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Mercedes Cabrio FINALLY Coming in 2014

admin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:13:49 +0000

We’ve talked about a possible Mercedes Benz Cabrio before, now it seems like the car is finally happening. According to recent reports leaked from the German auto maker, MB will introduce what they’re calling ‘A-Class Cabrio’ for 2014. The convertible will ride on Mercedes’ new MFA platform, which underpins the small 2012 B-Class. The vehicle will likely come with a soft top.

Engine options should include a 1.6-liter engine with outputs ranging from 121 to 154 horsepower. European fans will also get a diesel variant in the form of a 1.8-liter, which produces between 107 and 134 hp.

Source: WCF

Mercedes SLR 722 Black Arrow

admin — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:13:17 +0000

The McLaren variants of Mercedes-Benz sports coupes are already some of the fastest vehicles on the road. But when you pump the engine up to 722 PS (translates to about 712 horsepower when measured in The States) you’ll knock the traffic on either side to the edge of a road.

Fitted with 21 inch alloy wheels and a matte-black paint scheme, the super car features a supercharged 5.5-liter V8, revised air intake, and stainless steel sports exhaust system.

The engine produces 722 PS or 712 HP and 656 lb-ft of torque. That enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds, 0-186 mph in 24.5 seconds, and a limited top speed 214 mph, which means it could probably travel faster.

Via: WCF

Mercedes Art Celebrates 125 Years of Autos

admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:16:02 +0000

This isn’t the type of “art cars” you will see at Burning Man. 125 years after founder Carl Benz filed the first patent for an automobile, Mercedes has unveiled the “Aesthetics 125″ sculpture in Stuttgart, Germany.

Meant as a preview for Mercedes Auto’s new design language, the sculpture is a futuristic open-air automobile that is also submersible. Obviously, a car like that isn’t coming to dealership lots anytime soon, but you can expect several key design trends from the work of art to make it into coming models.

According to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, “The invention of Daimler and Benz has changed the world for the better – and it will continue to do so. History shows that when a society becomes physically mobile it also becomes socially mobile and economically successful.” He continued, “As the inventor of the automobile, Daimler strives to be at the forefront of shaping future mobility.”

Source: WCF

Mercedes Smashes Through Wall 7-Stories Up

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:05:01 +0000

First off, I’d like to say that I am not 100% sure of the Daily Mail’s (a UK newspaper) credentials. They are known for some wildly exaggerated stories. With that, we put our faith in these UK journalists in telling us the story of one Mercedes that almost went completely through the wall of a seven story tall building. For the record, “car park” is British for parking garage…

A motorist had a narrow escape after he reversed his car through a brick wall on the seventh floor of a multi-story car park. The 67-year-old driver got his foot stuck between the brake pedal and the accelerator as he tried to reverse into a spot in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

His white Mercedes C-class immediately shot backwards, picking up enough speed to smash through the external wall of the Bank of America multi-story.

Luckily for the un-named driver, the car stopped with its boot poking out into fresh air.

The vehicles parked directly beneath were not so lucky as bricks rained down, bashing roofs and smashing windscreens.

Stunned passers-by stopped to take pictures on their mobile phones as office workers happily downed tools to take in the sight.

Tulsa Police Department Corporal David Crow told radio station KRMG: ‘At about 1.50pm this afternoon we had a report of a car hitting the side of a building.

‘We didn’t know what that meant but when we got here we saw this Mercedes backed halfway out of a parking spot on the seventh floor of this parking garage.

‘The driver got his foot stuck under the accelerator and couldn’t get it unstuck.

‘He was coming across the back of the parking garage and he created a little bit of momentum because he went quite a distance and hit this wall and almost came all the way out.’

Bricks flew up to 80 feet on to a car park below, Cpl Crow added.

Watch a Mercedes E 63 Drift Into Glory

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:02:20 +0000

0 – 60 in 4 seconds, 518 horse power and one of the sexiest chassis to come out of Germany in decades. The all new 2010 Mercedes E 63 AMG is ready to drift. We aren’t overly-impressed when it comes to most drifting videos – in fact let’s be honest, it’s a bit childish. But when the E-Class goes for a spin on the wet tracks in Europe, magic happens. Have a look at the video below and tell us what you think.

Mercedes ‘mbraces’ Telematics

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:21:23 +0000

Via Wired – Mercedes-Benz is launching a voice-controlled telematics system that all but puts a personal assistant in the car to find most any location, answer most any question and cater to most any whim.

The German automaker says “mbrace” provides “an unprecedented level of connectivity” and a suite of 18 services that do everything from locate your car in a crowded parking lot to order flowers for your spouse. A real, live human will provide directions if you’re lost and even call a cab if you’re tipsy. The system rolls out Monday as standard equipment in most models in the Mercedes showroom.

“This is Mercedes-Benz’s foray into the digital, connected universe that will soon enclose the car,” Sascha Simon, director of advanced product planning, told Wired.com. “We’re now used to a world where connectivity is everything and you expect to be connected to everything all the time.”

Mbrace joins systems like Ford’s wildly successful Sync and OnStar, which General Motors has offered since 1996 and recently introduced in China. Although the company has offered a system called Mercedes TeleAid since 2000, it says mbrace is a big step forward because it can be constantly updated, it can download information from your computer and drivers can use many of the functions on a smartphone.

“The problem that has beleaguered this technology in the past is the life cycle of the car far outlives the life cycle of consumer electronics,” Simon said. “To overcome that, we realized we needed to change the paradigm. We want to put technology in our cars that can be updated all the time. It allows us to add new applications, new uses and new value to our customers’ cars on a regular basis.”

The system relies on SMS or 3G cellular signals. It uses technology developed by Hughes Telematics, and Hughes president Erik Goldman said its adoption means “we will see more vehicles and drivers connected in a more personalized and safe way than ever before.” The system’s flexibility “allows for tremendous growth opportunities.”

Mbrace offers a slew of services, including:

* Automatic collision notification: Press the SOS button and you’re connected to a Mercedes operator who will notify 911 and stay on the line until help arrives using the car’s GPS coordinates to find you.
* Automatic alarm notification: Mercedes will alert you by e-mail, text message or phone call, if your alarm goes off. If your ride’s been stolen, the system will help police track it down.
* Comprehensive navigation assistance: You can use Google Maps and your computer to send addresses, points of interest or driving directions from your computer directly to the car’s navi system. The mbrace database also includes more than 15 million points of interest. If all else fails and you get completely lost, the route assistance feature will connect you with an operator to get you going.
* Vehicle finder: Lost your car in the CostCo parking lot? An app on your smartphone will show you where it’s parked. You also can lock and unlock your doors remotely from just about anywhere using your phone.
* Vehicle information: Got a question or a problem with your car? Press the “i” button on the overhead console and you’re connected to a Mercedes-Benz operator. The dealer connect feature will hook you up with your nearest Mercedes dealer.
* Real-time weather and traffic reports: Another feature, crisis assist, provides real-time guidance in the event of a disaster. An operator will help with everything from locating the nearest emergency shelter to alerting family members.
* Concierge service: Pay extra (more on that in a moment) and you get 24/7 access to a customer-service rep who will help you make dinner reservations, order flowers, buy tickets to the opera, book a flight, whatever.

Simon said Mercedes will offer mobile apps allowing people to access many of those services with phones, so they don’t have to be in the car to use them.

The interface is straightforward, with just three buttons — an SOS emergency button, an “i” information button and a button marked with a wrench for service-related questions. They’re mounted on an overhead console above the mirror. Everything is done with those buttons and voice commands. For example, Simon said, if you’re headed from San Francisco to Los Angeles and want to know what the weather’s like, push the “i” button and say “weather.” The system will ask for a location. You can name the city or say “my location” and get your answer. If the system can’t figure out what you’re trying to say, you are “seamlessly” connected to an operator who will take over, Simon said.

Mbrace goes live Monday and will be offered as standard equipment in all models except the GLK, the E-Coupe, the SLK and C-Class cars: It’s an option on those models. Customers get the first six months free, then pony up $280 a year to keep it going. If you want the concierge service, it’s another $20 a month.

Simon say more services will be added and Mercedes is considering an “app store” where customers can pick and choose services.

“This is the first phase,” he said. “Going forward, we will have more applications and in two years’ time a new hardware platform. We’re charging ahead fairly quickly into the realm of connecting the driver with his digital environment.”

OFFICIAL 2010 Mercedes SLS AMG Photos!

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:56:11 +0000

Just prior to its Frankfurt Motor Show preview Mercedes has released officially official pictures of The SLS AMG – with its gullwing-ensconced 6.3-liter V8. The 2010 SLS gets a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to help channel the big engine’s 563 HP and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. We’ve been told by Mercedes to expect the SLS to go from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds and a top speed is 197 MPH.
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AMG Driving Academy Coming to the U.S.A.

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:49:18 +0000

Finally, the famous AMG Academy, which teaches people to drive like animals in a Mercedes, is coming to the United States! For those who are unfamiliar, the prestigious AMG Driving Academy is a world-renowned international performance driving experience founded in Germany. For the first time these courses, which put a regular Joe behind the wheel of Mercedes AMG models on the track (with professional drivers) is hitting Connecticut, Florida and Cali.

In total, three days through September & November are open for all interested, and some where in the vicinity of Lime Rock Park, CT – Palm Beach, Fla and Laguna Seca Raceway, CA. Vehicles available during “classes” include the all-new 2011 SLS AMG (well ahead of its official launch) along with the technologically advanced 2011 SLS AMG.

You can check out up-to-the-minute details on AMG Driving’s Face Book Page. Sign up if you can afford it, because a chance like this really only comes along once in a lifetime (especially stateside).

Mercedes Folding Bike – For The Flashy Bicyclist

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:10:35 +0000

The only other thing I love more then cars, and a strong willed woman in business attire hiding tattoos, are bikes – both motorized and peddled. So, if you are a fancy man who needs a bike on the go that fits into your Coach briefcase then why not pick up this brand new Mercedes Folding Bike.

This $1750 ride is undoubtedly the most inexpensive Mercedes you’ll find right now. It offers “easy parkability, a clutchless transmission, and cold Teutonic style.” But it takes up less space than a Mini Cooper.

Mercedes F-CELL Roadster on the Road

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:08:04 +0000

When you think ‘Mercedes’ alternative fuel usually isn’t the first phrase to pop into your head. The auto maker is out to change that with their F-Cell Roadster concept. The Benz Family has taken their fuel-cell powered concept car out for a long distance stroll in order to pump up notice of their eco-friendly roadster.

The vehicle was taken on a similar run as one of the original Mercedes Carriage type roadsters back in the late 1800′s. This hydrogen/electric vehicle receives an output of 1.2 kW, the F-CELL Roadster is capable of a top speed of 25 km/h with an operating range of up to 350 km. Check out full details in the Mercedes Press Release below.

Following the trail of Bertha Benz: F-CELL Roadster on the historic route of Bertha Benz

* Retracing the first long-distance journey in automobile history
* Chemist´s shop in Wiesloch as aiming point

The F-CELL Roadster built by apprentices at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen covered a section of the historic route taken by Bertha Benz on the past weekend. Starting in Mannheim, the fuel cell powered car was driven via Ladenburg and Heidelberg. The symbolic passing of the finish line was at the chemist’s shop in Wiesloch, where Bertha Benz stopped to refuel during the first long-distance journey in automobile history in 1888.

“This trip by the F-CELL Roadster is symbolic of the current change taking place in automobile engineering”, says Dr. Thomas Weber, the member of the Daimler AG Executive Board responsible for corporate research and development at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “At that time Bertha Benz was not yet able to purchase the petrol she needed at a filling station, and for emission-free mobility we are also dependent on the widespread distribution of fuels for the future – electric power and hydrogen. But just as Bertha Benz refused to be discouraged by inconveniences in her day, we are just as determined to help ensure that these technologies achieve their breakthrough.”

Before the end of this year, the company will commence small-series production of the B-Class with a fuel cell drive system. At the end of 2009 the first examples of the smart fortwo electric drive model will also leave the production line to enter service in the “e-mobility Berlin” project early next year.

The F-CELL Roadster

For around one year, more than 150 apprentices and sandwich course students worked on the design, development, assembly and completion of the F- CELL Roadster. The work also involved promising young personnel from the fields of vehicle mechatronics, model-building, electronics, coating technology and production mechanics, as well as product design and interior equipment. The main aim of the project was to integrate the topic of alternative drive systems into the training content in a practical manner.

In a unique way, the vehicle links the very latest technologies with the history of automobile engineering. As a feature reminiscent of the Benz Patent Motor Wagon of 1886, the car is equipped with large, spoked wheels. The F-CELL Roadster also has styling features from a wide range of automotive eras. These include carbon-fibre seat bases with hand-stitched leather upholstery and a striking glass-fibre front end that takes its lead from Formula 1 racing cars.

The car is steered using drive-by-wire technology, a conventional steering wheel giving way to a joystick. It is powered by an emission-free fuel cell system installed in the rear. With an output of 1.2 kW, the F-CELL Roadster is capable of a top speed of 25 km/h with an operating range of up to 350 km.

First long-distance journey in automobile history

In August 1888, Bertha Benz and her two sons made a journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim in the Patent Motor Wagon designed by her husband Carl Benz, returning to Mannheim a few days later. This first long-distance journey in the history of the automobile is acknowledged as a pioneering event. The journey was practically problem-free, with just a few small technical hitches that could all be remedied. The supply of “Ligroin”, as petrol was called at the time, gave cause for concern, however, as the 4.5-litre supply in the carburettor – there was no petrol tank as yet – was rapidly dwindling. Ligroin could be purchased from pharmacies in those days, and the town pharmacy in Wiesloch was able to help out. The shop still exists today, and is proud to inform visitors that it was the world’s first filling station.