Mercedes Benz

The introduction of the all new A-Class hatchback in 2012 will let Mercedes-Benz explore new grounds in the compact class. The restrictions of today will be forever forgotten after new niche and AMG models based on the upcoming A-Class/new B-Class are revealed in the next 2-3 years. One of the key flagships of this offensive is the future, high-end A 25 AMG sports model, which has been lately snagged during a test round on the Nurburgring. Inside information indicate the spicy hatch from Affalterbach will feature a newly-designed 4x4 platform and an outstanding supercharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine co-developed with Hyprex, rumored to produce around 320 hp-350 hp of maximum output. Look for this "little devil" to roll out on streets in early 2013.

Check out further spyshots of the new A 25 AMG after the jump!

A few weeks ago, several spyshots showcasing an unknown G-Class AMG test prototype were emerging on the interwebs. This caused a stir among fans who began wondering what delightful surprise does Mercedes-AMG has in store. Now, after looking at these fresh scoops, one conclusion becomes clear: the G 55 AMG will be subject to an important update for 2012.


The exterior changes will be minor and will eye body details such as the front air intakes, the radiator grille, the door sills and probably specific areas of the rear end, such as new quad exhaust pipes. The new G 55 AMG will also receive the well-known, aerodynamically-shaped mirrors with their distinctive arrow-shaped blinkers. However, the largest changes will be applied to the powertrain. AMG engineers will add some of the latest patented solutions in vehicle dynamics to the mighty Gelandewagen - so, expect a brand new set of brakes and suspensions as well as the 3-stage ESP. If you were wondering about the beast under the bonnet, the 5.5-litre V8 biturbo powerplant is bound to reach the new G 55 AMG. Peak output could be rated at 544 hp, although 525 hp like in the E 63/S 63 models sounds a tad more possible. Power transfer to all four wheels will be managed with the help of a 7-speed automatic gearbox, most likely the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT-7 sports transmission. The new G 55 AMG could be introduced towards the end of 2011, with the official premiere scheduled for NAIAS Detroit in January next year.

Approximately half a year after the introduction of the new GL-Class in mid-summer 2012, Mercedes-Benz will also release the potent GL 63 AMG version, the first generation of its kind since the large SUV was first revealed back in 2006.


From the spy shots we've seen so far, the muscular GL bred in the Affalterbach labs promises to be a looker in its class. But the appealing, beefy stance becomes the least important after you find out the future GL 63 AMG will benefit from the addition of a specially modified chassis with a new suspension/dampers system, which certainly ensures a drastically improved agility and unbeatable dynamics compared to other similar vehicles. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive powertrain will be retained, but will also be further tweaked by AMG engineers for a more RWD-oriented feeling and added on-road performance. The extensive technical package will also include the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which lets the driver visualize and change the SUV's set-up. To harmoniously complete the new GL 63 AMG, engineers will fit the car with the company's newest 5.5-litre, twin-turbo V8 powerplant in its best specification: 544 hp/800 Nm in basic version and 571 hp/900 Nm with the Performance Package installed.

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.

One tremendously sad news: if we are to believe what Auto Motor und Sport reports this morning, then the old luxury brand Maybach is facing a cloudy future after business discussions between Daimler and Aston Martin have not met their desired target. To put it straight, the main reason is the exaggerately high amount of cash infusions the British company requested in order to master the next generation of Maybach models, a point the Germans could not agree with. While this rumor is yet to be officially confirmed, there's some chance Maybach could become a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, with the forthcoming lineup being developed completely internally.


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

INTRODUCTION

First-Ever Mercedes-Benz Coupe in This Segment

For the 2012 model year, Mercedes-Benz is launching a new two-door coupe version of its highly successful C-Class, complete with bold AMG styling and a standard panorama sunroof. This marks the first time Mercedes-Benz has offered a traditional coupe in this market segment.


Major Sedan Redesign

At the same time, the popular four-door C-Class sedan has undergone a major restyling involving 2,000 new parts, including new bumpers, headlights, front grille, an aluminum hood, LED taillights and a redesigned interior. Interior design work focused on restyling the C-Class dash, its integrated display and the glove box, as well as introducing a new grain for the interior panels. The dash accommodates a new 5.8-inch display, color gauges and a new-generation telematics system. A prominent trim piece extends from the center vents across the front passenger area to the right-side vent, while trapezoidal air vents in the center and the round vents near the doors are accented with metallic trim.

More Convenience, More Safety

In addition, there are 13 new standard equipment features on the 2012 C-Class sedan and coupe line, as well as five new safety systems. Standard-equipment Attention Assist warns drivers when they get drowsy, and a new HOLD feature for the Adaptive Brake system keeps the car from rolling when stopped. Optional Blind Spot Assist provides a warning whenever a turn signal is activated with a car in a blind spot, while Lane Keeping Assist alerts drivers if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. Parktronic now incorporates a parking guidance system that can identify right-size parking spaces and provide helpful steering guidance in the instrument cluster.

Two Body Styles, Seven Models

Both the coupe and sedan are available in three different models: the C250, powered by a new direct-injection, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (201 horsepower, 229 lb.-ft. of torque); the C350, with a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.); and the high-performance C63 AMG model with a normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 (451 hp, 443 lb.-ft.) and AMG's MCT multi-clutch transmission. With an optional AMG Development Package, power jumps to 481 hp. Lastly, the C-Class sedan is available as a C300, with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the proven 3.0-liter V6 engine (228 hp, 221 lb.-ft.).

Sport Versus Luxury Personalities

While all C-Class coupes boast inherently sporty personalities, the C250 and C300 sedan models can be ordered with Sport or Luxury equipment. In addition to a grill-mounted star, the C-Class Sport sedans can be identified by AMG cladding - deeper front and rear aprons as well as under-door rocker panels. Inside, Sport models come with three-spoke steering wheels, rubber-stud pedals and aluminum trim (instead of the four-spoke wheel and burl walnut trim found on Luxury models). Sport sedans are also fitted with staggered-width wheels and tires and a stiffer sports suspension that rides 0.6 inches lower than Luxury models.

New Transmission

All 2012 models (except the C63 AMG with its MCT transmission) feature a new seven-speed automatic transmission with a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid - tinted blue instead of the usual red. Together with new planetary gears, bearings and seals, the "FE-ATF" fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage.

Award-Winning MCT Transmission

Adapted from high-end V8-powered AMG models, the cutting-edge MCT transmission in the high-performance C63 AMG features a start-up clutch that replaces the torque converter. The seven-speed MCT sports transmission provides the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience of an automatic, offering impressive versatility and even faster shift times.

For C63 AMG owners who are serious about competing on the race track, an optional AMG Development Package features lightweight forged pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft with modified engine management that together provide an extra 30 horsepower, for a total of 481 hp. The AMG Development Package also includes two-piece brakes with red calipers, carbon-fiber rear spoiler and a higher speed limiter of 174 mph.

New-Generation Telematics

2012 models are equipped with a new 5.8-inch color display that includes a Bluetooth interface for wireless audio streaming and hands-free phone operation, an FM phase-diversity twin tuner, HD/AM/weatherband, an MP3-compatible CD drive and a USB port in the center console.

An optional COMAND system comes with a larger seven-inch color display, GPS navigation, rear-view camera, a ten-gigabyte music storage hard drive, an SD card slot, voice control and an in-dash CD / DVD player. The powerful navigation system offers many new features, including Sirius real-time traffic info, the ability to show alternate routes before choosing them and record routes while driving as well as a 3D city-map display and a compass overlay.

COUPE DESIGN

A Dynamic "Three-Box" Coupe Silhouette

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe is a two-door, four-seat car of classic proportions. Based on the highly successful sedan, the new coupe embodies bold, yet elegant exterior styling with a dynamic three-box coupe silhouette topped off with a standard Panorama sunroof. While its exterior dimensions are similar to the sedan, the coupe roofline is about 1½ inches lower.

Dominated by its radiator grille, the front end of the new coupe has a bold and resolute presence. Within the grille, two chrome fins on each side of the centrally-positioned star taper to the sides, emphasizing the raked horizontal lines at the front, and a black threedimensional mesh insert behind the fins enhances its sporty look.

Headlights Reminiscent of a High-Tech Camera

Below the front bumper, side air intakes and horizontal daytime running lights accentuate the coupe's bold stance, as do headlight assemblies contoured into the front fenders. Turn signals sit at the outer edges of the headlight modules, low beams in the middle and high beams to the inside. With optional bi-xenon headlights, the sense of stylistic depth is amplified. C-shaped positioning lights identify the car at night, and behind them, cornering lights extend toward the main light modules, while a wideband row of LED turn signals at the base underscore the look of both light assemblies.

An Unmistakably Raked Look

The new front hood emphasizes the new coupe's unmistakably wedged-shaped lines. Visually tying together the lights, grille and front bumper, the lines of the hood naturally lead the eye to the windshield, which is more sharply angled than on the sedan. From the side, the profile of the coupe is defined by its short overhangs, a long front hood, the raked windshield and an elongated roof line. The greenhouse begins at its long doors and extends behind the rear wheels to a relatively flat rear window.

A Short, Sporty Rear

The beltline, which sweeps upward toward the rear, intensifies the car's wedge shape and leads to the uniquely-coupe C pillars, which form a taut, angular signature line at the rear. All of these angles, plus a wide bevel at the top edge of the trunk lid, accentuate the shortness of the car's rear section, which helps define its sporty look.

Taillights positioned at the far corners emphasize the width of the rear. Visual depth was achieved by integrating the LED turn signals in the center of the taillight assemblies, so they appear to float over the recessed LED light strips. The overall effect is eye-catching, making the car recognizable, especially at night. At the base of the rear bumper, between the exhaust outlets, an air diffuser lightens the look of the rear, lending an additional sporty flair.

A Distinctive Look for the C63 AMG

With its deeper front apron, distinctive AMG daytime running lights and lower ride height, the new C63 AMG is easy to spot. A single wing-like slat in the grille and power domes on the hood are also unique to the new AMG model.

From the side, special touches include new, high-gloss AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, a "6.3 AMG" badge behind each front wheel and deeper, more aggressive AMG door sills. An AMG rear apron features a striking black three-fin air diffuser and four exhaust outlets.

Inside, an AMG Performance steering wheel greets the driver. Both the top and bottom of the metallic-trimmed wheel are flattened, and the grip areas are covered in perforated leather. However, the most eye-catching difference in the C63 AMG interior is new AMG sport seats that feature integral head restraints and distinctive horizontal seams.

SEDAN DESIGN

The Most Extensive Restyling Ever

For the 2012 model year, the C-Class sedan boasts the most extensive restyling in Mercedes- Benz history. Other than the company's new-generation products, the 2012 sedan line features more new parts than ever before. This year's redesign involved 2,000 new parts, which includes several new safety systems and higher standard equipment levels.

A Cool Makeover

The front end restyling includes a recontoured hood and bumper as well as new headlights. The new aluminum front hood better accentuates the sweeping lines of the front end, especially around the grille and headlights. Design lines that begin from the middle of the bumper sweep around to the side, in a design sense, connecting the front and sides. In a similar way, air intakes in the sides of the bumper help make the car appear connected to the road.

As in the coupe, sedan headlights feature a clear-glass look, with turn signals at the outer edges, low beams in the middle and high beams to the inside. The optional bi-xenon headlights include C-shaped positioning lights that clearly identify the car at night, and behind them, cornering lights extend toward the main light modules, while a wide band of LED turn signals at the base underscore the look of both light assemblies.

An Elegant Profile

Viewing the sedan from the side, its elegant style is characterized by the interplay of striking lines and large contoured surfaces. A wide, muscular shoulder line visually supports the side windows, roof pillars and roof, forming one sweeping line from the front all the way to the rear and elegantly stretching the body. Complementing the shoulder line, a character line emerges organically from the front fender and rises toward the rear, forming a boundary between the convex and concave door surfaces - emphasizing light and shadow.

For all its elegance, the design of the C-Class emphasizes its sporty character with wide track, prominent fender lines and large wheel wells. The shoulder curve and C-pillar join to form a line that flows to the rear, and the character line below it flows into the trunk lid, visually shortening the rear overhang and helping to create a stylish, athletic rear end.

A Redesigned Rear

Like the front, the redesigned rear of the 2012 C-Class sedan includes a new bumper and LED lights covered in a smooth one-piece clear lens. In particular, the edge of the bumper is more steeply angled as it approaches the taillight assemblies, and a light-catching contour at the top of the bumper wraps around to the side, visually connecting rear to the sides and giving it a sportier character. Between the exhaust outlets, the bottom of the bumper recedes, making the rear of the car appear lighter.

Proceed to the following link in order to download the complete technical guide of the new C-Class Coupe and Sedan (PDF file):