Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake in the works?

German automakers have apparently all developed kyphosis, as witnessed by the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the impending Audi A7 Sportback, and the Porsche Panamera. It seems the time is right for humpty-backed automobiles from Deutschland. Mercedes used the ConceptFASCINATION to spearhead the launch of its redesigned E-Class, and while it got everyone all excited during auto show season in 2008, few thought it would amount to anything productiony. That's all changed now. Sure, there are wagons; it's hard to name a more proper Estate Car than the E-Class wagon; but that's not the brass ring everyone seems to be stretching for here.

Expected at the next Paris Motor Show in October 2010, Autointernationaal reports that a new CLS will debut with the expected rakish form – as well as a shooting brake version. While we're all ogling pictures of the fetching three-door concept shown above, the production version is expected to carry four doors and a liftgate. While the show vehicle is fetching with its paucity of points of entry, four doors are apparently important for interesting the Asian market. Don't think of this rumored model as a replacement for anything else utilitarian in the Mercedes lineup; the CLS Brake is unlikely to usurp the R-Class and its unsalability. Rather, it will offer another stylish option in a package that is more car than bus. The world could do with more brakes - shoot on, we say.


credit to : autoblog

Brabus GLK V12: Mercedes-Benz GLK gets 750-hp, top speed of 200 mph

German based tuner Brabus is all about power and breaking world-records. The company has just dropped its latest creation, the Brabus GLK V12, which sets a new speed record for a street-legal SUV.

Brabus threw in its BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine in the GLK, helping it producing an eye-watering 750-hp with a peak torque of 995 lb-ft. That allows for a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 200.3 mph.

Brabus also compliments this extreme boost in performance with custom modifications to the body’s aerodynamics, suspension and brakes. Check out more details in the press release after the jump.

announce...

new car coming......

question & answers

The E-Class wagon has been available stateside in previous generations, and Mercedes isn’t going to disappoint with the new E-Class. For 2010, the E-Class sedan and coupe are all-new. The redesigned wagon will become available in June 2010 as a 2011 model. It’ll come in one model, the E350 4Matic all-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter V-6 making 268 horsepower.

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the 2009 E350 4Matic wagon sells for $57,250. In something of an oddity — as far as next-generation pricing — Mercedes undercut the 2009 E-Class price by $4,600 when it priced the 2010 sedan at $48,600. However, there’s no guaranteeing that will happen with the 2011 wagon’s pricing.

MERCEDES-BENZ TO DEBUT NEW ‘PGA PERFORMANCE CENTER’ AT 91ST PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 11, 2009 — In conjunction with its inaugural year as an Official Patron of The PGA of America, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will debut its PGA Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility displaying the defining moments in the evolution of golf in comparison with the innovations that have led up to the most technologically advanced vehicle in its segment — the all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The debut will take place at the 91st PGA Championship contested at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, August 10-16.

The PGA Performance Center is designed to engage guests in the history and tradition of the game of golf and the lineage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class within an open and modern space. Through a striking series of displays, graphics and videos, visitors to the PGA Performance Center will experience a visual timeline spanning more than half a century, highlighting eight generations of the E-Class and memorable moments within the game of golf. The all-new 2010 E-Class coupe, sedan and AMG E63 will be on exhibit, as well as the classic 1979 240 D.

“Skill, precision and drive — all reasons why Mercedes-Benz and the game of golf are a natural fit,” stated Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience marketing, MBUSA. “Both Mercedes-Benz and The PGA of America have a rich heritage and are at the forefront of innovation to deliver a unique experience at the PGA Championship.”

Guests entering the display will find a 50-foot graphic illustrating the history of the iconic E-Class body design — from the Ponton and Fintail from the 1950s — juxtaposed to a series of 32″ monitors highlighting Mercedes-Benz fuel and safety innovations such as its Blue Efficiency technology (fuel consumption and emissions reduction), Attention Assist (advanced drowsiness detection system) and Adaptive High-Beam Assist (advanced oncoming traffic recognition system). State-of-the-art materials, which are used in 72 percent of all manufactured body parts, are also on display to highlight Mercedes-Benz history and leadership in developing safety design for the greater good of drivers, ranging from the “safety cage” passenger cell and front-and-rear crumple zones to antilock brakes and automotive air bags.

In parallel, enthusiasts can inspect a series of golf balls dating from the 1600’s to current, including the first golf ball, a featherie from 1618. Latest advancements in ball and club technology will be presented by Nike Golf to show the future and vision of advanced materials.

Mercedes-Benz is a proud Official Patron of the 2009 PGA Championship, one of the premiere sporting events in the world. The tournament will be played at the acclaimed course designed by Robert Trent Jones where more than 200,000 spectators are expected to line the fairways to view the strongest, all-professional field in major championship golf. As an Official Patron, Mercedes-Benz serves as the Official Vehicle of The PGA of America, The PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship, as well as a Proud Supporter of the 2010 and 2012 Ryder Cup.

The Center will be located just inside the main spectator entrance, and will be open to the public throughout the Championship.

About Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Starting at $48, 600, the new ninth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class once again sets the standard for safety, comfort and advanced technology in its segment. The E-Class line-up, featuring the E350 and E550 coupes and sedans went on sale in June.

[Source: MBUSA]

GM dealers in California to sell cars on eBay

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- More than 225 General Motors dealers in California will sell vehicles through the eBay online auction site in a four-week trial, the companies announced Monday.

Under the program, which begins Tuesday, consumers will be able to bargain with the dealers for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Pontiac cars and trucks from model years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The program ends Sept. 8.

The new car shopping website, gm.ebay.com, will feature a "wide selection" of up to 20,000 new GM vehicles at "competitive prices," the companies said in a press release.

Customers will be able to buy cars outright at the advertised price using the Web site's "Buy It Now" option. Alternatively, customers can suggest a price under the "Best Offer" option, which may then be negotiated with the dealer.

"Together with eBay Motors, GM and our dealers are reinventing the car-buying experience for our California customers," said Mark LaNeve, GM vice president of U.S. sales, in a statement.

GM emerged from bankruptcy protection on July 10, concluding a 40-day stay in Chapter 11 with the sale of its key operations to a new company majority-owned by the U.S. Treasury. The company pledged to win back American consumers and taxpayers.

The automaker has sold certain new and certified-used GM models on eBay Motors in the past. But the scale of the new program marks a significant shift for the online auction house, which is traditionally focused on used cars and auto parts.

"Through this program, we are helping GM dealers to extend their physical showroom while at the same time delivering to our buyers the great deals and broad selection they expect from eBay (EBAY, Fortune 500)," said Rob Chesney, vice president of eBay Motors, in a statement.

As part of its restructuring, GM shut hundreds of under-performing dealerships across the country. But the new program has been hailed by at least one of GM's California dealers.

Ted Nicholas, president and chief executive of a Chevrolet dealership in Bakersfield, said in a statement that he is "very excited" to participate in the new program.

"We've found that serious shoppers want it to be easy, and have shifted from the traditional forms of researching and purchasing vehicles to getting it all done on the Internet," said Nicholas.

House approves $2B more for 'cash for clunkers'

WASHINGTON — The House has voted to rush an additional $2 billion into the popular but financially strapped "cash for clunkers" car purchase program.

The bill was approved on a vote of 316-109. House members acted within hours of learning from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that the program was running out of money.

Called the Car Allowance Rebate System, or CARS, the program is designed to help the economy and the environment by spurring new car sales. Car owners can receive federal subsidies of up to $4,500 for trading in their old cars for new ones that achieve significantly higher gas mileage.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the new money for the program would come from funds approved earlier in the year as part of an economic stimulus bill.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House rushed Friday to pump $2 billion into a popular cash-for-clunkers program running near empty, with a leading Democrat saying "consumers have spoken with their wallets."

A floor vote was under way at midday on the bill to refuel the car-purchase program. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer had said earlier that the additional money would come from funds Congress approved earlier in the year as part of a $787 billion economic stimulus bill.

Hoyer, D-Md., said that at the request of House Republicans — whose approval was required for swift passage — the bill would include provisions for government auditors to make sure the money was being spent as intended.

Republicans argued that Democrats were trying to jam the legislation through.

House Minority Leader John Boehner said it was unclear how many Republicans would support on the plan.

"There are a lot of questions about how the administration administered this program. If they can't handle something as simple as this, how would we handle health care?" the Ohio Republican told The Associated Press.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the cars purchased under the program were much more fuel-efficient than what the bill requires.

But some lawmakers complained that many dealers were left to contend with a chaotic government-run program.

"The federal government can't process a simple rebate. I've got dealers who have submitted the paperwork three times and have gotten three rejections," said Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich. "What is a dealer supposed to do?"

There had been a $1 billion budget for rebates for new car sales in the program that was officially launched last week and has been heavily publicized by automakers and dealers.

Called the Car Allowance Rebate System, or CARS, the program offers owners of old cars and trucks $3,500 or $4,500 toward a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle, in exchange for scrapping their old vehicle. Congress last month approved the plan to boost auto sales and remove some inefficient cars and trucks from the roads.

The Senate was not scheduled to vote on Friday but lawmakers hoped to win approval for additional funding next week.

Senate action is likely next week, making sure the program would not be affected by the sudden shortage of cash.

"Consumers have spoken with their wallets and they've said they like this program," said Rep. David Obey, D-Wis.

House members acted within hours of learning from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that the program — designed to help the economy as well as the environment — was out of funds. Under the program, car owners can receive federal subsidies of as much as $4,500 if they trade in their old car for a new one that achieves significantly higher gas mileage.

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said the administration assured lawmakers that "deals will be honored until otherwise noted by the White House." But he suggested that "people ought to get in and buy their cars."

At the White House, press secretary Robert Gibbs sought to assure consumers that the program is still running and will be alive "this weekend. If you were planning on going to buy a car this weekend, using this program, this program continues to run."

Gibbs would not commit to any timeframe beyond that.

It was unclear how many cars had been sold under the program.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said about 40,000 vehicle sales had been completed through the program but dealers estimated they were trying to complete transactions on another 200,000 vehicles, putting the amount of remaining funding in doubt.

John McEleney, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, said many dealers have been confused about whether the program will be extended and for how long. Many had stopped offering the deals Thursday after word came out that the funds available for the refunds had been exhausted.

The clunkers program was set up to boost U.S. auto sales and help struggling automakers through the worst sales slump in more than a quarter-century. Sales for the first half of the year were down 35 percent from the same period in 2008, and analysts are predicting only a modest recovery during the second half of the year.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the program, North Palm Beach, Fla., dealer Earl Stewart said he planned to continue to sell cars under the program but would delay delivering the new vehicles and scrapping the trade-ins.

"It's been a total panic with my customers and my sales staff. We are running in one direction and then we are running in another direction," he said.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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

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…

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.