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REPORT: Mercedes-Benz to become world's second premium carmaker by 2015

By | Published Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, wants the German automotive constructor to become the first worldwide premium carmaker by 2020, according to their comprehensive growth strategy. The gradual climb to the summit will encounter a successful checkpoint in 2015, when the Stuttgart-based firm is expected to come second in the official rankings.

This latest statement on the near outcome of Mercedes-Benz results from the analysis of The Center of Automotive Research at Duisburg-Essen University. To put it straight, the Star brand will no longer occupy the current 3rd place and, during 2015, will overpass the Ingolstadt opponent, Audi, by approximately 500,000 units sold per year, which means a total of 1.68 million cars compared to 1.63 million vehicles.

The substantial expansion of the sale volumes will be possible as Mercedes-Benz will introduce in their portfolio no less than 10 brand new models up to 2015, which help the Germans cover each niche of the market. Furthermore, the strategic alliance with Renault and the development of new, innovative and environmentally friendly technologies in all areas, as well as the minute attention for ensuring high-class quality products, will increase Merc's chances for a decisive victory in the competition with Audi and BMW, that currently holds the crown in the premium segment.

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID: The world's most economical luxury-class model

By | Published Tuesday, 6 March 2012

The new E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is all set for its market launch with record efficiency values of 4.2 l diesel/100 km and 109 g CO2/km, accompanied by increased torque and power output. Its modular hybrid concept with lithium-ion battery does not impose any compromises on space and offers an impressive driving experience thanks to start/stop, recuperation, boost effect, all-electric driving and sailing. The new model is available as a saloon and an estate. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the world's most fuel-efficient model in the luxury segment.


Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in its brand's core segment and at the same time setting new standards for luxury-class business vehicles: the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which is available as a saloon and an estate, boasts truly impressive performance. The 4-cylinder diesel engine of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is rated at 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm. The diesel engine combines with an electric motor rated at 20 kW and 250 Nm to produce a harmonious overall concept.

"The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID represents the continuation of our comprehensive hybrid offensive. The modular technology paves the way for us to quickly introduce hybrid models to complement other model series," explains Professor Thomas Weber, Daimler Board Member for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "By clearly focussing on the different requirements of the global markets, we are able to offer precisely the models that our customers want."

The new model does not force passengers to compromise in terms of spaciousness, either in the interior or in the luggage compartment. The intelligent, modular hybrid concept represents a comprehensive enhancement of the S 400 HYBRID – the clear market leader in its segment: no body modifications are necessary, the hybrid module is flexible and also suitable for deployment in other model series. All this comes at only a moderate price increase of € 3570. In Germany the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID costs € 51,794.75 as a saloon, while the estate model retails at € 55,007.75 (in each case incl. 19% VAT). Both models are to be launched in June 2012.

The philosophy: enhanced efficiency without compromising on comfort or benefits

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID forms part of the brand's intelligent downsizing strategy, which involves making conventional models far more efficient than previously – without sacrificing driveability or comfort.Here the in-house engineers have their sights set on exemplary consumption figures in everyday traffic rather than on standard or NEDC combined consumption, for instance. The familiar "Real Life Safety" philosophy, which focuses on safety benefits under real-life conditions rather than standardised crash-test results, is augmented by "Real Life Efficiency".

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is based on the notoriously economical E 250 CDI, yet has a higher output and 15 percent lower fuel consumption.Overview of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID:
On the road, therefore, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is easily a match for the E 300 CDI (170 kW/540 Nm), yet it boasts around 35-percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.In terms of vehicle weight, too, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is on a par with the E 300 CDI.

At the same time, hybridisation enhances ride comfort:the car starts and moves off in virtual silence, while the hybrid module also damps any internal combustion engine vibrations. What's more, complete climate control is available even in start/stop mode.

Coasting along the motorway

Mercedes-Benz hybrid technology offers a wealth of extra functions that enhance both comfort and efficiency as well as helping to deliver a special driving experience underpinned by accomplished sportiness:

- When the car is stationary - ECO start/stop: the internal combustion engine switches off when coasting at speeds up to 160 km/h, since ancillaries such as the steering, brakes and refrigerant compressor operate electrically. It is restarted quickly, smoothly and virtually silently.

- Manoeuvring: in most cases, the car uses electric power alone for manoeuvring and parking.

- Accelerating: electrical power alone is used for moving off and driving under low load. Acceleration from standstill is particularly powerful, since the electric motor's full torque of up to 250 Nm is available instantaneously.

- Boost function: the electric motor supports the combustion engine during acceleration, e.g. in the course of overtaking.

- Cruising: when the car is being driven at a constant speed, the engine control unit shifts the operating points towards exceptionally low specific fuel consumption levels.

- Sailing "sailing", as it has come to be known, is possible at speeds below 160 km/h. The combustion engine shuts down and the desired speed is maintained by the electric‑motor alone until the battery needs recharging.

- Kinetic energy recuperation when coasting or braking: when the car is coasting (decelerating), the electric motor acts as a generator. When the brake pedal is pressed, the generator output is initially increased proportionally for greater deceleration. Only when increased brake pressure is applied are the wheel brakes additionally deployed.

- Information: an additional savings effect arises after a relatively short period of time, as drivers come to apply the above-stated functions in an increasingly more purposeful and effective manner. They are supported here by the display concept in the hybrid models – the central display provides information on the current energy flow and the charge status of the battery.

The hybrid module: a compact and intelligently integrated powerhouse

The hybrid drive unit is a further development of the module from the S 400 HYBRID and is based on the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.Distinguishing features include the omission of the hydraulic torque converter and the addition of a wet clutch of the kind also found in the high-performance AMG models. Consequently, the electric motor can be integrated in the transmission unit in such a way that it takes up only marginally more space than the 7G-TRONIC (+65 mm). The omission of the converter allows all-electric motoring as well as "sailing", thus significantly boosting the potential to reduce fuel consumption.

The compact electric motor, which is installed in space-saving configuration in the clutch housing between engine and transmission, is a 3‑phase AC internal rotor magneto motor which generates a maximum output of 20 kW and peak torque of 250 Newton metres at an operating voltage of 120 volts.

The components: perfectly integrated into the vehicle

The hybrid drive's electrical energy is provided by the high-voltage lithium-ion battery specially developed for use in vehicles.Its key characteristics include an output of 19 kW and an energy content of 0.8 kWh, allowing the E-Class to run on electric power alone at up to 35 km/h and for up to one kilometre. Space-saving installation of the drive in the engine compartment in place of the conventional starter battery means that the generous interior dimensions and the luggage compartment capacity remain unchanged. In addition to serving as an energy accumulator for the electric motor, the lithium-ion battery is also connected via the voltage converter to the 12V on-board electrical system, which supplies power to standard power-consuming devices such as the headlamps and the comfort features.

Sophisticated packaging means that numerous hybrid-specific components such as the high-performance electronics in the engine compartment can be integrated directly with the internal combustion engine, thus neatly rounding off the modularity concept:the hybrid models can be produced on the same assembly line as their conventional counterparts without needing to be diverted elsewhere. Another advantage of the overall concept is the scalability and compatibility with other vehicles and engines.

Safety: on a par with previous models

Intelligent integration of the hybrid systems without the need for changes to the body has the practical benefit of not restricting spaciousness in any way as well as ensuring that all hybrid models boast exactly the same high level of safety as their counterparts with an internal combustion engine – a very important aspect for Mercedes-Benz. Accident behaviour has been successfully tested crash simulations and tests.





















Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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World premiere in Geneva - smart BRABUS electric drive: Electric drive reloaded

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The smart BRABUS electric drive that will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show (8 – 18 March 2012) shows what the sporty version of the smart fortwo electric drive will look like. It will be available from smart centers in 12 countries from the end of this year. In addition to modifications to the exterior and interior styling, its drive has been designed for particularly dynamic and powerful acceleration. Aerodynamic body styling parts, BRABUS sports suspension and BRABUS Monoblock 16/17 inch alloy wheels add to the sporty appeal.


Zero local emissions yet maximum driving fun: the smart BRABUS electric drive proves that cutting edge urban mobility can be combined with lively agility and a sporty look. The electric motor is based on the state-of-the-art drive technology of the new smart fortwo electric drive with output of 60 instead of 55 kW. The smart BRABUS electric drive delivers maximum torque of 135 instead of 130 Nm, which means that it is almost always the fastest to pull away at traffic lights. The new BRABUS sports suspension makes a decisive contribution to driving fun by bringing the vehicle approximately ten millimetres closer to the asphalt. The sporty character is accompanied by special BRABUS sound to match, generated by a sound module.

The smart BRABUS electric drive comes with a BRABUS sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift as a standard feature. The recuperation can be regulated with the help of the shift paddles. And to ensure minimum interruptions to the fun behind the wheel a quick charging function is available as an option. The 22 kW charger enables a completely empty battery to be fully charged in less than an hour.

The smart BRABUS electric drive has a dynamic look that also signals environmental friendliness: the tridion safety cell and door mirror caps are painted in electric green whilst black dominates on all other body parts – even the front grille. Dark BRABUS headlamps, BRABUS "Monoblock VII" alloy wheels measuring 16" at the front and 17" at the rear, and BRABUS Xclusive aerodynamic body styling parts (a front spoiler and a special rear apron insert with double reflectors) round off the sporty look.

In the interior accent trim parts and contrast components also come in electric green. Numerous BRABUS Xclusive components, including the instrument panel and interior door trim in leather look, leather seats, stainless steel sports pedals with rubber nubs, BRABUS hand-brake handle and BRABUS dashboard instruments (cockpit clock and rev counter) convey a subtly dynamic look.

Sporty smarts are called BRABUS – and have been for ten years already. In 2002 smart and the tuning specialist BRABUS from Bottrop founded a joint company. As early as 2003 the first premium models developed by the joint venture smart-BRABUS GmbH were introduced on the market. The smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme has also been received very well by smart fans. With paint finishes in thousands of different colours, leather in 30 basic colours and exclusive design variants, six cabrio soft top colours and the extensive smart-BRABUS accessories
portfolio it enables creative customers to configure a smart in line with their own personal wishes.
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH *

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Even more zero-emission fun on two wheels - World premiere in Geneva: smart BRABUS ebike

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The two-wheel success story from smart is picking up speed. Just a few weeks before orders for the smart ebike start at the end of April, the company will present its vision for a particularly sporty variant at the International Motor Show in Geneva (8 - 18 March 2012). The near-series smart BRABUS ebike study can reach a speed of up to 45 km/h and offers a further enjoyable way of getting around the city and countryside without producing any emissions.


With more style, more power and more exclusiveness this two-wheeler boasts virtues typical of BRABUS. It has a dynamic look with the frame and fork in matt black and components such as quick release skewers, pedals and brake callipers in anodised green providing a striking contrast. The saddle and grips come in green leather. A four-piston brake system is fitted on the front wheel. The matt black four-spoke wheels are made of carbon. Further components that distinguish the smart BRABUS ebike from the smart ebike are Sport Contact tyres, weight-optimised cranks and pedals and the carbon seatpost.

With 500 watts the electric motor is twice as powerful as the motor on the smart ebike. At the same time it was possible to reduce the weight of the ebike by more than ten percent. This makes for agile performance: the two-wheeler that is liable to registration has a top speed of 45 km/h. The rider decides how much assistance to their muscle power they would like from the electric motor with the throttle grip. There is a choice of four power levels with the fourth and highest level providing maximum pushing power. The production version of the smart BRABUS ebike is expected to be available from dealers from the end of 2012.

Sporty smarts are called BRABUS – and have been for ten years already. In 2002 smart and the tuning specialist BRABUS from Bottrop founded a joint company. As early as 2003 the first premium models developed by the joint venture smart-BRABUS GmbH were introduced on the market.

The smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme has also been very well received by smart fans. With paint finishes in thousands of different colours, leather in 30 basic colours and exclusive design variants, six cabrio soft top colours and the extensive smart-BRABUS accessories portfolio it enables creative customers to configure a smart in line with their own personal wishes.
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH *

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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World premiere in Geneva: smart BRABUS electric drive and smart BRABUS ebike - Electric upgrade

By | Published Thursday, 1 March 2012

For 10 years already smart BRABUS has stood for dynamism and sportiness. Since 2002 the company founded by smart and the tuning specialist BRABUS from Bottrop have brought top versions of the popular car brand to the market. At the Geneva Motor Show the BRABUS versions of the smart fortwo electric drive and the smart ebike will show what these look like in the era of electric mobility. The dynamic character of both models is not only expressed in their appearance, but also in enhanced performance.


"The smart BRABUS electric drive is our sports car with a green heart", says smart boss Dr. Annette Winkler. "Electric driving in the city is more fun than ever with this 2.69 metre short bundle of power.

"The smart BRABUS electric drive will be available from smart centers in 12 countries from the end of this year. In addition to modifications to the exterior and interior styling, its drive has been designed for particularly dynamic and powerful acceleration. Aerodynamic body styling parts, BRABUS sports suspension and BRABUS Monoblock 16/17 inch alloy wheels add to the sporty appeal.

At the same time the near-series study of the smart BRABUS ebike is celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. The two-wheeler can reach a speed of up to 45 km/h and offers a further enjoyable way of getting around the city and countryside. The production version of the smart BRABUS ebike is expected to be available from dealers from the end of 2012.

"Like all smart BRABUS vehicles these two new models follow our philosophy of more style, more power and more exclusiveness", says Bodo Buschmann, CEO of the Bottrop customiser BRABUS. "In addition to classic BRABUS customers they also appeal to smart electric drive customers who attach importance to environmental friendliness and also want even more sportiness and exclusiveness. Or to put it another way: we give the sporty soul a green heart."

Dynamic and powerful acceleration: the smart BRABUS electric drive

Zero local emissions but maximum driving fun: the smart BRABUS electric drive proves that cutting-edge urban mobility can be combined with lively agility and a sporty look. The electric motor is based on the state-of-the-art drive technology of the new smart fortwo electric drive and has an output of 60 kW. The smart BRABUS electric drive delivers maximum torque of 135 Nm, which means that it almost always wins when pulling away at the traffic lights. The new BRABUS sports suspension makes a decisive contribution to driving fun by bringing the vehicle approximately ten millimetres closer to the asphalt. The sporty character is accompanied by a special BRABUS sound to match, generated by a sound module. The smart BRABUS electric drive comes with a BRABUS sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift as a standard feature. Recuperation can be regulated with the help of the shift paddles.

The smart BRABUS electric drive has a dynamic look that also signals environmental friendliness: the tridion safety cell and door mirror caps are painted in electric green whilst black dominates on all other body parts – even the front grille. Dark BRABUS headlamps, BRABUS "Monoblock VII" alloy wheels measuring 16" at the front and 17" at the rear, and BRABUS Xclusive aerodynamic body styling parts (a front spoiler and a special rear apron insert with double reflectors) round off the sporty look.

In the interior accent trim parts and contrast components also come in electric green. Numerous BRABUS Xclusive components, including the instrument panel and interior door trim in leather look, leather seats, stainless steel sports pedals with rubber nubs, BRABUS hand-brake handle and BRABUS dashboard instruments (cockpit clock and rev counter) lend the interior a dynamic and exclusive look.

Max. speed up to 45 km/h: the smart BRABUS ebike

The smart BRABUS ebike has the features typical of BRABUS - more style, more power and more exclusiveness. It has a dynamic look with the frame and fork in matt black and components such as quick release skewers, pedals and brake callipers in anodised green providing a striking contrast. The saddle and grips come in green leather. A four-piston brake system is fitted on the front wheel. The matt black four-spoke wheels are made of carbon. Further components that distinguish the smart BRABUS ebike from the smart ebike are Sport Contact tyres, weight-optimised cranks and pedals and the carbon seatpost.

With 500 watts the electric motor is twice as powerful as that on the smart ebike. At the same time it was possible to reduce the weight of the ebike by more than ten percent. This makes for agile performance: the two-wheeler that is liable to registration has a top speed of 45 km/h. The rider decides how much assistance to his muscle power he would like from the electric motor with the throttle grip. There is a choice of four power levels with the fourth and highest level providing maximum pushing power.

Successful joint venture: smart BRABUS GmbH

Sporty smarts are called BRABUS – and have been for ten years already. In 2002 smart and the tuning specialist BRABUS from Bottrop founded a joint company. As early as 2003 the first premium models developed by the joint venture smart BRABUS GmbH - the smart fortwo BRABUS coupé and cabrio - were introduced on the market.
The smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme has also been received very well by smart fans. With paint finishes in thousands of different colours, leather in 30 basic colours and exclusive design variants, six cabrio soft top colours and the extensive smart BRABUS accessories portfolio it enables creative customers to configure a smart in line with their own personal ideas.
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH *

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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"MYVAN" is online: Mercedes-Benz launches the world's first Social TV platform for tradesmen and van enthusiasts

By | Published Thursday, 15 December 2011

"MYVAN" goes online as the first international Social-TV website in English and German, which specifically caters to a target group of tradesmen and van enthusiasts. Initiator and operator of the website is the business division of Mercedes-Benz Vans.


"Our goal with MYVAN is not only to establish a high-quality, brand-neutral, international platform providing service and entertainment but also to provide help for day to day life with the right transport oriented solutions. MYVAN will offer tradesmen who come in contact with the subject of transport sustainable benefits ", says Andreas Burkhart, Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The main contact point of "MYVAN" is the website: www.MYVAN.com. In conjunction an active exchange of experiences and opinions with users can take place via the website and the various social media channels. Therefore the content and services of "MYVAN" are also extended in various social web channels - the social media hub. This includes its own Facebook page, which in addition to the website is also used as a platform for dialogue and additional video playback. Video content is also mirrored on a dedicated YouTube channel. A separate twitter feed is used for live coverage of selected events and shoots. A flickr feed is used for visual documentation and rounds off the social media hub.

The main focus of "MYVAN" is to create high quality content that is produced either in the form of films, photo galleries and / or texts. In addition, user generated content is included amongst other commenting possibilities. The user can comment on the different articles either directly on the website or on the other social media channels.

The goal of "MYVAN" is to provide users with news and trends from the world of vans and commercial vehicles. In addition, with the use of best practice examples as well as tips and tricks created especially for professionals an added value service is provided. This assists tradesmen in their professional lives helping them to successfully and sustainably further their business.

For this purpose, a total of five broadcast formats were developed:

- myNEWS: News from the world of vans, innovations from industry trade shows and events.

- myPRODUCT: Presentation of new product highlights, tests and information.

- myBUSINESS: Portraying tradesmen, best practice examples, tips, tricks and trends etc.

- mySPECIAL: Extraordinary stories from the van world and / or the user’s commercial vehicles.

- GET IT done: Entertainment format with special and adventurous transport duties

"With MYVAN and the mix of moving image and social media, we are responding to the paradigm shift in media usage and this will prepare us for the media convergence, the fusion of internet and television," says Nicolai Berger, Senior Manager of Marketing Communication and Product Information at Mercedes-Benz Vans. "We also want MYVAN to be a first mover in its competitive environment."

The global collaboration with partners and local companies is controlled centrally from the Mercedes-Benz Vans business division in Stuttgart. "We see MYVAN as an international format that has relevance beyond national boundaries," says Andreas Burkhart, Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans.

For more information: www.MYVAN.com .
Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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smart for-us: World premiere at the Detroit Motor Show 2012 - The Rule-Breaker

By | Published Wednesday, 7 December 2011

smart is turning the automotive world upside down once again and challenging ideas about what an urban pickup should look like. In a tongue-in-cheek manner the for-us signals that this is the right car for the young and young-at-heart with active lives who attach importance to low emissions and taking up minimum road space. The smart for-us translates the practical loading concept of a pickup to the reality of 21st century urban traffic for the first time.


With its exterior dimensions (length/width/height: 3547/1506/1701mm) it could almost go unnoticed on the loading area of a typical pickup, and it also anything but ordinary under the body. Thanks to the state-of-the-art electric drive with a55 kW magneto-electric motor the zero-emission smart for-us is agile and lively to drive. It will celebrate its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (14 - 22 January 2012).

smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler says "We at smart love pick-ups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable. With the smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!”

Like car2go, the globally successful car sharing initiative from smart for more flexibility in city traffic, the smart for-us is a mobility concept. It has plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them. Thanks to the docking station on the cargo area of the smart for-us their batteries are always charged, and smart for-us drivers can also reach destinations that are out of bounds for cars – for example traffic-calmed zones in the city or isolated park trails.

The design: sassy and robust with extremely short overhangs

Compared with the series-produced fortwo the smart for-us makes a powerful statement and its appearance plays with the martial image of conventional mega-pickups. Nevertheless, it greets the viewer with a friendly yet assertive face. It features convex and sensuously shaped body surfaces. The large brand emblem is proudly sported on the grille, and the front has a pronounced three-dimensional design with an underride guard finishing off the lower part of the front end.

The longer wheelbase (2480 mm/plus 613 mm) and the track that has been widened by 50 mm on each side also emphasise the robust look of the study. At the same time the extremely short overhangs at the front and rear make it exceedingly compact.
The tailboard at the rear of the smart for-us is electrically driven. When it opens first of all the cargo floor including tailboard retracts by 280 mm, then the tailgate slides down in a parallel position. The cargo on the 900 mm cargo area is then extremely easy to access.

Sleek, taut surfaces in mother-of-pearl white combined with precisely designed technical functional elements in brushed aluminium – the interior is characterised by contrasts. Like in the smart forvision, the whole cockpit boasts aerodynamic styling for interior ventilation. In place of a conventional rear-view mirror the smart for-us features a smartphone accommodated in a holder on top of the instrument panel support. The driver can see what is happening on the road behind with the help of an integrated video camera.

Stylish, uncomplicated, highly functional and easy to individualise – the two seats in the concept car are typically smart. The seat shells, which are open in the middle, are covered with a soft yellow fabric throw giving them a hammock-like seating feel.

Electric drive – zero-local-emission driving fun

The electric drive of the smart for-us is based on the innovative drive concept of the smart fortwo electric drive, which will be launched in the spring of 2012. Thanks to the 55 kW magneto-electric motor the smart for-us is agile and lively to drive. With 130 Newton metres of torque it boasts powerful, lag-free acceleration and it can overtake other vehicles with the greatest of ease. The maximum speed exceeds 120 km/h. The lithium-ion battery has capacity of 17.6 kWh.





Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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RUMOR: The new CLC-Class is expected to bow at New York Auto Show in April 2012

By | Published Tuesday, 27 September 2011


From a recent Inside Line report, we learn the new Mercedes-Benz CLC compact 4-door coupe will celebrate its world premiere at next year's New York Motor Show in April.


In the same article, it is cited the information was confirmed by a company official during an interview, who also referred to the car as 'a true Mercedes'. Perceived as the little brother of the CLS, the new CLC will display a self-assured exterior styling, with a sloping roofline and bold, curvaceous surfaces. The engine lineup and the technical platform will be shared with the forthcoming A-Class and insiders claim a hardcore AMG version with over 300 hp and all-wheel-drive chassis is also possible in the next years.

However, caution is the best attitude when dealing with such rumors. There were several similar stories in the past when the facts mentioned never came true. The CLC-Class entered the development phase in mid-2011 under the internal codename 'C 117'; test prototypes are spread all over the world and still wear a good dose of outer camouflage, so it's decent to state the NYIAS 2012 may be a bit early in the calendar, also considering that period will be very busy and rich in premieres for Mercedes-Benz. Take for instance the unveiling of the new A-Class, which certainly has to happen before this niche model rolls out. And not to mention the new CLS Shooting Brake and possibly a new concept. The fleet of all new vehicles would be then too crowded and one might be in danger of not receiving the needed attention and thus passing relatively unnoticed by the media. To us, the Paris Motor Show would be the more likely stage for the reveal of the new CLC.





Photos: Carscoop

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg unveil the DTM AMG Mercedes-Benz C-Coupé at the IAA Frankfurt 2011

By | Published Monday, 19 September 2011


MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg unveiled the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé for the 2012 DTM season at the IAA in Frankfurt, alongside Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division, and Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.


The new car is based on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé, which was launched worldwide in the summer of 2011, and is the first DTM car from Mercedes-Benz to be built around a new, improved safety concept, developed in collaboration with the ITR e.V, the DMSB (Germany’s motor racing governing body) and the DTM manufacturers. The new car incorporates a state-of-the-art carbon fibre monocoque with a roll cage made ​​of high-strength steel. Moreover, each vehicle is equipped with six energy-absorbing crash structures, giving the driver additional protection to the front, rear and sides.

The DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé will succeed the AMG Mercedes C-Class, which is the most successful vehicle in the 27-year history of the DTM, having scored 84 victories in 156 races and five driver’s titles.

Development, design and manufacture of the new car began in June 2010 at HWA headquarters in Affalterbach, near Stuttgart, Germany. HWA is responsible for production of the cars, including engines.

Michael Schumacher: “The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz DTM car looks fantastic, but what I find even more impressive than the car’s visual appearance is the new safety concept with its innovative safety cell and more advanced carbon-fibre crash structures. This safety standard is exemplary and constitutes, in my opinion, the benchmark for touring car racing. I’m looking forward to seeing the new C-Class Coupé in action and hopefully winning lots of races. I’ve got my fingers crossed for everyone in the Mercedes-Benz DTM team.”

Nico Rosberg: “I was pleased to take part in unveiling the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé for the 2012 DTM season at its Frankfurt Motor Show world premiere. It looks really cool and I particularly like the chrome finish. The car is certainly an important step forward for the DTM, which is a great series – I began my career racing on the same weekends as the DTM, and it will attract even more fans in 2012 when the third manufacturer arrives. Whenever possible, I still follow the races on TV, and always enjoy going to local DTM events. I will of course keep my fingers crossed next year for my Mercedes-Benz DTM colleagues and hope they can bring the title home to Stuttgart with the new C-Class Coupé.”

Gary Paffett: “The first test of a new car is always an exciting moment. After getting a feel for the handling and performance of the DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé around the Lausitzring, I can say I’m very pleased with it. Of course, we still have a lot of development work ahead of us before the 2012 season opener at Hockenheim. The driving experience is quite different to that of previous DTM cars. The new Hankook tyres for 2012 are wider and have taller sidewalls, providing more mechanical grip. Also, the gear lever has disappeared for 2012 – we will change gear using paddles on the steering wheel instead – and that’s something I’m already used to from Formula One.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes-Benz C- Coupé, signals the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012. I am certain that the spectators will get their money's worth from the three-way fight between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM next year.”















Source: Daimler AG

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