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Limited Edition SL 63 AMG Roadster IWC

2008-05-08T18:11:53Z

The AMG Performance Studio has developed a new limited edition vehicle, the exclusive SL 63 AMG Edition IWC. Limited to a total of 200 units, the new roadster features an eye-catching designo magno Kashmir white finish as well as an AMG Exterior Carbon package with a matte surface. In keeping with the exterior appearance, the vehicle’s interior is fitted with Carbon matte trim as well as Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery that creates additional visual and tactile highlights. In addition, the vehicle features the AMG Performance package to ensure unparalleled handling. All SL 63 AMG Edition IWC vehicles will be delivered to customers along with an exquisite “Grosser Ingenieur” (Great Engineer) watch from the renowned Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.

(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Press Release:

The SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will be the first vehicle to be offered with the all-new designo magno Kashmir white finish. An interesting contrast to this color is formed by the components with a Carbon matte finish: the trailing edge , the diffusor insert in the lower back panel, and the side air vents on the front apron. In stylistic sync with these components is the Carbon matte trim on the center console and the interior door panels.

They are harmoniously augmented by the Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery on the electronically adjustable AMG sports seats, which feature multicontour and memory functions, heating, an AMG-specific perforation pattern, a special design, and AMG badges. The vehicle’s limited edition status is discreetly emphasized by black AMG floormats with Tobago Brown leather piping, AMG door sills with white illuminated AMGlettering, and the IWC logo on the lid of the center console.

To ensure that the driver remains in perfect control of his or her vehicle, the two-tone AMGPerformance steering wheel has a reduced diameter, a rim that’s flattened at the bottom, and silver-finish aluminum gearshift paddles. The steering wheel is part of the Performance package, which also includes forged 19-inch AMG light alloy, double-spoke wheels with a titanium gray finish and polished surfaces. The 8.5-inch and 9.5-inch rims sport 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 format tires, respectively.

The front axle is equipped with internally ventilated, perforated composite disc brakes (390 x 36 mm) that keep braking distances to a minimum and ensure the vehicle is extremely resistant to fading. Handling is further enhanced by other technical features from the Performance package, including a rear-axle, multi-disc limited-slip differential with a lock factor of 40 percent, as well as an AMG Performance chassis equipped with Active Body Control.

AMG naturally aspirated V8 with 6.3 liters displacement and 386 kW/525 hp

The drive system of the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will provide motorists with an exhilarating driving experience. Boasting a top output of 386 kW/525 hp and a maximum torque of 630 Nm, the AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine is augmented by an extremely responsive partner in the shape of the all-new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission. The SL 63 AMG Edition IWC accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h.

Mercedes-AMG and IWC Schaffhausen: A luxurious partnership

Along with the vehicle, buyers of the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will also receive a limited edition model of IWC’s “Grosser Ingenieur” watch. This precious chronometer has a stainless steel housing measuring an impressive 45.5 millimeters in diameter. The design of the watch’s wristband and face compliment the vehicle concept. In addition, the watch’s bottom is made of sapphire glass that reveals the intricate mechanical clockwork with its automatic Pellaton winding system.

Mercedes-AMG has been collaborating with the time-honored Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen since 2004. In October of that year, the two companies presented their first jointly designed vehicle, the CLS 55 AMG “IWC Engineer.”

Customers will be able to order the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC beginning in fall 2008 , and vehicle deliveries will commence in November 2008. The model will be limited to 200 units.

2009 SL 500 undergoes power-training under Carlsson

2008-05-07T16:01:59Z

The all-new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class can now be treated the Carlsson way. The new tuning kit from the Mercedes tuner promises neat transformation in the visual and energy departments. The SL 500 after all that, will evolve into the Carlsson CK50, after losing the 3 pointed star on its grille.

The stock 5.5 liter C8 is fiddled to produce 435-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. That allows the Carlsson CK50 to gallop from zero to 62mph in a mere 5.1 seconds with a top whack of 182mph. As for the SL 65 AMG, or CK65 as Carlsson likes to refer to it, 700+hp and 811 lb-ft of torque is what you will end up with. Thats more than any Ferrari, Porsche or Lamborghini.

All this power has to be put neatly on the road without any twitching or inconvenience. In order to achieve that, an electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowering gear for the SL, which gets the car to sit approximately 30 mm lower to the ground, is offered by the tuner so that body roll is kept at bay and it handles like a Smart Fortwo.

A length-adjustable front spoiler lip, grille inserts made of electropolished stainless steel for the air inlets, gill vents with carbon supports, a new rear apron and a new rear spoiler are in the appearance list to attract second glances. Quite a stunning package.

Press release and pictures after the jump!

(5 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Press Release

Power-Roadster: Carlsson CK50

* Carlsson CK50 based on the SL 500 with 435 HP/600 Nm
* Top speed 293 km/h, acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds
* Intelligent electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowering gear
* Light forged metal wheels from the 1/16 Ultra Light series

For the newly-arrived, comprehensively reworked Mercedes SL, Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH in Merzig can already offer an individualisation programme – transforming the SL 500 into the Carlsson CK50.

Coming on strong: the Carlsson CK50 engine kit

Specially developed by Carlsson for the current 5.5 Litre V8, the CK50 engine kit, which includes the adaptation of the electronic control unit, allows the elegant roadster to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Following their boost by Carlsson, the output and torque data are quite impressive: 435 HP/ 320 kW (standard model: 388 HP/ 285 kW) at 6000 rpm. The torque of the tuned V8 is 600 Nm/ 2800-4800 rpm (electronically regulated), the top speed is 293 km/h thanks to the Vmax delimiter, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds. In short, the CK50 engine kit has more than enough output and torque for any situation! Support for its output comes in the form of the CK50 kit’s exhaust gas system, which has been individually adapted to optimise the flow of exhaust gases. The exhaust gas back pressure is reduced with the help of sports middle and rear exhaust silencers made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and developed by Carlsson’s own engineers. Four polished exhaust tailpipes bear witness to the additional performance of this SL.

Naturally, Carlsson can also provide the appropriate performance enhancements for versions of the SL with other engines in them – extending right up to the CK65, which has over 700 HP and a torque of 1100 Nm. In all these performance enhancements, the Carlsson engineers are constantly on the lookout to ensure that the tolerance limits of the engine components are not exceeded, so as to avoid any damage. Equally, all engines that have been tuned by Carlsson still comply with all the regulations concerning exhaust fumes.

Aerodynamics, Carlsson style: first-rate appearance meets sporty presentation

Good aerodynamics in a car will have a positive effect on its driving and safety. Discreet but highly-efficient Carlsson components round off the appearance of this SL, cleverly adding a sporting touch. For vehicles with an AMG styling package, Carlsson is offering a length-adjustable front spoiler lip, made of PUR in original equipment manufacturer quality or of carbon, which is used as a material in motor sports. Further visual highlights are provided by the grille inserts made of electropolished stainless steel for the air inlets, and by the air outlet gill vents with carbon supports. Also for vehicles with AMG styling, Carlsson builds into the rear apron a diffusor insert made of PUR, with an air conduction system made of carbon. For the standard rear apron with AMG styling, Carlsson offers grille inserts made of electropolished stainless steel. A spoiler at the rear creates greater downward impetus, thus ensuring greater stability at high speeds.

The electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowering gear

Carlsson also provides electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowering gear for the SL, which lowers the vehicle approximately 30 mm further – thus giving the roadster a visibly sportier appearance and ensuring a lower centre of gravity.

This C-Tronic® SUSPENSION reacts intelligently to the actual road conditions. On a poor stretch of road, or in the event of persistently heavy compression, the height of the vehicle is automatically readjusted to ensure that the necessary reserve of spring travel required for preserving driving comfort is maintained. Even at speeds in excess of 120 km/h, the suspension travel remains sufficient at all times because the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION respects the maximum depth permissible for the standard model – in other words, the minimum vehicle level.

Reduced body roll and a much greater agility in handling lead in turn to a significant increase in driving pleasure. At the same time, with less air flowing beneath the vehicle, there is a reduction in aerodynamic drag and lift.

The 1/16 Ultra Light high tech forged wheel

The surface of the 1/16 Ultra Light multi-spoke wheel is polished to a high-gloss finish and coated with highly-transparent protective lacquer. The sides of the spokes are brush-finished and create an elegant contrast to the surface.

Multi-spoke designs are ideal for the optimisation of weight. The even distribution of the spokes means that forces acting upon the wheel are directed into the wheel spider as efficiently as possible. Thus an oversized thickness is avoided and the ideal wheel weight achieved. Stat-of-the-art forging technology ensures a saving in weight of approximately 38% as opposed to cast wheels of comparable wheel load and dimensions. Due to the denseness of the metal, discharged forces are transmitted onward more evenly than in a cast wheel. The unsprung masses at the wheel suspensions are kept as low as possible, and as a result the wheels tramp less. This is why Carlsson’s forged wheels guarantee a noticeable improvement in driving comfort over conventional light metal wheels, and this can be felt particularly clearly on an uneven road surface.

Carlsson’s forged Carlsson 1/16 Ultra Light wheel is available for the SL in the following sizes: 8.5 x 19”, 8.5 x 20” and 9.5 x 20” (VA+HA) and 10 x 19” and 11 x 20” (HA only). A typical 20“ combination would consist of 9.5 x 20“ at the front and 11 x 20” at the rear, with 255/30 and 305/25 tyres respectively.
A chic interior ambience

Available in the colour of your choice, elegant car mats made of soft velour add considerably to the appeal of the cockpit of the SL. The extension of the speedometer to go up to 360 km/h demonstrates that there is far greater potential slumbering under the bonnet than you’ll find in the regular model. Naturally, Carlsson can modify the vehicle’s interior to suit individual wishes. And with fine leather fittings, multimedia components and much more available, there are barely any limits to the remodeling possibilities. This elite car manufacturer breathes life into dream cars for customers from all over the world.

Worldwide Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales up by 22%

2008-05-06T22:03:17Z

While US sales were down 3% in April, mostly due to the slowdown in the US economy, worldwide sales of the four brands of Mercedes-Benz Cars (Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach) reached a total of 119,000 units for April, an overall increase of 22% from the 2007 figure (97,800). Since the beginning of the year, Mercedes-Benz Cars has delivered 437,700 vehicles, representing a 14% increase compared to the same period last year (384,600).

(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Sales of Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles were up16 percent in April with 105,400 deliveries (April 2007: 90,600). In the first four months of the year, a total of 395,100 customers worldwide chose a vehicle with the star, an increase of eight percent on the figure for the same period last year (365,000), reaching a new record.
The new C-Class continues to post very strong growth worldwide, with sales of sedan and station-wagon models for the month of April rising to a new record of 35,600 vehicles, an increase of 88 percent (April 2007: 18,900).
Also a big success with customers are the A- and B-Class models: due to the very positive sales situation in Western Europe (including Germany) deliveries worldwide rose by 18 percent to 23,800 vehicles in April (April 2007: 20,200). At the beginning of April, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the A-Class and B-Class models of the 2008 generation at the Leipzig International Motor Show (AMI). Deliveries of both vehicles will start at the end of June.
One year after the market launch of the new smart fortwo, sales remain exceptionally strong. With 13,600 vehicles, deliveries almost doubled compared to the same month last year (6,900) and posted a new record figure for the month. Following a successful market launch in the U.S. at the beginning of the year, the smart fortwo will now also be introduced in China in mid-2009.

Deliveries in Western Europe were up 21 percent to 63,000 vehicles (April 2007: 51,900). In Germany alone, sales increased by 46 percent to 31,700 units (April 2007: 21,700). This increase was the result of strong growth from the A-Class, B-Class, and C-Class, but also a strong market performance of the E-Class: 5,200 E-Class vehicles were sold in the month of April, an increase of 25 percent (April 2007: 4,200). The S-Class also remains very popular among German customers: Mercedes-Benz sales in the luxury segment in Germany rose by more than one-third in the month of April, to 1,400 units (April 2007:1,000).

Mercedes-Benz sales in the Asia/Pacific region climbed 24 percent to 11,800 vehicles, also reaching a new record (April 2007: 9,500). In the U.S., Mercedes-Benz delivered 20,300 models to customers (down three percent; April 2007: 20,900).

Canada strong - but for how long?

2008-05-06T01:57:52Z

Canadian sales for the three-pointed star in April were the best results in the company’s history. While the whole Canadian light passenger vehicle market grew by 3.7%, Benz was way ahead of the game with gains of 22% over April 2007. This is a fantastic achievement for a luxury manufacturer, especially when compared to the 3% decline in the U.S.

Much of this success was due to strong diesel sales. If Benz would just roll out diesel across all their models….

How long can the growth continue? Ontario, Canada’s largest market, may be heading into recession so it can’t last forever, but so far so good for 2008.

Press release in full after the break:

(6 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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May 1, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Canada reports best month ever

TORONTO, ON (May 1, 2008) – Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today two milestone records in the company’s history. April 2008 results accounted for the best month ever reported for Mercedes-Benz sales with 1,869 units and combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales were tallied at a record-breaking best ever level of 2,228 units.

On the Mercedes-Benz side, a monthly record of 1,869 units were delivered, representing a gain of 339 units or a 22.2% increase compared to April 2007 while we saw a year-to-date growth of 738 units or a gain of 14.4%. A total of 359 smart fortwos were reported sold in April, up by 42.5%. The combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales at 2,228 units showed an increase of 446 units or gains of 25% for the month and 21.1% on a year-to-date basis.

Not surprisingly, the entire product portfolio performed extremely well in April. More than 800 C-Class were delivered in April, up by 126.8% against last year’s April sales. Mercedes-Benz Canada dominated once again the high luxury segment with a solid growth rate of S-Class, SL-Class and CL-Class sales that also contributed to a balanced model mix for the month.

The company’s diesel sales ratio was 53.6% for the month while the permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 65.8% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

Total Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales were ahead by 28.6% or 323 units for the month and ahead by 564 units or 14.4% on a year-to-date basis.

On the luxury light truck side, brisk M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class sales were an important factor in the month’s overall success story and also surpassed April 2007 sales levels by 4%; the light trucks showed a growth of 14.4% in the first trimester.

The company also reported a best ever April with 718 pre-owned Mercedes-Benz units for the month, an increase of 101 units or an increase of 16.4 %. On a year-to-date basis, pre-owned deliveries were up by 28.6%.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada said, ”It is extremely rewarding for all of us to see monthly sales levels in excess of 2,200 units for the first time ever. While our product portfolio is certainly a key factor in our success, it is important to mention that our competitive sales programs combined with very keen dealer personnel across the country have been instrumental in helping us achieve these significant record-breaking results. It is also important to note that our extensive “green” line-up, namely the smart fortwo, the E320 BlueTEC and our M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class CDI diesel models continue to perform at an outstanding rate, month after month. ”

500,000 Mercedes-Benz SLK Delivered to Customers

2008-05-05T22:33:52Z

With the delivery of the 500,000th vehicle since its market launch in 1996, Mercedes-Benz has now reached another milestone with the successful SLK compact roadster. About 310,000 customers opted for a model from the first generation of this dynamic two-seater, and its successor has now sold 190,000 units since its market launch in March 2004.

(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)

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“With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters. Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, the SLK has long been recognized as a cult car of modern times,” expains Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales and Marketing. “The new-generation SLK models, which we are delivering to customers since April 2008, are sportier than ever. I’m confident that the dynamic looks and performance of the new SLK will again set pulses racing among sports cars enthusiasts around the world.”

In Western Europe, by far the most important sales market for the SLK, the two-seater was once again the market leader for its segment in 2007. The compact roadster enjoys the greatest popularity in Germany, with over one-third of all SLK drivers coming from the home market of the brand with the star. The rest of Western Europe accounts for a further one-third of sales. Moreover, one in every five SLK customers comes from the U.S. The most popular model among customers is the SLK 200, which is selected by half of all SLK owners worldwide and by more than two-thirds in Germany. Also in strong demand is the SLK 280, which is driven by over one-quarter of all SLK owners.

The new-generation SLK, which celebrated its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in January, inspires imagination especially with its sportier looks and the promise of an even more emotional driving experience. The most important changes in the vehicle’s appearance include redesigned front and back views, as well as a carefully modified interior, featuring a new combination instrument panel and a three-spoke steering wheel. Three enhanced engines underscore the two-seater’s dynamic character. Engineers have devoted particular attention to the V6 sports engine. Despite a considerable increase in power in some instances, all the engines use significantly less fuel. For example, the SLK 350 with manual transmission consumes 1.1 liters per 100 kilometers less than its predecessor, despite an added 33 horsepower, for a new total of 305 horsepower.

If desired, the SLK is also available with the newly developed direct-steer system and new-generation audio and telematics features. Like its predecessor, the latest SLK is manufactured in the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant, the brand’s center of excellence for its open-top vehicles.

Greenpeace using M-Class and Cayenne to protest

2008-05-05T22:23:29Z

In an effort to protest the export of soybeans from Argentina and the increase of pollution resulting from the export, Greenpeace has come up with very clever and attention grabbing stunt to symbolize their protest. A Mercedes M-Class and a Porsche Cayenne have been decorated to look like a pair of bulldozers while fake tree stumps have been placed around them.

While Bio-diesel vehicles are hailed to be the most environment friendly cars on the road, Greenpeace doesn’t think that, they are continuing their efforts to stop soybean production and the increase of pollution resulting cutting down trees to make room for more beans.

(2 votes, average: 3 out of 5)

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Salão Automóvel de Portugal: Mercedes-Benz and Smart

2008-05-05T17:31:46Z

As promised, Benzinsider was at the Salão Automóvel de Portugal and we have lots of pictures for you. Mercedes-Benz and Smart presented the visitors with some serious machines. As we posted earlier, there was the SLR 722, the C Class DTM, the CLS 63 AMG and many more. There were really no new models (no GLK) but there were the refreshed versions for the European markets (A, B, SL, SLK). It was a great event!

More pictures after the break. Check out the full gallery! (128 photos available)

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Check out the full gallery!

Mercedes-Benz April Sales down 3%

2008-05-02T00:42:16Z

Mercedes-Benz is reporting today, that their US sales have dropped by 3% from from 20,895 in April of last year to 20,271 last month. The sales decline was mostly due to the poor performance of the R-Class and E-Class models; consumers are sending a clear message to Mercedes that it’s time for a new E-Class, possibly even a new R-Class, but with a better approach to the crossover concept.

Overall Daimler U.S. sales, including Mercedes-Benz and smart USA cars, totaled 22,954 vehicles.

E-Class sales fell 20 percent to 3,208 vehicles, from 4,011 in April 2007. Sales of the R-Class crossover fell to 735 last month, compared with 1,213 a year earlier.

(6 votes, average: 4.33 out of 5)

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Daimler AG buys stake in engine manufacturer - Tognum

2008-04-30T15:16:58Z

Daimler AG aims to acquire 22.3% equity interest in Tognum AG, a global leading producer of off-highway engines. Daimler will be shelling out €20 per share. On this basis, the purchase price would be approximately €585 million ($904.7 million), making Daimler the largest shareholder in Tognum.

Tognum is one of the leading suppliers of high-speed, powerful diesel engines and complete propulsion systems for ships, heavy agricultural and rail vehicles, industrial drive systems and on-site power generators. Tognum will allow Daimler to tap into alternative power propulsion systems. This is definitely going to be an interesting partnership, let’s see how it turns out.

(5 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)

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Count Down to its debut…

2008-04-29T21:07:38Z

As more and more images of the new 2010 E Class surfaced, here are a couple of shots indicating as to how the exterior will look like. The interior shots (from AutoExpress) closely depicts our earlier insider’s scoop of the design, functions and materiality of the upcoming product. It wouldn’t be long before more camo comes loose to reveal more of the car’s bodywork and light designs.

From these shots, we can see clearly the bumper treatment and faint outline of the front and tail-light shapes. Under the plastics, the headlights look as a cross between the CLS & SL.

Photos and key highlights after the jump!

(9 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

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Some highlights include:
- Steering Wheel mounted gear-shifter lever (S, R, GL, M class)
- Steering Wheel paddle shifter
- COMMAND module + knob ( S, GLK, C)
- Telephone pad/ wrist rest (S Class)
- Multimedia HDD + card reader with Navi - preloaded?