Autoblog

Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class spotted in the snow

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The entry-level Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long felt like nothing more than, well, just that. Aside from the potent and delicious C63 AMG models, there hasn't been much to set the C-Class apart in the entry-level luxury/sport segment, leading to the model being regarded by many as "The Cheap Mercedes." No, it's certainly not a bad car, but for our money, it hasn't stood up particularly well to competitors like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4.

So with the handsome new CLA-Class coming to round off the entry-level end for Mercedes-Benz, big plans are in store for the C-Class. We can see some evidence of that in this latest set of spy shots from our friends at CarPix. According to earlier reports, the new C-Class will be "far more dramatic" in the visuals department, and while the sedan's sculpting is still covered by camo, the much sleeker headlamp design we see here is, at the very least, a good start. The car's overall size is expected to grow a bit to further distance itself from the CLA, though thanks to lightweight materials, curb weight isn't expected to increase.

Just like the current model, the new C-Class is expected to use four- and six-cylinder engines, both gas- and diesel-fed, and overall power output for the global engine range should span from 120-ish on the low end to as much as 330. These new engines are expected to be mounted lower and farther rearward than before, offering better balance for both rear- and 4Matic all-wheel drive configurations. And as for that AMG? Rumors suggest a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 will fall underhood.

Expect the next C-Class to debut either later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, or more likely, at next March's Geneva Motor Show.

Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class spotted in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz ups ante with 2014 C63 AMG Edition 507

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Buyers wanting a little more power from a standard Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG now have the all-new Edition 507 to lust after. As its name suggests, this new model features a more powerful 507-horsepower AMG V8, and it also gets plenty of performance and styling upgrades as well. Unlike the Black Series, the 2014 C63 AMG Edition 507 will be offered in both sedan and coupe body styles when it goes on sale this summer; based on the images, it appears that European customers will also be able to enjoy the Edition 507 in extra-tasty wagon flavor.

Mercedes-Benz squeezed more power from the C63's sublime 6.2-liter V8 with many of the same ideas used in the SLS AMG including forged pistons, new connecting rods and lighter crankshaft, which also help to drop more than six pounds from the engine's overall weight. Along with the new internal components, the Edition 507 also gets a remapped engine controller helping the mill put out the 507 hp and 450 pound-feet of torque (the standard C63 AMG is rated at 451 hp and 443 lb-ft). This new model also comes standard with upgraded brakes consisting of 14.2-inch, two-piece front rotors to go with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, all painted red.

Adding to the visual aspect of the C63 AMG, the Edition 507 gets stylish five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels (available in a high-sheen titanium gray or matte black), a vented hood carried over from the Black Series, AMG stripes on the rocker panels and gloss black accents on the grille, rear spoiler and mirrors. Inside, the exclusive package also adds a sport steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, red accents in the gauge cluster and lots of high-gloss piano black accents throughout the cabin. An "Edition 507" badge is mounted on the passenger side of the instrument panel, and finishes off the unique interior.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507 will make its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show, but until then, check out the gallery of images along with the official press release posted below. The price for the car has not been announced, but it will include a a voucher for the owner to attend the AMG Driving Academy.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ups ante with 2014 C63 AMG Edition 507

Mercedes-Benz ups ante with 2014 C63 AMG Edition 507 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autocar reveals 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class details

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The clouds around the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are still as thick as those on a morning in Borneo, but Autocar has worked up a passel of details on the Mercedes that will no longer be an entry-level offering when it arrives. With the CLA sliding into the Mercedes starter-kit slot, the C-Class will, according to insiders, "discard the idea that the C-class is a car bought by your grandfather" and "meet the expectations of a younger generation of buyers, both visually and technically."

That means throwing out almost everything that we're used to with the current car. Looks-wise the 2014 sedan is expected to be "far more dramatic" and more sporty. It will also be larger; the CLA is predicted to be a couple of inches longer than the current C-Class, so the coming C-Class will grow by nearly four inches on its MRA platform, with three inches of that growth between the wheels. If accurate, the new length would make it longer than the BMW 3 Series and about the same as the Audi A4. Track and overall width likewise expand, the result being the cabin will provide more room in every direction. Still, the new architecture should make it lighter than the current car.

Standard engines will come in the familiar mix of four-cylinders and V6s in gas and diesel forms, spanning the chart from 120 to 330 horsepower to and all equipped with stop/start tech and brake energy recuperation. Top of the line will be the AMG version with the new twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8, expected to be available in every iteration of the C-Class: sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible. They will be mounted lower and further rearward than at present, and there are rumors of a plug-in hybrid with an 18-mile all-electric range. Those powerplants will be worked through a six-speed manual or updated seven-speed automatic.

The hard-edged side is predicted to get a boost from a switch to a double-wishbone suspension in front and an "extensively redesigned" multi-link setup in back, with all models getting adaptive damping. Outside of spy shots, we don't think we'll see it until the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Autocar reveals 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class details originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class getting worked out at the 'Ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Not too much is certifiably known about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but putting together various snippets presents a sedan that will be moving the bar in various directions. Caught at the Nürburgring under comprehensive camo, it's said the styling underneath will take plenty of sculpting cues from the aggressively styled CLS, suggested here by the camo grille covering.

Under the hood, powerplants are expected to stick with the turbocharged four-cylinder currently available and expand into a gasoline hybrid model, with rumors of a diesel or even a diesel hybrid, and even three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines with displacement-on-demand technology.

In addition to the sedan bodystyle, a coupe, convertible and wagon are coming, but the latter might not come to the U.S.

Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class getting worked out at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: Mercedes to shift some production of next-gen C-Class to Alabama

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Fluctuations and disparities in currency exchange rates have grown to become a significant factor in determining where foreign automakers in particular assemble their vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is among those carmakers most cognizant of these effects, and it has been assembling select models in the United States to meet local demands. Now the German automaker has announced that, for the next generation of its popular C-Class sedan due in 2014, partial production will shift to its assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class crossovers are already built.

The shift in production - which is set to comprise no more than one-fifth of global C-Class production - will not only help offset currency rates, but also afford greater flexibility in meeting local customer demand. The move is expected to further upset Germany's automotive workforce, which has grown restless in the wake of General Motors' collapsed sale of Opel.

In addition to the partial shift to Alabama, German production of the remaining four-fifths of C-Class production is set to switch places with the SL-Class roadster, the former moving from Sindelfingen to Bremen and the latter vice-versa. Full details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Confirmed: Mercedes to shift some production of next-gen C-Class to Alabama

Confirmed: Mercedes to shift some production of next-gen C-Class to Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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