Autoblog

Mercedes releases even more drift-happy C63 AMG footage from Laguna Seca

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz and its AMG division wanted to thank the two million viewers of its various videos, so it dropped a C63 AMG at the top of the Corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and recorded it drifting down. The treat was wasn't as sweet as it should have been due to an editor who got a bit too happy with the "Cut" button, and watchers said as much.

So, in a nice bit of "Here, let's fix that," AMG has uploaded aerial footage of the uncut drift. Now that we know AMG takes requests, feel free to leave them in the Comments section. On your way there, scroll down to check out the new vid.

Continue reading Mercedes releases even more drift-happy C63 AMG footage from Laguna Seca

Mercedes releases even more drift-happy C63 AMG footage from Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mauro Calo sets world record for longest drift with Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, UK

Mauro Calo drifting the C63 AMG at Mercedes-Benz World - Click above for high-res image gallery

Who would you think would hold the record for the world's longest drift? Tanner Foust in a Scion? Sam Hubinette in a Dodge? Ken Block in a Subaru or a Ford? Maybe Vaughn Gittin, Jr. in a Mustang? If you guessed the latter, you would be right. Or at least you would have been up until last week.

Over the weekend at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in the UK, one Mauro Calo set a new record by drifting a C63 AMG for a continuous 2,308 meters (7,572 feet) - that's nearly a mile and a half of uninterrupted sideways driving, or a solid 394 meters (1,292 ft) longer than the unofficial record Gittin set down in December of 2008 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

What makes the feat - achieved in a showroom-stock production vehicle on dry tarmac - even more impressive is that it was achieved not on a fat band of pavement, but on the narrow strip around M-B World's handling circuit, beating the previous record by more than the length of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the process. Follow the jump for to watch a video of the feat and the press release, and don't forget to check out the images in our high-resolution gallery.

Continue reading Mauro Calo sets world record for longest drift with Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG [w/video]

Mauro Calo sets world record for longest drift with Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

Chris Paukert — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

Daimler's Dark Knight Gets Personal

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's be honest. We all want to save our barnacled friends in the ocean and give the whole world a great big polar bear hug. But as enthusiasts, we've all got a char-black underbelly, too. Mercedes-Benz understands. More specifically, the folks at AMG really understand. While Daimler has been working diligently this year to reduce its offerings' various footprints and curb their dependence on gas, the people there haven't lost sight of the fact that, occasionally, enthusiasts need to put away their canvas Whole Foods bags and indulge their dark side a bit.

How else to explain the 2012 C63 AMG Coupe? Not only is this new coupe bodystyle more self-absorbed by definition, Mercedes has ensured it qualifies for full homewrecker status by passing over its excellent new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 in favor of the 6.2-liter V8 it was designed to replace. But for those interested in indulging their inner baddy, this is actually a very good thing. While the modestly downsized and significantly more efficient 5.5-liter is a wonderfully flexible and more powerful thing in Benz's spectacular new CLS63 AMG, we have yet to connect with it on the same visceral, loin-stirring level as the almighty 6.2, mostly because of its less burly soundtrack. Mercedes may have eschewed the higher-tech motor on cost-savings grounds, but it's also the correct choice for retaining the C63's chain-smoking sprinter character.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series so hot we'd like to bag it up

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST

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

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spy photographers had previously captured images of what's tipped to be the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series sedan. The four-door muscle car could be seen traipsing down snowy roads. At the time, there were rumors that the two-door C63 AMG coupe could also be lured over to the dark side. Now our spy shooters have returned with photographic proof to back up that claim.

The hallmark of a Black Series Mercedes is two-fold in its simplicity: more power and better dynamics through things like a wider track and lightweight materials. The "standard" C63 AMG Coupe will pump out 451-horsepower, so we're hoping that the Sith Lord-edition will crest the 500-hp mark. Weight can be shed through the use of slimmer, grippier front seats and by ditching the back seat entirely. Who has time for back-seat passengers when you have the keys to a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series anyway?

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series so hot we'd like to bag it up originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Videos: Mercedes-Benz C63 Coupe in motion

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST

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

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe in action - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe is a 451-horsepower lust-creation device that we can't wait to see in the flesh. We'll get that chance when the doors open at the 2011 New York Auto Show in April. Until that time comes, we must force ourselves to be content with still photos and video of the coupe in action.

Mercedes has provided us with footage of the car in action. Both clips, unfortunately, have the sound levels all wrong, as the 6.2-liter V8's glorious exhaust note has been pushed into the background. Regardless, the videos serve to temporarily satiate our desire for more. Click past the jump to watch them both. Thanks to all for the tips.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading Videos: Mercedes-Benz C63 Coupe in motion

Videos: Mercedes-Benz C63 Coupe in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series caught working out in the cold

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST

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

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hold on to your hats, folks. As if the current 451-horsepower Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG weren't hardcore enough, the folks in Stuttgart are working on an even hotter Black Series version of Merc's BMW M3 killer.

The bulgier fender flares you see here won't be the only visual upgrades - our spies tell us that a new front spoiler will be on deck, as well as a revised rear diffuser with some Formula One-inspired cues. This development car still uses the old front fascia not found on the new-for-2012 car, but we'll probably see the updated headlamps and LED running lights as part of the new package.

The automaker's 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 will still be the powerplant of choice, current intelligence reports suggest we can expect about 510 horsepower on tap - 29 more ponies than the already-potent C63 with the P31 Development Package. That grunt runs through Mercedes-Benz's seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, and even with the added Black Series bits, we'd expect that a few pounds have been shaved off of the AMG's curb weight.

Our spies even suggest that a C63 AMG Black Series Coupe is in the works, and it will bow shortly after the sedan's official debut. Consider that a proper successor to the shockingly great CLK63 AMG Black Series that debuted in 2007.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series: Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series caught working out in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz: U.S. fuel too dirty for next-gen efficient engines

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Government/Legal, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK - Click above for high-res image gallery

The newest gasoline engines from Mercedes-Benz feature cutting-edge lean-burn technology that leads to fewer harmful emissions and a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy. Well, the new engine tech, which requires a much leaner fuel-to-air ratio, is making its way into many mills, but apparently not the ones destined for these United States.

Ward's Automotive quotes Daimler powertrain development vice president Bernhard Heil as saying that the gasoline in the U.S. contains sulfur at the rate of 95 parts-per-million; about twice as much as can be tolerated by the new engines. The problem? Excess sulfur apparently clogs the nitrogen oxide-capturing traps.

So, is the U.S. the only country lagging behind Europe in removing sulfur from its gasoline supply? Far from it. Heil points out that the gasoline in Africa and many areas of Asia also contain too much sulfur for the lean engines. The first engine to feature the technology is the direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 destined for the C350 sport sedan and the SLK roadster seen above. The 302-horsepower mill will not (obviously) utilize lean-burn tech here in the U.S.

[Source: Ward's Automotive]

Mercedes-Benz: U.S. fuel too dirty for next-gen efficient engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes planning C63 AMG Coupe

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

It's been confirmed for some time that Mercedes-Benz is developing a new two-door coupe version of its C-Class to replace the current hatchback CLC model. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that Autocar is reporting that Mercedes-Benz is also working on an AMG variant of the coupe to go up against the Audi RS5, BMW M3 and Cadillac CTS-V.

The British magazine is reporting that the coupe will use the same AMG 6.2-liter normally aspirated V8 as one of our favorite Benz sedans, the C63 AMG. However, if this car is to debut later in 2011 as projected, it would seem logical that Mercedes might switch to the new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 that's going into the 2011 CL63.

The turbo V8 could the output from the current 451 horsepower to somewhere closer to 500 hp. Autocar also speculates that a C63 Black Series coupe could be a followup to an upcoming SLS Black Series.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mercedes planning C63 AMG Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe snagged testing

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST

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

Mercedes C-Class Coupe prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Two months ago, Mercedes again said the C-Class Coupe would be coming, and for the first time, the greatly new-and-improved two-door has been caught outdoors. Since the existing E-Class Coupe already has the C-Class platform and roughly the same dimensions, we wondered how MB would put some daylight between it and the less expensive C-Coupe, and it looks as if Benz has addressed our questions.

It appears smaller and lacks the lower character line and haunches of the E-Coupe, as well as having a different tail treatment and much less aggressive front. Even so, we like. And if rumors prove true, we might like that cabriolet and AMG version even more, as well as being able to forget that the CLC ever existed. Have a look at the new hotness in the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes C-Class Coupe

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe snagged testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup set to expand in U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan - click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has a pretty ambitious goal to grow its U.S. sales by 30 percent over the next five years, and execs apparently think they will need to expand downmarket to do it. According to Automotive News, Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, feels that the bringing in the B-Class hatchback and introducing additional C-Class derivatives will provide the best possibility of attracting more customer since growth opportunities for the E-Class and S-Class are likely limited.

Arch rival BMW already offers coupe, convertible and station wagon variants of the 3 Series in the States, along with the less costly 1 Series range, not to mention its ever-expending array of Mini products. In North America, surging Audi offers its A4 in sedan and wagon formats, along with the closely related A5/S5 Coupe and Cabriolet, and it also offers the less costly A3 hatchback.

For its part, Mercedes currently only offers the C-Class in a four-door sedan bodystyle in the States. A C-Class coupe is reportedly due to arrive here in 2011 with a convertible coming in 2013 off of the revised C-Class that's due in 2012. And while the C-Class expansion makes sense, critics have feared for years that introducing the B-Class in America could lead to brand dilution (which is part of the reason that parent Daimler's teetering Smart franchise has remained so distinct).

By comparison, in spite of its relatively slow sales here, the 1 Series arguably makes more sense in the context of the BMW lineup of performance luxury cars. So why isn't brand dilution an issue for Mercedes overseas? In Europe, where the A and B Class have been available for a decade, Benz has a different, more mainstream image, with a much more comprehensive model range.

Despite a comparative dearth of entry-level products, Mercedes' sales remain on a pronounced uptick in America, with sales through April increasing by 26 percent to 68,826 units. In 2009, Benz dealers sold through 190,538 units.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan

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

Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup set to expand in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz confirms 2011 C-Class Coupe

Chris Shunk — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes Benz has made it official: the 2011 C-Class Coupe is on its way. The German luxury automaker has announced it will build the two-door C-Class at its massive Bremen plant, with production scheduled to begin in 2011. The addition of the Coupe gives Mercedes Benz three different variants of the C-Class, with a convertible almost certainly to follow. The impressively flexible Bremen plant, which employs 12,600 workers, also makes the C-Class sedan, wagon, GLK, two E-Class variants, the SL and SLK.

With the C-Class Coupe officially on its way to production, we're more than a bit curious as to how Mercedes will differentiate the smaller Benz two-door from the larger, more expensive E-Class Coupe. See, the bi-door E-Class already utilizes the C-Class platform, and the more expensive E Coupe is almost identical in every dimension to the C-Class Saloon. But the E-Class coupe commands a price premium of $9,000 compared to a C-Class sedan with the same 3.5-liter V6 engine.

We suspect Mercedes will shorten the C-Class platform to better differentiate the C Coupe from the larger, more expensive E Coupe. But unlike the larger E Coupe, which is virtually the same price as sedan with the same name, the C Coupe may receive a bit of a price bump compared to its sedan brethren. It's a good bet that we'll know a lot of these answers by the time the Paris Motor Show opens its doors to the media in September. Hit the jump to read over the official press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz confirms 2011 C-Class Coupe

Mercedes-Benz confirms 2011 C-Class Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class update

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercury, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz C-Class spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our spy photographers have just snapped these shots of the next Mercedes-Benz C-Class undergoing winter testing, and these latest shots give us the clearest look yet at the entry-level luxury sedan's updated front and rear. The baby Benz should make its official debut later this year, and these photos clearly show that we can expect some mild yet substantive alterations to their appearance.

So, what's new? Up front, a new front fascia integrates LED daytime running lamps - something that's becoming standard fare on the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup. From there, we see slightly revised headlamps, what appears to be a more upright grille and a new hood. Out back, there's a modified rear bumper and revised LED taillights.

Our spies also suggest that minor interior and mechanical updates could be present in the new C-Class. We aren't expecting giant leaps from the already very good current car, but squeezing a few more miles-per-gallon out of the Merc's mill probably isn't out of the question.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class update originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz pondering C-Class production in Alabama?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Mercedes-Benz C-Class - click above for high-res image gallery

The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's biggest seller Stateside, and a report in a Stuttgart newspaper indicates the company could be looking to stabilize the revenue from its bread-and-butter sedan. The C-Class is currently produced in Sindelfingen, Germany, and that makes it prey to currency swings on the trip across the pond. If Mercedes transferred production to its plant in Vance, Alabama, the company would also pay lower labor costs than it does in Europe.

The Alabama plant currently makes the M, GL, and R-Class vehicles. In March of this year, Mercedes allotted $290 million to expand the facility but didn't name any vehicle that would be added there, only saying it would be "future product." The German report mentioned that Mercedes could move some SL production from Bremen to Sindelfingen to make up for the shift, but a Mercedes spokesman said there is nothing in the works and nothing to comment on at the moment.

A German labor representative said that if such a move were to come, he would expect Mercedes to have a plan to save the 3,000 jobs that would be jeopardized at Sindelfingen, and protect production at Bremen as well. If Mercedes does move the C-Class here, it would become the first of the German players to build its highest volume car in the States.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

[Source: WGAL]

Mercedes-Benz pondering C-Class production in Alabama? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlsson intros CK35 performance kit for the new Mercedes C-Class

Alex Nunez — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 12:52:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

Click image to enlarge

Mercedes-Benz tuner Carlsson has unveiled its new CK35 performance kit for the recently-introduced new C-Class. Based on a kit the company had already prepared for the SLK350, the CK35 bumps the C's 3.5L V6 up to 295 horsepower. This, combined with an updated air filter and exhaust system, gives the sedan a 1-62 time of six seconds along with additional growl coming from the twin double-barrel tips.

As you can see, Carlsson has also prepared a new bodykit for C. It incorporates new skirting all around, including a rear diffuser in the rear bumper. 19" Brilliant Edition wheels add the proverbial cherry on top of this Teutonic sundae.

Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Carlsson]

Gallery: Carlsson CK35 Performance Kit for C-Class

Continue reading Carlsson intros CK35 performance kit for the new Mercedes C-Class

Carlsson intros CK35 performance kit for the new Mercedes C-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lorinser takes on the new Merc C-class

Dan Roth — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 15:52:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

The C-class is the entry-level Benz in the North American market. As such, every nouveau riche new graduate seemingly goes out and treats themselves to a slice of flashy bourgeois pie. That can be alarming for the Euro-car fan, as you risk being lumped into that precocious category along with Johnny Overachiever from down the block. There's no denying that the Stuttgart Swabians build nice vehicles, and we've certainly considered parking one in our driveway. We wouldn't want to deny ourselves the pleasure just to avoid being lumped in with a group of lecherous climbers, either. Lorinser has given the C-class a once-over and made it possible for true car-guys to have their Mercedes pleasure while standing apart from the schmuck brigade.

We love the look of the cosmetic upgrades. The turbine-style wheels look like impellers from a turbocharger with a wacky pituitary gland, and we wonder if they can slice, dice and julienne at speed. We're not normally fans of unnecessary extra ventilation, but the revised front quarter panels have gained a nice pair of extractors. We do find the "gills" in the lower rocker covers sorta strange, and they don't appear to have any purpose other than serving as a visual element. The front airdam has also received some tasteful attention, and Lorinser offers performance upgrades to back up the high-powered looks. Unlike some of the entry-level MBZ crowd, we'd rather the car be the high-powered one in a zoot suit.

Gallery: C Class by Lorinser

[Source: World Car Fans]

Lorinser takes on the new Merc C-class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Mar 2007 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sportcoupe

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes is on a mission to distance itself from the luxury pack, and it seems there's a new spy shot of yet another Benz every month or so. Well, February is no different as this apparent C-Class coupe was spotted in the wild in northern Sweden. The vehicle will undoubtedly look a lot like the C-Class sedan, and it will carry the same engines, including the 272 HP 3.5L V6. One thing the coupe won't share with the sedan is its platform. Instead, it'll utilize the last-generation C-Class underpinnings, probably because the Sport Coupe was destined for the scrap heap until upper-management saved the car at the last minute. Using the old platform saves time and money. Expect to see the Sport Coupe around 2009.

[Source: Leftlane News]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sportcoupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back to the drawing board: DCX working on more rebuilding, more sharing

Chris Shunk — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:54:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge

DCX could end up sharing more platforms going forward

Oh, how time flies when you're paying attention to the domestic auto industry. About a year and a half ago the Chrysler 300 was selling like crazy, the Charger was off to a fast start, and analysts were saying nice things about the company from Auburn Hills. Well the 300 and Charger are still a resounding success, and life for Chrysler has taken a turn for the worse anyway. A $1.2 Billion loss in the 3rd quarter put the scare into the folks over in Stuttgart and now management and share holders are looking for more cost cutting and less payroll.

It looks like 1,000 white collar and 10,000 blue collar jobs are now on the block as a large part of the effort to remain competitive. Buyouts will likely surface soon after the announcement plans are announced, and the cost associated with the move will result in more tough quarterly financials for Chrysler. There will be tough times again in Auburn Hills, but some good news may come out of all this for customers and Chrysler employees alike.

Continue reading Chrysler working on secret rebuilding plan

[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading Back to the drawing board: DCX working on more rebuilding, more sharing

Back to the drawing board: DCX working on more rebuilding, more sharing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MB's next major innovation: Vented Taillights?

Dan Roth — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Daimler

Back when my whip was a Volvo 740, I ventilated my taillights, too. Actually, it was more like drilling drain holes, but once all the trapped water escaped, you can bet that the compromised seal allowed plenty of air to flow through the lamp. Mercedes has applied intelligent thought to using the taillight as a hidden aerodynamic diffuser on the new C-Class, resulting in a slick Cd of .27. Instead of marring the design with some kind of tacky, nasty lip spoiler on the trunklid, the aerodynamic wunderkinds at MBZ have applied some clever trickery to keep the arse of their newest kostspieliges auto looking slick.

A lip spoiler changes the airflow behind the vehicle by interrupting the smooth flow coming over the top of the car. That interruption reduces lift. The problem with a spoiler, is that they require a specific shape to attain their spoiling effect, dictating styling direction. The C-Class engineers have taken an alternate route to addressing the vortices out back. The taillights act as diffusers, pulling air from underneath the vehicle and venting it out of slits in the lamps. The high pressure air under the car now has somewhere to go, which reduces lift. An elegant alternate solution that achieves the same result as the old spoiler. The air coming out of the taillight lenses also affects airflow along the sides of the car for the better, keeping turbulence behind the new C-Class down. We can't say how close you'll have to ride your bicycle to this thing to get sucked along by the bubble, or how badly it'll mess up your hair when it passes by, what with all that air blowing all over the place, but it sounds like a clever trick.

[Source: worldcarfans]

MB's next major innovation: Vented Taillights? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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