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Next generation Mercedes-Benz CLS – artist rendering

April 22, 2010 at 7:00 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS
Click for enlarged version

Mercedes-Benz CLS
Click for enlarged version

This artist’s impression of the next generation Mercedes-Benz CLS was whipped up by Theophilus Chin based on the Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept that was unveiled earlier this week along with the guidance of taped up spyshots of the CLS that have been snapped over the past few months. If you check the spyshot gallery, you can see that the shape of the disguised rear lamps are pretty much similiar to the shape of the lamps on the Shooting Break Concept, though of course because of the disguise we cannot see the lense design. What do you think? Do you think the rendering is accurate?
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Mercedes Shooting Break concept previews all-new CLS

April 20, 2010 at 12:54 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

This is the Shooting Break concept car from Mercedes Benz that will make its debut in Auto China 2010. Although it’s in a shooting brake wagon style, a lot of what you see here will appear in the new CLS, which should be unveiled later this year. And if you’re wondering, there’s no typo in the name – Mercedes points out that the bodystyle’s history can be traced back to carriages used to “break” in wild horses.

Mercedes’ rival to the much less sleek BMW 5-Series GT and upcoming Audi A7 is wide and flat, with a long bonnet and a flowing roof, made to look more dramatic by the CLS-style plunging glasshouse. Up front, the Shooting Break uses a wide grille housing a big three pointed star, now standard in every Mercedes concept and soon to be implemented across the range. The grille is flanked by headlamps which for the first time feature LEDs (71 of them in total) for all light functions. Prominent on the side profile is an exaggerated beltline sweeping downwards to the rear, meeting strong rear haunches that’s also present on the W212 E-Class.

Open the frameless doors and you’ll find a very accurate preview of the CLS’ dash. Save for some funky hues and textures, it looks production ready and sports many elements that current Mercedes owners would be familiar with. The architecture is sleek and more minimalist that in the E-Class. This wagon has a full-length centre console that emphasises its four-seat layout, which looks very warm and inviting I must say.

The oak floor of the luggage compartment with aluminium loading strips look almost too beautiful to carry cargo. Notice the four saddle bags in the boot and the cursive-script used to spell “Mercedes” on the tail end of the centre console and door sills. There are ten square metres of leather padding this concept’s living space, which is a lot of dead cows for one car!

The concept is powered by a new 3.5-litre V6, with direct injection and a control system that enables lean-burn operation. It uses the latest generation piezo-electric injection valves which enable multiple injections. Even the operation of the ancillary components has been made more efficient and there is also a start/stop function. To come with the CLS, it pumps out 306 bhp and 370 Nm and will be paired to an upgraded 7G-tronic gearbox.

A big gallery awaits you after the jump.
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Mercedes GP CEO Nick Fry defends outpaced Schumacher

April 9, 2010 at 5:20 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Mercedes Benz, Motorsports


Much has been said about the return of Michael Schumacher to Formula 1. The hype meter never dropped since the day the seven-time champion signed for Mercedes GP Petronas, and fans looked forward to having four world champions battling out on the same grid. Three races into the 2010 season and people are starting to realise that Schumi, now 41, is human after all, and no one can come back from a three-year hiatus and fit in back at the top.

While the three other champs (Button, Hamilton, Alonso) and Sebastian Vettel have had some brilliant drives among them so far, Schumi was outpaced by compatriot and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in Bahrain, Australia and Malaysia, and Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport points out that the only other driver with a full 3-0 defeat in 2010 is Renault’s rookie Russian Vitaly Petrov. Back home in Deutschland, daily Bild ran a headline reading Der Schumi-Absturz (the fall of Schumi), adding that 24-year-old Rosberg is now Mercedes’ “new number 1″.

This has led the Brackley based team’s chief executive Nick Fry to defend the veteran, saying that Schumacher is working back up to full strength. “Every race he is learning a little bit more and it is all coming together slowly but surely, which is probably what you would expect,” he told the Press Association. “I would not underestimate him,” added Fry.

At Sepang, Schumacher retired after just 10 laps when his car lost a wheel nut. Rosberg finished third for Mercedes GP’s first podium. He has collected 35 points so far, four behind championship leader Felipe Massa. Schumacher has nine points.

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Infiniti G series to use Mercedes-Benz CGI engines

April 9, 2010 at 11:43 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Infiniti, International News, Mercedes Benz


As part of the just sealed partnership between Renault-Nissan and Daimler, the German company will provide Infiniti (Nissan’s luxury arm) with engines. And according to Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co, Infiniti’s smallest G series will use Mercedes inline four-cylinder engines to improve fuel economy and cut emissions – the powerplant in question is likely to be Merc’s latest direct-injection turbocharged CGI engines, which can be had here in Malaysia with the C and E-Class.

Ghosn didn’t give any timeline or if the Mercedes engine will entirely phase out the current 328 bhp 3.7-litre V6 used in the G range, which most testers have given the thumbs up to. Sweet it may be, but carmakers are increasingly being pressured to lower emissions of their range, and putting a small four-pot in its volume seller will help Infiniti greatly in this matter. But it remains to be seen if US customers who are used to a minimum of six cylinders in this segment will bite – Mercedes itself doesn’t use four-cylinder engines in the US; the smallest engine in the C-Class is a 3.0-litre V6.

Even America is not spared from the downsizing wave. The big V8s will still be needed, but the V6s will be slowly replaced by high output four pots. Hyundai-Kia will also not have V6s in their latest Sonata and Optima/Magentis, using instead the 2.0-litre Theta II turbocharged GDI engine, which puts out 274 bhp and 375 Nm.

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Renault-Nissan-Daimler cooperation sealed and explained!

April 8, 2010 at 8:49 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Renault

Details of Renault-Nissan’s partnership with Daimler AG have been revealed. The tie-up involves a symbolic stake exchange of 3.1%, which is basically a series of stake exchanges. Daimler will get 3.1% of Renault’s newly issued shares, Daimler will get 3.1% of Nissan shares that Renault current holds, and Renault will get 3.1% of Daimler shares. Renault has agreed to exchange 1.55% of Daimler shares with Nissan for 2% of Nissan shares. Renault and Nissan will each hold 1.55% of Daimler treasury shares.

The press release issued by the two companies also details exactly what the companies will work together on:

  • The companies will work on the next generation smart fortwo and Renault Twingo platform and engines together and there will be EV versions. These cars will be launched sometime from 2013 onwards. Two seater versions will be made in smart’s plant in France while four-seater versions will be made in Renault’s plant in Slovenia.
  • As per above, Renault-Nissan will provide 3 cylinder and 4 cylinder small engines to Daimler, modified to suit Mercedes-Benz characteristics. Expect the next generation A-Class as well as the smarts to use Renault-Nissan engines..
  • Daimler will supply Nissan’s Infiniti luxury car division with gasoline and diesel inline-4 and V6 engines. This will allow Renault-Nissan to focus on small engine development which make up the bulk of their vehicles.
  • The Mercedes-Benz Vito will get a Renault-Nissan diesel engine and transmission. This could be the inline-4 and the V6 found in the Pathfinder/Navara.
  • The three companies will also collaborate on future petrol and diesel engine.
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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 is ready for racing

April 6, 2010 at 4:33 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Mercedes Benz, Motorsports


This is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, the racing version of the RM2 million gullwing car. Designed to comply with FIA’s GT3 specifications, the SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a race car for “customers competing in sprints and long-distance races”. It is developed and produced by AMG in cooperation with HWA AG (HWA is the entity responsible for DTM racing on behalf of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports). Sales are expected to commence later this year, and homologation will be completed in time for the 2011 racing season.

The wide and flat SLS AMG GT3 gets a new front apron with a splitter, central cooling air vent on the bonnet and wider front and rear wings. From road car to race car, the SLS AMG also gains a big air vents behind the front wheel arches, sideskirts with cooling ducts for the rear brakes, a smooth underbody with rear diffuser and an adjustable rear aerofoil. All these measures work together for a low drag coefficient and maximum downforce while cooling heat stressed components. The car’s C-pillars accommodate standardised filler pipes for the fast-refuel system.


The FIA will determine the maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with dry sump lubrication on the “Balance of Performance” principle. The classification process, during which the kerb weight is also determined, will be completed in 2010. Doing transmission duties is a sequential six-speed racing gearbox with steering wheel paddles and an integrated multi-disc locking differential. Located at the rear axle, the gearbox is connected to the engine by a torque tube within which a carbon-fibre shaft rotates at the engine speed, as per the road car.

The wheels are located by a double-wishbone suspension of forged aluminium at the front and rear. Springs and shock absorbers, suspension height, stabilisers, track width and camber are all adjustable for a precise race setup. Rack-and-pinion steering with a more direct ratio and speed-sensitive servo assistance make for agile handling and a composite steel braking system with racing ABS takes its place behind the central-locking AMG light-alloys.


The interior of the SLS AMG GT3 has a stripped, functional race car atmosphere: there’s a steel rollover cage, racing bucket seat with six-point seat belt and HANS system and of course, a fire extinguisher. The steering wheel is open topped so as not to block the view of the multi-info central display, which replaces the road car’s dials.

Full high-res gallery after the jump.
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Next generation S-Class to go all-hybrid?

April 5, 2010 at 9:11 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Mercedes Benz

It seems that Mercedes-Benz is considering making the next generation S-Class a 100% hybrid line-up. It would help portray the company as an eco-aware automaker as well as help with the company’s fleet-wide fuel efficiency average figures. The S-Class has also been the model that traditionally showcased the latest forefront of technology and thus Mercedes-Benz executives feel it should be used to shout about the company’s fuel efficiency technology – hence the standard hybrid engine line-up.

Now we probably won’t even know about this so prematurely if it were not for frustrated American dealers that don’t agree with this move and have complained in an interview with Automotive News. The US dealer argument is that American customers are not perceived as ‘true performers”. “The most important thing in the American market — regardless of hybrid, lithium or electric cars — is that we Americans are different than any market and we are going to want those gasoline engines. For S-Class buyers, the goal is not gas mileage,” said Tommy Baker, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz dealer board. Baker operates a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Charleston.

I don’t completely agree with Baker though – I’m sure Mercedes-Benz is not talking about tiny 1.8 litre engines for S-Classes supported by electric motors. If it fits the buyer profile, there should be completely no issue for Mercedes-Benz to continue to have V8 and V12 engines but with start-stop technology and hybrid motor assist. Look at BMW’s ActiveHybrid offerings – do you think the X6 ActiveHybrid sounds anything NOT like a “true performer” with X6 M-beating torque thanks to its 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 mated to an electric motor?

The smaller engined models like the S300 sold here in Malaysia is not offered in many parts of the world anyway, so Mercedes-Benz can develop truly efficient hybrid powertrains mated to inline-4s (just an example) for these non-American offerings and still maintain the S-Class as a hybrid-only vehicle.

The current S-Class only comes with one hybrid model – an S400 which uses a 3.5 litre V6 mated to an electric motor, hence the S400 moniker, representing the extra power boost provided by the electric motor. It is also the only V6 S-Class sold in the US – the rest are V8 and V12 only. Not even the S350 is sold there.

Source

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Full gallery: Restyled Mercedes-Benz R-Class

April 2, 2010 at 1:53 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz


We previously posted up leaked images of the refreshed Mercedes-Benz R-Class prior to the New York show, and here are some high-res images of the NYC debutant.

For this restyle, Mercedes got rid of the original car’s odd oval headlamps (with tumors growing from their bases) and put in wing-shaped units. LED daytime running lights in combination with bi-xenon headlamps are optional in the US. The facelift is quite comprehensive – the R-Class’ hood, fenders, radiator grille, front fascia, headlamps and bumpers with chrome underguards are all new. They should have done the same for the R’s cabin, which looks very previous-gen and out of tune with Mercedes’ current range.

In America, two variants are available. The R350 4MATIC delivers 268 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, while the R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is said to be one of the world’s cleanest diesel vehicles. Its V6 turbodiesel generates 210 bhp and a massive 542 Nm of grunt. It comes with Mercedes’ AdBlue exhaust treatment system for low emissions.

Gallery after the jump.
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Refreshed Mercedes R-Class leaked ahead of NYC debut

March 29, 2010 at 7:00 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

A much better looking R-Class is coming our way. These leaked images of the updated Mercedes-Benz R-Class, which will make its world debut at the New York Auto Show, show a comprehensively revised front end. The odd oval headlamps of the original R-Class (with tumors growing from their bases) have been replaced by handsome wing-shaped units and the new grille is bigger and bolder, which makes the three pointed star now look a bit small. The overall face is more angular, and there are quad fog lamps residing within the air intakes.

Apart from a new rear bumper and tail lamp design, little else has changed, including the ageing dash design. This could probably mean that Mercedes agrees with all of us at this blog that the major issue with its Sports Tourer’s design was the cartoon-ish face, and has focused on the matter. Stuttgart must be also wondering why its big luxury family hauler never really caught on. Will the new looks improve the R’s fortunes?

More pictures after the jump.
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Renault and Daimler close to a stake swap tie-up?

March 26, 2010 at 9:04 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz, Renault

Renault Fluence

Word is that Daimler AG and Renault are very close to a German-French ‘alliance’ that includes a “symbolic” equity swap of 3%. Daimler AG would hold 3% of Renault and Renault will be taking up 3% of Daimler AG. The official word from the two companies confirm that they are in talks for some kind of collaboration, but declined to confirm that it would include an equity stake swap.

Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said at the Geneva Motorshow earlier this year that the alliance could afford to buy stake in a third partner if needed. He did not mention who they are looking at specifically, instead just saying that the alliance was “talking to many people in the industry.” The Renault-Nissan alliance has been around for 11 years and it seems to be working for them well. Daimler’s tie-ups haven’t been particularly successful, they ‘divorced’ Chrysler not too long ago.

Renault Wind
Renault Wind – future smart roadster?

The partnership between Daimler and Renault will most probably revolve around sharing the development costs of compact front wheel drive platforms and engines. Mercedes-Benz needs to spread the development cost of its compact front wheel drive A-Class and B-Class vehicles as well as Smart cars. It was previously in talks with rivals BMW for the same but that collaboration went down the drain as both parties ended up feeling it was necessary to have competitive differentiation in that segment that would not be possible if they shared platforms and engines.

BMW also has a French partner for its front wheel drive MINI vehicles – their transversely-installed Prince engines are shared with PSA Peugeot Citroen. They couldn’t find a platform partner so they’re instead going to share the next generation MINI front wheel drive platform with compact BMWs instead, leading to the shocking announcement last week that there would be front wheel drive compact BMWs in the pipeline.

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