mercedes-benz

New Mercedes-Benz CLS gets more power, uses less gas

After Mercedes-Benz launched its 5.5-liter V-8 in the 2005 S550, that engine found its way into almost every other Mercedes-Benz model. It appeared in the CL, CLS, E, ML, GL, G, and SL class cars. Now, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new V-8 using direct injection and turbochargers, which will first appear in the upcoming 2011 CLS550.

If Mercedes-Benz stayed true to its model naming convention, this new CLS would be called the CLS460 Kompressor, or possibly Doppel-Kompressor. The new V-8 is smaller than its predecessor, displacing 4.6-liters, yet makes more power. The new engine achieves 429 horsepower and … Read more

Mercedes-Benz builds a muscle car

It's a simple formula: put a big engine in a small car. With Mercedes-Benz's C63 AMG, that results in zero-to-60 mph close to 4 seconds. The C63 AMG's relatively short wheelbase also means easy rotation in the corners. All of these factors had us taking every opportunity we could to drive the 2010 C63 AMG, but the main reason we like this car so much is the sounds of danger that come from the tailpipe. You can hum along at 2,000rpm and no one will look twice, but rev the engine and people will think there … Read more

Looking for an apartment? You may get a free iPad with your rent

How hot is Apple's iPad? Hot enough to use as a promotional tool for everything from buying a new car to renting a new apartment. In Portland, Oregon, while searching for a new place to call home, I came across several ads for apartments touting all the normal amenities, showing pictures of their fabulous views, and describing their "perfect" location. But, in the last couple weeks, something new has appeared on these listings.

With the increasing popularity of Apple's iPad, I would imagine more retailers would start to use it as a potential closing incentive. Car … Read more

Renting your apartment could come with a free iPad

How hot is Apple's iPad? Hot enough to use as a promotional tool for everything from buying a new car to renting a new apartment. In Portland, Oregon, while searching for a new place to call home, I came across several ads for apartments touting all the normal amenities, showing pictures of their fabulous views, and describing their "perfect" location. But, in the last couple weeks, something new has appeared on these listings.… Read more

Mercedes robots test automated driving moves

Mercedes-Benz is putting robot stunt drivers in the front seat in the hopes that bots can make the cars safer for humans.

Mercedes says its production-series cars equipped with robotic systems are the first in the world to test computer-controlled safety maneuvers, such as near-misses, that can't be reproduced by human drivers.

In the test cars, separate robot systems control steering, acceleration, and braking. An onboard computer runs the machines so the vehicle follows a programmed course on a closed test track.

Aside from collision avoidance in near-misses, Mercedes says it's examining maneuvers such as merging at different … Read more

Mercedes-Benz explores coupe styling in wagon

At Auto China 2010, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Shooting Break Concept, a sleek new wagon design. Mercedes-Benz says that the Shooting Break Concept is a further exploration of coupe styling that the company pioneered with the 2004 CLS, which it calls a four-door coupe. The Shooting Break Concept also uses styling elements from the ConceptFascination, shown at the 2008 Paris auto show.

The term "shooting brake" usually refers to a small wagon. Mercedes-Benz explains that the name Shooting Break is equally valid for this type of vehicle, coming from the name of a type of wagon used to break … Read more

All-hybrid S class? U.S. dealers groan

NEW YORK--To meet tightening global fuel-economy standards, Daimler executives in Germany are considering a radical plan: make the flagship S-class a hybrid-only lineup.

Mercedes-Benz dealer sources tell Automotive News that Stuttgart executives are considering switching all future S-class luxury cars--including high-performance AMG models--to full hybrids, offering no models with only internal-combustion engines.

The idea is drawing fire from some U.S. dealers, who worry that hybrids are not perceived as true performers in the market.

The switch would take place globally with the next-generation S class, which is due in Europe in 2013 and in North America a year later.… Read more

It's a wagon-apolooza at the New York auto show

NEW YORK--Gearheads appreciate a good wagon, but they've been in short supply for decades. That sad fact seems to be changing, as four new wagons launched at the 2010 New York auto show. Ranging from a badass hauler to an economy hatchback, these wagons all feature good cabin tech and a whole lot of cargo space, without having to sit up at SUV height.

Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon Cadillac continues to expand the CTS lineup, having previously launched a sedan and coupe. And, as each one of those models got a high performance V model, so does the Sport … Read more

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: From luxury to racing

NEW YORK--Mercedes-Benz is so proud of its new SLS AMG supercar that it took the unusual step of unveiling the GT3 racing version at the 2010 New York auto show. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 complies with FIA GT3 race regulations, and is eligible to compete in torture tests such as the 24-hour Nurburgring race.

As a GT3 racer, the SLS AMG GT3 is little changed from its production counterpart, using the AMG 6.2-liter V-8, six-speed transmission, and torque tube driveshaft. It also retains the gull wing doors and general profile of the production car.

But the SLS AMG … Read more