Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss

Daimler released today the complete details and image gallery of the Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss that will probably be the star of the show in Detroit in January. As anticipated, the Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss packs a 478 kW/650 hp supercharged V8 engine under its bonnet that's able to take it from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The top speed of the Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss is 350 km/h (217 mph) and imagine this car will take you this fast with no wind screen in front of you. The Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss price is 750,000 Euros and the company will only build 75 of them. The production of the Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss will begin in June 2009, but the deliveries start date has not been announced yet. The Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss features what the company calls an AIRBRAKE which can be manually deployed during braking at speeds over 120 km/h (75 mph). The Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss has a carbon fiber body and features closed underbody and a rear diffuser for maximum downforce on the rear axle.

 

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss - Auto Shows

217 mph—with no windshield! If you've ever dreamed of having a grand-prix driving experience on the street—and have pockets as stuffed as Scrooge McDuck's—the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is the thing for you. Serving as the final hurrah for the SLR line, the Stirling Moss sheds both its top and windshield and continues the Mille Miglia–centric theme of the previous SLR 722 and Roadster 722 S special-edition SLRs—722 was both the number and start time of the 300 SLR that won the 1955 event. The driver of that car, of course, was Sir Stirling Moss. This open-cockpit wonder's 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine will make the same 641 hp as the 722. Zero-to-62-mph sprints are expected to be achieved in less than 3.5 seconds, and top speed is a claimed 217 mph. Imagine 217 mph without the protection of laminated safety glass; the two wind deflectors that stand less than an inch tall likely won't do much to protect you from the impact of even a large moth at that speed. This car is hard-core. This Thing Looks AWESOME Even beyond the obvious lack of a roof and windshield, the rest of the Stirling Moss edition's carbon-fiber exterior is radically different from that of other SLRs, beginning with a freshly styled front fascia. Gone are the quad headlights (removed in favor of stacked clusters), as well as the single-slat grille on both sides of the three-pointed star, giving the front a much smoother style. The lower portion of the front now peaks at the center and the larger intake resembles that of the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Two large hood vents are added near the cowl along with a smaller vent in the front on the passenger side. Keep Reading: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss - Auto Shows

 

Mercedes thinks about release a double roadster on the basis new A-class!

Where move Volkswagen and BMW, there moves and Mercedes. It is known that duet VW/Audi plans to let out own compact roadster, company BMW deliberates release of model Z2 – in Mercedes thus do not wish to stand aside and develop idea on creation of an own roadster on the basis of an A-class. Company Mercedes already has some design concepts from which it is possible to make a start, and more often she glances on concept SLA, presented on a motor show in Detroit in 2000. «It is a part of usual process on working out of new model from Mercedes-Benz – to address to ideas of the past», one of heads of the German company has declared in interview AutoWeek.« When prototype SLA in the end of last decade debuted on public, we yet had no suitable platform; a sandwich-platform was too high and heavy. This problem will be solved with the advent of the following A-class which new platform will provide much bigger support of various variants of a body ». Actually, the new generation of cars A and a B-class from Mercedes will be constructed with possibility of various variations in the various markets, including the USA. Thus, if Mercedes the minipenalty for crossover creation is going to use a platform (on it it was informed this year), why to Germans not to develop on similar base also a sports roadster.

 

2010 Mercedes Benz R-Class facelift

Sales figures for the R-Class haven't managed to live up to the expectations of the German luxury brand, but Mercedes Benz is determined not to completely write-off its 'Grand Sport Tourer' just yet. The R-Class received a mild facelift last year to help turnaround flagging sales, but a second and more extensive update is in fact planned for the 2010 model year as previewed by these latest spy shots of a prototype caught testing in Germany.   The first facelift came less than two years after the vehicle was first shown at 2005's New York Auto Show, and was implemented mainly to increase the car's desirability. A cheaper RWD model was added to the lineup as well as a more flexible seven-seater model, but other than that the car remained mostly unchanged. For the next update Mercedes will give the car a major styling overhaul with a new front-end planned as well as a slightly revised rear and interior. Expected to be launched in the second half of next year, the new R-Class will likely receive the same squared-off treatment as the rest of the Mercedes lineup including angular headlights and a larger more prominent grille. © Source: autofans

 

Mersedes-Benz BlueZERO concepts in Detroit

Mercedes-Benz has released images and information on three concepts in what it calls 'electromobility' that it will show at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The German company says the concepts are based on a single vehicle architecture, which it says is an intelligent, modular concept that allows three models with different drive configurations, all of which are able to meet customer requirements in terms of sustainable mobility.   The concepts are: the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometres using electric drive alone; the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometres using electric drive and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender). This version has an overall range of up to 600 kilometres and can cover a distance of up to 100 kilometres using electric drive alone. Mercedes-Benz says the three BlueZERO variants are based on the unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz introduced some ten years ago, initially for the A-Class and then for the B-Class, one of the aims being to integrate alternative drive systems. Advantages of the modified construction include the positive effect of the major drive components on the centre of gravity, their space-saving design and the fact that they are extremely well protected within the vehicle underbody. The five-seater BlueZERO concept cars also set standards in terms of lightweight design, interior layout and body form. The company says all three BlueZERO variants share the same key technical components, while the design and vehicle dimensions are identical. Measuring just 4.22 metres in length, the BlueZERO models combine compact exterior dimensions with a generously proportioned and variable interior and luggage compartment. Five fully-fledged seats, a payload of around 450 kilograms and a luggage compartment capacity of over 500 litres make for outstanding everyday practicality. All three variants accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in less than 11 seconds. Their top speed is electronically limited to 150km/h in the interests of optimal range and energy efficiency. © Source: caradvice

 

First Look: Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss

The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss can accelerate to 62 mph in 3.5 sec. It's capable of 217 mph. So what, you say. Those numbers have become standard supercar fare. The Ferrari Enzo can touch 225 mph. The Corvette ZR1 barrels to 60 mph in 3.3 sec. Ah, but here's the twist -- this SLR does its thing without roof, windows, and windshield. Envision the wind buffeting you mercilessly at 150 mph or how a bug or rock would feel hitting you at that speed. That's the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss sensation. It's a car created as a tribute to the man crazy enough to drive a Formula 1-based car 1000 miles flat out at an average speed of nearly 100 mph -- all with little more than an open-face helmet and goggles protecting him from the violently onrushing air and debris. For those uneducated in motorsport heroes of yesteryear, Moss is a bona-fide racing legend. Versatile as he was fast, he competed in both Le Mans and Formula 1 with much success. Later, he became known as "the greatest driver never to win the World Championship." Moss' most prolific victory among the many he scored behind the wheel of a Mercedes came in the aforementioned endurance race: the 1955 Mille Miglia. There he piloted a Mercedes Benz 300SLR bearing the number 722, and covered 1000 miles in 10 hours/seven minutes/48 seconds. That's why this windshield-free SLR bears the Stirling Moss name. Mercedes already celebrated Moss' victory two years ago with another Mercedes McLaren special edition called the SLR722, a car that received a modest power upgrade, badges, and shiny new wheels over the base SLR. The Stirling Moss goes much further. Besides eliminating the glass and roof (there are a couple of tiny wind deflectors), Mercedes made dramatic changes to the bodywork, which is done entirely in carbon fiber like the SLR roadster. Gone are the vents aft of the front wheels, in their place are dual exhaust pipes that exit straight through the bodywork, as they did in the 300. The side skirts have been raised, the doors trimmed, and the nose sharpened -- Silver Arrow style. The headlights are a nod to the Mille Miglia winner, as are the air scoops behind the driver and passenger. Okay, the 300 just had one scoop, but we'll ignore this historical faux pas in the name of safety as the scoops double as rollbars. Mercedes even translates the original 300's bulge on the passenger side of the Stirling Moss' hood, necessary at the time to fit the 310-hp inline-eight. The supercharged 5.4L V-8 underhood dwarfs the original motor and adds another 340 ponies for a total output of 650 hp. The Stirling Moss SLR also employs a closed underbody and a bigger rear diffuser than on the base SLR in an effort to further improve downforce. The Mercedes Airbrake system, a spoiler that deploys under aggressive braking, can also be manually operated by the driver. The relatively Spartan cabin features a mix of carbon fiber, aluminum, and leather trimmings. An aluminum plate located in the area around the gearshift features a Stirling Moss signature, and the cockpit can be closed with the two tonneau covers stored in the trunk. After its world debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show, Mercedes will begin production of the Stirling Moss in May 2009, just after the SLR run ends. The company plans on building a scant 75 examples for European customers only between then and December, which will officially spell the end of the SLR partnership between Mercedes and McLaren. Each model will be offered only to current, "most loyal" SLR customers with an expected price in the if-you-have-to-ask nature. OK, if you really have to ask, it's 750,000 euro, or just over $1 million a copy. A word of advice to those auspicious customers: Keep an eye out for wayward bugs.

 

Autumn offers from Mercedes-Benz

In unpredictable times, the comfort that can be taken from the quality and reliability of a Mercedes-Benz cannot be over stated. Competitive finance rates, inclusive service packages and complimentary upgrade offers, available until the end of the year, mean you've never been closer to experiencing the reassurance of owning a Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz Retailers around the country will be hosting a special event this weekend. Simply drop by to talk to one of the team about the range of offers currently available across our range. At the event you can also enter our prize draw to win a once in a lifetime experience, off-road ice-driving in the Swiss Alps. The trip for two includes flights, transfers and accommodation, as well as the choice of a glacier excursion, complete with an exhilarating cable car journey, or skiing lessons at one of Switzerland's legendary resorts. Terms and conditions apply. Finance provided by Mercedes-Benz Financial Service UK Ltd, MK7 8ND. For further information on our wide range of current offers and the Mercedes-Benz Autumn offers weekend including participating Retailers, call 0800 369 8956 or click here.

 

Mercedes-Benz worldwide sales still positive

Sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles worldwide remained positive over the first ten months of the year, as the sales figures for October have been released. Some 93,800 Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart and Maybach passenger vehicles were delivered to customers during October, meaning that worldwide deliveries remain at a two per cent high for the year at 1,073,700 units. In the UK and other areas in Western Europe, 56,800 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were delivered, taking the annual total to 633,000. Overall, the brightest spark of the sales figures continues to be smart vehicles. Some 11,300 were delivered worldwide throughout October, a positive percentage change of 6.5 per cent. This also took the annual sales figures to 113,400, which is a positive change of 41.3 per cent. Smart also sold well during September, with year-on-year sales figures improving by almost ten per cent. Dr Klaus Maier, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, said of the September figures: "Along with the new-generation smart fortwo electric drive, we also presented the first hybrid production car from Mercedes-Benz in September."

 

McLaren F1 Auctioned @ 4 Million USD

At the latest RM Auctions event held on October 29 in London a McLaren F1 sold for no less than 2.530.000 GBP, which is equivalent to more than 4 million USD. The 1997 4 million USD McLaren F1 is powered by a 6.1-litre four overhead camshaft, 48-valve V12 engine that outputs 627bhp and is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. The auctioned 4 million USD McLaren F1 was sold by its first and only owner, had 484 kilometers under its bonnet and was unit number 065. This particular McLaren F1 has a Magnesium Silver paint finish with a black leather interior. The car is also special because the carbon-fiber transmission tunnel adjacent to the driver's seat has been signed by Gordon Murray himself.

 

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT video

The Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT was unveiled around one year ago. Powered by a supercharged AMG 5.5 liter V8 engine the Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT develops 500 kW/680 ps and 830 Nm of torque. With a top speed of 315 km/h, the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.3 seconds. The car is priced at around 795,000 Euros or about 1.2 million USD. Watch the Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT on video after the jump.

 

UMI For 2008/2009 C-Class and 2010 GLK-Class - A New Way to get Navigation!

Our dealership just installed our first Universal Media Interface (UMI) system in a 2009 C300. I had been reading about this sytem but it seemed to good to be true. Now that I have had a chance to try it out, I am very impressed. The UMI can be added to any 2008 or 2009 C-Class or 2010 GLK-Class that does not have the Multimedia Package. This system gives you navigation and a number of audio options that are very cool! #1 - Navigation - The map data and entry system is very similar to what is in all of our other vehicles. It is displayed, in color, on the standard audio 5" screen. It was just as easy to use as the other systems and looks good. #2 - Live Traffic - Using the FM traffic information, like the S-Class and CL-Class, the UMI will know about accidents and construction delays...for free! You can view these slow downs and ask the navigation to route you around it. #3 - iPod Adaptor - The UMI can be added to cars with or without an exisiting iPod kit. If it didn't have one it is added in. #4 - USB Port - Yeah! Good quality sound for those of us who use a non-iPod MP3 player. It is easily accessed in the glove box right next to the iPod adaptor. #5 - AUX jack - In case you have some other form of audio you want to connect to the vehicle you can use an 3.5mm male to male audio cable to connect. #6 - Bluetooth Audio Streaming - For those of you who want to beam stereo music directly from your phone using A2DP. The connection process is very similar to connecting your phone via bluetooth to the car and the audio quality is excellent! This is the first time this has been offered in any of our models! Those are the highlights of the UMI system. We have the components in stock and are ready to install if you are interested. The price for parts and labor will be $1850 plus tax. I think it is an excellent value!

 

2010 GLK350 at SEMA

Don't expect to see a convertible or an optional skate park package when the 2010 GLK350 gets here, but at the SEMA show anything is possible. Boulevard Customs - 26in wheels, 5,700 watt stereo and no top Legendary Motor Cars - Mobile skate park Brabus Widestar - Definitely the best looking out of the group and probably the only one that you'll actually be able to buy. RENNTech Pikes Peak - Nice wing... RENNTech should probably just stick to drivetrain upgrades.

 

Atlanta Classic Cars - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Training

GLK Training was held at Atlanta Classic Cars today. We received a full introduction to the 2010 GLK350 and were able to compare it to the BMW X3 and the Acura RDX. The GLK is quite impressive! You can tell that Mercedes put a lot of work into developing this model specifically for drivers who want a small SUV, rather than just adapting a current model to fill a niche. From the outside it has its own distinctive styling - it does not look like a shrunken ML or a GL. It also has a presence - this is a car that you would notice driving down the road. On the inside, I was impressed with the seating position. It is smaller than a traditional SUV but the upright seating position and great visibility make it feel very commanding on the road. It was also a pleasure to drive. The V6 engine is plenty of power and the car felt very agile. It even has a 3500 lb towing capacity! As we compared the GLK to the BMW X3 I was shocked to realize that the X3 navigation system is the same system that was in my 2003 MINI Cooper S! That leads me to believe that BMW really hasn't devoted enough attention to the specific needs of their X3 driver. The character in the X3 also seemed to be lacking. It does look just like a small X5 and does not catch your eye on the road. I know that the X3 will be our main competitor and I really look forward to showing people how much more quality you'll get in the GLK. I was unfamiliar with the Acura RDX (and I still probably couldn't pick it out of a line-up!). This car is a re-outfitted Honda CR-V. I can't believe that people would pay close to $40,000 for this vehicle. The RDX lacks all of the insulation, finishing, and attention to detail that makes a Mercedes a good value at any price. On the road the Acura has some torque steer, lets in a lot of road noise and is just not a compelling vehicle. Overall I was thrilled with the GLK! I think Mercedes is really demonstrating a commitment to quality and serving their customers. I know that this vehicle will be an excellent choice for people who want more room than a sedan offers but don't need a huge SUV. Also, the pricing is fantastic. I was expecting it to come in only slightly lower than the ML350 and it turns out it is going to be very close to the price of a C350! Base MSRP is $35,900 and I think you max out around $47,000 if you get all the bells and whistles. I would guess that the most common set-up, Premium 1 Package, ipod and heated seats would be around $39,500. We expect to get a demonstrator vehicle at the dealership in December and the GL350 will be for sale in January of 2009. If you live in the Atlanta area please let me know if you would like to be notified when the demo vehicle arrives. I can't wait to introduce you to the newest member of the Mercedes family!

 

CNET - Mercedes C63 AMG vs. BMW M3

The tech website CNET just released a great comparision between the BMW M3 and the C63 AMG. "The C63 is an absolute torque monster, which makes it more fun to drive at low speeds." "The COMAND system is light years ahead of the old iDrive system. The system smartly uses the instrument-cluster LCD for things like navigation prompts, so it's easier to use while in motion." "With the money you'll save by purchasing the C63, you'll be able to buy new tires after you burn through the first set doing doughnuts in the parking lot." In the end... "We are bracing ourselves for the howls of BMW fans. Hey, we like Bimmers, too, but all things taken into account, the C63 won out. In most rounds, the C63 scraped by the M3 just a little, gaining precious ground for cabin tech features, exterior looks, and price. For all-around performance, the cars tied--the C63 boosted by its bigger engine, the M3 helped by its DCT. After BMW updates its cabin tech and electronics interface next year, the M3 will probably fare better in a rematch." Read the full comparison at www.reviews.cnet.com

 

Our 2009 GL320 and ML320 BlueTEC Test Vehicles are Here!

Mercedes-Benz has sent us a 2009 ML320 BlueTEC and a 2009 GL320 BlueTEC to test drive for the next month. You might notice them on the road with their...distinctive wrapping. I went for a spin in the GL320 BlueTEC yesterday. I wanted to see how the 20" run-flat tires impacted the ride quality. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ride was as comfortable as it has ever been. I think Mercedes took great care to compensate for the run-flats with the suspension set up. Also, the 20" size is not too big. It almost feels more suited to the size of the GL that the 18" wheels did. You can learn more at the Mercedes BlueTEC site or come in and see for yourself!

 

Germany Trip

I'm working on getting some posts up of the photos I took while on the Mercedes Master Guild trip to Germany last week. Hanging with the boys. Gottlieb Daimler & Wilhelm Maybach

 

2010 Mercedes E-Class Spy Photo

While I was in Germany last week a new photo of the 2010 E-Class hit the net courtesy of the German magazine Auto Zeitung. It's not the best angle. From the side it looks very similar to the current C-Class. You can get a better idea about what the interior will be like here.

 

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION gives hints to 2010 E-Class and CLK-Class

This concept car, the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION, is set to debut in Paris in October. It looks like a coupe/R-Class hybrid to me. More important than what this car is, is what it might show us about the 2010 E-Class and CLK Coupe. We know that the E-Class is expected to maintain the 4-headlight look but become more angular like the new S, C and SL. This concept car is using a very SL style grille along with the 4-headlight look. I like this depiction of the 4 headlights much better than some of the renderings I have seen. Our next new vehicle debut will be the BlueTEC diesel SUV's in October, the GLK small SUV in January and then 2010 E and CLK Coupe next summer.

 

2009 C63 Beige and Grey Leather Interiors and AMG Select Fabric

The 2009 C63 is available with 5 interior options. Having only seen the Black Leather (210), I was at a loss when Randall from California asked me exactly what the other interiors looked like. Since I couldn't answer his question he visited a couple of local dealers and here are the results! Sahara Beige/Black Leather Interior (205) only has the Beige Leather on the front of the driver and passenger seats. The whole dash, back of the seats and headliner are black. Grey/Black Leather Interior (208) has grey seats AND a grey lower dash. The upper dash, back of the seats and headliner are black. The AMG Select Fabric Interiors (701 and 718) which are standard for 2009, are still a bit of a mystery. We have not seen it in person but it should look something like this. The Mercedes-Benz fabric has always been very good looking and shockingly durable. It was standard on the 2006 ML's for a brief time and I was very impressed with the high quality and appearance of the fabric. Thanks to Randall for filling in this gap my C63 knowledge!