Autoblog Mercedes-Benz http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Mercedes-Benz http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/60-years-of-the-mercedes-benz-sl/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/60-years-of-the-mercedes-benz-sl/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/60-years-of-the-mercedes-benz-sl/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Only a tiny number of cars have been unquestioned status symbols for six straight decades. The Mercedes-Benz SL is one of them, and - just like another one, coincidentally - it's new for this year. Although "Magic Sky Control" doesn't have the same classic ring as "pagoda roof," the R231 2013 SL aims to keep the streak going.

For folks who might not know where the streak began, there's a short refresher video after the jump that will speed you from the 1952 300 SL up to the present day. Enjoy.

Continue reading 60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL

60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mercedes-benz sl2013 slmercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz slslsl-classsl-klassevideoyoutube Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/12/60-years-of-the-mercedes-benz-sl/20169615/article-detail.xml 20169615 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedesslevolution_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedesslevolution.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz improves on the seat belt, again]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/mercedes-benz-improves-on-the-seat-belt-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/mercedes-benz-improves-on-the-seat-belt-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/mercedes-benz-improves-on-the-seat-belt-again/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz seat belt

Mercedes-Benz seat belts already have a feature that adjusts the tension of the belt after it's buckled, using motors in the B- and C-pillars. The boffins in Stuttgart have improved on that by turning to their attentions to the buckle, giving it two new functions. When you enter the vehicle, the buckle extends by 70 mmm (2.75 inches) and it illuminates to help you locate it and insert the tongue. Once the seat belt has been fastened, it retracts again to provide the proper tension around the thorax and lower pelvis.

Mercedes says the innovation will appear in its cars soon, and if we placing bets, we'd say the 2013 S-Class is a perfect candidate. There are more photos in the gallery and a press release with more info on the tech after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz improves on the seat belt, again

Mercedes-Benz improves on the seat belt, again originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> mercedes seat beltmercedes seatbeltseat beltseatbelt Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/11/mercedes-benz-improves-on-the-seat-belt-again/20166691/article-detail.xml 20166691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mbseatbeltextend_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mbseatbeltextend.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz taps F1 engine division for AMG version of next A-Class]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/mercedes-benz-taps-f1-engine-division-for-a25-amg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/mercedes-benz-taps-f1-engine-division-for-a25-amg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/mercedes-benz-taps-f1-engine-division-for-a25-amg/#comments Filed under: , , ,

AMG engines

While the current A-Class has stood as something of an odd man out from the rest of the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the new A-Class promises to be a proper Mercedes. And fortunately, with that territory, all signs point to the German automaker planning on including an AMG version.

The trouble is that while AMG has a wealth of experience boring out big engines, the small sort of mills capable of fitting under the hood of something as compact as the A-Class is outside its realm of expertise. Fortunately, Mercedes has another division that thrives on getting the most out of compact powerplants.

That division is Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines, the Northamptonshire, England-based firm formerly known as Ilmor that constructs the F1 engines for McLaren, Force India and Mercedes' own F1 team. It happened to have been run by Ola Kallenius until he switched over to AMG. Although HPE has until now been operated largely as a stand-alone business, Mercedes has been integrating it into its broader operations, and this - according to reports - could be the first road-car project on which it's called to work.

Until recently, F1 was expecting to switch to small, turbocharged four-cylinder engines, leading HPE to work on such a unit. Since that was scrapped in favor of a V6, the development work is reportedly being applied instead to a new high-output engine for the AMG A-Class.

Tipped to be called the A25 AMG, the veritable hot hatch is targeting the 335-horsepower Audi RS3, only is expected to carry even more power. The engine is also expected to find its way into the new CLC25 AMG, which bodes well for the B-Class-based four-door coupe and shooting brake.

Mercedes-Benz taps F1 engine division for AMG version of next A-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165696/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/mercedes-benz-taps-f1-engine-division-for-a25-amg/20165696/article-detail.xml 20165696 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/amg-engines_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/amg-engines.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes says no to hi-po diesels, may greenlight 911-fighter]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/mercedes-says-no-to-hi-po-diesels-may-greenlight-911-fighter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/mercedes-says-no-to-hi-po-diesels-may-greenlight-911-fighter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/mercedes-says-no-to-hi-po-diesels-may-greenlight-911-fighter/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz emblem

Mercedes-Benz has no interest in pursuing BMW down the diesel performance rabbit hole, according to Autocar. The publication spoke with Ola Kallenius, chairman of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz AMG, who said the company explored the idea of performance diesels in the past and found the concept too fraught with compromises to be worthwhile. Kallenius said gasoline engines have obvious advantages when it comes to weight, sound, agility and response. The AMG guru also pointed to the fact that the company's modern performance engines have borrowed considerable diesel technology, including direct injection and turbocharging, to reach their current power and efficiency levels.

In a separate report, Kallenius was quoted as saying it would be wise to grow the AMG brand after the success of the SLS AMG coupe and roadster. Rumors have indicated a machine capable of giving the Porsche 911 a run for its money around the world's race tracks may be in the cards, but Kallenius said no final decision has been made about growing the performance arm's ranks just yet. Still, the boss didn't outright nix the idea, so there's some glimmer of possibility there, however thin.

Mercedes says no to hi-po diesels, may greenlight 911-fighter originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dieseldiesel performancemercedes-benzola kaelleniusporsche 911 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166185/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/mercedes-says-no-to-hi-po-diesels-may-greenlight-911-fighter/20166185/article-detail.xml 20166185 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedes-benz-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedes-benz-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Production Mercedes-Benz A-Class spotted undisguised]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/production-mercedes-benz-a-class-spotted-undisguised/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/production-mercedes-benz-a-class-spotted-undisguised/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/production-mercedes-benz-a-class-spotted-undisguised/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

A-Class

We've gotten various peeks at the Mercedes-Benz A-Class for a few months now, from the patent drawings to spy shots to QR-coded teasers. Then, of all things in all places, a cyclist with a handlebar-mounted camera gets a full-on shot of the real deal while riding in Lanzarote, Spain for what we assume is a photo or video shoot.

If you liked the look of the patent drawings, then you'll be happy with the glimpse here. It even looks close enough to the Concept A for us to give Mercedes props for truth-in-concept-car designing. There's debate as to whether this is the AMG A-Class, but regardless, the final version will be shown at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Until then, watch the video after the jump.

Continue reading Production Mercedes-Benz A-Class spotted undisguised

Production Mercedes-Benz A-Class spotted undisguised originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> a-classconcept aconcept a-classgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showmercedes a-classmercedes-benz a-classyoutube Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20164407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/04/production-mercedes-benz-a-class-spotted-undisguised/20164407/article-detail.xml 20164407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/a-classspylanzarote_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/a-classspylanzarote.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake snapped winter testing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-snapped-winter-testing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-snapped-winter-testing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-snapped-winter-testing/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake spy shot

Mercedes-Benz hasn't exactly been secretive about its desire to offer a five-door hatchback version of its ultra-stylish CLS sedan. After all, the first concept for the latest CLS, which was introduced as a 2012 model, introduced us to the CLS Shooting Break Concept at the Beijing Motor Show in 2010. And yes, MB itself called the car a Shooting Break, not Brake.

Based on that concept, we have a pretty solid idea of how the CLS Shooting Brake will look. Judging by these spy shots that were snapped in Northern Sweden, there won't really be any surprises. And that's totally fine by us.

We'd expect Mercedes-Benz to deliver its super hatch in both CLS550 (with 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8) and CLS63 AMG (with 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8) flavors, which means the biggest question left to answer will be whether the company decides to call it the Shooting Brake or the Shooting Break. We, like pretty much everyone else in the world, vote for Brake.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake snapped winter testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> clscls shooting brakecls shooting breakcls-classmercedes-benzshooting brakeshooting breakspy photosspy shots Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20164283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-snapped-winter-testing/20164283/article-detail.xml 20164283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-break-spy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-break-spy.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz gets sketchy with Citan urban delivery van]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-gets-sketchy-with-citan-urban-delivery-van/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-gets-sketchy-with-citan-urban-delivery-van/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-gets-sketchy-with-citan-urban-delivery-van/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz Citan

Though the Ford Transit Connect may be a niche player in the North American market, the small van market is big business in Europe. According to Mercedes-Benz, it accounts for some 700,000 units annually, and that's a pie of which Daimler wouldn't mind getting a bigger slice. And so it has announced its new Citan.

Taking its name from a combination of City and Titan, the Citan will slot in below the Vario, Sprinter and Vito in order to meet the needs of workers who need to get around crowded city streets and take their gear with them. Mercedes plans to offer it in a broad range of configurations, lengths and engine options once it hits the market in the fall.

The concept was unveiled at a logistics symposium held at the Mercedes-Benz Design Center in Sindelfingen, and will be presented for the first time in public next September at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show. In the meantime, you can check out the details in the press release after the jump and the renderings in our high-res image gallery below.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz gets sketchy with Citan urban delivery van

Mercedes-Benz gets sketchy with Citan urban delivery van originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citanCommercial truckdaimlermercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz citanmercedes-benz commercialvan Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163946/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-gets-sketchy-with-citan-urban-delivery-van/20163946/article-detail.xml 20163946 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/citan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/citan.jpg <![CDATA[First Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG in America to be auctioned off at Boca concours]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/first-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-in-america-to-be-auctioned-off-at-b/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/first-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-in-america-to-be-auctioned-off-at-b/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/first-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-in-america-to-be-auctioned-off-at-b/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL

Of all the car shows around the calendar year, the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance doesn't typically fall on our radar screen. But maybe it should, because the annual event in Florida - young as it is - has a history of offering firsts. Maybe not the first time a vehicle is seen in North America, mind you, but a first just the same.

Last year the event included the sale of the first examples of the Ferrari FF, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster and Audi R8 GT to be delivered in America. The year before that, it was the Audi R8 5.2 FSI (yeah, that's the one with the V10) and Ferrari California. And before that, the event's auctioneers sold off the first Audi R8 Spyder, Ferrari 458 Italia and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Noticing a pattern here? Organizers have no intention of dropping the ball this year, when they'll be auctioning off the first U.S. deliveries of the new Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. Now if you're thinking that we haven't even seen the new SL63 AMG yet, you're absolutely right. The new SL itself has been shown, but not the AMG version, which is expected to pack Affalterbach's 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with 571 horsepower on tap. Once the car has been unveiled and deliveries commence, the winner of the auction is guaranteed to be the first to get one in the United States.

As if that's not enough, there will also be an Audi R8 GT Spyder - one of only 50 slated for production and the only one in red to be made available in the U.S. - as well as a Lamborghini Aventador and a whole mess of special-edition Shelby muscle cars, with proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Follow the link for more info, or head down on February 25th to see the bidding frenzy at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

First Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG in America to be auctioned off at Boca concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mercedes-benz sl63 amgauctionaudiboca ratonboca raton concours delegancecharitymercedes-benzr8 gtr8 gt spydershelbysl63 amg Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161452/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/first-mercedes-benz-sl63-amg-in-america-to-be-auctioned-off-at-b/20161452/article-detail.xml 20161452 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/02-2013-mercedes-benz-sl_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/02-2013-mercedes-benz-sl.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/2012-mercedes-benz-slk350-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/2012-mercedes-benz-slk350-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/2012-mercedes-benz-slk350-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Sport, Compact, Light? Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

Sportlich, Leicht, Kompakt. If your German is as spotty as ours, that stands for " Sporty, Light, Compact," and it's telling that those are the three letters used by Mercedes-Benz as an adopted moniker for the small hardtop/convertible coupe that it released all the way back in 1996. Thing is, it never really stood out as any of those things: Sporty, but certainly not powerful. Light, but, at a hair over 3,000 pounds, far from featherweight. Compact? Sure, a 94-inch wheelbase sounds about right, but the car has gotten bigger with every successive generation and has never seemed small behind the wheel the same way as, say, a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

If the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 isn't a quick and nimble little sports car, what is it? It's been a sales success for the most part, peaking in 2005 with 11,278 units sold in the United States, though those numbers have fallen in recent years. And it's also been labeled time and time again as a so-called "chick car." Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course, but those two words are a veritable death knell to the heads and hearts of driving enthusiasts the world over (though curiously the Miata has largely earned an exemption).

With keys to the latest 2012 SLK350 in hand, we pondered this latest compact roadster from Mercedes-Benz with a critical eye. Has the SLK grown into a proper sporting mount, or does it still wear the dreaded chick-car stereotype? As it turns out, the answer is a little bit of both.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 [w/video]

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 mercedes-benz slk350featuredmercedes-benzreviewreviewsroad testslkslk-classslk-klasseslk350 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162399/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/2012-mercedes-benz-slk350-review/20162399/article-detail.xml 20162399 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-mercedes-benz-slk350-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-mercedes-benz-slk350-review.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz Actros semi fitted for taxi duty, picks up humorous fares]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/mercedes-benz-actros-semi-fitted-for-taxi-duty-picks-up-humorou/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/mercedes-benz-actros-semi-fitted-for-taxi-duty-picks-up-humorou/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/mercedes-benz-actros-semi-fitted-for-taxi-duty-picks-up-humorou/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The new-generation 2012 Actros big rig has already won Truck of the Year - for the fourth time - and Mercedes-Benz figured it would have some fun letting other truck people know about its semi. It kitted an Actros out in the eggshell hue and black-and-yellow sign that's standard-issue German taxi livery, then sent it out to pick up passengers.

The hook? Some of these passengers were waiting outside competing truck companies like MAN and Volvo, and were a little surprised at the arrival of their seven-ton chariot. Follow the jump to see it in action.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Actros semi fitted for taxi duty, picks up humorous fares

Mercedes-Benz Actros semi fitted for taxi duty, picks up humorous fares originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 18-wheeler2012 actros2012 mercedes-benz actrosactrosbig rigcommercial truckmercedes-benz actrosmercedes-benz truckssemi truckvideo Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161932/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/mercedes-benz-actros-semi-fitted-for-taxi-duty-picks-up-humorou/20161932/article-detail.xml 20161932 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedesarctrostaxi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedesarctrostaxi.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren denies plans to switch engine suppliers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mclaren-denies-plans-to-switch-engine-suppliers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mclaren-denies-plans-to-switch-engine-suppliers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mclaren-denies-plans-to-switch-engine-suppliers/#comments Filed under: ,

McLaren headquarters in Woking

For 15 years, McLaren was the F1 team of choice for Mercedes-Benz, enjoying a near-works level of support and collaboration from the German automaker. But as you may recall, Daimler bought its own team three seasons ago: the outfit that started out as British American Racing, then became Honda before branching out as Brawn GP, was rebranded Mercedes GP under its latest management and now rechristened Mercedes AMG Petronas. And ever since, McLaren has had to deflect speculation that it was looking for a new engine supplier.

Back in November, those rumors, somewhat ironically, centered around Honda, the company that once owned the team now owned by Mercedes-Benz and which was once McLaren's most victorious engine supplier. The Woking-based outfit scuttled those rumors at the time, and has now had to deny another set, this time involving PURE.

The new engine supplier established by former Jacques Villeneuve manager and BAR-Honda team principal Craig Pollock (with considerable technical know-how from former Peugeot, Renault and Ferrari engineers) is hard at work designing a new engine to be used from 2014 when the new turbocharged V6 engine regulations come into effect. There's no telling which teams PURE will power at that point, but one thing McLaren is adamant about is that it won't be theirs.

Instead, the brass at Woking is insistent that it is perfectly happy in its relationship with Mercedes-Benz, whose racing engine operations are linked to its eponymous racing team by little more than name and common ownership. McLaren, then, is expected to stick with Silver Star power at least through the end of 2015, if not longer.

McLaren denies plans to switch engine suppliers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1formula onehondailmormclarenmclaren mercedesmercedesmercedes-benzpurevodafone mclaren mercedes Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/mclaren-denies-plans-to-switch-engine-suppliers/20160273/article-detail.xml 20160273 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mpc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mpc.jpg <![CDATA[Expect Daimler's new plant to be right next to Nissan's in Mexico]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/expect-daimlers-new-plant-to-be-right-next-to-nissans-in-mexic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/expect-daimlers-new-plant-to-be-right-next-to-nissans-in-mexic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/expect-daimlers-new-plant-to-be-right-next-to-nissans-in-mexic/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz A -Class prototype spy shot

It was only a few weeks ago that Mercedes-Benz CEO Dieter Zetsche laid out his global sales vision for the brand, aiming to be the world's Number One luxury automaker by 2020 with 2.7 million annual sales. One component of that plan is building another plant in North America, and a report by the TheDetroitBureau.com indicates that the plant will be built in Aguascalientes, Mexico - right next to a Nissan assembly plant that's already there.

Nissan recently announced a two billion dollar expansion of its Aguascalientes facility to produce up to 175,000 units annually. According to the Bureau report, "the sprawling Aguascalientes complex has been laid out with the idea that the German maker will eventually participate." Daimler hasn't commented officially, but if it does happen, then that would give Daimler and Renault-Nissan two tie-up locations, the other being in Tennessee where Nissan will be making engines for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (a prototype for which is shown above).

One of the factors at the heart of the Mexico decision would be Mercedes' MFA platform, which supports the A- and B-Class vehicles soon headed here: that platform is also expected to underpin the production Infiniti Etherea. And if Renault-Nissan CEO can be believed, then a great deal more sharing between the two firms is an eventuality, and further up the food chain at that. Ghosn is reported to have said last year, "You'd be very surprised if in five or six years that Mercedes and Renault-Nissan had only cooperated on small cars."

Expect Daimler's new plant to be right next to Nissan's in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> a classa-classa-klasseaguascalientesdieter zetschefactoryinfiniti etheriamercedes-benz factorymfa platform Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159077/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/expect-daimlers-new-plant-to-be-right-next-to-nissans-in-mexic/20159077/article-detail.xml 20159077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-mercedes-benz-a-class-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-mercedes-benz-a-class-628.jpg <![CDATA[AMG takes us behind the scenes of Ducati photo shoot]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/amg-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-of-ducati-photo-shoot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/amg-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-of-ducati-photo-shoot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/amg-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-of-ducati-photo-shoot/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz AMG/Ducati videp

Mercedes-Benz has cobbled together a behind-the-scenes video chronicling a photo shoot with two stars: the 451-horseepower C63 AMG Coupe and a Ducati 848 in matching white. Deviating from the behind-the-scenes template, this one is more like a series of rushes set to music. In addition to the mechanical eye candy, a pair of models feature prominently (as suggested by the screencap above). The action takes place on an Iberian runway, and you'll find it after the jump.

Continue reading AMG takes us behind the scenes of Ducati photo shoot

AMG takes us behind the scenes of Ducati photo shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 848c63 amgc63 amg coupeducatiducati 848mercedes-benz c63 amgphoto shootsyoutube Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159076/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/29/amg-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-of-ducati-photo-shoot/20159076/article-detail.xml 20159076 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/c63amgbehindscenes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/c63amgbehindscenes.jpg <![CDATA[NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

NADA logoCar dealers have a strange and oftentimes contentious relationship with the carmakers. Stories of automakers shoveling unsaleable models down the pipeline with unreasonable expectations are legion in the car sales world. With the number of family-owned, single-brand dealerships dwindling, dealers often field competing franchises. The concept of loyalty is as quaint as a Lincoln Town Car. So it's worth noting the automotive brands that are actually liked by the guys selling them.

The National Automobile Dealers Association conducts its Dealer Attitude Survey twice each year, and results from the summer survey are in. Hyundai stayed on top for the third time in a row, followed by Subaru, Lexus, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz. The survey measures three factors: "franchise value, automaker policy decisions that affect the dealership and the automaker's field staff who visit dealerships."

Sixth place went to Toyota, while Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi followed. Cadillac and Honda tied for tenth. NADA received responses from over 14,700 dealerships, representing almost 54 percent of all dealers nationwide.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus

NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car dealersdealerdealer attitude surveydealersnadanada dealer attitude surveynational automobile dealers association Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20158831/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/20158831/article-detail.xml 20158831 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nada-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nada-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Translogic at CES

Usually our sister publication Translogic is out putting futuristic transportation hardware through the paces or talking to geeks who are trying to reimagine the very infrastructure of our world. But this week, the show has a decidedly more conventional subject: Interviews with Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche and Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Both of these automotive bigwigs were wandering the halls of the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month (Zetsche was the keynote speaker, a job Mulally performed two years ago), which is where Translogic caught up with them for a chat and demonstration of their CES wares. Zetsche showed off a new gesture-based in-car interface, as well as some new active safety technology for Mercedes-Benz. Mulally plugged Ford's new hybrid and plug-in hybrid Fusion, as well as showing off the Ford Evos concept's fancy infotainment system. Give it a watch after the jump.

Continue reading Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES

Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alan mulallycesces 2012consumer electronics showdaimlerdieter zetschefordinfotainmentmercedes-benzmulallytelematicstranslogicvideo Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156559/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/20156559/article-detail.xml 20156559 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/translogic-ceo-interviews-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/translogic-ceo-interviews-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler planning to open new plant in North America]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/daimler-planning-to-open-new-plant-in-north-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/daimler-planning-to-open-new-plant-in-north-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/daimler-planning-to-open-new-plant-in-north-america/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche

Size still matters, but the quest to be number one is also getting more headlines. Mercedes-Benz is the latest to stake its future on taking the top slot, with CEO Dieter Zetsche aiming to be the world's largest premium maker by 2020. The specific number is 2.7 million vehicles sold that year, which represents an astronomical jump from 2011 sales of 1.26 million vehicles.

To home in on that target, Mercedes intends to build factories in China and in North America - either Mexico or the U.S. - with the North American factory coming online by 2018, according to a report in Auto News. The facility here would build the "next generation A class together with Daimler's strategic partner Nissan."

Mercedes didn't offer any clarification on the Nissan component or what else a new facility might build, nor what the synergies might be with it and the engine deal recently signed between Daimler and Renault-Nissan.

Daimler planning to open new plant in North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> a-classdaimlerdieter zetschefactorymercedes-benzmercedes-benz factory Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155268/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/daimler-planning-to-open-new-plant-in-north-america/20155268/article-detail.xml 20155268 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/zetsche-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/zetsche-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes teases A-Class ahead of Geneva debut]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/mercedes-teases-a-class-ahead-of-geneva-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/mercedes-teases-a-class-ahead-of-geneva-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/mercedes-teases-a-class-ahead-of-geneva-debut/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Last we heard, Mercedes-Benz was planning to bring its new A-Class to North America, a market where the current model has never been sold. But whether it makes the trek or not, there's little question that the new premium hatchback will be a vital product for Daimler.

While the current A-Class hasn't been a smashing success, the segment has grown into an important one for luxury automakers like Audi with its A3 and BMW with its 1 Series. The new model, however, aims to take a slice of that particular pie once it debuts as anticipated in production form at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in a couple of months from now.

We've already seen the A-Class in concept form, test-mule spy shots and even in production-ready patent renderings. Now Mercedes has released a video clip showing a prototype strutting its stuff on the open road, but instead of the usual body-cladding or shape-disguising camouflage, the German automaker has covered the mule in QR codes to enable the legions of smartphone-toting fans the opportunity to peer into the future of the premium hatchback. Check out the video clip after the jump for a closer look.

Continue reading Mercedes teases A-Class ahead of Geneva debut

Mercedes teases A-Class ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mercedes-benz a-classa-classmercedes-benzmercedes-benz a-classspy videoteaservideo Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154797/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/mercedes-teases-a-class-ahead-of-geneva-debut/20154797/article-detail.xml 20154797 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/a-classqr-vid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/a-classqr-vid.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/2012-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg-first-drive-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/2012-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg-first-drive-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/2012-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

How The World's Most Powerful Sport Utility Vehicle Fails At Being Absurd

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

Twenty years ago, sport utility vehicles were trucks. They had big, heavy frames, solid axles and low-range four-wheel drive. At best, they would accelerate to 60 miles per hour in under nine seconds and top out just over 100 mph. "Handling" simply meant that they could keep all four wheels firmly planted while circling an onramp.

Twenty years ago, only exotic sports cars boasted more than 500 horsepower. They accelerated to 60 mph in less than five seconds and could hit 150 mph if allowed enough space. Tuned suspensions, oversized brakes and exhaust systems that roared were expected, but supple rides were not.

Now, take a look at that brand-new silver sport utility vehicle in the image above. Beneath its leather-lined and sound-insulated cabin is a 550-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8, electronically controlled suspension, six-piston brakes and permanent all-wheel drive - it's the most powerful SUV on the market.

The tall four-door will sprint more quickly than (and outrun) a Ferrari 360 Modena Spider F1, plow through foot-deep snow drifts and take a family of five, with a ski boat in tow, to a lakeside Fourth of July picnic.

Sounds a bit preposterous, doesn't it?

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG [w/video]

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 amg2012 mercedes-benz2012 mercedes-benz ml63 amg2012 ml63 amg2012+ml632012ml63amgfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivem-classm-klassemercedesmercedes amgmercedes ml63mercedes+benzmercedes+four+wheel+drivemercedes-benzmercedes-benz ml63mercedes-benz ml63 amgmercedesbenzmercedesfourwheeldriveml+63+amg+2012ml-classml63ml63 amgml63amg2012 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154117/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/2012-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg-first-drive-review-video/20154117/article-detail.xml 20154117 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-mercedes-ml63-amg-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-mercedes-ml63-amg-fd.jpg <![CDATA[One-off Mercedes 500K barn find discovered in South Central, LA salvage yard]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Being agriculturally inclined to build barns in the country, we don't expect barn finds to turn up in the middle of a high-turnover metropolis. Yet that's been happening more regularly of late, and writer Michael Mraz has found another example in South Central, Los Angeles: a one-of-one Mercedes-Benz 1935 Caracciola 500K built especially for Silver Arrows race driver Rudolph Caraccioloa. It is pictured above in better days, after having been restored and displayed on the lawn at the Pebble Beach concours in the late 1970s.

What's amazing about the Caracciola 500K, and tragic for car lovers, is that it has a good deal of company: in a piece called "Wheels of Fortune" in the February issue of Town & Country magazine, Mraz found scaffolds full of vintage metal in awful condition, rusting outside in a parts yard called Porche Foreign Auto. They include:

...a pair of one-off prewar Maybachs; one of two Iso Grifo Spyders (designed and engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini, who also has the Ferrari 250 GTO on his résumé); one of 29 alloy-bodied Mercedes Gullwings...; a couple of BMW 502s and 507s; a half-dozen or so Lamborghini Miuras, with their mighty V12 engines; and the last surviving example of the seven Horch 855 Spezial Roadsters ever built, a specimen once owned by Eva Braun that was for a time on loan to the Audi Museum in Germany. (Audi was founded by August Horch.) Parked one on top of the other are dozens upon dozens of Porsche Carrera carcasses....

Porche Foreign Auto was started in 1967 by a German butcher named Rudi Klein, who bought the Caracciola 500K after it was shown at Pebble in 1978. He took it to a Mercedes show in Newport Beach in 1980, and when it wouldn't start he loaded it on a trailer and took it home. It hasn't been seen since, outside of the parts yard.

Klein passed away, and his salvage yard is overseen by his sons, who won't let any gawkers into to view the cars. Even Mraz was denied entry. But he spoke to folks who have seen the collection, and one said that there are vehicles people have sought for decades and thought had been destroyed. The head of the Mercedes Classic Center in Irvine believes the Caracciola 500K could be worth more than the 1937 540K Spezial Roadster that was auctioned for nearly $10 million at last year's RM Auctions at Pebble. But we might never know.

Town & Country doesn't have a proper website, so pick up the magazine to read the piece and see what the automotive world is missing. There's a sample of it in the attached gallery, but be warned, it's not pleasant to see.

One-off Mercedes 500K barn find discovered in South Central, LA salvage yard originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1935 mercedes-benz 500kbarn findcaracciola 500 klos angelesmercedes-benz 500 kmike mrazporche foreign autorudolph caracciolatown and country Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153928/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/20153928/article-detail.xml 20153928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mrazcaracciola500k_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mrazcaracciola500k.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz says, "Thanks, Airbag"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/mercedes-benz-says-thanks-airbag/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/mercedes-benz-says-thanks-airbag/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/mercedes-benz-says-thanks-airbag/#comments Filed under: , , ,

B-Class TV spot

Mercedes-Benz has been working on airbag technology for more than 40 years, but now it has other innovations, like Colliision Prevention, that work to keep airbags where everyone wants them: hidden. So Mercedes has made a TV spot for the 2012 B-Class that's also a letter to the airbag, saying somethiing to the effect of "I still love you, but..."

We aren't expected to see the B-Class in the U.S. for another two years, but at least you have the commercial to tide you over after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz says, "Thanks, Airbag"

Mercedes-Benz says, "Thanks, Airbag" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> b-classb-class adb-class commercialcollision preventioncommercialmercedes b-classmercedes-benz b-classmercedes-benz tvyoutube Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150867/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/21/mercedes-benz-says-thanks-airbag/20150867/article-detail.xml 20150867 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mercedes-benzthanksairbag_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mercedes-benzthanksairbag.jpg -1 2