Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/23/mercedes-benz-celebrates-iconic-centennial-with-special-cl550/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/23/mercedes-benz-celebrates-iconic-centennial-with-special-cl550/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/23/mercedes-benz-celebrates-iconic-centennial-with-special-cl550/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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]]>100th100th anniversary100thAnniversary4maticanniversarybadgebenzcentenarycentennialclcl500cl550cl550 4maticCl5504maticiconlogomercedesmercedes clmercedes cl550mercedes-benzmercedes-benz cl500mercedes-benz cl500 4maticmercedes-benz cl550mercedes-benz cl550 4maticMercedes-benzCl500Mercedes-benzCl5004maticMercedes-benzCl550Mercedes-benzCl5504maticMercedesClMercedesCl550Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Maserati GranTurismo *NOT* priced at $95K]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/22/maserati-granturismo-priced-at-95k/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/22/maserati-granturismo-priced-at-95k/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/22/maserati-granturismo-priced-at-95k/#commentsFiled under: ,

UPDATE: Jeffrey Ehoodin, Maserati's PR man cited below, contacted us to say that pricing HAS NOT been set on the GranTurismo and that the source listed is incorrect. Expect pricing to be firmed up sometime towards September, when the GT is set to be released.

At the Chicago Auto Show, Maserati PR man Jeffrey Ehoodin said "We are not an exotic." In case that didn't get the message across, Maserati has put its money where its mouth is, pricing the new GranTurismo at $95,000. That slots the Maser in above the Jaguar XKR convertible and below the BMW M6 Coupe and Mercedes CL.

Maserati discovered that people thought their cars were as expensive as DB9's and Continental GT's. That's great for the prestige stakes, but awful for the bottom line. The GranTurismo is, in fact, $18K cheaper than the cheapest Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage. Though the Maserati is short 15 hp to and .7 seconds slower to 60 than the XKR, what you get instead is a rolling sculpture designed by the man who penned the 599, usable rear seats, and the Maserati cachet that everyone else seems to think costs so much. And even though you don't see too many XKR's on the road, you're guaranteed to see even few GranTurismos -- if you're into that sort of thing. To all those folks who wanted Maserati's but thought they couldn't afford one, when the car arrives in June, you can come on in from the cold.

[Source: eGM Car Tech]

Maserati GranTurismo *NOT* priced at $95K originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clgranturismomaseratipricexkrSun, 22 Apr 2007 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Preview: Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/new-york-preview-mercedes-benz-cl65-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/new-york-preview-mercedes-benz-cl65-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/new-york-preview-mercedes-benz-cl65-amg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While most everything in the MB AMG stable (including the CL63 AMG) is getting or has already gotten AMG's monster 6.2L 500+ horsepower all-motor V8 crammed underhood, the big CL-class coupe is the beneficiary of a second AMG upgrade. The CL65 AMG, arriving fall '07, receives the 6.0L biturbo V12 thrust carnival found in it's S-Class AMG cousin. This is a perfectly good thing, as the powerplant is good for 612 horses and a tire liquefying 738 lb-ft of torque. 62 miles per hour arrives in 4.4 seconds -- no small feat, given the CL's 4,900-lb curb weight. Those kind of numbers are usually reserved for aftermarket tuning houses whose upgraded machinery costs a lot more than the factory AMG cars.

The CL65 AMG debut coincides with AMG's 40th anniversary, and, as such, a special (and very limited) edition is available. Only forty CL65 "40th Anniversary" cars will be built, and each one is finished in liquid-metallic-looking Alubeam paint, which has previously appeared on Mercedes-Benz show cars only. Inside, diamond-patterned quilted leather, an Alcantara headliner, and edition-specific trim such as embossed "V12" headrest logos and carbon fiber accents round out the package. The rest of the car features everything you expect from AMG, including the tasteful aero kit and big split-spoke wheels. If you can't afford an SLR (not many can), this big coupe may well be the next best thing you can drive out of a Mercedes dealership.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Gallery: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG

Continue reading New York Preview: Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

New York Preview: Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>40th Anniversary40thAnniversaryAMGClCL 63Cl63Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes registers CLC-Class name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/mercedes-registers-clc-class-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/mercedes-registers-clc-class-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/mercedes-registers-clc-class-name/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Despite the spy shots we see now and then, carmakers often manage to keep a tight lid on some of the projects they're working on, only giving us the occasional glimpse. Their cover is at least partially blown at times when they file for a trademark on a name. Once they've filed, the name is published for opposition, in case a competitor is already using it, giving us a chance to guess at what they might be up to.

Mercedes-Benz, it's been revealed, has filed for a trademark for the name CLC-Class. Based on their formulaic nomenclature, speculation has ensued over what that could be. One possibility bouncing around is a two-door version of the current CLS four-door coupe. Another is a convertible version of the CL, the two-door version of the S-Class sedan. While it'd seem an unlikely name to use for this application, DaimlerChrysler may have taken the name to use should they green-light the Ocean Drive concept (pictured) we'll be seeing in a couple weeks' time in Detroit.

Of course we have to take this all with a large grain of salt, remembering that just because a large company like DCX has filed for a trademark on a name doesn't necessarily mean they'll be using it on a production automobile. Interesting, though, that along with the Class 012 trademark for automobiles, Mercedes has also filed a Class 028 trademark for toy model vehicles on the CLC-Class name.

[Source: Paul Tan]

Mercedes registers CLC-Class name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzchryslerclclassclcclsconvertibkeconvertiblecoupedaimlerdcxmercedesTue, 26 Dec 2006 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Have a good Time with your Mercedes CL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/have-a-good-time-with-your-mercedes-cl/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/have-a-good-time-with-your-mercedes-cl/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/have-a-good-time-with-your-mercedes-cl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The markets for fine timepieces and high-end automobiles attract largely the same demographics, and it's not uncommon for the two to converge to produce watches inspired by cars. Because few things say "precision engineering" quite like a Mercedes-Benz and a handmade Swiss watch, the German automaker previously collaborated with TAG Heuer and IWC, but this time brought it closer to home with German watchmakers Mühle-Glashütte.

The anschluss between Mercedes and Mühle-Glashütte gives birth to the CL Time, a limited edition timepiece of 216, launched to coincide with the market debut of the Mercedes CL-Class. The watch has a brushed-steel case and Louisiana alligator leather strap with butterfly clasp, and features a date indicator, power-reserve meter, 24-hour display and sapphire crystal front and back to view the Soprod calibere 9035 movement. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH describes the dial as "salmon-coloured", but it looks closer to tan than pink - not that there's anything wrong with buying a pink watch...

The timepiece sells for a hefty €3800, but that shouldn't deter someone enamored enough with the three-pointed star to drop a hundred grand on a new car.

More pics of the watch after the jump.

[Source: AutoMotoPortal]

Continue reading Have a good Time with your Mercedes CL

Have a good Time with your Mercedes CL originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzclMühle-GlashüttemercedesMuhle-GlashuttetimetimepiecewatchMon, 09 Oct 2006 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes CL Cabrio in the works?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/mercedes-cl-cabrio-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/mercedes-cl-cabrio-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/mercedes-cl-cabrio-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: ,



The rumormongers over at Auto Motor Und Sport report that during a conversation with Hans Dieter Multhaupt, Daimler Chrysler's Vice President of Program Management and Development, the idea of a convertible CL was hinted at, along with the possibility of a diesel mill finding its way under the hood.

The translated article quotes Mr. Multhaupt, as saying that the engineers and designers take steps to insure that these variants will be possible with limited modifications. The one factor that leads to broader offerings is consumer demand, which Mercedes hasn't seen, yet.

We're not sure about the diesel, but it's probably a no-brainer that a droptop version of the S-Class based coupe will make it to production. Soon.

[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport]

Mercedes CL Cabrio in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clmercedess-classFri, 22 Sep 2006 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Bahn-stormer Special: Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/bahn-stormer-special-mercedes-benz-cl63-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/bahn-stormer-special-mercedes-benz-cl63-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/bahn-stormer-special-mercedes-benz-cl63-amg/#commentsFiled under: ,

UPDATED

click on image to enlarge

More details are surfacing from Mercedes-Benz on the latest car in its fleet to get AMG's new purpose-built 6.3-liter V8, following the first image we featured in July. Based on the recently updated CL-Class - the grand touring coupe itself based on the S-Class sedan - the CL63 AMG sweetens the deal with 525 hp, capable of propelling this leather-lined cruise missile to sixty in 4.6 seconds on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (a Mercedes standard).

In addition to the fire-snorting engine upgrade, the CL63 gets a full aero package (even more aggressive than the AMG Sport Package offered on the "standard" CL) and suspension upgrades, as well as the full host of Mercedes' electronic systems. A close-up shot of the wheels shows a monstrous brake package, while a shot of the rear seems to show an aerodynamic diffuser to minimize lift without the need for an ostentatious rear wing (there's a reason they call it a "spoiler").

No word yet on pricing, but the old axiom applies: if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

(Full high-resolution gallery and press release after the jump)

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

UPDATE: Added full high resolution gallery and press release

Continue reading Bahn-stormer Special: Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG unveiled

Bahn-stormer Special: Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500amgautobahnbenzclcl63cl63 amgCl63Amgcoupegthorsepowermercedesmercedes-benztouringv8Wed, 13 Sep 2006 11:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Photos: Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/29/spy-photos-mercedes-benz-cl65-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/29/spy-photos-mercedes-benz-cl65-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/29/spy-photos-mercedes-benz-cl65-amg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Many Autoblog readers balked at the styling of the newly announced Mercedes-Benz CL550 and CL600 coupes. Well, it's too late now for MB to change the CL's appearance, so perhaps an AMG-tuned version will help keep your mind off what more than a few have referred to as uninspired styling. The Straighline Blog reports that while this mule caught testing at the Nurburgring in Germany is easily identifiable as an AMG product thanks to the wide wheels, meaty tires and quad exhaust, no one is quite sure which engine is laboring under the hood. Most new AMG models are coming equipped with the division's outstanding 6.3L V8, except for the 2007 S65 AMG that uses the older twin-turbo V12. Seeing as the CL coupe's a range-topper, MB may go with the TT V12 for the overkill effect, but we doubt many would be complaining if the 6.3L V8 were used, either.

[Source: Straightline Blog]

Spy Photos: Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jun 2006 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMGCLCL550CL600CL63CL65Thu, 29 Jun 2006 08:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe pics pop up - UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/official-mercedes-benz-cl-coupe-pics-pop-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/official-mercedes-benz-cl-coupe-pics-pop-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/official-mercedes-benz-cl-coupe-pics-pop-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,



What have here are the first official pics of the new Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe that were unofficially leaked on the internet this morning. It shares many mechanical bits with the S-Class sedan, though it seems softer and more of a visual match for the last generation S-Class than the current one with its creases and flares. The spy shots that showed up a week or so ago were dead on, however. This appears to be a tame model, perhaps with the reported 3.7L V6 under the hood. Hopefully AMG will make it more look more aggressive after the installation of its 6.3L V12 that produces 600 hp.

Check out more official pics after the jump...

[Source: CarScoop, Autoblog Spanish]

UPDATE - Official pics and link from Autoblog Spanish

Continue reading Official Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe pics pop up - UPDATE

Official Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe pics pop up - UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CLCL ClassCL CoupeClClassClCoupeleakspy picsSpyPicsThu, 22 Jun 2006 10:05:00 EST