The SLS AMG E-CELL at Rally Video.

Motor Enthusiasts bring their cars to this electric car Rally at Austria. Watch this magnificent beauty take up the challenge with an E-CELL environmentally friendly cars. Enjoy.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG First Drive Video

The engine of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG fires with a roar before settling into a smooth idle underpinned by a deep exhaust note. We're at Southern France's Paul Ricard racing circuit, where we hope to get some laps in before some standard driving loops on the highways and two-lanes surrounding the rural track.
For our first laps, we set the shocks to full firm and dial up Sport Plus on the trans, then let the car think and shift for itself from there. A good call because this thing is ungodly fast. There's no lag, lumps or bumps in its lionhearted power curve, and it pulls hard, fast and long, never out of breath. Mercedes claims a 0-60 time in the low 4-second range, which we don't question.
This 4,000-pound luxury sedan loves the track, accelerating without strain, cornering reliably and bleeding off speed with authority when we toe the brake pedal. The first supercharged E55 AMG of a decade ago didn't turn in all that well. Not so this one. It turns in with clarity, quick response, meaty weight in your hands and legit feedback through the steering. Yep, this 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 is still very much a super sedan.
Fixing What Isn't Broken
There was never anything wrong with the previous E63 AMG. It was a world-class performer with a hand-built, normally aspirated 6.2-liter screamer of a V8. Why replace it? "It's all in the name of efficiency," replied several AMG engineers and product types when we posed this question.

The new engine, known internally as the M157, is a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8. Have no fear; the new engine outguns and outruns the outgoing 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8, and shouldn't take any crap from the BMW M5or Cadillac CTS-V.

AMG's new biturbo V8 packs every tech trick in the book: all-aluminum construction, direct injection, double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder with adjustable cam timing, air/water intercooling, generator management (to reduce parasitic losses when max battery charging is not required) and a stop/start system, much like that on most hybrids.

The result is a bit more of everything. Horsepower is a wash; the old car was rated at 518 horses, as is the new one. Torque leaps from 465 pound-feet to 516, but there's a Performance Pack option that bumps output to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

The outgoing naturally aspirated 6.2-liter E63 drew a 13/20 mpg rating from the EPA. The 2012 car's ratings have yet to be finalized, but Mercedes engineers expect something in the 15/22 range for the sedan, and perhaps 14/21 for the wagon — yes: the wagon lives.

If there's anything we miss, it's the outgoing car's exhaust note.

Enough Motor Talk
We wish we could tell you that the groovy new power plant was backed by the SL63's slick dual-auto-clutch seven-speed gearbox, but it's not. The cost/benefit ratio of fitting that expensive transaxle into the sedan ruled that move out.

So instead, the only choice offered, or needed, really, is the AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic. It may not be as trick, but it gets the job done just fine. In Comfort mode shifts are optimized for smoothness and fuel economy. Beyond that, there are two Sport modes that deliver more performance-oriented upshifts at higher rpm points, and fairly aggressive downshift programming — including a satisfying throttle blip to match revs. There's also a full manual mode via the steering-wheel-mounted shifter paddles.

The steering setup is of the electrohydraulic speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion variety with a fat AMG-specific wheel at the driver end. The E63 also features driver-adjustable adaptive damping and an adjustable stability program that'll keep you safe and straight. Or it can be completely deactivated for monstrous burnouts or lurid tail-out slides.

It's hard to imagine why you would feel the need to pop the extra $12 grand for the carbon-ceramic brakes. The stock AMG binders will take anything you can give them with no measurable evidence of fade.

On the Road
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG exhibits something few brands deliver as well as AMGs do, and that's high-speed stability. Explore the far right side of the speedo and this elegant sledgehammer tracks straight as a string.

This is hardly a compact sedan, yet it's so linear and responsive that out in the real world, it shrinks around you a bit on the relatively small two-lanes. Considering the ultralow-profile tires and sport-minded suspension, the ride quality remains pleasantly comfortable.

If there's anything we miss, it's the outgoing car's exhaust note. It's relatively quiet and well-mannered under all conditions, yet really lights up when you awaken all that horsepower. The new engine has a strong, throaty rumble, not unlike that of a Riva speedboat on the open water. But the old V8 had an intoxicating silken blare that was just so pure. We always thought it would be hard to top and it still hasn't been.

The interior materials are outstanding, and always look and feel luxuriously sporty. Power everything is standard, plus a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, 14-way power-adjustable seats, a central controller function with a high-definition 7-inch screen, buttery leather upholstery and your choice of Black Ash or Burl Walnut wood trim.

The Numbers Game
You may wonder why a Mercedes with a 5.5-liter engine is still badged as an E63. We asked the same question, and got a somewhat psychobabbular answer. "Going forward, don't expect Mercedes model nomenclature to relate directly to the engine displacement like they used to."

Why not? Mercedes perfected that system decades ago, and it made sense for nearly 100 years. AMG executives replied that "since E63 is now established as a brand, we didn't want to be seen as going backward to the E55 label from the car a few generations back."

We doubt anyone will accuse the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG of taking a step backward. It's essentially the same super sedan it's always been, with a touch more efficiency and better handling thrown in for good measure. Might have been cool if Mercedes figured out a way to charge less for it, but it looks as if its roughly $90,000 price will remain. Can't have it all.

Courtesy Insideline.com

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2012 Mercedes Benz slk

Mercedes-Benz clearly wants to revive in style those beautiful rising doors that made history in the 50s. That's why a little brother for the yet-to-be-unveiled SLC supercar is on the way.

The future mini supercar could use the underpinnings of the 3rd generation of the SLK-Klasse, which should hit the streets in 2011. The rumoured SLK Gullwing will feature a hybrid powertrain:a 3,5 litres V6 internal combustion engine(probably, the current one, which boasts a 305 BHP output/360 Nm max. torque and an electronically-limited max. speed of 250 km/h) and an electric unit coupled to Li-Ion batteries.

Specifically, those state-of-the-art technology batteries are the reason for planning such a dramatic SLK version. Mercedes-Benz intends to install them in the side sills, so there would be no room for the conventional doors.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Gullwing will try, as best as it can, to protect the environment:regenerative brakes and START/STOP function to be fitted, a 150 g CO2/km gas emission, an average 5,9 l/100 km fuel consumption, 193 km of all-electric autonomy. However, the car won't forget its main objective as a sports car, so it will ensure a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 5 seconds.

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Mercedes Benz getting ready for AMG Hybrids.

Here is what they had to say at a press release " Next-generation models from Mercedes’ high performance wing will gain hybrid technology including stop-start and energy recuperation devices.

AMG’s former CEO Volker Mornhinweg said in 2008 that it was experimenting with batteries, ultracapacitors and flywheels for its future hybrids with the possibility of boosting power but instead the firm is focusing on improving fuel economy and lowering CO2 emissions of its flagship performance models.
Daimler’s head of future mobility and advanced engineering, Herbert Kohler, told Autocar it was “a given” that future AMGs would be offered with hybrid technology.
“In the future AMG will still offer high performance models but there will be hybrids there,” he said. “AMG needs to reduce fuel consumption.” I guess from this moment we should expect nothing but the best from the Silver star.

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Mercedes Benz C111 in Pic.

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Mercedes Benz C class 2011 Revealed.

AFTER seeing images of the new C-Class leaked on the web, Mercedes-Benz has released official pictures.

Mercedes calls the "new" C-Class, due here mid-year, a "comprehensive modernisation", with redesigned front and rear, upgraded dash and interior materials.
More strikingly, the company claims a 31 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, thanks to an enhanced seven-speed auto transmission and an eco start/stop function.
It also has 10 new driver aids, ranging from Attention Assist and drowsiness detection to Distronic Plus proximity control.
"With numerous high-grade features in the interior that remind one of the new CLS, the C-Class sets completely new standards in its segment with respect to perceived value and quality," Mercedes sales and marketing director Dr Joachim Schmidt says.
More than 2000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the C-Class from its predecessor, he says.

Visibly, the changes are hardly dramatic, although the four- and five-door have a new aluminium bonnet, which contributes to weight reduction and lower fuel consumption.
The 2011 version of Mercedes' mainstay has a new fascia, with LED daytime running lights, LED indicators, a new front grille and a slightly redesigned rear section.
It's a case of visual evolution, not revolution because the main changes are mechanical, especially in the iconic C 63 AMG.
The 6.2-litre V8 is likely to be superseded by Mercedes' 5.5-litre bi-turbo unit . Its possible power of 380kW exceeds even the one-off Jaffa special made for the Sydney Motor Show.
Petrol and diesel V6s are also up for power increases, to 225kW and 195kW respectively.
Elsewhere, the need to lower the fleet consumption and emission average will see new BluTec diesel powertrains and engine stop-start systems, as well as more direct-injection models and the possible end of the five-speed auto in those models that retain it for seven-speed transmissions.
Rumours persist of the first C-Class hybrid.
The 2011 C-Class is expected to have its global premiere this month and go on sale later in the year.
Though it starts just south of $60,000 here, the C-Class was one of Australia's best-selling midsized imports last year.
In November it was second outright only to the locally produced fleet favourite Toyota Camry.
The four-door Mercedes has left behind not only obvious prestige rivals such as BMW's 3 Series and Audi's A4 but also high-quality offerings from Japan and other parts of Europe that start as much as 50 per cent under the tristar car.

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The Mercedes Benz Black Desire.

Prior Design presented its take on the latest generation Mercedes E-Class Coupe, called Black Desire. The tuning package is mostly about visual enhancements, however, upon request, the tuning firm also offers various engine conversions.
For the front of the car designers chose a new bumper with side vents and a prominent spoiler lip. The new parts feature sharper edges, a theme that’s continued with the side skirts. At the rear we can find a bumper extension with three fins, boot lip and roof spoiler, all available in carbon fiber as an option.
The black paintjob is complemented by metallic accents, found around the grille and custom Prior Design logo replacing the Mercedes star, on the side of the car and rear bumper. The same metal trim was used for the window surrounds.
Enormous, 20-inch Prior GT wheels, available in matte black, gloss black and silver, and a 4-tip stainless steel exhaust system round up the exterior changes.
Depending on the engine found under the bonnet, Prior offers numerous power upgrades, boosting peak output by up to 75 hp. Paired with a 35 mm lowering applied to the suspension, the performance package should make the Black Desire faster and better handling than the stock model.
According to the company, the Black Desire tuning package can also be fitted on the E-Class Convertible, while both Mercs can be ordered with a range of carbon fiber trim parts for the interior.

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Mercedes delivers its first F-Cell vehicle.

While Nissan and GM were racing to deliver their first electric and extended range electric vehicles to customers this week, Mercedes-Benz quietly handed over the keys of an F-Cell hydrogen car to its new owner in California.
Mercedes-Benz posted photos of the delivery on its Facebook page, marking the first of 70 or so hydrogen vehicles that California drivers can lease from the luxury carmaker over the next few years. The compact F-Cell uses hydrogen to power the 134-horsepower electric motor and achieves a 240-mile zero-emissions range.
Drivers can lease the vehicle from Mercedes-Benz for $850 per month--a steep price for participating in a research program--but the upside is that they won't have to pay for gas. California hasn't approved the codes and standards for measuring and dispensing hydrogen, and until then the fuel is free for fuel-cell customers at public refueling stations. When the codes are finalized, California Fuel Cell Partnership spokesperson Chris White says hydrogen will initially cost about $5-6 per kilogram. The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell holds 3.7 kilograms, so a fill-up would cost about $20, but the price of hydrogen should be halved as production ramps up over the next few years.
Even as production increases, demand will remain small. Mercedes plans to lease a total of 200 F-Cells, and the U.S. is expected to receive only a third of the fleet. The company is still fielding applications for the next batch of F-Cells, and prospective customers can apply on Mercedes-Benz's microsite. However, because hydrogen fueling stations are few and far between, interested parties need to live in the Los Angeles or San Francisco Bay area.

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