New 355HP Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG Bows at the Geneva Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz is not exactly renowned for its hot hatches; in fact, it has been absent from this segment since… well, forever. Now that the third-gen A-Class is a proper B-Segment hatchback instead of a mini MPV like its predecessors, the three-pointed star decided it wanted to play.

Actually, dominate would be a more appropriate word. The A 45 AMG that made its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show today is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that, despite having a capacity of just 1,991 cc, boasts a Porsche (never mind VW, Ford and the other GTis) scaring 355HP (360PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft).

The A 45 AMG is fitted with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch seven-speed transmission, the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and a three-stage ESP. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.6 seconds and reaches an electronically restricted top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

"With the new A 45 AMG we have well and truly achieved our aim of developing the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder series production car", said Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and Board Member of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “With its impressive high-tech package and the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the A 45 AMG is a thoroughbred AMG through and through."

According to the company, the A 45 AMG leads the pack in efficiency, too, as it posts an average consumption of 6.9 lt/100 km (34.1 mpg US) and emits 161-165 g of CO2/km, complying with the EU6 emission standards that will come into effect in 2015.

Mercedes-Benz announced that the release date for the A 45 AMG will be April 8 and its market launch in Germany will commence in June.

2013 Geneva Motor Show

If we are nearing the end of February, then it must be time for the Geneva Auto Show that takes place each year in March. This is the 83rd time that automakers will gather in the Swiss city to display their latest models; the Palexpo center will open its gates on March 5 for the press and two days later for the public and will last until March 17.

In spite of all the fuss about “green” transportation, the 2013 Geneva Auto Show’s most anticipated new models are sports cars.

First and foremost, there’s the Alfa Romeo 4C – a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with a carbon fiber chassis that heralds the Italian manufacturer’s new era and its long-anticipated return to the U.S. market.

Then there’s the Formula 1 duel that has been taken to the streets: Ferrari will unveil the Enzo successor, code-named F150, and rival McLaren, the production version of the P1. Interestingly, both hypercars will be powered by hybrid powertrains and despite putting out in excess of 900-horses, they promise ultra-low CO2 emissions.

Other sports car that will make their premiere in Geneva are the open-top versions of the brand-new Corvette Stingray and the Toyota GT 86 (Scion FR-S in the U.S.), the Aston Martin Rapide S and Vantage SP10 and, of course, a special Lamborghini to celebrate the Sant’ Agata-based company’s 50th anniversary.

Naturally, the show won’t be only about sports cars: BMW will launch the 3-Series GT, China's Qoros its 3 Sedan, Volvo its updated range and the VW Group the electrified Audi A3 and VW Golf models.

That’s far from a full description of the cars that will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, but you can scroll down and view the provisional list in detail.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Show

This is, arguably, the least practical of the current crop of high-end electric cars, but we don't really care.

Gullwings, SLS AMG looks, a hot electric blue exterior, and up to 155 miles of all-electric driving range? Sign us up. The SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive is a winner.

Also, for once, we're not really bummed they put music over the sound the car driving--because it's nearly silent.

Of course, we'd rather have the snarling, awesome 6.2-liter V-8 in the 2013 SLS AMG GT, but we wouldn't kick this one out of bed for eating electrons.

Articles Source : Motorauthority

2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: First Drive

Construction workers working to the left, Ferrari dealer to the right. Real, actual bustle. Barcelona does not act like the rest of Spain, which is probably why it has two cell phones and is maybe "going out with the girls" on Friday night.

Just a few hours earlier, we'd been wedged in the fab city's underbelly, parked below ground level opposite Casa Battlo, the fab apartment building rendered edibly by Antonin Gaudi in melted stucco, so that no stock Pella window would fit. One by one, we woke up a fleet of 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMGs one by one, wagons, sedans, oops that's a SEAT, and blew off some morning cobwebs that had caught some of us up too early after being up too late. 

And then about five hours later, we were detained. Not that kind of detained--the other kind. With handcuffs.

Let's just say we're not 100 percent against the idea, but at the day's start, this is not how we were supposed to roll.

The way in which we were to roll was to go like this: blast down Las Ramblas, hit a main artery, ride the spurt out to the Catalan hills northeast of town, to an awesomely drawn stretch on an unfamiliar map that could have doubled for Latigo Canyon Road. On the navigation system, it was Muntanya Montserrat, and quickly we figured out every country must have one, since the last Montserrat we visited currently sits under a dozen feet of volcanic ash. This also was not in the plan.

Good thing that about three-quarters of the real plan came through before we descended out of Montserrat's piney better-than-California-ness. (San Diego--you've been warned.) It'd be the only shot we had at shoving this E63 AMG sedan around steeply inclined, frequently elbowed roads without so many officials in the mix.

And the E63 AMG requires a fresh set of hands and hocks this year, because it's changed once more--thrice now if you're using that word, and counting all the times since the E-Class was completely new in 2010. Every other E-Class is eking out fuel-economy gains wherever it can--the diesels are dropping cylinders, the V-8s are tapping out for twin-turbo sixes. The AMGs are content to sail by with a curt little wave. Tschuss! This year, they're up from 518 hp to 550 hp and 531 pound-feet of torque in base form, and if you spec up to the "S" model--a new sub-sub-model in the hierarchy--you'll net out at 577 hp, 590 lb-ft of torque.

Whatever you choose, Lord, a scalding-hot 0-60 mph time of under 3.6 seconds is yours for the taking through RACESTART launch control. Top speed: it's 155 mph on the E63 AMG sedan, 186 mph on the E63 AMG S sedan and wagon.

Burble and speak

Oh, that engine. The 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V-8 might always be seen and heard as the pale successor to SLS' 6.2-liter V-8--the one that energetically whomp-bomp-aloo-bomps through tunnels while it drinks liters of 93 blend. We think it's an unintentional parody of Little Richard's perfect day. That's cheating the twin-turbo unit its due, though. The newer engine climbs a Matterhorn of torque from 1750 to 5000 rpm, feeling rich and sounding in top vocal form all its own, and less manic about, well, everything.

The seven-speed automatic that's permeated the AMG and Mercedes lineups is present and accounted for, with the usual comfort, sport, sport-plus, and manual modes. Stop/start is here too, and it's not the fig leaf you'd think, even if it starts the E63 AMG in second gear when the tranny's in comfort/economy mode and thwaps the drivetrain to life with a mini-riding crop. The EPA gives it some credibility for saving gas--all of which goes away when you remap things to any of the more adventurous modes. Here it's set to stun: start/stop is disabled, shifts speed up and get rev-matching on the downshift. The exhaust opens up like bronchioles on a good hit off an inhaler, and launch control comes online for perfect 0-whatever-mph runs.

That the E63 comes with all-wheel drive as standard equipment this year, is a mild controversy among the AMG crowd. The third AMG to get all-wheel traction after ML and CLS, the E63 AMG has a torque split of 33:67. You can give it the slip--but the E63 AMG S gets a limited-slip differential to avoid just that potential for uneven wheelspin. Plus it also gets lovely red brake calipers, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes that replace the 14.2-inch vented and drilled discs that otherwise hide behind the E63's 19-inch wheels.

Finally, when it comes to describing what the E63 looks like without its overgarments, there's an adaptive suspension poised for Montserrat's loopy landscape with comfort, sport, or sport-plus modes. It's not a fully adaptive setup--AMGs carry steel suspension bits in front with conventional shocks, it's the back that gets air springs--and as a result, on purpose, the E63's never going to be as soft as a base E-Class. Or as quiet. The firm thump of the tires comes to life through the steering wheel with the barest of nudges--the electric steering rack builds up plenty of its own resistance a few millimeters off center--and the cabin's always filled with the ripe, mature sound of a big V-8 barking out orders like it's in charge. That's life with an AMG. Either you're in, or you're out.

You don't go halfway with the E63 in anything. It's a big sedan--bigger than ever, heavier than ever--and all-wheel-drive and electric steering have put more lead in its sled, more perceptually than physically (the AWD setup adds only about 150 pounds.) The E-Class' long wheelbase and the weight dialed into the steering, even in the lightest setting, aren't neutralized entirely by the rear torque bias. Carving up Latigo--sorry, Montserrat's canyon road--can be a task, even with a brake clamping on an inside rear wheel, vectoring it in more closely to the corner. It's just grown into a massively powerful, unbelievably stable machine that's serene and unflappable through 30-mph sweeps, and a real maul on 15-mph door-scrapers. Flip the paddles low once you're in manual-shift mode and you'll be able to slide your way out with brute force. In any other driving scenario, just open it up. It'll suture itself back to the ground, one way or the other.

Articles Source : motorauthority

Nismo Announcement, 50 Years Of Porsche 911, Mercedes CLA45 AMG: Today's Car News

There's a whole lot of excitement brewing over the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but that's not all that's happening in the luxury and performance car universe.

Nissan's high-performance Nismo brand is planning a big announcement soon, but what, exactly, it will entail is still unknown--though it's possible Nismo may become its own performance brand like Mercedes' AMG or BMW's M Division.

Porsche will continue its celebration of the half-century mark for its iconic 911 sports car at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, with everything from classic Porsche race and road cars to the festival's annual featured sculpture.

We also got our first (semi-) official look at the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG. With its dashing looks, all-wheel drive, and a monstrous turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the CLA45 AMG is on our must-drive list this year.

You'll find all of this and more in today's car news headlines from around the High Gear Media network right here at Motor Authority.

Articles Source : motorauthority

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG plans to sell the GT models in mid-November. GT is not for the presence of SLS SLS complete range, but to replace it. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is no longer manufactured and is replaced by the SLS AMG is offered in a format GT Coupe and Roadster. Mercedes-Benz and AMG seems to not only tune the engine. They are also redesigning the adaptive performance of his suspension with stiffer springs and dampers are more tuned more aggressively.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT engine, Mercedes SLS AMG engine for the GT is still equipped with the same engine, the AMG 3.6-liter V8. But the power it produces an increase of 20 hp or a 591 hp. With this engine, this car can run from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.7 seconds before reaching a speed of 200 km / h in 11.2 seconds. Movement of teeth also have functioned so well that the driver is easier to operate.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT interior, improvements have also been done on the interior including the Designo package style. These optional extras comes with three different color combinations with a single color or two tone with the color contrast stitching with a diamond pattern on the seats and doors. There are also various other optional items, ranging from carbon fiber components of both the interior and exterior, the carbon-ceramic brakes, a Bang & Olufsen audio device to a different choice veleg.

Articles Source : Autostylized

New Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG Edition 1

As with most newly launched Mercedes-Benz models these days, the A45 AMG will be offered in a special trim grade named Edition 1 for a limited run during the car's first year on the market.

What the "Edition 1" brings to Stuttgart's hottest hatch is some custom styling touches, while also ticking most boxes on the options list, for a more affordable price than if ordered separately.

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

On the outside, the A45 AMG is finished in a 'Cirrus White' paint job and gets sports stripes in matt graphite grey on the bonnet, roof and sides, a standard Aerodynamics package that adds a rear wing, extra flics on the front apron and a larger front splitter.

Furthermore, the mirror, front grille, brake calipers and the rear wing come with red accent paint, and the car rides on black 19-inch wheels with a red center cap and tires size 235/35 R 19.

Black and red are the dominant colors in the interior of the A 45 AMG "Edition 1", which boasts "AMG Performance seats" in ARTICO man-made leather and DINAMICA microfiber, with the same material used on the top section of the dashboard. Other notable changes include the steering wheel dressed in nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber, SELECT lever with embossed AMG emblem and the "Edition 1" badge on the AMG DRIVE UNIT.

There are no performance upgrades with the Edition 1 fitted with the same 355hp (360PS) 2.0-liter turbo engine as the standard A45 AMG.

Pricing for the special edition model as well as the regular A45 AMG will be announced after its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Salon.

If you scroll down, you will find a list with all the individualization options for the performance hatch, along with the first video trailer.

Individualization options for the A 45 AMG:

• AMG Aerodynamics package: AMG rear aerofoil, additional flics in front apron, larger front splitter
• AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror housing
• AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package: front splitter, side sill panel inserts and trim on rear apron in genuine carbon fibre
• AMG rear aerofoil
• AMG Exclusive package 
• AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels in 8 x 19 fitted with 235/35 R 19 tyres, in two variants: painted in titanium grey with high-sheen finish or in matt black with high-sheen rim flange
• AMG Night package: privacy glass, black anodised waistline trim strip, black tailpipe trims in chromed finish, radiator fins in silver chrome, high-gloss black painted finish for front splitter, exterior mirrors, side sill panel inserts and rear apron trim
• AMG Performance exhaust system incl. tailpipe trims in specific design
• AMG Performance suspension with tauter spring/damper tuning
• AMG Performance steering wheel and E-SELECT lever, electronic key with AMG emblem
• AMG Performance seats
• AMG wheel bolt covers in black with hub caps in central-locking look (for standard AMG light-alloy wheels only)
• Red painted callipers

Articles Source : Carscoop

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

The A45 AMG sees Mercedes-AMG embarking on a new era. For the first time in the company's history extending back over more than 45 years, Mercedes-Benz's performance brand is offering a fascinating high-performance vehicle in the compact class. The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is representative of the "AMG Performance 50" strategy for the future, which is to run up to the 50th birthday of Mercedes-AMG GmbH in 2017. With a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Newton metres of torque, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world. The sensational power density of 133 kW (181 hp) outstrips even the most powerful super sports cars. At the same time, the engine also boasts supreme efficiency and complies with the EU6 emissions standard.The A45 AMG also leads its segment in terms of fuel consumption, returning 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres (40.9 mpg) in NEDC combined mode. These credentials indicate that a further high-performing member of the BlueDIRECT family is now taking to the road.The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive onboard the A45 AMG sets new standards in the car's segment.

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

The substance of the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle architecture for front- and all-wheel drive provides the perfect basis for the A45 AMG and at least two other high-performance premium automobiles from Affalterbach. In designing and developing the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, the experts at AMG have drawn on the company's decades of experience in motorsport and the production of powerful, high-performance vehicles. As such, the A45 AMG will inherit the corporate DNA and embody the AMG brand claim "Driving Performance" to perfection: a fascinatingly sporty driving experience combined with impressive craftsmanship and pronounced individuality.

"The A45 AMG will enable Mercedes-AMG to appeal to new customers and tap new markets," observes Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "We are adding an extremely attractive model with exceptional performance to our range of unique high-performance automobiles."

"With the new A45 AMG we have well and truly achieved our aim of developing the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder series production car," comments Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and Board Member of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "With its impressive high-tech package and the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the A45 AMG is a thoroughbred AMG through and through."

Exterior design with sporty and muscular highlights

Mercedes-AMG adds emphatically sporty and muscular highlights to the emotional exterior design of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sporting the new dynamic style, sculptural character and feature lines on the sides. These refinements ensure that the A45 AMG looks the part as a distinctive high-performance automobile - a genuine AMG through and through.

The front view of the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is characterised by the AMG "twin blade" radiator grille and the cross strut in the AMG front apron, both painted in matt titanium grey. Striking black flics surround the large cooling air intakes at the sides. An interesting side view is guaranteed by the AMG light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design and the side sill panels with inserts in matt titanium grey. The AMG rear apron with its highlighted air outlet openings at the sides features a diffusor insert and trim in matt titanium grey. Two square, chrome-plated tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap add an appropriately bold finishing touch.

Dynamic and exclusive interior design and appointments

Inside, too, the new A45 AMG boasts a heady mix of hallmark Mercedes-AMG dynamism and exclusivity. The sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting top-stitching, the multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and the AMG DRIVE UNIT set new standards in terms of both appearance and quality. The dashboard trim comes in carbon-fibre look - a perfect match for the five air vents in black/red, the red seat belts and the AMG door sill panels. The AMG instrument cluster presents information by means of a central colour display with the AMG main menu and the RACETIMER.

Numerous individualisation options are available for the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG (selection):

• AMG Aerodynamics package: AMG rear aerofoil, additional flics in front apron, larger front splitter
• AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror housing
• AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package: front splitter, side sill panel inserts and trim on rear apron in genuine carbon fibre
• AMG rear aerofoil
• AMG Exclusive package
• AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R 19 tyres, in two variants: painted in titanium grey with high-sheen finish or in matt black
• AMG Night package: privacy glass, black anodised waistline trim strip, black tailpipe trims in chromed finish, radiator fins in silver chrome, high-gloss black painted finish for front splitter, exterior mirrors, side sill panel inserts and rear apron trim
• AMG Performance exhaust system incl. tailpipe trims in specific design
• AMG Performance suspension with tauter spring/damper tuning
• AMG Performance steering wheel and E-SELECT lever, electronic key with AMG emblem
• AMG Performance seats
• AMG wheel bolt covers in black with hub caps in central-locking look (for standard AMG light-alloy wheels only)
• Red painted callipers

Mcchip Injects Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Sedan with 650-Horses

As the flagship performance version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan series, the C63 AMG is anything but a slouch with its 480hp (487PS) 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8, but German aftermarket firm Mcchip-dkr believes that it could do with some improvements.

While fiddling around with the engine electronics could yield a few extra horses, that wasn't enough for Mcchip, which went ahead and also bolted on a supercharger system and a new custom exhaust with sport catalysts to the V8, lifting output to 650hp (660PS) and peak torque to 750Nm (553 lb-ft).

The tune continues with a KW-Clubsport suspension and the fitment of new MB rims in a “see through” design in the dimensions of 9x20 inches at the front and 10.5x20 inches at the rear, wrapped in Dunlop Sportmaxx tires.

And just to make sure that's its creation stands out on the road, Mcchip covered the C63 AMG in a special foil wrap from CoverEFX.

According to the tuner, the engine upgrade alone costs €25,999 (about US$35,000). The display model seen in these pictures is also available for €84,999 (US$114,500).

2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG models are becoming even more dynamic: the AMG high-performance cars are being fitted with an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with increased output as exclusive "Edition 507" models. The increase of 37 kW (50 hp) now brings output to 373 kW (507 hp) with a maximum torque of 610 Nm, and is a result of a technology transfer from the SLS AMG: the eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine from the super sports car features forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft. An AMG high-performance composite braking system with red brake callipers is fitted as standard. The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG "Edition 507" is designed to appeal to ambitious sports drivers who take pleasure in top-class technology as well as exclusive design and appointment details.

2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507

2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507

2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507

2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507

2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507

2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG "Edition 507" produces 373 kW (507 hp), and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds in the guise of the Saloon and Coupé, and in 4.3 seconds as the Estate. As such it outperforms the 336 kW (457 hp) standard model by two tenths of a second, and the variants with the AMG Performance package which produce 358 kW (487 hp) by one tenth of a second each. The top speed of all variants is 280 km/h (electronically limited): this is because as standard the "Edition 507" models are fitted with the AMG Driver's package. In addition to an increase in the restriction imposed on the top speed, the package also includes a voucher for attendance of a driver training session at the AMG Driving Academy.

According to Ola Källenius,Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "The C63 AMG with the classic AMG 6.3-litre high-revving V8 naturally aspirated engine is one of the most popular AMG high-performance cars in the world. With the new C63 AMG "Edition 507", we are offering our loyal customers an attractive model variant which boasts even higher performance and at the same time is visually exciting."

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG "Edition 507" featuring technology transfer from the SLS AMG

The increase in power output to 373 kW (507 hp) at 6800 rpm comes courtesy of the modified inner workings of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine: the forged pistons adopted from the SLS AMG, together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft, translate into a weight saving of three kilogrammes. The reduced mass inertia benefits the agility of the eight-cylinder M 156 naturally aspirated engine, which now features even higher levels of flexibility. The maximum torque has also increased by 10 Nm, jumping from 600 to 610 Nm at 5200 rpm. The titanium grey-painted variable intake manifold is a characteristic feature of the uprated V8 engine. A new engine control system rounds off the series of implemented powertrain measures.

Externally, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG "Edition 507" is characterised by a host of exclusive design features: most notable among these is the bonnet - it originates from the C63 AMG Coupé Black Series. Two openings in the distinctive aluminium bonnet help with expelling engine heat. New AMG light-alloy cross-spoke wheels with tyres in sizes 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) are another exclusive feature of the "Edition 507". The AMG light-alloy wheels are produced using particularly lightweight forging technology and are available in two variants: painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, or matt black with high-sheen rim flanges. AMG sports stripes in matt graphite grey above the side sill panels are yet another new feature of the exterior.

The spoiler lip on the boot lid (Saloon and Coupé only), the exterior mirror housings as well as the surrounds on the radiator grille and daytime driving lights are all finished in high-gloss black. Darkened headlamps also add a distinctively sporty touch. Available as an optional extra exclusively for the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG "Edition 507" is the designo magno platinum paint finish.

AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology

As standard, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG "Edition 507" comes with an even more powerful AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology. The front axle makes use of composite brake discs measuring 360 x 36 mm. The advantages of the composite design include higher fatigue strength and lower warping characteristics. In addition, composite discs also tip the scales at a lighter weight: the reduced unsprung masses improve the response of the spring/damping elements.

With composite technology, the brake discs are connected to an aluminium bowl via eight cast bracket arms. This results in homogenous elongation of the friction ring under heavy loads. The brake discs are ventilated and perforated all round and are decelerated by means of 6-piston aluminium fixed callipers on the front axle and 4-piston fixed callipers on the rear axle. The brake callipers are painted red all round.

"Edition 507" interior: even more dynamic and exclusive

The decidedly sporty yet functional interior of the C63 AMG is even more dynamic and exclusive in the case of the "Edition 507". Three different equipment and appointment variants are available to choose from: porcelain designo leather/DINAMICA, black designo leather/DINAMICA and black designo leather. In the case of the designo leather/DINAMICA upholstery, light-coloured contrasting topstitching makes for an attractive highlight. The AMG Performance steering wheel in Alcantara® with light-coloured contrasting stitching has a 12-o'clock marking. The selector lever of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is finished in DINAMICA and features an AMG badge. The steering wheel and selector lever gaiter also have light-coloured contrasting stitching.

In the AMG instrument cluster, red applications serve to visually differentiate this variant from the other C63 AMG models. The trim in high-gloss black piano lacquer look and the "Edition 507" badge on the trim on the front passenger side round off the high-quality, exclusive interior.

Optional extras available from the AMG Performance Studio include:

• AMG door sill panels, illuminated in white featuring LED technology
• AMG floor mats
• AMG rear axle locking differential
• AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, with tyres in sizes 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear)
• AMG Performance suspension
• AMG Performance Media
• AMG carbon-fibre/high gloss black piano lacquer-look trim
• extended appointments in designo black leather comprising: upper part of dashboard, beltlines in the doors finished in designo black leather
• vehicle collection from the AMG Customer Center in Affalterbach (for Germany)

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG "Edition 507" will be celebrating its world premiere at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, which will be opening its doors from 5 March 2013. The model's sales release is scheduled to begin on 8 April 2013, while the market launch in Germany will commence in June 2013.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is set to establish a new segment, with world-leading aerodynamics (Cd = 0.22), avant-garde coupé design and 4MATIC all‑wheel drive (optional). As a new four-door coupé it follows the idea of the CLS, whose design concept has spawned more than its fair share of imitators since its debut in 2003. With its frameless doors, the coupé adopts the design of the Concept Style Coupé into series production. The newcomer features a radar-based braking system (COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST) as standard which is able to warn the driver of an obstacle from a speed of 7 km/h and to initiate precision braking when the driver steps on the brake pedal. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is available for ordering with immediate effect and will be delivered to the German dealerships in April 2013. Prices begin at 28,977 euros for the CLA 180.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

"The response to the Concept Style Coupé was overwhelming. The most frequent comment by far was 'Please put this car into series production.' That's precisely what we are doing now," notes Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The CLA is a car that does not confuse 'middle range' with 'middling quality'. Its sporty design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand."

In keeping with its sporty positioning, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is available with high-torque turbo engines rated at up to 155 kW (211 hp), sports suspension and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The technical highlights of this new design icon include a new world record in aerodynamics for series production automobiles (Cd value: 0.22) and numerous driving assistance systems, including advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.

This radar-based assistance system provides the possibly distracted driver with visual and acoustic warnings of identified obstacles and prepares Brake Assist for precision braking. Braking is initiated as soon as the driver steps emphatically on the brake pedal. When an impending danger of collision is identified, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST calculates the precise braking force ideally needed to avoid an accident and makes the best possible use of any distance remaining. As a new feature, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST affords protection from typical rear-end collisions in dangerous traffic situations in the CLA from a speed of only 7 km/h (previously: over 30 km/h).

Five lines and packages which vary greatly in character are available to individualise the striking compact mid-range coupé (length/width/height: 4630/1777/1437 millimetres). In keeping with the digital lifestyle of the CLA's social media-savvy target group, smartphones can additionally be fully integrated into the vehicle's display and operating system.

Following a brief appearance on the eve of the 2013 NAIAS in Detroit, the CLA will have its official world premiere at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin (15 to 18 January 2013). The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is available for ordering with immediate effect and will be delivered to dealerships in Germany in April 2013. The all-new 2014 CLA250 arrives in U.S. dealerships Fall 2013.

The style rebel: exterior design

Its breathtakingly sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design idiom featuring an interplay between concave and convex surfaces give this four-door coupé its unmistakable look. The CLA adopts the avant-garde design of the Concept Style Coupé into series production almost 1:1.

The vehicle's striking features include the bonnet embedded in the front end with powerdomes and the diamond radiator grille. The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic "flare effect" for the daytime driving lights and indicators. This light signet defines the car's energetic appearance and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.

Numerous details indicate that on a design level the CLA represents a further development of the modern classic Mercedes-Benz CLS. Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side: the front structural edge over the wings flows towards the rear end in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third feature line extends in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. Together, these lines lend depth and dynamism to the side profile.

The width-emphasizing rear end exudes power and athleticism, featuring an interplay betweeconvex and concave surfaces and edges. The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window provide the Mercedes-Benz CLA with a coupé-style character from the rear, too. The athletic impression from the rear results from the drawn-in C-pillars in conjunction with the shoulder muscle over the rear wheel arch linings. The tail lights are framed by the muscular lines of the shoulders which extend into the rear end, the horizontal orientation of the lights emphasizing the rear's powerful and aesthetic breadth. The light functions feature an arrow-style arrangement.

A large panoramic sliding sunroof is optionally available. This sunroof consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a moving element made of mineral crystal and side trims to match the glass look. As such, the glass surface then extends from the front windscreen to the rear window.

"Cool touch" effect: the interior

The exterior's progressive, sporty appearance is continued inside the vehicle. The interior additionally derives a very special quality feel from the design idiom, the selection of high-quality materials and the available combinations of materials. All trim surfaces are galvanised, resulting in a metallic finish.

The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. The outer rings of the round vents have a high-quality electroplated finish. The airflow direction is governed by a galvanised insert that reveals a meticulous attention to detail. The free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and a flush-fitting silver frame.

The CLA is fitted with integral seats in the front and rear, underscoring its sporty character. The rear bench seat emphasizes the outer seats (2+1-seater). Coloured contrasting stitching is available, according to the selected interior appointment options. A fibre-optic cable in the opening between head restraint and backrest is optionally available as part of the ambient lighting.

Sleek as they come: new record Cd value

With a Cd value of 0.23, the CLA sets a new benchmark - both within the Mercedes-Benz model range and among all production vehicles. The drag area, Cd x A -which is crucial to aerodynamic resistance - also leads the field, at 0.51 m². This already record figure is undercut still further by the Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, which will be launched in June and is also available to order with immediate effect. In this case the Cd figure is 0.22, while in terms of wind resistance the four-door coupé manages to breach another magic barrier: the figure here is just 0.49 m².

The good air flow characteristics, which are a major contributory factor to the vehicle's low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic optimisation measures. These include a low A-pillar shoulder with adapted A-pillar geometry, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, wheel trims designed for low aerodynamic drag and serrated wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheel arches.

Extensive underbody panelling, additional panelling in the middle area of the rear axle and an aerodynamically optimised rear silencer followed by a diffusor improve the flow of air under the underbody.

Smart safety: advanced assistance systems

Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the CLA and reduce the driver's workload. Standard-fit features for the coupé include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which now helps to protect the CLA from collisions from a speed of only 7 km/h (previously: over 30 km/h).

This feature combines with DISTRONIC PLUS to become COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, incorporating an additional function: when a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slow or stationary vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 30 km/hand is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 20 km/h.

Established assistance systems, such as the Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist or Adaptive Highbeam Assist, are also available for the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Active Parking Assist (option) enables automatic parking in lengthways and crossways parking spaces.

Designed for dynamism: the chassis and suspension

The chassis of the CLA features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension, featuring three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are virtually independent of one another. A CLA-specific feature is the flexible decoupling of the rear axle carrier, which benefits ride comfort. Wheel carriers and spring links consist of aluminium, in order to reduce the unsprung masses. Two chassis and suspension set-ups are available: the comfort suspension and the optional sports suspension for sporty yet comfortable handling. The latter entails lowering of the body by 20 mm (front) and 15 mm (rear).

Irrespective of the selected chassis, all Mercedes-Benz CLA variants come with the Direct Steer system. This electromechanical power steering offers improved feedback to the driver in comparison to conventional systems regarding the prevailing driving conditions and makes an important contribution towards overall efficiency, as the steering assist function only requires energy when steering is actually carried out. It additionally enables various steering assistance functions which are activated by the ESP® control unit. These include countersteering in case of oversteering, corrective steering when braking on road surfaces offering different levels of grip (split-friction braking), mitigation of the extent to which the front-wheel drive influences the steering and compensation of crosswind and road gradients.

High tractive power reserves and outstanding agility: 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The CLA from Mercedes-Benz is optionally available with a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution. Similarly to the other 4MATIC versions, this completely new development boasts high tractive power reserves and outstanding agility combined with superlative driving safety and energy efficiency.

The components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle which is integrated in the 7G-DCT automated dual clutch transmission and the rear-axle gear with integrated, electrohydraulically controlled multi-disk clutch. This set-up enables fully variable distribution of the drive torque between front and rear axle. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than is available from the competition and high efficiency.

All set for the future: powerful and efficient drive

A year ahead of the scheduled introduction of the Euro 6 in 2014, all petrol-engine variants and the top diesel variant of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA already meet the future requirements of this European emissions standard.

The petrol engines with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres cover an output spectrum ranging from 90 kW (122 hp) in the Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 through 115 kW (156 hp) in the CLA 200 to 155 kW (211 hp) in the CLA 250. The two diesel engines combine dynamic low-end torque with the utmost efficiency: the CLA 200 CDI generates 100 kW (136 hp), with maximum torque of 300 Nm (available from the 3rd quarter of 2013). With a cubic capacity of 2.2 litres, the CLA 220 CDI will offer an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm of torque, emitting only 109 g CO2 per kilometre.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

"Always on": the multimedia systems

The latest multimedia generation deployed in the Mercedes-Benz CLA boasts new functions, additional apps and a modified graphic colour scheme.

Daimler's Digital Drive Style app concept, which together with the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® enables seamless integration of the iPhone® into the vehicle, has been extended. The highlights include Siri voice control and Glympse real-time location sharing. Glympse enables the user to share his or her current location with selected persons. Other functions are Facebook®, Twitter®, internet radio, AUPEO!™ Personal Radio and the advanced navigation solution from Garmin® with web-based real-time traffic information, online special destination search including Street View™ and 3D map display.

The COMAND Online multimedia system has also been extended. The latest generation offers improved, photo-realistic map display, an additional Bluetooth® profile (to enable the internet to be accessed by iPhone®, for example), the display of images additionally in bmp and png formats and the real-time transfer of traffic data.

Articles Source : netcarshow