Harman to supply Mercedes Benz with ‘hybrid’ navigation system

Carmakers are working closely with electronic component suppliers to develop a new generation of low cost navigation and infotainment systems designed for both vehicle and personal use. Renault recently launched such a system in its facelifted Clio hatch called the Carminat TomTom GPS and now Harman International has confirmed plans to supply a similar system for use in up to eight new Mercedes Benz vehicles starting from mid-2010. Harman describes its new system as a "hybrid mid-level navigation device" that combines the benefits of a standard portable GPS navigator with the complete functionality of a fully integrated in-dash infotainment system.

 

Mercedes-Benz unveils E-Guard armored E-Class

Luxurious yet well-armored vehicles are nothing new, but the innovations being made in materials and techniques are nearly as rapid and multifarious as the weapons employed against them. Mercedes-Benz's latest armored car, based on the new E-Class and dubbed the E-Guard, is an example of the latest breed. Starting with a standard E-Class, the E-Guard is made by inserting special steel plates and aramid throughout the chassis, while the typical glass windows are replaced with heavy-duty polycarbonate. 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class

 

Vath V58K turns Mercedes' SLK55 AMG up to 565hp

Tuner cars are often examples of the worst sort of overkill, but occasionally a car will sneak through with less-than-typical appearance modifications and a monstrously re-engineered heart. Such is the case with the Vath V58K, an extreme take on the SLK 55 AMG. The Germans at Vath decided that 5.5L and natural aspiration were simply inadequate, and so took displacement up to 5.8L and added a supercharger to boost output from the stock 360hp (269kW) to a thunderous 565hp (421kW) and turning torque up from 377lb-ft (510Nm) to 569lb-ft (770Nm). That's enough to push 0-100km/h times down into the 4 second range, just a tick behind the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. Vath 58K Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Read more

 

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC - Short Take Road Test

Associations with Mercedes-Benz and sticker prices typically involve an adjective equivalent to the word "high." So it's a bit of a surprise to find out that the 2010 GLK350 4MATIC starts at a not unreasonable $36,775, which is $3450 less than a 2009 BMW X3 sport-ute. A two-wheel-drive GLK, coming in April, will shed another $2000 off the window sticker. The competitive pricing—an Acura RDX SUV starts $2320 below the 4MATIC—is meant to lure "conquest buyers." Mercedes-Benz predicts that 70 percent of GLK customers will be new to the German luxury brand. The cost-wary might want to avoid some of the $6670 worth of extravagant options on our test car. Highlights include the $3350 Multimedia package (which includes navigation) and a $970 appearance package with 20-inch wheels and tires and chromed roof rails. Running boards add another $660 and are positioned to soil clean pants upon exiting the vehicle. Keep Reading: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC - Short Take Road Test

 

Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept - Video

While the design may look futuristic, it's the high-tech powertrain that has an eye on the future here. Keep Reading: Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept - Video

 

2011 McLaren P11 Supercar - Spied

With the final run of 75 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLarens being produced now—in topless speedster form, no less—the McLaren shop will have some build space to fill soon, and this is the car that will occupy it. Initial reports had the car debuting later in 2009, perhaps at the Frankfurt auto show, but now others are suggesting that the first public viewing will be delayed until sometime in 2010, with production to begin in 2011. Intended as a competitor to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and Ferrari F430, the upcoming McLaren—code-named P11—will be powered by a mid-mounted V-8 rumored to be sourced from Mercedes-Benz and producing 550 hp or more. Although reports suggest turbocharging is a possibility, the 6.2-liter AMG V-8 manages up to 518 hp from the factory, so turbos aren't a necessity unless McLaren is aiming for, say, 600 hp. A V-10 has also been mentioned as a possibility, but that power level would probably be well within reach for a force-fed version of the 6.2-liter. Zero-to-60-mph times should be below four seconds, and top speed is expected to exceed 200 mph. Keep Reading: 2011 McLaren P11 Supercar - Spied

 

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