Rendered Speculation: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've been seeing spy shots of the upcoming facelifted Mercedes-Benz SLK for some time now, awaiting its unveiling to see what those zany Germans have been up to on the baby SL, and now the first factory-released images have surfaced on the internet.

The most prevalent changes have been made cosmetically to the front end, where Mercedes seeks to capitalize even further on its ties with Formula One - not only does Mercedes partner in the McLaren team, but the SLK itself can often be seen pulling duty as safety car at grands prix. The F1-style nose and front bumper are accompanied by new tail-lights out back and a refreshed interior with redesigned seats and a more subdued center console.

The updated SLK also benefits from a revised 3.5-liter V6 with an anticipated 10 extra horsepower over the current version. More details will be made available as we close in on the car's official unveiling in the spring, but we'll be on the look-out in the meantime, so watch this space. Mercedes-Benz does not yet have the images up on its press site, so enjoy these branded pics courtesy of AutoExpress in the meantime - check out the gallery below.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

First look at facelifted Mercedes SLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We doubt you'll be mourning the loss of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which, as we reported earlier this month, might be canceled rather than replaced in 2011. The compact hatchback never won resounding praise, and for good reason, was never sold in the US. The larger B-Class, however, is likely to be replaced in the same year, and could spawn a number of derivatives.

The current B-Class, which is sold to our hockey-loving neighbors to the north, is only offered as a five-door hatchback. The next B could be joined by a sportier hatch and even a roadster, with the potential for US importation. The latter was previewed in part by the Vision SLA concept shown at Detroit way back in 2000. Earlier reports also suggested the possibility of the next B-Class borrowing from the C-Class platform, which would mean rear-wheel-drive, in proper Benz style, instead of the front-drive of the current A and B.

[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority]

Report: next Mercedes B-Class could spawn derivatives originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Following spy shots of S-Class Hybrid prototypes leaving the Lotus facilities in Norwich, England, industry insiders have concluded that Mercedes has turned to the British sportscar maker and engineering firm for input on the sedan's hybrid power system.

The upcoming S-Class Hybrid's electric motor sits in front of the front-mounted transmission, and will be coupled to either a gasoline-powered 268-hp 3.5L V6 to produce a combined 300 hp and return 35 mpg, or a 2.2L 168 hp diesel incorporating the latest BLUETEC technology.

Although best known for its chassis consulting, Lotus it seems was brought on to put the finishing touches on the hybrid's sophisticated drivetrain, specifically the mechanism that switches between the conventional and electric motors. No doubt, Lotus has been developing its new specialty in the green arena thanks to its work with Tesla on the all-EV Roaster.

[Source: Autocar via German Car Scene]

Lotus consults on Mercedes S-Class Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With the new C-Class sedan already firing on all cylinders, Mercedes-Benz is preparing its compact wagon variant. Some intrepid paparazzi managed to catch the upcoming C-Class Estate undergoing apparent cold-weather testing with minimal camouflage, in a video that you'll find after the jump.

Although the wagon version of the baby Benz is not sold on American shores, rivals like the BMW 3-Series wagon and Audi A4 Avant have been available here, although their sales volume is not at the same level as it is overseas where small family wagons are a popular alternative to cumbersome and gas-guzzling SUVs.

Aside from the hunch-back, the C-Class Estate is virtually identical to its sedan sister, and offers the same range of engines that starts with the 156-hp C180 and extends up to the 272-hp C350, with a few diesels thrown into the mix.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Continue reading SPY VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

SPY VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This disguised test mule was caught undergoing cold weather testing somewhere in Europe. We can see the from the photo that the updated CLS will get a new grille mimicking that of its big-coupe counterpart, the CL, plus a new set of taillights and a new rear bumper around back. It'd also be safe to assume some changes will be made to the interior, and some new rims should round out the package. The arguably least attractive element of the design, the strangely-shaped headlights, will evidently carry over unchanged, though.

The revised CLS-Class should be hitting the market sometime in 2008, ready to hold its own against the onslaught of future competitors in the four-door coupe niche market. Click the Read link to check out additional uncropped spy shots of the next MB CLS.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shot: Mercedes CLS facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Somewhere in my mind, Pixar-animated DaimlerChrysler small cars are arguing over who gets to make it to the American market next. Not because they yearn for the shores of freedom or anything like that, but it seems that every time DCX decides to bring anything smaller than a C-Class to the US, the car gets a facelift. First it determined the American market was ready for the SMART ForTwo, so that got a revision. Now, following reports that Mercedes would begin offering the B-Class in the United States, disguised test mules of an updated B have been spied undergoing testing.

The facelifted B-Class will get a front end with revised grille, bumper and headlights. The side mirrors will get turn signals built in, and the tail end will get a new bumper and tail-lights. The engine line-up is expected to be shaken up a bit too with Mercedes' latest efficient engines. The new B-Class is anticipated to debut in spring 2008; no official word on when the B-Class will debut stateside, but if and when it does, you can bet it'll be the new version.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz B-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

Mercedes-Benz is preparing the new C-Class for its debut at Geneva, and pre-production has already begun at the Bremen factory. This loosely rendered spy shot had little in the way of body camouflage to remove in order to give a proper glimpse at what the baby Benz will look like when it hits the show-floor and the showrooms in 2007.

The new C-Class will spawn a number of body-styles, starting with the sedan and wagon, to be joined by a new coupe and convertible. While four-cylinder engines will be on offer overseas, the American market will get a range of V6 powerplants, plus a new AMG version.

[Source: World Car Fans]

SPY SHOTS: Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 07:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The current Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the "entry-level" model in the German carmaker's US line-up, was conceived as a baby E-Class. But who wants to buy a luxury import that's main selling point is that it's less than the bigger one? That's why insiders are predicting that the next C-Class, expected to launch for 2008 at the 2007 Geneva show, will carve out its own niche as a compact sports sedan, rather than a junior E-Class.

Unfortunately, sources are citing budget constraints at DaimlerChrysler as an indicator that the new C won't feature either an air suspension or even active body control, the latter which already puts the car at a disadvantage over a year before it even hits the market.

Globally, the C-Class line-up will include a wide array of engines, starting with a direct-injection 1.8-liter four with output from 150 to 190 horsepower (which, based on the current US line-up, won't be offered stateside). Above those will be the V6s in either 2.5-liter capacity with 210 hp or 3.5 liters and 270 hp. But the sweetest plumb will be the AMG version with a revised 5.4-liter V8 and output bumped up past 400 horsepower.

Body-styles will include a sedan, a coupe and a wagon, in either rear-wheel-drive or 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.

As a volume model, Mercedes needs the new C-Class to succeed, and by distancing it from the E-Class, it might have a winning formula if the package comes together well. Stay tuned....

[Source: Auto Express]

SPY SHOTS: 2008 Mercedes C-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.