IT’S “FASHION FORWARD” FOR THE 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK

After all, given that SLKs always seem to be piloted by good-looking folks dressed to kill, it all seems to make sense, right? And Fashion Week, which arguably got an even higher profile in connection with “Project Runway,” one of  television’s most pleasurable guilty pleasures, is the right place to get attention.  That’s especially true  given the star studded list usually in attendance and the excitement it generates in the fashion world.
        But the company says there’s a lot more than just good looks to talk about with the new generation SLK.

A public relations release says, “Thanks to new engines. the roadster will consume significantly less fuel, thus demonstrating that achieving pure driving pleasure while maintaining a clear conscience when it comes to the environment are not mutually exclusive.”

The new engines to which the release is referring include a 201 horsepower four cylinder that gets 27 combined miles per gallon, with a top speed of 155. It hits 60 in 6.5 seconds. The other powerplant is 350 horsepower V-6 with 23 muiles per gallon overall rating and hits 60 in 5.6 seconds.

   ” The new SLK combines nimble-footed sportiness with stylish comfort, a striking sports car design with suitability for everyday use, and top performance with environmental responsibility, “   the release says.

     “In addition, ” the release says, “a unique series of safety equipment makes the SLK benchmark in this segment. Standard equipment on the vehicle includes, among other features, the Attention Assist drowsiness detection system.”

     Another feature almost guaranteed to get plenty of attention is what the company is calling “Magic Sky Control.”

“ Mercedes-Benz will also be the world’s first automotive manufacturer to offer the panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control as an optional extra. With this innovation, the transparent glass roof can be darkened in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button,” the release says.

Standard equipment on the new SLK includes:

• Vario folding roof
• Aluminum trim
• Floormats
• Integrated garage door opener
• Integrated compass in mirror
• Auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors
• Leather shift knob
• Cloth windscreen
• Cupholders + flex bottle holder
• Rain sensor
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• 6-speaker sound system with auxiliary input
• HD Radio
• 5.8″ display with central controller
• Single-Zone Analog Climate Control
• Black headliner
• Sun-reflecting leather upholstery
• Enhanced interior lighting
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Electronic parking brake*

• 18″ 5-Spoke alloy wheels
• 225/40 R18 (f) & 245/35 R18 (r) performance tires
• 7-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Direct Steering w/ Variable Assist
• Sport Suspension
• Steering Wheel Gearshift Paddles

• Attention Assist
• Neck-Pro active head restraints
• LED daytime running lights
• Adaptive Brake
• Driver’s Knee Airbag
• Dual-Stage Front Airbags
• Thorax Side Airbags
• Head Airbags
• Remote key with panic button
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• mbrace Telematics

     The 2012 SLK-Class goes on-sale in the U.S. this summer.

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HAPPY 125TH BIRTHDAY TO THE AUTOMOBILE–COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ!

As a news release from Mercedes says, ” It was on 29 January 1886 that Carl Benz filed an application in Berlin for a patent on his three-wheeled motor car. Ever since, that day has been considered the official birthday of the motor car, which, in 2011, celebrates its 125th anniversary. ”

“At the same time as Benz, Gottlieb Daimler was developing the first four-wheeled motor car. In this way, working independently of each other, the founding fathers of today’s Daimler AG and its globally successful Mercedes-Benz core brand laid the foundation stone for all present-day passenger cars, commercial vehicles and buses. The company that invented the motor car has since that time gone on to shape its development more diversely and endur-ingly than any other motor vehicle manufacturer – in all relevant areas, from drive technology to comfort and safety through to design.”

  Of course, Mercedes is pointing to a long list of innovations that the company says have changed the history and design of automobiles since 125 years ago, and they point to the fact that they  have held over 80,000 patent applications since 1886, the year in which Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, respectively, unveiled their “Patent-Motorwagen” and “motorised carriage”.

A company news release says, “As the world’s first car, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen is the symbol of pioneering spirit par excellence. In its day, the exquisitely engineered three-wheeler made it clear at first sight that a new age of mobility had dawned. Daimler’s motorised carriage was the first motor car with four wheels.”

The first car to bear the Mercedes brand name was the  ”35 hp”,  at the turn of the century, which has been dubbed the first modern-day motor car. 

Mercedes-Benz officials pointed to engine technology as an example of  their drive for innovation.

“The high-speed petrol engine was, in the truest sense of the word, the “driving force” behind the invention of the motor car. The Daimler 8 hp “Phaeton”, unveiled in 1898, was the first road-going vehicle to feature a four-cylinder engine. In 1923 Benz launched the first diesel-engined truck. Another trendsetting Mercedes innovation was a diesel engine suitable for use in passenger cars, which was introduced in 1936: in the world’s first volume-produced diesel passenger car, the Mercedes-Benz 260 D,” the news release said.

Safety innovations have been a priority for Mercedes, too over the 125 year period.

“Nowhere in the world is there a manufacturer that has invested more in the development of automotive safety than Mercedes-Benz. For 70 years now, the safety experts at Mercedes have been systematically at work studying the causes of accidents, lessening their consequences and helping to avoid accidents. Mercedes’s comprehensive commitment is demonstrated by no fewer than three anniversaries in 2009: “70 years of safety development”, “50 years of the rigid passenger compartment” and “40 years of accident research,”  the news release said.

“As far as passive safety is concerned, the focus is on affording the vehicle occupants the best possible protection in the event of an accident. An example of this is the rigid passenger compartment with crumple zones, which was patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1951 and went into series production for the first time in 1959 in the 220 S and 220 SE “Fintail models”. Seat belt and airbag are further examples of innovations that were introduced into series production by Mercedes-Benz as original solutions to real-world problems.”

Mercedes officials provided a list of some of their safety milestones:

1939 – Inception of passenger-car safety development
1959 – World’s first safety body
1969 – Establishment of Mercedes-Benz accident research
1978 – Electronically controlled anti-lock braking system (ABS)
1980 – Pyrotechnic airbag, seat belt tensioner
1989 – Automatically raised roll-over bar
1995 – Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
1996 – Brake Assist (BAS)
1998 – DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control
1999 – Active Body Control (ABC), tyre pressure monitor
2002 – PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system
2003 – Active light function
2005 – DISTRONIC PLUS, Brake Assist PLUS, Night View Assist
2006 – PRE-SAFE® Brake, Intelligent Light System
2009 – Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection
2010 – Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist; LED high-performance headlamps

  Over the years, Mercedes has not only been a pioneer in technology, but the company also has been a pioneer in spearheading new market niches for automobiles. 

For example, company officials say, the SLK, which was unveiled in 1996, was the first compact premium roadster. “This was followed one year later by the M-Class, the first premium SUV, which owed its development to experience gained by Mercedes engineers in connection with all-wheel drive technology for the legendary G-Class and the Unimog. The most recent example is the CLS, which in 2004 established the segment of the four-door coupé. What is more, the sheer breadth of technical innovations to have first entered the marketplace in Mercedes models is proof that the inventor of the motor car has consistently played a leading role in all key aspects of the further development of this means of transport – from drive technology to safety and comfort through to design,” the 125th anniversary news release said.

Want to see some of Mercedes’ more historic cars?  Here’s a few of them, courtesy of Mercedes’ archives:

1900 35 horsepower

1905 American Mercedes

1910 Chain power Mercedes

1934 to 1937 Silver arrow race cars

1936 to 1937 540K

1936 260 D

1954 300 SL

1955 S220 Ponton Coupe

1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman

1982 190

1984 Mercedes W124 E Class

2011 SLS AMG

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2012 MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS

At a GlancePricing $52,690 - $53,840
Drive Types RWD, AWD
Engines 3.0l V6 T D, 3.5l V6
Transmissions A7
Fuel Economy 16-18 (city), 21-24 (highway)
Mercedes-Benz

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 4MATIC features an all-new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine (302 horsepower, 273 lb.-ft. of torque) coupled with a more fuel efficient seven speed automatic transmission. Thanks to this new powertrain the R350 4MATIC now gets significantly better fuel economy (16 city / 21 highway) while producing more power - an impressive feat, considering that increasing either power or fuel economy usually decreases the other. The R-Class is also available with a fuel-sipping BlueTEC diesel engine (210 hp, 400 lb.-ft.) that is offered in all 50 states.

New to the 2012 model year, the R-Class model line now features standard LED daytime running lights, enhancements to the interior and helpful directional lines for the standard rearview camera. A COMAND system featuring hard-drive navigation, four gigabytes of music storage, SIRIUS/HD radio, SIRIUS real-time traffic updates, Gracenote Media Database, Zagat(R) Survey restaurant guide guides and voice control now come as standard on all models.

More Fuel-Efficient Transmission

The 2012 R-Class line is equipped with a new 7-speed automatic transmission that has a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid - colored blue instead of the usual red. Together with new planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the "FE-ATF" fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage. Lower hydraulic pressure and enhanced electronic software helps provide even smoother shifting.

Details on the New V6 Engine

The new 3.5-liter V6 engine features direct fuel injection and multi-spark ignition. The V6 engine is assembled in a new block with 60-degree cylinder angles, so that a balance shaft isn't needed for smooth operation. Like its predecessor, the new engine has aluminum cylinder heads, pistons and cylinder block (with cast-in Silitec cylinders), as well as a crankshaft, connecting roads and valves made of special forged steel.

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“BABY BENZ” IS ON THE WAY

For some time now, we’ve all heard reports that Mercedes-Benz would soon be introducing a new line of compact cars that would fit unuder the current C Class and provide a broader portfolio of gas- saving vehicles for the firm as tough new federal standards approach.

Now we can all stop speculating.  It’s true and it’s coming.

The Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class is slated to  make its debut at both the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows later this month, and Mercedes says the car ”previews a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz.”

Mercedes describes the styling   of their new little one as “expressive and athletic,” and it’s powered by a new turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with  a dual clutch transmission.  It is also equipped with a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist.

    Mercedes sounds especially proud of the concept A Class’s appearance.  A news release says,  “ The aggressive appearance of the Concept A-Class, with its long hood, low silhouette and slim side windows, is given depth by the interplay between lines and surfaces. Inspiration was drawn from the wind and the waves, as well as aviation engineering.”

“The front end of the Concept A-Class immediately catches the eye with the Mercedes- Benz star logo surrounded by what looks like a star-filled sky. Where there are usually openings or louvers, the radiator grille consists of numerous metallic silver hexagons on black stems. This theme is reflected in the design of the wheels. The headlights of the Concept A-Class continue this design element with innovative full-LED high-performance headlamps repeating the starry sky motif with numerous light points. The daytime running lamps consist of 90 optical fibers with aluminum sleeves which are arranged in a wing-shape within the headlamp, the news release adds.

The front-wheel drive model is powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine from the new M270 series. It was designed for transverse installation and thanks to direct injection and turbocharging,” offers high performance together with minimal emissions and fuel consumption,” Mercedes officials say.

. The Concept A-Class is equipped with the two liter variant of the new engine, developing 210 hp. This BlueEFFICIENCY engine is mated to the new Mercedes-Benz dual clutch transmission.

As a world first in the compact class, the concept car features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, which lowers the risk of rear end collisions. This assistance system gives a visual and acoustic warning to an inattentive driver and prepares Brake Assist for a precise braking response. Braking is initiated as soon as the driver forcefully operates the brake pedal.

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The car’s dashboard is intended to have the shape of an aircraft wing, with a translucent, stretchable fabric lining. Mercedes says that allows the ”bionic, cellular structure of the dashboard” to remain visible.

The shape of the air vents in the dashboard is reminiscent of a jet aircraft. The prominent dials in the instrument cluster are in red, inspired by the afterburner of a jet engine. The center console is designed as a modern flight control panel, with the shift lever designed as a “reverse thrust control”.

A smartphone is fully integrated into the Concept A-Class. All functions are shown in the display as applications, and can be operated using the rotary/push control. The visual presentation of the display screen elements is unique, with a deep, three-dimensional appearance created by laser-like magenta-colored lines.

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SPY MERCEDES BENZ SL 63 AMG PICTURES

Here are the spy pictures of Mercedes Benz SL 63 AMG It is expected to be launched in 2012 & may be in 2013. This vehicle called as super roadster. Big legend Mercedes Mono is present in the front grill.

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VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES LAUNCHES THE 2009 MP4-24

I spent a couple of teenage summers working at a camp where, every August, the director would announce his retirement. And every year, he'd be back... until one year he wasn't, and everyone was surprised. Meanwhile, the motorsport press has speculated on the retirement of McLaren team principal Ron Dennis for years now, but every year he'd be back on the pit lane wall. Now Ron's actually moving on, and this is the last car designed and produced under his direction.

It's called the MP4-24, and like those of McLaren's competitors -- including the recently-launched Ferrari F60 and Toyota TF109 -- the new car has to conform to the revised regulations. That means a bigger front wing and a smaller rear one with fewer little aero bits in between. Underneath is McLaren's KERS regenerative braking system, and the ECU which the team is now supplying to the entire grid. The MP4-24, which carries on the same chrome and Vodafone-red livery as last year's, was unveiled at the team's ultra-high-tech headquarters in Woking, England, after which the team's test driver Pedro de la Rosa took it for its first laps at the newly constructed Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. McLaren's reigning champion Lewis Hamilton and his Finnish team-mate Heikki Kovalainen will take over from de la Rosa in the coming days, when several of the other teams will begin testing as well in the ramp-up to the Australian Grand Prix which kicks off the season on March 29

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BABY MCLAREN TO TAKE ON 911

We've been hearing about McLaren's future product onslaught for almost a year, and in addition to the F430-rivaling P11 supercar, the bespoke automaker is planning a 911-fighter to slot in underneath it. AutoExpress tapped a design firm to render the new coupe and although it comes off as a botched attempt to replicate the Audi R8 – right down to the wheels – it could give us a glimpse of what to expect.

McLaren wants to increase its output by several thousand units over the next five years and the new "entry-level" supercar is where it expects to find the sales. In an effort to reduce costs, the mid-engine coupe will be based off the P11's rear-wheel-drive chassis, with motivation provided by AMG's 6.2-liter V8. Keeping size and weight in check are two of McLaren's primarily goals, so expect a footprint smaller than the R8, a composite body and plenty of aluminum. Early speculation says that around 450 hp will be transmitted to a semi-automatic gearbox (controlled with paddle shifters), with a curb weight of around 2,800 pounds. That should allow the new coupe to scoot to 60 in around 4.5 seconds and top out at 195 mph before you have to deploy the standard carbon ceramic brakes. Pricing is expected to be around £80,000 with sales beginning sometime before 2012.

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