May 102012
 
  • First truck series specifically for short-radius distribution use
  • A new class, developed for improved handling and better efficiency
  • Short and medium-size cabs and a broad range of engines with 13 power categories
  • As clean as they come: Euro VI technology for the Antos

Mercedes-Benz will soon be extending its family of trucks by a new member, the new Mercedes-Benz Antos – a model series designed specifically for heavy-duty short-radius distribution transport use. The vehicles are currently demonstrating their capability in camouflaged guise, but the covers will come off for the Commercial Vehicle IAA in September and the start of sales.

With the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Antos, Mercedes-Benz becomes the first manufacturer to have a truck series that has been specially developed for the very varied requirements of the short-radius distribution transport industry.

The Mercedes-Benz Antos promises both transport operators and drivers the benefits of easy and well thought-out handling as well as outstanding efficiency. The general styling and the design idiom of the Mercedes-Benz Antos reveal its relationship with the Mercedes-Benz Actros, but the very different requirements for the cab give it an unmistakable character of its own. The 2.30-metre-wide cabs, designed specifically for the short-radius distribution transport market, are available in either short ‘S’ or medium-size ‘M’ versions. Both offer a convincing combination of easy access, optimised ergonomics and intuitive controls.

The beating heart of the new model series is provided by the latest Euro VI range of engines with “Blue Efficiency Power”, produced in Mannheim and launched in March of this year. With a total of 13 power categories, the Mercedes-Benz Antos covers a broad spectrum of engine power from 175 kW (238 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp). The new vehicles are available as either platform trucks or tractor units in a total of 67 different wheelbase lengths, with the axle spacing ranging from a minimum of 2650 mm up to a maximum of 6700 mm. The driver is helped in his everyday duties by a fully automated PowerShift transmission, amongst other features. Safety can also be further improved by the addition of optional safety systems such as Active Brake Assist, which reacts to stationary obstacles.

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May 042012
 

Global automakers from the United States and Germany will demonstrate fast-charging technology that will enable the recharging of most electrified vehicles with compatible systems in as little as 15-20 minutes.

Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed to support a harmonized single-port fast charging approach – called DC Fast Charging with a Combined Charging System – for use on electric vehicles in Europe and the United States.

Live charging demonstrations will be conducted during the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 (EVS26) May 6-9.

The combined charging system integrates one-phase AC-charging, fast three-phase AC-charging, DC-charging at home and ultra-fast DC-charging at public stations into one vehicle inlet. This will allow customers to charge at most existing charging stations regardless of power source and may speed more affordable adoption of a standardized infrastructure.

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May 042012
 

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Chris Harris took very powerful three German track monsters for a showdown. Porsche GT3 RS 4.0, BMW M3 GTS and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series pits against each other on street and circuit.

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Apr 212012
 

New technology for the AMG off-road icon: the new 2013 G63 AMG impresses with a state-of-the-art powertrain, expressive new design and improved efficiency. All this is largely attributable to the AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 544 hp and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 G63 AMG makes its U.S. showroom debut in August.

Every new AMG high-performance vehicle offers an outstanding mix of “more power from less fuel” – and the G63 AMG is no exception. The “strong man” in the AMG model range has been further enhanced with the state-of-the-art powertrain of the new ML63 AMG. The design has been comprehensively refreshed, so that, for the first time in the 33-year history of the G-Class, AMG customers can enjoy some of the latest cutting-edge systems: spray-controlled gasoline direct injection, the ECO stop/start function and alternator management. The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine develops a maximum output of 544 hp and a torque of 560 lb-ft. This enables the 2013 G63 AMG to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph (electronically limited).

The new G63 AMG outperforms it’s predecessor, the G55 AMG KOMPRESSOR, by 44 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque, and was a clear favorite for G-Class purchasers, making-up 40 percent of sales globally. Key figures for the G63 AMG at a glance:

G63 AMG
Displacement 5,461 cc
Bore x stroke 98.0 × 90.5 mm
Compression ratio 10.0 : 1
Output 544 hp at 5,500 rpm
Max. torque 560 lb-ft at 2,000–5,000 rpm*
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 5.3
Top speed 130 mph*
* electronically limited

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Apr 112012
 

Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded the G‑Class, so reemphasising its position as the leader among off-road vehicles. The interior is characterised by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials. The instrument cluster and centre console have been completely redesigned. The driver’s field of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between two new round dials. The car features as standard the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system and internet access. New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the exterior appearance of the luxury off-roader. The range of safety features can be optionally enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS. New to the range are the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard, and the G 65 AMG with twelve-cylinder biturbo engine.

Since it was originally conceived in 1979, as a vehicle to be used primarily in tough off-road terrain, the G-Class has undergone an astounding process of evolution. Over the course of 33 years Mercedes-Benz has refined what was initially a very practically-oriented off-road specialist by giving it a high-class interior and road-going qualities on a par with those of the premium saloons emanating from Stuttgart. The G-Class today is considered the top model among luxury-class cross-country vehicles, and has provided the gene pool for the other very successful SUVs built under the Mercedes-Benz brand. The G-Class has been voted off-roader of the year countless times over the past years – as also once again this year.

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Mar 232012
 

With a fresh new design, exclusive equipment, pioneering assistance systems and efficient and agile engines, the restyled 2013MY GLK-Class reaffirms its leadership in the entry-level SUV segment. The newly designed exterior provides an even more dynamic character, combining classic SUV styling with the design language of the current Mercedes-Benz sedans. High-quality materials, new equipment, fully redesigned trim and new infotainment systems – nearly 1,000 new parts in total – are all part of the new GLK driving experience. The 2013MY GLK impresses with a range of state-of-the-art assistance systems and comprehensive efficiency features such as the ECO stop/start function, which is standard equipment. In addition, the BlueTEC diesel emission control system makes its debut in the GLK line on the GLK250 BlueTEC. “In the GLK, we have a dynamic lifestyle SUV offering a winning combination of intelligent technology and character in abundance,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars. “It will further bolster our SUV portfolio, making a vital contribution to Mercedes-Benz’s global growth in this market segment.” Assembled in Bremen, Germany the 2013MY GLK350 will be in U.S. showrooms this summer, followed by the GLK250 BlueTEC in early 2013.

The GLK offers outstanding driving dynamics, excellent safety and superlative ride comfort. In addition to the rear-wheel drive version, the 4MATIC model with permanent all-wheel drive delivers phenomenal grip even in the most adverse conditions – both on and off-road. Like all SUVs from Mercedes-Benz – if it says “G” on it, then there’s “G” in it. In fact, the forefather of all modern-day Mercedes-Benz SUVs – the G-Class – is now in its 33rd model year and is also undergoing a significant restyling.

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Mar 122012
 

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Boris Becker is sitting in the passenger seat narrating the ad. Boris is impressed by the new SL´s athletic appearance. Why he still had to leave the car, you can see in this commercial.

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Mar 062012
 

Geneva/Stuttgart. The heartbeat of a new generation: at the centre of Mercedes-Benz’s presence at the Geneva Motor Show (8 to 18 March 2012) will be the world premiere of the new A-Class. The company is opening up a whole new chapter in the compact segment: markedly emotive in design, with powerful engines ranging from 80 kW (109 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), and extremely efficient, with emissions from just 99 g/CO2/km. At the same time the new model underlines that for Mercedes-Benz safety is not a question of price – the standard specification includes, amongst other things, the radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system.


“A is for Attack: the A-Class is a clear statement of the new dynamism of the Mercedes-Benz brand”, explains Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “It is completely new, down to the last detail. In automotive development, it’s not often you get the chance to start with a clean sheet of paper. Our engineers and designers have made the very most of that opportunity.”

Design and dynamism are obvious characteristics of the new A-Class even at first glance, simply in the way it sits up to 18 centimetres closer to the road than its predecessor. The radical new design idiom that was so enthusiastically received upon its first appearance with the “Concept A-CLASS” has been rigorously applied for the series-production model. With their fresh interpretation of the classic two-box design, the Mercedes designers have created an emotive exterior with a pronounced sporty flair. “Applying the new dynamic style of Mercedes-Benz to the compact class was a challenge that we thoroughly enjoyed”, explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. “The almost sculptural lines of the A-Class are very typical for Mercedes. The feature lines, particularly along the sides of the car, then give the A-Class structure and tautness.”

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Mar 032012
 

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Mercedes Benz is promoting its new fuel cell vehicle, instead of placing it squarely in front of everyone in the world, the company decided to make the car invisible. A car with no Emission is Invisible to environment.

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Feb 132012
 

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SL stands for six decades of sportiness and aesthetic appeal. What began in 1952 with the 300 SL racing car (W 194 series) and grew into a legend in the years that followed, is to be continued into the future with the market introduction of the new SL (R 231) in the spring of 2012. It sets a further highlight in the fascinating history of all the SLs.

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Feb 112012
 

Active seat-belt buckle is a new innovation for the rear seats which is currently under development by safety pioneer Mercedes-Benz and will shortly go into series production in one of the Stuttgart manufacturer’s luxury-segment models. An electric motor extends and retracts the seat belt buckle automatically. In this way, the belt slack in the area of the pelvis and thorax can be reduced and passengers are secured more firmly in sideways and lengthways directions. Active seat-belt buckle fits in with Mercedes-Benz’s integrated safety concept. In keeping with an all-embracing approach to safety, this concept covers all phases of automotive safety: from safety during driving through safety in hazardous situations and protection in the event of an accident to minimisation of the consequences of accidents.

The innovation is typically Mercedes-Benz, improving safety and comfort in one. Fastening seat belts in the rear is also made much simpler: the seat belt buckle emerges from the upholstery when the rear doors are opened and is provided with an illuminated insertion slot. Simplifying use of the seat belt in this manner may increase the percentage of rear passengers who buckle up. The innovation also makes it easier to assist children or people who require help in fastening their seat belts.

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Feb 022012
 

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The brand-new Mercedes-Benz A Class spotted on Spanish island Lanzarote.

So what changed from the old A class:

  • The design of the front bumper with the stretched out side pockets
  • Large alloy wheels

What is your opinion about the car is it horrible or a piece of beauty?

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Jan 212012
 

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For 30 years the airbag has been making driving safer and saving lives. In the future the airbag will have less to do, thanks to the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST

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Dec 292011
 

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Inside Line has taken Mercedes-Benz in an adventurous convoy in Australian desert facing washboard roads, insects, snakes, dead camels and heinous heat.

The washboard dirt tracks made short work of the AMG’s Bilstein rear shocks, forcing mechanics to pull the pieces altogether for one short stint before replacements could be flown in. Likewise, the spare tire carrier and both side-view mirrors suffered cracks along the way.

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Dec 182011
 

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The new SL sticks to its tradition as a technological trendsetter. See the first impressions here. As a world premiere the new front bass system transforms the car into a concert hall — top down as well as closed. Also the new wipe-wash-system MAGIC VISION CONTROL. Just Watch!

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