New Mercedes-Benz SCL600

New Mercedes-Benz SCL600 automobile — including technical innovations such as a joystick in place of a steering wheel, a video monitor in place of a rear-view mirror, and swiveling gull-wing doors are difficult to classify as “true” or “false.” They are genuine photographs of a real car, but that car was constructed as a research vehicle, not as something to be made available for purchase by consumers (although some of its features may have been, or soon may be, incorporated into commercially-available models), and it isn’t really “new” (in a technological sense), as it was introduced over ten years ago.

New Mercedes-Benz SCL600″ automobile including technical innovations such as a joystick in place of a steering wheel, a video monitor in place of a rear-view mirror, and swiveling gull-wing doors are difficult to classify as “true” or “false.” They are genuine photographs of a real car, but that car was constructed as a research vehicle, not as something to be made available for purchase by consumers (although some of its features may have been, or soon may be, incorporated into commercially-available models), and it isn’t really “new” (in a technological sense), as it was introduced over ten years ago.

Learn more about New cars and Latest car reviews visit carworld.eclassifinds.com

Mercedes Benz finishing the touches on its 2010 GL facelift

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class was first introduced in 2006 and didn’t appear in most markets until a year after this, but despite its relatively young age engineers are already hard at work testing prototypes for an updated version of the SUV. Like the facelifted ML-Class introduced last year, the 2010 GL will only receive a few minor styling updates as revealed by these latest spy shots.

The test vehicle seen here is sporting a new set of headlights and new LED daytime running lights aligned in a strip on either side of the front bumper. The shots of the rear also reveal some camouflage material over a set of newly designed taillights, while the exhaust pipes also receive an update. You will also notice that the stainless-steel underbody guard has a new design.

Mercedes is unlikely to change the GL’s powertrain lineup as the car is still in its first generation. However, the older 320-series V6 petrol and diesel units should be replaced with the new 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY direct-injection petrol unit and 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY turbodiesel. The powertrain for the V8-powered GL500/550 will remain unchanged.

The interior should also receive a number of trim and specification updates but we’ll have to wait until the new SUV is released later in the year to get a detailed look. We do know that Mercedes will introduce its Elegance and Avantgarde line of trim for the big SUV, with subtle interior and exterior detailing separating the two.

Mercedes Benz 2000 SLA Vision roadster

One Mercedes-Benz source said that “…the new front-drive platform will lend itself to many new bodystyle options”, which may include the long-rumoured sub-SLK two-seater convertible in the vein of the 2000 SLA Vision roadster.

Based on the original, W168 A-class platform, it was one of the stars of the German company’s 2000 Detroit motor show. However, Mercedes got cold feet and aborted the project.

If a modern SLA is spun off the new small-car platform, it might use Mercedes new “twin-charge” turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder family of internal combustion petrol engines.

Mercedes is reportedly in talks with arch rival BMW about sharing the development costs of this engine family for use in a future sub-1 Series range of environmental city car models being mooted by various sources.

We understand that Mercedes’ in-house performance arm, AMG, may even release a works version of the new engine family, driving all four wheels, to take on the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R32 and Ford Focus RS.

Meanwhile, as we reported late last year, the other end of the new B-class range – BlueZero – will leverage the 12-year-old sandwich-floor platform to accommodate the various environmental drivetrains being developed by Mercedes.

These include the E-Cell electric BlueZero, the BlueZero F-Cell fuel-cell hydrogen car, and a petrol-electric hybrid known as BlueZero E-Cell Plus, with all three employing the latest development of liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries to provide optimum power output and recharging times.

Research and development chief Thomas Weber confirmed there would be two Mercedes small-car architectures in the future.

“The modified sandwich-floor platform provides the perfect basis for a wide model range with electric drive systems,” he said.

“We are also developing a new, additional platform for future compact models with power units based on optimised internal combustion engines.

“The intelligent networking of both architectures enables us to develop our product portfolio extremely flexibly and efficiently.”

Mercedes’ A-grade B-class revolution

MERCEDES-BENZ is expected to unveil its next-generation B-class small car in 2011 with an all-new front-wheel-drive platform that might include a relatively affordable two-seater convertible.

However, while the Concept BlueZero show car displayed at last week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit is the strongest indicator yet as to what the blocky five-door hatchback will look like, GoAuto has learned that the “eco” versions of the next B-class will diverge from the regular internal combustion versions by retaining the old sandwich-style platform.

Little is known about the new front-wheel-drive architecture – which should also find its way under the 2011 A-class replacement – other than that the lack of the controversial sandwich floor should improve space efficiency in the car, result in less boxy designs and lower the centre of gravity for improved dynamic capabilities.

The latter should get a fillip with the expected adoption of a more sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension to take on the sportier BMW 1 Series, instead of the current B-class’ parabolic rear axle and coil springs arrangement.

All-wheel and even rear-wheel-drive capability is believed to have been developed for the new platform, although it should feature a regular transverse-mounted engine.

2010 Mercedes Benz R-Class facelift

Sales figures for the R-Class haven’t managed to live up to the expectations of the German luxury brand, but Mercedes Benz is determined not to completely write-off its ‘Grand Sport Tourer’ just yet. The R-Class received a mild facelift last year to help turnaround flagging sales, but a second and more extensive update is in fact planned for the 2010 model year as previewed by these latest spy shots of a prototype caught testing in Germany.

The first facelift came less than two years after the vehicle was first shown at 2005’s New York Auto Show, and was implemented mainly to increase the car’s desirability. A cheaper RWD model was added to the lineup as well as a more flexible seven-seater model, but other than that the car remained mostly unchanged.

For the next update Mercedes will give the car a major styling overhaul with a new front-end planned as well as a slightly revised rear and interior. Expected to be launched in the second half of next year, the new R-Class will likely receive the same squared-off treatment as the rest of the Mercedes lineup including angular headlights and a larger more prominent grille.

The new E-Class CoupŽ from Mercedes-Benz

The new E-Class CoupŽ from Mercedes-Benz has been unveiled at a special reception at the Saar residence of German Ambassador Dr Hubert Lang.

Described as one of the ‘new generation’ of Mercedes Benz modern cars it is now available from Al Haddad Motors starting from BD35,000.

‘With its classic coupŽ side aspect, our new two-door is a particularly sporty interpretation of the E-Class’s dynamic design,’ said Dr Ulf Ausprung, general manager of Al Haddad Motors. ‘At the same time, this coupe achieves a new world’s best drag co-efficient of just 0.24 Cd, making it the world’s most aerodynamically efficient series-production car.’

The CoupŽ makes no secret of its close relationship to the recently launched new E-Class saloon. It is immediately obvious from the twin-headlamp face which features a similar rhomboid design for the lights but with a somewhat sportier, sharper treatment which its designers believe creates a more dynamic and incisive look.

In addition, the new CoupŽ offers all the technical innovations of the new E-Class that one might expect to find in a sports-oriented luxury coupŽ. These include selective damper control, drowsiness detection and preventive occupant protection. As a feature specific to the CoupŽ, the dynamic driving package allows different suspension setups at the touch of a button.

Adaptive main beam assist and an automatic emergency braking system are other features with which the new series sets standards in this vehicle segment.

The new E-Class Coupe will initially be available in two versions, the E 350 with a V6 engine producing 272 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds and the V8 engined E 500 that pushes out 388 hp and can hit 100 km/h from zero in just 5.3 seconds.

The E-Class also takes on a pioneering role with its new direct-injection petrol engines which combine efficiency with an effortless power delivery. They will be available across the Middle East as an E 250 CGI in September and in the E 200 CGI in March of 2010.

With its sporty look and feel, the cockpit design is clearly in keeping with the agile character of the new CoupŽ. The instrument cluster with five tubes for the dials and a central display has a slender look while the dials themselves are clearly laid out and have high-quality chrome surrounds as well as a silver backing for the scales.

Next to the instrument cluster is the display area for the control and display system for the radio, navigation system and other functions. The system is operated by means of a rotary and push-action controller which falls conveniently to hand in front of the asymmetrically split armrest between the front seats.

The AMG Sports package, on the other hand, clearly focuses on agility and performance potential. AMG body styling includes the unmistakable contours of the AMG front apron with large air intakes, AMG side skirts and the expressive AMG rear apron with a black insert.

High-sheen 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 6 twin-spoke design with wide-base tyres in size 235/40 R 18 at the front and 255/35 R 18 at the rear provide further highlights.

Mercedes-Benz Announces S-Class Hybrid

How could Mercedes-Benz possibly improve on their gorgeous S-class sedan? It’s already the very definition of sleek design and lithe handling. But apparently, looks and handling weren’t enough.

They made it a hybrid.

But not just any hybrid. Mercedes upped the ante and made it a certified environmentally-friendly vehicle. The certification recognizes not just its stellar fuel economy and reduced carbon emissions, but even the physical make-up of the vehicle. For example, 27 components are produced with natural elements, like wool, flax and coconut fibers. Other components, such as the front wheel arches, are made of recycled plastics.

Back to the fuel economy: the S 400 Hybrid uses a V6 petrol engine coupled with a lithium-ion battery that uses a mere 7.9 litres of gas for every 100 km of driving. It also has a top speed of approximately 250 km/h (nice!), and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in a just over 7 seconds (muscle!).

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Mercedes-Benz’ next-generation SLK is still about three years away from its official debut, but our spy photographer have once again spotted the two-door sports car while out testing. Insiders say the next SLK will debut sometime in 2012.

Though the prototype is still heavily disguised, it’s visible that front grille and headlights will be more upright and square than those of the current model. The new SLK will also lose the Formula-One-inspired nose the current model has.

Daylight driving lamps, Mercedes’ new door handles and the bigger mirrors “standing” on the door rather than being mounted in front of the side window will feature as well. And of course, the folding metal roof will be standard again.

It remains unclear what engines Mercedes will offer in the next-gen SLK, but a forced-induction four-cylinder is not completely out of the question. That being said, the SLK won’t be completely going green as the performance AMG model is said to be one of the last Mercedes models to use the company’s 6.2L V8.

2012 Mercedes Benz ML-Class

As the world’s automakers go back to the drawing board on what they need to compete in today’s market, both structurally and in terms of product, parts sharing and efficiency are increasingly becoming key concepts. The next-generation of the Mercedes Benz ML-Class SUV could embrace both concepts with a much closer link to the next G-Class and R-Class (or their successors) as well as more forward-looking powertrains.

Due in the middle of 2011, the next-gen ML is still largely a matter of speculation. Spy shots of an early prototype reveal a smaller body than the current ML, though the wheelbase appears unchanged.

A few reports have suggested that a diesel-electric hybrid M-Class is in the works, although a petrol-electric hybrid like that shown in the 2007 concept ML450 hybrid is already expected to arrive later this year. A plug-in variant of the ML hybrid is even possible, featuring an 80hp (60kW) electric motor paired with a twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5L V6 and capable of travelling up to 18mi (30kW) on electric power alone is also thought to be in the works.

That plug-in hybrid system will draw on elements from the other hybrid programs within Mercedes, including the S400 powertrain. But other elements, including parts and underpinnings, will be shared more closely across the R-Class successor and G-Class vehicles to help achieve economies of scale while still maintaining separate identities. The chassis underpinning the new SUV is also the same design found in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of the lasting legacies from the now defunct DaimlerChrysler.

The ML’s dominant position as the consumer 4×4 of choice within Mercedes’ lineup won’t change, though the focus will increasingly be on efficiency rather than performance. Accordingly, European models will likely get a 2.2L four-cylinder diesel engine rated at 204hp (152kW). A V6 diesel rated at 225hp (168kW) and a 333hp (248kW) V6 petrol engine is also thought to be in the plans. The V8 engine will gain direct-injection and twin-turbochargers for the AMG model, which is expected to deliver at least 570hp (425kW).

Mercedes S400 Hybrid hits Middle East in September

Mercedes Benz is entering a new era by introducing the S400 Hybrid luxury saloon. It gives you everything you expect from a S-class with fuel economy of a small city car. You still get a 3.5 liter V6 developing 280 hp, but thanks to Mercedes hybrid technology average fuel consumption is pretty low at 7.9 liters per 100 kilometres, considering weight of the car. The S400 hybrid is planned for middle east market and will be available from September 2009.

Press Release

Dubai – Here is the first picture of the new Mercedes-Benz S400 that will be the first Hybrid luxury sedan in the world with a lithium-ion battery and which will arrive in the Middle East & Levant in September this year.”The S 400 HYBRID is an important milestone on the way to emission-free mobility,” said Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant. “Our first series production hybrid car exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s long-standing development strategy geared towards sustainability, with its clearly defined aim of producing economical and environment-friendly premium cars without compromising on safety, comfort and superior performance.”

The first hybrid drive in a series production car from Mercedes-Benz makes this S-Class model the most economical petrol-engined luxury saloon. The fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres corresponds to carbon dioxide emissions of just 186 grammes per kilometre. This is the lowest level worldwide in this vehicle segment, confirming the new S 400 HYBRID as the “CO2 champion of the luxury class”.

The excellent fuel consumption and the low CO2 emissions of the S 400 HYBRID are accompanied by truly superior performance potential with the modified 3.5 litre petrol engine generating 279 hp, while the electric motor produces 20 hp and a starting torque of 160 Nm.

Mercedes Benz is entering a new era by introducing the S400 Hybrid luxury saloon. It gives you everything you expect from a S-class with fuel economy of a small city car. You still get a 3.5 liter V6 developing 280 hp, but thanks to Mercedes hybrid technology average fuel consumption is pretty low at 7.9 liters per 100 kilometres, considering weight of the car. The S400 hybrid is planned for middle east market and will be available from September 2009.

Press Release

Dubai – Here is the first picture of the new Mercedes-Benz S400 that will be the first Hybrid luxury sedan in the world with a lithium-ion battery and which will arrive in the Middle East & Levant in September this year.”The S 400 HYBRID is an important milestone on the way to emission-free mobility,” said Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant. “Our first series production hybrid car exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s long-standing development strategy geared towards sustainability, with its clearly defined aim of producing economical and environment-friendly premium cars without compromising on safety, comfort and superior performance.”

The first hybrid drive in a series production car from Mercedes-Benz makes this S-Class model the most economical petrol-engined luxury saloon. The fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres corresponds to carbon dioxide emissions of just 186 grammes per kilometre. This is the lowest level worldwide in this vehicle segment, confirming the new S 400 HYBRID as the “CO2 champion of the luxury class”.

The excellent fuel consumption and the low CO2 emissions of the S 400 HYBRID are accompanied by truly superior performance potential with the modified 3.5 litre petrol engine generating 279 hp, while the electric motor produces 20 hp and a starting torque of 160 Nm.