2011 Mercedes C-Class facelift

Mercedes may have taken a light hand with the exterior design of the facelifted 2011 C-Class, but under the skin some big changes await. According to Auto Motor und Sport, all updated C-Classes will have stop-start-equipped direct-injection engines, as well as the option of upgrading to all ten of the latest driver-assistance systems from the CLS, E-Class and CL.

The styling tweaks at the back are less noticeable, but it comes with a new bumper and LED taillights. The side mirrors are also new, reminiscent to that of Mercedes’ sporty models. Mercedes says the new shape body is more aerodynamic efficient than the old model.

Under the hood, three engines will be available in the United States. The big news is the addition of a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 201 hp (204 PS / 150kW) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. It enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mpg in 7.1 seconds and return a combined 24 mpg.  Alternatively, the C350 adopts the new 3.5-liter V6 which churns out 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque.

Mercedes-Benz claims to have mainly worked on the surface structure of the dashboard trim and controls. The C-class stores, according to the German mark a bridge to the CLS, including through the multifunction steering wheel in that car that debuted (standard on the Avantgarde version).




Press Release

New look for Mercedes' top-selling sedan this summer
The restyled MY2012 C-Class

• Energetic - new dynamic look inside and out
• Expanded - five new assistance systems for greater safety
• Efficient - new direct-injection engines with better fuel economy
• Experience - new-generation telematics
• Exceptional - more than one million sold since March 2007

The restyled 2012 C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2011. The front and rear end of the popular Mercedes sedan have been enhanced with a more distinctive design. The luxurious interior is now emphasized by the stylish new dashboard, which features a premium, fine-grain finish and stylish trim elements, as well as a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster. Fuel economy has been improved by as much as 15 percent, thanks to new direct-injection engines and the redesigned 7-speed automatic transmission. Five new driver assistance systems ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system through to the Blind Spot Assist are now available in the C-Class lineup. New generation telematics offer new infotainment and navigation features.

"In terms of driveline and safety systems, the new-generation C-Class offers the comfort and safety of our luxury vehicles - and with many high-end details in the interior evocative of the new CLS, the new C-Class sets completely new benchmarks in its segment when it comes to premium look-and-feel," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. This interior upgrade is further enhanced by the latest generation of telematics, which not only features completely new visuals, but also brings improved functionality.

A total of more than 2,000 new parts distinguish the newest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. The U.S. market introduction is scheduled for summer 2011 (available to order in Europe as of January 2011). Alongside the generous standard equipment, the Sport and Luxury versions of the new C-Class form the basis of the individualization program, with both lines now more clearly differentiated from each other.

The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's highest volume model range, and therefore especially important. The current range has chalked up global sales of more than one million units since its launch in March 2007. Since the market introduction of the first C-Class in 1982 (known then as the 190), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles around the world.

Dynamic, determined and confident exterior

The bumper now has a more distinctive and dynamic design, with the front end adopting the brand's new design language. The central element of the front end is the grille, which is further enhanced by the new bumper design. The center air intake opens upward in a v-shape and forms the core element of the grille design. Distinctive lines emerge from the base of the aggressive arrow design in the center. Running beneath the headlamps, these character lines transition into the side profile. The outboard air intakes in the bumper are positioned very low down to give the car a more muscular stance.

The C-Class features a new aluminum hood, which contributes to weight reduction and consequently to improved fuel efficiency. Contours around the headlamps and grille bring additional emphasis to the front-end arrow form. Working together with the redesigned headlamps, the overall front-end look is far more distinctive.

Modified clear glass headlamps create a more dynamic and determined look and, together with the hood, grille and bumper enhance the arrow visual at the front end. This precise, contemporary look is reinforced by the design of both the exterior and interior of the headlamp units, which feature a finely balanced interplay between matte and gloss surfaces. The halogen headlamps follow the classic format with low beam located on the outside and high beam in the inside, while the indicator lamps are discreetly positioned in the outer corners toward the fenders.

The available bi-xenon headlamps come with active functions and bring added depth to the appearance with a series of LED modules. A C-shaped positioning light defines the nighttime design, with cornering lights located behind it and stretching outward to the main lamp module. At the base of the headlamps are broad horizontal LED indicator units. Also horizontal are the LED daytime running lights located in the bumper, which make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.

On the rear bumper, the character lines and shutlines have been modified to add emphasis to the vehicle's stance. This is especially evident in the steep rise of the character line running outward toward the rear lights. A continuous character line on the upper edge of the rear bumper runs into the fenders of the C-Class to provide a connection to the sides and emphasizes the sporty character of the rear view. A new one-piece jewel case on the tail lights provides further integration into the rear of the vehicle. The characteristic sinuous surface line is now reflected on the inside of the lights and is reminiscent of earlier models. The distinctive depth of the lights are achieved by LED indicators located in the center that appear to float in front of the more deeply set red LED bands above and below. The rear light pattern is particularly distinctive at night.

The bodyshell of the new C-Class is distinguished by its outstanding aerodynamics. With a cd figure of 0.26, not only is it best-in-class, its drag plane of cd x A = 0.57 m2 also cuts more smoothly through the air than most compact and even sub-compact cars.

Premium and sporty interior

One focal point of the work done in the interior was the redesign of the dashboard with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and premium look-and-feel that includes extensive enhancement to the trim. The surfaces of the controls are more finely detailed and feature a metallic finish. The stepped hood of the instrument binnacle now extends to incorporate the central display and runs onward into the passenger side enhanced by a subtle character line. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the outer circular vents are accentuated with metallic trim elements. Central to the design of the new dashboard is a prominent trim panel. This element stretches from the central air vents along the passenger side to the outer air vent, adding visual width to the interior. The surface grain on the top portion of the dashboard continues along the upper edges of the door panels.

The new-generation center console is distinguished by its rectangular silver keys and emphasizes the premium feel of the interior in combination with matte keys, high-gloss surfaces and a new knurled control knob. Together with the new generation telematics, the restyled C-Class also receives a new instrument binnacle with integrated display. Oriented toward the driver are three tubular gauge surrounds with metallic surfaces that further enhance the aggressive character of the C-Class.

The luxury feel is emphasized by the new-generation leather steering wheel introduced with the all-new CLS and now available as standard in the C-Class. The steering wheel features a chrome-plated central spoke and further accentuates the car's stylish and sporty ambience.

The new C250 Sport and C300 4MATIC Sport models come with standard brushed aluminum trim, while the C350 Sport has distinctive Black Ash. The Luxury versions feature Burl Walnut trim.

Drivelines with more power and better fuel economy

Fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 percent. All new direct-injection versions feature exceptional efficiency and environmentally-friendly fuel consumption. All models also come with the redesigned seven-speed automatic transmission, with the gear ratios on all versions optimized for fuel economy.

The highlight in the engine lineup is the introduction of the new V6 gasoline engine in the C350 Sport Sedan, featuring the innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process. The improvement in efficiency is combined with a considerable increase in output. The C350 Sport Sedan now generates 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (previously 268 hp and 258 lb-ft), while fuel economy has been improved by 5 percent compared with the outgoing C350 model.

The four-cylinder engine (new for the U.S. market) features direct injection and turbocharging and is also distinguished by outstanding combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. This marks an improvement of nearly 15 percent compared with the 2011MY C300.

New driver assistance systems

The C-Class attains an all-new level of safety with a total of five new driver assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection through to Blind Spot Assist. The assistance systems are based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology and are setup to react to frequent causes of accidents such as proximity to the vehicle in front, fatigue and darkness.

The following provides an overview of the new assistance systems:

• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Park Assist incl. PARKTRONIC
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist

More user friendly, improved connectivity - the new generation of telematics

The new C-Class sees the debut of a new generation of telematics, which is scheduled for successive introduction across further model ranges. Key new features include improved user-friendliness with larger 3-D displays, phone book transfer, text message display, wireless music via Bluetooth and a USB interface now located in the center armrest.

Leaks: Audi E-tron Spyder Concept

The German car maker Audi is planning a fifth E-tron model, an Audi E-tron Spyder. The car is expected to be an evolution of the E-tron system and previews the electric version of the upcoming convertible version of the R4 sports car.

This is vastly different when compared to the original e-Tron concept. The Audi R8 e-Tron was shown off a year ago with four electric motors combining for 230 kW (313 hp) and up to 4,500Nm of torque. With that massive figure, the car cruised to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds en route to a 200 km/h top speed. Its range of 248 kilometers came from the 213kg lithium-ion battery pack, which required up to eight hours recharge time on a 220V outlet.

The e-Tron Spyder might use the same technology found on the e-Tron Detroit Show car, which was powered by two electric motors delivering a total output of 204hp (150kW) and 2,650Nm (1954.54lb-ft). With these numbers, the car can accelerate 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 5.9 seconds while the sprint from 60 to 120km/h (37.28 – 74.56mph) is achieved in a mere 5.1 seconds.

Featuring a wraparound windscreen and no roof whatsoever, making it a permanent convertible, the R4 Spyder gets an identical front end to the fixed-roof e-tron, while at the back the bodywork surrounding the rear lights is finished in black.

The Audi e-tron Spyder is most likely based on the company's space-frame aluminium chassis, with two electric motors sending 204 HP to the wheels, and a production version should debut around 2012.

Source: AutoBild

Leaked: Mercedes SLS AMG GT3

Now, a series of leaked pictures showing the Mercedes AMG SLS GT3 racecars have surfaced, showing the car in all its glory.

The car pictured here features a heavily revised body which includes the front bumper with large central intake and lower splitter, canard air foils, hood, fenders with deep wheel well vents, huge side sills, that massive carbon rear wing integrated into the boot lid, fuel filler pocket in the quarter panels and rear bumper with purposeful diffuser.

Inside the car is a true racer with carbon fiber racing seats, a carbon center console and racing digital dash – which even has lights to notify the driver when to shift.

The car will used a modified version of the production V8 engine. This is a 6.2 liter naturally aspirated powerplant that develops 571 hp at 6,800 rpm and 480 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.

According to the Mercedes-Benz-Passion blog, full details are set to be released on March 27th, with the car set for its racing debut in the Spring of next year.






Press Release

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Spectacular racing car for the sporting customer

Puebla (Mexico) - Coinciding with the market launch of the SLS AMG on 27
March 2010, Mercedes-AMG is presenting a GT3 variant. This racing version of
the gullwing model stands out with its spectacular design and thoroughbred
motor sports technology. Developed to comply with the GT3 specifications of
the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), the SLS AMG GT3 is
designed as a racing sports car for customers competing in sprints and
long-distance races. These race series for near-series GT cars are noted for
their very varied participants and great excitement. Not least because of
their comparatively favourable cost structure, they are enjoying increasing
worldwide popularity.

AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz, is entering a new
business sector with the new SLS AMG GT3: the development, production and
marketing of sports racing cars intended for customer use. Sales of these
customer cars are expected to commence in autumn 2010, and homologation of
the GT3 variant will be completed in time for the 2011 racing season.

"Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior handling
dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a highly competitive
racing car. This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer
demand for a car designed for these attractive motor sports series. Once
again, it demonstrates AMG's huge experience gained in more than 40 years of
motor sports, and its great expertise in the development of unique
high-performance cars," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG
GmbH.

The new SLS AMG GT3 is an emphatic continuation of AMG's commitment to
motor sports. AMG has been a pioneer in the motor sports world ever since
its foundation in 1967. The new racing version of the SLS AMG is developed
and produced by AMG in close cooperation with HWA AG. HWA is responsible for
the DTM racing team on behalf of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports. The HWA team is
one of the most successful in international motor sports, as witness nine
driver championships in the DTM and ITC, as well as two championship titles
in the FIA GT Championships.

The SLS AMG GT3 is set to write another chapter in this success story,
and harks back to the 300 SL racing sports car of 1952 which first
established the "gullwing" legend. Its historic victory in the "Carrera
Panamericana" long-distance race also made Mercedes-Benz a household name in
North and Central America, and demonstrated the know-how and expertise of
the Stuttgart-based automobile company.

Spectacular racing car looks and top-class performance

The new SLS AMG GT3 is wide, flat and has spectacular racing car looks. The
main focus when modifying the body of this gullwing model was on aerodynamic
performance - as is seen not only in the new front apron with a splitter,
the bonnet with its central cooling air vent and the wider front and rear
wings, but also in the the side wheel arch air vents, the sideskirts with
cooling ducts for the rear brakes, the smooth underbody with a rear diffuser
and the adjustable rear aerofoil. All these features ensure a low drag
coefficient and maximum downforce - while guaranteeing effective cooling of
thermally highly stressed components. The C-pillars accommodate the
standardised filler pipes for the fast-refuel system.

The FIA will determine the maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8
front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication on the "Balance of Performance"
principle. This is intended to ensure that all the racing cars taking part
have an equal chance. The classification process, during which the kerb
weight is also determined, will be completed in 2010. Power transmission in
the GT3 variant is by a sequential six-speed racing transmission with
steering wheel shift paddles and an integrated multi-disc locking
differential. As in the standard SLS AMG, the transmission is located at the
rear axle: the engine and transmission are connected by a torque tube within
which a carbon-fibre shaft rotates at the engine speed, as in the roadgoing
version.

The wheels are located by a double-wishbone suspension of forged
aluminium at the front and rear. Adjustment facilities for the springs and
shock absorbers, the suspension height, the stabilisers, the track width and
camber allow an individual setup for the racetrack. Rack-and-pinion steering
with a more direct ratio and speed-sensitive servo assistance make for
extremely agile handling. Behind the central-locking AMG light-alloy wheels,
a composite steel racing braking system with racing ABS ensures outstanding
deceleration.

Functional racing car atmosphere in the interior

The interior of the SLS AMG GT3 is dominated by a functional racing car
atmosphere: the steel rollover cage not only ensures the driver's safety,
but also adds additional reinforcement to the aluminium spaceframe. Another
eye-catching feature is the racing bucket seat with a six-point seat belt
and HANS system (Head and Neck Support). The central display is perfectly
positioned in the driver's field of vision, and shows all the relevant
information such as speed, engine rpm, operating temperatures, lap times and
the selected gear. The open-top racing steering wheel with gearshift paddles
makes perfect vehicle control possible.

Additional controls are located on the centre console. This is where the
driver can not only start the AMG V8 engine or adjust the traction control,
but also select reverse gear or - if the worst comes to the worst - activate
the integrated fire extinguisher system. The adjustment control for the
brake balance is located on the torque tube tunnel.

Leaked: 2011 Audi RS5 Coupe Brochure

A German agency appears to have mistakenly released the official brochure of the new Audi RS5 Coupe ahead of time as the car's world premiere isn't due for another week or so at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2.


No details about the powertrain or performance specs are revealed in the brochure. However, it does mention three types of seating and four wheel design choices. Audi's 7-speed dual clutch S-tronic transmission is the only choice - no mention of 6-speed manual. Also, no flat-bottom steering wheel is shown.


Look closely and you'll be able to spot the slightly blistered wheel arches that hark back to the original Quattro coupe, the new front bumper with larger air vents at each corner, the honeycomb grille without the horizontal bar, the redesigned rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and the two large oval tail pipes.


Speculation over which powerplant will drive the RS 5 has ranged from a massaged 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the S4, 4.2-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 in the RS 6 to the range topping 5.2-liter V10 from the R8. Horsepower has been logically guestimated between 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) and 550 PS (405 kW / 542 hp), essentially where the RS 4 leaves off with 420 PS (309 kW / 414 hp) and ending with the RS 6 and its 579 PS (426 kW / 571 hp).


The revised LED tail lamps, the specific alloy wheels and what looks like a retractable boot lid spoiler round off the exterior styling tweaks.



The interior shots suggest that there won't be any cosmetic upgrades over the S5 Coupe.


The RS 5 will undoubtedly debut at the Geneva Motor Show in two weeks. According to previous reports, the RS5 hits the streets soon after in July.
More Photos

Leaked: MINI Countryman Official Photos

Here is your new Mini Countryman, the latest model from the ever expanding Mini range. As you can see, the Countryman (also sometimes called the Mini Crossover) is a bit bigger than other Minis, and sports four doors – five if you count the hatch. You'll also note the "All4" badge on the back, indicating that the Countryman is AWD, a first for the brand.


Seen in the photos is the Cooper S version of the Countryman. Emblazoned with the "All4" all-wheel-drive badge, the car does not appear to be as tall as the MINI Beachcomber concept shown in Detroit. As expected, it does have the same headlights, with foglamps in a similar position. The Pepper White vehicle with a black roof shows off an all-new grille and front bumper, as well as previously-unseen blacked-out wheels. The car maintains three windows on each side of the vehicle, like the Crossover concept. However, the taillamps and hatchback shape are more akin to the Cooper. Dual exhaust pipes are still on either side of the vehicle, but are no longer completely surrounded by the bumper.

Inside, the car has a very similar design to the rest of the MINI lineup. The oversized speedo is mounted flush in the middle of the dash. A panel of six toggle switches is a bit below that, with another row of switches mounted at the rear mirror. The car's white headliner contrasts against the black seats nicely, but we could have done without the teal door inserts.


The MINI R60 will hit the market by the end of the year at €25,000, adding roughly €4,000 for the Cooper S version of the unit. Despite the official reveal taking place in Geneva at March.
Source: World Car Fans