2010 Maybach Zeppelin - Auto Shows

With just 317 units built in 2008, it seems that the hype about Maybach—if there ever was any—is dead. The slow-selling ultra-luxury sedan is based on the last-generation Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220), and Daimler bravely keeps adding new colors and model versions, such as the $1.35 million Landaulet and the 604-hp 57S and 62S. While Rolls-Royce will bring a smaller model to this year's Geneva auto show, Maybach serves up an even more powerful variation of its theme, complete with a historic nameplate. The Maybach Zeppelin makes a whopping 632 hp, comfortably above its only true competitors, the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Bentley Arnage Final Series. Maximum torque is still limited to 738 lb-ft in order to protect the five-speed automatic. Top speed is governed at 171 mph on the short-wheelbase Maybach 57 Zeppelin and 155 mph on the long-wheelbase Maybach 62 Zeppelin. The Zeppelin gets special 20-inch wheels in what Daimler calls a "chrome shadow finish." We believe this top-deck car's new, edgier exterior mirrors will replace the round, decidedly 1990s units on lesser Maybachs. The exhaust tips now number four, and the taillights are darkened. Specific to the Zeppelin is the shoulder line painted in Rocky Mountains light brown, but you can have your Maybach painted any other color as well, if you insist. The hood ornament is altered with Zeppelin lettering. The recommended interior color combination is California Beige with Stromboli Black. The wood is finished in piano black, and your feet rest on lambswool carpets. Keep Reading: 2010 Maybach Zeppelin - Auto Shows

 

2009 Mercedes-Benz E-class E-Guard - Auto Shows

Do you want to cruise in the really bad parts of town and flip off the guy demanding the keys to your sparkling new Mercedes? Or do you need an appropriate second car to go with that high-protection Maybach you recently ordered? Perhaps you fancy an option package that not everyone in the neighborhood has, one which clearly marks your position on the social ladder? Whatever your reason, the Mercedes-Benz E-Guard may just be the perfect solution. This special version of the new E-class, making its appearance at the Geneva auto show, is beefed-up with extra high-strength steel, as well as polycarbonate windows. On the protection scale, the Mercedes-Benz E-Guard meets VR4 requirements. That means that the car can withstand assaults from handguns of up to .44 caliber, fired from any angle. The E-Guard sports 150-mph-rated run-flat tires that still allow for escapes at speeds up to 50 mph when they are completely deflated. Keep Reading: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-class E-Guard - Auto Shows

 

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class / E350 / E550 Coupe - Official Photos and Info

Mercedes-Benz redesigns—and rechristens—the CLK for 2010. Three weeks before its official introduction at the Geneva auto show, Mercedes released pictures and information on the 2010 E-class coupe, which will replace the snazzy but none-too-macho CLK coupe in June of this year. The new E coupe is not really a two-door version of the E-class sedan, but rather a blend of C- and E-class mechanical components. It hews to the styling of the 2010 E-class sedan—which also makes its official debut in Geneva but was previewed at an off-site event during media days at the Detroit show last month—closely enough that no one will question the relationship. Unlike the Sedan, Elegance Prevails Indeed, pretty much every styling element found on the new E-class sedan is present and accounted for on the coupe, including the quad polygonal headlamps, LED taillamps, forward-canted rear deck, and thick bodysides with rising character lines and swollen rear fenders. Somehow, the overall look is far more elegant than that of the sedan. The E coupe mimics the latest CL-class in its arching, B-pillar-less roofline, although a small, fixed quarter window is needed to allow the rear windows to fully retract. A split, full-length moonroof will be standard. Want an even more alfresco motoring experience? The E-class convertible (which replaces the CLK convertible, natch) is scheduled to appear about a year from now, according to Mercedes. Keep Reading: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class / E350 / E550 Coupe - Official Photos and Info

 

2008 Mercedes E-Class Sales hit 1.5 million

The E-Class is one of the best selling models in the upper-range segment worldwide A total of around 12 million units of the E-Class and its predecessor models have been sold to date The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the epitome of safety, comfort, and quality for more than 60 years In 2007 innovative BlueTEC diesel technology was launched for the first time in a passenger car in Europe - in the E 300 BlueTEC. This European introduction was preceded by the launch of the E320 BlueTEC in the U.S. in October 2006. With BlueTEC, Mercedes-Benz has succeeded in greatly reducing emissions and ensuring compliance with the EU5 emission standard. Innovative BlueTEC technology has thus made the diesel engine one of the cleanest and most efficient drive systems in the world. A total of 1,270,000 sedans from the current E-Class series have been delivered worldwide since the model was launched in 2002, while 230,000 customers have opted for the station wagon version. The most important markets for the E-Class are Germany and the U.S., each of which accounts for approximately 25 percent of total sales. The most popular E-Class engine versions are the E 220 CDI and E350, each of which attracts ten percent of all E-Class customers. Some 40 percent of all customers select a diesel-powered vehicle. Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz has delivered 1.5 million units of the current E-Class series to customers since the model's market launch six years ago. "The current E-Class and its predecessor models have been the 'heart' of Mercedes-Benz for more than 60 years now," says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. "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." In the fall of 2006, the E-Class also clearly demonstrated its typical Mercedes brand attributes of exemplary safety, comfort, and economy during the longest long-distance diesel endurance test in automobile history: 36 E-Class cars went on a transcontinental marathon, with each vehicle driven approximately 14,000 kilometers from Paris to Beijing over 26 days. In this endurance test under extreme conditions, Mercedes-Benz once again demonstrated the top performance of its ultramodern diesel engines in terms of emissions, fuel economy, and reliability. The "Germany - Land of Ideas" initiative of the German federal government and German industry presented Mercedes-Benz with an award in January 2008 for innovative research in connection with the brand's introduction of BlueTEC technology to Europe. In addition, the E 320 BlueTEC was chosen "2007 World Green Car" by automotive journalists from 22 countries in April of last year. The current E-Class model series has received numerous other awards since its market launch in 2002, including an award for Best Car in the Upper Mid-Range Segment from Auto Motor und Sport magazine.

 

Hamann Volcano Based on Mercedes Mclaren SLR Officially Detailed

How much torque does a volcanic eruption have? Well, it does indeed take a lot of steam to melt rocks and push the lava straight up through the earth's crust and Hamann-Motorsport does a good job of rivaling that with their own Volcano. The Hamann Volcano is a supersized version of what is already one of the world's most renowned supercars - the Mercedes McClaren SLR. Hamann technicians were able to boost the Mercedes Benz 5.4 liter, 626 hp, 780 Nm V8 and take its performance to 700 hp and 830 Nm of torque at 3,300 rpms; giving the Hamann a 0-100 km/h time of only 3.6 seconds. But performance is also improved by aerodynamics, with the addition of new lift-reducing wing extensions in both the front and the rear as well as new side skirt attachments and sheathings. Interiors also get yet another luxurious do-over. It includes aluminium pedals, foot-rests, door sills, head-rests and floomats with the Hamann logo and the use of the top-quality material Alcantara for custom center console and dashboard parts. No details on pricing were released. [Source: Hamann ]

 

Mercedes-Benz CLK Shooting Brake

 

The new Mercedes SLC Gullwing

The collaboration of the Mercedes-Mclaren SLR comes to an end next year as each manufacturer will go their separate ways to create a new model of their own. We already reported earlier this week some inside information on the Mclaren version, now come the turn of the Mercedes. The new Mercedes SLC/Gullwing will be aimed primarily at the Porsche 911 Turbo with a target price of roughly €150,000 – both a coupe (codenamed C197) and a roadster (codenamed R197) will be produced and it will be slightly smaller than the outgoing SLR. Mercedes will introduce a new advanced aluminium spaceframe technology which will contribute towards a target weight of 1650kg distributed 48% to the rear and 52% to the front which is 45kg less than the SLR. Mercedes are also reported to be developing a new composite brake system which is not just lighter but also stronger and less fade-prone than the conventional set-up. The exterior design will be largely based on the SL class which has been received very well since its facelift earlier this year. Although There will be certain design elements which will tell it apart including roof-hinged gullwing doors, almost upright bi-xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, a motorised rear spoiler and a pair of downforce-producing front and rear aprons. Power will come from AMG's 6.3-litre V8 producing 550bhp and 445lb ft of torque, allowing the Gullwing to achieve 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds, maximum speed stands at 185mph – fuel consumption is said to be 14litres/100km. The coupe is likely to make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with the roadster set to arrive a year later, there are only 6000 units of each model planned for production and is currently pencilled in to stop in 2013. Source worldcarfans.com