Tuesday, 5 March 2013

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class
The CLA is an attempt to make the brand more accessible while emphasizing sportiness. Judging from our experience with the A-class, the CLA's claim to sportiness will be entirely justified; the CLA250 Sport seen here, in particular, should deliver on the steering, chassis, and powertrain fronts.

The CLA will be based on Daimler's MFA platform, underpinning not only the A-class, the B-class, and the CLA, but also a crossover SUV and "at least one other model," according to Daimler. That fifth model is nearly certain to be a wagon version of the CLA, but it’s likely there will be more to come. A convertible is possible, for example, and it may even be a roadster. The CLA will be closer to the A-class than to any other variation of the MFA platform, sharing front architecture and many styling elements.

The CLA will be powered by 1.8- and 2.1-liter diesel engines, as well as 1.6- and 2.0-liter gasoline fours—both of which will be turbocharged. Topping the lineup will be the CLA45 AMG, with a 2.0-liter turbo four that will produce around 350 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. On U.S. soil, expect to see the 2.0-liter four, the AMG-ified 2.0-liter, and maybe even the 2.1-liter diesel. It’s conceivable that the CLA will be offered with a Renault-sourced 1.5-liter turbo-diesel, just like in the A-class. An all-wheel-drive system will be initially offered only in the CLA45 before cracking the rest of the lineup some time after launch. Mercedes has no plans for plug-in hybrid or electrified variants.

The CLA will go on sale in late 2013 as a 2014 model; expect it to make its official debut in the coming months. Prices should start a few rungs lower than the C-class’s $38,705 point of entry.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class
This will also be the first production model in history to feature fully autonomous control. We were recently able to test the new S Class’ autonomous system and found it to be very impressive. The aim of the technology, Mercedes says, is accident-free driving, which could become a reality within the next decade.

Other new technologies include active brakes with cross traffic monitoring, rear accident injury minimization and new lane keep technology that can read broken as well as solid lines. The car will also be the first with LEDs used entirely, including in the vanity mirrors.

The 2014 S Class looks to be slightly longer than the outgoing model and should come packed with a range of fuel efficient engines as well as a new plug-in hybrid option, though this latter option is unlikely to be available at launch.

While it's still too early to confirm any details, R&D boss Dr. Thomas Weber has previously stated that a series of direct-injected and turbocharged engines will make up the powertrain lineup for the next S Class, which means you can expect a similar lineup to what’s currently on offer.

The new S550 should come with a 429-horsepower twin-turbo V-8, while the S600 should pick up a new iteration of the automaker’s twin-turbo V-12 with around 510 horsepower on tap. The eventual S63 AMG model will get a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 with around 550 horsepower to play with.

Weber has also previously revealed that the plug-in hybrid powertrain from the 2009 Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid Concept will also appear in the W222 series S Class. The technology promises 0-60 mph times of less than 6.0 seconds but with fuel economy of 70 mpg or better.

Sunday, 16 December 2012

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is here, and it's had a lot more work done than just a little plastic surgery. Four years into the current model's lifecycle, the changes begin with the unusual step of a serious sheetmetal rearrangement: gone are the four headlights we've seen on the segment leader for 17 years, and gone are the light-relief pontoons over the rear wheels. In front, the one-piece headlights contain LED signatures that 'break' them into two segments, but the main lighting functions have been consolidated into a single lens. Full LED headlights will be available for the first time.

Around the lights, the new E-Class will come with a choice of two grille treatments: the luxury version is a showcase in chrome, with a three-bar center section topped by a Mercedes three-pointed star ornament on the hood; the sport version (pictured) is muted, with a two-bar center section supporting a large Mercedes emblem. Beneath either one of them, the lower fascia takes on a more aggressive shape with larger twin scoops outboard.

Down the body, the pontoon detail has been replaced by a stronger and lower trim line that runs to just beyond the rear wheels, and beneath that is another character line that describes wheel arches. Two-tone LED taillamps laid horizontally emphasize the sedan's width. Inside, the dash is separated into two zones with a horizontal element in one of three finishes, and features a new dash cluster and head unit design.

Among the eleven new and enhanced safety systems are some that borrow from the coming S-Class, the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera now able to build a three-dimensional view of what's ahead at a distance of up to 1,650 feet. The systems it serves can detect the speed and position of vehicles in front and those crossing, and can detect pedestrians.

Underhood, buyers can opt for a four-cylinder diesel with 190 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in the E320 BlueTec, and pair it with 4Matic all-wheel drive for the first time. The E400 Hybrid also joins the ranks next year, bringing 24 city and 30 highway mpg with it. The V6 E3560 and V8 E550 will continue, and all come with stop/start and are are yoked to a seven-speed automatic.

2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new C-Class sedan, internally called the W205, won't be arriving in European dealerships before spring of 2014 with North American deliveries likely to commence in the fall of the same year.

Though the brand's engineers made sure that we don’t see any design elements of the new model on the prototype, the styling will borrow elements from Mercedes-Benz's latest production models such as the more upright family grille as seen on the SL and CLS.

From this video, it's also clear that the C-Class' shape will be less rakish than the similarly sized CLA four-door coupe, which is due to make its debut next year.The German luxury brand's BMW 3-Series rivaling saloon is based on a new and lighter platform, while engineers will also shave some pounds from the body, making the new C-Class lighter than the current model.

The W205 will benefit from a newer generation of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines while we also hear that Mercedes will develop regular and plug-in hybrid powerplants.At the top of the range will be an AMG-branded variant, which is rumored to be powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 making around 450-ponies.

Sunday, 9 December 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class

2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class
http://www.thetorquereport.com/assets_c/2012/03/2011_Mercedes-Benz_R350_4MATIC_30-thumb-530x336-18910.jpg
2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class
http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/2013-mercedes-benz-a-class_100384179_m.jpg
2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/images/news/20835/2011_mercedes-benz_r-class_trunk_folded_seats.jpg
2013 Mercedes-Benz R Class
Price toggle
Base price : $57,800 (CAD)
Monthly payments : $1,091/month
Engine toggle Type : V6 3.5 litres
 Power : 302 hp @ 6,500 rpm (225 kW)
 Torque : 273 lb·ft @ 3,500 - 5,250 rpm (370 N·m)
Induction :
Atmospheric Power to weight ratio : N/A
Bore : 92 mm
Stroke : 86 mm
Fuel type : Premium CO2
emissions : 5,290 kg/year
Ohter engines : none
 Transmission : 7-speed automatic
 Drivetrain : AWD Vehicle type / Category toggle
Vehicle type : Crossover
Category : Crossovers
Assembly : Tuscaloosa, Alabama, É-U
 Generation : 1 What's new : N/A
Fuel efficiency / Autonomy toggle City : 13.1 l/100km
 Highway : 9.4 l/100km Autonomy : 611 km
 Tires / Suspension / Brakes / Safety toggle Steering : rack and pinion, variable assist Traction control : yes
 Stability control : yes
Seat belts : 7
 Airbags : 6 Front
suspension : independent, double wishbones
Rear suspension : independent, pneumatic, multi-link Front brakes : disc (ABS)
Rear brakes : disc (ABS)
Front tires : P255/50R19
Rear tires : P255/50R19
Dimensions / Weight toggle Length : 5,157 mm (203″)
Width : 2,183 mm (86″)
 Height : 1,663 mm (65″)
Wheelbase : 3,215 mm (127″)
Front track : 1,661 mm (65″)
Rear track : 1,651 mm (65″)
Weight : 2,270 kg (5,004 lbs)
 Weight distribution front-rear : 52% - 48% Capacities toggle
 Fuel tank : 80 l (21 gal)
 Trunk : 295 to 2,385 l (10 to 84 ft3)
Towing : 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
 Box length : N/A Performance toggle 0-100 km/h : 8.4 s 80-120 km/h : N/A
Top speed : 210 km/h Braking
distance : 41.7 m
Warranty toggle Base warranty : 4 years / 80,000 km
Powetrain warranty : 4 years / 80,000 km
 Insurability rating : N/A
Competition toggle Competitive
models : Acura MDX Audi Q7 BMW X5 Buick Enclave Lincoln MKT Volvo XC90

Thursday, 6 December 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
The SLK-Class is the baby roadster in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. Now in its third generation, it was the first 2-seater on the market with a retractable folding hardtop, the benefit being coupe-like security and comfort, along with easy top-down functionality.

The SLK250 is the entry-level offering with a new direct-injection 201-hp turbo four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed automatic. A more powerful SLK350 boasts a 302-hp direct-injection V6 teamed with a paddle-shifted seven-speed automatic. The SLK55 AMG tops the class with a 415-hp hand-built 5.5-liter V8 that uses automatic stop/start and cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy. 

Safety features on all SLK models include eight airbags, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and the mbrace emergency communication system. Options include Bi-xenon headlights with active curve illumination, hard-drive based navigation system, AIRSCARF neck-level heating, harman/kardon audio system and the world's first MAGIC SKY CONTROL electrochromic roof.

For 2013, engine stop/start is standard on the SLK350, as well as all the content from last years Premium 1 package which includes heated seats, AIRSCARF, satellite radio, and harman/kardon sound system.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
E-Tron, power in the SLS AMG E-Cell is routed through four electric motors, one at each wheel. With 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque—the latter available from 0 rpm—the SLS E-Cell is in league with some venerable supercars, even though it tips the scales at a considerable 4400 pounds. 

The SLS E-Cell offers four modes of regenerative braking in addition to being completely off in the manual powertrain setting, which leaves you “sailing” with minimal drivetrain drag. Paddles on the steering column allow you to gradually increase the resistance; steps one and two feel like a regular car coasting; step three is a bit more aggressive, and step four decelerates the SLS so strongly that AMG considered switching on the brake lights as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator. Unlike Tesla, AMG decided not to. This mode is perfect for extreme driving, when you are standing on one of the two pedals at all times anyway.  

The E-Cell’s Achilles’ heel, unsurprisingly, is its range. This prototype carries a 48-kWh lithium-ion battery, but AMG hopes to fit the car with a 60-plus kWh battery pack when it becomes available to customers. The current range is about 90 miles, which is likely to grow to more than 130 miles. The current claims are perhaps even conservative: After a sharply driven 60 miles, battery capacity was still about 30 percent. With a fast-charging station, it took an hour to recharge the batteries to almost 100 percent. Extended trips still require planning, but the progress in battery technology is tangible.

If all goes according to plan, you will be able to buy the SLS E-Cell by late 2012 or early 2013—six or so months after Audi launches the E-Tron. There is no word yet on pricing, but figure on a premium of $50,000 to $100,000 over the regular SLS. Just having the money won’t be enough to get you an E-Cell, though, as customers will be handpicked.