Mercedes SLS AMG Tunnel Video Staring Michael Schumacher [Video]

The first in a series of Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ads featuring Michael Schumacher was released today. It shows Schuey driving the car through a tunnel at high speed, steering it off the road, up one wall, across the ceiling, down the other wall, before safely and smoothly getting the car back on the road.

Rough edits of the video had surfaced over the past few weeks. This is the first to identify Schumacher as the driver of the gullwing model. Rather, it is the first to try to convince us that he is the driver.

Fake or not, the minute-long video is fun to watch. It is part of a coordinated, cross-media marketing campaign by Mercedes to promote their speedy car, and their brand as a whole.

Production of the hand-built Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG began this month, about two months before its scheduled European market launch. The car uses a 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 engine producing 563 horsepower and up to 479 ft-lb of torque.

2011 Mercedes C-Class Facelift Latest Spy Photos

Time for another round of facelift Mercedes-Benz C-Class spy pictures. In this instance we can see the top edge of the headlamps covered with some sticky tape. It looks like the C will sport an LED strip for the first time.



Other styling changes expected include a new front bumper, a new bonnet and a modified rear end. The interior should receive some minor upgrades as well. The engine range will remain largely the same and include such powerplants as the 125kW (170hp) four-cylinder turbo diesel and the 3.5-litre petrol V6. European sales are scheduled to commence some time in 2010.

Mercedes E-Class Cabrio Shows its Rear

Our spies have caught a Mercedes E-Class Cabrio virtually undisguised.

While only a few pieces of camouflage hide the headlights and emblems, we've already seen these design elements on the E-Class Coupe. Nearly identical to the aforementioned model, the Cabrio features a canvas roof and a unique pop-up wind blocker (the black section at top of the windshield) that reduces air turbulence when the roof is down.

Like the coupe, engine options are expected to include a 215 kW (292 hp) 3.5-liter V6 and a 5.5-liter V8 with 285 kW (388 hp). Since Mercedes has nixed the AMG version of the E-Class Coupe, the Cabrio won't receive the fire breathing 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 engine with 386 kW (525 hp) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque.

Look for the E-Class Cabrio to debut at the North American International Auto Show or the Geneva Motor Show.

2011 Mercedes CLS Caught with Less Camouflage

A new set of photos featuring the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS surfaced this week. The photos show a car with less padding, giving us some insight into its design.

The prototype featured in the pictures appears to have a shorter trunk that smoothly integrates with the roofline. Windows appear to be bigger, and side mirrors are squared off. Headlights on the new model may be a bit more conventionally shaped, not quite rising as much towards the wheel-wells.

Taillights also take a new shape, stretching upwards instead of downwards. LEDs also appear to be present.

Previously spied were the vehicle's rectangular tailpipes and the sunroof. Both items are still seen in the new photos.



The new 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should be launched sometime next year. A BlueHybrid version of the "2+2" is expected, as well as petrol and diesel models ranging up to the 530+ horsepower AMG unit.

Next Generation 2012 Mercedes B-Class First Spy Photos

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class (codename W245) has been in production since 2005 and it experienced a facelift in 2008. Coming soon in 2011 an all-new model hits the streets. These spy pictures reveal a longer vehicle than the current one as well as a roofline that doesn't slope to the rear. Instead it's the window line which flows lower as it approaches the front end.

Because it replaces both the current A and B-Class, Mercedes-Benz is said to be planning a number of variants including a coupe cabriolet, a sporty hatch (subject of these photos) and a five-door coupe. Only the hatch has been confirmed though.

Power sources will include turbo petrols and diesels, while hybrid and fuel cell models will be added to the line-up. At the moment the most potent is the 2.0-litre powered B200 Turbo worth 145kW (197hp) and 280Nm of torque.



Rumours indicate for the first time the B-Class will also be available to US consumers.

The BlueZero concept which appeared in near production form in Detroit earlier this year is widely believed to foreshadow the overall design of the 2012 B-Class.

Mercedes SLS AMG Flies onto the Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart [Video]

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. Mercedes hoisted their new supercar to the roof terrace of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Resting 42 meters (137.8') above ground, the car is part of a new exhibit dedicated to the awe-inspiring SLS AMG.

According to the Museum's Managing Director, Michael Bock, "This super sports car stands for excitement, passion and high-tech. As museum for the past, present and future of the automobile, we provide an ideal setting for the exclusive presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG."

Despite appearances, Mercedes didn't modify the COMAND system to allow the gullwing doors to act as real wings. Instead, they hired a 120-ton hydraulic crane to do the heavy lifting.

As we have previously reported, the SLS AMG features a 6.3-liter V8 engine with 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque. Backed up by a seven-speed double clutch transmission, the V8 enables the car to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph).

Mercedes S-Class Coupe Caught Testing Again

The latest spy shots of the S-Class Coupe, previously known as the CL, are here.

What's new?

LED daytime running lights, and new front and rear bumpers.

Check out the related links for a few more details which we've previously reported on but that's pretty much it for this facelift.

Engines expected in the S-Class Coupe will be the same as featured in the sedan variant. A 5.5 liter V8 and 3.0 liter diesel will be available, the diesel also likely to be offered with BlueEfficiency technology for improved fuel economy.That drivetrain is made up of a 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine with 279 hp coupled to a 20 hp electric motor providing a total of 385 Nm of torque. Fuel economy on the S400 BlueHybrid sedan is a healthy 7.9 liters/100 km, though, some critics contend you'd be better off with the 3.0 liter diesel.

2011 Mercedes CLS AMG Caught Testing

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG has been spied testing out in the open. While the normal CLS has been caught a number of times, this is the first time that we see the high-performance AMG model strutting its stuff in public. Its side mirror indicators have the same design style as the E-Class sedan and the four oval tailpipes are an obvious indication regardless of the heavy camouflage.

The current CLS 63 AMG shares its engine with the previous-generation E 63 AMG and both make 378kW (514hp). If the same arrangement sticks then expect to see a 6.3-litre V8 installed and making 386kW (525hp). Driving the rear wheels should be Merc's Speedshift MCT 7-speed gearbox. Just like the E 63 AMG standard wheels should be 18-inches with the 19-inch size listed on the options menu.

Sales of the CLS 63 AMG should begin in 2011. Segment rivals will include the new Porsche Panamera Turbo and the high-performance version of Aston Martin's new Rapide. Audi will also enter this four-door coupe segment with the A7.

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Cabrio Spied on the Nürburgring

Spies have snapped a barrage of new photos featuring the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Cabrio. The car was seen on the Nürburgring following extended hot weather testing in the US.

The car was seen rolling around the wet German track, not taking full advantage of its engine. It is believed that the car uses the AMG-produced 571 horsepower 6.3-liter V8 engine available on the SLS. That engine produces up to 650 Nm of torque. On the SLS, top speed is limited to 315 km/h, or roughly 195 mph.



A low four-second 0-100 km/h time is expected on the car, as engineers should be capable of keeping the weight down.

Mercedes SLS AMG Cabrio Caught during Hot Weather Testing

Looks like Mercedes-Benz is planning a whole range of models for its upcoming SLS AMG supercar. The petrol coupe has been somewhat detailed and a confirmed electric drive version is in the works. Now the convertible has been caught testing in the heat of the California desert.

Spies saw clues of a retractable roof despite the heavy camouflage and doors that look like they are conventional. That means the SLS convertible will lose its "gullwing" status if these remain as they are on the spied prototype. The normal door handles are further pointers to a standard ingress and egress system, as opposed to the coupe's low-mounted ones.

Mercedes-Benz has engineered the SLS to counter its perceived lack of grunt - 420kW/ 571hp which isn't exactly a mind-blowing supercar figure, by minimising weight gains. The coupe is said to accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and top off at 315km/h. Convertibles are normally a little slower than their hard-top counterparts so the same is expected of this one.

The SLS should be making an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in just over a month.

Mercedes Benz S-Class Stretched Limousine Facelift Spied

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class was shown in April this year. Now spies have caught the stretch limousine version of the car being tested. The front end seems to feature a new bumper and LED lights will be part of its appearance. The limo appears to be on some sort of skid pan in what looks like the standard training exercise conducted by Mercedes-Benz for drivers and sometimes owners of these cars.

Mercedes-Benz is big on stretched limousines and has a good chunk of the market in many countries. This particular car should be 6.4 metres long and weigh more than two tones.

The current S-Class Pullman Guard is powered by a 5.5-litre V12 bi-turbo engine that makes a heady 380kW (517hp) and 830Nm of torque. Peformance figures are not the same as the standard-length car because of the extra security features installed, such as thicker windows. It also has body resistance for certain types of hand guns, some explosives, runs on runflat tyres and has an interior fire extinguisher fitted.

The Pullman Guard is not just a semi-armoured tank but a proper S-Class as well, which means a luxurious interior suited to the kind of money paid for such a car.

2012 Mercedes SLK Spy Video

Our spy photographers have managed to catch new video of Mercedes' upcoming 2012 SLK roadster.

Like previous mules, this prototype is heavily camouflaged which prevents us from getting a glimpse of the car's new styling. Regardless, the convertible appears to adopt a more chiseled appearance that seems to dismiss much of the current model's shapely curves. The SLR-inspired nose is also expected to disappear, in favor of a more conventional grille which will likely echo the new E-Class Coupe.

Although details are limited, power is expected to be provided by the usual mix of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. Rumor suggests the new SLK may offer a turbo diesel engine, but that remains to be seen. Despite mounting concerns about fuel economy and emissions, several sources are indicating the AMG version will feature a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 470hp (350kW).

Expect more information to leak out as the redesigned SLK approaches it's 2012 launch date.

Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing images leaked

The leaks are starting to flow. Just within the past week we saw the latest spy photos of an SLS Gullwing in grey, more official "teaser" images were published, and today rumours of an SLS Gullwing electric vehicle is slated for 2015. But the day isn't over yet and another very legitimate looking image revealing the front and rear design details has surfaced.

Here we have two very different versions of the same grainy image. The first of which is clearly a magazine cover from Autobild with a bonus rear shot, and the second version from Autowerald.com in The Netherlands is the source image without the clutter.

WCF sources state the images are genuine. Judging from the generic studio background and lack of computer touch-up work, they could be preview images for dealers or existing clientele. Additionally, the type of low resolution picture quality, even visible on the magazine cover version, suggests the source images are from a printed brochure or magazine and then captured using a mobile phone camera.

Public unveiling in Frankfurt is only two months away. Judging by all of the recent leaks and releases, an official media release could happen very soon.

Top Gear slams Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series

Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG In Depth

More details of the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG have been released. The car is the top-of-the-range model and features certain equipment that other E-Class models don't. Most important of these and the one that makes it stand out is the 6.3-litre (6208 cc) V8 engine that has remained naturally aspirated. Its maximum rated power is 386kW (525hp) and peak torque is 630Nm mated with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission from the SL 63 AMG. Incidentally the power figures of the two über Benzes are now matched. The conventional torque converter has been done away with in favour of a wet start-up clutch. Three changing modes can be actuated; Controlled Efficiency, Sport, and Manual. The latter is the more fun option where the driver changes gears using either the paddles behind the steering wheel or the gear lever itself.

Mercedes-Benz says the E 63 AMG will accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and top off at an electronically limited speed of 250km/h (155mph). Stopping power can be assisted by the optional ceramic brakes. Lightweight forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear are fitted. Other differences include an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid, a roller blind for rear window, Nappa leather appointments for the seats, the top section of the dashboard, the beltlines, the door armrests as well as the centre console and door centre panels.

AMG has chosen to use a new speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system for more direct responsiveness. It helps when cornering hard, helped by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, but is comfort-friendly too when the suspension system is in comfort mode. Thus the day-to-day usability of the car is not compromised by its high performance abilities. Even the ESP can be personalised, from "on", to "sport" to "off".

Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Returns with the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG

AMG enthusiasts lucky enough to live in the US and pocketed enough to afford track training fees upwards of US$2,200 can get their hands on the brand new SLS AMG for a few hours. The AMG Driving Academy is being launched Stateside over three tracks; Lime Rock Park (Lime Rock, CT) - September 9 - 15, Palm Beach International Raceway (West Palm Beach, FL) - September 22 - 27 and Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey, CA) - November 7 - 8 and 17 - 20.

Founded in Affalterbach in 2007 the academy aims to stimulate customers' senses through the experience of driving their favourite AMGs around a controlled and safe environment under the guidance of professionals.

Cars to be used are the E63 AMG, the SL63 AMG, the C63 AMG, the SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series. The main treat is of course the SLS AMG course which is conducted at Laguna Seca Raceway, includes an overnight stay at the InterContinental Hotel in Monterey and costs US$2,295.

There are two other programmes on offer. The AMG Driving Academy Stage I is a one-day course that teaches the fundamentals of performance driving and car control. Students will get a chance to test their skills later in the day. Expect to pay US$1,895 per person.

Lastly participants can go with the AMG Driving Academy Stage II two-day programme that gets quite technical and in-depth. Drivers will only be allowed to enrol if they have completed the first stage or something similar. It will cost US$3,495 per participant.

New Mercedes S-Class Coupe Returns for Latest Round of Testing

Our spy photographers have once again managed to catch Mercedes' new S-Class Coupe undergoing testing in Germany.

Unlike our previous spy photos, these new pictures provide us with our clearest glimpse of the upcoming CL replacement. Up front, the car features a redesigned bumper, an updated grille, new headlights with LED accents, and S-Class inspired horizontal slates in the air intakes. Despite all the camouflage out back, it appears the only change is a minor reshaping of the rear bumper.

Mechanically not much is expected to change, as the current CL's engine lineup will carry over virtually untouched. One notable expectation is the possibility of an S-Class Coupe 400 Hybrid which would feature a 279 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 20 hp electric motor.



Like the recently updated 2010 S-Class, the S-Class Coupe will probably feature a major technological overhaul thanks to the addition of a SPLITVIEW monitor, a revised Night View Assist system with pedestrian detection, and an upgraded COMMAND system.

Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing White Prototype Spied Again

While we've already seen this particular mule before, our spies have managed to take additional pictures which show a better view of the grille, headlights, and rear end. Although they were unable to get a glimpse of the interior, Mercedes already released official press photos of the SLS cockpit last month.



As previously reported, the new supercar features a naturally aspirated front mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8 engine which produces 571 hp (420 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to the combination of a powerful engine and an advanced seven-speed double clutch transmission, the SLS AMG Gullwing rockets from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph).



Expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the SLS AMG Gullwing will go on sale next year with a base price somewhere in the neighborhood of €150,000.

2011 Mercedes CLS Prototype Caught with Slightly Uncovered Interior

These are the first interior spy pictures of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. A number of spy photos revealing certain aspects of the upcoming CLS have already been published, but these are the first to show parts of the front interior.

Most of what is revealed can be summed up in three words: typical Mercedes-Benz. The key hole is on the dashboard and the key is stuck into it. There may be a start/stop button as well but it seems the good old key is king on this specific prototype. The driver's seat-adjustment buttons are located on the door and are shaped like the seat in question. The sat nav system seems to be functional so there's nothing new on that front.

The upcoming CLS four-door coupe will aim to improve on the segment-pioneering work of the 2004 CLS which introduced the concept of two extra doors on a coupe-like shape in its market segment. Since then Porsche and Aston Martin have announced entrants too while Audi's competitor has been spied in testing and speculated to be shaped after the 2009 Sportback concept.

2010 Mercedes S63 AMG & S65 AMG Promotional Footage Released

Mercedes has released a new promotional video that shows the updated 2010 S63 AMG and S65 AMG in action.

The refreshed cars feature a variety of minor exterior styling tweaks such as a more prominent grille, a new front bumper with air intake-mounted LED daytime running lights, a redesigned rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, and new LED taillights. Interior updates are also modest but include a redesigned center console with wood trim and a new steering wheel.

Power for the S63 comes from a naturally aspirated V8 engine that develops 386 kW (525 hp) and 630 Nm of torque, this allows the sedan to run from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The S65 on the other hand comes equipped with a massive 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine that produces a 450 kW (612 hp) and 1000 Nm of torque. Despite the huge power difference, the S65 AMG is only 0.2 seconds faster to 100 km/h because of the car's inability to effectively get all its power to the ground. The S65's massive power rating also has other disadvantages as it forces the car to use a five-speed SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission instead of the S63's more modern seven-speed SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

The super-sedans also come equipped with the latest technological innovations such as a sports suspension with crosswind stabilization, a Torque Vectoring Brake system for improved handling, an Attention Assist drowsiness detection system, Night View Assist with pedestrian detection, and optional Speed Limit Assist.