2009 Inden Design Mercedes-Benz SL 500

Inden Design has released a new tuning program for the pre-facelift R230 Mercedes-Benz SL 500.
The new kit was based on the SL 65 AMG where the body kit features new front and rear bumpers, aggressive side skirts and a rear diffuser. There will be new tail lights, a carbon fibre diffuser, unique door handles and a new set of mud guards.



Expect 20 inch wheels with Pirelli tires.
The engine, however, only gets a 15-hp upgrade to 330 horsepower. So if you see any real SL65 AMGs, you’ll probably want to keep looking straight ahead.

INDEN design is one of the most famous tuners for Mercedes vehicles. Modern accessories now underline the silhouette of the SL. No matter whether SL by INDEN Design is considered to be an object for collectors or a pure driving car, it is evident that the sport-car can be well convincing with the modification to SL65 AMG (model 2007).

Read more for the press release:

Read more...

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Models ML350

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a five-passenger luxury SUV. Trim levels include the ML320 Bluetec with a 50-state-legal turbodiesel V6, ML350 with a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the ML550 with a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8. If you're looking to spice things up, you can also choose a fuel-slurping 503-hp ML63 AMG high-performance version. The diesel ML320 delivers 210 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque, doesn't cost too much more than the ML350 and promises highway fuel economy in the mid-20s.

The M-Class SUVs come standard with full-time four-wheel drive (except for the base rear-wheel-drive ML350), automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, the COMAND interface and a six-CD/DVD changer. A hard-drive-based navigation system with upgraded COMAND is optional. Available features across the lineup include an air suspension with adaptive damping, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, rear climate controls and a rear-seat entertainment system. The ML63 AMG adds unique styling elements and performance-oriented mechanical bits along with its larger engine.

In reviews, our editors have found that the current Mercedes-Benz M-Class imparts a feeling of solidity. With the optional air-spring suspension, the ride quality is impressively supple. Behind the wheel one will find plenty of room and excellent support from the premium multicontour seats. If cost is no object, the M-Class should be high on your list.

More to Read @ http://www.edmunds.com/mercedesbenz/mclass/review.html

Read more...

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Following the recent introduction of the W212 E-class, Mercedes wasted little time in introducing its performance flagship model, the E63 AMG at the New York auto show last month. The published figures, though not unexpected, still make for interesting reading: 6.2 litres, eight cylinders, 525 horses, and 630Nm - a formidable force by any reckoning.

For the next round of engagements in the super saloon arena, the manufacturers are veering away from battling each other with just brute horsepower. A greater emphasis will be placed on efficiency and economy, with efforts on weight reduction and various energy saving measures coming to the forefront. Mercedes quotes improved consumption figures compared to the W211 E63, thanks in no small part to efforts such as brake energy regeneration, and a concerted effort to reduce in-engine friction
From the initial info made available to us, this car holds little surprises. It’s standard AMG fare here, but that’s fine, because there’s little wrong with AMG’s usual handiwork. Like all good AMG Mercs, the E63 cloaks its nuclear firepower under a skin of understated aggression in its bodywork.

Like before, Mercedes has opted to go with high capacity and natural aspiration in the engine for their latest AMG E, with the M156 engine under the hood once again. For the W212, the 6,208cc V8 produces a useful 525bhp and 630Nm, while achieving an impressive 12.6 litres / 100km fuel consumption figure.


Among new features engineered into the powerplant include an improved water cooling system, brake energy regeneration, and on-demand fuel delivery and generator management - all pointing to the direction of improved efficiency. The cylinder walls are finished by a twin-wire arc spray coating process to keep in-engine friction down to a minimum.
Drive to the rear wheels are channeled by a 7-speed semi-automatic transmission dubbed the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, which uses a wet clutch in place of the usual torque converter. Featuring four driving modes (Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus & Manual), Mercedes claims shift times as quick as 0.1 seconds in manual mode. On the road, this translates to a century sprint lasting 4.5 seconds en route to the electronically limited 250kph top speed.

Read more...

History of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz (sometimes shortened to just Mercedes or Benz or Merc) is a German brand name of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks created for Daimler-Benz AG and now owned by DaimlerChrysler AG. The Daimler-Benz company originated on June 28, 1926 when two companies, Benz & Cie. and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG), the inventors of the automobile, merged.

Established in 1871, Benz & Cie. was the most important of several companies founded by Karl Benz. DMG was founded by Gottlieb Daimler and his partner Wilhelm Maybach in 1890, but Daimler died in 1900 and Maybach left DMG in 1907, by which time the two companies were rivals. In 1924, owing to economic necessity after World War One, they entered into an "Agreement of Mutual Interest" (valid until the year 2000), however, this initial agreement still allowed each company to manufacture and sell their products under their original brand names. It was only after the 1926 official merger, that the brand Mercedes-Benz was created and used.

Mercedes-Benz is the brand name applied to the models of one of the premier automotive manufacturers in the world and, because of its tie to Karl Benz, it is also the name of the world's oldest continuously produced automobile line. In 1926 when the new company, Daimler-Benz was established through merger, a new logo also was created that would include a symbol for each and integrate the names of the two former companies. A three-pointed star had been designed by Gottlieb Daimler, to show the ability of his motors for land, air, and sea use. This star first appeared on a DMG model in 1909, so it was chosen for the new logo. However the brand name Daimler was compromised after the death of Daimler in 1900, and allowed to be used on other automobiles, so the name of its seminal Mercedes model was chosen for the DMG portion of the logo. The traditional laurel symbol of Karl Benz was added along with his name to complete the new logo. The logo with a plain ring, as seen today, was not used until 1937.

Mercedes-Benz automobiles have introduced - both in the past and present - many technological and safety features. It was in 1998, when Daimler-Benz and Chrysler agreed to combine their businesses - known as the "merger of equals", that a new entity, DaimlerChrysler AG was created.

Read more...

Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK

At the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mercedes unveiled the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside concept, an SUV that will be getting plenty of screen time when the Sex and the City movie debuts this summer. Starlet Kim Cattrall was on hand to help roll out the concept and many in the media showed up to witness this event.

Well, the Freeside concept is a “go” and the vehicle is expected to enter into production later this year, with the first vehicles available for sale in January 2009 as a 2010 model. It will be marketed with a much simpler name, Mercedes GLK Class, and incorporate most of the features show visitors saw including:

• Rear and all-wheel drive options.
• Standard engine will be a 268 hp. 3.5L V6 with a diesel engine also being readied.
• 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires.
• Two-zone automatic climate control system.
• Ajustable steering column.
  Front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle (including seat inclination adjustment) and manual lumbar support with two-way adjustment for the driver’s seat are all standard on the GLK.
• Standard integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 5-inch color display round out the list of interior appointments.
• Adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger.
• Front side-impact airbags.
• Windowbags across both seat rows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
• Active head restraints for the driver and front passenger.

Projected fuel mileage for the gas engine could be a problem as the GLK will offer a projected 23 mpg. Look for a diesel option to be rolled out ASAP, even if diesel fuel prices remain much higher than gas.

Read more...

Kid-Friendly Luxury Cars

The Volvo XC90 leads our list of the industry's most kid-friendly luxury cars. The Acura MDX, Saab 9-3 Sport Combi, Mercedes M Class and BMW X5 round out the top five. All are examples of how an increasing number of luxury automakers are recognizing that luxury isn't just for adults. With that in mind, they are equipping vehicles with safety features and amenities designed to protect and accommodate infants, children and adults.

Shop wisely, and you'll see it's possible to drive a more stylish car with luxurious leather seats, a superior sound system--and plenty of holders for your children's sippie cups.

That's what you'll find in the three-row Volvo XC 90. It also features a unique second-row seat with a 40-20-40 three-way split that offers flexible seating combinations and cargo space for strollers and groceries when needed. All safety belt systems in the XC 90 include "pretensioners," which cut rear seatbelt slack in the event of a collision, a feature typically reserved for front-seat passengers. There's third-row air conditioning and an interior air quality system that alerts passengers to toxic substances in the incoming air stream.

The Mercedes Benz ML 350 has an eye to safety and entertainment with DVD screens mounted to the rear of the front head rests. This design means that drivers are not obstructed by roof-mounted DVD screens or a rear passenger reaching up to adjust the screen.

"There is a level of expectation that a car that is well equipped for a family should have certain amenities for children.” says Fallon. "They want some minivan amenities, but don't want to remove themselves from a level of comfort, style and prestige they are accustomed to.”

Read more...

New Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Bonoriau latest review:

Mercedes-Benz has announced the introduction of its new-generation SL-Class in April. The vehicle will make its public debut in March in Geneva, and head into Benz outlets and dealerships in Europe the following month.

The world's most successful premium roadster in its class will now feature two six-cylinder models in the shape of the SL 350 and the new SL 280 as well as the familiar SL 500 with a V8 engine and the top-of-the-range SL 600 with a V12 powerplant.

The new entry-level SL 280 will have 228bhp of power and a peak torque of 300Nm for figures. Meanwhile, the SL 350 will be powered by a newly-developed, extremely high-revving 3.5l V6 engine boasting an impressive output of 311bhp (16% up from before), yet with a fuel consumption figure that is 0.4 litres per 100km lower than that of its predecessor.

The flagship engines in the SL line-up remain the eight-cylinder unit in the SL 500 developing 382bhp and the V12 powerplant in the SL 600, which develops 509bhp thanks to twin turbochargers.

As would be expected, the SL will have even more features pasted on, with such items as AIRSCARF neck-level heating. The system, so called because it distributes air at just the right temperature through the head restraints, forming a warm, invisible "scarf" around the driver and front passenger, is just the thing for top-down driving in the winter.

Having celebrated its world premiere in the SLK Roadster in 2004, the system has been modified by Merc engineers for the new SL generation.

Now, the blower and heating are incorporated in the head restraints of the integral seats: two small ventilators suck in air behind the head restraints and channel it through the electric heating element to ensure rapid heating. The temperature-controlled air then flows out of special openings on the front of the head restraints and warms the occupants' head and neck areas, with individual selectable heating temperature available.

Size 255/45 R 17 wide-base tyres and 17-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard on the new SL 280 and SL 350 models, whereas the SL 500 Roadster runs on 18-inch wheels shod with 255/40 R 18 tyres. The SL 600 model gets 18-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with 255/40 R 18 tyres at the front and 285/35 R 18 tyres at the rear.

Read more...

Mercedes-Benz wins Safety and Technology award for DiesOtto

At their annual award ceremony, British magazine AutoCar singled out the Mercedes-Benz DiesOtto engine concept for recognition. The DiesOtto is a turbocharged homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine. It first appeared in the F700 concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. HCCI runs essentially as a diesel engine under certain operating conditions but runs on gasoline and produces far fewer emissions than a diesel without expensive after-treatment systems. The 1.8L engine produces the power of a 3.5L V-6 while achieving 44.3mpg.

Read more...

Brabus 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

Brabus unveils its revamped 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupe. It has a .3L V12 engine which generates 730hp @ 5100rpm and 811 lb-ft torque @ 2100rpm. The powerplant is fitted with a special crankshaft with longer stroke, and with larger, forged pistons. The car accelerates 0-62 mph in just 4.0 seconds, and 124 mph in 11.9 seconds.

Read more...

Mercedes Benz CL

Now this is some serious tuning from Wald International. The Japanese tuner has taken the otherwise elegant and stylish Mercedes Benz CL Class and turn it into this monster, the W216. The program consists of an aggressive body kit, featuring a new front spoiler, side steps, rear skirt, roof and trunk spoiler and sports fender ducts, all finished in black paint. Wald also made some mechanical modifications, like a new brake system with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston in the rear and new exhaust system. We don’t have the official performance numbers, but I guess we’ll have time to get them, because the first deliveries are expected in January 2009.

Read more...

2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 BLUETEC

This is best in class in all aspects, styling, dynamics, fuel efficiency, environment and this is a real head turner. Fuel economy and stunning looks.640 miles to a tank of gas.... I love it. The color, styling and interior are great too.

Read more...

Mercedes Benz F 700 with DIESOTTO engine

The Mercedes Benz F 700 was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, but was exhibited again at the Tokyo Motor Show a few weeks later. It’s what Mercedes Benz thinks a luxury long distance touring saloon of the future ideally should be, so we should expect it to point to the direction of the next generation S-Class.

Probably the first Mercedes Benz sedan with an A pillar window (hatchbacks like the A-Class already have an A pillar window if I’m not mistaken), the F 700 is certainly looks odd from the outside, with it’s strange curved side window profile, and its oversized front grille with vertical LED strip front headlamps. Mercedes Benz calls this design language “Aqua Dynamic”, which emulates the soft flowing forms of a fish.

But the interior looks fairly orthodox as far as luxury cruiser interiors go, designed to seat a driver and 3 passengers very comfortably. The front passenger seat can be put into relaxation mode - not for the front passenger of course as the seat has to be vacant for it to do this - but for the rear right passenger. The rear passenger seat situated behind the front passenger seat can even be turned around to face the rear of the car - Mercedes rather uncreatively calls this feature the REVERSE seat. He can have face to face conversations with the other rear passenger this way.

Despite the F 700 name, it does not indicate a 7 liter engine under the hood, or even the equivalent of a 7 liter engine. Instead, the engine used to power this concept is the Mercedes Benz DIESOTTO engine concept. This four cyclinder engine puts out the equivalent of a 3.5 liter normally aspirated V6 petrol or a 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel in Mercedes terms. The name DIESOTTO seems to indicate something related to diesel, but the engine consumes petrol. This is just a guess but the word DIESOTTO is probably some combination of Diesel cycle combustion and Otto cycle combustion.


The DIESOTTO engine has 1.8 liters of displacement but puts out 238 horsepower with smoothness worthy of a luxury tourer thanks to a two-stage turbocharging system. Take-off is also assisted by a hybrid module, which uses a 15kW (20 horsepower) motor - this gives a total output of 258 horsepower and a maximum torque of about 400Nm. The F 700 can reach 100km/h in 7.5 seconds, up to a limited top speed of 200km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.3 liters per 100km, and CO2 emissions is rated at 127g/km.

The engine works like a normal Otto cycle engine on starting and at full load, using spark ignition and the usual works. But at low and medium engine speeds, or generally partial load conditions the DIESOTTO engine uses something similiar to a Diesel cycle - controlled auto ignition or homogeneous combustion. I’ve previously blogged about homogeneous combustion here, so read up if you want to know more on that.

The F 700 at 5.18 meters is shorter than the current S-Class long wheel base, but it’s wheelbase is 3.45 meters, longer than the production model S-class by 28.5cm. Other technologies include PRE-SCAN suspension, which uses two laser sensors in the front headlamp units as “eyes”. These feed the car suspension system information on roadway conditions. This information helps the suspension hydraulic systems precisely calculate fluid flows and pressures for each single wheel, ensuring maximum comfort.

Read more...