The current Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe may be too large to rightfully compete with the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A5, but the Silver Arrow is rectifying that with the new-for-2012 C-Class Coupe – a revival of the old CLK, if you will.
Aside from the slightly lower roofline and the removal of two doors, the C Coupe is exactly like its newly redesigned sedan brethren. There are three powertrains on tap, including a new 201-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four in the C250 and the direct-injected, 304-hp V6 in the range-topping C350. Well, range-topping for now – the sure-to-be-badass C63 AMG Coupe is set to debut in the very near future. Yeah, we're salivating.
Still, the more pedestrian C-Class Coupe will make up the vast majority of sales, and we're glad to see a modern-day CLK in production once again. Scroll through our gallery of high-res shots below and take it all in, then hop the jump for a trailer of Benz's new 'Drive and Seek' mini-movie starring the new E-Coupe and some rather attractive bank robbing women...
Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is a CLK revival
Mercedes-AMG Driving Academy picks up dates for 2010, adds SLS and Pro-level courses
What do you do after hitting success with a trial product? Bring it back and make it bigger, of course. That's just what Mercedes-Benz has done with its AMG Driving Academy, a program that our own Editor Paukert attended the course last fall at Lime Rock to his great amusement and education.
This year's courses will put participants in the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and, new for this year, the SLS AMG gullwing. After working your way up through Basic and Advanced courses, you're ready for Top Gun testing in the new Pro level course, which means an "intense curriculum" and open lapping at Road Atlanta.
First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
I'm barely three turns into my first lap, and already my brain has automatically activated its auxiliary data logger, the one reserved for "extra-special events." I don't want to forget a nanosecond of this. Partly, it's a result of the venue. For the first time in my career, I'm driving on Germany's 13-mile-long Nurburgring Nordschleife, a.k.a. "The Green Hell," the most fearsome, challenging, and dangerous racetrack in the world. But my highly elevated pulse is also due in large measure to the screaming, whirling vehicle at hand. I don't entirely know what it looks like -- the prototype's bodywork is still masked by tape and cardboard camouflage -- but if these first few blitzkrieg corners are any indication, the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG "Gullwing" is going to disrupt the supercar pantheon when it hits American roads next spring.
We journalists love "firsts," because via benefit of a good "first" or two the copy flows easily, the headlines write big, and in no time our report is posted and we're headed to the bar, job done. Alas, no wood-paneled celebratory saloon for me -- I'm writing this at 37,000 feet -- but as "firsts" go, the new SLS boasts so many I should be finished writing this piece before the next spellbinding serving of warm mixed nuts.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Official Details Released
Mercedes has officially unveiled the facelifted 2010 Mercedes S-Class less than 24 hours after we first published pictures from a leaked brochure.
From the front the facelifted model boasts a more pronounced grille, a revised bumper with chrome inserts in the air intakes, as well as LED daytime driving lights, indicators and marker lights for the S 400 HYBRID and S 600 (They are part of a package on the other S-Class models). Out back the changes are less noticeable as the only modifications are the addition of new LED taillights and a revised exhaust system that is integrated into the rear bumper.
Despite the minor makeover, the big news is the launch of the S 400 HYBRID which boasts a fuel economy rating of 7.9L/100km and emits just 186 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Set to become the world's first production vehicle to combine a hybrid powertrain with a lithium-ion battery, the S 400 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter petrol engine that produces 205 kW (279 hp) and an electric motor that cranks out 15 kW (20 hp).
2010 Mercedes E63 AMG Unleashed
Official information regarding the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan has been released along with the first batch of official photos. The E63 AMG now makes 518bhp (386kW) and 465lb ft (630Nm) of maximum torque compared to the current car's 507bhp (378kW) and the same amount of torque. Mercedes-Benz is sticking AMG's 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 on this one. Performance should be similar to that of the outgoing E63 with figures of 4.5 seconds for the 0 - 62mph sprint and a top speed of 155mph (249km/h).
Despite the minimal increase in power the car is said to quaff 12 percent less fuel resulting in an average consumption of 22.4mpg. One of the components credited for this is the Speedshift MCT 7-speed gearbox found in the SL63 AMG. It has four driving modes namely Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual.
First Look: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" is one of the coolest sports cars of all time. So named because of its unique, roof-hinged doors, the Gullwing was the Enzo of its era: stupendously fast, outrageously expensive, and styled to make an entrance. Clark Gable owned one; Andy Warhol painted one; Ava Gardner crashed one. No Mercedes sports car since, not even the Mercedes-McLaren SLR, has come close to matching the Gullwing's iconic appeal.
The SLR was a bastard-child of a supercar that neither McLaren nor Mercedes-Benz engineers truly felt was their own. McLaren's Gordon Murray, designer of championship-winning Brabham and McLaren grand prix racers, driving force behind the McLaren F1 supercar, thought the SLR overweight and overwrought; the antithesis of his personal automotive design philosophy. For their part, the Mercedes-Benz engineers were uneasy with McLaren's free-wheeling, fast-moving development culture, and skeptical of its methods. The culture-clash car that resulted was blindingly fast and supremely robust, but oddly styled and strangely uninvolving to drive.
New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Revealed Before Geneva Debut
Here comes the E-Class Coupe as will be seen when its takes its first public bow at the Geneva motor show next month.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is meant to replace the discontinued CLK, so Mercedes has a lot riding on the success of this model.
With the new design, Mercedes says the E-Class will be the "world's most aerodynamically efficient series-production car." That's a bold claim to make but one can see in the newly acquired sleekness of the body that things have changed. This Coupe, in its slight form with no B-pillars and completely retractable side windows, creates a drag coefficient of just 0.24.
Mercedes E Class Coupe Caught Almost Undisguised
Caught by WCF reader "Nikolaus", these are the best shots yet of the new 2010 Mercedes E Class Coupe with nearly all its camouflage removed.
A rear diffuser and what seems to be a taped up AMG logo on the boot lid suggest this prototype could be the E63 AMG Coupe. But Mercedes' models from the AMG division all feature a quad exhaust layout whereas this prototype has the rectanglular twin exhausts mimicking the style seen on the recent leaked official photos of the regular E Class Sedan. The front end sports a grille featuring two horizontal bars, a style which differentiates this variant from the sedan and estate variants of the new E-Class line-up.
Report: Mercedes Benz considering A-Class roadster for production
The 2009 Mercedes Benz A-Class was revealed earlier this year, and though it received a number of updates, the car is due for a complete redesign sometime in 2011. The next-generation Mercedes Benz A-Class range is expected to feature a number of body styles, but the latest word indicates a roadster could be joining the group as well.
Previous speculation on the next-gen A-Class family had only included mini-SUV, sports-hatch and four-door coupe models. Now a possible roadster, perhaps styled after the SLA Concept, is also thought to be in the works, reports AutoWeek. The car hasn't yet been confirmed, and even if it does make it to production, the car might not make it to North America. Weak sales and small margins could prohibit the car from finding a successful niche given its likely premium placement and pricing.
First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid
It's probably best to call the new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid a mild, rather than full, hybrid, because it can't propel itself on electrical power alone. In other words, the BlueHybrid is not powered by the two-mode system co-developed with GM for big SUVs, which will be an option for the M-Class next year. This is a smaller, cheaper system designed to be scaleable across all Mercedes car lines.
Despite its comparative simplicity, the S400 BlueHybrid's gasoline and CO2 savings are significant: some 21% in the European test cycle, compared with the regular V-6 S350. It's also quieter at rest and more muscular in real-world acceleration. There's very little penalty over the standard V-6 in terms of weight -- just 170 lb -- and none at all in passenger or luggage accommodation or payload.
Hamann Volcano Based on Mercedes Mclaren SLR Officially Detailed
How much torque does a volcanic eruption have? Well, it does indeed take a lot of steam to melt rocks and push the lava straight up through the earth's crust and Hamann-Motorsport does a good job of rivaling that with their own Volcano.
The Hamann Volcano is a supersized version of what is already one of the world's most renowned supercars - the Mercedes McClaren SLR. Hamann technicians were able to boost the Mercedes Benz 5.4 liter, 626 hp, 780 Nm V8 and take its performance to 700 hp and 830 Nm of torque at 3,300 rpms; giving the Hamann a 0-100 km/h time of only 3.6 seconds.
Car Review:Mercedes CLK 500 ISG
When it comes to boosting efficiency in petrol engines, Mercedes is playing catch-up. Premium rival Lexus already has hybrid cars, while BMW offers regenerative braking to improve fuel economy on several models.
But the three-pointed star is working hard to regain ground – and Auto Express has driven its latest development: a CLK 500 with ISG technology.
The initials stand for Integrated Starter/Generator, and in lay terms, the set-up is a stop-start system. A disc-shaped electric motor is added between the engine and automatic transmission, while a secondary battery is charged by regenerative braking and offers a power boost during hard acceleration. The main advantage is that this layout is smaller and lighter than a hybrid transmission.
For the driver, it means fuel economy is up 10 per cent from 24.8mpg to 27.3mpg, while CO2 output is estimated to drop by a similar proportion.
The stop-start technology cuts the engine when you come to a halt, and fires it up as soon as your right boot comes off the brake. By the time you are pressing the accelerator, it’s as if the V8 has been running all the time.
The powerplant also switches off if you shift the auto box into Park mode.
At least that’s how it’s supposed to work. But in the 30-degree heat of our urban drive in Germany, it didn’t. Despite having several opportunities to cut out as we stopped at traffic lights and junctions, it failed every time.
We thought the system wasn’t working properly, but later learned it was because we had turned the CLK’s air-conditioning on. Apparently, the car prioritises driver comfort over saving the planet. On a second run with the cooling system switched off, the ISG technology worked fine.
Arguably, the Mercedes stop/start isn’t as clever as it thinks it is. Yes, it can cut the engine to save fuel, but similar devices offered by rival manufacturers switch off when they realise you are coming to a halt. That means owners get every last mile from the fuel tank by freewheeling to a standstill. What’s more, bosses won’t offer the ISG technology until 2009.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: A Step In The Right Direction
To view the all-new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is to view the future of the brand. We all know by now that the vaunted German brand has not been so vaunted over the years. Complex and unreliable electronics have taken some of the luster off of the three-pointed star, as Mercedes loyalists and new purchasers of the brand have faulted Mercedes’ quality and indifferent dealer network.
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler and Head of the Mercedes Group, has made restoring the legendary quality of Mercedes-Benz his number one priority. Ensuring that purchasers get a first class sales and service experience is also a main priority. Time will tell if dealers have listened to Zetsche’s decree, but after driving the all-new 2008 C-Class, it’s quite clear that everyone on the design, engineering, and manufacturing teams have listened well.
Internally designated as the W 204, this fourth generation C-Class is easily the best C-Class ever, and ranks in build quality with top-of-the-line big brother S-Class. When compared to last year’s W 203 model, the new C-Class is far more rigid, significantly quieter, and more spacious inside.
The rigid body shell can be attributed to the extensive use of high strength and ultra high strength steel, found in 70% of the body structure. The rigid shell, combined with Mercedes’ “Agility Control” suspension, mean road manners are superb. Agility Control uses a hydro-mechanical selective damping system that achieves much of the handling prowess of Mercedes’ Active Body Control system without the system’s huge cost. Agility Control uses an internal strut valving system. When you are cruising along in a straight line, two valves are open within the strut to allow hydraulic shock absorber fluid to flow freely, resulting in a compliant ride. When spirited driving or an evasive maneuver is detected, one of those valves instantly closes to restrict the amount of shock fluid that can pass between the valves. The result is a stiffer suspension just in time to handle the demands of back-road driving. It’s a simple yet elegant solution to the dilemma facing all manufacturers trying to knock the undisputed leader in the entry luxury segment – the BMW 3 Series – off its lofty pedestal.
During the four hours I spent behind the wheel, everything worked as advertised. This car is fun to drive on country roads, but won’t rattle your teeth in the city. And you’ll also have more room to move around inside, as the new C-Class is larger than its predecessor on all dimensions.
The new C-Class comes in two models, Sport and Luxury. The “Luxury” model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 making 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission, first in its class, handles shifting duties. It’s a seamless, world-class transmission with imperceptible up and downshifts. Luxury models also feature the traditional “star” hood ornament, Burl walnut wood interior trim, and a four-spoke steering wheel. The overall look of the car is Benz traditional, which depending on your tastebuds, is either too traditional or just right.
For me, it’s too traditional, especially when compared to the “Sport” model. The Sport features the Coupe-style grille with integrated star, AMG-designed body styling, 17” staggered alloy wheels (18” optional), a lowered sport suspension, a sport braking system with “perforated” front rotors and special calipers, and dual exhausts with a special rear diffuser panel between the exhausts.
It’s a get down funky look that sets the tone of the character of Sport models. All Sport models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The big news is the availability of a six-speed manual tranny, should you wish to row the gears on your own. While I did not get a chance to test the manual, again, it draws the C-Class closer to the 3 Series. Aluminum or Birdseye maple wood trim, a three-spoke steering wheel, silver instrument cluster and rubber studded aluminum pedals highlight the Sport interior.
Road power in both models is impressive, particularly in passing situations at the top of the rev band. These cars can move out in a hurry.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the new C-Class is the price. Consider this: The new C-Class offers as additional standard equipment over last year’s already well-equipped model a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, 17” wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, and Mercedes COMAND Central Controller.
Prices for the new baby Benz start at just $31,975 - a real savings when comparing standard equipment to last year’s $29,650 base. And of all the reasonably priced options, you must opt for the Panorama Sunroof ($1,000). It features a full-roof glass panel with a front opening sunroof, and sliding privacy shades for both front and rear-seat passengers. With the panels retracted, the interior shines brightly under natural light. No squeaks or wind noise emanate from this well built option.
Hard drive navigation, a monster sound system and convenience and luxury packages are all reasonably priced. Even a full-tilt luxury model will find it hard to break $40 grand.
The new C-Class is a make or break car for the brand. If it succeeds,Mercedes-Benz will once again rise to the top of the status vehicle pyramid.
