Auto-Motor-und-Sport has put the Mercedes AMG C55 against the RS4 for a very fun comparison test (well fun for the drivers). While both cars are great, both being outfitted with great powerful engines, it seems that the aging Mercedes model needs even more power to catch the RS4. Take a look and you'll see what I am talking about.
These are some disturbing pictures that I found while browsing through m-benzforum.com. While I don't know where the pictures were taken, I also don't know what happened to the people inside each car. I am just posting the pictures to show people why they pay a premium for their Mercedes, no other intentions here.
This has got to be one of the craziest things Mercedes has done in recent times. They've embedded real non conflict diamonds into every possible corner of a Maybach. Why did they do it, Who really knows. It's like asking why Mercedes has an AMG version for every model they make, nobody really knows, but everyone likes it. So if you got money for a Maybach, then that is not going to cut it. The starting price is about 360,000 Euro, but to have a diamond studded 'bach, you'll need another 230,000 Euro. Who really has that much money, other than the richest 1% in the world who own 40% of the planet's wealth. You can call Mercedes crazy, which I don't, or you can call them brilliant for creating a car that will bring the 40% to a 39.9999%.
There is some interesting news coming from the guys over at Auto-Motor-und-Sport. They have asked Mark Stehrenberger from Santa Barbara to sketch them a Smart that Americans would like. Mark suggested four models for the US market; Fortwo Coupe /Cabrio, MPV/4x4 Crosser, Vanette and Pickup.
For the Fortwo Coupe/Cabrio: Since Americans need more space for their lifestyle and sport equipment. He suggested making a wide version with bigger wheels and more interior space.
The MPV/4x4 Crosser would be 3.7 meters long and have four seats that would have the ability to be converted into a bed. It would also have four doors, but be trendy as the current Smart.
The Vanette will be a longer wheel-base Smart and the Pickup S-Cargo will have a truck bed on the back with 2 seats in the front. The car would be designed for travelers, family or just as a cargo vehicle.
I would like to apologize for not posting anything yesterday; there was a power outage in my area for almost 2 days now, and being cut off from the world (internet) and the website was really tough, but I survived it. Thank you
Who else would put an SUV against a roadster in a drag-race but Top Gear. This one of those comparison tests that really don't make sense, but achieve a great amount of laughter and excitement. Top Gear put a Range Rover, tuned by Overfinch, that has a 380 hp engine from BMW and costs 105,000 British pounds, against an old Mercedes SLK 320 V6 in an unusual drag-race. I do have to say that the Range Rover, especially this one tuned by Overfinch, is a great SUV that looks and drives great.
With only a few weeks left to go until the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the last 203 series sedan is rolling off the assembly line today at the Sindelfingen plant. The milestone vehicle, an iridium silver C 230 sedan, is destined for a customer in the U.S. The production of the last car of the series provided Vice President and Manager of the DaimlerChrysler plant in Sindelfingen: "Since the series was launched in 2000, the employees at the Sindelfingen plant have produced about 630,000 units of the sedan for customers all over the world," he said. "Every single vehicle is an expression of their expertise and their attention to detail. I would like to thank all of the employees for making the C-Class what it is today: one of the most popular automobiles in the upper mid-range segment."
As the successor of the 202 Series, the W 203 sedan continued the success story of its predecessor by becoming the best-selling C-Class in the company's history.
This review is a bit dated, but it never hurts to hear what some of the most respectable reviewers have to say about the SLK and Mercedes manufactured products in general. He definitely seems to like the SLK, and why honestly wouldn't you. The 'Air-Scarf' is a very cool idea that most people will like.
Are you into wasting time during working hours, If yes, then I have something you'll definitely like. Mercedes has developed a small flash game for the AMG and CL lovers out there. I myself have played the game, and as a flash game expert, I can tell you that this is definitely one of the better ones on the internet. Head over to the AMG site and take the CL for a test drive, but be careful it is kinda slippery on the snow, so try not to bump into the trees.
via Autoblog
A comparisson test between two similar, but also different cars. Unfortunately it is in German, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fun they're having driving those around.
Mercedes accident
I probably shouldn't be saying this, but this is kinda funny in a sad way. It's what the Germans call "Schadenfreude", and we have plenty of that on the internet. I don't know how she was able to hit that ramp, maybe she slipped or something.
We've seen many of these tests, but I am not sure if they were so large and extensive. Nevertheless, a great comparison test by Car and Driver that will leave you speechless, and I don't mean about the top results, but the bottom ones. It will be surprising to some, but probably not for others. Head over to Car and Driver to read the full review. Here is a brief description of each cars good and bad parts.
2007 Lexus LS460L
Highs: Tranquil environment, flawless finish, comprehensive standard luxury equipment. Lows: Soft in roll, squishy tires, small trunk, long stopping distances. The Verdict: May be the most indulgent luxury car in the segment.
2006 Jaguar Super V-8
Highs: Keen steering, pliant ride, low weight, simple controls.
Lows: Engine not always that strong, narrow body compromises space for passengers. The Verdict: The perfect long car for those still fighting World War II.
2006 BMW 750Li Highs: A fast driver's car that has all the moves. Lows: Challenging ergonomics (the curse of iDrive), interior is not that elegant. The Verdict: Fun to drive if not to look at.
2006 Audi A8L Quattro Highs: Cool styling, sporty character, cheaper than German colleagues. Lows: Smallish engine relative to the competition, slowest off the line. The Verdict: A very adaptable vehicle.
2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 Highs: Torquey V-8, great ride, amazing handling. Lows: Seriously expensive, polarizing styling. The Verdict: Maximum comfort, with plenty of excitement for the guy behind the wheel.
If you didn't guess it already, the winner was the Mercedes S-class 550.
Here is a once in a lifetime opportunity you just can't miss, if you didn't already. Dion, from Atlanta, tipped Autospies off to this amazing deal, that promises you a brand spanken' new 2006 S-class for $89,835, but the best and unbelievable part is that you will get a new Mercedes, under $55,000, for FREE. 'Mercedes Benz of South Atlanta' is probably trying to get rid of their '06 inventory and a deal like this will get hundreds of people to come and try to get the deal. Now I am not promoting them or promising you the deal because I am sure they are sold out already, I mean why wouldn't they.
Next month, Mercedes-Benz will take the wraps off a four-door convertible based on the S class, says an industry source with knowledge of the project. The mammoth, V-12-powered convertible concept is expected to debut at the Detroit auto show. After they have introduced the convertible S-class to the market, Mercedes will seriously have a car for every person.
An industry source familiar with the car says production is planned.
Erich Merkle, director of forecasting for IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich., says global volume probably would be 4,000 to 5,000 units.
The convertible would carry a lofty price tag, possibly $10,000 to $15,000 above the V-12-powered S-class sedan, Merkle said. The V-12 sedan's sticker with transportation and gas-guzzler tax already tops $140,000.
The DaimlerChrysler researchers are developing special calculation methods to optimize painting processes. Even prior to production start-up, they can thus determine how a vehicle body can be painted as efficiently as possible or how an existing painting process can be improved. This early planning helps cut costs and enhances planning reliability.
The path of thousands of paint particles is traced by computer in the spray painting process - from the time they leave the spray nozzle until they make contact with the component. The experts must take into account that not all particles actually reach their destination; the proportion of impacting particles is a measure of process efficiency.
The DaimlerChrysler researchers calculate the dynamics of the paint particles under the influence of the diverting air stream and the electric field applied, whereby the particles are subjected to a large number of physical forces. With the help of this simulation, the expected thickness of the paint layer can be forecast. The calculations also allow predictions as to the best procedure for applying the paint - especially for problem areas such as cavities and protrusions on the body. The researchers can thus determine the ideal conditions for the most diverse vehicle geometries.
For the first coat of paint the body-in-white is not sprayed, but immersed in a bath. This method is known as cathodic dip painting. A wide range of effects must be taken into account for this process, such as air pockets during immersion or excess paint fluid removed with the body from the bath.
This is a pretty old video, but due to the recent news about Maybach (Jackson's and Rasheed's story), I think it will be nice to show you this. Gigi Becali, the owner of Steaua Bucharest football club, decided to make some repairs to the fender and to the car's door with a crowbar after an accident with his Maybach. I will say one thing here, this is nothing new, this is just the mentality of the Eastern-European culture. They don't need no stinkn' "certified" mechanics, they do it themselves, even if the car is over $300,000.
Being an art enthusiast myself, I would definitely call this a crazy, yet creative idea to showcase your '81 Mercedes-Pens. A great idea to get attention while cruising down the street and occasionally give one away to make someone's day. I'd just say, keep it up and hope to see more of these crazy looking car on the road.
As a first step in the expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center (MTC) in Sindelfingen, Germany, the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes Car Group (MCG) has authorized the construction of two large test rigs. These test rigs - climate tunnels and a driving simulator - are part of the construction plan for the "Mittelpfad South" area directly adjacent to the MTC and the Sindelfingen plant. DaimlerChrysler will invest approximately 100 million Euro in the project over the next five years.
"The expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center signals DaimlerChrysler's clear commitment to safeguarding the long-term success of Germany as a global leader in research and the automotive industry," says Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management responsible for Corporate Research & Mercedes Car Group Development.
"In addition, this planned investment and the proximity of the facilities, we are intensifying the close integration between research, development, planning and production in Sindelfingen and enhance our competitiveness along this value chain."
A week ago, I posted a video made by MSN Cars in the UK, where they compared the Mercedes GL, Audi Q7 and Range Rover V8. It seems that the Germans have seen the video somewhere (possibly here), and have thought to themselves, "Das kann ja wohl nicht wahr sein" or a rough translation "That can't possibly be true." Well similar to the Germans (or Autobild at least) I thought the same thing, unfortunately I don't have the resources to test and see if MSN Cars was correct. Autobild chose to do it for me , but only selected the GL and the TDV8 to be tested, and not the Q7. Now, like always I have the result at the bottom, but if you want to read the entire comparison test, follow the below link, otherwise scroll down to see who won.
Read the entire comparison test at Autobild (Google translation)
The V8 in the Rover runs more flexible and more softly in comparison to the Mercedes, its turbo-hole with the start is noticeably smaller. It sounds less like a Diesel than the somewhat hoarse GL. And the ZF-mechanism works only with six drive positions, sorts these however gently, sovereign and fast. There are no large differences with consumption. The GL has a 11.9 liter fuel tank, while the Rover has a bit smaller one with 11,7 liters.
As enormously as everything else is as expected also the prices: Mercedes GL 420 CDI price was at 79,460 Euro, and the Rover TDV8 SE was at 74.900 Euro. The equipment is more than lavish with both - one may also expect that. Thus with air suspension, air conditioning, all-wheel drive, CD radio and so on. In addition, Rover has leather seats (GL 1781 euro), a high-ending sound system (GL 783 euro) and some other stuff on board. It cannot win the comparison nevertheless. The Mercedes is simply outstanding in many ranges - even if the Rover is a bit bigger.
Conclustion:
Two impressive cars: enormous, with great Diesels and mad handling characteristics. Mercedes wins, because it fulfills, next to desire and luxury, the practical tasks effectivly: more place, better road performances and brakes, larger trunk, higher cargo load. However, when it comes to style, the Range Rover has its nose in front.
We are all jealous at Samuel L. Jackson and his Maybach 57S, but that could all change as soon as we sell our house and go over to DuPonteRegistry to buy Rasheed Wallace's Maybach 57. That's right, NBA's superstar and Pistons' forward is selling his car (Navy with Cote d'Azur Medium Blue paint and a gray suede interior) loaded with options like TVs, satellite radio, a fridge and heated and cooled seats. So if you're die-hard Pistons, Wallace or Maybach fan, this is clearly for you. The lucky guy (probably won't be a woman) will receive the car with Rasheed's signature, but most importantly with the bragging rights of driving a Maybach formerly driven by a NBA player.
Mercedes-Benz is extending its S-Class range with another diesel variant, the S 420 CDI. The new eight-cylinder model is powered by a state-of-the-art V8 CDI engine developing 235 kW/320 hp and 730 newton metres of peak torque. This latest addition to the model line-up means that the luxury saloon range from Mercedes-Benz now encompasses two diesel engines, six petrol models and two body variants, along with the new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The new S 420 CDI is available to order now, with deliveries to customers due to start in December 2006. The short-wheelbase model is priced at 84,448 Euro (net price 72,800 Euro) and the long-wheelbase version at 92,104 Euro (net price 79,400 Euro).
The Mercedes Car Group performed extremely well worldwide in November 2006, boosting sales by five percent to a record of 110,800 units (November 2005: 105,200). From January through November 2006, worldwide deliveries of Mercedes Benz, Maybach and smart brand cars rose by five percent to an all-time high of 1,147,600 units (January-November 2005: 1,094,500).
Last month, the Mercedes-Benz brand increased customer deliveries by nine percent to 101,900 vehicles (November 2005: 93,500), which was higher than any other November in the company's history. Growth was particularly strong around the world for the E- and S Class models, as well as for the SUV family. During the first 11 months of the year, Mercedes-Benz delivered 1,042,500 passenger cars to customers worldwide (January-November 2005: 961,600), an increase of eight percent compared to the same period of the previous year.
In the U.S., Mercedes-Benz once again significantly outperformed the market as a whole in November, with deliveries rising by 21 percent to the record level of 22,100 passenger cars. Mercedes-Benz car sales also rose in Western Europe in November, with sales increasing by seven percent to 62,300 vehicles. This positive development was primarily due to the brand's success in the German market, where passenger car sales increased by as much as 21 percent to 34,100 units. In the Asia/Pacific region, Mercedes-Benz reached the all-time high of 9,900 units.
Here is a video I found while digging through YouTube. The video shows us what it takes to make aluminum wheels, and since Mercedes has some amazing rims on their models, this is probably the way they make theirs too.
After his first music video with Danica Patrick and the infamous 'Pagani Zonda', Jaz-Z has raised the bar once again with his newest music video featuring the Maybach Exelero concept car. Now, the music doesn't really fit my taste, but if you put it on mute, you will enjoy it. The Exelero is one amazing car that takes the Maybach brand to a new level. With the Exelero, Maybach would not only go after the luxury market, but also the sports car segment. It is being said that the car was only built for the purpose of testing tires, but who really knows. I have two words for them, "build it."
Samuel L. Jackson, together with his wife, used a Germany visit, due to the Bambi Awards, to stop by the new Mercedes-Benz Museum and order a Maybach 57S for 450,000 Euros ($600,000) in the "Maybach Center of Excellence" in Sindelfingen.
It looks like the price was higher than usual due to the many individualizations, including a special lacquer finish in the Mercedes color Designo Mocca Black. Inside, Jackson's wife chose a light beige interior color.
Today, the results of the US safety tests clearly show that the second-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class sets standards when it comes to passive safety. With the ML63, you may put that safety to test, as you will see, it is not easy handling the AMG beast.
DaimlerChrysler is set to bring out a new technology that will have cars warn each other of impending danger. This, along with self parking and the Pre-Safe technology, is one step closer to the time where cars will drive themselves.
Until then, this techonolgy will give motorists the ability to detect danger even if the danger spot lies around the next bend or over the horizon. This has now been successfully verified by DaimlerChrysler experts and their partners in a field test conducted at the conclusion of the "WILLWARN" (Wireless Local Danger Warning) European research project. During the course of this test, five vehicles equipped with WLAN-based radio technology used the "Car-2-X Communication" system to radio details of critical situations detected by their on-board sensors – fog, black ice or obstacles on the road such as broken-down vehicles - to following cars. These early warnings enabled the drivers of the cars behind to prepare for the danger and adapt their speed in plenty of time.
DaimlerChrysler had already tested this technology some six years ago – a world first at the time - by sending the first ever inter-communicating vehicle fleet out onto the road as part of the "FleetNet" research project. This field test demonstrated that WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) technology, which had already proven a success when used for wireless Internet access, also allowed vehicles to communicate with each other. One of the key benefits is that expensive, fixed-installation transmitting and receiving devices are not required, since the cars themselves act as both transmitters and receivers. The cars establish an ad-hoc radio network and send any necessary warnings to all other vehicles within a radius of around 500 metres. For vehicles outside of this radio range, the cars act as relays and pass on any warnings in much the same way as a relay runner would hand over a baton. No additional sensors are required to detect critical situations, since the necessary information is provided by the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the steering-angle sensors, the outside thermometer or the navigation system.
The prestigious US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the Mercedes-Benz M-Class its Top Safety Pick 2007 - the best buy when it comes to safety. The off-roader from Stuttgart performed outstandingly in all areas in the luxury SUV category.
Every year, as a purchasing guide, the experts at IIHS rate new car models according to strict safety criteria. This year, for the first time, they included SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles). In the course of their assessment the second-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class was subjected to frontal and side-on crashes. The US safety specialists also assessed the level of protection offered against neck injuries in a rear-end shunt. The Mercedes off-roader scored top marks in all three areas. For the first time, one of the criteria for classification as this year's Top Safety Pick included the availability of an Electronic Stability Program, which can reduce the risk of skidding when cornering and keep the car on track in extreme conditions such as black ice or wet road surfaces. As a safety pioneer, Mercedes-Benz developed the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in collaboration with Bosch and was the first car manufacturer to introduce it in its series-produced vehicles back in 1995. This system has featured as standard in all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars since 1999.
Like with any other new model , InsideLine has a first look at the all new Smart ForTwo destined for the US. A brief, but interesting, history is also included that reveals why the US is getting the Smart. It is definitely an interesting article that answers many questions consumers have. Here is an excerpt:
The old Smart was heavily criticized for its slow-witted steering and ponderous, jerky gearchange. Both elements have been updated for the new car. The automated manual gearbox now offers five speeds instead of six and the semiautomatic shifts are said to be smoother and faster than before. A fully automatic mode will also be available, and Smart is redesigning the gear selector to make it more intuitive for American customers. The steering is 10 percent more direct than the old car, according to Smart.
DaimlerChrysler had a solid run in November, selling a total of 164,556 vehicles compared to 159,898 in November 2005, that's a change of 4.7 percent.
Chrysler division sales rose 2.9 percent, while Mercedes sales jumped 21 percent to 22,079 from 18,284 in the year-ago period.
Company officials credited the increase to a 57 percent surge in sales of the division's light trucks.
So far this year, DaimlerChrysler sales are down 5.9 percent to about 2.2 million vehicles, compared with about 2.3 million vehicles at the same time last year.
DaimlerChrysler shares fell 42 cents to $57.86 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
MSN Cars group compared the Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI, Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, and Range Rover 3.6 V8 diesel, and while I do like the latest Land Rover models, I can hardly believe that it is ahead of Mercedes or the stunning Q7. Have a look and judge for yourself.
Copyright
2006, BenzInsider.com. All rights reserved
This blog is not related in any
way with Mercedes-Benz. Opinions expressed in the comments section are the
opinions of the commenter and do not necessarily represent my views.
-761435.jpg)
