AMG’s Crossover Weapon Spied Testing In Sweden

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AMG's Crossover Weapon Spied Testing In Sweden  阅读原文»

With these pictures, it’s all but confirmed that an AMG version of the GLA-Class Mercedes crossover is in the works. Caught testing in Sweden, this GLA, which of course doesn't have any AMG badging on it, was given away by its big brakes, dual exhausts and unusual ride height.

Based on the MFA platform on which both the A-Class and B-Class share, this upcoming road warrior will carry the GLA45 badge. In times past, it would have meant a 4.5 liter engine, but this time, it denotes the 45 years of AMG's existence. It looks though that the GLA45 will actually carry a turbo 2-liter four, pumping out a healthy 335 horsepower. 350 hp has been bandied about, and that's a possibility, given that the S-Models from AMG's upmarket offerings have higher horsepower than standard. Coupled to this engine will be AMG's 7-speed Speedshift. And 4Matic? Very likely, given the fact that it has become standard issue with the aforementioned S-Model variants.

If you're salivating right now and getting ready to whip out your checkbook, hold those horses. By most accounts, it will be at least a year before the GLA45 AMG makes it to dealerships.

 

Latest KPMG Global Automotive Executive Survey Revealed  阅读原文»

A recent survey participated by automotive executives all over the world showed that their confidence remains high on BMW. Daimler falls behind in the 16th place of the rankings. The survey was conducted by the Swiss-based firm, KPMG LLP. Two hundred executives were involved in accomplishing the survey. It is the 14th annual global automotive executive survey that the firm facilitated.

BMW was forecasted by 70% of the participants to increase its market share by 5 years. A small percentage of 5% only saw it on the losing end. The rest predicted that it would remain stable until 2018. On the other hand, Daimler falls behind in the rankings. Only 41% stated that it would experience gains in the market by 2018, 15% of them said it won't and the rest said that it will remain the same. However, it should be worth noting that the percentage of executives who are confident with the company is 10% higher than last year.

Once again, auto execs said that Volkswagen will have the most growth in the next 5 years. According to the survey results, 81% of the respondents saw the potential of Volkswagen to have an increase in its global market share by 2018. The figure is 11% higher than last year's survey. Only 3% said that it would experience losses and the rest said that it would remain stable.

Below is the result of the survey:

You can click this link read the whole research that was conducted by KPMG.

How about you? What do you think about the status of Daimler in the global market over the next 5 years?

Hit the comments below to share your thoughts.

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Newest E-Class Finally Unveiled at the Detroit Autoshow

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Newest E-Class Finally Unveiled at the Detroit Autoshow  阅读原文»

Finally, Mercedes-Benz opens the curtains to one of its newest creations on the first day of the Detroit Autoshow. Among them were the new E63 AMG sedan and wagon that boast all-wheel drive features, powerful engines and amazing designs.

The Chair, Dieter Zetsche, stood there like a proud father that he is next to the new family of cars. He said that the E in the E-Class means efficiency, emotion and extra intelligence. I must say, he should add excellence into that because the audiences were definitely awestruck by the flair that the new models gave off at the event.

He hyped the crowd with the attractive looks and the digital features of the latest additions to the Mercedes-Benz brand. The concept of the much awaited CLA-Class was also revealed to the delight of the anticipating people who were in attendance.

According to the accounts of the Detroit Free Press who covered the event, the crucial enhancements in the production line of Mercedes-Benz aim to strengthen their position in the market against their rivals BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS and Audi A6.

Among the other notable traits of the E-Class are:

1. 2.5-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine for fuel conservation.
2. A power of 190HP and 369 lb-ft of torque.
3. V6 hybrids and V8 models are offered to customers.
4. Optional LED lights for the headlights and taillights.
5. Distinctive outlines to slightly imitate the contours of the SLS and SL Roadster.
6. Improved visuals for the driver in the form of a binocular camera attached at the rear of the rearview mirror to allow a 3D rendition of obstacles to boost its safety systems.
7. A stop-start system that turns off the engine when the vehicle is in an idle state.
8. Standard seven-speed AT.
9. The coupe and convertibles can come with a V6 engine with 302HP or turbocharged twin-V8 engine with 402HP.
10. E63 sedan and wagon gets an amazing boost equaling 577HP and 590 lb-ft of torque.

Here’s an exclusive peek at the event, thanks to Detroit Free Press:

CLA-Class Marks the Arrival of a Style Rebel  阅读原文»

Not only was the price range of the new CLA-class lowered to cater to younger buyers. Mercedes-Benz also revolutionized its style and design to go with the preferences of people who are young and young at heart.

This was revealed by Joachim Schmidt, sales chief of Mercedes, during an interview at the eve of the Detroit Auto Show. He added that the new class will pave way to more opportunities for the brand in the US. Schmidt also stated that their goal is to repeat the success story of the CLS in the whole new chapter of the storied track of Mercedes-Benz.

"The CLA is a Style Rebel."

This was what the Mercedes-Benz design chief, Gordon Wagener, exactly said. This explains its awesome curvature, muscular build and features that appear to be sculpted by an artist.

But the new CLA is not just all look, it is fitted with high-tech and luxurious equipments too so it can perfectly go with current technological innovations like smartphones and tablets. The engine is packed with power as well. Plus, the suspension and four-wheel drive features will definitely provide a smooth ride and enough agility to go steadily in sharp corners of the road.

The safety features are certainly not lacking in this class because the cars under this are equipped with the most advanced collision prevention, drowsiness detection and radar for obstructions along the way. The brake of this masterpiece is even set to activate automatically if the driver appears to be not in focus.

The new class is set to hit the US market by April this year. More details and the exact price are expected to be revealed this upcoming Super Bowl 2013 in New Orleans.

The dynamic Daimler CEO, Dieter Zetsche said that this is indeed a great car for customers all over the world especially for the Chinese clients as well as Europe and other parts of Asia.

No word was released about the sales target of the company so far. So keep yourself posted for more exclusive news about Mercedes-Benz by visiting BenzInsider regularly.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class in Future Models!

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2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class in Future Models!  阅读原文»

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class had a sneak peek at the Detroit Auto Show this weekend and has now arrived on the MBUSA website in the Future Models section. It is expected to arrive in the US this fall and slot into the line-up under the C-Class! It is time to start our order list!

Key Highlights

• Aggressive, four-door design with studded sport grille
• Turbocharged, 208-hp inline-4 engine delivering 258 lb-ft of torque
• Advanced dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles
• Front sport seats and three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel
• mbrace2 in-vehicle technology suite with available Internet access
• Full Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and hands-free calling
• Available iPod/MP3 Media Interface, harman/kardon surround-sound system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with Traffic and Weather, and navigation with voice control
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Available Driver Assistance Package featuring DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
• Optional Sport Package includes sport bodystyling, 18-inch wheels and front sport brakes
• Available limited-production Launch Edition

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13-Year-Old Boy Goes for the Ride of his Life Across Europe with Father’s Mercedes-Benz

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13-Year-Old Boy Goes for the Ride of his Life Across Europe with Father's Mercedes-Benz  阅读原文»

Most of us always dreamt of driving a Mercedes-Benz when we were kids. But based on a report by Reuters, a 13-year old boy from Italy already had the ride of his life when he ran away with his adoptive father's Mercedes-Benz.

According to the article, he was behind the steering wheel of his father's high-powered automatic car for almost 24 hours. He was able to go as far as 800km over Europe before he was finally flagged down by the police.

Apparently, the teen was on his way to Poland to meet his biological sister. The authorities also said that his natural parents lived there.

Various reports state that the act was a result of a disagreement that he had with his adoptive mother. He later explained to the cops that he was very sorry for what he did especially to his parents.

Additional reports say that he is an expert go-kart driver and he really loves cars, which explain his driving skills at a very young age.

E-Class Group Pictures Leaked at the Facebook Page of Mercedes-Benz  阅读原文»

The new E63 AMG can be found at the rightmost corner of the image.

This photo of fast moving group of E-Class cars just surfaced recently at the Facebook page of Mercedes-Benz. The teaser also included the never before seen E63 AMG model.

Although we would love to hear more about the new E-Class cars, especially the specs and added features, all the company provided were pictures. No further details were discussed at the fan page.

But as revealed in the previous articles of BenzInsider, the new car is packed with 4Matic technology coupled with a dual turbocharged 5.5 liter V8 engines. The twin engines are capable of providing an output of up to 550HP with a torque of 531 lb-ft. It is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph too within 3.5 seconds. On top of these, the new generation sedan is equipped with an all-wheel drive feature.

For more exclusive updates about the new E63 AMG and other new releases of Mercedes-Benz, be sure to check BenzInsider from time to time.

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MKB Gives CLS 63 AMG A Terminal Velocity Of 340 Km/H

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MKB Gives CLS 63 AMG A Terminal Velocity Of 340 Km/H  阅读原文»

Feel that your CLS63 AMG is too portly to give those BMW M5s the spanking they deserve? Tuning firm MKB has the package that ought to cure those blues.

Using as its base the 5.5 liter twin turbocharged V8 that already belts out around 560 horsepower, MKB works its tuning magic to give AMG's workhorse an additional 140 horsepower, to give the CLS 63 AMG an output of 700 horsepower. Torque output gets a similar hefty increase, from 590 lb-ft to almost 740 lb-ft. With these kinds of figures, it's not surprising that the four-door coupe sprints to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds. A very respectable time for a heavy car like the CLS. Makes you wonder though how much punishment the drivetrain can take.

If you can keep yourself from mashing the throttle in the lower gears however, the same power output will give you a top speed of more than 210 mph, or 340 km/h. This performance can only be approached with a delimited top speed and special tires. In practice, MKB moves the speed limiter from the standard 155 mph to 186 mph. Realistically, there are only a few place left to reach those kinds of velocities. It would give the MKB-tuned CLS 63 owner a lot of satisfaction though to see jaws drop when they see what kind of rapid transport said CLS owner has at his disposal.

Interior Of A Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Given A Makeover By Vilner  阅读原文»

The interior of a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was recently given an enhancement by Vilner. The interior specialist from Bulgaria gave this luxurious supercar the best leather available in the market that simply added to its already exclusive reputation.

Aside from the leather interior, the steering wheel of the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG was given an Alcantara covering, giving it a more exquisite feel. Another modification included the addition of a custom-made pocket in between the seats. The specially-designed pocket appeared exceptionally-made that was suitably-designed for the interior design of the car. Aside from these enhancements, everything else remained the same.

This particular Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG also received a modified trunk that featured two tones of Alcantara upholstery. The result made it one of the best works that Vilner produced so far. The improved trunk of the car also shows the logo of AMG and Vilner embroidered at the center, which gave it a more exquisite appearance.

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The 2013 AMG Driving Academy Returns to Road Atlanta!

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The 2013 AMG Driving Academy Returns to Road Atlanta!  阅读原文»

The AMG Driving Academy is an amazing day at the track! It gives you the opportunity to drive our AMG vehicles in a way that you just can’t experience on normal roads. Whether you are an AMG owner looking to see what the car can do (withoutwearing outyour own tires) or an enthusiast looking to be impressed this event is the one for you!

The 2013 schedule has been announced and they are coming back to Road Atlanta…and some other world famous tracks! You can view the full schedule at the AMG Driving Academy site.

• April at Road America in Wisconsin
• August at Road Atlanta
• September at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut
• October, November and Decemberat Leguna Seca in California

If you purchased a AMG vehicle in the 12 months preceding an event you are eligible to attend the one-day Basic class for free through the AMG Purchase Reward Program.

If you want to see what you’ll experience at the event you can take a look at my previous posts. Please excuse all the giggling in the videos…it is just so fun!

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Mercedes-Benz Museum Sets Visitor Record, Will Showcase S-Class In 2013

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Mercedes-Benz Museum Sets Visitor Record, Will Showcase S-Class In 2013  阅读原文»

Michael Bock, General Manager of the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic has reported that around 722,000 people visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum in 2012. Of this number, around 30 percent were visitors from 170 other countries. In recent years the number of international visitors has steadily increased: while only 15% of visitors in 2009 came from other countries, this figure has now more than doubled to 35%. More than that, Herr Bock says that around 4.9 million people have passed through the doors of the museum since it opened its doors in 2011.

Part of the increase in 2012 could be attributed to Mercedes' celebration of 60 years for the Mercedes SL. During this period, the museum exhibited the full model series spanning six decades in the same room for the first time. This exhibition was attended by over 200,000 enthusiastic visitors during its course, where the legendary SL sports car was prominently displayed. Mr. Bock further adds that “The Mercedes-Benz Museum has long been a fixture for German tourists. In an international survey by the German Centre for Tourism, the Mercedes-Benz Museum was the only automobile museum to be voted amongst the Top 50 tourist attractions in Germany.”

In 2013, the Mercedes-Benz Museum will be holding its first Star Nights in the New Year from 26 February to 10 March 2013 � with top-chefs Mario Corti of Restaurant Luce d’Oro at Schloss Elmau and Derry Clarke, chef-de-cuisine at the Dublin gourmet restaurant l’Ecrivain showcasing their skills. Says Mr. Bock, “Coinciding with the market launch of the new S-Class, we will be illustrating the long history of this model series with a special exhibition from 4 June to 22 September 2013. For decades the flagship Mercedes-Benz model has set standards for the brand in terms of luxury, comfort and safety. And with the Week of Helpers (25 to 30 June 2013), one of the many highlights for the coming Museum summer in 2013 is already scheduled.”

W205 Drivetrain Details Emerge  阅读原文»

Slated for public scrutiny at the next Geneva Motor Show, the new W205 C-Class looks to be a larger car, based on the latest details available from Mercedes-Benz. At 4.7 meters long, it will be 100 mm longer, with 80 mm of that extra length going into the wheelbase itself. In addition, the W205 will be wider at 1.8 meters, which will translate to significantly more interior room. Almost like a small E-Class?

Concurrent with the physical makeover is the replacement of the front suspension to a dual-wishbone layout, the better to tune the handling of the M-battling AMG variants that are sure to follow. At the rear, Mercedes will retain a multilink setup, albeit significantly revised. One of the first models to use the new MRA platform, the 2014 C-Class will weigh in at less than 1,400 kilos, at least for the entry-level C160. In terms of powerplants, Mercedes will be mounting the engines longitudinally, instead of the transverse layout found on its CLA platform vehicles. Engine range will start with a 184 horsepower gasoline turbo four up to a range topping V6 with twin turbos and 330 horsepower. Diesel options will come in four flavors, from the 2.1-liter 120 hp turbodiesel to one with 220 horsepower. All these engines will be mated to one of two transmissions – a manual 6-speed and a 7-speed automatic. A 9-speed is reportedly in development, as is an electric hybrid which will make its appearance a couple of years down the line.

Of course, what Mercedes enthusiasts will really be interested in are the AMG variants, which would be thumping turbocharged V8s. 400-500 horsepower wouldn't be unreasonable expectations, and a 4Matic drivetrain is a very real possibility.

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