Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG gets same AWD, power boost as new E63 models [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-gets-same-awd-power-boost-as-new-e63-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-gets-same-awd-power-boost-as-new-e63-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-gets-same-awd-power-boost-as-new-e63-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Mercedes-Benz recently took the wraps off its updated 2014 E-Class, including the absolutely bonkers E63 AMG sedan (and wagon!). Aside from the obvious styling tweaks, the key changes for the AMG E-Class include a more powerful S-Model trim and the addition of 4Matic all-wheel drive to the historically rear-drive-only platform.

We've now learned that those changes will be making their way over to the swoopy CLS63 AMG sedan, as well as the not-for-America Shooting Brake model. In its base form, the rear-drive CLS63 cranks out 557 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque from its 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, sent to the ground via the automaker's AMG Speedshift seven-speed transmission. 4Matic all-wheel drive is optional on the CLS63.

Just like the E63, the crazier S-Model package includes a power bump that raises those engine output numbers to 585 hp and 590 lb-ft. All S-Model cars come standard with 4Matic, as well as other features including a locking rear differential, optional carbon ceramic brakes and a host of exterior design upgrades.

The upgraded CLS goes on sale in Germany in April, with the 4Matic and S-Model cars arriving in June. We've asked Mercedes-Benz for confirmation about US market availability, but have not heard back as of this writing. Scroll down for the official release.

UPDATE: A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson confirmed to Autoblog that the US-spec cars will launch in our market in the fall of 2013. We will not receive the rear-wheel-drive CLS63 AMG, but the German automaker will offer the CLS63 AMG 4Matic and CLS63 AMG S-Model 4Matic here in the States.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG gets same AWD, power boost as new E63 models [UPDATE]

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG gets same AWD, power boost as new E63 models [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cls-classcls63 amgcls63 amg shooting brakemercedes-benzThu, 10 Jan 2013 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425102/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-gets-same-awd-power-boost-as-new-e63-mo/20425102/article-detail.xml 20425102 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2014-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2014-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Brabus goes to work on Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/brabus-goes-to-work-on-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/brabus-goes-to-work-on-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/brabus-goes-to-work-on-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake tuned by Brabus - studio front three-quarter view

Brabus has completed its makeover program for the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, with resultant menu ranging from a quick spruce to an all-day overhaul good for 619 horsepower, 737 pound-feet of torque and a top speed of 200 miles per hour.

An aero kit is involved, naturally, and if you thought the slippery wagon was finicky looking before, the Brabus tweaks won't change your mind. The front spoiler lip, sport fenders and wraparound skirting have been engineered to fit on any wagon with or without the AMG bodykit. The Bilstein-developed suspension offerings begin with sport springs, or you can grab all the pork with a completely new suspension that lowers the car by 35 millimeters. Wheels range in size from 17- to 20-inches, in six different designs.

Every engine flavor on the Mercedes-Benz stylewagon is looked after; the diesel CLS250 and 350 CDI BlueEfficiency getting modest and easily installed upgrades that also maintain the Shooting Brake's various driving modes. In Sport mode the 350 CDI can get from standstill to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Gas is where it's at, though, the CLS500 BlueEfficiency getting worked up to 500 hp and 531 lb-ft and a top speed of 186 mph. There are a further two tuning choices for the CLS63 AMG, the top-flight option unleashing 619 ponies, 737 lb-ft, the double-ton terminal velocity and a 0-62 mph run of 4.2 seconds.

The press release below has more information, the high-res gallery above has the star of the show.

Continue reading Brabus goes to work on Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

Brabus goes to work on Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz cls63 amg shooting brakebrabusclscls 63 amgcls shooting brakecls-classcls63 amgmercedes-benzWed, 10 Oct 2012 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20344920/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/10/brabus-goes-to-work-on-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake/20344920/article-detail.xml 20344920 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/brabusclssb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/brabusclssb.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is bringing sexy-functional back]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/2013-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/2013-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/2013-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

While it might seem like the Mercedes-Bens CLS Shooting Brake was revealed a long time ago, truth is, this is our first time seeing the swoopy four-door coupe-gone-wagon on the auto show circuit. Ever since we first laid eyes on the shooting brake concept at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show, we've been waiting to see how the lines of the production car would all come together to form a cohesive, sleek package. And trust us, dear readers, pixels alone cannot convey just how attractive this beast is.

In Europe, customers will have a choice of five engines. On the diesel side, there's the CLS250 CDI with a 2.1-liter inline-four and the CLS350 CDI with a 3.0-liter V6, and as for petrol power, buyers can choose from the 3.5-liter V6-powered CLS350, 4.6-liter twin-turbo-V8-powered CLS500, and the range-topping (and supremely badass) CLS63 AMG with Merc's 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. Depending on configuration, both rear- and all-wheel drive are available.

Normally, this is the part where we'd talk about U.S. powertrain specs, but sadly, Mercedes-Benz currently has no plans to offer the svelte CLS on our shores. Drat. Instead, you'll have to make due with the high-res gallery of photos live from the Paris Motor Show floor.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is bringing sexy-functional back

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is bringing sexy-functional back originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz cls shooting brakecls shooting brakecls-classmercedes-benzparisparis 2012paris motor showFri, 28 Sep 2012 06:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20336022/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/2013-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-paris-2012/20336022/article-detail.xml 20336022 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mercedes-benz-shooting-brake-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mercedes-benz-shooting-brake-paris.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/2013-mercedes-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/2013-mercedes-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/2013-mercedes-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A Heated Up Sports Tourer With One Stylish Tuckus



Our jaws collectively dropped at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show when the Vision CLS concept debuted. Had Mercedes-Benz decided not to build it, there might have been hell to pay. But build the W219 CLS-Class starting in April of 2004 it did, and the accolades never ceased for that first-generation model until it was replaced in the summer of 2010.

The W218 second-generation model is still loved, though seemingly much less so than the groundbreaking original, And, as though it knew this reaction was coming, Mercedes showed us all the Concept Fascination at the Paris Motor Show in September 2008, which was ultimately massaged into the Concept Shooting Brake shown at the Beijing Motor Show in April 2010.

Mercedes couldn't do just another wagon with the CLS; it had to be something that echoed of pure styling exercises, and perhaps excess. Eyeing up this production version of the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake built in Sindelfingen, we remain largely pleased, even when our professional objectivity changes to cold subjectivity. Keeping in mind the point of this lower volume lifestyle hauler, there are only two tangible bits on the car that we're not in love with, and that's not bad at all.

Whereas on the CLS coupe - *a-hem* - we would have loved to see a real two-door happen, for this new wagon style (sorry... shooting brake), Mercedes could never do a true shooting brake with just two forward doors; that would have been silly and might have sold in similar numbers as many a shooting brake in history has sold - frequently in single digits. No, it had to be a more useful wagon but with a lot of impractical swoosh.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake [w/video]

2013 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz cls63 amg shooting brakeamgcls 63cls 63 amg shooting brakecls-classcls63cls63 amgcls63 amg shooting brakefeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivemercedes-benzshooting brakeWed, 26 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20333073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/26/2013-mercedes-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-first-drive-review-video/20333073/article-detail.xml 20333073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/cls-63-amg-shooting-brake---05-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/cls-63-amg-shooting-brake---05-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chris Harris discovers new niche with Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/chris-harris-discovers-new-niche-with-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/chris-harris-discovers-new-niche-with-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/chris-harris-discovers-new-niche-with-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chris Harris reviews Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

There are a number of interesting tidbits in Chris Harris' review of the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, one of them being that he spends most of his seat time talking about the station wagon like it's a sports car. This isn't all that surprising if you limit yourself to the side of the spec sheet that lists "twin-turbo V8 with 557 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, limited-slip differential and seven-speed paddle-shifted transmission."

One the other side, though, is the part about it being more than 16 feet long, having four doors, seating for five and a cargo capacity that can go from 590 liters to 1,550 liters by folding down the rear seats (that's about 21 cubic feet to 55 cubic feet). And that gets Harris examining how a wagon can not only fill a niche, but can actually be something special and, perhaps, even a cult vehicle.

Another measure of how far the automotive world has come is when Harris says, "Only a little 285-section [tire] at the back," which means a new goalpost for "little" tire sizes comes from a review of a station wagon. You can see what else Harris has to say in the video below.

Continue reading Chris Harris discovers new niche with Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

Chris Harris discovers new niche with Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz cls63 amg shooting brakeamgchris harrisclscls 63 amgcls 63 amg shooting brakecls shooting brakecls-classdrivemercedes-benzshooting brakevideoThu, 20 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20328640/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/20/chris-harris-discovers-new-niche-with-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting/20328640/article-detail.xml 20328640 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/chris-harris-cls-shooting-brake_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/chris-harris-cls-shooting-brake.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz CLA caught uncovered ahead of reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/mercedes-benz-cla-caught-uncovered-ahead-of-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/mercedes-benz-cla-caught-uncovered-ahead-of-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/mercedes-benz-cla-caught-uncovered-ahead-of-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The ever-covert spy photographers at Brenda Priddy & Company have nabbed a fresh one. This time, it's a new Mercedes-Benz that looks to be a mix between an A-Class and the CLS-Class four-door coupe. It is being called the CLA-Class, and it has been caught completely sans-camo in preparation for a shoot in Iceland.

The CLA is the much-anticipated A-Class derivative that is coming Stateside, first announced in Beijing. Word is that the small Mercedes is a front-wheel drive, and likely powered by either a 170-horsepower 2.2-liter four or a 208-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged mill. This new FWD architecture is called MFA, and is also shared with the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

The design of the CLA-Class is heavily rooted in the Concept Style Coupe showcar, first seen at an art show at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. The most notable feature is the car's silhouette, which appears to echo that of the larger CLS-Class. The front end of the CLA is similar to that of the A-Class, albeit as a somewhat bolder interpretation of that design. Perhaps the one puzzling element to the design is the grille - utilizing a unique pattern has been reserved for Benz concept cars thus far. Either Mercedes-Benz is using the CLA as the first implementation of the pinpoint grille design in a production car, or the vehicle you see before you is a "production ready concept." We will know for certain when the showroom-ready version arrives next year as a 2014 model.

Mercedes-Benz CLA caught uncovered ahead of reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classclacla-classcls-classfour-door coupemercedes-benzmercedes-benz cla-classspy shotsTue, 18 Sep 2012 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20326308/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/18/mercedes-benz-cla-caught-uncovered-ahead-of-reveal/20326308/article-detail.xml 20326308 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mercedes-benz-cla-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mercedes-benz-cla-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/2012-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/2012-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/2012-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Original Four-Door Coupe Still Tickles Our Soul

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is an Olympic decathlete wearing a hand-tailored tuxedo - its well-rounded performance is every bit as impressive as its physical appearance. Such talent and charm is often acknowledged by the automotive press, but such accolades don't always guarantee a winning combination in the showroom.

But Mercedes-Benz knows its AMG customers, understands what stirs them and realizes how to pry open their checkbooks. The automaker is aware that its affluent clientele don't purchase objectively. Rather, they gaze at the styling, take a deep whiff of the leather interior, grasp and hold the thick steering wheel and absorb the raucous note of the exhaust. A sale isn't far behind.

The sound of signed checks fluttering to the table may be common at the Mercedes-Benz dealership, but how does the CLS63 AMG perform out in the real world? What separates it from its CLS550 sibling? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Most importantly, what makes this iconic seven-year-old four-door coupe unique? We recently spent a week with the CLS63 AMG to figure it out.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG [w/video]

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake - dynamic profile view - silver

Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed images and full details on its 2013 CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. So now all our whining about it not coming to the U.S. when it goes on sale in October can be official too.

As predicted, the gorgeous CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake will get the same 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V8 as its sedan counterpart, making 525 horsepower in standard models and 557 hp in the limited production "Edition 1." Standard models will make 516 lb-ft of torque, with Edition 1 examples producing 590. That extra grunt will help the Edition 1 hit 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds, as opposed to 4.4 for the standard trim. All cars will receive a seven-speed AMG MCT SpeedShift transmission and be electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph.

As you'd imagine, the AMG Shooting Brake is offered with plenty of niceties and options, including a Designo wooden luggage floor, done up in cherry inlaid with smoked oak and trimmed with aluminum rails. Unfortunately, Mercedes hasn't come forth with any pictures of this option, but there is a brief cameo of the fine carpentry in the video available by scrolling down. We've even included some footage of a disguised example doing a monster burnout at the recently completed Goodwood Festival Of Speed. While you're back there, check out the official press release, and be sure to inspect the gallery - we'll keep an eye out for additional photos.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake ist verboten frucht [w/videos]

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake ist verboten frucht [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz cls63 amg shooting brakecls 63 amgcls shooting brakecls-classcls-klassecls63cls63 amgcls63 amg shooting brakeedition 1mercedesmercedes-benzMon, 09 Jul 2012 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20274032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/09/mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-ist-verboten-frucht-w-vi/20274032/article-detail.xml 20274032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake gets official]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-gets-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-gets-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-gets-official/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

We've been anxiously waiting for the wraps to officially come off the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, and by golly, the wait is finally over. Our excitement, though, is tempered by Mercedes-Benz Manager of Product & Technology Public Relations Christian Bokich, who tells us, "Currently, there are no plans to bring the CLS Shooting Brake to the United States." To which we reply, "Boo!"

While we may take a bit of issue with Mercedes-Benz's assertion that "The proportions of the CLS Shooting Brake are surprising but clearly those of a coupé... but with five doors and a roof which continues through to the rear," we're still pretty keen on the exterior look. "In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate," adds M-B, and that much we can mostly agree with.

In reality, this is a low-slung station wagon, similar in execution to the Cadillac CTS Wagon, and it looks great. Based on our observations about the CLS four-door coupe sedan that the Shooting Brake is based on, we expect it to be a great car to drive, as well. Europeans will get two gasoline engines - a 3.5-liter V6 making 306 horsepower in the CLS350 and a 408-hp twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 in the CLS500 - as well as two diesels - a 2.1-liter four cylinder in the CLS250 CDI and a 3.0-liter V6 in the CLS350 CDI.

All but the four-cylinder are available with either rear- or 4Matic all-wheel drive, the smallest engine making use of the rear wheels only. Acceleration comes in at 7.8 seconds to 62 miles per hour for the CLS250 CDI, 6.7 seconds for the CLS350 and 5.3 for the CLS500. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

Emphasizing the increased utility over its four-door sibling, Mercedes has fitted the CLS Shooting Brake with optional aluminum loading rails and a wooden load compartment floor. Up to 1,550 liters (54.7 cubic feet) are available behind the standard power liftgate, and an automatically adjustable air suspension ensures proper ride and handling even with a load in place. There's even an optional towing kit.

We suggest you peruse the press release below for all the details, as well as a handy explanation of how the Shooting Brake got its name.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake gets official

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake gets official originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz cls shooting brakeclscls shooting brakecls-classcls-class shooting brakecls-klassemercedes-benzshooting brakeshooting breakFri, 29 Jun 2012 15:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20269363/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/29/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-gets-official/20269363/article-detail.xml 20269363 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz rolls out the gold carpet in Cannes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/mercedes-benz-rolls-out-the-gold-carpet-in-cannes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/mercedes-benz-rolls-out-the-gold-carpet-in-cannes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/mercedes-benz-rolls-out-the-gold-carpet-in-cannes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz at 2012 Cannes International Film Festival

We've seen some rather unfortunately garish chrome-jobs in our day, and yes, some have even ladled on the shiny stuff in gold. Many of those have also been Mercedes-Benz vehicles. But while we've come to expect that kind of bling from owners with cash coming out of their Ferragamo shoes, we didn't expect the same treatment to be carried out by Mercedes-Benz itself on its own vehicles.

We were wrong. Because that's precisely what the German automaker had in store for this year's Cannes International Film Festival. For the awarding of the prestigious 65th Palme d'Or, Benz rolled out a fleet of vehicles wrapped in gold in which it shuttled around movie stars and other celebrities. Among the attendees were the CLS four-door coupe, ML sport-ute and S-Class limousine.

The AMG division was also on hand to show off the new SL65 and offer celebrities a chance to drive their latest offerings. Hopefully those convinced on the Cote d'Azur to place an order will have the good sense to forgo the gilded treatment, though. See what Daimler had to say for itself in the press release below.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz rolls out the gold carpet in Cannes

Mercedes-Benz rolls out the gold carpet in Cannes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cannescannes film festivalcannes international film festivalchromeclscls-classfilm festivallimousinemercedes-benzmlml-classpalme dors classs-classFri, 25 May 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/mercedes-benz-rolls-out-the-gold-carpet-in-cannes/20242955/article-detail.xml 20242955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mb-cannes-gold_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mb-cannes-gold.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake reveals more of its rakish rump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-reveals-more-of-its-rakish-rump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-reveals-more-of-its-rakish-rump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-reveals-more-of-its-rakish-rump/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Last time we saw the non-AMG skin of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake it was bathed in red paint and caked in Arctic snow and grime. Warmer times have brought new shots of a black car - which we'll christen The Scarab - on standard wheels wearing nothing but a shine and a wisp of camo. Its shape has found a way to divide opinion, as the CLS-Class has always done, and we'll admit that yes, perchance there's something faintly Romulan about it, but we're totally sold on the looks.

Right now, there's nothing left to the imagination but the aft-most sliver of window - that final angle of chrome is an application. We expect all blanks to be filled in come the Paris Motor Show in September, which should see the reveal of the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG versions of the sleekest wagon this side of Rigel 5. The high-res gallery is above, and you should check it out.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake reveals more of its rakish rump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cls shooting brakecls-classmercedes-benzshooting brakespy photosspy picsspy shotsWed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234331/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-reveals-more-of-its-rakish-rump/20234331/article-detail.xml 20234331 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/clsspyblack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/clsspyblack.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is the one we want]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-is-the-one-we-want/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-is-the-one-we-want/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-is-the-one-we-want/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake spy shots

With every new set of spy shots, we become increasingly more excited for the launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (or is that Break?). This tapered wagon version of the shapely CLS is certainly a looker, even in pre-production, camo-clad protype form, and after giving its shockingly quick sedan counterpart high marks for its driving dynamics, we can only assume that the complete Shooting Brake package will be really, really sweet.

Oh yeah, there's an AMG version, too.

Seen here for the first time, the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake takes the same sleek long-roof shape of the CLS550 Shooting Brake prototypes we've seen, but adds all of the bulgy bits fitting of any high-performance Merc. All we can say is, it looks absolutely stunning, and we can't wait to see the finished product.

Power is expected to come from the same twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 found in the CLS63 sedan, sending 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via Mercedes' seven-cog Speedshift transmission. Like the sedan, we expect that Mercedes-Benz will offer an AMG Performance Pack, which boosts power to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft in the sedan. Holy moly.

Wipe the drool from your keyboards and click through our attached high-res image gallery to see the CLS63 Shooting Brake prototype for yourself.

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is the one we want originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clscls-classcls-klassecls63cls63 amgmercedes-benzmercedes-benz cls63 amg shooting brakeshooting brakespy photosspy picsspy shotsFri, 16 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20195065/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/16/mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-shooting-brake-is-the-one-we-want/20195065/article-detail.xml 20195065 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-shooting-brake628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg-shooting-brake628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake snapped winter testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-snapped-winter-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-snapped-winter-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-snapped-winter-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake spy shot

Mercedes-Benz hasn't exactly been secretive about its desire to offer a five-door hatchback version of its ultra-stylish CLS sedan. After all, the first concept for the latest CLS, which was introduced as a 2012 model, introduced us to the CLS Shooting Break Concept at the Beijing Motor Show in 2010. And yes, MB itself called the car a Shooting Break, not Brake.

Based on that concept, we have a pretty solid idea of how the CLS Shooting Brake will look. Judging by these spy shots that were snapped in Northern Sweden, there won't really be any surprises. And that's totally fine by us.

We'd expect Mercedes-Benz to deliver its super hatch in both CLS550 (with 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8) and CLS63 AMG (with 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8) flavors, which means the biggest question left to answer will be whether the company decides to call it the Shooting Brake or the Shooting Break. We, like pretty much everyone else in the world, vote for Brake.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake snapped winter testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clscls shooting brakecls shooting breakcls-classmercedes-benzshooting brakeshooting breakspy photosspy shotsFri, 03 Feb 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20164283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-snapped-winter-testing/20164283/article-detail.xml 20164283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-break-spy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-break-spy.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz brings the matte in from the cold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/mercedes-benz-brings-the-matte-in-from-the-cold/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/mercedes-benz-brings-the-matte-in-from-the-cold/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/mercedes-benz-brings-the-matte-in-from-the-cold/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercedes-Benz CLS550 4Matic in matte silver

Some things are at the fringe because they belong there. The tastes are too peculiar, the style too strange for the masses. But once in a while something emerges from the fringe into the mainstream because it deserves to be, because people learn to like it. Like matte paint finishes.

Long the purview of aftermarket tuners rejecting the glitz of the gloss, matte finishes are slowly finding their way onto automakers' show stands and into dealership showrooms. Hyundai broke new ground at the Detroit Auto Show this week in announcing the availability of the new Veloster Turbo in flat grey, but the Korean automaker isn't the only one offering the anti-shine treatment direct from the factory and displaying it on the floor of Cobo Hall.

Through its Designo program - a range of over-and-above options provided by AMG - Mercedes-Benz offers a selection of matte finishes for some of its higher-end (though not necessarily AMG-tuned) models. The palette currently includes white (like the CL63 in the gallery below), flat silver (like the CLS550 pictured above), dark grey and black, but is being expanded to include additional colors (and wider availability), starting with brown and hopefully extending to some of the shades Maserati and its sister brands have been displaying lately.

The results may not be to everyone's liking - and may not be well suited to every car - so don't expect them to replace the go-to metallic paintjobs typically selected for such vehicles, but we're glad to see this particular trend coming in out of the cold and into the showroom.

Mercedes-Benz brings the matte in from the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cls-classcls550cls63 amgmattmattematte finishmercedesmercedes-benzWed, 11 Jan 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144234/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/mercedes-benz-brings-the-matte-in-from-the-cold/20144234/article-detail.xml 20144234 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mbcls-matte_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mbcls-matte.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake reveals its rakish rump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-reveals-its-rakish-rump/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-reveals-its-rakish-rump/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-reveals-its-rakish-rump/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Late last year, Mercedes-Benz confirmed that its seriously pretty CLS Shooting Brake concept would go into production, and our trusty spy photographers have now caught the first test mules out on the road near the automaker's headquarters. Aside from the addition of some shapely new sheetmetal at the car's hind quarters, not much is expected to change from the standard CLS-Class sedan range, and that's just fine with us.

Expect Merc's new twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 to be the base engine at launch, with a CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake (be still our hearts!) coming down the pipeline. When Mercedes-Benz initially confirmed that the five-door CLS would go into production, we were told it would arrive sometime in 2012, and because these test mules appear to be nearly done with the development phase, we wouldn't be surprised if the final car debuts at the Geneva Motor Show next March (if not sooner).

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake reveals its rakish rump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cls shooting brakecls-classmercedes-benzshooting brakespy photosspy picsspy shotsWed, 12 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20079674/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/12/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-reveals-its-rakish-rump/20079674/article-detail.xml 20079674 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-spy-shots628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-spy-shots628.jpg <![CDATA[Man power-washes his new Mercedes-Benz CLS - <i>inside</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/man-power-washes-his-new-mercedes-benz-cls-inside/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/man-power-washes-his-new-mercedes-benz-cls-inside/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/man-power-washes-his-new-mercedes-benz-cls-inside/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



We aren't entirely sure what's happening here. It seems a Macedonian man took his brand-new 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CDI to the car wash and decided the interior could use some freshening up, too.

Instead of doing what every other Mercedes owner would do and busting out the Armor All, this guy asked the detailers to take the power washer to the interior of his brand-new Mercedes-Benz. Mystified and horrified, the wash attendants refused. That's when the owner took things into his own hands and, well, the results are in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Man power-washes his new Mercedes-Benz CLS - inside

Man power-washes his new Mercedes-Benz CLS - inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mercedes-benz cls 350 cdibenzcdiclscls 350cls klassecls-classcls-klassemacedoniamercedesvideoMon, 10 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077270/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/10/man-power-washes-his-new-mercedes-benz-cls-inside/20077270/article-detail.xml 20077270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/interior-wash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/interior-wash.jpg <![CDATA[Brabus outdoes itself with 230-mph Rocket 800]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/brabus-rocket-800-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/brabus-rocket-800-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/brabus-rocket-800-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Brabus Rocket 800

Brabus has been making supersedans out of Mercedes-Benz four-doors since 1996 when it introduced the first E V12 that could only go 205 miles per hour. With each successive sedan, the German tuner managed to inch that top speed ever higher until recently when it claimed a top speed of 230 mph for the latest E V12 based on the current generation E-Class. As it goes with the standard cars, whatever the E-Class gets can't be far behind for the CLS-Class. And so Brabus has introduced its second CLS-based super saloon, the Rocket 800, at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show sporting the same mechanicals as the latest E V12.

What that means is stuffing a twin-turbocharged (or biturbo, as the Europeans call it) version of the V12 engine that Mercedes uses in its 600-Series cars into the welcoming bay of a CLS. The monster motor has had its capacity increased from 5.5 liters to a more a generous 6.3, which helps it produce the car's namesake 800 horsepower. Torque is also up to a claimed maximum of 1,047 pound-feet that's electronically limited to 811 lb-ft, which we presume is to prevent the powertrain from annihilating itself. Backed by a seven-speed automatic, Brabus' own limited-slip diff and a range of final drive ratios, the Rocket 800 can reach an ultimate speed of more than 230 mph in certain configuaration, but is limited to just 217 mph for on-road excursions. 0-62 mph happens in just 3.7 seconds.

Of course, to be a Brabus you have to look the part, and the Rocket 800's exterior is adorned with all manner of carbon fiber filigree that performs the very real task of directing air where it needs to go (either into the engine or across a spoiler to keep the car planted). It looks suitably more menacing than a standard CLS or even the AMG model, but not so garish that you wouldn't want to be seen in one - something we haven't always been able to say about Brabus products.

Check out our live pics in the gallery and click Continue to read the official word from Brabus.

Continue reading Brabus outdoes itself with 230-mph Rocket 800

Brabus outdoes itself with 230-mph Rocket 800 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtbrabusbrabus rocket 800cls-classfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showmercedes-benzrocket 800Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/14/brabus-rocket-800-frankfurt-2011/20041510/article-detail.xml 20041510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-brabus-rocket-800-frankfurt-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-brabus-rocket-800-frankfurt-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi A7 3.0T takes on the Mercedes-Benz CLS550]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/audi-a7-3-0t-mercedes-benz-cls550-comparison/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/audi-a7-3-0t-mercedes-benz-cls550-comparison/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/audi-a7-3-0t-mercedes-benz-cls550-comparison/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Which Is Better Depends On Where You're Sitting

2012 Audi A7 3.0T and 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

"This car has an identity crisis. The aggressive exterior, brash exhaust note and firm ride say 'sport,' but the interior screams 'grandma!'"

The decision was made to review these "four-door coupes" not only from the driver's perspective, but from all four seating positions.
Strong words, especially when they originate from a stranger named Stephen sitting in the back seat of the $80,995 Mercedes-Benz some 80 miles from where we picked him up. The 31-year-old real estate broker and five other industry outsiders were invited to spend the day with Autoblog to help us compare the 2012 Audi A7 3.0T to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550.

These two vehicles have met head-to-head before, but not on these pages. To make things a bit more interesting, the decision was made to review these "four-door coupes" not only from the driver's perspective, but from all four seating positions. The unique comparison would require each of the vehicles to carry 700-plus pounds of passengers comfortably from the flatlands of the hot LA Basin up to the cool mile-high elevations of Big Bear Lake and back. The winner would be determined by a simple vote.

As this task called for six warm bodies willing to be chauffeured 160 miles over a long afternoon, Autoblog's Facebook page was enlisted to recruit. Within 24 hours, we had our six smiling volunteers fingered.

Continue reading Audi A7 3.0T takes on the Mercedes-Benz CLS550

Audi A7 3.0T takes on the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi a7 3.0T2012 mercedes-benz cls550a7a7 cls comparisona7 versus clsaudiaudi+a7audi+a7+reviewaudi+picsaudia7audia7reviewaudipicscls-classcls550comparisonsfeaturedmercedes+benzmercedes-benzmercedesbenzWed, 24 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024583/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/24/audi-a7-3-0t-mercedes-benz-cls550-comparison/20024583/article-detail.xml 20024583 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/audi-a7-mercedes-cls-comparison_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/audi-a7-mercedes-cls-comparison.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz confirms second shooting brake model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/mercedes-benz-confirms-second-shooting-brake-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/mercedes-benz-confirms-second-shooting-brake-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/mercedes-benz-confirms-second-shooting-brake-model/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

Wagon enthusiasts, rejoice. Late last year, Mercedes-Benz confirmed that its curvy CLS Shooting Brake concept (pictured) had been approved for production, and now, Automotive News reports that a smaller version is in the works, as well.

Recently, we showed you spy shots of Mercedes' upcoming CLC-Class - a four-door coupe based off of the platform that will underpin the automaker's A- and B-Class vehicles. Like the standard four-door CLC, the shooting brake will be offered with a range of direct-injected, four-cylinder engines (likely with turbochargers), and will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive. Makes sense, since the larger CLS five-door will use the same powertrains from the CLS-Class sedan it is based off of, including the delicious CLS63 AMG version.

Look for the CLC shooting brake to arrive in North America sometime in 2014. The CLC sedan is expected to go on sale sometime in 2013.

Mercedes-Benz confirms second shooting brake model originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clc shooting brakeclc-classcls shooting brakecls-classmercedes-benzshooting brakeFri, 12 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20016398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/12/mercedes-benz-confirms-second-shooting-brake-model/20016398/article-detail.xml 20016398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/mb-cls-sblarge029_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/mb-cls-sblarge029.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/2012-mercedes-benz-cls550-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/2012-mercedes-benz-cls550-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/2012-mercedes-benz-cls550-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Are You Team First-Gen Or Team Second-Gen?

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of setting trends, which includes being the first company to develop technologies we take for granted today, like traction control systems, airbags and anti-lock brakes. It also kicked off the trend of propelling vehicles with motors, having built and sold the first automobile back in 1885. But it's not usually known for setting styling trends, which is exactly what the company did when it launched the CLS-Class back in 2004.

Despite four doors staring you right in the face, the CLS was officially dubbed a coupe by Mercedes because of the car's sleek coupe-like roofline. Semantics aside, it kicked off an entirely new segment of four-door coupes with its new, artful approach to transporting four people. Just like a fledgling industry followed the Benz Patent-Motorwagen's arrival in 1885, the arrival of the CLS created an entirely new class of vehicle.

Having started the trend, Mercedes gets to show us how it will evolve, and the 2012 CLS550 does just that. It's job isn't just to steer this trend away from becoming a fad, but also fend off a growing number of automakers who wish they had thought of it first.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 [w/video]

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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