Renntech declares 'Horsepower War' ongoing with new SLR 777

Mercedes-Benz's AMG arm has declared the horsepower war over two years in a row, all the while continuing to turn out new and improved - and more powerful - cars. Renntech has taken its cues from the spirit, if not the letter, of AMG's announcements with its latest modification, boosting the SLR supercar's output to a massive 777hp (580kW). Going a step beyond even its own previous SLR 722 package, the new Renntech 777 is the result of founder Hartmut Feyhl's relentless pursuit of more: more performance, more power, more impressive looks.

 

McLaren reveals MP4-24 2009 F1 race car, Dennis to step down

After one of the closest finishes imaginable to the 2008 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, won by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes on the final lap, by a single point, the 2009 season's challenges have the potential to truly shake things up. Mercedes, on the other hand, is working to keep things the same, and thinks it has another winner with the unveiling of its MP4-24 race car for the 2009 season. The new car itself is a significant departure from the 2008 car, thanks primarily to new aerodynamic and powertrain regulations. McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 2009 F1 race car

 

ASMA releases 'Perfectus' Mercedes-McLaren SLR

Production of the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar may soon be coming to an end but that appears to have no affect on the number of modified versions of the car being released by the world's big-name aftermarket tuners. Late last year we saw the introduction of the Hamann Volcano, and then on Friday we saw Renntech its new SLR 777 package. Now, Germany's ASMA Design has revealed its new Perfectus SLR, which was developed originally for the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi. Highlighting the upgrade is the car's brazen bodykit, which consists of an imposing new grille and front bumper combination, new side sills and extended rear fenders, a subtle boot lip spoiler, and a new bumper with an integrated rear diffuser. ASMA Design Perfectus Mercedes McLaren SLR

 

Report: Mercedes insider hints at A-Class roadster for 2012

An updated 2009 A-Class was revealed late last year, and though it received a number of updates, the car is due for a complete redesign sometime in 2011. The next-generation A-Class range is expected to feature a number of body styles, but the latest word indicates a roadster could be joining the group as well. Previous speculation on the next-gen A-Class family had only included the standard hatch, a new mini-SUV, sports-hatch and four-door coupe models. Now a possible roadster, perhaps styled after the SLA Concept, is also thought to be in the works. Mercedes-Benz compact family renderings

 

Mercedes-Benz R-Class soldiers on

There's something to be said for persistence, especially in the face of rejection, but in the case of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, persistence may not be enough. The slow-selling crossover has hit its zenith, but is still short of the hopes Mercedes had for it when it debuted in 2005. Built in the U.S. at the company's Vance, Alabama plant, the R-Class has continually come up short of its goals. But Mercedes doesn't seem bothered with the poor performance, reports Automotive News. "We have reached the level we can sell it. 2010 Mercedes Benz R-class facelift spy shots

 

Mercedes Benz releases AMG sports pack for new E-Class

Having already unveiled its all-new E-Class Sedan at last week's Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes Benz released today new images of the svelte saloon wrapped in the carmaker's new AMG styling package. The package includes a number features not available individually and gives us a preview of what to expect for the upcoming high-performance AMG model. The new styling pack consists of an AMG front apron with large cooling air intakes, new side skirts and a custom rear bumper. The exhaust tailpipes are also unique, feature a twin, rectangular design and finished in polished stainless steel. Other details include the completely newly designed 18in AMG light-alloy wheels, which are painted in sterling silver with a high-sheen finish and are shod with 245mm tires. 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class

 

Spy shots: Next-gen Mercedes Benz CLS caught winter testing

The Mercedes Benz CLS ignited the four-door coupe market when it was introduced back in 2004, and since then we've seen several other luxury rivals attempt to emulate the design with cars like the Porsche Panamera, Audi A7 and Aston Martin Rapide all under development. Now the first prototype for Mercedes' next-generation CLS has been spotted, revealing a few subtle clues about the new model (previously we saw a test-mule disguised under the sheet metal of the current model). The new car is expected to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model, and positioned more upmarket to bring it in line with some of its more premium rivals. 2011 Mercedes CLS spy shots

 

Carlsson CK63 RS adds style and power to the Mercedes Benz SL63

Straight out of the box the Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG is already one of the sportiest models in the carmaker's lineup, but the car's heady 525hp (392kW) output was never going to satisfy the guys at German tuner Carlsson. Applying lessons learned from its previous CK50 kit based on the SL500/550 the tuner has upgraded the 6.2L V8 engine to the tune of 600hp (448kW) and 520lb-ft (705Nm) of torque, lifting performance of the SL63 into supercar territory. The 0-100km/h sprint takes just 4.1 seconds (0.4 seconds faster than the standard SL63), with 200km/h passing in 14.2 seconds and momentum finally succumbing at an electronically controlled top speed of 325km/h. A fully integrated aerodynamic package gives off a menacing appearance, while being completely functional, and can be adapted to all current SL models. Carlsson CK63 RS based on the Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG

 

Next hybrid for Mercedes Benz will be a diesel-electric M-Class

Mercedes Benz will launch its first ever hybrid model with the introduction of the all-new S400 BlueHYBRID, a petrol-electric hybrid based on the S-Class sedan, later this year. Its next hybrid, however, will reportedly be a more advanced diesel-electric model based on the M-Class SUV. According to a new report, the M-Class hybrid will go on sale in the second half of the year. The vehicle will feature the same dual-mode hybrid system found in the S400 BlueHYBRID but in the SUV it will be mated with a 3.2L low-emission Bluetec turbodiesel engine and AWD system. Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID

 

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe official photos leaked

The previous Mercedes-Benz CLK was something of an enigma - built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sat in its own unique segment with no direct competition from its German rivals. The new E-Class Coupe, however, is based on the recently unveiled 2010 E-Class platform. That car, previously caught only in spy photos, today leaked onto the web. The new photos reveal a final product very close in appearance to the preview renderings we brought you back in September. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe & Cabrio renderings