Benz Goes Hard Core: In Jay Leno’s Garage - Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG

Mercedes Benz is starting to go hard core with the addition of their 7-speed dual clutch transmission packed inside the new Mercedes Bens SL63 AMG. That's right, no more torque converter for Benz's latest SL63 AMG. As Jay explains in the video it seems several car makers are headed in the dual clutch direction. As Jeremy Clarkson says, "the floppy paddle gear box".

 

SLR Stirling Moss ? a speed demon’s dream

Motorists looking for a car that will offer them pure excitement as well as the ultimate in driving pleasure have been pointed in the direction of a new sports car from Mercedes-Benz. Only 75 limited edition models of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss are set to be made, with production starting in June next year. Motorists with a passion for speed will get the full enjoyment of the model, with a V8 supercharged engine a significant factor in allowing the vehicle to accelerate from standstill to 62mph in under 3.5 seconds. A top speed of 217mph can also be reached by the vehicle, helping the sports car become a legitimate bearer of the name of Stirling Moss, the motor racing legend. Moss is no stranger to the original Mercedes-Benz SLR, having raced it to victory on numerous occasions during the 1950s. The vehicle will also call time on the production of the Mercedes-Benz SLR fleet, allowing fans to enjoy the end of an era with this collector's car. Moss recently picked up a lifetime achievement award at the Autosport Awards in London.

 

SLR Stirling Moss a stunning final example of the breed

Buyers of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss will be able to experience all that the natural world has to throw at them, as it has no roof or windscreen. Both the driver and passenger will enjoy the high-speed excitement the car offers without a roof and side windows, with two wind deflectors in place to offer some aerodynamic assistance against the vehicle's speed. The deflectors are both 36mm in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow, as the vehicle rockets to speeds of up to 217mph. Two air scoops are eye catching features of the model, which are integrated into the bodywork to serve as roll over bars. However, despite its unique appearance and features that could easily result in individuals believing the vehicle is one for a race track, it is a road car – the final version of a model range that has become the most successful super car in the world. Other variants of the Mercedes-Benz SLR to have previously reached the market include the 722 Edition and the 722 GT.

 

Arrow shape appeal of Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss

Speed and excitement aren't the only two highlights of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, a range of eye-catching features also cannot fail to impress. From both the head and the rear, motoring fans can witness the vehicle's arrow-shaped form, with an elongated bonnet characterising the front and a rear that is both muscular and compact. The exterior and interior of the vehicle flow nonchalantly into one, as it has no windscreen, this occurs from the sleek tip of the front of the bonnet directly into the car's inside. Other features that catch the eye and the imagination are the vehicle's powerfully contoured wings, black-painted ventilation gills and folding swing doors, which open in a forward manner. The bare essentials is all that has been provided in terms of interior, with the style set by the use of high-class authentic materials including aluminium, carbon-fibre and upholstered leather. Adding to the class is the engraved signature of Stirling Moss, which covers the area around the shift lever.

 

Mercedes-Benz Delivers 1,500,000 E-Class Models Worldwide

Mercedes has delivered 1,500,000 units of their consummate E-Class since they launched it some six years ago. Of these, 1,270,000 units were sedan variants, while 230,000 units were of the estate variety.   According to Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The current E-Class and its predecessor models have been the 'heart' of Mercedes-Benz for more than 60 years now. With its typical brand attributes that include safety, comfort, innovation, economy, and quality, the E-Class has delighted around 12 million customers worldwide across eight model generations." Of course, news of the Mercedes E-Class' sales success is bittersweet, as overall sales at Mercedes-Benz have dropped sharply the past several months. Nevertheless, in times of economic turmoil, one must look for bright spots in otherwise disappointing sales numbers, and 1.5 million units sold is certainly a figure to be proud of. © Source: emercedesbenz

 

Mercedes-Benz GLK Underprices BMW X3

The small new Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SUV is just the thing for a lousy economy, with technology necessities such as Bluetooth included standard, and a base price that undercuts the BMW X3 by $5,000. The GLK gives Mercedes-Benz a competitor in the fast-growing compact, or entry-premium, SUV segment. The GLK stands out with its navigation system, wide range of entertainment options, and the ability to omit all-wheel-drive and save $2,000. You can drive off in a reasonably equipped GLK350 for less than $40,000. Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Slideshow: Click Here In a test drive in and around Santa Barbara, Calif., the GLK350 with its 268-hp V6 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission was a pleasant vehicle to drive no matter how twisty the back road. Actually, Santa Barbara makes it pleasant to be driving in most any vehicle with a valid inspection sticker. But the GLK is really at home anywhere as a comfortable place for four to travel around town or cross country and be nicely entertained while under way. Mercedes-Benz is also doing its best to undermine the longstanding reputation of German automakers for sticking us with lousy navigation systems by reaching out to Mitsubishi for a very nice navigation system that uses both the Comand controller (their version of iDrive) and voice input. This system debuted in 2007 on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and was rated third best among 79 vehicles in the 2008 J.D. Power Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study. The GLK-Class SUV is based on the C-Class chassis and shares common traits ranging from the navigation system to the cramped location of the Comand controller on the center console (and hard for the passenger to access if bottles are in the cupholders) and the placement of the Comand function buttons (radio, navigation, phone) on the center stack rather than next to the controller.

 

BRABUS Mercedes GLK WIDESTAR

The presidential elections in the US will take place on November 4, 2008. At the same time voting starts for the best customized version of the new Mercedes GLK-Class at the SEMA Show 2008 in Las Vegas. BRABUS is the only German company to participate in this competition sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA.

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Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series dyno'd [w/VIDEO]

When Mercedes picked an engine to motivate the SL65 AMG Black Series, the German automaker didn't fool around. A V12 powerplant carries more than enough punch for most supercars, but Mercedes strapped on a pair of turbochargers to ensure that the Black Series was ridiculous enough to justify its price tag. The net result is 670 hp and 738 lb-ft, or enough muscle to propel a two-ton vehicle to 60 in 3.8 seconds. Armed with a dyno, some spare time and a healthy dose of curiosity, Automobile decided to test for themselves the power of the mighty Benz. The Black Series didn't disappoint, pulling down 573 hp @ 5300 rpm and 682 lb-ft @ 3620 rpm at the rear wheels. The Black Series SL65 showed its superiority over the S65 AMG, as the more spartan AMG Benz put down 36 fewer ponies and 61 fewer lb-ft. At 5500 rpm, the Black Series' beefier turbos out-muscled the the S65 by 100 hp and 100 lb-ft. Hit the jump to view video of the SL65 AMG Black Series as it went through the paces on the dynometer and set the speakers to 11. [Source: Automobile Magazine]