Autoblog

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been all but assured that a convertible version of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was on the way, and now we've got photographic proof of the de-gullwinged drop-top weathering the wintery climes before its reveal in 2010.

Although Mercedes officials haven't divulged much about the SLS cabrio, it's likely to be fitted with a retractable soft-top rather than a folding hard-top in a bid to keep weight in check and retain some of the trunk's capacity. Naturally, the chassis will be fortified to increase rigidity, but considering the SLS AMG was designed from the onset to be both a coupe and a convertible, we suspect the extent of the modifications to be limited and the weight penalty to be minimal.

Some reports indicate that the SLS AMG Roadster could debut as early as the Geneva Motor Show in March, but if we were betting gentlemen, we'd suspect the convertible SLS to debut later in 2010, likely at the Paris Motor Show.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

At 211 mph, the Brabus GLK V12 can't outrun ugly

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz GLK V12 by Brabus - Click above for high-res image gallery

It ain't pretty, but it's fast. Actually, with a claimed 211 mph top speed, the Brabus Bi-Turbo V12 GLK is the fastest SUV in the world. Which is kinda like being the winner in a Twinkie-eating competition: It's an epic feat of embarrassing proportions.

To pull it off, the Brabus crew stuck with its tried and true formula of shoving entirely too much engine into a small package. Underneath the vented hood lies a Mercedes-sourced V12 that's been stroked from 5.5- to 6.3-liters. From there, the Bottrop boys fit a duo of turbos, two intercoolers, a couple high-flow cats and a stainless steel exhaust. The effect is typical Brabus: A staggering 740 horsepower and 995 pound-feet of torque, which is actually limited to 811 lb-ft (at 2,100 rpm) to avoid the gearbox, diff and rear tires from vaporizing in an oily, metallic haze. And naturally, the absurdity doesn't stop with the engine.

Twelve-piston front calipers clamp onto 15-inch discs, with six-piston calipers and 14.2-inch rotors in the rear, while a height adjustable coilover suspension with ten settings for bound and rebound join 22-inch wheels wrapped in a choice of Pirelli or Yokohama rubber. The exterior and interior have been restyled to match, and while Merc's diminutive 'ute isn't exactly a beauty queen to begin with, Brabus' blocky aftermarket brutalization lends itself well to the GLK's squat proportions.

But aesthetics aside, there's a bigger problem. Actually, there are 397,000 of 'em. That's how many euros you'll need for the GLK V12. For that kind of scratch ($580,000 using a straight conversion), there's a host of high-power exotica available. And when you consider the GLK's sprinting stats -- 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and 124 mph in 12.8 ticks -- the far less expensive BMW X5 M is easily on par and was actually designed from the onset to be an offensively quick grocery-getter. Then again, the M can't break the double-century mark at Nardo... something to consider during your trip to Costco. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz GLK V12 by Brabus

Continue reading At 211 mph, the Brabus GLK V12 can't outrun ugly

At 211 mph, the Brabus GLK V12 can't outrun ugly originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities

Jay Leno drives the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - click above to watch the video

Like Jay Leno, many of us Autobloggers are oil-in-the-blood car freaks living in Los Angeles, California. Only thing is, we can't seem to recall Mercedes-Benz dropping off their new gullwinged supercar - the SLS AMG - at our garage. Of course, Leno is an international superstar that knows most presidents on a first name basis and we wear sweatpants most of the time. Oh, and we don't even have a garage, let alone two Miuras and an Espada, among dozens of other pieces of drooly metal.

And sure, we've driven the 2011 SLS AMG. In California, no less. Liked it quite a bit, too. Still, we think you'll get a kick out of the video. Why? Well, it's good to see the SLS in motion, even though from certain angles at least one of us (*ahem*) thinks it resembles a third generation Mazda RX7. We also like how Jay reviews cars, as if he's talking to his buddies during a long lunch. Which is probably pretty close to what's actually happening. We also like how he just keeps hammering and hammering the press car - something we can (*double ahem*) relate to.

Then, of course, while admitting that a dual-clutch transmission can shift faster than any human, he still states that he'd prefer three pedals. Seriously, our kind of guy. And really, if you think about it, Jay Leno is little more than every gearhead's fantasy writ large after hitting the lotto (vis-à-vis, cars at any rate). For instance, he starts this video standing next to his 1955 300 SL Gullwing. Meaning that we're so jealous, we can't stop smiling. Hit the jump to watch Jay at play in the streets of Burbank.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate busts a move with its fly open

Chris Paukert — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate - Click above to watch video

We know the sales numbers in America don't agree with us, but here at AB we loves us some premium station wagons. The ability to haul ass, kin, and upright bongos all at the same time just speaks to our gearhead souls. All of which goes to show why we may be a bit more interested in Mercedes-Benz's 2010 E-Class Estate more than we are in the sedan that we've already driven - itself a fine automobile.

Whether the load-lugging model will come to America remains to be seen, but we look forward to seeing it in the flesh at the Frankfurt Motor Show all the same. In the meantime, we'll have to slake our familyman joneses on the new video available after the jump. Oh, perhaps it's just us, but doesn't it look like the new E-Wagon has its automotive barn door ajar (or missing completely) for a few split-seconds beginning at 1:10 in the video? We hate to nitpick, but for a company that crows about its precision engineering, they seem to be having some minor quality control issues with their video production teams as of late. Let's hope that their models are better behaved. Thanks for the tip, Racer!

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate leakage

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate busts a move with its fly open

VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate busts a move with its fly open originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Military, Specialty, Off-Road

2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes G550 is an unlikely niche vehicle. As with perhaps every other military-derived civilian 4x4, it's a box on wheels, all straight lines and fender flares. Yet unlike most other military-derived civilian off-roaders, it comes standard with solid axles front and rear, three electronically locking differentials front, center, and rear, and, get this, heated rear seats. Celebs, trendsters, and the generally rich keep it in the public consciousness. When Mercedes decided to kill it, a general uproar caused them to belay the order. It costs $100,250, and has no options. Before we drove it, we didn't know why people dug it. Yet after a week with it in the Autoblog Garage, we think we know why: it is colossally fun.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550

Continue reading Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich

Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Green, Technology, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the rumors that have been floating around in recent days - it will build an electrically powered version of its upcoming SLS gullwing coupe. The EV version of the SLS will drive all four wheels by means of an individual motor for each corner. It will not however use wheel hub motors, since those add too much unsprung mass. The motors will be mounted just inboard of the suspension components.

Energy will be stored in a 48 kWh liquid cooled lithium ion battery pack running down the central tunnel. The combined output of the electric drive system is 392 kW (526 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft), which compares to 420 kW (563 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb-ft) for the 6.3-liter V8 in the conventional SLS. Mercedes claims it will accelerate to 62 mph in four seconds. No range is being quoted at this time, but given that the battery capacity is lower than the Tesla Roadster and the car is larger, it will likely be well under 200 miles. No timeline for the electric version is being quoted, although earlier rumors placed it at 2015.

One of the reasons that Daimler said it was investing $50 million in Tesla Motors was the upstart's ability to move quickly and develop systems faster than could be done at Daimler. Given that, we may well see the electric SLS sooner rather than later. Check out our high-res gallery of (internal combustion) Mercedes SLS prototypes below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing

Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz working on electric SLS eDrive for 2015

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, EV/Plug-in, Mercedes Benz, Lightweight, Rumormill

Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Green-minded fans of the upcoming SLS supercar that Mercedes-Benz AMG has been working on for well over two years, rejoice. The rumormill is buzzing with word that an all-electric version of the gullwinged monster could enter limited production in 2015. That's a ways off, but considering the gestation period of the gas-chugging version, it's pretty much par for the course.

According to the gossip-happy blokes over at Autocar, the electric SLS will share its lightweight aluminum body, gullwing doors, and most of the interior with upcoming SLS. The changes for the SLS eDrive will mostly be contained in the powertrain, which will use four 98 kW motors (one at each wheel) for a total of 392 kW (532bhp) and 649 lb. ft. of torque. A rumored 0-62 mph time of under four seconds and a top speed of 120 mph would put it in the realm of the Tesla Roadster if the SLS eDrive were available today, albeit undoubtedly at a much higher price point.

Of course, nobody actually knows what the electric gullwing will be capable of - if indeed it reaches production at all. According to Autocar, the SLS eDrive figures to have a shorter range than the Tesla, somewhere between 93 and 112 miles from a full charge that takes eight hours from a standard outlet, or five to six from a more powerful outlet.

The gasoline-powered SLS is expected to debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz working on electric SLS eDrive for 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Top Gear takes on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, UK, Celebrities

Click above to watch video after the jump

When Jeremy Clarkson has the keys to a 660 hp supercar, you know you're in for a heck of a ride. The affable BBC host took the reigns of twin-turbo V12-powered Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series, and we're pretty sure the Top Gear team needed to change its rather expensive tires at some time during the shoot.

The SL 65 AMG Black Series tore up the tarmac and even took on the company's own (much more expensive) McLaren SLR, but did Clarkson like it? Lets just say that he compared seat time in this super Benz to sitting on a pile of stones. It seems having 740 lb-ft of torque at your beckoning call isn't always a good thing, either. Oh, the horror. Hit the jum p to watch for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear takes on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series

VIDEO: Top Gear takes on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes introduces new range of bicycles

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Mercedes-Benz, Lifestyle

New Mercedes Benz bikes - click above for a high-res gallery

Mercedes Benz has announced an updated and expanded range of bicycles for 2009/2010. The new lineup includes two-wheelers of all shapes and sizes, including a pair of kids bikes. For more grown-up riders, Mercedes offers a range of styles, including the usual choices of mountain bikes and road racing bikes. There is also a new folding bike with a patented folding mechanism that allows it to collapse quickly without tools. In the fully collapsed position the bike takes up a volume of 31 inches by 31 inches by 14 inches, and it even has front and rear suspension.

There are also trekking and fitness bikes, and no Mercedes bike rider would be complete without a set of Mercedes riding clothes. Of course, in typical Mercedes fashion, the technology comes with a price to match. The bikes range from €299 for the kid's bike (around $430 USD) to €4,999 (more than $7,150) for the limited-edition carbon fiber racing bike.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz Bicycles

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes introduces new range of bicycles

Mercedes introduces new range of bicycles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

Mercedes-Benz CL550 "100 Years of Mercedes-Benz Edition" - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While so many other automakers have reinvented their logos over the years, Mercedes-Benz has stuck with the same one for 100 years now. One century ago, Daimler-Motoren-Gesselschaft went down to the local patent office and registered the Three-Pointed Star, the logo everyone knows and recognizes today. Just a few weeks later, August Benz & Cie did the same with their logo, the Benz name encircled by a wreath. These two icons later became integrated when the two companies banded together, but to celebrate the anniversary of their registration, Mercedes-Benz has announced a new special edition of one of its most upscale coupes.

The CL550 4Matic features a number of special Designo and AMG touches inside (light tan perforated leather with contrasting stitching and grey accents, gilded brass emblems on the center console) and out (special dark gray paint, new aero kit, and five-spoke 20-inch anthracite wheels with silver brake calipers) to differentiate itself from its more common counterparts. The special edition is available on either the rear-drive or all-wheel-drive 4Matic models around the globe, but since Benz made 4Matic standard equipment on the CL550 in the States, we'll only get the grips-at-all-paws variety.

No word on American-market pricing, but the package commands a hefty €17,850 ($23k USD) premium in Europe. Nobody said celebrating came cheap. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: "100 Years of Mercedes-Benz Edition" CL550

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550

Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Refreshed Mercedes-Benz S63, S65 leaked in advance of Shanghai show

Chris Paukert — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 and S65 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz had planned to unveil the 2010 model year S63 and S65 AMG before April's end at the Shanghai Motor Show, but the high-performance S-class models have unwittingly been given an early internet unveiling by the company's own German market online configuration utility.

The refreshed limos will continue to get their weapons-grade thrust through big engines (the S63 has a 6.2-liter V8 giving 518 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, while the bonkers S65 gets the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine good for 604 hp and an absurd 738 pound-feet of torque), but the AMG models will finally get more visually distinct, thanks to new LED light strips, a more aggressive front fascia with an enlarged air gulper, bespoke grilles (the S63's fixture has five horizontal bars, and the S65, shown above, wears three double-bars). The S63 and its pricier S65 brother will be further differentiated by unique wheels, badging, and bespoke exhaust treatments.

The blokes at Car and Driver (who spotted the MB consumer website gaffe) say that America will probably continue to only get long-wheelbase models of these two, and prices are expected to be similar to that of the 2009 models, which retail for $131,350 and $198,950, respectively.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63/S65 leaked images

[Source: Car and Driver via WorldCarFans]

Refreshed Mercedes-Benz S63, S65 leaked in advance of Shanghai show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: German automakers could join others in skipping Tokyo Motor Show

Chris Paukert — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Tokyo Motor Show, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Volvo, Earnings/Financials

Although Volvo has already said that it would not participate in this October's Tokyo Motor Show, the Swedish automaker's German contemporaries are reportedly dragging their feet on similar public announcements in an effort to not be the first from their country to do so. According to a brief Automotive News item, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are "unlikely to participate" as part of an effort to limit expenditures, and Volkswagen AG and supplier Bosch are among those said to be on the fence.

Speaking about the pullout possibilities, an unnamed Automobilwoche (AN's Germanic sister publication) source has said that "No one wants to be in the unpopular position of being the first to announce their exit." Perhaps, but that didn't stop Volvo from letting some air out of Tokyo's balloons, nor did it keep the Detroit 3 from doing the same before them.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

REPORT: German automakers could join others in skipping Tokyo Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz expected to expand Alabama plant

Chris Paukert — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Last week, we told you how despite the downturn, Daimler is upping its investment in the state of Michigan, coming to terms with the city of Ann Arbor to build a new hybrid and electric R&D facility. Now, Automotive News is reporting that the automaker is expected to actually expand its Vance, Alabama production plant.

If the rumors are true, the Mercedes-Benz plant (which currently builds GL, M, and R class vehicles) will benefit from a $290 million investment that is to begin within 60 days. The news evidently leaked out after company officials contacted the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority about property and sales tax breaks (which it apparently received).

The expansion news comes at an odd time, as not only has the automaker's sales been flagging in the U.S. (down 20 percent in February year-over-year, admittedly much better than the market plunge of 41.4 percent), but sales of Vance-built SUVs in particular have fallen off, with Benz responding by reducing the plant's workforce.

Automotive News says the expansion effort won't be completed until 2011, but word yet on how much capacity this will give the plant (and what it will be used for) is not yet known.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz expected to expand Alabama plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Crossover Redefined: Lagonda concept based on Mercedes GL

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Lagonda concept

It's been a while since we heard anything about the long-time-coming partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. But while we got a good look at what's inside Aston's new One-77 supercar, reports indicate that if we'd taken a peek under the Lagonda concept's skirt we would have seen the familiar parts of the Mercedes GL-Class sport-ute.

According to Aston CEO Ulrich Bez, the company tested a wide variety of luxury SUVs and found the Mercedes the most suitable. Only the wheelbase and A-pillar positioning are said to have carried over, with everything else having changed. The engine, however, is Aston's own. If they decide to build the Lagonda - a decision on which the mixed reaction in Geneva will undoubtedly be a factor - it could be ready in three to five years, but production would likely take place at Aston's own facilities in the UK rather than Mercedes' plant in Alabama.

Gallery: Lagonda Concept

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

Crossover Redefined: Lagonda concept based on Mercedes GL originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW M and Mercedes AMG each see huge sales spike in 2008

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

No one would argue that 2008 was anything but a miserable year for the auto industry worldwide. Even high end brands like Bentley, Porsche and Ferrari were feeling the pain. In spite of all that, there were a couple of bright spots in the high performance sector. Both Mercedes-Benz's AMG division and BMW's M GmbH saw big jumps in sales last year.

Sales of AMG models hit their highest levels ever with deliveries of 24,200 cars worldwide. AMG received a big boost from the launch of the new generation C63 which we drove last fall. The C63 accounted for one-third of AMG sales last year.

Over in Munich, BMW's M division also got a boost from its newest mainline model, the M3. The M3 accounted for 18,000 of the 26,772 sales for M, making 2008 the group's second best year to date. With the economy showing no near term signs of recovery, it seems unlikely that those figures will be surpassed in 2009, but additional models could change that. Check out the press releases and more galleries after the jump.

Related:

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG

Continue reading BMW M and Mercedes AMG each see huge sales spike in 2008

BMW M and Mercedes AMG each see huge sales spike in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Unofficially Yours: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe images leaked?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the image above for a gallery of Mercedes-Benz E500

Either someone is either rather handy with Photoshop, or Mercedes-Benz has another E-Class embargo break on their hands. The folks over at Autoblog.nl (no relation) have somehow gotten hold of what looks to be a slate of images of the 2010 E500 Coupe. We've seen mules of this car for some time now, but this is our first gander at what appears to be a wholly uncovered example.

The front end shots look decidedly similar to the already-unveiled 2010 E-Class sedan, but the profile has benefited from a more graceful roofline and the omission of a pair of doors and what looks to be a B-pillarless greenhouse. We like the swooping rear fender line and the short rear deck, but the large LED taillamps and the decklid itself will be something we have to see in person to truly wrap our heads around. Check out the gallery below and stay tuned for more details as they happen.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E500 Coupe Leak

[Source: Autoblog.nl (via Jalopnik)]

Unofficially Yours: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe images leaked? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Reset Button: New reports say Mercedes SLA roadster on-track for 2012

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Click above to see the Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA concept in high-resolution

Small countries with fledgling economies are prone, upon occasion, to scrap their currency and start over again. Inflation rises, their currency is devalued, so they simply press the "reset" button. And looking at the history of the Mercedes-Benz roadster, we wonder if they haven't been doing the same thing. First came the original SL - "sporty" and "light weight" - which by now has swelled to massive proportions and SUV-rivaling weight. So Mercedes introduced the SLK, a smaller version with the added K for "kurtz" or "short". But as the SLK has by now grown at least as big as the original SL, officials have been mulling over the idea of making an even smaller roadster.

Actually, they've been mulling it over for nearly a decade. Mercedes unveiled their Vision SLA concept way back in 2000, and they've been toying with the idea ever since. But new post-Detroit Auto Show reports suggest that the long-rumored SLA-like droptop is alive and well, and may finally come to market as a response to growing demand for smaller, more efficient vehicles. Although the current A and B-Class platform utilizes novel sandwich underbody construction that would preclude use in a short roadster, the next generation of Mercedes front-drive compacts is expected to forgo the unusual configuration in favor of a more conventional front-engine/front-wheel-drive set-up. Even a small-displacement AMG version could be in the cards. Sources continue to suggest we could see a production SLA slot under the SLK by 2012, just in time to face off with BMW's rumored 1 Series-based roadster.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLA Concept

[Source: Drive.com.au]

The Reset Button: New reports say Mercedes SLA roadster on-track for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Backwards World: Mercedes reportedly swiping Hyundai design (chief)

Noah Joseph — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz

Hyundai's designs have come a long way over the past few years, and much of the credit is due to the company's chief designer, Joel Piaskowski (above, front). But while the Korean automaker was reportedly shocked when its accomplished stylist resigned last month, the automotive community wondered what was in store next for the young talent. Car Design News now appears to have answered that question, indicating that Piaskowski is headed to California to lead Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design.

After serving for several years as a designer for General Motors, Piaskowski took on the role of chief designer for Hyundai/Kia North America, where he was responsible for such designs as the Genesis (both coupe and sedan), Santa Fe and Veracruz crossovers and Elantra compact sedan, as well as the HCD8, HCD9 Talus and HCD10 Hellion concepts. If the report is true, Piaskowski's new job with Mercedes will have him slip into the position vacated by Gorden Wagener when he was promoted to replace Professor Peter Pfeiffer as head of design, heading up Mercedes' new studio in Southern California.

[Source: Car Design News, Photo by Jonathan Fickles/Getty]

Backwards World: Mercedes reportedly swiping Hyundai design (chief) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2011 CLS

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

The coming CLS appears to offer more of the same: the current CLS is based on the E-Class platform; the next one is expected to be built atop S-Class underpinnings. Other than bigger body with a wider track, and bolder styling to harmonize with Mercedes' current design language, not much is expected to change.

That is usually the case with iconic cars. Having invented the category of the four-door-car with a more coupe-like silhouette, Mercedes could be waiting to see what its rivals -- from Aston Martin to VW -- will bring to the segment before it makes a revolutionary move.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: 2011 CLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E63

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

The launch of the next Mercedes-Benz E-class is right around the corner and Car's spies were able to catch a mildly camo'd mule undergoing testing. The prototype is unmistakably M-B, with a new front fascia that appears to split the difference between the swoop CLS's headlamps and the more conservative eyes of the C- and S-class. Underneath the cloaked sheet metal is Mercedes' new W212 mid-size sedan platform, which ditches the electronic braking system of the last generation (Benz dealers rejoice!) in favor of conventional hydraulic stoppers, and utilizes a four-link front suspension and a multi-link rear arrangement coupled with M-B's Active Body Control (ABC) system. Naturally, there will be gizmos galore, including a new electronic road sign reading system, night-vision pulled from the S-class and a host of gasoline- and diesel-powered engines that will top out with the 6.2-liter V8 from AMG.

According to Car, the new E will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with sales beginning later that summer.

[Source: Car]

Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E63 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 May 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments