Larger side mirrors reveal built-in arrow-shaped turn signals. At the rear, the SL looks sportier than ever, with a new air diffuser in the bumper that adds a motorsports touch, as well as trapezoidal exhaust tips that emphasize its width and suggest all the power that’s on tap.

Center-stage in the cockpit are a new-design three-spoke steering wheel and a restyled instrument cluster with eye-catching red tachometer and speedometer needles that swing to the max position and back to zero whenever the ignition is turned on.

AIRSCARF Around the Head and Neck

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster is now available with AIRSCARF, an innovative feature that can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Another technological first from Mercedes, AIRSCARF is an extra heating system built into the driver and passenger seats. At the touch of a button, warm air flows from vents in the head restraints, acting as an invisible scarf around the head and neck.

Testing revealed that warming just a relatively small area around the neck dramatically improves comfort in cooler weather. The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system blows warm air from the head restraints of the driver and passenger seats, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in colder weather. AIRSCARF uses a heating element made primarily of barium titanate, which heats up in a matter of seconds when an electrical current is applied.

Its electrical resistance jumps once it’s heated, reducing power use – engineers call this balance “Positive Temperature Coefficient” or PTC for short. The PTC heater is only a few inches in size, allowing it to hide inside the SL seatback. Aluminum fins on the heater help transfer the heat to the air, and a small fan pushes the heated air through the vents in the head restraint.

Optional on the SL550 and standard on the SL600 and SL65 AMG models, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system even compensates automatically for changes in air temperature and vehicle speed. AIRSCARF comes with a three-speed switch and an electronic control module that monitors data from the speedometer as well as from inside and outside temperature sensors. AIRSCARF automatically adjusts the fan speed based on this information, and at the same time, the switch can override the automatic settings.

New Audio Technology

With its 6.5-inch color display screen, the standard COMAND system with GPS navigation has been refined with a new multimedia interface and a four gigabyte hard drive as well as an integrated six-disc CD-DVD player and a Music Register for around 1,000 MP3 tracks. The interface makes it easy to connect an iPod, USB stick, memory card and other devices. Music tracks can be indicated on the COMAND display located on the center console as well as a smaller display in the center of the instrument cluster, and they can be selected easily using the buttons on the multi-function steering wheel.

Bluetooth-enabled cell phones will work hands-free – even with the phone in a pocket or purse, the audio is automatically muted when a call is made or received, and callers are heard over the audio system speakers. In addition, phone address book info can be displayed by the COMAND system.

From Coupe to Roadster in 16 Seconds

At the push of a button, the SL’s retractable hardtop can be fully opened or closed in just 16 seconds, transforming the car from a quiet, weather-tight coupe to a top-down, open-air convertible. A hydraulic pump and 11 computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders power the system, and roof operation is controlled by a switch on the center console. A clever folding design allows for a surprisingly large cargo area of 7.2 cubic feet when the top is down. With the top up, the trunk holds 10.2 cubic feet.

The World’s Safest Convertible

Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s safest convertibles, the SL provides sports car performance with all the built-in safety that’s expected from Mercedes-Benz. Since an open car can leave its occupants vulnerable in a rollover, Mercedes engineers met the challenge in the SL with the world’s first automatic roll bar. Normally part of the interior’s rear-compartment surround structure, the padded, leather-covered bar pops up, locking in place in a third of a second if sensors detect an impending rollover. The driver can also raise and lower the bar by a switch on the console.

Major Stopping Power for All SL Models

Excellent stopping power for the SL is provided by large, four-wheel disc brakes enhanced with four-channel ABS anti-lock control. The SL550 is equipped with vented 13.8-inch front and solid 12.6-inch rear discs. Matched to its power and speed capability, The SL600 comes with even larger 14.2-inch vented rotors up front and 13.0-inch vented rotors at the rear, while the SL65 AMG boasts vented discs that are another 1.2 inches in diameter.

ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility

The SL chassis uses a fully independent, double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. All SL models come with second-generation Active Body Control (ABC), the Mercedes-Benz active-suspension technology that virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking.

Mercedes-Benz engineers use ABC’s interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent (compared to the same vehicle with a conventional suspension), providing the driver with needed feedback through the vehicle chassis. A ‘Sport’ switch on the center console can make it 95 percent reduced roll, along with tighter shock damping. Active suspension solves the usual tradeoff between ride comfort and handling precision, so SL roadsters offer excellent comfort and league-leading handling.

Seven-Speed Automatic for the SL550

While the V12-powered models use a modified five-speed automatic transmission, the SL550 features a seven-speed automatic. This transmission improves acceleration and enhances fuel efficiency, while gear changes are barely noticeable, especially in the higher gears. The seven-speed shortens 0-to-60 mph time and allows significantly quicker acceleration for highway passing. Using seven gears allows individual gears to be spaced closer together while providing a larger overall spread between the lowest and highest gear.

[Source : racingOne.com]

The SLK Class is the lineup of luxury roadsters produced by Mercedes-Benz and are a novelty to the auto-industry. In 2008, the SLK Class is celebrating 10 years of production. Originally built in Germany, the name stands for the Sportlich, Leicht and Kurz that are the German words for sporty, light and short. These adjectives are dead on when in reference to this lively road machines. The available 2008 models include the SLK280 Roadster, SLK350 Roadster and SLK55 AMG.

The interiors of these classy sports cars are covered in leather upholstery, silver trim, velour carpeting and 8-way manual sport seats. This fancy sitting arrangement is consecrated with dual-zone climate control and the “REST” mode, which ventilates the cabin or uses residual heat to warm it up for as long as 30 minutes after powering the vehicle off. Another interesting technology on the 2008 models is the Airscarf neck-level heating system that blows heat from the headrests. The interior isn’t only fitted with luxuries either and holds a host of useful technologies for both the passenger and driver. The instrumentation is a convenient cluster of all vehicle options available, and with a small set of buttons, one can control the retractable power top roof, the ventilation system, the DVD-based Navigation system, audio settings and more.

The safety features are also impressive on these little convenience collections. The Integrated Restraint System includes frontal airbags, frontal knee bags and side-impact head/thorax airbags. Other standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction control, an electronic stability system and other options as well. Of course, Mercedes-Benz installed the 2008 SLK Class with the best engines they could. The SLK280 receives a 3.0-liter twin-cam V6 engine, the SLK350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 and the SLK55 AMG receives a momentous 5.5-liter V8. All models give a seven-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift operation and the first two models have an optional six-speed manual transmission. The 2008 engines pack some punch with the AMG model reaching up to 355 horsepower.

Not only does the SLK class have a lively acceleration rate, but also their superior mechanics and systems allow it to have the best steering and handling yet. It is evident that the 2008 SLK class is sporty, light and short.

Mercedes-Benz provides a sportscar for its loyal fanbase in the form of the SL Class. These roadsters can pack a punch in the power department, alleviate the occupants and endow the driver with enough technology to cover any situation. With awards from AutoCar Magazine such as “Most Technologically Advanced Car of the Year” and “Best Designed Car of the Year,” it’s easy to see why SL Class is so popular.

The two-occupant interior is decked in leather upholstery and attractive wood trims; the prestigious AMG models include carbon-fiber trim. The control panel, situated in between the driver and passenger, is a suitable medley of vehicle features. From the COMAND Cockpit Management and Data System you can control the DVD-based navigation system, the Bose® Cabin Surround™ digital surround-sound system, the SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Hands-Free Communication System activation and more. There are also gauges that monitor vehicle performance, exterior conditions, interior temperature and warnings will alert you when the vehicle is need of maintenance.

Here is something SL Class fans will be very excited about—the 2008 engines are more powerful than ever. The base SL550 is powered by a 32-valve V8 and the SL600 an intercooled biturbo SOHC 36-valve V12. The AMG models hit the gold as well; the SL55 AMG a supercharged SOHC 24-valve V8 and last, but not least, the SL65 AMG with a whooping biturbo SOHC 36-valve V12; the latter can reach 604-horsepower, 738 lb-ft of torque and can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The SL550 uses a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the other models utilize a driver-adaptive electronic five-speed automatic transmission. None of the power falls short in safety either. The two inhabitants of the cockpit are guarded with dual-stage frontal airbags, door-mounted side-impact airbags, front-knee airbags, a popup roll bar and more. Also standard is the antilock brakes and an electronic stability system.

All of this merges into a missile that flawlessly rockets through the roadways. Everything about the 2008 SL Class performance is top notch and you are guaranteed to enjoy any time spent in this luxury sportscar.

The full-size luxury S-Class is one of Mercedes-Benz most renowned accomplishments. Emerging in the 1950s, the S-Class sedans continue to provide consumers with the best performance, safety, luxury and design. The S550, S600, S65 AMG and the new 2008 S63 AMG model all bring you the one great driving experience.

Let’s start with the inspiring interior. Chrome and wood accents compliment the spacious seating arrangement, as does dual-zone climate control and 4-zone climate control for the higher-up models. The S-Class models utilize the COMMAND Cockpit Management and Data system features navigation technology, stereo/radio and an 8-inch LCD screen that sits at the top of the center console. The attached memory card slot lets you transfer files from your PC to a memory card and play them using the COMMAND system. Each model also features a premium harman/kardon® LOGIC7® digital surround system; while the driver effortlessly maneuvers through the various vehicle diagnostics and driving features, the passengers can be entertained with some high quality entertainment.

The cars run with some of the most powerful engine technology seen to date. The S550 uses a DOHC 32-valve V8 engine and the S600 gets a SOHC bi-turbo 36-valve V12 engine—this monster can generate 510 horsepower. The AMG models have some impressive power factories as well: the S63 AMG model gets a DOCH 32-valve V8 engine and the S65 AMG model receives an astonishing SOHC 36.valve, bi-turbo V12 engine that can crank out 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque! The V8 engine works in conjunction with a seven-speed automatic transmission while the heavy-duty V12 engines team with a five-speed automatic.

This distribution of power doesn’t forget to come with a hefty host of safety features. The various vehicle airbags are set to deploy based on impact threshold levels, point of impact and more because of the various technologies built into the 2008 S-Class. Combined with the PRE-SAFE® system—that prepares seatbelts, seat positions and closes windows in a sensed accident—this is one safe vehicle class. Also including on the safety list is infrared night vision, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, Brake Assist Plus and a whole lot more!

With all of this, you’d only expect extraordinary performance on the road. The S65 AMG is said to accelerate from zero to 60 in 4.2 seconds! Besides the acceleration, the 2008 S-Class has great handling, tight steering, immense comfort and technologies that take some share of the driving responsibility for you! The S-Class returns in 2008 better than ever.

The baby of the Mercedes-Benz line-up is the Multi-Purpose/Sports-Utility Crossover that breaks all of the rules. The R-Class first reached the public in 2006 and ever since its innovation and usefulness has enticed the Mercedes-Benz fan base. The 2008-year revamps are an exhilarating continuation in the right direction.

The cockpit can hold up to seven occupants with three rows of seating. The confines of the inside are festooned with wood trims and quality upholstery material. Whoever is seated inside gets treated to a variety of benefits including cup/bottle holders, dual-zone climate control, air filters, an 8-speaker audio system and optional flat screens that can provide visual entertainment to the passengers. The driver gets some fancy toys as well. The COMAND Cockpit Management and Data system provides the driver with access to control for all of the vehicle settings including the Navigation System, Hands-Free Communication, audio setting and much more. The Audio system is compatible with MP3 players, so get ready to enjoy your own playlist on wherever your travels take you!

The front passengers are defended with the dual-stage front airbags, side-curtain airbags and door-mounted side-impact airbags; the side-curtain airbags protect all three rows of seats. In the event of a side collision, multi-chamber airbags will deploy along the affected side and in case of a rollover, the sensors will deploy further airbag protection depending on the severity of the collision; the rollover sensor also activates seat belt pretensioners to protect the vehicle inhabitants.

What drives all of this you may ask? The base R350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 that can generate up to 268 horsepower; the R320’s turbocharged V6 gets a still impressive 215 horsepower. Both of these engines team with a seven-speed automatic and the models are offered in both rear and all-wheel drive. Further drive-enhancing technologies include an electronic stability system, antilock brakes and more!

Expect a smooth, silent and satisfying ride with the 2008 R-Class. The engine remains silent while it gracefully propels you along the open road and the handling is a lot more than satisfactory. While the car gives excellent performance, the passengers on the inside are kept intact with all of the safety functions, unbelievably comfortable seating and enough entertainment to shorten any journey. All of the driver-interface is easily used and can make the driving experience that much more enjoyable. The 2008 R-Class will not disappoint, that’s for sure.

Imagine a mid sized luxury SUV that has the capability to do some moderate off-roading and an exterior chassis that would make anyone envious. What you are picturing is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUVs. In 2008, the M-Class gets a powered up engine and a whole assortment of new standard supplies.

The refined interior of the ML320, ML350 and ML550 are covered in first-rate Mercedes-Benz Tex upholstery; the ML63 AMG gets premium AMG leather upholstery. The other inner surfaces are extenuated with beautiful wooden trims on the console and doors, with aluminum trim on the console assist handles. Five people may fit inside of this fancy set-up and the 60/40-split rear seatback can fold flat to provide as much as 64.6 cubic feet of cargo room. The M-Class gets dual zone climate control, electronic cruise control, a DVD-Based Navigation system, an 8-speaker audio system and other life-simplifying knick-knacks. The AMG model gets 3-zone climate control and a harman/kardon® LOGIC7® digital surround-sound system.