Auto Fans Club

In its third consecutive take on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, German tuner Kicherer has released a new package with performance and styling modifications for Stuttgart’s supercar, and just to capture our attention, the company threw a beautiful female model into the picture (not included in the package).

Mercedes-Benz used the 2011 New York Auto Show to reveal the updated 2012MY E63 AMG, which now features the new 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine instead of the old naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter unit. The new powerplant, already known from the CLS63 AMG, delivers 525 horsepower as standard, with an additional 32 ponies for a total of 557HP with the AMG Performance package. In base form, the 5.5-liter unit produces 7 more horsepower than the previous 6.2-liter engine.

Even though Mercedes-Benz did not mention the ‘Gulf’ word, it’s not hard to see the source of inspiration for the SLS AMG special displayed at the company’s New York Auto Show booth. The Stuttgart-based automaker names the vintage color ‘Boudalis Blue’. Other bespoke touches include the contrasting orange color surround on the inner wall of the front grille along with the flat black multipsoke wheels, and matching color badges and logos. Read more »

Following a world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz showed off its dynamic A-Class concept to the crowds of New York, and confirmed that the production model will head to North America.

In Europe, the production A-Class will launch next year. As for the US, Autonews reported that Joachim Schmidt, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars, would not specify a time frame vaguely stating that the A-Class would arrive “some time in this decade.”

Mercedes-Benz announced the introduction of new collection with special scale models and branded products to mark the 125th birthday of the motor car. The lineup includes a dedicated range of scale models of legendary vehicles produced over the years by the Stuttgart-based carmaker. Read more »

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class will be the final year of this current-generation car, yet it's still an alluring choice in its niche.

Without sacrificing a comfortable ride, the SLK provides an enjoyable drive thanks to its agile handling and a choice of spirited engines. Among its competition, the Mercedes SLK remains the most likable car on a daily basis.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two-passenger hardtop convertible offered in two versions: SLK300 and SLK350, each of which comes with a different engine.

Standard equipment for the SLK300 includes the 3.0-liter V6 engine, electronically actuated retractable hardtop, 17-inch wheels, sport body accents (front airdam, rocker-sill skirts and rear spoiler), front and rear foglamps, cruise control, manually adjusted dual-zone climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, manually adjusted eight-way front seats, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD changer. The SLK350 adds a 3.5-liter V6, 18-inch wheels and upgraded brakes.

The Sport package adds 18-inch wheels (for the SLK300), a sport suspension, and on automatic-transmission SLKs, paddle shifters.

The Heating package adds a cloth wind deflector, the Airscarf neck-level heating system and heated seats.

Powertrains and Performance
The rear-wheel-drive 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes estimates the SLK300 will accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Mercedes estimates the SLK350 will accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.4 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18/25/20 mpg.

Safety
The Mercedes-Benz "mbrace" emergency telematics system is also standard.

Driving Impressions
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK delivers respectable performance, as the SLK300's 3.0-liter V6 can be matched with a manual transmission and the SLK350's 3.5-liter V6 has a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic (unfortunately rev-matched downshifts aren't available, however).
2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Class has been redesigned for the model year with upgraded bodywork and sport package including rear spoiler, front airdam and rocker sill skirts. The SLK Class is a hardtop convertible that offers comfortable seating capacity for two-passengers and is available in SLK350 and SLK300 versions.

The SLK350 consists of 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Sport Package of 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Class consists of 18-inch wheels, automatic transmission with paddle shifters and sport tuned suspension, while the Multimedia package includes hard drive based navigation system with high definition radio, real-time traffic updates, satellite radio and digital music storage and COMAND electronics interface. The SLK300 of 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Class is powered by 3.0 liter V6 engine which is good for cranking out 221 pound feet of torque and 228 horsepower. The engine is paired with six-speed manual transmission with rear wheel drive system that sends power to the rear wheels. The 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Class comes with standard safety features which include antilock brakes, side airbags, traction and stability control and knee airbags.

The SLK55 AMG has been discontinued. The SLK350 rides on new 18-inch split five-spoke wheels, and both the SLK300 and SLK350 come standard with the sport body styling, which includes a revised front air dam, side skirts, a rear apron and a trunk spoiler. Previously, those features were part of the Sport Package.

Mercedes-Benz has announced that the S 350 BlueTEC will be offered from now on with a standard ECO start/stop function. As a result, average fuel economy is rated at 6.2 liters/100 km (37.93 mpg US), down 9 percent from an already impressive –for the size and type of car- 6.8 liters/100 km (34.59 mpg US). Read more »

Three models return: the V-8-powered SL550, the performance-oriented SL63 AMG with a twin-turbocharged V-8 and the SL65 AMG with a twin-turbo V-12.

Mercedes is offering 100 SL550 Night Edition models with matte-finish black paint; 19-inch AMG wheels with a two-tone, high-gloss finish; silver front brake calipers; and interior accents.


The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is on the warning track: with a new roadster on the way and an SLS AMG gullwing already in the lineup, there's little changed to the two-seat roadster for the new model year.

The SL550 bridges the gap from Jaguar XK territory into Ferrari California range; the SL63 AMG is the pinnacle of the SL's ability, faster than an Aston Martin Vantage and not far off the mark set by the Porsche 911. Feel free to spend up to $200,000 on an SL65 AMG; our favorite is the relative bargain SL63 AMG, for its time-warping acceleration and its multi-contour seats and an amazingly tractable ride.

Recently redesigned, the SL-Class remains the most premium Mercedes roadster.
The SL550's engine remains unchanged, with a 5.5-liter V8 delivering 382 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque between 2,800 and 4,800 rpm. Although, the latest model enjoys a slight bump in fuel economy to 14 city, 22 highway.

The car's steering system has been improved to feature a variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with the steering angle, increasing sharply as soon as this reaches five degrees. Now available is the Intelligent Light System, featuring five distinct functions, which are automatically selected. They are: country mode, motorway mode, enhanced fog lamps, cornering light function and active light function.

When the active light function is activated, the headlamps pivot to the side in line with the steering angle when the driver enters a bend, allowing them to see around 80 feet further into a long bend. The cornering light function is activated automatically at speeds below 44 mph.

Interior
The interior has been improved with better seats, a new-look three-spoke leather steering wheel, and a completely restyled instrument cluster.

Features
Mercedes has improved its COMAND infotainment system, which provides access to information, entertainment and communications. The sound system has an output of 510 watts.

It seems that the Mercedes Grand Prix team has made a habit of offering a commercial ahead of each Formula 1 race. With the Malaysian GP scheduled this weekend, Mercedes has released a new funny episode showcasing the Rosberg – Schumacher rivalry.

The clip is called “Decision” and features a pregnant woman about to give birth and her husband left on the side of the road by a damaged car. Out of nowhere, Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher come to her rescue, each behind the wheel of an AMG Mercedes. But then a new problem appears: which one to choose?

The impressive SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’ may have long replaced the venerable SLR McLaren in the Mercedes-Benz’s ranks, but the tuning world is not about let go of the Stuttgart firm’s previous supercar. Edo Competition has revealed a new take on the SLR McLaren called the Black Arrow.

Edo Karabegovic and his team over at Edo Competition started out with the SLR McLaren’s body, which gains a stealthy looking flat black coating and an overdose of red livery combined with new black colored 21-inch alloy wheels with a red ring that are shod in high-performance sport tires. There’s also new exhaust tailpipes and carbon trim.

On Wednesday, Mercedes-Benz introduced an impressive design study for the next generation of the A-Class, heavily influenced by the brand's recent concept cars, mainly the F800 and the CLS Shooting Brake. Now, we have two new video of the concept model. In the first clip, exterior designer Mark Featherston, who worked on the Concept A-Class, explains the important styling features of the compact car in a short film released by Mercedes-Benz.

The German automaker also presented the first footage showing the Concept A-Class in motion and capturing the car's most appealing exterior and interior angles. Scroll down to watch both videos dedicated to the concept that previews Stuttgart’s upcoming rival to the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

Why would someone want to upgrade a 451HP Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG remains a mystery to us, but the following car is a good example of the level of performance a C63 AMG can reach with the right aftermarket parts and some very deep pockets. Two years ago, owner Keith Brantley got in touch with aftermarket specialist Modern Horsepower (MHP) and ordered a complete transformation of his C63 AMG.

Mercedes-Benz plans to show up at this month’s Shanghai Auto Show with a brand new concept for a spectacular looking A-Class model. While the Concept A-Class is just what its name says it is – a prototype study - it’s also a very good indication of where the company plans to take its BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 rival with the presentation of the next generation model that is scheduled to go on sale in 2012.

For starters, Mercedes is giving up the minivan-like silhouette of the current A-Class for a more dramatic and sporty looking two-box profile with a long bonnet and a low roof-line. The concept’s exterior design details are heavily influenced by Stuttgart’s most recent prototypes such as the CLS Shooting Brake and especially the F800.

Aside from the new nose with a prominent Mercedes grille, the three-door Concept A-Class also features concave surfaces with sweeping lines throughout the body.

Daimler AG is conducting a voluntary recall campaign on certain 2011MY Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans (chassis code W212) and Estates (chassis code S212) to inspect, and if necessary, replace a potentially defective auto part. The recall will include approximately 41 E-Class models in the States manufactured from July 8, 2010, through July 12, 2010.

Inspired by BMW’s costly but cool April Fool’s Day E92 M3 Pickup Truck, Carscoop reader L il-k Amaru drew up a similar design proposal based on the Bavarian sport model’s alter-ego from Stuttgart, the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe. Take a look at both renderings after the jump and tell us what you think about Merc concept as well as the ute category in general in the comments section below. Read more »

A defect associated with the cruise control system has prompted a U.S. recall of 136,751 units of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and M-Class AMG SUVs from the 2000-2004MY. In a filing to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], Mercedes-Benz said it has determined that under certain circumstances, use of the brake pedal may not automatically disengage the cruise control system.

New for 2011
Mercedes-Benz introduces a Crew Van model of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that is designed to carry five passengers as well as cargo. A power sliding door is optional on both cargo and passenger models. Exterior features include:

Up to 12 occupants fit inside a passenger-carrying Sprinter. All models can have bucket seats in front. Sprinters have a flat cargo floor and tapered rear-wheel housings.
A Mercedes-Benz full-size van? At the time, the Dodge Sprinter was well worth its price premium, but now the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter carries a price premium that's $4,000 more than before, so apparently a big three-pointed star is worth more than a chrome Ram's head.
Actually, the Sprinter's modern chassis design makes it far more maneuverable around town than the full-size Detroit-branded vans. In fact, driving the Sprinter feels pretty normal except for its colossal windshield and short front end.

Thanks to its turbocharged diesel engine, the Sprinter also has a fuel economy advantage over its competition. Should you find the Mercedes-Benz badge too pretentious, the Sprinter is also sold as a Freightliner with almost identical specifications. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van available in multiple configurations, each available with two wheelbases and two roof heights. The Cargo Van has only two front seats matched with an empty cargo bay, while the Crew Van is essentially a Cargo Van with a three-place rear bench seat. The Passenger Van features four rows of seats good for 12 people, while the larger MiniBus adds an additional seating row for a grand total of 15 people. The Cargo Van is also available in a 3500 configuration (versus the standard 2500), which ups its payload capacity.

Standard equipment on the Cargo Van includes 16-inch steel wheels, right-side sliding door, wood cargo floor, 270-degree-opening rear doors, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a two-speaker radio. The Passenger Van is equipped similarly, but features three rear seat rows, rear interior trim, tinted rear windows and rear speakers. The Passenger Van and MiniBus can be equipped with a rear heater, rear air-conditioning and rear windshield wipers. Every 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is rear-wheel drive. Every 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes standard with stability and traction control, and front airbags. Optional are a driver side airbag, driver and front passenger side airbags packaged together, front side curtain airbags, parking sensors, a back-up alarm and a rearview camera.

Thanks to its 51-inch sliding door and class-leading 20-inch step-in height, the Sprinter makes entering and exiting the passenger area a cinch. The Sprinter's payload is similarly superior, and the rating of the 2500 Cargo Van ranges from 2,872 pounds to 3,469 pounds depending on body configuration, while the rating of the 3500 ranges from 4,845 pounds to 5,375.

Sprinter is a full size commercial vehicle from luxury car makers Mercedes. Currently Mercedes Sprinter is in its second generation. Second generation Mercedes Sprinter was launched in 2006, for 2011 we may expect third generation of Mercedes Benz Sprinter. Mercedes Sprinter passenger model is installed with four row seats which is capable of accommodating 12 passengers. Mercedes Sprinter Passenger van is installed with three rear seat arrangement, tinted windows, rear interior trim and rear speakers.

Mercedes Sprinter cargo van model is capable of towing 3469 pounds of payload.

Carscoop’s spies have bagged new photos of the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG testing in Germany. The most powerful member of the new M-Class family will compete against BMW’s X5 M, which packs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine pumping out 555HP and 680Nm or 501 lb-ft of peak torque.

The current ML 63 AMG is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering -in U.S. spec- 503HP at 6,800 rpm and a peak torque of 465 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm. Even thought the 63 badge will remain, as with other new AMG models, the flagship version of the next ML will ditch the 6.2-liter lump for the firm’s newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 boasting direct-injection technology.

For the past eleven years, Lexus has been Numero Uno in U.S. luxury vehicle sales. Not so in China, where Germanic giants BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi lead the pack and Lexus is relegated to a paltry fourth.

One issue is customer service, or rather a level of customer service that fails to differentiate Lexus from its competitors. As business owner and Lexus customer Maggie Lin explains: “Nothing stands out from Lexus's service. I don't feel there's anything special compared with what Audi has been doing. They are more or less the same.”

It’s one of the reasons Lexus’s Chinese arm has sent two of its top managers to the United States to learn how things are done at the brand’s North American operation. According to J.D. Power, Lexus sold just a fifth of market leader Audi’s sales total for 2010. That’s just 49,000 vehicles to the latter’s 236,000. There’s also the issue of consumer tastes.

What is the best way to promote a commercial van? Well, you can follow the classic way by showing off its qualities and advantages over the competition, but that lacks originality. On the other hand, a van that writes its own letters of application and sends them to 121 potential employers (i.e. big buyers of commercial vehicles) sounds a lot more creative.

And that’s exactly what a German marketing campaign for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is all about. Check it out in the video below, but don't try to do that to your Sprinter, it might lose its grip -literally...