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Filed under: SUVs , Mercedes-Benz , Celebrities Newly-crowned Formula one world champion Lewis Hamilton may have to wait a little while longer to get his hands on that bright orange McLaren F1 LM , but what does he drive in the meantime? Gunning for the title all season in the Mercedes-powered McLaren MP4-23 , he certainly isn't lacking for a fast ride on the weekends, and he'd surely have his pick of any Mercedes car in the German automaker's vast lineup. But while the Mercedes SLR McLaren might be a natural choice, Lewis chooses to drive the daily grind in a diesel sport-ute. Specifically, a Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI. "At the track," explains Lewis, "I always drive on the limit, but on public roads I like to relax, kick back and cruise. The GL's perfect for that." [Source: What Car? ] What does Lewis Hamilton drive? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read | Permalink | Email this ...
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Filed under: Spy Photos , SUVs , Wagons/Estates , Crossovers/CUVs , Mercedes-Benz The R-Class won a design award , went on tour with the Rolling Stones , was dropped in price , and still sold so poorly that Mercedes admitted the car was a failure . Yet M-B head man Dieter Zetsche said the car isn't going away, so as one does with continuing product, the R-Class is getting some face and tail work done. Those who whisper about such things indicate that the car will end up looking more like the B-Class . We're not sure that will help it, since it looks much like the B-Class already and that car isn't exactly a looker, either. We think the R might be better served if Mercedes could explain why anyone should choose it over the E-Class wagon or GL-Class SUVs... and when the GLK arrives, well, good luck to you, R-Class. [Source: Global Motors ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Tuners , SUVs , Mercedes-Benz , Brabus Click above for high-res gallery of the BRABUS GLK BRABUS tunes all manner of Mercedes-Benzes, and even branches out by pumping performance into diminutive smart cars that have very little business going fast. Likewise, BRABUS also tunes Mercedes SUVs that usually have no business bragging about their performance, and there's a new Merc ute on the scene that has yet to get the German tuning firm's treatment... until now. BRABUS has just released details on its new Exclusive Program for the Mercedes-Benz GLK that allows owners to tune the new soft-roader to their heart's content. Whether you're driving a diesel-powered GLK or gas-powered variant, BRABUS has a host of engine mods to eke out more power and two new suspensions to firm up the ride. Likewise, there's a new front apron, roof attachment, rocker panels and rear apron, as well as an array of new wheels to choose from. There's also a catalogue's worth...
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Filed under: Aftermarket , Concept Cars , SEMA , Tuners , SUVs , Mercedes-Benz Click above for a hi-res gallery of the GLK SEMA show cars Perhaps you've heard: Mercedes-Benz has this new SUV called the GLK , and it's not just the Sex and the City audience that's being targeted. The compact ute's getting-to-know-you tour will make a stop at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where four concept versions will be on display. We already told you about RENNtech's hybrid Rally Racer show truck, and now we have some info on the other three versions that'll join it in Vegas. Naturally, BRABUS will represent, skinning the GLK300 Bluetec in Widestar duds, new wheels, and the de rigeur custom interior. No power upgrade yet, it seems, but knowing BRABUS, they'll have a version putting out approximately a trillion horsepower by the time the GLK is in customers' hands. Boulevard Customs is prepping the GLK "Urban Whip" , a garish creation sporting 26" wheels and...
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Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , SUVs , Mercedes-Benz Click above to view more of the RENNtech GLK Of all the trucks that have proliferated into the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the GLK isn't exactly the most aggressive. But according to the latest reports, Mercedes is lining up an array of aftermarket tuners at the SEMA show to infuse what appears to be more than a little testosterone into the compact sport-ute. First up to bat is RENNtech, the Florida-based company responsible, among other things, for the bringing the McLaren SLR 722 to America and actually getting it to produce 722 horsepower . RENNtech has taken inspiration from the Pikes Peak challenge - one of the most iconic and power-craven hill-climb events in the world - to create this hardcore GLK. Little is known in the way of details, but the vehicle is said to feature RENNtech's first performance hybrid drivetrain. Brabus, Blvd Customs and Legendary Motorcars are also said to be preparing modified GLKs for SEMA, although...
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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative , Sedans/Saloons , SUVs , Green , Mercedes-Benz , Volkswagen We knew last month that the Jetta TDI was qualified for the tax credit . Now, word is out that all of the new-generation clean diesels for Volkswagen (TDI) and Mercedes-Benz (Bluetec) will be joining the elite handful of vehicles that qualify for a federal alternative-powertrain tax credit. Formerly reserved for just hybrid vehicles, the diesels have been designated as advanced lean-burn-technology vehicles that meet the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit standards of the IRS. The credits vary based on the vehicle. In the case of Mercedes, the ML320 qualifies for $900 while the GL320 is good for $1,800. If diesel still isn't your thing, the IRS has also qualified several Ford hybrids as eligible too. Of those, the highest credit (a sweet $3,000) goes to those consumers who take home an Escape or Mariner two-wheel drive hybrid crossover. [Source: Automotive News , subs. req'd] Permalink |...
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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative , SUVs , Government/Legal , Green , Mercedes-Benz Click above to enlarge the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid Batteries are an integral part of any hybrid automobile. No batteries means no electric assist, which means no point in lugging around all that extra hardware. So Mercedes-Benz is in a world of hurt as it alleges that Cobasys, the chosen battery supplier for the upcoming ML 450 hybrid SUV , has decided not to fulfill its obligation to the German automaker. You might recall that General Motors had problems with leaky batteries from Cobasys, reportedly leading the automaker to consider purchasing the supplier outright from its current parents, Chevron and Energy Conversion Devices. For its part, Mercedes-Benz has sued Cobasys and petitioned the court to order Cobasys to supply the batteries in had committed to. Cobasys CEO Thomas Neslage has denied that his company ever agreed to supply the batteries in the first place. If this situation isn't resolved...
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Filed under: SUVs , Trucks/Pickups , Plants/Manufacturing , Mercedes-Benz As consumer demand for thirsty vehicles continues to wane, Mercedes-Benz is being forced to slow production at the Alabama plant which manufactures their GL- and ML-Class SUVs and the R-Class crossover. Sales of Mercedes domestic trucks fell to 5,090 vehicles in June, representing an 11.9 percent decline from the same period last year. The move marks the first time in more than a decade of U.S. production, that the German automaker has reduced output due to market and economic conditions. The cuts will affect more than 4,000 of the plant's employees, and unfortunately will trickle-down to hurt the countless other companies who provide just-in-time components to support Mercedes production. [Source: Automotive News , subs. req'd] Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying , SUVs , Mercedes Benz click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG Hot on the heels of its revisions to the uber-brick known as the G-Class for 2009 , Mercedes-Benz has released the first batch of pics showing the hotted-up AMG version, the G 55 AMG. Like its lesser brick siblings, the big box on wheels benefits from the same upgrades in convenience, comfort and safety, but also gets a host of styling tweaks. The lipstick on this particular pig is comprised of a new chromed, three-bar grille, the requisite fender flairs, body-color bumpers, chrome trim, stainless steel tube running boards and 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels painted grey. The 5.5L V8 engine has received a modest bump from 500 hp to 507, while torque remains put at 516 pound-feet. All this adds up to an incredible 5.5 second run to 62 MPH for what is perhaps the most unaerodynamic vehicle on sale today. The starting price is 121,618 euro . We hear Britney's already ordered...
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Filed under: SUVs , Mercedes Benz The Mercedes G-Class is like the tux and tails -- its remains in vogue no matter what's happening in the world around it. And like the tux, it looks pretty much like it did when it first arrived, and changes to it still don't come quickly. For the '09 model, the G has been given Mercedes' new corporate face, so you can better associate it with that CL65 you've got parked next to it in the garage. The big news, though, is in the engine bay. The base V8 engine gets a whopping 90-horsepower bump from 292 to 382. Torque also gets seriously goosed from 336 ft-lb to 391. The boosted V8 and the AMG G55 get a much more modest boost of 7 horsepower for an even 500. Otherwise, the squared one gets new wheels and electronics, including a new Telematics system. There is no word yet on whether the celebrity chariot will come to the U.S., but we're sure Britney really wants one. [Source: eMercedesBenz ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: New York Auto Show , Coupes , Sports/GTs , SUVs , Green , Mercedes Benz Click above for high-res gallery from Daimler's press conference Just like any good political campaign, Mercedes came to the New York Auto Show touting nothing much as a whole lot. Actually, the faux political rally might have been less than compelling with its old news , but the new M Class sporting 50-state legal BlueTec diesel power is exciting. Almost as exciting as the very original 1965 190 D Mercedes had borrowed to illustrate its long-running experience with Rudy's coal dust motor. The senescent sedan will be helping MBZ recreate Bill Carroll's cross-country diesel-fueled journey to celebrate the U.S.-wide availability of what it's touting as the cleanest diesel ever. BlueTec allows the M-, GL- and R-class oil burners to earn ULEV and TierII/Bin 5 classification. Mercedes says its new diesels are now as clean as gasoline powerplants, and once they drop BlueTec hybrids on us, emissions...
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Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , SUVs , Euro , Mercedes Benz click image to enlarge Carlsson has applied its tuning magic to the new M-Class with a host of power, visual, and interior upgrades. Starting with the engine, Carlsson's performance kit for the 320 CDI engine boosts horsepower to 269 and torque to 452 lb-ft, and a new exhaust system with quad tailpipes is also available. The suspension can be upgraded with Carlsson's C-Tronic system that lowers the vehicle 40mm, and 22" 11-spoke wheels help fill the wheel wells even more. A subtle front spoiler and a diffuser-look rear skirt are the only exterior modifications. Interior appointments include alcantara and leather seats, a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and illuminated door exit lights. Once again, Carlsson proves that sometimes it doesn't take much to make a better Benz. [Source: Carlsson] Continue reading Carlsson puts some more class in the M-Class Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show , SUVs , Green , Crossovers/CUVs , Mercedes Benz Yet another pending debut has sprung up on the interwebs, and (surprise!) it's one more vehicle to give credence to Frankfurt's green-theme. The Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid...
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