Archive for December 2010

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PREVIEW: Mercedes-Benz 2011 Agenda


In 2011, Mercedes-Benz will celebrate the birth of the first automobile, the Benz Patent Motor Car. Throughout the entire year, the German luxury car manufacturer will be organising specially dedicated events: the first of the series - the ceremony held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart on January, 29th, the exact day when Carl Benz was awarded the Patent No. 37435 for his motorised three-wheeler back in 1886. Obviously, we eagerly await for a long list of Three-Pointed Star notable premieres - the new SLK-Klasse (R 172 generation), the new C-Klasse Coupe (codename:C 204), the new M-Klasse (W 166 generation), the new SLS AMG Cabriolet, the new C 63 AMG models for 2011 (Limousine, T-Modell and Coupe + Black Series) and the new B-Klasse.

Read more about each and every novelty after pressing the jump button!




The New Mercedes-Benz SLK-Klasse (R 172 generation)
The smaller brother of the SL will embrace, as previously anticipated, a very SLS-esque design, both inside and outside. The dashboard will be a reinterpretation of the one installed on the Mercedes-Benz supercar;the most accentuated influence will be seen on the exterior of the new SLK, where the headlights and the impressive grille tell the SLS AMG story at a lower scale. An extensive array of new technologies will make their onto the new roadster: the MAGIC SKY CONTROL, the efficient MoVe engines, the COMAND Online infotainment system, PRE-SAFE & Co. are top of the line. The reveal is set for January 29th, 2011, while the public premiere takes place in March, at Geneva.

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The new Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupe (C 204 generation)
A world's first for the C-Klasse lineup, the 2-door version will bring along with it the axing of the floppy CLC. The improved looks and technology of the C-Klasse Facelift will be part of the Coupe variant as well. Official unveiling: Geneva Motor Show.


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The new Mercedes-Benz M-Klasse (W 166 generation)
The ML paved the way to SUVs when it was launched in 1997, and now, with the third generation on the pipe, the story goes on. The new 4x4 model from Stuttgart will feature a powerful design, a more practical interior and advanced dynamics and off-road systems and solutions. The M-Klasse is programmed to bow in mid next year.


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The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Cabriolet
Two years after the Gullwing, Mercedes-Benz will launch the Cabriolet version of the SLS AMG in September, at the prestigious IAA in Frankfurt. Soft top to keep weight low, the same, juicy, 571 hp V8 powerplant, the unique, iconic, elegant design lines and the undetered sports car feeling - this is the package of the new SLS Cabrio.


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The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG models for 2011
In the course of the next year, Mercedes-AMG will release "doped" versions for the updated C-Klasse range. The Limousine, T-Modell and Coupe will receive the tuning procedure. A Black Series model might also be in the works. While the standard AMGs will still use the current aspirated V8 unit, the uber-sport Black Series is tipped to receive the new biturbo V8 engine and several, important tweaks to enhance dynamics.


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The new Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse
The second generation of the compact sports tourer will be the spark for a comprehensive lineup of new small/compact Mercedes-Benz models. The forthcoming B-Klasse will be bigger, smoother, roomier, more efficient and more modular. The innovative Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture will be premiered on the new MPV, expected to hit the stage of the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.


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Anniversary: 3 years of Mercedes-Benz-Blog


Another year flew away rapidly and Mercedes-Benz-Blog arrived at the third year milestone of its existence. When the story began back in 2007, on December 31st, nobody behind this weblog knew what lay ahead in the future and whether this project will be a successful one. The time that we spent together with our fans and visitors in these three years was highly valuable and shed light on the continuous growth path we embarked on. Nevertheless, the ambitious plan to offer the online public the most attractive Mercedes-Benz news source soon met the initial expectances and it started slowly, but surely to surpass those. 2010 was by far the richest period for Mercedes-Benz-Blog since the dawn of it three years ago. More and more people chose our weblog as their prime Mercedes-Benz information choice. We have reached a daily average of around 1,400 - 1,500 unique visitors. Moreover, to offer everyone a complete internet experience, we redesigned both the Mercedes-Benz-Blog and the Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA websites to make them more attractive, in addition to establishing a strong connection with our fans throughout the official pages on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Google. All in all, it was a very productive year for us.

We are confident about our mission. We are sure Mercedes-Benz-Blog will become even stronger and better in the future. And we are sure this task could not be accomplished without you, our devoted readers.

Thank you very much for your unending support!Have a wonderful new year - See you in 2011!

P.S.: Hit the jump button and read the official inside stats of Mercedes-Benz-Blog!



1. Traffic Statistics

a. Total Visits ~ 750,290
b. Average Visits per Day ~ 1,450
c. Total Pageviews ~ 1,451,150
d. Average Pageviews per Day ~ 2,900


2. Posts

a. Total No. of Posts in 2010 - 1,081 compared to 689 in 2009 and 1,046 in 2008

b. Most Popular All Time Posts
1 - PREVIEW:2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Gullwing Hybrid ~ 46,667 Pageviews
2 - Upcoming Mercedes-Benz models >> C-Klasse Coupe & mini-SLS AMG ~ 5,252 Pageviews
3 - LEAKED: The New Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Facelift >> First unofficial images surface ~ 3,839 Pageviews
4 - Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA: History of the E-Class - PART VIII ~ 3,714 Pageviews
5 - Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA: 300 SEL AMG - 6.3 & 6.8 ~ 3,267 Pageviews
6 - 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse - Renderings + Further Info ~ 2,646 Pageviews
7 - Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA: History of the E-Class - PART VII ~ 1,780 Pageviews
8 - PREVIEW - The upcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse model lineup ~ 864 Pageviews
9 - SPY - 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ~ 723 Pageviews
10 - Illustration - 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse ~ 380 Pageviews


3. Traffic Sources (per week)

a. Referring Sites
1 - www.google.com ~ 2,587
2 - www.google.de ~ 1,467
3 - www.google.com.tr ~ 345
4 - www.google.fr ~ 272
5 - www.google.co.uk ~ 258
6 - www.google.co.in ~ 247
7 - www.google.ca ~ 219
8 - www.google.nl ~ 215
9 - images.search.yahoo.com ~ 210
10 - www.bing.com ~ 114


b. Search keywords
1 - c klasse 2011 ~ 90
2 - mercedes 2012 ~ 79
3 - mercedes blog ~ 76
4 - mercedes benz blog ~ 71
5 - 2012 mercedes ~ 67
6 - 2012 mercedes benz ~ 32
7 - mercedes benz c klasse 2011 ~ 29
8 - mercedes benz 2012 ~ 26
9 - mercedes c klasse 2011 ~ 23
10 - mercedes benz a klasse 2012 ~ 21


4. Blog Audience (per week)

a. Top 10 Countries
1 - United States ~ 2,358
2 - Germany ~ 1,993
3 - Turkey ~ 558
4 - United Kingdom ~ 503
5 - Netherlands ~ 342
6 - Canada ~ 332
7 - France ~ 308
8 - India ~ 272
9 - Romania ~ 226
10 - Poland ~ 212


b. Top 10 Internet Browsers
1 - Internet Explorer ~ 7,529 (43%)
2 - Firefox ~ 5,010 (28%)
3 - Chrome ~ 2,490 (14%)
4 - Safari ~ 1,631 (9%)
5 - Opera ~ 538 (3%)
6 - UniversalFeedParser ~ 29 (<1%)
7 - Mobile ~ 27 (<1%)
8 - FlipboardBrowserProxy ~ 22 (<1%)
9 - RockMelt ~ 16 (<1%)
10 - MindQuizSearchToolbar ~ 8 (<1%)


c. Top 10 OS
1 - Windows ~ 15,252 (87%)
2 - Macintosh ~ 1,239 (7%)
3 - iPad ~ 315 (1%)
4 - iPhone ~ 253 (1%)
5 - Other Unix ~ 109 (<1%)
6 - BlackBerry ~ 63 (<1%)
7 - Linux ~ 55 (<1%)
8 - iPod ~ 26 (<1%)
9 - Nintendo Wii ~ 13 (<1%)
10 - X27 ~ 12 (<1%)


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The new SLK-Klasse: further news


New information regarding the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz SLK-Klasse have recently surfaced. We learn that the new roadster from Stuttgart will be officially introduced at the special ceremony programmed for January 29, 2011 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum to celebrate the birth of the first motor car and the 125th anniversary of the Three-Pointed Star carmaker. Sticking to the SLK, clients will be able to hand orders beginning with 17th January, with the showroom debut scheduled for 26th March. At the start of sales, a choice of three engines will be available. The entry-level model will be the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY with 184 hp (€ 38,650 base price), followed by the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY with 204 hp (€ 44,200 base price). The high-end version, the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY (€ 52,200 base price), will be powered by the new BlueDIRECT, direct-injection, petrol V6 engine producing 306 hp. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS gearbox will be standard on the top SLK variant and offered as an option for the other two models, which will feature a 6-speed manual transmission. ECO start/stop function will be available across the entire lineup. The new SLK 55 AMG will be premiered at Frankfurt in September 2011 and is bound to use the 5.5 liters biturbo V8 unit, tuned to deliver 422 hp. At the start of sales, Mercedes-Benz will launch the SLK Edition 1, offered in designo matte grey paint finish and fitted with a special package of high-end equipments. The new SLK also incorporates a comprehensive list of intelligent safety, assistance and infotainment technologies (offered as standard or as option depending on the version): PRE-SAFE accident anticipatory system, PRE-SAFE Brake, DISTRONIC Plus, BAS Plus, Intelligent Lighting System with Adaptive Light function, AIRGUIDE draft stop solution, AIRSCARF, MAGIC SKY CONTROL panorama roof, COMAND Online with internet access, adaptive sports suspension, direct steering and many more eye-catching choices.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog



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Early Scoop: the new-generation C 63 AMG uncovered


In the last period, Mercedes-Benz has experienced serious difficulties in keeping the details and images concerning several upcoming models private until the time they are officially premiered. After we've seen the new SLK and the 2011 C-Klasse a bit earlier than planned, it's now the turn of the forthcoming C 63 AMG to show off its sporty looks. EVOCARS German car magazine managed to grab the first shots depicting it and the first impression is a good one. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG boasts a powerful front fascia sporting the new LED headlights, the aggressively-styled bumper and the classy single-louvre radiator grille. Other attractive appointments worth mentioning are the huge-diameter multi-spoke wheels, the rear diffuser and the ferocious quad exhausts. The dashboard receives the authentic AMG signature throughout the famous flat-bottom steering wheel and with the extensive use of high-grade leather upholstery and fine carbon fiber, aluminium or piano lacquer wood trims. It appears that engineers of the Affalterbach-based company will fit the same 6.2 liters V8 under the bonnet of the Limousine and T-Modell variants of the C 63 AMG, the new twin-turbo V8 being kept specially for the Coupe and the Black Series version of it. However, there's still something new in this scheme: power will be sent to the rear wheels with the help of the new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT gearbox. Expect the new spiced-up C-Klasse to bow early next year, with the public unveiling scheduled probably for the Geneva Motor Show.



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RUMOR: Aston Martin linked to the next generation Maybach models?


It appears that Daimler AG and Aston Martin are currently in talks to establish a partnership for designing and engineering the future models under the Maybach brand. Although the first generation of the new Maybach hasn't managed to attract a large number of customers the way Rolls-Royce or Bentley have done, Mercedes-Benz officials have decided to offer the old, refined, luxury car manufacturer a second chance for a better life. The new models will be released after the launch of the W 222 generation S-Klasse in late 2012, which means beginning with 2013. Several new versions along the standard LWB and SWB bodies, such as a coupe, a cabriolet and a four-dour coupe, could be introduced. Moreover, there are serious plans to shape a completely new, unique identity for the future Maybach, having in mind the recurrent, acid critics that the current model is just a longer, more luxurious and partially redesigned S-Klasse. By the time this article was written, neither Mercedes-Benz nor Aston Martin have confirmed the rumors about this possible collaboration.


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New chapter in a success story from March 2011: The new-generation C-Class


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 23, 2010

- Energetic: new, dynamic appearance inside and out
- Extended: ten new assistance systems for more safety
- Efficient: new engines with up to 31 percent lower fuel consumption
- Experience: new generation of telematics with internet access
- Successful: more than one million units of the current series sold since March 2007

The new C-Class to be launched in spring 2011 is a comprehensive modernisation. The front and rear sections of this bestselling model have a more striking design. Together with the optional, high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior. Fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 31 percent. Efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function. Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control are now available for this model series. The new-generation telematics include internet access and a 3D navigation display with plastic city views.



"In terms of drive and protection systems the new-generation C-Class offers the same comfort and safety as our luxury models. And with numerous high-grade features in the interior that remind one of the new CLS, the C-Class sets completely new standards in its segment with respect to perceived value and quality," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Sales & Marketing Director at Mercedes-Benz Cars. This interior modernisation is supplemented with a new telematics generation that not only includes completely redesigned displays, but also makes onboard internet access available.
A total of more than 2000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. Both the Saloon and Estate versions can be ordered from 10 January 2011. The European market launch will take place from March 2011. In addition to the standard appointments – which now include a leather steering wheel – the two design and equipment lines ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are the basis for the individualisation programme of the C-Class. The two lines are now even more readily distinguishable from each other.

The C-Class is the highest-selling model series, and therefore of particular importance for Mercedes-Benz. The current series has found well over one million buyers worldwide since its launch in March 2007. Since the introduction of the first C-Class in 1982 (then known as the model 190), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles in total in this segment. In 2010 too, the C-Class has repeatedly won top places in the registration statistics.

Dynamic, resolute, self-assured: the exterior

The front bumper has a more expressive and dynamic contours, the front section being brought closer to the brand's new design idiom. This starts with a more prominent radiator grille surround. The central air intake opens out upwards in a V-shape, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille. Pronounced side sections extend from the sporty V-shape at the centre of the bumper. Continuing beneath the headlamps, these sections blend into the feature lines along the vehicle flanks, linking the front section with the sides. The side air inlets in the bumper are positioned low down, giving the car a more road-hugging appearance.

The Saloon and Estate now have a new aluminium bonnet, which contributes to weight reduction and therefore fuel efficiency. Its contour in the area of the headlamps and radiator grille emphasises the V-shape of the front section more heavily than before. In conjunction with the newly designed headlamps, this gives the front section a more resolute impression.

The shape of the clear-lens headlamps has been modified to create a more dynamic and resolute impression, and to act together with the bonnet, radiator grille and bumper to emphasise the V-shape of the front section. This impression is reinforced by both the exterior form of the headlamps and the interior of the housings. The headlamps show their modernity by precision and an interplay between matt and high-sheen areas. The halogen headlamps are arranged in the classic way, with low beam on the outside, high beam on the inside and the indicators neatly arranged in the outer corner formed with the front wing.

If the optional bi-xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) are specified, the impression of depth is reinforced by a row of lighting modules. A position light with a distinctive C-shape emphasises the night design. Behind it is a cornering light extending to the main headlamp module on the outside. All three levels are connected by a transverse strip extending through the complete headlamp interior with dark contrasts, shiny areas and matt areas. A visual base in the lower section of the headlamp is formed by a horizontal broadband LED indicator unit. The horizontal LED daytime running lamps in the bumper also make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.

In the case of the rear bumper, the light-catching contours and dividing lines have been modified to emphasise the width of the Saloon and Estate even more strongly. This change is particularly obvious in the more steeply rising course of the side light-catching contours towards the tail lights. A continuous light-catching contour at the upper end of the rear bumper extends into the flanks to connect the rear end with the sides to emphasise the sporty character of the rear aspect. In the facelifted model, the tail lights are even more neatly integrated into the rear section by a continuous covering lens. The characteristic surface meander is now on the inside of the light, and reminiscent of preceding model series. The particular impression of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in front of the red upper and lower light bands with their more deeply set LEDs. The tail lights have a particularly high recognition factor in the dark.

The aerodynamics of the C-Class are the mark of the bodyshell's efficiency. With a Cd figure of 0.26 it not only sets the benchmark in its class, but also glides through the wind better than most compact cars with its drag area of Cd x A = 0.57 sq. m.

Sporty, high-quality interior

The main focus of the design work in the interior was on restyling the dashboard with its integrated screen and new surface grain. The touch surfaces of the controls are now also more finely detailed and galvanised. A stepped extension to the instrument cluster now also accommodates the central display. The instrument cluster and a discreet light-catching contour continue into the front passenger side. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanised trim.

The large section of trim is an important part of the newly designed dashboard. This extends from the centre air vents across the front passenger side to the outer air vent, while the lower edge of the upper dashboard section continues into the beltlines of the door panels with a new surface grain.

The control panel of the new-generation communication and information unit has keys with high-gloss surface inserts. The combination of keys, high-gloss areas and a new knurled wheel design accentuates the higher perceived value of the interior. In conjunction with the new telematics generation, the facelifted C-Class is also available with an optional, high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster.

The premium character of the interior is underlined by the new-generation steering wheel, which was introduced with the new CLS and is now available in the sporty AVANTGARDE line for the C-Class. The steering wheel with its chromed central spoke stylishly accentuates the sporty atmosphere in the C‑Class.

The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines are more readily distinguishable from each other. This has been partly achieved by new trim in matt ash wood or walnut (ELEGANCE), or dark aluminium or black ash wood (AVANTGARDE). Stand features in the ELEGANCE line include luxury head restraints whose side bolsters can be adjusted as required.

More power, lower consumption: the engines

A reduction of up to 31 percent has been achieved in fuel consumption. All the rear-wheel drive C-Class models are equipped with the ECO start/stop function as standard. All the engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units, showing that they are particularly efficient and environmentally compatible in their use of fuel. In future all automatic versions with the exception of the C 300 CDI 4MATIC will feature the further-developed 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission (introduction in the C 250 CDI 4MATIC in June 2011). In addition, the overall ratio of all new powertrain variants has been optimised for fuel economy.

All the petrol engines in the model series have direct injection. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. The quantum leap in efficiency is particularly well illustrated by the six-cylinder unit: Power has increased considerably, the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY delivering 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm (previously 215 kW/292 hp and 365 Nm). Fuel consumption has been significantly reduced, however: the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY has a mean consumption of 6.8 litres per 100 km – 1.5 litres or 31 percent less than the preceding C 350 model. [1]

The four-cylinder petrol engines, which made a great evolutionary leap forward in 2009 and all feature direct injection and turbocharging, excel with high performance and exemplary economy.

All C-Class petrol models at a glance [2]

The most economical model in the Mercedes C-Class has also become even more frugal: the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the manual six-speed transmission and the standard ECO start/stop function has a mean diesel consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km – 0.4 litres less than before. This corresponds to 117 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In conjunction with the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function included as standard, the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY both deliver top-class figures with a combined diesel consumption of just 4.8 litres per 100 km. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 125 grams per kilometre.

All C-Class diesel models at a glance [2]

Warning and intervening: the new driving assistance systems

With a total of ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, the C-Class reaches a new level in safety. The assistance systems are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology, and cover frequent accident causes such as driving too closely, fatigue and darkness. The new assistance systems, some of which only warn and some which actively intervene in hazardous situations, at a glance:

- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST
- DISTRONIC PLUS
- Speed Limit Assist
- Parking guidance including PARKTRONIC
- PRE-SAFE® Brake
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Assist

More operating comfort, better connectivity: new-generation telematics

The new C-Class also sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be gradually introduced in other model series. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, telephone directory transfer, display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a USB interface now accommodated in the centre armrest.

The multimedia system COMAND Online now provides internet access for the first time. When the car is stationary, customers are able to browse freely or surf to a Mercedes-Benz Online service whose pages load particularly rapidly and are also easy to use while on the move. The integrated services include weather information and a special destination search via Google, as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps and sent to the car. The navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with plastic city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation.

As a first in the C-Class, the Becker® MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.

[1] Figures for Saloon
[2] Figures for Saloon; model range in Germany, this may vary from country to country


















































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