2010 Mercedes Benz SLR
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The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, the final hurrah for the fabled SLR line, has a production date of June 2009 and is the culmination of everything SLR. The SLR Stirling Moss has a radical design, with no roof or even proper windshield. It is as if Mercedes-Benz is flaunting the fact that all SLR drivers own a couple more cars, and the retro race-roadster design is the only thing they could respectfully apply legendary British race car driver Stirling Moss's name to.
Stirling Moss--the car--is styled unlike anything else on the market, even from boutique car builders. It looks every bit the modern interpretation of the classic race speedster Mercedes is going for, and while the modern SLR McLaren heritage is clear, this new edition is wholly different. While the new open supercar Mercedes was again developed in conjunction with McLaren, this one drops the McClaren name in favor of honoring the most famous of Benz pilots.
SLR Stirling Moss Styling - Rolling Sculpture and Totally Unique Supercar
Mercedes-Benz rather curious decision to fit the SLR Stirling Moss with neither a front windshield nor side windows seems like a strange one on a supercar capable of more than 200 mph. Only two tiny front wind deflectors--less than two centimeters tall, Mercedes-Benz reminds us--protect driver and passenger from wind, dust, tiny chunks of asphalt, etc. Helmets will be required for serious high speed driving, but just think how cool and classy you can look with a vintage Stirling Moss SLR 300-style racing helmet!
Only a roofless, windowless car can get away with the huge air scoops aft of the rear seats, which also serve SLR Stirling Moss driver and passenger safety with integrated roll bars. The car's drastic styling, when compared side-by-side with the famous SLR 300 race cars of the 1950s, does its namesake justice. The SLR Stirling Moss will be the culmination of production for the SLR line, and will see a worldwide release of 75 units. Just 75.
Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss price sits at EUR 750,000 or approximately USD $1.05 million, and good luck getting one, even if you have that kind cash. This thing is inevitably destined to fetch many millions at the Pebble Beach auctions of the future. Availability at launch will be only to European current customers of Mercedes-Benz.
Stirling Moss--the car--is styled unlike anything else on the market, even from boutique car builders. It looks every bit the modern interpretation of the classic race speedster Mercedes is going for, and while the modern SLR McLaren heritage is clear, this new edition is wholly different. While the new open supercar Mercedes was again developed in conjunction with McLaren, this one drops the McClaren name in favor of honoring the most famous of Benz pilots.
SLR Stirling Moss Styling - Rolling Sculpture and Totally Unique Supercar
Mercedes-Benz rather curious decision to fit the SLR Stirling Moss with neither a front windshield nor side windows seems like a strange one on a supercar capable of more than 200 mph. Only two tiny front wind deflectors--less than two centimeters tall, Mercedes-Benz reminds us--protect driver and passenger from wind, dust, tiny chunks of asphalt, etc. Helmets will be required for serious high speed driving, but just think how cool and classy you can look with a vintage Stirling Moss SLR 300-style racing helmet!
Only a roofless, windowless car can get away with the huge air scoops aft of the rear seats, which also serve SLR Stirling Moss driver and passenger safety with integrated roll bars. The car's drastic styling, when compared side-by-side with the famous SLR 300 race cars of the 1950s, does its namesake justice. The SLR Stirling Moss will be the culmination of production for the SLR line, and will see a worldwide release of 75 units. Just 75.
Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss price sits at EUR 750,000 or approximately USD $1.05 million, and good luck getting one, even if you have that kind cash. This thing is inevitably destined to fetch many millions at the Pebble Beach auctions of the future. Availability at launch will be only to European current customers of Mercedes-Benz.
2010 Mercedes benz ML450
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An hour after Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new ML450 hybrid at the New York Auto Show, we got to take our first quick drive in the first German version of a two-mode hybrid. Mercedes-Benz has been collaborating with General Motors, Chrysler and BMW for the last four years to develop the two-mode hybrid system for applications smaller than the buses that GM originally designed it for. GM has now installed the system across the board on all its GMT900 full size trucks and SUVs and Chrysler briefly offered it on the Durango and Aspen before production of those vehicles ended at the end of 2008. In 2010, Dodge will add the system to the Ram pickup trucks.
Mercedes-Benz will be building its own version of the two-mode hybrid transmission at a plant in Germany. Those transmissions will also be supplied to BMW for the X6 hybrid when that debuts. Read on for our first on the road impressions of the ML450.
The two-mode hybrid transmission for the Mercedes and BMW applications is based on the same mechanisms as the GM variant and in fact much of the innards are common. It features 4 clutches and three planetary gear sets. The main difference for the German variant is smaller motors that allow for a tighter package size so that it fits into the more compact vehicles. The two motors are rated at 83 hp/173 lb-ft and 80 hp/192 lb-ft. Similarly, the power electronics are repackaged but 75 percent of the internals are common with GM.
Mercedes-Benz will be building its own version of the two-mode hybrid transmission at a plant in Germany. Those transmissions will also be supplied to BMW for the X6 hybrid when that debuts. Read on for our first on the road impressions of the ML450.
The two-mode hybrid transmission for the Mercedes and BMW applications is based on the same mechanisms as the GM variant and in fact much of the innards are common. It features 4 clutches and three planetary gear sets. The main difference for the German variant is smaller motors that allow for a tighter package size so that it fits into the more compact vehicles. The two motors are rated at 83 hp/173 lb-ft and 80 hp/192 lb-ft. Similarly, the power electronics are repackaged but 75 percent of the internals are common with GM.
2010 Brabus Mercedes-Benz Viano
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The 2010 Brabus Mercedes-Benz Viano Lounge powered by 426hp 6.1L V8 engine, and features a 32-inch LCD, two Sony VAIO laptops, a PlayStation 3, Nespresso machine, and even a Vertu Constellation phone.
"A 32-inch electrically deployed LCD screen is integrated into the partition wall behind the front seats. It serves as monitor for the computer system with Sony Vaio notebook and Wireless LAN network for connecting additional notebooks to the on-board network and for connecting to the internet via UMTS. A Sony Playstation 3 game console plays Blu-ray movies and games such as the racing simulator Gran Turismo 5 in stunning clarity on the big screen, which can also display the images from the digital TV tuner. The large screen can also be used in split-screen mode to simultaneously monitor the images from the various external cameras.
The audio signals of the various sources are carried in highest perfection Dolby Surround by a sound system custom-designed for the Viano.
The equipment of the customized Viano can be completed with an exclusive mobile phone. The Vertu Constellation weighs just 140 grams (5 oz.) and features quad-band technology for use in 180 countries across the world. The housing is made from a fancy combination of stainless steel, scratch-proof sapphire glass and the same supple leather that covers the Viano Lounge interior.
BRABUS also provides on-board refreshments: A generously dimensioned refrigerator is part of the exclusive Lounge Concept equipment of the BRABUS Viano as is a Nespresso coffee maker of the latest generation...
"A 32-inch electrically deployed LCD screen is integrated into the partition wall behind the front seats. It serves as monitor for the computer system with Sony Vaio notebook and Wireless LAN network for connecting additional notebooks to the on-board network and for connecting to the internet via UMTS. A Sony Playstation 3 game console plays Blu-ray movies and games such as the racing simulator Gran Turismo 5 in stunning clarity on the big screen, which can also display the images from the digital TV tuner. The large screen can also be used in split-screen mode to simultaneously monitor the images from the various external cameras.
The audio signals of the various sources are carried in highest perfection Dolby Surround by a sound system custom-designed for the Viano.
The equipment of the customized Viano can be completed with an exclusive mobile phone. The Vertu Constellation weighs just 140 grams (5 oz.) and features quad-band technology for use in 180 countries across the world. The housing is made from a fancy combination of stainless steel, scratch-proof sapphire glass and the same supple leather that covers the Viano Lounge interior.
BRABUS also provides on-board refreshments: A generously dimensioned refrigerator is part of the exclusive Lounge Concept equipment of the BRABUS Viano as is a Nespresso coffee maker of the latest generation...
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
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Pictures of the Mercedes Benz 2010 SLS AMG– one of Benz’s defining pieces of automotive engineering– have leaked one week ahead of its official unveiling. With inspirations coming from the iconic 300SL, the finely tuned machine is powered by a 6.3-liter V8, delivering 563 ponies and 480 lb-ft of torque to a rear wheel drive format. The engine is matted to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox which propels the car to a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds as it tops out at 197 mph. Available in late 2010, the car comes in with a suggested retail price of €177,310 EUR in Germany (approximately $257,000 USD).
Due to be revealed at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, the 300SL-inspired "Gullwing" is packing a front/mid-mounted version of the venerable 6.3-liter V8 fitted to the majority of AMG's offerings, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox channeling 563 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Weight is pegged at around 3,500 pounds, allowing the SLS to run from a rest to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is 197 mph and optional carbon ceramic discs should bring the party to a halt with supreme authority.
Although we've seen an endless string of spy shots of the SLS over the past year, we finally get a clear view of its upright fascia, drawn headlamps and curvaceous rump that draws a few cues from the departed McMerc and modern M-Bs.
Color choices will include Alubeam Silver, Syvanite Grey, Alanite Grey and red, complimenting the leather and alcantara interior and ten-spoke forged wheels. Production will begin in late 2010 with sales starting the following year, and early pricing suggests a €177,310 MSRP in Germany. Get your first eye-full in the gallery below before all the official details are delivered next week.
2010 Mercedes-Benz GL Class
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The Carlsson crew is constantly striving to develop new tuning packages for every single model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This time the German tuning house has launched a comprehensive package comprising of styling and mechanical upgrades for the GL-Class range. Starting off with the design kit, Carlsson has developed a full body kit that consists of a kitschy chrome grille (we could certainly do without that), bonnet add-ons, a front apron with integrated LED daytime running lights, side skirts and a new rear skirt attachment that houses the two oval stainless steel tailpipes.
The aerodynamic kit is priced at a hefty €8,499 (excl. VAT) while an extra €4,189 (again without VAT) will get you a set of 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 295/35 R22 high-performance Dunlop tyres.
To match the SUVs looks, Carlsson has developed performance enhancements for both petrol and diesel variants of the GL-Class. More specifically, the CK50 kit (€3,192 excl. VAT) for the GL 500 nudges the V8 petrol's output from 388HP to 435HP and torque from 530 to 600 Nm.
Carlsson also increases the performance of the diesel models, with the GL 420 CDI producing 354 HP instead of 306HP (€1,299 excl. VAT) and the CL 320 CDI 269 HP, up from 224 HP (€1,499 excl. VAT).
To top things off, the tuner has developed the C-Tronic SUSPENSION system that lowers the SUV's ride height by up to 30 mm while the control unit also recognizes the road characteristics and continually adjusts the remaining spring travel. The system that is for the GL-Class models with AIRMATIC-suspension costs €1,099 without VAT.
The aerodynamic kit is priced at a hefty €8,499 (excl. VAT) while an extra €4,189 (again without VAT) will get you a set of 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 295/35 R22 high-performance Dunlop tyres.
To match the SUVs looks, Carlsson has developed performance enhancements for both petrol and diesel variants of the GL-Class. More specifically, the CK50 kit (€3,192 excl. VAT) for the GL 500 nudges the V8 petrol's output from 388HP to 435HP and torque from 530 to 600 Nm.
Carlsson also increases the performance of the diesel models, with the GL 420 CDI producing 354 HP instead of 306HP (€1,299 excl. VAT) and the CL 320 CDI 269 HP, up from 224 HP (€1,499 excl. VAT).
To top things off, the tuner has developed the C-Tronic SUSPENSION system that lowers the SUV's ride height by up to 30 mm while the control unit also recognizes the road characteristics and continually adjusts the remaining spring travel. The system that is for the GL-Class models with AIRMATIC-suspension costs €1,099 without VAT.
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
After various reports and some leaked images, M-B took the wraps off the the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class at a private event in Detroit. While the new E won't make its public debut until March at the Geneva Motor Show, we were on hand in Motown to get the details straight from the company that Karl Benz built.
We've said plenty about the E's new conservative sheetmetal and exterior elements, including the ConceptFASCINATION-inspired front-end and sedate, uninspired rump. Depending on spec, the new E-class will feature either twin foglamps or angular LEDs, trapezoidal or oval exhaust tips and a host of wheel options. The overall length has been stretched by half an inch to just under 16 feet, while the width has grown by 1.26 inches, the wheelbase is up 0.8-inches and height is half-an-inch taller than the outgoing model. Torsional rigidity is up by 30% and the new E is more aerodynamic, along with packing 11 standard airbags.
The 2010 model shows considerable promise inside, with an interior that evolves the C-class and GLK's angular aesthetic and attempts to bring more of that bomb-proof feel that Benz was known for in the past. The transmission selector can be had on either the console or the steering column, ala S-class, with the COMAND controller placed on the center divider and some of the seat controls moving to the sides, next to the transmission tunnel.
The new E features enough gadgetry to sooth even the most weary CES attendee, beginning with a new standard system called Attention Assist that keeps track of steering angle and alerts the driver if they're getting drowsy with an audible alert and a coffee-cup icon on the dash. Lane departure warning is optional, along with adaptive high-beam headlights that dim when oncoming traffic is approaching, radar-based cruised control, blind-spot monitoring and infrared night vision.
When the 2010 E-class goes on sale this summer, buyers can choose from either a direct-injected, 292-hp 3.5-liter V6 (E350) or a 388-hp 5.5-liter V8 (E500), both mated to a standard seven-speed automatic gearbox. 4MATIC models will arrive later, along with the E63 variant, and the 211 hp, 3.0-liter Bluetech diesel variant with urea injection is slated to go on sale at the end of the year.
2009 Mercedes-Benz S Class
