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Mercedes unveils 2012 C63 AMG Coupe

admin — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:59:24 +0000

Mercedes-Benz just released some photos of its 2012 C63 AMG Coupe. The coupe is based on the recently introduced 2012 C-Class Coupe, which is essentially a C-Class sedan with two door lopped off and a slightly lower roofline. AMG’s smallest model is scheduled to be introduced at the New York Auto Show later this month and should hit showrooms by September.

Key specs are nearly identical to the 2012 C63 AMG sedan– the rear-wheel-drive coupe sports AMG’s 6.2L V8 engine producing 451 HP (or 481 with the optional AMG Development Pack) and a 7-speed Speedshift MCT transmission. 0-60 mph should come in 4.4 seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The AMG Development version boosts those numbers to 4.3 seconds and 174 mph, respectively.

Compared to its non-AMG siblings, the C63 Coupe gains a stiffer suspension, wider tracked, sharper steering, larger wheels, and more powerful brakes, along with an aggressive AMG body kit.

Press release after the break.

The new C63 AMG Coupe – excitement and high performance at its best
Two-door coupe delivers up to 481 hp

MONTVALE, NJ

The new 2012 C63 AMG Coupe designed by Mercedes-AMG combines distinctive design with a powerful drivetrain and dynamic handling. The new coupe joins the successful C63 AMG Sedan as well as the AMG family of coupes which includes the CLS63 AMG and the CL63AMG. The new coupe makes its U.S. showroom debut in September 2011.

The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine in the C63 AMG Coupe delivers a maximum output of 451 hp and peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Reflecting its outstanding performance, the coupe is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). With these specifications, the new two-door vehicle is poised to take the lead in its segment.

The new coupe shares all the technology updates from the 2012 C63 AMG Sedan and features the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with standard “Controlled Efficiency” mode, and a new power steering pump that helps to reduce fuel consumption.

AMG Development Package for a maximum output of 481 hp

This reduction in fuel consumption also applies to the C63 Coupe when equipped with the AMG Development Package which generates 481 hp. This optional package improves acceleration from 0 to 60 mph to 4.3 seconds thanks to technology transferred from the SLS AMG. The forged pistons, connectin grods and lightweight crankshaft adopted from the gullwing model’s high-tech drive system save 6.6 pounds in weight. This reduces rotational inertia and enhances the agility and responsiveness of the high-revving, eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Top speed increases as well to 174 mph (electronically limited). Visually, the AMG performance package can be identified by the variable intake manifold finished in titanium grey under the hood, the AMG high-performance braking system with two-piece front rotors and red painted brake calipers, the carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler and the AMG performance steering wheel in premium leather with an Alcantara® grip area.

Standard AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission provides direct and agile power delivery. In place of the traditional torque converter, this innovative transmission features a compact, wet start-up clutch which reduces the power losses normally associated with conventional automatic transmissions and significantly lowers fuel consumption. The Controlled Efficiency “C” mode provides early, comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed and “soft” accelerator characteristics to help improve fuel economy.

The exclusive Mercedes-AMG power transmission offers a high level of versatility and performance. The “S”, “S+” and “M” modes deliver increased agility and are selected via the new rotary control knob familiar from the SLS AMG. Faster gear changes and higher revs add to the emotional experience as well as rev-matching in “S”, “S+” and “M” modes. Gear changes in the “S+” and “M” modes take just 100 milliseconds and the RACE START function allows the driver to harness the vehicle’s full acceleration capability.

Specific AMG sports suspension for quick acceleration and ride comfort

It’s not just the engine and MCT transmission which influence the C63 AMG Coupe’s aggressive character – the AMG sports suspension and AMG high-performance braking system are also key here. Compared with the standard suspension, the AMG coupe has a separate three-link front suspension, a reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension and a wider track front and rear. The stiffer elastokinematics, autonomous axle kinematics with more negative camber and larger anti-roll bars result in greater agility and lateral acceleration. Specially adjusted spring and damper rates have optimized both the responsiveness of the suspension as well as road noise and tire vibration.

The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with a direct ratio (13.5: 1) provides excellent road feel and contributes to the nimble driving experience. The precise steering is complemented by three-stage ESP¨, the Electronic Stability Program that enables three individual control strategies to be accessed at the touch of a button. The driver can use the ESP¨ switch on the center console to choose between ESP ON, ESP SPORT and ESP OFF modes. The AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated discs at the corners provide maximum responsiveness, short stopping distances and high fade resistance.

Confident and athletic: the design of the C63 AMG Coupe

Visually, the coupe version of the C63 AMG has a confident, athletic presence that is reminiscent of the high-performance SL63 AMG roadster. The C63 AMG Coupe has a sinister low profile, powerful shoulderline and a narrow C-pillar, combined with short overhangs, long hood, steeply raked windshield and long, sloping roof.

As is typical for AMG, the car has a striking, arrow-shaped front section with the new AMG front apron housing a high-gloss black horizontal edge, AMG-specific LED daytime running lights and side air outlets. The large Mercedes star sits on a wing-shaped transverse lamella in the new radiator grille, while a modified aluminum hood with powerdomes, emphasizes the strong character of the car. The new clear-lens headlamps are particularly eye-catching, especially when equipped with the optional Lighting Package which includes bi-xenon headlamps.

The wide front fender bearing the “6.3 AMG” script, AMG rocker panels and the new 18-inch 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish dominate the side view. Excellent contact with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tires.

At the rear, the unique AMG rear apron has a distinctive, black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuser fins along with two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system.

High-quality, dramatic interior

Inside, the instrument cluster with integrated screen immediately recalls the new CLS63 AMG with three separate round gauges providing information on speed, engine rpm, fuel level, and coolant temperature. Other display options are available through the AMG main menu accessible via the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. The three-dimensional TFT color display located inside the speedometer welcomes the driver by showing an AMG logo.

The specially shaped AMG performance steering wheel has been adopted from the CLS63 AMG and includes flattened top and bottom sections, metallic trim elements, grip areas trimmed in perforated leather, and aluminum shift paddles. The instrument cluster and center console are trimmed in high-gloss black piano lacquer while the dashboard and doors feature aluminum trim; optional carbon fiber or wood trims are also available. The rotary control for selecting the C, S, S+, M transmission modes and RACE START is situated on the center console.

The new AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints, EASY-ENTRY system and AMG badges have a sporty design with horizontal stitching. Combined M-B Tex/DINAMICA black upholstery comes as standard. DINAMICA is a new type of breathable man-made fiber which is pleasing to the touch and is characterized by low emissions and high durability. The side bolsters of the AMG sports seats are covered in M-B Tex while the center panels of the seat cushions are upholstered with DINAMICA. The C63 AMG Coupe is a proper four-seater with the rear seats featuring the same style of horizontal stitching as the AMG sports seats. Standard split-folding rear seats help expand available cargo capacity.

Optional leather interior appointments help individualize the inside with four single tone and three two-tone combinations.

High level of safety and new assistance systems

With nine airbags as standard, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats, the C63 AMG Coupe has extensive safety features. The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds in the event of an accident, include front, side and pelvic bags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag on the driver’s side, and windowbags.

With a number of driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to Blind Spot Assist, the C63 AMG Coupe provides a comprehensive level of driver support and protection. The assistance systems are familiar from the flagship S-Class and are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology to help monitor and prevent frequent accident causes such as driving too closely, fatigue and darkness.

The new telematics generation featuring enhanced ease of operation

The C63 AMG Coupe also features a new telematics generation which offers greater operating convenience, larger displays, phone book transfer, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB interface now accommodated in the center armrest. The optional COMAND system now features SIRIUS weather information along with the familiar destination search/route download via Google. The COMAND navigation system also includes a new 3D display with city views, the ability to record and retrace a specific route, specific personal destinations can be saved or imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them an economical variation.

The new C63 AMG Coupe will make its U.S. showroom debut in September 2011.

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admin — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 03:10:57 +0000

Mercedes-Benz just announced at the Detroit Auto Show that it will be putting the electric version of its SLS AMG supercar, the E-Cell, into production in 2013. The E-Cell sports four electric motors (one per wheel) that together produce 526 hp and 629 lb-ft of torque. The standard SLS has a 6.2L V8 putting out 563 hp and 479 lb-ft, so the electric version is down 37 hp but up 150 lb-ft versus its gas counterpart.

Unfortunately, the E-Cell weighs a whopping 880 lb more (400 lb of which is in the 48 kWh lithium ion battery) than the regular SLS, which was already not terribly light at 3,571 lb. Auto Express reports that the extra heft does have a decidedly negative effect on the car’s handling. Mercedes says, however, that the weight should be reduced by the time the car hits production, and regardless, the motors’ massive, instant torque is an undeniable attraction. The E-Cell even manages a respectable 125 mile range.

The normal SLS AMG attracts so much attention that should Mercedes choose to produce the E-Cell in the color it’s being displayed in (“AMG Lumilectric Mango”), you’ll always be the center of attention for miles around in one of these. And hey, maybe the extra weight won’t matter, because with all the wide-eyed bystanders surrounding the car, you won’t be moving terribly fast anyway.

Auto Express driving impressions video after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Leaked: 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 22:30:56 +0000

Mercedes’ new C-Class coupe is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in March. Some European bloggers seem to have beaten Mercedes to the punch, however, releasing three leaked press shots of the new car. The coupe shares its front-end styling with the facelifted 2012 C-Class sedan but is unique from the A-pillar aft.

Interestingly, this is not the first Mercedes two-door to resemble the latest C-Class. For a while, the company sold the CLC (outside of America), which was actually a previous-generation (W203) C-Class Sportcoupe (hatchback) facelifted to match the current sedan’s (W204) exterior styling. This time around, however, the car has standard trunk instead of a hatchback.

No further details have been confirmed, though we expect the coupe to gain the same engine options as the sedan- the C250 (a new 1.8L twin-turbo direct-injection inline-4 with 201 hp, 229 lb-ft), C300 (retaining its 3.0L V6 with 228 hp, 221 lb-ft), and C350 (a new 3.5L direct-injection V6 with 302 hp, 273 lb-ft).

The C-Class sedan and coupe are almost sure to get AMG, and possibly AMG Black Series, versions sporting AMG’s 5.5L twin-turbo V8.

McLaren resurrects Mercedes-Benz SLR for 25-car limited edition

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The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was discontinued a year ago, when the German automaker and British racing specialist decided to part ways. Mercedes has since released the SLS AMG, and McLaren has its new MP4-12C. But it looks like McLaren has one last ace up its sleeve for the old supercar.

The new SLR McLaren Edition sports revised bodywork (front bumper, grille, hood, side gills, rear diffuser, rims) and interior parts, along with upgraded steering and suspension components and new ceramic brakes. The 5.5L supercharged V8 appears to have been left untouched and is expected to deliver 626 hp, 575 lb-ft of torque, 207 mph top speed, and a 0-62 mph run in under 3.8 seconds.

In line with its name, the limited-edition car’s Mercedes badges have been given a smoked finish to blend in with the rest of the car, while the McLaren badges are highlighted in red. The company plans to build just 25 examples of the McLaren Edition, which it showed off recently at the Essen Motor Show in Germany. No word on pricing or availability, though we’d imagine they’re probably all spoken for already.

More photos and a walkaround video after the jump.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Source: Autoblog DE

Leaked: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:35:06 +0000

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is scheduled to debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, but several photos of the car’s interior and exterior have already leaked. The second-generation model, codenamed C218, has a tough act to follow– its swoopy predecessor single-handedly created the market for “four-door coupes.” The new car inherits much of its styling from the Concept Shooting Brake, including a prominent grille, aggressively styled front bumper, daytime LED running lights, and a long hood.

The new CLS sports two gasoline engine options– the the CLS 350 CGI with a new direct-injected 3.5L V6 putting out 301 HP and 272 lb-ft of torque and the CLS 550 CGI, with a new 4.6L twin-turbo V8 delivering 429 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. The company’s 4Matic four-wheel-drive system will likely be available on the 550 CGI. Mercedes will offer two diesel options (outside America), the CLS 350 CDI with a 3.0L V6 producing 248 HP and the CLS 250 CDI with an inline-4 putting out 201 HP.

AMG will join the party with the 2011 CLS63 AMG, sporting the tuner’s new 5.5L twin-turbo V8 putting out 544 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque. An optional Performance Pack will be available, boosting power to about 570 HP and 663 lb-ft of torque.

Full photo gallery after the jump. No word on pricing yet.

Via: Mercedes-Benz-Passion, eMercedesBenz

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admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:56:34 +0000

Mercedes looks to be putting the final touches on a new coupe version of its C-Class sedan. The company recently discontinued the CLC, a version of the last-generation C-Class hatchback facelifted to look like the current C-Class, and is only now making a proper coupe from the current sedan.

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More photos after the break.

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The partnership between the Germany luxury car maker and India’s largest truck and bus maker began in 1954, when Tata began to assemble medium-duty Mercedes-Benz trucks in India, and 15 years later, Tata began to sell Mercedes trucks under its own brand. From 1994 to 2001, the two firms also had a partnership to build Mercedes passenger cars in India.

TechAutos » mercedes-benz

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