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Brabus iBusiness package for the Apple and Mercedes fan

August 28, 2010 at 9:01 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under brabus, Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

If you thought of the most unlikely combination in the world, what would it be? A V12 Biturbo Mercedes S600 and an interior trimmed out like an Apple store?

That’s probably not the first thing that springs to mind, but that’s exactly what Brabus has done for the iBusiness package.

Fans of both brands will be treated to an Apple interior featuring a rear compartment with two Apple iPads, two multimedia screens on the back of the front seats and a 64GB iPod Touch. The two iPads can also control the car’s COMAND system, which handles the radio, navigation system and telephony.

If you don’t like the touch screen iPad’s, there will be ample table space for your keyboard and mouse. The fully adjustable tables are electronically deployed from special BRABUS seatback consoles and will be covered in leather upholstery.

The central hub for the setup is a Mac mini hidden under the rear shelf in an electronically deployed drawer. Internet connectivity for all this equipment is provided via a 3G connection which is UMTS and HSDPA capable.

Brabus didn’t stop with just the interior as the car now features a 6.3 litre V12 twin turbo engine that generates a whopping 750hp and 1,350Nm of torque. This was achieved by adding larger turbochargers, a revised intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance quad exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts. The engine’s maximum torque is so great that it had to be electronically limited to 1,100Nm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels by a five-speed automatic transmission and a much needed option that Brabus is offering with this car, is a limited slip differential. Brabus claim this to be the fastest luxury sedan in the world as it has a top speed of 340km/h and hits the century mark in just 4.0 seconds.

Aerodynamics has also been improved with large center air inlet, BRABUS sill skirts, rear spoiler lip, new rear fascia with centrally located reflector and BRABUS quad sport exhaust system. Adding to the looks will be aluminum sport fenders, along with LED daytime running lights, lights on the sills and on the underside of the rear which illuminate the ground behind the vehicle.

Brabus have also custom tailored a choice of tires, brakes and suspension. This will be light alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. All in all a perfect combination of tech and unadulterated power. Unfortunately Brabus hasn’t announced any pricing figures, but with that much tech and ponies, expect it to cost a bomb!

Look after the jump for high resolution pictures.
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2nd generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class videos

August 24, 2010 at 7:51 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Mercedes Benz, Videos

Mercedes-Benz have released some new videos of the new second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. I’m pretty sure Mercedes-Benz Malaysia are happily gearing up with a really long order list – the CLS seems to be really popular in Malaysia along with the Cayenne – the choice of the “one level above your usual E or 5-er” rich.

Enjoy the videos below.

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2nd generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-class official photos

August 22, 2010 at 7:59 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

It seems that there’s nothing left to show of the second generation Mercedes after this. A recent leak has left the public with official photos of the Mercedes Benz CLS and thanks to the magic of the internet, you’re the first few to lay your eyes on it.

Again because it’s unofficial, no details about the powertrain and the list of new goodies are available. Nevertheless if speculation is to be believed, you can expect a 301hp 3.5-litre direct-injected V6 (CLS 350 CGI) and a new twin-turbo 429hp 4.6-litre V8 (CLS 550 CGI). There will also be diesel versions of the car, 350 CDI and 250 CDI, but most probably not for our market.

As always, an AMG variant will not be far off, which could sport the new the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, recently seen in the CL63 AMG. Unfortunately for Mercedes, all that’s left for them to release is the spec sheet and live photos of the car.

You can catch all this at the Paris Motor Show which will be at the end of September this year. More pictures of the new CLS and its interior are available after the jump.

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Schumacher: Mercedes GP car not functioning in harmony

August 18, 2010 at 12:39 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Mercedes Benz, Motorsports

The 2010 Formula 1 season is fast entering its final stages and it’s obvious by now that Michael Schumacher’s dream comeback hasn’t materialised. The seven-time champ is finding it hard to enter Q3 on Saturdays and has only 38 points to his name, less than half of what teammate Nico Rosberg has amassed. Never mind seeing him do that famous leap again, Schumi on the podium is a shock result today.

The 41-year old says that the MGP W01 car is the problem. “The teamwork, with the engineers and with Nico Rosberg is going very well. The car we currently have is almost a ‘survivor’ from last year, which had already been shaped, moulded and developed for us and we as drivers have had to make compromises accordingly.

“The fact is that the car is not functioning in harmony, neither with the tyres nor with the drivers and obviously we must invest all the time we have in ensuring this is not the case next year,” he said in an interview with sponsor DVAG.

However, the German is positive that things will be different next year. “The fact is that I feel comfortable in the situation and I believe that we are moving in the right direction to ensure that next year we will be real contenders,” he remarked.

The next F1 race will be the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps next weekend (27-29 Aug).

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New Mercedes-Benz CLS official brochure leaked!

August 18, 2010 at 10:40 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

Up till now, all we’ve seen of the upcoming Mercedes Benz CLS were renderings and maybe spy shots. All that has changed as the official form of the CLS has been revealed to the world via leaked brochures.

As you can see, the exterior still features the coupe-like design with styling cues from the Shooting Break Concept, which was first previewed in April. The interior will use a four-seat format (full length centre console acts like a spine in the cabin) and the dash layout looks to be quite similar to the Shooting Break’s too, down to the identical steering wheel.

Details are yet to be revealed, but the CLS should be sitting on W212 E-Class mechanics. Engines that have been speculated for use include a 301 bhp 3.5-litre direct-injected V6 (CLS 350 CGI) and a new twin-turbo 429 bhp 4.6-litre V8 (CLS 550 CGI). 350 CDI and 250 CDI models are expected as well, just not for our market. The AMG version will surely have the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 that Merc has been putting in the latest AMG cars, with a Performance Pack to further boost output.

More details as they come our way. Till then, have a closer look at the gallery after the jump.

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Nick Heidfeld leaves Mercedes GP to be Pirelli test driver

August 18, 2010 at 2:49 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Mercedes Benz, Motorsports

Mercedes GP Petronas has released Nick Heidfeld from his contract as the team’s Reserve Driver so that the German can take up the position of official test driver for Pirelli. The Italian tyremaker takes over from Bridgestone as the sole tyre supplier for F1 starting next season. Nick will assist Pirelli’s development work on the tyre compounds for 2011.

“It was clear from the beginning of our cooperation that Mercedes GP Petronas would release Nick from his obligations as soon as a promising opportunity as an active F1 driver developed. This is now the case and there could be no more experienced and knowledgeable driver in the cockpit to steer the tyre development for next season,” said Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

“It would be great to see Nick in a competitive car in next year’s championship and I am sure his leading role in the new tyre development, in addition to his skills, puts Nick in a good position for the remaining seats in 2011,” Haug wished. The team has no plans to appoint a new reserve driver, a company spokesman said.

In his new job, Heidfeld will drive a Toyota TF109 from last year. Pirelli’s Motorsport Director Paul Hembery explained that using the Toyota chassis enables them to test in a modern F1 car without benefiting any existing team. “The Toyota was the perfect solution, as it is a contemporary racing machine with proven speed and reliability but without links to any of the manufacturers currently competing in F1,” he said.

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2011 Mercedes Benz S63 AMG – new 5.5 biturbo engine

August 5, 2010 at 12:54 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-Benz has released the 2011 S63 AMG which now comes with the same new engine seen in the facelifted CL63 AMG coupe. We’re referring to the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 which comes with spray-guided direct petrol injection and piezo injectors.

In standard form the engine produces 544 hp and 800 Nm of torque, but the addition of the AMG performance package pushes this up to 571 hp and 900 Nm. The difference between the standard and AMG package is the increase in the maximum charge pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar. In addition, the engine cover comes in genuine carbon fibre.

The S63 now uses the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which along with a new start stop system contributes to better fuel economy of 10.5 litres per 100km, which is 25% improved over the old naturally aspirated V8. Century mark acceleration takes just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (4.4 sec and 300 km/h for AMG Performance Package).

Inside the limo, the standard Passion leather upholstery has contrasting colour stitching, while optional equipment such as a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound sound system with 1200 watts and 15 speakers, acoustic lens tweeters in the A and B pillars and a new AMG instrument cluster, are available on request. Safety equipment includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Crosswind stabilisation, Torque Vectoring Brakes and Direct-Steer system.

This fast S sits on AMG triple-spoke light alloys fitted with 255/40 or 275/40 R19 tyres. AMG Performance Package adds AMG double-spoke forged 20-inch wheels, AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara inserts, and AMG trim in black piano lacquer/carbon fibre.

The S63 AMG will be offered in both short and a long wheelbase versions, and its market launch is expected at the end of September. Hi res gallery after the jump.
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Schumi apologises to Barrichello over dangerous move

August 4, 2010 at 10:17 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Mercedes Benz, Motorsports

After receiving a ten-place grid penalty for the Belgian GP for his dangerous move on Rubens Barrichello at last weekend’s Hungarian GP, Michael Schumacher has apologised to the Brazilian. “Apologise” and “Schumi” rarely coexist in one sentence, but this was a much mocked move that did little for the seven-time champion’s “super kiasu” reputation.

“Yesterday, right after the race I was still in the heat of the action, but after I watched the incident with Rubens again, I must say that the stewards were right with their assessment: the move against him was too hard,” Schumacher wrote on his website.

“I wanted to make it hard for him to pass me. I clearly showed him that I didn’t want to let him pass but… I wasn’t seeking to endanger him with my move. If he feels I was then I’m sorry, this wasn’t my intention,” he added.

His tone wasn’t so conciliatory after the race. Former F1 driver Derek Warwick, who joined the stewards’ panel for the Hungaroring race said: “We interviewed Rubens and Michael and it was kind of disappointing how Michael handled it, and we had no option but to give him a 10-place penalty.”

He was also nearly black flagged if not for the lack of time. “Throwing a black flag would have shown a better example to our young drivers. But by the time we got the video evidence we ran out of time and we had to do it retrospectively,” Warwick told BBC.

If you missed it, the Mercedes GP driver was being tailed by a much faster Barrichello, and when Rubens dived to his right to pass, Schumi then closed the door to squeeze his ex-teammate against the pitwall on the main straight. Fortunately for the Williams driver, the wall (which was just inches from his car) ended at the right place and he made it through.

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2011 Mercedes CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG – official details

July 28, 2010 at 10:16 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

Many who shop in this segment opt for something more flashy, which is why the recently facelifted Mercedes CL-Class is a relatively rare sight. But this big, comfy coupe has a heart of a beast in AMG form. The CL63 AMG will feature a smaller but more powerful than before twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 producing 536 hp and 799 Nm of torque; the addition of the AMG performance package sees this figure increase to 563 hp and 899 Nm.

This is good enough to haul the big car from 0 to 96 km/h (60 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The AMG performance pack is faster by 0.1 sec and does a restricted top speed of 300 km/h. Using a smaller displacing engine as compared to the naturally aspirated 6,208cc V8, fuel efficiency has improved by a substantial 27%. Even performance cars are subject to downsizing now!

Want 12 cylinders? You’ve got to have the CL65 AMG then. The 6.0-litre V12 gets a 17 hp hike which gives you 621 hp and an equally seat bracing 999 Nm of torque. 0 to 96 figures are down to 4.2 seconds while restricted top speed is also at 300 km/h.

The gearbox used in the CL63 AMG will be the 7-speed SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission with the option of Sports, Comfort and manual shift modes. Due to the higher power from the CL65’s V12, Mercedes has opted for a 5-speed SPEEDSHIFT transmission for the range topper.

These new engines are housed in a facelifted body similar to the non AMG CL-Class, but with an AMG body kit that includes a new front grille, revised bumpers, headlights, AMG exhaust system and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, updates include a new steering wheel, and different trim options. Direct-Steer, Torque Vectoring Brakes and Crosswind Stabilization systems are standard here.

Hi-res gallery after the jump.
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BMW and Daimler decide to share seat frames

July 26, 2010 at 11:59 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

BMW and Daimler have worked closely in the past in regards to jointly developing hybrid transmissions, and they were once in talks to jointly develop next generation compact front wheel drive platforms. The platform talks fell through of course, as the companies felt that sharing a platform would not allow for much differentiation between the BMW and Mercedes-Benz that used them.

But here’s something new that the two companies have decided could be mutually beneficial without hurting marketing – seat frames! The latest news is that BMW and Daimler will jointly develop and purchase metal seat frames for some models, while leaving the exterior finish to be done independently, allowing sufficient differentiation while saving a little on costs.

According to German publication Spiegel, the two companies will invest a certain double-digit million Euro amount in the dev-share project, which is estimated to yield up to 200 million Euro a year in savings. Smart move!

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