealer, taking rims and tires from vehicles.

State police say the manager of the dealership told officers that the theft occurred either late Friday or early Saturday. The thieves removed rims and tires from three vehicles and attempted to take the tires from a fourth vehicle.

State police say the loss was estimated at $8,000.

Mercedes-Benz to launch its compact SUV ‘The New GLK-Class’ in Korea

SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — Mercedes-Benz held a press conference to launch its compact SUV ‘The New GLK-Class’ in Korea market, which comes two different versions; The new GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and The new GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY PREMIUM.

The new GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY is powered by 2143cc four-cylinder CDI engine with 170 horsepower and a seven-speed automatic transmission. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds.

Suggested price is 57,900,000(KRW) and 66,900,000(KRW) respectively.

Link to the original article…

Brabus Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe just went on sale and Brabus already presents an extensive tuning program for the new two-door. The pinnacle of the available performance tuning is the Brabus 6.1 displacement engine. It has a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and propels the E 500 (US: E550) to an impressive top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph). Also on offer is an aerodynamic-enhancement program that was developed in the wind tunnel. Further highlights are custom-tailored wheels up to 20 inches in diameter, sporty yet comfortable suspension solutions and exclusive interior options.

A rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and a peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft) at just 3,100 rpm are the result of the displacement increase of the four-valve V8 engine from 5.5 to 6.1 liters. 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph): The Brabus 6.1 displacement engine turns the E 500 Coupe into a true high-performance automobile.

The displacement increase of the eight-cylinder engine sells for 29,000 Euros. It is facilitated by the installation of a billet crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons. Furthermore the four-valve cylinder heads are precision-machined and fitted with custom camshafts. The Brabus sport exhaust system with high-performance metal catalysts also contributes to the impressive power output as do specially programmed engine electronics.

More driving fun with the turbodiesel models is available with the Brabus ECO PowerXtra kits. For the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Brabus offers its D4 tuning kit. For just 1,390 Euros power output of the common-rail four-cylinder engine jumps from standard 204 hp (201 bhp) / 150 kW to 235 hp (232 bhp) / 173 kW. Peak torque grows to 560 Nm (413 lb-ft).

The V6 turbodiesel engine of the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY equipped with Brabus ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) module produces 272 hp (268 bhp) / 200 kW and a peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft).

All engines are lubricated with ARAL high-performance motor oil and like all Brabus components they are backed by the one-of-a-kind Brabus Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers or 62,000 miles (see Brabus warranty conditions as of November 2006).

Stainless-steel Brabus quad sport exhaust systems are available for all new Mercedes-Benz E-Class models.

The Brabus designers have also developed a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement package for the two-door E-Class. It is manufactured from Pur-R-Rim in OEM quality. The Brabus front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights gives the coupe an even more striking face and reduces aerodynamic lift on the front axle at high speeds.

Brabus adds sporty highlights to the sides with new aluminum front sport quarter panels with integrated clear-coated carbon-fiber inserts. New rocker panels visually give the coupe a lower and sleeker stance. They feature LED entrance lights integrated into their undersides. Customers can also choose a version with integrated illuminated Brabus logo.

The Brabus rear apron features a centrally mounted reflector and custom-tailored cutouts on either side for the four tailpipes of the Brabus sport exhaust system.

The exclusive Brabus appearance is rounded out by one-piece or multi-piece Brabus Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 17, 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features Brabus Monoblock VI, E, Q or S wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in size 9.5Jx20 in back. High-performance tires from Brabus technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA are mounted in size 235/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 265/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

The available Brabus suspension solutions offer sporty handling combined with excellent ride comfort. They were custom-developed for the various engines available in the new E-Class. The list of options starts with lowering springs and culminates in a complete height-adjustable coil-over sport suspension.

Brabus also offers a high-performance brake system for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. It features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 360-mm (14.2 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops with four-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

Brabus will customize the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe to customers’ specifications. The list of interior options includes stainless-steel scuff plated with illuminated Brabus logo, an ergonomically shaped Brabus sport steering wheel and an entirely new interior crafted from especially soft yet durable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara.

Mercedes to return to 4-day workweek

Mercedes-Benz employees in Vance will be back to a four-day workweek, starting Monday, Aug. 10. The shorter workweek is scheduled to run until the end of October.

“We made this decision to avoid producing more vehicles than can be sold,” said Felyicia Jerald, a spokeswoman for Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance.

“With this four-day production schedule, team members’ [employees’] hours will range from 30 to 36 hours over the next few months,” she said.

“Many of our team members have indicated that they prefer the four-day schedule. Although this isn’t an ideal situation, everyone seems to understand the conditions of the market and why these adjustments are needed.”

The Vance plant employs about 3,000 people, according to Mercedes.

Jerald said no layoffs are planned, though employees will work fewer hours.

Mercedes is the largest manufacturing employer in Tuscaloosa County. Its production, however, affects more than just its own employees. Area automotive parts suppliers tie their production and employment to the production at Mercedes. As Mercedes cuts its production and employees’ hours, many automotive suppliers in West Alabama are expected to do likewise.

The economic downturn has taken a toll on automotive sales including the sport utility vehicles made in Vance.

In the first half of the year, U.S. sales of Mercedes’ M-Class were down 39 percent; the GL-Class were down 44.5 percent and the R-Class were down 58.4 percent. All three types of vehicles are made in Vance.

U.S. sales of the SUVs made in Vance totaled 18,949 vehicles in the first half of this year, compared with 33,630 vehicles a year earlier, according to Mercedes. Sales figures for Vance-made SUVs sold abroad were not available.

Mercedes cut its production last year as the economy deteriorated and auto sales dropped. Last summer, it offered early retirement buyouts to its employees, and in October, it moved to a four-day workweek. It extended its Christmas shutdown from Dec. 11 to Jan. 20, when employees returned to the Monday through Thursday workweek. The Mercedes plant then had a four-week production shutdown from May 25 through June 22, when employees returned to a five-day workweek, but with reduced hours each day.

A Mercedes built to ride the wind

The new E-Class Coupe beats its sedan counterpart into Canadian Mercedes-Benz dealerships with a lower price tag than the CLK it effectively replaces -- and an attractive wind-cheating design that makes it the slickest, most aerodynamic production car on the market.

A classic coupe design with fully retractable side windows (without a central B-pillar), the E-Class Coupe comes to Canada in two variants. The E350 Coupe is priced at $58,600 (that's almost $10,000 less than the '08 CLK) and the E550 Coupe at $68,200.

Blending sporty performance with ride comfort and the quality trimmings expected of a Mercedes, the E-Coupe has few natural rivals in the current marketplace. The Audi A5 and the Infiniti G37 Coupe are probably its closest competitors. It's also expected to appeal to a younger Mercedes-Benz buyer, in the under-50 age range.

An astounding claimed drag coefficient of 0.24, slicker than the slickest sports car you can buy, is all the more impressive because the E-Class Coupe certainly doesn't have a simple, bullet-like design. And despite a strong family resemblance to the sedan, it possesses a distinctive style and character that's even more aggressive and dynamic.

A sweeping arrowhead line flows from the front bumper over the radiator grille into the hood, and there's a new sharper styling interpretation of the separated twin-headlight look that's become synonymous with E-Class. The Coupe also shares its rear fender design with the sedan.

The E350 Coupe is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with 268 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. Hardly a base model, it comes standard with an Agility Control suspension and a Dynamic Handling Package.

Under the hood of the E550 Coupe is a 5.5-litre V8 that can generate 382 h.p. and 391 ft.-lbs. of torque. Mercedes-Benz engineers have also improved the fuel-efficiency of this V8 over its predecessor.

Drive, as always, goes to the rear wheels and both engines are mated to a seven-speed, driver adaptive automatic transmission with Touch Shift. Mercedes claims it can help propel the E350 Coupe to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and the E550 Coupe in 5.6 seconds.

New technical innovations include Attention Assist, which is a drowsiness monitor, Pre-Safe, a preventative occupant-protection system, adaptive high-beam assist, which automatically dims headlight high-beams, and an automatic emergency braking system called Distronic Plus.

Inside, new seats have 10-way electric adjustments and leather upholstery as standard. Optional are the active and ventilated front seats with inflatable chambers at the front of the seat cushions and in the centre and side panels of the backrests.

Although it's a sporty coupe, the E-Class can also double as a primary vehicle. Rear-seat passengers are provided with two comfortable individual seats, and backrests that can fold forward individually, to increase the cargo space available in the trunk.

The standard agility-control suspension system reduces the shock absorber-damping force under normal driving conditions for best-ride comfort. During a rapid, evasive manoeuvre, or if the driver decides to up the tempo through some curves, it will immediately switch to the maximum damping force.

A standard dynamic handling package also allows the driver to choose a sporty setup at the touch of a button. This changes the continuously variable damping, the speed-sensitive power steering (with variable centring), ESP/ASR (traction control), accelerator response and speed of automatic gear changes.

On the safety side, a new optional Brake Assist Plus system can apply the brakes automatically when an accident is imminent and the driver has not reacted to its warning signals. The driver chooses the point of intervention (2.6, 1.6 or 0.6 seconds) before impact. This system can significantly reduce the severity of a collision.

The elegant and athletic E-Class Coupe is already arriving at Mercedes-Benz dealers. The sedan will follow later this year and a convertible is in the works for next year.

Mercedes logo

MERCEDES

For mercedes logo, this logo has been around since the 1920s.The three pointed star of Mercedes’ logo represents their domination of land, sea, and air. First used on a Daimler in 1909, a laurel wreath was added in 1926 to signify the union with Benz, and was later simplified to the current logo design in 1937.

Event rolls out Mercedes kept hidden in WW II

KALAMAZOO -- A 1938 Mercedes Benz hidden in a basement under a rose garden during and after World War II will be the star attraction at the Orrin B. Hayes Fun Concours event Saturday.

The restored, one-of-a-kind 540K Sport Tourer is owned by Bill and Barbara Parfet, of Kalamazoo, and displayed at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners. It is valued at $3.5 million.

The car will be loaned to the Hayes car dealership for the event, which will feature members of the Western Michigan Section of the Mercedes Benz Club of America displaying their vehicles, made from the 1950s through 1970s. The event also will include the new, highly publicized 2010 E Class Mercedes Benz models.

The Parfets' 1938 Mercedes Benz has a unique history, said Jay Follis, marketing director for the Gilmore Car Museum.

Only two of its kind were built, and only one survives, Follis said. It was purchased new by a Dresden, Germany, man who built a secret area in his walkout basement and hid the car there during World War II, when he feared the Russians would seize the car.

``He rigged up his basement to fit the car and then bricked it up so that anyone going into the basement couldn't see it'' Follis said. ``Then he planted a rose garden over the top to hide it.''

When the Berlin Wall came down in the early 1990s, the man brought the car out and sold it. It was restored by a Canadian company and purchased by the Parfets, who since 2005 have displayed it at the Gilmore Car Museum.

Bob Bolinger, a salesman at Hayes, said the $3.5 million Mercedes on Saturday should be quite the draw.

``It was handcrafted and has been meticulously restored,'' he said. ``It's something you just don't see every day.''

The Fun Concours event, which last year attracted 30 Mercedes Benz owners, will again feature the restored, vintage vehicles of club members. Each registrant also serves as a judge, selecting the car of his or her choice in different categories.