MERCEDES

New Photo Gallery of U.S.-Spec 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 

Mercedes-Benz’s all-new 2012 M-Class (or ML) makes its on-the-road debut in the U.S. this week so the German company decided to drop a new batch of images for our viewing pleasure. The Stuttgart firm’s new luxury SUV enters the 2012 model year in the U.S. with a choice of two models. First up is the diesel-powered ML350 BlueTEC delivering 240 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque, while averaging 20mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway.
The second choice for U.S. buyers is the gasoline-fueled ML350 4MATIC equipped with a brand new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 rated at 302 hp and 273 lb.-ft.), with an estimated fuel economy of 17mpg city and 22mpg highway.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced U.S. pricing. 

New Badass Brabus 800 E V12 is the World’s Fastest 4-Seat Convertible 

 

Well, given Brabus’ history with the sedan and coupe variants of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it was only a matter of time before the German tuner would give the Convertible model its acclaimed “800” treatment.And what a treatment it is: a 6.3-liter V12 biturbo with 800 hp (hence the name) that makes this car not only the most powerful, but, with a top speed of 370 km/h (231 mph), also the fastest four-seater cabriolet in the world.
The Brabus engineers drew upon their experience gained on the development of the E V12 sedan and coupe. The most powerful engine that Brabus makes is based on the 3-valve V12 of the Mercedes S 600, but with many modifications.
These include optimized cylinder heads, sports camshafts and a special crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons which along with the cylinders’ larger bore, increase the V12’s capacity from 5.5 to 6.3 liters.
The modifications don’t stop there. The E V12 has a new intake manifold, two exhaust manifolds with integrated turbochargers for better efficiency and no less than four water-to-air intercoolers.
The ECU is reprogrammed and the 5-speed auto gearbox had to be reinforced in order to withstand not just the power, but also the colossal torque of the V12 which can reach 1,420Nm (1,047 lb-ft) but is electronically limited to “just” 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
All this power is directed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40%. Performance is, naturally, exceptional: apart from the 370 km/h top speed, the E V12 accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 9.9 seconds and 300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.9 seconds.
The suspension is recalibrated, with adjustable dampers, and the aerodynamic modifications to the widened E-Class Cabrio bodywork are not just made of carbon fiber, but they have been tested in a wind tunnel in order to reduce lift and provide the stability that is essential for a car with such performance.
The Brabus 800 E V12 is built to order, with its price starting from €478,000 or about US$680,000.

Lexus Loses Top Spot in US After a Decade, Says it Doesn't Care 

Lexus has been the top-selling luxury brand in the US for the last 11 years. But in 2011 the luxury division of Toyota looks bound to lose the top spot to both BMW and Mercedes-Benz and be relegated to third place. The earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan in March and disrupted production is one of the reasons, as Lexus manufactures all bar one of its models (the RX) in its homeland. However, the production problems aren’t the sole reason for Lexus’ declining sales.
Last year’s recalls and the publicity they received had a negative effect on the brand. Moreover, arch-rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW are expanding their US line-up and offering bigger incentives – plus let’s not forget, the Germans also manufacture some of their cars locally in the US.
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Mark Templin, general manager of Lexus, commented that the media is giving too much attention to market leaders:
“In the 11 years Lexus was number one, we ‘ve never once bragged about it. When we had to reduce production, it pretty much guaranteed that we would be challenged to remain number one in sales”.
He also dismissed all the talk about luxury car ranking: “All that doesn’t matter. All we care about us being number one in quality”.

Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe Black Series Coming on July 24 

*Regular Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Pictured Above

At the press launch of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, selected members of the media got a sneak preview of the all-new C63 AMG Coupe Black Series. And some of them, managed to capture a few photographs of the car but the pictures were hastily removed on most sites after Mercedes’ intervened. This was supposed to be a secret preview, since the car isn’t scheduled to be unveiled before the German Grand Prix at Nurburgring at the 24th of July. Therefore, you can guess that Mercedes’ people aren’t too happy about the leak.
Anyway, since the beans have already been spilled, here we go: the new C63 Coupe Black Series will be powered by AMG’s 6.2-liter V8, with 510 –horses and no less than 639 Nm of torque. Thus, performance shouldn’t be an issue, while the handling has been taken care of thanks to new suspension settings.
But the C63 Black Series likes to show off its power, therefore its bodywork is like that of a regular C-Class Coupe on (lots of) steroids. There is a body kit, new alloy wheels, quad exhausts and red brake calipers, while on the inside its hardcore nature is evident by the racing-style bucket seats and an alcantara-trimmed sports steering wheel.

Rumors: Mercedes-Benz to Gun for BMW’s X6 with New GLS 

It seems that 2014 is going to be a good year for SUV fans: after the news on Audi’s Q4, Mercedes-Benz is also reportedly planning to release another crossover, according to Autocar. However, this one will be more up-market and will have BMW’s X6 (and Audi's Q6, which is expected in 2016) squarely in its sights. An obvious movement since the controversially styled SUV from BMW has sold more than 120,000 since its launch in 2009. Like its archrival from Munich, Mercedes’s sporty SUV will be a four-seater with a sporty design.
The new model will probably be named GLS and will be based on the new M-Class, sharing its platform and most of its engineering, including the four-wheel drive system. However, it will differentiate itself with more aggressive styling, taking cues from Mercedes’ four-door sedan, the CLS.
Nothing is yet known about the engines, but expect the usual range of gasoline and diesel units, as well as a hybrid, with the top version being powered by a turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 fettled, predictably, by AMG to provide a challenge to the X6 M.
The GLS will most likely be manufactured alongside the M-Class in Mercedes-Benz’s US factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Daimler Puts a Third Option on the Table: Turn Maybach into a Sub-Brand for Mercedes 

 

The future of the ailing Maybach brand will be decided, according to reports, until the end of July. Up until now, the German firm’s parent company, Daimler, was faced with two options: either axe the brand entirely, or work with another carmaker, preferably Aston Martin, to share the development and manufacturing costs to the successors of to its not-so-well received uber-sedans. Now, according to Automotive News, it seems that a third option is on the table: that Maybach will become a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz.
Following the example of AMG, which is responsible for the sportiest versions of Mercedes’ models, the Maybach label may be applied to the more luxurious versions of the brand’s premium models such as the S-Class, the CL and the GL.
If the brand is not killed off and either of the two aforementioned proposals is chosen, it is possible that we will see a concept model as early as the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

European Automakers Demand a Fair Deal in Emerging Auto Markets 

At a recent meeting of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), industry leaders voiced their concerns over government assistance, high import tariffs and other trade barriers in newly minted auto markets such as China, India and South Korea. It’s a situation that’s made it very difficult, if not impossible, for the Euros to compete. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler and the President of ACEA puts it well: “We are asking for a level playing field.”
Paul Everitt, CEO of the UK’S SMMT motor industry group echoes those remarks: “Our vision is for us to design, develop and manufacture high-value vehicles to export around the world. That is difficult if we don't get access.”
For instance, India exports some 250,000 cars each year to Europe but only imports 5,000 European vehicles. This might have something to do with the high import taxes Indian car buyers have to pay on foreign vehicles.
The European automakers are also asking to be treated as strategic industries by government, seeing as they are important to their nations’ economic growth.
The Euros are also asking for government investment in power charging infrastructure and short-term loans / grants for developing electric vehicles and other green technologies. Dieter Zetsche, again:
“We in the industry have to take the lead. In Germany alone, the automotive industry will invest about 16 [billion] euros [in green technologies]. Over the next five years we will see no return on that investment.”

Mercedes-Benz’s Parent Company Nearing a Decision on the Fate of Maybach 

 

It’s no secret that for quite some time now, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company Daimler has just about had it with Maybach and is looking to either shut down the über luxury car brand and call it a day or partner up with British sports carmaker Aston Martin on the development of a new model. According to a report from Autoweek, the time has come for the German carmaker to make a final decision with the fate of Maybach to be decided by July 1. At a recent press event in Stuttgart, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche told journalist that "there is a higher likelihood to come to a positive decision" for Maybach if the company can find a partner. Up until now, the only automaker that has showed interest in working with Daimler on Maybach is Aston Martin.
A potential tie-up could lead to the two companies sharing certain development costs and possibly utilize Aston Martin’s production facilities in Gaydon, England. The British carmaker could in turn gain access to Mercedes-Benz and AMG’s parts bin for its cars.
Daimler revived the Maybach nameplate in 2002 with the company aiming to sell around 1,500 cars annually. However, sales were disappointing with Maybach delivering a mere 200 cars worldwide in 2009 and only around 160 last year.

Mercedes Drops 72 High-Res Photos and More Info on 2012 ML-Class SUV 

The new 2012 ML-Class has been making the rounds on the web-o-sphere for a couple of days now, and today Mercedes-Benz’ press department finally decided to share the details and a high-resolution photo gallery of its newcomer with the rest of the world. We have already voiced our thoughts about the ML-Class’ styling so on this post we’re going to concentrate on the available engine lineup and specifications. Starting with the North American model, the third-generation ML-Class will make its U.S. retail debut in September 2011 with two available models at launch, the ML350 4MATIC and the ML350 BlueTEC. More engines will be added down the road.
The gasoline-powered ML350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 302HP and 273 lb-ft of peak torque, and returns an estimated fuel economy of 17mpg city and 22mpg highway. The outgoing ML350 with a 268HP V6 returned 15mpg and 20mpg respectively.
The ML350 BlueTEC features a 3.0-liter V6 diesel rated at 240HP and 455 lb-ft, returning 20mpg city and 25mpg highway (previous model: 18mpg/25mpg).
A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on both models.
In Europe, Mercedes will eventually offer the 2012 ML-Class with a broader range of diesel and gasoline powerplants. New to the lineup is the ML250 powered by a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel with 204HP and 500Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of peak torque, and a combined fuel economy of 6.0lt/100km (39.2 mpg US).
At launch, there’s also the ML 350 BlueTEC with a 250HP 3.0-liter V6 diesel (6.8 lt/100km) and the ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY with a 3.5-liter V6 petrol delivering 306HP (8.5 lt/100km).
All models are equipped with a seven-speed auto and four-wheel drive as standard.
More powerful V8 variants including the top-end AMG with a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 will follow at a later date.
Mercedes will also offer the optional On&Offroad package for the new M-Class (available next year in the U.S.) that utilizes a range of six transmission modes to optimize driving dynamics and handling by changing the settings for the AIRMATIC suspension and the powertrain. The system offers a single automatic mode, two dedicated off-road modes and three on-road modes, all controlled through a rotary knob on the center console.