SPY - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Klasse spotted in winter landscape

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The W166(internal code) will be revealed sometime in 2011, as a 2012 model;till then, the prototypes for the new generation of the M-Klasse are still heavily hidden under the thick camouflage.


Winter has come, which means the test cars will have to endure the harsh conditions of the Northern Scandinavia. And, also, the ever-attentive and eagerly-awaiting spy photographers, who aim to snap even the slightest glimpses of a new pre-series model running on snow & ice, in this case, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Klasse.

Sticking to the main subject, it appears that the W166 will be slightly shorter in the overall dimensions compared to the current model, although the pictures tell a different story:we can depict a much more dynamic silhouette, with beautifully-sculpted creases and surfaces over the body and prolonged rear doors. Anyway, we'll just have to wait for the final product in order to judge clearly.

Under the bonnet, a completely new range of efficient and powerful petrol and diesel powerplants, as well as hybrid powertrains are expected. The top-of-the-range M-Klasse, the AMG version, will be powered by a new, 5.5 litres twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a staggering 570 HP output.





Source of the photos >> WorldCarFans

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SPY - 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Klasse

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More spy photos after the jump!







Source of the photos >> SecretNewCars

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SPY - 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse FL

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SPY - 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse Coupe(former CL-Klasse) - fresh shots

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As well as the R-Klasse FL, the new luxury coupe will be unveiled at the 2010 edition of the NAIAS. Apart from the visual and technologycal refreshment, the 2-door flagship of the Mercedes-Benz range will also be rebadged from CL-Klasse into S-Klasse.

More spy photos after the jump!






Source of the photos >> SecretNewCars

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SPY - 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Klasse FL

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The updated Mercedes-Benz R-Klasse for the year 2010 is currently undergoing the last phase of its testing and development programme. Set to be unveiled at next month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the large crossover features a major overhaul of the front fascia, a slight revision of the rear end, with LED lights and new tailpipes, minor improvements of the dashboard and interior, and possibly, Mercedes-Benz's latest safety, dynamics and infotainment technologies that were first seen on the new E- and S-Klasse FL, as well as some changes in the engine range, with the addition of BlueTEC and BlueEFFICIENCY powerplants.

More spy photos after the jump!








Source of the photos >> WorldCarFans

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SPY - 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse - new photos + the story of the future Mercedes small/compact car range

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The future Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse, set to make its public debut in 2011, is just one of the many models Mercedes-Benz is to include in its completely new range of small and compact cars.


The testing of the 2012 B-Klasse commenced this year;now, the car has reached the icy landscapes of Northern Scandinavia for a tough session of cold weather testing.

The test prototype seen in the spy pics is clearly the new B-Klasse, codenamed W256;it will be sporting the same 5-door, MPV architecture, which has been slightly altered as to become more dynamic.

Apart from the W256, Mercedes-Benz will also launch a sporty, 3-door model(W 176) in 2012. Apparently, the Stuttgart constructor decided to drop the A-Klasse designation and, instead, opt for a new one that is to sit on the new 3-door coupe. CLA-Klasse might be on their minds.

The X 156 project is the competitor for the new BMW X1 and for the forthcoming Audi Q3. We are talking about the compact SUV BLK-Klasse, to be unveiled in 2011.

The biggest surprise of the new small/compact range will be a 4-door coupe, or, in other terms, a true baby CLS. The new car will be most probably badged BLC(C 117)-not BLS, as this moniker belongs to Cadillac;this new niche model will be unveiled in 2012 and should reach an overall length of 4.5 metres. The aesthetiques will mimic that of the future CLS, whereas the dashboard will display an appealing design, with premium materials to be used, in pure Mercedes style. Moreover, the interior will be roomier than those of its direct competitors;the technical platform for the BLC will be a new one and will be offered in RWD mode as standard, with 4MATIC on the option list. Power will come from a new generation of diesel and petrol engines, that are under development:

- the diesel units(OM645) will feature a lightweight construction, as the engine block will be built from aluminium, thus ensuring a 30 kilos weight loss;

- the new petrol engines(M274) will feature direct injection;power transfer will be ensured via a new 7-speed, double clutch automatic gearbox.

Mercedes-Benz is also preparing a full hybrid B-Klasse model, to be offered in 2 combinations-diesel engine+electric motor / petrol burner+electric motor = over 600 km of autonomy;in full electric mode, the autonomy will equal 80 km. This eco-friendly model should come somewhere in 2013. Expect a fuel-cell model to also make its debut;it will be sold in a limited series up to 2017;estimated autonomy=425 km.

Last, but not least, the assembly plants chosen to build the new small and compact Mercedes-Benz models are the facilities in Rastatt(Germany) and Kecskemet(Hungary).






Source of the photos >> WorldCarFans

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Daimler Heritage: TOPICS FOR JANUARY 2010

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Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 01, 2009

105 years ago – January 1905: The “American Mercedes” was presented at the National Automobile Show in New York. It was a reproduction of the 45 hp Mercedes, built by the Daimler Manufacturing Company.

105 years ago – 25 January 1905: H. L. Bowden broke the world record for one mile with a flying start. At Daytona Beach, Florida, USA, he achieved an average speed of 176.5 km/h in a Mercedes powered by two 44-kW engines.


105 years ago – 30 January 1905: In the deciding race of the Ormond Derby, USA, E. R. Thomas drove a 90 hp Mercedes over ten miles at an average speed of 153.3 km/h, setting a new world record in the process.

60 years ago – January 1950: The Mercedes-Benz L 3250 truck was given a greater payload capacity and the new model designation L 3500.

45 years ago – 20-31 January 1965: The Mercedes-Benz LP 608 made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show; it was a lightweight forward-control truck in the category up to six tonnes.

15 years ago –23 January 1995: The first 500 vehicles of the new Sprinter (T 1 N) van series left the Düsseldorf plant. In May that year it was voted Van of the Year.

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David LaChapelle portrays Maybach

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- World premiere of David LaChapelle’s photographs presented by Maybach during Art Basel Miami Beach, December 5th
- Maybach is accelerating its commitment to contemporary art
- Combining art and social commitment based on the patronage model of the Wilhelm and Karl Maybach Foundation
- Maybach – partner of Fondation Beyeler from 2010

Miami/Stuttgart, USA/Germany, Dec 04, 2009 - The Maybach automobile brand is accelerating its commitment to contemporary art. The focus is to work with internationally renowned artists like David LaChapelle and major institutions within the art community, like the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland.


The latest highlight of Maybach's artistic commitment is its collaboration with David LaChapelle, one of the world's most prominent photographers. His artistic portrayals of Maybach luxury cars entitled „Exposure of Luxury“ and „Berlin Stories” will celebrate their world premiere during Art Basel Miami Beach, where they will be first presented to Maybach guests and the press at an exclusive preview on December 5th, 2009. This artistic work focuses on the Maybach Zeppelin limited special edition and its historic predecessor from the 1930s, the Maybach Zeppelin DS 8. "After visiting the Maybach facility in Sindelfingen, I was inspired to create two iconic photographs which radiated the same seducing and dynamic appeal, as the Maybach itself,” said David LaChapelle.

The renowned American photographer has chosen to collaborate with style icon Daphne Guinness to portray both vehicles in his signature fashion. With creative freedom entrusted to LaChapelle by Maybach, he created photos that whisk the observer to a world filled with luxurious extravagance that features LaChapelle's celebrated surreal tableaux.

New view of the Maybach

The inspiration for this project was also characteristic of David LaChapelle. During a visit to the Maybach Center of Excellence in Sindelfingen, Germany in the spring of 2009, he was so impressed by the high-end sedans that he came up with an idea for a photo shooting, which he then completed in October 2009.

Patrick Marinoff, Global Brand Manager Maybach, supported the concept of LaChapelle’s interpretation from the very start. "We are very honoured that such an exceptional artist like David LaChapelle, with his unusual and at times even rousing style, has interpreted the Maybach brand. The results speak for themselves; these are images that create a new view of the Maybach brand. I am convinced that the founder of the brand, Wilhelm Maybach – himself a great innovator in his time – would have also been delighted."

The artist created two motifs - one of the current Maybach Zeppelin and another of the Zeppelin from the 1930s photographed against a similarly themed backdrop. These photographs will become part of David LaChapelle’s art collection, which will make their way to galleries, collectors and museums around the world. Later on a copy of each photo will go to the Daimler Art Collection. With over 1,800 works by some 600 artists – including stars such as Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons – this has grown since 1977 to become one of the leading corporate collections of abstract-constructivist, conceptualist and minimalist art of the 20th century (http://www.collection.daimler.com).

Linking art and social commitment

With this project David LaChapelle follows in the footsteps of Andy Warhol, who created a 35-part series for Daimler back in 1986 entitled "Cars" according to the theme "the car – an icon of mobility". An outstanding feature of this was his artistic interpretation of the legendary gull-wing Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. It was in fact Andy Warhol who noticed David LaChapelle's talent early in his career and provided him the opportunity to showcase his photography in Interview Magazine. The Wilhelm and Karl Maybach Foundation is also dedicated to this principle of supporting young and emerging artists through established mentors. In following in the same path, David LaChapelle is supporting the idea of patronage by providing the opportunity for an emerging photographer to share his experiences with him for a three months period in Hawaii – supported by Maybach.

This brings us full circle: Over a hundred years ago, Gottlieb Daimler met Wilhelm Maybach in the engineering works of an orphanage in Reutlingen, Germany and decided to take the extraordinarily talented young engineer under his wing. Maybach went on to develop a wide range of groundbreaking technical innovations.

Cooperation between Maybach and Fondation Beyeler

From 2010 Maybach will be the official partner of the renowned Fondation Beyeler in Riehen near Basel, Switzerland. “It’s wonderful that Maybach is so committed to the arts. Their collaboration with artists and art museums opens the doors to creativity and promotes culture excellence. Both - art and Maybach - unite the ideals of permanent innovation, consciousness of tradition and a highly developed sense of aesthetics and quality. Thanks to its cooperation with Maybach, the Fondation Beyeler is able to chauffeur its artists and international guests in a saloon that treats them to a motoring experience of unparalleled comfort,” said Sam Keller, director Fondation Beyeler.

A tradition of commitment to top-notch contemporary art

In 2005 Maybach supported the artist duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude with their sensational project "The Gates" in New York's Central Park. After additional projects, in August 2009 this was followed by the presentation of the Maybach Art Cars – designed by Tim Berresheim.

Thanks to the collaboration with David LaChapelle and the partnership with the Fondation Beyeler, the luxury carmaker is consistently strengthening its commitment to contemporary art and offering customers exclusive access to the art, artists and prestigious art fairs, the brand and the limousines. This mirrors precisely what Wilhelm Maybach had in mind when he created his legendary car: luxurious, fascinating and ahead of its time.








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"TOPauto 2010" awards: Double victory for Mercedes-Benz

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Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 03, 2009

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is the best business class car, while the Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the best newcomer in the "luxury" category - this is according to a top-class panel of international motoring journalists which has voted both Mercedes-Benz models the top cars of 2010 in their respective categories. No fewer than 150 motoring journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were asked by the Motorinformationsdienst (mid) (Motor Vehicle Information Service) to cast their votes and use their expertise to decide on the top cars of 2010, choosing from among 80 passenger cars in 8 different categories.


No fewer than 150 motoring journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were asked by the Motorinformationsdienst (mid) (Motor Vehicle Information Service) to cast their votes and use their expertise to decide on the top cars of 2010, choosing from among 80 passenger cars in 8 different categories.

In the "business" category, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate took top honours by quite a significant margin. The premium lifestyle estate has caused a great deal of excitement since its launch with its distinct, dynamic and at the same time elegant design, and also sets new standards in safety, comfort, quality, economy and functionality. In addition it also provides a unique combination of technical innovations in this vehicle class – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the active bonnet. On top of all this there is also air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard, as well as some innovative new features in terms of the functionality of the luggage compartment. This area can also accommodate an optional third row of seats, something unique among the competition.

The new Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG also moved effortlessly into first place in its "luxury" category. Its exciting design featuring the gullwing doors harks back to that sporting legend of the 1950's - the 300 SL. The new super sports car also dazzles with its exquisite technology which includes such highlights as: aluminium spaceframe body shell, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid engine with dry sump lubrication as well as a maximum power of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque, seven-speed double-clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone axles. This high-tech combination helps to guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics.

Being voted the top cars of 2010 is not the first time that both Mercedes-Benz vehicles have picked up an award. The SLS AMG has won the 2009 Auto Trophy, as well as the 2009 Golden Steering Wheel award.

Other awards also received by the E-Class family include the following:
- Auto Bild Design Award: Germany's most beautiful car (Saloon)
- Auto Bild Design Award: Germany's most beautiful Coupé (Coupé)
- Auto Trophy (Auto Zeitung): best luxury-class saloon
- Die sportlichsten Autos (Auto Bild sportscars): best sports saloon (E 63 AMG)
- EuroCarBody Award 2009: best bodyshell
- Diners Club Magazine Award: best power-to-economy ratio
- Großer Österreichischer Automobilpreis (Austria's car of the year award):favourite premium saloon
- International Engine of the Year Award

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The end of a great era: Mercedes-Benz is building the last examples of the SLR

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Stuttgart/Woking, Germany/United Kingdom, Dec 02, 2009 – The last examples of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss are currently being built, bringing the active era of the SLR super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and McLaren to an end. In 2004, with the swing-wing Coupé, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren jointly set out to continue the story of the legendary SLR racing sports cars of the 1950s. Five exciting variants in the SLR family have been produced – two coupés, two roadster versions and finally the uncompromisingly purist SLR Stirling Moss. This breathtaking, high-speed racer is a limited edition of 75 examples, and is the final chapter in the modern SLR story. Overall 2000 SLR models have been produced – substantially more than any other sports car in this elite category. An SLR also represents a membership ticket to the SLR. CLUB. The spirit of the SLR will live on in this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers even after production ceases.


Three letters are all it takes to make car fans go into raptures: SLR. On paper, the legendary name simply stands for "sporty", "light" and "raceworthy". But, for connoisseurs, this magical combination of letters designates a dream car of special standing, promising unequalled driving enjoyment – a unique symbiosis of outstanding dynamics, superior performance and exceptional comfort.

In January 2009 Mercedes-Benz presented the most spectacular and uncompromising version of the reinterpreted 300 SLR as the last model in the SLR family - the SLR Stirling Moss. With neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and front passenger from nature, allowing them to enjoy sheer high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster. Further attributes of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss include highly sophisticated technology and breathtaking design that provides a new take on the SLR legend. A V8 supercharged engine developing 478 kW (650 hp) accelerates the SLR Stirling Moss from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and is good for a top speed of 350 km/h – performance that no other standard-production car can match. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a worthy and legitimate bearer of the name of British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss, who piloted the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars to a succession of victories in the 1950s.The SLR Stirling Moss accompanied by the 300 SLR and members of the SLR. CLUB celebrated its maiden journey at this year's Mille Miglia, in the hands of the former Mercedes Formula 1 drivers Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. Sir Stirling Moss himself had even made a return to Brescia to be an eye-witness to this historic event. The SLR Stirling Moss is a limited edition of 75 examples, and production of the SLR series will then cease at the end of 2009.

The SLR spirit lives on

The SLR project was conceived for a limited period, and as a limited edition, from the very start, and is now coming to a magnificent, entirely fitting end with the SLR Stirling Moss. The SLR spirit lives on, however, and will be perpetuated by the enthusiastic members of the SLR. CLUB. In addition to a passion for driving, the members of this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers, all of whom have an SLR model in their garages, share a discerning, sophisticated lifestyle and the enjoyment of encounters with like-minded enthusiasts. The high-quality event calendar of the SLR. CLUB includes driving events on the most demanding race circuits, participation in the Mille Miglia and tours covering the most picturesque routes in Europe. Individual, long-term backup and care at the very highest level for SLR. CLUB members is assured by dedicated Mercedes-Benz personnel well beyond the end of production.

The birth of a legend

The SLR legend was born in 1955, when Rudolf Uhlenhaut, then head of passenger-car testing and in charge of racing-car development at Mercedes-Benz, transformed a fascinating idea into reality. He combined the design and technology of the spectacular Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" model produced since 1954 with the outstanding characteristics of the 300 SLR, one of the most successful racing machines of all time, which at that time dominated all the major road races – above all the notorious Tourist Trophy in Northern Ireland and the two Italian classics: Targa Florio and Mille Miglia. Here Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson piloted the racing Mercedes to victory in a record time that still stands to this very day. But the Brits were not the only ones to achieve success in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. Juan Manuel Fangio, who went on to become Formula-1 World Champion five times, and the speedy Karl Kling drove the sports car from Untertürkheim to many a place on the rostrum.The road-going Coupé version of this legendary racing machine – better known as the "Uhlenhaut Coupé" among automotive aficionados – was at the heart of the passionate affection for the SLR held by automotive enthusiasts.

High-class synthesis of legend, performance and comfort

The models in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren family, which have been rolling off the assembly lines at the world championship-winning team's headquarters in Woking since 2004, are the most emphatic reminders of the glory years of the SLR during the 1950s. They have brought the core values of the historic SLR models into the modern era – an exciting design featuring many details reminiscent of its predecessors, innovative technology and carefully hand-crafted, high-grade materials. They also continue the tradition of the high-class Gran Turismo models in time-honoured fashion. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models offer a beguiling mix of optimum handling, extremely high speed and outstanding acceleration, not to mention a wealth of exquisite appointments, all of which makes for a truly unique driving experience.

To keep faith with the traditionally unique standing of the SLR, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive pooled all of their extensive motor-racing know-how to produce the super sports car. By way of example, the SLR models set the very highest of standards in terms of handling, rigidity and safety for high-performance cars thanks to the extremely widespread use of exceptionally lightweight yet very strong carbon-fibre materials, including the carbon-fibre front structures based on Formula 1 monocoque constructions, which optimise the car's crashworthiness.

Outstanding powerplant for the front-mid-engine concept

In addition to this, the front-mid-engine concept allows the masses to be concentrated near the centre of the car, which makes for a low mass moment of inertia and consequently exceptional agility and handling dynamics. This concept, together with a chassis configuration born on the racetrack, forms the basis for optimum handling and peerless driving enjoyment.Here an important part is also played by the powerful high-tech engine with motor-racing genes, which was developed at Mercedes-AMG and provides power in abundance. In the Coupé and Roadster models, the driver can call upon 460 kW (626 hp) from the eight-cylinder powerplant with a displacement of 5.5 litres, while the "722" models develop 478 kW (650 hp), ranking the SLR engines among the most powerful units for road-going production sports cars.

Exciting design and exquisite interior

The design of the SLR high-performance sports cars generates sheer excitement by virtue of the stretched bonnet, taut waistline, rear-set passenger cell and short rear end of the Coupé and Roadster – making the thrill of high-speed performance visible as well. Features born on the racetrack include the downforce-enhancing aerodynamic concept incorporating a diffuser, an enclosed underbody, a spoiler and the AIRBRAKE.

As for the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models, the designers have created a synthesis of puristic sports-car feeling and extraordinary luxury. Exquisite materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and leather developed exclusively for the SLR are of the highest quality and exclusivity. They dominate the passenger area of the Gran Turismo and further emphasise the unique nature of the car.







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