Mercedes Benz C63 AMG by Edo Competition

Edo Competition, the famous tuning company has take on the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG.

The most important change is the power. Obviously, engineers at Edo Competition are not satisfied with the output of the standard C63 AMG which produces 457hp and 600Nm. Underneath, Edo has installed a number of modifications.

Edo hasn’t touched the 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8. However, the tuner made some ECU upgrades by recalibrating the unit. Other mods include a new high-performance exhaust system, exhaust headers, high-flow catalytic converters and new air filters. As a result, the power reaches 408kW (555hp) and 680Nm of torque. This will be enough to accelerate the C63 AMG from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and see it easily reach top speed of 320km/h.

To manage the extra grip required from all that extra horsepower, a set of black lightweight 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup high-performance tyres that measure 235/35 19 at the front and 265/30 19 at the rear is also on offer.

The exterior remains almost the same. However, the interior can be upgraded to the customer's wishes by inserting such items as special leather upholstery and other unique trims.

Mercedes Benz E-Class range adds new CDI and CGI BlueEFFICIENCY engines

Mercedes Benz is expanding its new 2010 E-Class engine lineup with two economical four-cylinder models: the E200 CDI turbodiesel and E200 CGI petrol model. One diesel and one petrol. Both cars are labeled as BlueEFFICIENCY models. However, buyers have to wait until September since both models will go on sale in Europe this September. And they are unlikely to be sold in U.S. showrooms.

The E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY gets a 2.1L engine with an output of 136hp (100kW), and achieves as much as 45mpg (5.2L/100km) in fuel economy. The model reaches 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds. A respectable top speed of 210 km/h is achievable, but the automaker does not mention how long it takes to get to that speed.

The petrol powered E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, meanwhile, generated 184hp (135kW) from its 1.8L engine and achieves a fuel economy of 32.6mpg (7.2L/100km). To further aid fuel economy, the cars also come with engine stop start technology as standard for models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The model uses 7.2 liters of fuel per 100 km, while also increasing CO2 emissions to 169 grams per km. Top speed reaches 232 km/h.

Both the two models feature direct injection, and adjustable intake & exhaust camshafts. One of the main features of the new diesel engine is latest-generation common-rail direct injection.

Pricing for the E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY begins at €38,734.50, while the E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY begins at €39,508.

Spy shots: Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabrio with top down

After unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has drawn fans’ attention to news of the upcoming E-Class Cabriolet and Estate models.

The former spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Cabrio showed the car with a soft top, now spy photographers have caught the car testing in Germany with its top down.

About 100mm longer than the CLK Cabrio preceding it, the E-Class Cabrio also bears the same raked A pillar and steep belt-line of the ConceptFASCINATION study revealed back in September last year.

With the top down, we can see the test car's unique air deflector. Taking the shape of a mini-spoiler over the windscreen, the item is sure to cause a stir amongst Mercedes fans. Should the piece stay on the final version of the car, it will likely polarize those interested in the E-class into two groups: one that likes the function, and one that hates the look.

Power is expected to come from the same engine line-up as that featured in the E-Class Coupe, which means four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 150kW/200hp to 285kW/382hp - the top end model being the E500/550.

Mercedes launch a New Special Edition trim for C-Class range

A new Special Edition Mercedes-Benz C-Class range has been announced in Germany. This is a new range-topping model with exclusive styling and a host of standard equipment, successfully drawing admiring glances.

Available in both the Sedan and Estate bodystyles, as well as the complete C-Class engine range, the new Special Edition is only being offered in Europe for now.

Standard equipment includes Mercedes’ Agility Control active suspension dampening, adaptive brakes, auto adjusting bi-xenon headlights, Parktronic parking sensors, BlueEFFICIENCY and the Intelligent Light System, ensuring that even the most discerning requirements are met for those looking for refinement, motoring pleasure and a car with a distinctive character.

Some subtle exterior changes have been implemented to improve the looks. These include darkened headlamps with a dark cover frame, new paintwork and five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. Tyres that go with these wheels are 235/60 R 17 at the front and 255/55 R 17 at the rear.

Other alterations are shoulder line trim strips, front fog lights and a new front grille in silver matt and chrome. Adaptive headlights with bi-xenon lamps and PARKTRONIC with acoustic warning are also standard. More chrome is pasted on the rear bumper and boot lid and the B-pillar has been painted glossy black.

Like the exterior, the interior is based on the sporty Avantgarde line of time. Its styling has been altered with the addition of new sports seats trimmed in Artico man-made leather and Liverpool fabric in como beige. The same como beige trim is used for the stitching in seats, centre armrest, door centre panel and floor mats. The floor mats have "Special Edition" lettering attached to them. Other details include brushed aluminum elements, a multifunction leather steering wheel, and a 4.5in display in the instrument cluster.

The new Special Edition range is positioned above the Avantgarde trim and depending on which engine option is chosen, prices increase by about €2,689 to a maximum €3,879. No word yet whether Mercedes will offer the range in North America.

Mercedes Benz launches high-end bicycle range

Mercedes Benz introduces a new range of cycles that are promised to be every bit as good as the quality of its cars. The new bicycle range include a folding bike, a new mountain bike and a racing bike. All of them feature an outstanding level of technical features.

The folding bike features a patented mechanism that Mercedes says allows cyclists to fold the bike down in just a few seconds without any tools. The bike can be folded into two different positions, one which allows the bike to still be pushed and steered, which is useful for public transport situations and the other that completely folds the bike down to fit into small spaces. Featuring eight gears, the folding bike from Mercedes uses disc brakes and has a luggage rack, but its premium quality means it commands a fairly hefty price of €1,699 (approximately $2,410).

The Mercedes mountain bike on the other hand is designed for off-road tracks and is a more serious machine than the commuter friendly folding bike. Limited to a production run of just 100 units, the mountain bike features a lightweight fully sprung aluminum frame and 27 gears. It also features carbon-fiber pedals, special disc brakes and custom wheels from DT Swiss. Available in matte black or white, the mountain bike will set customers back close to €4,000 ($5,670).

Finally, the most expensive bike is the racing bike that is available from Mercedes-Benz 2009 as a limited edition of 100. It features a high-end carbon-fiber frame, Carbotec monocoque carbon-fiber fork, SRAM RED 20-speed gears, SRAM RED carbon-fiber pedals and a set of DT Swiss RWS wheels in white. The Mercedes racing bike is available in five frame sizes in carbon/white/red, and costs €4,999 ($7,085).

Mercedes Benz C-Class adds three new direct injection engines in Europe

Mercedes-Benz may want to tell us that the new C-Class is the most economical C-Class ever. After first added its CGI BlueEFFICIENCY technology (Mercedes speak for direct-fuel-injection) to the C-Class range last October with the launch of the C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model, today the automaker has expanded the range of fuel-efficient engines with three newly developed engines.

The new engines impress with a low fuel consumption, and therefore exemplary environmental compatibility, while delivering a high output and therefore outstanding driving pleasure. Incidentally, while the C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY features a V6, the three new engines are all based around four-cylinder powerplants.

First one is the 2.2L C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY turbodiesel, which is described as the most efficient C-Class ever and generates a peak output of 170hp (125kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque. The efficient oil-burner will accelerate the C-Class from rest to 100km/h in a respectable 8.4 seconds, while returning a fuel economy of 49mpg (4.8L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 127g/km.

Next in line is the is the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY turbodiesel, which is rated at 204hp (150kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm), sends the car to 100km/h in 7 seconds flat and returns a fuel economy of 46mpg (5.1L/100km).

Finally, there’s the new C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model, which also develops 204hp (150kW) but only 229lb-ft (310Nm) of torque. This particular model takes 7.4 seconds to reach 100km/h, while returning a fuel economy of 32mpg (7.2L/100km).

The three new engines are available in both the Sedan and Estate models. But it’s important to note that the three new engines are currently limited to European markets only. So if you're one of the many U.S. residents, your options are severely limited. Specifically, your best option at present is the C300, which features a 228 hp powerplant and fuel mileage of 18 city/ 25 highway.

2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe sits on older, cheaper C-Class platform

2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe, the svelte two-door is the hotly anticipated replacement for the aging CLK Coupe, which has been falling behind against newer competition such as the Audi A5 and E92 BMW 3-series Coupe.

Surprisingly, Mercedes Benz priced its new 2010 E-Class Coupe for less money than the E-Class Sedan, with which it shares its styling, interior and positioning. After all, which carmaker makes a more exclusive coupe model and then sells it for less money than the sedan variant?

The E-Class Sedan starts at $49,475 for the base E350, while the similar E350 Coupe is slightly cheaper at $48,925.

It appears that Mercedes had some method to its pricing madness, however, and not purely because it wanted to hit its rivals by undercutting them in price. It turns out that while the new E-Class Coupe borrows its svelte styling from the E-Class Sedan, underneath the handsome exterior sits the smaller and cheaper C-Class platform.

This certainly explains why Mercedes can charge less for their E-Class Coupe than the Sedan, but pricing wasn't the only factor behind the decision to use the C-Class platform. Speaking with Automotive News, Mercedes U.S. chief Ernst Lieb explained that the older C-Class platform results in "a stiffer car with a bit more performance".

The news also follows earlier missives from Mercedes about the reason for dropping the previous CLK class of vehicles, which like the new E-Class Coupe were also based on the less expensive C-Class platform. The axing of the CLK was thought to be a sign that Mercedes would be using the E-Class Sedan's platform but instead the use of the C-Class platform harks back to how the company created its original CLK range of cars - essentially, the whole change was just an exercise in nameplate swapping.
The new E-Class Coupe will first hit European showrooms this May and should be on sale in the U.S. by the third-quarter of the year.

Spy shots： Mercedes Benz SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’ up close

The successor to the Mercedes Benz SL Gullwing (and replacement for the SLR) has been spotted in prototype form in and around Germany’s Nurburgring test circuit for several months now, but what only a select few knew is that the car is being developed completely in-house by Mercedes’ official tuner, AMG. Thus, the brand new model will be called the SLS AMG when it hits showrooms in the first half of next year.
In the lead up to its final unveiling, planned for later this year, Mercedes has released a ton of info on the car, including several images of actual prototypes and technical drawings. As the successor to the legendary SL Gullwing from the 1950s, the new SLS AMG will also feature gullwing doors but picks up a new aluminum spaceframe to provide an almost perfect front-to-rear weight distribution of 48-to-52%.

Powering the SLS will be a revised version of AMG’s now-familiar 6.2L V8 mated to an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted on the rear axle. Peak output will stand at 571hp (420kW) and 479lb-ft (650Nm) of torque. Changes to the engine include a new magnesium intake with eight separate velocity stacks, two electronically controlled throttle plates, a high-flow exhaust and a new dry-sump lubrication system.

The engine will be located up front but will be mounted behind the front axle for better weight distribution. The SLS’s final kerb weight will be around 1,620kg, and with the V8 engine it should be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 315km/h.

As for the new dual-clutch gearbox, the unit was developed by AMG and boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a ‘RACESTART’ function. The suspension set-up is equally advanced, with double wishbones and hub carriers made of lightweight forged aluminum. Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic discs, and these are mounted within 19in light-alloy wheels.

The car’s dimensions have also been revealed, measuring in at 4.65m in length, 1.95m across and just 1.25m in height. The wheelbase stretches just 2.7m. Previous renderings give us a clue as to what the new car could look like, showing a vented bonnet and a new headlight design not seen on any previous Mercedes models.

Furthermore, new shots of the interior show a familiar Mercedes steering wheel and a unique dash fitted with silver accented controls similar to that used in the current SLR supercar. Another interesting feature is the retro styled air-vents, which look similar to the units used by Mercedes Benz during the 1970s. The COMAND system knob located on the center console is also identical to the units used by other Mercedes models.

Premium materials abound on every surface, with materials such as nappa leather, solid metal and (optional) carbon-fiber facings emphasizing the ‘custom-built’ nature of the car. Seating will be strictly limited to two.

The price of the SLS is expected to be roughly $300,000 with production numbers likely to fall between 3,000 and 5,000 units per year. This should see it compete nicely with cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430.

Preview: Mercedes Benz C-Class facelift

The latest generation W204 Mercedes Benz C-Class has been on sale since 2007 and will be due for its mid-cycle facelift around 2010. As this computer generated rendering suggests, the car’s designers won’t be mucking around the stylish look of the current model, instead choosing to focus on only minor changes such as new bumper and wheel designs.
Besides the styling changes to the exterior, there will almost certainly be some updates to the interior and a number of mechanical changes. The latter will likely include modifications intended to improve the efficiency of the C-Class and boost Mercedes’ fleet wide fuel economy and emissions averages.

Some of the changes will likely the addition of new BluTec diesel powertrains and engine stop-start systems, as well as more direct-injected models.

Like previous updates, the new changes will be incorporated across the C-Class range but there may also be a major shift in the lineup – the addition of a new C-Class Cabrio. Positioned below the E-Class Cabrio, the new model will feature two doors and is likely to feature a conventional soft-top roof in order to keep costs and weight down.


More about Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car produced by the Mercedes-Benz division of Daimler AG. First introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range, the C-Class was nicknamed the "Baby Benz" as it was the smallest model in the marque's lineup, until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class.

The very first W202 C-Class sedan was produced on June 1, 1993, and the second generation W203 C-Class rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The third generation W204 C-Class was launched in 2007.

MBTech takes CNG Mercedes Benz SLK Concept to Nurburgring

In an attempt to show off the potential of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cars, MBTech, an engineering group with close ties to Mercedes Benz, has run a series of tests at Germany’s Nurburgring, using a SLK powered by the alternative fuel. The aim was to show that reduced CO2 emissions don’t have to mean lower performance.

MBTech also used the cramped trunk of the SLK, which still has to store the car’s folding roof, to showcase its new compact gas cylinder design. Other new technologies featured on the CNG SLK concept included new fuel-injection and exhaust system.

The CNG SLK Concept from MBtech develops up to 196hp (146kW) and a maximum torque of 200lb-ft (270Nm) from its 2.0L four-cylinder engine. This is enough to accelerate the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in a respectable 7.8 seconds. It has a top speed of 244 km/h.

While this is nothing to get excited about, it requires only 5.6kg of CNG per 100km and emits less than 150g of CO2 per km, which is still impressive for the amount of performance delivered.

The key to the design of MBTech’s new CNG system is a fifth injector, which is used to enhance the traditional four injection valves. However, this does not inject the gas selectively into the cylinders but rather into the central air intake. This enables the delivery of the quantities of gas required for the high cylinder performance even in the event of strongly fluctuating gas quality.

MBTech is yet to reveal if any major carmakers are planning CNG versions of their top sports cars but given the need for more fuel-efficient models in most markets we could see some of the technologies demonstrated in the CNG SLK Concept make their way to production in the near future.

Mercedes Benz SL63 Kicherer Evo upgrades to RS spec

Straight out of the box the Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG is already one of the sportiest models in the luxury carmaker’s lineup, but the car’s heady 525hp (392kW) output was never going to satisfy the guys at German tuner Kicherer. Applying lessons learned from its previous K60 Evo, the tuner has upgraded the 6.2L V8 engine to the tune of 560hp (425kW) and 495lb-ft (670Nm) of torque, lifting performance of the SL63 into supercar territory.

The added performance sees Kicherer's latest SL60 Evo do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.3 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than the standard SL63), with 200km/h passing in 14.2 seconds and momentum finally succumbing at an electronically controlled top speed of 320km/h.

A fully integrated aerodynamic package gives off a menacing appearance, while being completely functional, and can be adapted to all current SL models. All additions are available in high-quality carbon-fiber, including the unique front apron that reduces lift on the front axle and allows for improved cooling of the engine. The wheels are ultra-light 20in RS-1 aluminum alloys.

Up back sits a new rear diffuser housing sports exhaust tailpipes, shaded rear lights and a unique boot lid. Inside, Kicherer added an F1-style steering wheel with carbon gearshift paddles, additional instruments and extra carbon trim.

Pricing for the package starts at €21,765 (approximately $32,175 ) plus a Mercedes SL.

Source from: German Car Magazine

Mercedes Benz targets 0.20Cd drag coefficient in next five years

Sometimes, making cars more efficient is best done through the application of more fundamental principles such as improved aerodynamics, rather than complex and expensive powertrain upgrades. With pressure to build greener cars, manufacturers are again focusing on aerodynamics to save fuel and Mercedes believes there is still a lot more to learn.

Mercedes Benz is embracing that philosophy, with a plan to bring the respective drag coefficients of its cars below 0.20Cd within the next five years.

The carmaker claims it already produces the world's most aerodynamic production car - the new 2010 E-Class Coupe, which scores a drag coefficient figure of 0.24Cd. The new coupe even manages to out-slip the new 2010 Toyota Prius, which for a short time in January could claim it was the world's most aerodynamic production car along with the Honda Insight at 0.25Cd.

However, despite the E-Class Coupe already posting impressive aerodynamic credentials, Mercedes is keen to improve in this area. Speaking with Autocar, E-Class Coupe project manager Rainer Tiefenbacher revealed that there was “still plenty more to come” in terms of improving fuel efficiency.

“There are big steps to be made, especially around and under the engine hood. Twenty years ago we celebrated a 0.30Cd, in five years we will reach the next big step,” Tiefenbacher explained.

Mercedes is correct in that area - the current shape of most cars and trucks make them relatively poor aerodynamic performers. But while carmakers continue to extract as much efficiency out of their cars, we hope aesthetics don't get laid completely by the wayside.

Facelifted Mercedes Benz S63 and S65 AMG details

As Mercedes-Benz’s S-class gets a refresh for 2010, the high-performance AMG models will be updated as well. Executive limo accommodations, supercar power and sleeper-no-more looks are the key ingredients to Mercedes Benz's newly facelifted pair of S-Class AMG sedans. Photos and details released today reveal the S63 and S65 AMG sedans, both of which are now even more appealing thanks to a series of subtle fine-tuning measures.

LED accents abound, with the high-tech illumination powering daytime running lights, fog lights and tail lights. Inside it's the usual array of fine wood, leather, high-grade plastics and reserved color combinations.

The same engines as the current cars can be found once you pop the bonnets, since this is just a mid-cycle freshening. That means the S63 will be cranking 518hp (386kW) from its 6.2L V8 mill, while the S65's 6.0L V12 will spin up to 604hp (450kW) and 738lb-ft (1,000Nm) of torque. All that twist necessitates use of a 5-speed automatic transmission instead of the 7-speed unit found in the S63.

The new S63 capable of accelerating to a speed of 100km/h from rest in 4.6 seconds, while the S65 will do the same in just 4.4 seconds. Both saloons are electronically limited to 250km/h. Despite no changes having been made to the engine data and performance values, it has still been possible to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 3%.

The price is formidable, too. In Germany, pricing for the S63 AMG starts at 144,823 euros, S65 AMG starts at 221,221 euros. US pricing for the S63 AMG is likely $135,225 and $202,825 for the S65 AMG.