Luxury is never out of fashion and all fancy ladies know this. And when we are talking about a massaging driver’s seat, we definitely support the idea that luxury is also never overrated.
Mercedes-Benz has this massaging option for driver’s seat in its E350, and according to persons who used it, it’s great and highly relaxing. And we personally believe that every business lady should enjoy the benefits of this feature on her way to the office or back home, after an exhausting day.
For the moment, this feature is available only on luxury and also expensive Mercedes-Benz models. But who knows, maybe some day it will be used in everyday cars, for all super-women around the world with less money, but with the same need to relax. That’s because we all deserve to leave our stress behind and doing this while driving might be a great option, once we rarely have time for us and go to the spa for a massage session.
For the moment, the price for this massaging seat on Mercedes-Benz car is of $660, quite expensive, but definitely cheaper than we all would have expected.
So, would you like such a seat in your car if you could have it?
[Source: Motherproof, Photo1, Photo2]
Post tags: Tags: massaging seats, Mercedes-Benz
2012 Mercedes B-Class
Our colleagues from WCF have been very busy lately taking spy shots of various cars that are about to hit the market in the following period. Their latest batch of photos is with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class, a car that I’ve always liked but can’t say for sure why.
Anyway, the one you see in these spy shots looks almost a production model, featuring LED indicators, a two bar grille, an upward sweeping shoulder line and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. In comparison to the outgoing model, the new generation looks to be a little bit larger so we should expect more legroom for those who sit in the back.
2012 Mercedes B-Class
We don’t have any confirmed facts regarding the engines which will be available, but expect to see about five gasoline units and four diesels.
The gasoline ones will output from 108 hp (109 PS / 80 kW) to 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) while the ones running on the devil’s fuel (aka diesel) will generate from 120 hp (122 PS / 90 kW) to 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW).
No word about the approximate date of the launch for the new B-Class but if it won’t be out this year, expect for an early 2012 launch.
Source: WCF
Post tags: Tags: mercedes b-class, Spy Shots
1930 Mercedes-Benz Nurburg 460 Pullman
No wonder that Pope Bendict XVI is also known as the “green pope” for his support of eco-friendly causes. He will get the very first green popemobile in the form of a hybrid Mercedes-Benz M-Class. If we were to believe Wirtschaftswoche, a German business paper, the hybrid crossover will feature lithium-ion batteries and will have an electric driving range of up to 20 miles.
In 2010, Benedict had his thoughts on getting a pure-electric solar-powered Popemobile, but his closest advisors said that a hybrid would be more suitable, mostly because it would eliminate potentially threatening situations.
The car will be delivered towards the end of this year or even in early 2012 and will join six or seven Mercedes-Benz heavily armored vehicles, including a modified S-Class model and two customized Gelandewagens.
Mercedes-Benz has been supplying Popemobiles to the Vatican for more than 8 decades. The very first one was delivered to Pope Pius XI and was a Nurburg 460 Pullman limousine from 1930. The current fleet includes a M430 that was delivered in 2002 for John Paul II, the previous pontiff, along with a G500 cabriolet from 2007 and a G500 hardtop from 2008. These two last models are wearing a Vatican Mystic White livery.
Source: Inside Line
Post tags: Tags: Green, Hybrid, mercedes, popemobile
2012 Mercedes A-Class
A couple of weeks ago at the Shanghai Auto Show we’ve seen the concept version of the A-Class and now, courtesy of Autocar.co.uk, we get to see the production version which will be out next year. Mercedes has put a great deal of effort into the new generation as it will have to face up some serious competition coming from the soon-to-be-released replacements for the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series. 
2012 Mercedes A-Class
As opposed to the 3-door concept seen in Shanghai, this prototype features rear doors. The production version will feature the narrow glasshouse of the concept, along with the sharply ranked front windscreen as well as the A-pillars, making it a lot more attractive than the previous generations.
The current A-Class is a compact and spacious family car but this role will be handed over to the B-Class. The forthcoming A-Class will feature a lot of interior components that will be borrowed from the C-Class. The car will be based on an entirely new platform, dubbed MFA, featuring a strut front suspension and a multi-link rear axle.
2012 Mercedes A-Class
The car will be powered by the company’s current lineup of 4-cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesels, borrowed from the aforementioned C-Class, which will be modified for a transverse installation.
Upon launch, the most powerful engine will probably be the 2.0-liter gasoline engine that produces 204 hp, the one we’ve seen in the concept. This unit will be linked to a dual-clutch transmission, replacing the current CVT gearbox that is used in the current A-Class and B-Class models. As far as diesels are concerned, Mercedes will opt for at least a 4-cylinder 2.2-liter engine while power will vary from 130 hp to 180 hp.
In 2013 we will most likely see the AMG version of the new A-Class, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that generates 320 hp. This model will come with a four-wheel drive configuration and will rival the Audi S3.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: 2012 mercedes a-class, Spy Shots
Mercedes BLS
The guys over at AutoExpress have managed to take a few spy shots with the upcoming Mercedes BLS, considered to be the scaled down version of the sexy CLS. These pictures were taken in Germany and we get to see a 4-door sedan that has a few coupe design cues.
The car is based on the same technology that Mercedes-Benz uses for the new A and B-Class and it will rival the Volkswagen Passat CC and the recently revealed Audi A3 sedan. Although we don’t get to see a lot of things due to the heavily camouflage, we’ve learned from AutoExpress that the Germans will focus on the design of the car and as a result we should expect to see a sculpted bodywork., which should look alike its bigger brother, the CLS.
Mercedes BLS
In addition, it will most likely feature a sloping rear roofline to add a little bit of sportiness, while the interior will be set up in order to accommodate four passengers and we should see individual chairs and a lot of room.
The Mercedes BLS will be powered by the exact same 1.8-liter gasoline and 2.1-liter diesel engines that you can find in the C-Class, which will be adapted for a FWD configuration. It wouldn’t be a total surprise if it will be available with the 2.0-liter, twin-turbo engine that produces 265 hp, the same one which will power the A-Class AMG.
Source: AutoExpress.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: mercedes bls, Spy Shots
Connecting to internet is becoming mainstream and Mercedes want to take advantage of that and establish a new trend for their industry: they are working at an app store, actually one of the first app stores offered by automakers.
The information about their intention came from Mercedes design chief, Gorden Wagener, during an interview for a magazine:
“We have our own telematics research and graphics pre-development operation in Palo Alto (California). In addition, we can imagine developing a so-called ‘Mercedes App Store,’ with apps that make the life of the Mercedes driver even more comfortable. (…) It will take a while before we bring this into cars across the board. The big issue here is the infrastructure. Without a data infrastructure that permits fairly high transmission speeds into the car, it’s no fun and it doesn’t make sense.”
By creating this service app, Mercedes hopes to get a closer relation to its customers.
With no relation to the subject, Mercedes have 200 employees working on its design team, while another 30 stylists work for sister brand Lamborghini or on auto accessories. A fairly large number, I’d say.
So, what do you think about Mercedes’ idea of app store?
Post tags: Tags: app store, automakers
If you were wondering what car you should get to do a little bit of drifting, look no further as we have the answer: Mercedes C63 AMG. The one you see in this video was driven by Mauro Calo who managed to set the world drift record, drifting for 7,572 feet (2,308 meters, 394 meters than the old record) by doing almost eight laps of the handling circuit at the Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey, United Kingdom.
Source: Mercedes-Benz via WCF
Post tags: Tags: drift, drift record, mauro calo, mercedes c63 amg
2012 Mercedes M-Class
If we were to believe our esteemed colleagues form AutoCar, the Germans over at Mercedes-Benz are working on a new model, dubbed GLS, which will rival what is in my opinion the ugliest car on the market nowadays, the BMW X6. Set to debut three years from now, the model will be based on the same unibody platform that was used for the recently introduced third generation of the M-Class as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The new GLS model will drop the practicality of the 5-seat M-Class, opting for a more sporting 4-seat interior, borrowing some of the design cues that we can see in the sexy CLS model.
For reasons that I cannot understand, BMW managed to sell a whopping 120,000 units of its awful X6 model since it was introduced back in 2009. The GLS will have to face some serious competition, not only from the X6, but also from the Audi Q6, which is scheduled for a 2016 release and the new generation of the Range Rover Sport, set to debut in 2013.
Other leaked information would have to be that the all-new GLS will be powered by V6 3.5-liter and V8 gasoline engines, along with a V6 3.0-liter diesel. The German automaker is also working on a hybrid (diesel-electric) variant that will get many of its components from the E300 Hybrid which will be revealed this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It is safe to assume that an AMG version will also be launched, probably one featuring a V8 turbocharged 5.5-liter power unit if the rumors turn out to be true.
The Mercedes GLS will be assembled at the firm’s North American factory, located in Alabama, where they also make the M-Class.
PS: I’ll never understand why anyone would want an SUV with sporty lines.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: mercedes gls, rumors
2012 Mercedes SLK by Carlsson
To me, as far as the design is concerned, the recently introduced new generation of the Mercedes SLK is one of those cars that looks drop dead gorgeous right from the factory line so tuners should avoid messing up with the design. Performance improvements yes, design changes no. However, aftermarket specialists like Carlsson have managed to make me think about this a little bit more in depth as their upgrade program for the SLK makes the car even more beautiful than before, without changing too much.
Design-wise, their aerodynamic kit features a new front spoiler lip that looks like it was created by Mercedes themselves, along with a rear apron insert that also looks like it was there right from the start. Other additions include the rear diffuser which looks kinda nice and stainless steel front grille inserts that probably look good only on a white SLK, like the one in these two pictures.
2012 Mercedes SLK by Carlsson
Aside from making a few subtle design updates here and there, they’ve also installed a bespoke exhaust system that consists of a stainless steel sports silencer that has two pipes. In addition, the SLK now rides on 20-inch light alloy rims and the suspension lowering kit brings the sexy cabrio closer to the ground. As far as the inside is concerned, the guys over at Carlsson fitted the Mercedes SLK with aluminum pedals, elegant Nappa leather upholstery, along with various carbon, wood and Alcantara trim parts.
They’ve made some modifications under the hood too, where the TGI engines can be fitted with a C-Tronic power kit that increases the output of the engine between 27 and 40 hp.
I’ve always enjoyed subtle tuning programs and Carlsson has managed to come up with just that. Well done guys.
Source: Carlsson via ZerCustoms
Post tags: Tags: carlsson, mercedes slk, Tuning
The 5:30 minutes clip was shot in order to promote the new Mercedes-Benz M Class model. The little plot gets you and makes you stick until the end.
A man owning a M Class is shown buying two gifts, one for his mother and the other for his wife. Obiously the gifts are switched and the adventure begins.
During a chase with the delivery company we find out about the eco feature which turnes off the engine during a red light, later on about the navigating system and plenty more. We’ll let you watch if the guy manages to stop the wrong package from being sent.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp0dBRvgA2o&feature=uploademail[/youtube]
Post tags: Tags: car ad, car commercial, m-class, mercedes-benz m class 2011, short-film, the switched gifts
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
After several batches of spy shots, we finally get to see the new generation of the M-Class in all its German crossover glory. We’ll have live shots of the car in September when Mercedes will bring it to the Frankfurt Motor Show for an official unveiling. 
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The new M-Class features a more prominent front grille, wraparound taillights, sculpted sides and a generous selection of 17- to 21-inch alloy rims. Inside the cabin, noticeable upgrades can be noticed as the interior sports materials of higher quality while the dashboard looks a little bit like the one on the S-Class, featuring a wide swatch of wood trim. The center console is now considerably wider and there are new aluminum accents, along with an optional panoramic roof and an updated COMAND system. 
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
When it will hit the dealerships, MB will offer the M-Class with three engines. The ML 250 will be the cheapest model, featuring a 4-cylinder, 2.1-liter Bluetec engine that generates 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) and 369 lb.-ft (500 Nm) of torque. 
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The mid-range model is the ML 350 Bluetec, featuring a V6 3.0-liter diesel power unit that produces 254 hp (258 PS / 190 kW) and 457 lb.-ft (619 Nm) of torque, which should allow for a sprint from 0 to 62 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 139 mph (224 km/h). 
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The most powerful model which will be available upon launch is going to be the ML 350 BlueEfficiency, packing a V6 3.5-liter engine that delivers 302 hp (306 PS / 225 kW) and 273 lb.-ft (370 Nm) of torque. With this engine, the M-Class will be able to hit a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h). 
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
All of these engines are going to be mated to a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox and an AWD system. In addition, all three models will sport a selective damping suspension. Optional features to choose from include the self-leveling Airmatic air suspension, along with the Active Curve System. 
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
No word about an AMG version, but we’ll definitely see one in the next couple of years, if not sooner. 
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Source: Mercedes-Benz via WCF
Post tags: Tags: 2012 mercedes-benz m-class, mercedes m-class
Everybody knows about the friendship between Mercedes-Benz and the best tennis player of all time, Roger Federer. No doubt that signing a contract with Mercedes has its privileges, but this is just unfair!
The Swiss had the chance to get behind the wheel of the 2012 SLS AMG Roaster, one of the most expected cars this year. He didn’t miss the opportunity to go full throttle and enjoy this supercar just like any lucky man would. Roger acts naturally and has a lot of fun using all those 563 HP . That’s why we love him so much.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xag7oXYcRBY&feature=relmfu[/youtube]
Post tags: Tags: drive test, Mercedes-Benz, roger federer, sls amg roadster 2012
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by VATH
If you thought that the Mercedes SLS AMG can’t get more power from its 6.3-liter engine, you’re wrong. The German tuner VATH has decided to roll out their own version of the sexy AMG version of the SLS, managing to increase the power to 607 hp (615 PS / 452 kW) and 501 lb.-ft (680 Nm), up from the standard 563 hp (571 PS / 420 kW). Thanks to these upgrades, the car can do the 0-60 mph sprint in only 3.3 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by VATH
To get that extra oomph from the engine, VATH installed a high-performance exhaust that features a pneumatic valve system, allowing the driver of the SLS AMG to control the exhaust sound himself from the cockpit. The sexy coupe now sits on VATH’s 9.5Jx20-inch (front) and 11.5Jx20-inch (back) wheels, covered by 265/30ZR20 and 315/25ZR20 tires. In comparison to the standard version, this VATH-tuned SLS AMG has been lowered by 25 mm.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by VATH
Design-wise, not much has changed and this can only be a good thing as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is one of the most beautiful cars in the world. The German engineers installed a new front lip spoiler that offers more downforce on the car’s front axle, along with a boot lid spoiler and side skirts.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by VATH
Inside the cabin, we find a sport steering wheel wrapped around in leather, a new speedometer that reads up to 400 km/h, black floor mats with the tuner’s logo and door trimming in leather.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by VATH
For the entire package, SLS AMG owners have to pay 32,670 Euros.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by VATH
Source: VATH via WCF
Post tags: Tags: mercedes-benz sls amg, Tuning, vath
2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
After a couple of teasers and some spy shots, we now have the full information about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. The car will get its official debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
The Roadster version of the sexy SLS AMG features a three-ply soft top that needs 11 seconds in order to be lowered or raised at speeds of up to 31 mph. The good thing is that despite the fact that it is entirely automatic and has a glass rear windows, it does not take away any of the trunk space as the SLS benefits from a cargo capacity of 173 liters, with/without the top on.
2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
As far as the cabin is concerned, you’ll find leather upholstery, AMG sports seats (with AIRSCARF), metallic trim, AMG Performance Media system and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.
2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is motivated by a V8 6.3-liter engine that develops 563 hp (571 PS / 420 kW) and has a peak torque of 479 lb.-ft (650 Nm). This power unit is mated to a 7-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, allowing the car to do the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds, before reaching a limited top speed of 197 mph (317 km/h), exactly the same as the Gullwing version.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqfwaE900Ao[/youtube]
Source: Mercedes-Benz via WCF
Post tags: Tags: mercedes-benz sls amg roadster
Car manufacturers from all over the world are launching brand new models every year which means that they have to discontinue the old ones in order to make room for the fresh cars. In this article we are going to talk about some of the cars that we won’t be seeing from now on, at least in the following period, unless they plan to make a comeback.
05. Volvo V70
This year we will have to say goodbye to the Volvo V70, the real station wagon: a large, comfortable and safe load-lugger. If you still want something similar, you can get the smaller V50 or the dressed-up, jacked-up XC70, but it won’t be the same thing.
04. Saturn (the brand)
Our 4th place in the top goes to the Saturn brand which has been killed by General Motors. In the 90s the things there went pretty smooth with employees that enjoyed making cars, buyers that loved the affordable price tags, along with some well-thought advertising campaigns. It went downhill when GM decided to forget about the plastic construction and sell the new Saturns as rebadged GM models.
03. Ford Explorer Sport Trac
This part SUV / part truck was designed for those families that wanted a spacious 4-door interior cabin and lots of room for cargo. It wasn’t made for hauling manure, but it does have a strong personality. For this year, Ford has decided to reinvent the Explorer model as a crossover. Is it a good thing or did they make a bad decision? We’ll leave it up to you to decide this one.
02. Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG
Offering plenty of comfort and a very potent V8 5.5-liter, we are sad to see the SLK AMG go, but we do know that MB and AMG are working on another model based on the new generation of the SLK. This is one of those cars that offer an authentic driving pleasure, combining a powerful engine with great looks.
01. Dodge Viper
For a little while, we’ll have to say goodbye to the Dodge Viper, until at least 2013 when the new generation will be launched. With a V10 8.4-liter engine that produces 600 hp and 560 lb.-ft of torque, the Viper is perhaps one of the most exciting cars ever made in North America. The model that will come after this will probably get a V8 engine and let’s face it, it won’t be that Viper we are all used to.
Post tags: Tags: discontinued cars, top 5
