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Remember the youthful Vision SLA concept of 2000? Well, it appears Merc execs have remembered it too and plan to uncloak a serial-production roadster based on this showcar in the upcoming years.
If the project is greenlighted, then the open-top should retain the SLA particle in the final title and slot in the Mercedes-Benz range right beneath the SLK. Given the reach portfolio of cabriolets, it is not hard to guess that the new small-sized convertible from Stuttgart will follow the footsteps of its bigger brothers in terms of exterior and interior styling, in addition to receiving its own identity, created starting from the theme of the new A-Class.
As part of the future lineup of compact cars (which already comprises 4/5 versions: a hatchback, an MPV, an SUV, a 4-door coupe and probably a shooting brake), the SLA is supposed to underpin the new Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture platform and the efficient powerplants specially developed for the new A-Class and B-Class variants. So, expect 1.6-, 1.8- and possibly 2.0-litre gasoline and diesel engines to power the little cabrio, with maximum outputs ranging from 109 hp up to 204 hp.
It is shrouded in darkness whether the SLA, scheduled to bow after 2013, will use a hardtop. Judging by the spacial restrictions, we tend to say the cloth roof would be a more suitable alternative in this case, but who knows what the future holds for us.
Source: GoAuto
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Following the many reports regarding the possibility of an AMG variant for the next A-Class, spy photographers have recently spotted the first test prototype of a so-called A 25 AMG running initial tests on the streets of Affalterbach.
What was once a rumor is now about to become reality in a matter of years. Specifically, the new A 25 AMG will be unveiled in 2013, almost a year after the introduction of the standard A-Class, which is derived from - visually speaking. The similarities end up there, as AMG are fully in charge of mastering this little devil on four wheels. That's why the engineers are now secretly working on a new, special 4x4 powertrain for the car, to help cope with the immense output and torque of the engine bound to be installed under the bonnet: a supercharged, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine boasting around 320 hp-350 hp and developed together with the Swiss experts from Hyprex. Put together with the above-mentioned details a revised exterior design that carries the unmistakable AMG signature (a new, greater radiator grille, huge air intakes all over the place, special alloy wheels, quad-exhausts, a discrete spoiler and a rear diffuser, a bespoke interior etc.) and you'll have one of the very best sports packages in the compact class, hard to equal, hard to beat by any of the few competitors that exist or will be released in the coming period of time.
Related articles:
- AMG mulling a future A-Klasse AMG model
- AMG secretly developing a hot A-Klasse
- New details on the future A-Klasse AMG
Enjoy the photos!
Photos: Motor Authority, SecretNewCars
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz will unleash the new S-Class in one-year time, at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris. As always, the sovereign limousine is expected to be a brilliant piece of the thoroughbred German engineering.
The flagship sedan from Stuttgart is bound to impress and rewrite the rules once again with the advent of the new W 222 generation, that's said to incorporate the company's ultimate technologycal package. We have previously reported that Mercedes-Benz will a revolutionary interior for the new S-Class, and a while ago, we saw a test mule of the futuristic dashboard. Another tough point of the car is announced by the premiere of the MAGIC RIDE CONTROL, a radar-based management system that is able to read the road ahead and react by adjusting the dampers to offer a smooth, comfortable travelling.
The new S-Class will also mark the reveal of the intelligent Human Machine Interface infotainment system, which will enhance the driver-car interaction and send in-car communication to an unprecedented level. Another breakthrough coming with the new S-Class is the PRE-SAFE PULSE system, that anticipates a lateral crash and takes action to move all the passengers inside towards the centerpart of the vehicle by using the sidebags fitted in the seats to push them in the desired direction. Reminiscent of the ESF 2009 Concept is the Braking Bag, tipped to become reality at the introduction of the new S-Class in late 2012. This gimmick is designed to improve braking efficiency and reduce the number of front collisions. If it wasn't enough, engineers will release a new generation of the Lane Keeping Assist on the new W 222, which, at the touch of a button, is capable to judge the traffic around the car and initiate the manouevre of changing the lane only when there's sufficient space for that.
Sticking to the latest scoops, the prototype spotted at Nurburgring has obviously lost some of the camouflage. While it's still early to make any fair judgement, the general shape seems to be pointing to this design proposition that appeared towards the end of last year.
Enjoy the shots!
Photos: Motor Authority
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The next generation GL-Class will be a consistent evolution of the present model, as suggested by the latest spy photos captured in Stuttgart.
The front fascia combines influences from the newest cars launched by the German constructor. The 2-slat grille is now bigger and sportier and the newly-shaped headlights with LED lighting system installed will certainly attract a lot of views. Seeing the side profile, it's not hard for one to tell that the future GL has grown in length and overall size by up to some valuable centimeters, which should make a tangible difference compared to other SUV competitors. Designers have been busy finishing an elegant back end for the muscular 4x4, judging by those generously-dimensioned, yet harmoniously-styled tail lamps which also incorporate LED to add up to a sensational light show when lit up.
For its new GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz has prepped a complete range of fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines. By far, the most visible of the lineup will be the V6 and V8 modular powerplants, boasting peak outputs ranging from 306 up to 435 hp. We also expect an upgrade for the 3.5-litre direct-injection gasoline unit beginning with next year, which means no more 306 hp, but likely 354 hp. For the first time in history, a GL model will also be transformed into a hardcore "truck" with the help of Mercedes-AMG, which currently puts the forthcoming GL 63 AMG to numerous endurance tests. The 5.5-litre twinturbo V8 with 544 hp (571 hp with the Performance Package fitted) will be in charge of powering this crazy SUV.
When launched, the new GL-Class will showcase the latest assistance systems developed by Mercedes-Benz, such as PRE-SAFE, ATTENTION ASSIST, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Blind Spot Assist, BAS PLUS and so on. To ensure a good dose of tout-terrain capability, clients will be able to equip their new SUV with the ON&OFFROAD Package, premiered on the new M-Class. Moreover, the future GL will display a full array of state-of-the-art media and communication technologies: COMAND Online with internet access, a spacious hard-disk drive for storing your maps and other digital files, an exquisite harman/kardon Logic 7 premium audio system, a DVD entertainment device for the rear-seating passengers and the list could continue.
The Stuttgart-based carmaker has programmed the official premiere of the new GL-Class after mid-2012, just in time for next year's Paris motorshow, while sales in Europe are bound to start during fall. Americans will have to wait a bit longer, as the upcoming GL is tipped to hit US showrooms beginning with early 2013.
Enjoy the freshest spy photos!
Photos: Motor Authority
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
After months of silence, the 2013 GL-Class has been finally spotted. It is obvious the pictured prototype lost some of its camouflage and it now reveals more details regarding the general design. As expected, the headlights will resemble those on the new M-Class and sport an elegant teardrop shape. Optionally, the car can be equipped with the LED Intelligent Lighting System, which further enhances the looks, but also improves visibility and safety. Nothing to worry about the side profile, as the current muscular, truck-like form will be retained with minor changes. The back end is on the trail of becoming one of the most elegant seen in the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, as those tail lamps will certainly catch many eyes due to the intriguing inner design made up of colourful light-emitting diods. Inside, the same story as for the front end, as the dashboard and the technology will come straight from the recently revealed ML. The latest assistance gimmicks as well as the revolutionary ON & OFF-ROAD Package will help ensure for better dynamics and handling and, above all, for the highest level of passenger security in the segment. When it's launched during the summer of 2012, the new GL-Class will boast an efficient and powerful range of petrol and diesel engine, such as the 3.5-litre DI V6 with 306 hp or the 4.7-litre TT V8 with 435 hp. The AMG variant is also taken into account, as several prototype have already been seen on streets; if the future GL 63 AMG comes to life sometime in 2013, then it could be powered by the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine with no less than 571 hp of maximum output and 900 Nm of peak torque.
Check out more photos after the jump!
Photos: Carscoop
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz seems to be in a desperate rush to cover any automotive niche still left untouched. Following the reveal of the new A-Class and B-Class, the year 2013 will see the arrival of the baby CLS - the CLC-Class. Design-wise, the compact 4-door coupe will be inspired by both the F 800 Style Research Car and its bigger brother in the portfolio. The C 117, as it's internally dubbed, is planned to reach USA nearing 2014, whereas the other regions will get the new model earlier, shortly after the official premiere. Based on the spectacular Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture (MFA) powertrain, the new CLC will adopt the entire technologycal package from the A- and B- classes, which means a good dose of efficient power, resolute dynamics and a high-grade safety concept.
Related articles:
- Future Projects - 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC 4-door coupe
- SPY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class - car paparazzies spot it for the first time
See more scoops after the jump!
Photos: Motor Authority
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz launched the GLK range back in the spring of 2008 as a direct counterresponse to the BMW X3 compact SUV. Inspired by the boxy shape that instantly reminded them of the rugged, but elegant and solid lines of the G-Class, many people acquired a GLK as their personal, everyday-use car during the three years that passed since its premiere. In order to keep up with the overall trend, the German constructor will give its compact 4x4 model an essential makeover towards the end of 2012. General modifications will include some visual tweaks to the front fascia and the back end, as well as some important updates to the dashboard, such as a new, three-pointed steering wheel borrowed from the CLS, better quality materials and possibly a new arrangement for the HVAC and multimedia control panels on the center console. The new GLK Facelift will be standardly equipped with the BlueEFFICIENCY package, which together with the efficient gasoline and diesel engines, comprises a set of distinct measures to improve aerodynamic levels, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The high-end variants will be the GLK 350 CDI BE with a 265 hp V6 diesel unit and the GLK 350 BE with a 306 hp direct-injection V6 petrol powerplant. Among other upgrades, the 2013 GLK-Class will be one of the safest places on Earth where you could find yourself thanks to the multitude of proven assistance systems, such as the ATTENTION ASSIST, the PRE-SAFE and the Blind Spot Assist - and the list goes on.
Check out more spy shots after the jump!
Photos: Motor Authority
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
