2009 Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo

Brabus G V12 S Biturbo - the world's most powerful off-roader - is built by hand based on the latest Mercedes G-Class. The exclusive five-door is powered by a Brabus SV12 S displacement engine. Like all special models of Brabus - recognized by the German Vehicle Registration Agency as a vehicle manufacturer - the Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo comes with a comprehensive luxury package. The ultra-powerful 4x4 starts at 379,000 Euros.
The Brabus SV12 S engine is based on the V12 Biturbo engine from the latest Mercedes S 600. Before being implanted in the engine bay of the G-Class, displacement of the three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cubic inches) using a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinders and larger bore. In addition, the cylinder heads are re-machined and fitted with special camshafts.
The engine peripherals were upgraded with larger turbochargers, an optimized intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts. The exahust was custom-developed for the G-Class and features dual chrome-plated tailpipes that exit in front of the rear wheels on the left and right side. New precision mapping for the engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components. The results are an exemplary smooth-running engine and maximum power yield while meeting the strict limits set by the EURO IV emission norm.

In the G-Class the Brabus S V12 S displacement engine produces 700 hp (690 bhp) / 515 kW at 5,100 rpm. The turbocharged twelve-cylinder engine delivers its peak torque of 1,320 Nm (973 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm. In the car, the peak torque is electronically limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
The Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo offers acceleration performance almost unimaginable for a true off-roader: Combined with a special five-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive the exclusive SUV catapults itself from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 240 km/h (150 mph). Without the self-imposed limit the high-tech G-Class model could reach 260 km/h (163 mph).

This superior performance necessitates the use of custom-tailored Brabus Monoblock wheels. Below the subtle fender flares is room for Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters between 20 and 22 inches, mounted with high-performance tires from Pirelli or YOKOHAMA. The forged Brabus Monoblock VI 10.5Jx21 light-alloys are shod with size 295/40 R 21 tires front and back. Brabus offers a wide selection of ten-inch wide wheels in the five different Monoblock VI, E, G, Q and S designs with a diameter of 22 inches.
For optimal handling Brabus equips the special model G V12 S Biturbo with a comfortable custom suspension. To keep the incredible performance safely in check at all times the Brabus high-performance brake system comes standard.

The body of the Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo is distinguished by sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement components. The Brabus front apron with its LED daytime running lights below the main headlights lends the 4x4 an even more striking face. The rear is customized with the Brabus rear bumper.
The Brabus designers have developed special caps for the standard running boards of the Mercedes G-Class. They add some visual pizzazz to the G-Class and for added practicality feature integrated LED lights activated by the key fob or by opening a door. They illuminate the running boards in the dark.

The custom interior of the Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo is highly exclusive as well: It includes an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, a speedometer with 280-km/h scale (175 mph), stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo and a handcrafted Brabus fully leather interior made from especially soft and breathable Brabus Mastik leather.
Upon customer request Brabus transforms the SUV into fully functional all-terrain office on wheels or can integrate a custom-tailored high-tech multimedia system with state-of-the-art communication technology, DVD changer, DVBT TV tuner, game console and eight-inch LCD screens in the back of the front headrests. The sound in the rear compartment is reproduced by infrared headphones.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster can be ordered from January 17, 2011. SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY: 38 € 675, SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY: 44,256.10 euro dan SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 52,300.50 euro. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is offering a choice of three variants of the vario roof light construction for the new SLK. Optionally available with a panoramic glass vario roof darkened. The third option is a world premiere – the panorama roof with vario MAGIC SKY CONTROL. In other words, a comfortable environment with the touch of a button. There will be two models available SLK 2012 in its first year,they are the SLK350 and SLK250. The SLK250 is equipped as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and consumes an estimated 27 mpg (combined).



For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is offering a choice of three variants of the vario roof light construction for the new SLK, in just a few seconds this feature transforms the roadster into a coupe with a roof “fixed” by the touch of a button – and vice versa: The standard version is a ceiling painted in the vehicle. Optionally available with a panoramic glass vario roof darkened. The third option is a world premiere – the panorama roof with vario MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof changes to light or dark at the push of a button. In light mode, it is virtually transparent, providing an outdoor experience even in cold weather. In his state in the dark ceiling provides welcome shade and prevents the interior of the warming rays of the sun. In other words, a comfortable environment with the touch of a button

Interior with style and puristic good looks

With the most compact dimensions in its class, the new Mercedes-Benz SLK has an interior whose generous size is exemplary. To achieve this, the designers have developed interior appointments which offer the driver and passenger the highest degree of perfect perceived quality and puristic precision. The interior is characterised by stylish sportiness and high-quality, authentic materials which have been processed with perfect precision and skilled craftsmanship. Even in the base version the centre console and other trim parts gleam in brushed aluminium. Wood can be selected as an option in high-gloss dark brown walnut or high-gloss black ash. Four round, galvanised air outlets integrated in the dashboard emphasise that this model well and truly belongs to the Mercedes-Benz sports car family, their shape being a nod to those in the SLS.

The SLK's generous round dials are flanked by a display for the information generated by the online computer. The colour display for the communications and entertainment functions is housed in the centre of the dashboard, and can be easily read by both the driver and passenger. On the top of the dashboard, also in the centre, sits a fine analogue clock - an unusual detail which subtly underlines the roadster's stylish character.

Other high-quality items of equipment include a multifunction sports steering wheel with a flattened bottom section and a thick leather crown, plus optional sun-reflecting leather which noticeably reduces the degree to which the surfaces it covers heat up, impressive ambient lighting and the innovative neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, familiar from the predecessor.

Unique item of equipment: MAGIC SKY CONTROL
For the first time Mercedes-Benz is offering a choice of three variants of the lightweight-construction vario-roof for the new SLK: In just a few seconds this feature transforms the roadster into a coupé with a "fixed" roof at the touch of a button - and vice versa:

• The base version is a roof painted in the vehicle colour
• Alternatively there is the option of a panoramic vario-roof with dark-tinted windows
• The third variant is a world premiere - the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof switches to light or dark as you wish at the press of a button. When light it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up when the sun's rays are very intense. In other words: a feel-good atmosphere at the touch of a button

Innovative draught-stop system AIRGUIDE

A comfortable alternative to the conventional draught-stop is a new pivoting draught-stop for the new Mercedes-Benz SLK which has been invented by Mercedes-Benz aerodynamics engineers. It consists of pivoting transparent plastic layers which are attached to the reverse of the roll-over bars. The driver or passenger can swing them to the centre of the vehicle in a flash, thus taming turbulent air flow.

Spirit and efficiency
There will initially be three models of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class available at its market launch, all of them powered by new engines with direct injection. The four-cylinder engines in the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY develop 135 kW (184 hp) and 150 kW (204 hp) respectively from a displacement of 1796 cubic centimetres. The SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY is the most economical roadster in its segment. With the enhanced, optional seven-speed automatic transmission 7G‑TRONIC PLUS it consumes just 6.1 litres of premium petrol (NEDC, combined) over 100 kilometres (that corresponds to 142 g of CO2 per kilometre). The frugal model sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds, and achieves its top speed at 237 km/h (240 km/h with manual transmission).
The SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY is equipped as standard with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and consumes only 6.2 litres (NEDC, combined) over 100 kilometres (144 g of CO2 per kilometre). From a standstill it reaches 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, and it has a top speed of 243 km/h.
The V6 engine in the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY draws 225 kW (306 hp) from its 3498 cubic-centimetre displacement, using this power to accelerate in 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (top speed 250 km/h). Its consumption is 7.1 litres (NEDC, combined) over 100 kilometres (167 g of CO2 per kilometre). The V6 engine has been completely newly developed. Its most important hallmarks are its 3rd-generation direct injection, piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition.

The exemplary efficiency, with fuel consumption reduced by up to a quarter compared with the predecessor models, is also due to the ECO start/stop system which is fitted as part of the standard specification in all models.

Suspension for the closest link with the road
There are also three suspension versions to choose from:

• A conventional steel suspension comes as standard
• A sports suspension with harder springs and dampers ensures a systematically sporty driving experience
• As an alternative a Dynamic Handling package is available. Its merits include a suspension with continuous adjustable damping. It has an electronically controlled fully automatic damping system, so the vehicle rolls away gently even on poor road surfaces, but still offers high driving dynamics

Also included in the Dynamic Handling package are a Direct-Steer system and the Torque Vectoring Brakes developed by Mercedes-Benz. The Direct-Steer system offers more handling and agility than the standard steering, whilst also reducing the amount of physical effort required when parking. In critical conditions the Torque Vectoring Brakes produce a defined rotational movement of the vehicle about the vertical axis in fractions of seconds through selective brake actuation at the rear wheel on the inside of the bend. This results in the Mercedes-Benz SLK stabilising without any compromises where dynamism is concerned, and it steers into the bend precisely and under full control.



Ingenious material mix and high levels of safety
The new SLK's bodyshell structure has been further refined, with the bonnet and wings now made of aluminium.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK also sets new benchmarks in terms of safety. The third generation of the powerful trend-setter will make use of a whole host of the latest assistance systems to support the driver, including the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, developed by Mercedes-Benz and fitted as standard; the optional anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, which is unique in the world; and the PRE-SAFE® Brake, which can apply the brakes autonomously in the event of an impending rear-end collision. As such, with the SLK too Mercedes-Benz is consistently and significantly exceeding the requirements imposed by safety standards.

Those wishing to do so can extend the host of assistance systems in the new SLK even further:

• The Intelligent Light System provides five lighting functions (cornering light function, country mode, motorway mode, active light function and enhanced fog lamps), which are activated depending on the driving conditions
• The Speed Limit Assist is able to detect speed limit signs using a camera on the inside of the windscreen and indicate the respective detected speed limit on a display in the instrument cluster

The new Merceses SLK can be ordered from 17 January 2011. The prices including VAT are as follows:

• SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY: 38,675 euros,
• SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY: 44,256.10 euros,
• SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 52,300.50 euros.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS63

 

News Car: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is set to make its world premiere at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show, but before the live shows the German automaker has decided to share a preview of their stylish new design.

Although the current CLS AMG V8 engine is equipped with sensational Mercedes-Benz 6.2-liter, the model 2012 will make the switch to the latest automaker turbocharged 5.5-liter V8. Despite the reduction in displacement, the CLS63 AMG should offer plenty of performance with the new factory rated at 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. A Performance Package will also be offered, enhancing the capacity of 550 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque

Exclusive: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

A major contribution towards achieving the unrivalled consumption figures has been made by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, a component used exclusively at Mercedes-AMG. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, the MCT transmission does away with the torque converter; instead, it makes use of a compact, wet start-up clutch. Also fitted as standard equipment is the stop/start function: it is permanently active in the transmission's Controlled Efficiency ("C") mode, and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the car comes to a stop. At the same time, "C" mode also means a "soft" accelerator response set-up with convenient and early gearshifts; moving off generally takes place in second gear. A green "ECO" symbol in the AMG instrument cluster shows the driver that the stop/start function is active.



The engine and transmission come across as much more agile in the "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual) modes; in addition, the stop/start function is switched off. In "S" and "M" modes, the engine management system partially suppresses the cylinders: interrupting ignition and injection under full load leads to even faster gearshifts than before. The highly emotional vocals are an appealing side effect of this lightning-fast process. An automatic double-declutching function and RACE START function are also included as standard.



Autonomously developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension
The suspension, steering and braking system of the new CLS63 AMG complement the high-tech drive system perfectly. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, with steel suspension struts on the front axle and air suspension struts on the rear axle, as well as automatic level control, is enhanced further by an electronically controlled damping system; it automatically adjusts the damping characteristics depending on the driving conditions and reduces the roll angle of the body. The result: lightning-fast adjustment between optimum driving comfort and the best possible agility. The driver can switch between the three suspension modes of "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus" at the press of a button.

The autonomously developed front axle, with a track width which is 24 mm wider, is the perfect match for the newly developed electromechanical AMG sports parameter steering. It not only features variable power assistance which adapts according to the suspension mode, but also contributes towards reducing fuel consumption, since the steering assistance system only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered. The 3-stage ESP® also has individual setting options - thereby providing a definite advantage when it comes to combining driving pleasure with absolute driving safety.

AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system available as an option

Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360 mm, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used on the front axle. The optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system with yet larger brake discs guarantees an even higher level of braking performance as well as lower unsprung masses. Good contact with the road, meanwhile, is provided courtesy of the titanium grey-painted, high-sheen AMG light-alloy wheels featuring a new triple-spoke design and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres on the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres on the rear.

 

Intelligent lightweight construction: making a significant contribution to efficiency

The highest level of engineering is also reflected in the body of the new CLS63 AMG: the intelligent lightweight construction makes a significant contribution towards addressing the classic conflicting goals of low weight and high strength. Like the SLS AMG, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is also fitted with doors featuring a full aluminium construction. They consist of deep-drawn aluminium panels with extruded sections, and are around 24 kg lighter compared with conventional steel doors. In addition, the bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf, various support sections as well as major parts of the chassis and engine are all made from aluminium too.

 

Light-years ahead: LED High Performance headlamps as standard

The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is the first passenger car in the world to offer LED High Performance headlamps, which combine the exciting colour elements of LED technology - similar to those of daytime running lamps - with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today's bi-xenon generation. Fitted as standard, for the first time ever this new light system provides the Intelligent Light System already proven in Mercedes models fitted with bi-xenon headlamps in combination with LED technology. The headlamps, with their 71 LED lamps in total, underline the unmistakable appearance of the CLS63 AMG. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time been able to use LED technology in the Adaptive Highbeam Assist, resulting in an entirely new level of safety when driving at night.

In contrast to the first vehicles equipped with LED headlamps, no compromises are now necessary with respect to the functionality and performance of the lighting technology. There are further arguments for the new, LED-based lighting technology: the average operating life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times longer than that of a xenon light; moreover, LED headlamps most closely approximate the colour temperature of daylight. This means that LED light is in keeping with normal human perception patterns. Studies have shown that the closer the colour of artificial light comes to daylight, the less strain there is on the eyes. With a colour temperature of 5500 kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6500 K) than xenon light (4200 K). The LED daytime driving lights specific to AMG are also presented in two characteristic light strips integrated into the AMG front apron.

Exterior design inspired by the SLS AMG

When viewed from the front, the new Mercedes CLS63 AMG evokes associations with the SLS AMG - the radiator grille in particular, with its large Mercedes star and wing-shaped horizontal slats, appears to have been inspired by the gullwing. The top-of-the-range AMG model distinguishes itself from the other CLS variants with its distinctive bonnet, wider mudguards with "V8 BITURBO" logo and a specific AMG front apron with black painted cross member. Eye-catching features at the rear include the diffuser insert, the AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid, the AMG sports exhaust system with dual twin chrome tailpipes, and - as also featured on the SLS AMG - integrated rear foglamp. The AMG bodystyling perfectly matches the typical CLS outline, which is essentially characterised by the elegantly long proportions, the lateral dropping line and the muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle.

Exclusive atmosphere in the interior
This philosophy also continues through consistently into the interior. All of the AMG-specific design and appointment features ideally supplement the redesigned CLS interior. The wrap-around effect in the cockpit, with its high line which sweeps from the driver's door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door, is generously flanked by high-quality trim elements - available in black piano lacquer as standard in the top-of-the-range AMG model. Quality materials and workmanship meet the very highest of standards and help to guarantee a particularly exclusive atmosphere.
The extensive range of standard appointments also includes AMG sports seats in nappa leather, a new three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles and flattened top and bottom sections, and the AMG DRIVE UNIT with compact E-SELECT selector lever.
New driving assistance systems: greater safety
More than a dozen driving assistance systems on the new CLS help to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of an accident. The Active Blind Spot Assist and the Active Lane Keeping Assist are new.

Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver if it detects - with the assistance of short-range radar sensors - that there is a danger of collision if the vehicle is about to change lanes. Should the driver ignore the warnings and come dangerously close to the vehicle in the next lane, Active Blind Spot Assist will intervene. By applying braking force to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle via the Electronic Stability Program ESP®, a yaw movement is created which counteracts the collision course.

Active Lane Keeping Assist is now also linked to the ESP® for the first time. This system kicks into action if the driver inadvertently drifts over a solid line to the right or left of a lane. In this case, Active Lane Keeping Assist brakes the opposite wheels and thereby prevents the vehicle from crossing the line. A display on the instrument cluster warns the driver at the same time. If broken lane markings are crossed, the system controls an electric pulse generator in the steering wheel which generates vibrations for a short time - a discreet but highly effective cue to countersteer immediately. Before the braking system intervenes, the steering wheel always vibrates to provide a warning.

Design and equipment: The exclusively styled athlete - a true AMG
Distinctive, exclusive, unique - the design of the new CLS63 AMG can be described in just a few words. The exceptional position occupied by the four-door high-performance Coupé is apparent from the very moment you set eyes on it. High-quality materials, comprehensive standard equipment, and a dynamic ambience typical of an AMG are the defining elements of the newly designed interior.
Externally, the top-of-the-range AMG model differs from the other CLS variants as a result of some specific visual modifications. The front view is dominated by the distinct radiator grille, the three-dimensional shape of which is very reminiscent of the SLS AMG. The large Mercedes star and prominent wing-shaped horizontal grille slat with chrome trim are equally evocative of the gull-wing model. The long bonnet with its V-shaped contour hints at the powerful package which lies beneath.
The AMG front apron is also markedly powerful: thanks to the drawn-out side air intakes with black grilles - flanked by LED daytime driving lights - and central air intake with black-painted cross strut, it makes for a real head-turning feature. A further highlight of the front view are the LED High-Performance headlamps. The characteristic AMG front apron continues stylishly into the broad wings, with integrated "V8 BITURBO" logo. The side view - which is defined by an innovative interplay between lines and areas, the lateral "dropping line" and also the wide-set wheel arches - receives an additional touch of dynamism courtesy of the titanium grey-painted high-sheen AMG light-alloy wheels, which feature a new triple-spoke design. The filigree spokes also provide a glimpse of the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system.
The powerfully shaped rear end of the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is an equal match for the car's front and side views: the exciting profile of the AMG rear apron with black diffuser insert also incorporates the dual twin chrome tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system as well as the rear fog lamp. The wide wraparound bicolour tail lamps featuring LED technology and the wide metal insert make for additional visual highlights.

The harmoniously integrated AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid helps to reduce lift at the rear axle by around 26 percent and further enhances handling at high speeds.

Exceptional quality of interior finish

The impression of the interior on opening the doors is defined by the exquisite quality of finish and the "wraparound" effect which is typical of the CLS: a high line sweeps in an arc from the driver's door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door, ensuring a feeling of security. Onlookers will discover the highest quality of materials, for example in the generous use of black piano lacquer trim elements. Up to seven layers of paint are applied and polished off until the desired high-sheen finish is achieved. An even more exclusive touch can be give to the interior with the optional AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer.



The same goes for the leather upholstery: the AMG sports seats in nappa leather with cross-stitch sports design feature a surface quality which is particularly soft to the touch, making any journey in the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG an exceptionally pleasant experience. The driver and front seat passenger are accommodated in separate, newly developed AMG sports seats with electric adjustment, multicontour and memory functions, seat heating and AMG badges. All interior elements with which the driver comes into contact are finished in leather. Three colours of leather, namely black, alpaca grey and almond beige, are available to choose from. The two individual seats in the rear are designed to match the front AMG sports seats.

The new AMG Performance steering wheel with its three-spoke design has aluminium shift paddles, flattened upper and lower sections as well as specially shaped grip areas covered in perforated leather. The three-dimensional airbag cover is embedded into a metallic trim element in "silver shadow", the lower spoke of which has an open design. Twelve multifunction buttons are used to control al of the infotainment functions. A special highlight is the high-quality analogue clock featuring an "IWC Ingenieur" design located between the centre air vents.

Colourful, three-dimensional display with AMG welcome logo

The three tube-shaped round cockpit instruments behind the steering wheel provide information on the coolant temperature and tank capacity (left), road speed (centre) and engine rpm (right). A highlight of the exclusive CLS63 AMG instrumentation is the colourful three-dimensional TFT display in the centre of the speedometer, which welcomes the driver by displaying a striking AMG logo when the driver's door is opened. The round instruments come with a new look, red needles, a 320 km/h speedometer scale and also a characteristic "AMG" and "V8 Biturbo" logo.

The AMG main menu, which is integrated into the central display of the speedometer, can be operated conveniently using the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. The three modes "Warm Up", "Set Up" and "RACE" keep the driver well informed: "Warm Up" indicates the engine oil and coolant temperature, "Set Up" indicates the current ESP® mode, the suspension setting - "Comfort", "Sport" or "Sport plus" - and the transmission mode - "C", "S", "S+" or "M". In "RACE" the RACETIMER is ready; this allows the driver to record lap times on private racing circuits.

The AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is angled towards the driver, enables individual settings to be selected for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP® functions, the suspension set-up and the AMG drive modes. Located in the centre console, the E‑SELECT selector lever, which boasts a compact, sporty design and leather finish, can be simply nudged to shift directly between R, N and D, all thanks to drive-by-wire. The parking lock, meanwhile, can be activated simply by briefly pressing the P‑button.

All of the controls in the interior are finished in high-quality "silver shadow" - from the button surrounds on the AMG DRIVE UNIT and the rotary switches on the automatic climate control, through to the buttons for such functions as seat heating or PARKTRONIC.

Other standard equipment includes:

• AMG door sill panels in brushed stainless steel
• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
• the luxury automatic climate control THERMOTRONIC

One of the highlights of the attractive optional extras is the AMG Performance package which is available for the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. It comprises:

• an increase in the peak output of 24 kW (32 hp) and in the maximum torque of 100 Nm; genuine carbon fibre AMG engine cover
• genuine carbon fibre AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid
• red-painted brake calipers
• AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara® inserts in the grip areas

Exclusive optional extras are also available from the AMG Performance Studio:

• AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension
• Lightweight forged AMG light-alloy wheels featuring a 5-twin-spoke design and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres at the rear
• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
• AMG Exterior Carbon package
• AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer
• Illuminated AMG door sill panels
• AMG Driver's Package (includes restriction of top speed to 300 km/h, participation in driver training course at the AMG Driving Academy)
• designo: tailor-made individuality

A unique series of appointment details are available from the designo range for the CLS63 AMG which customers can use to reflect their own personal style.
The wide range of exclusive paint finishes, leather upholstery, trim elements and steering wheels provides for the proverbial tailor-made individuality. Seven designo colours, including two matt paint finishes, can be combined with ten designo leather colours. The Alcantara® roof lining, available in three colour shades, rounds off the look perfectly.
Other optional extras include (extracts):

• Active Parking Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Ambient lighting
• COMAND APS multimedia system
• Digital radio (DAB)
• Driving Assistance package Plus (DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE® brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist)
• Speed Limit Assist
• Harman Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system
• KEYLESS-GO package
• Media interface
• Night View Assist Plus
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Reversing camera
• Front climatised seats
• Lane Tracking package (Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist)
• TV tuner

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2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition

 

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is an absolutely stunning piece of machinery. We recently had a chance to steer a C63 fitted with the P31 Development Package around the greater Detroit area, and it now looks like our friends to the north are getting a special edition of Merc's AMG atom bomb all for themselves.

Exclusive to Canada, and limited to just 30 units, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition was developed in the AMG Performance Center in Affalterbach, Germany.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition is finished in distinctive designo MAGNO Allanite gray paint, and its appearance is distinguished by unique AMG high-performance brakes with red calipers, 19 “AMG
multi-spoke alloy wheels in black, carbon fiber mirrors and a rear spoiler.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition is powered by hand-built, 6.2 L V8 engine, which delivers 481 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, which propels it from 0 to 100 km / h in just 4.4 seconds.



Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition has an extensive list of standard equipment and also the characteristics of each element of the C63 AMG Premium Package, which includes a rear view camera, Parktronic, COMAND APS with HDD navigation and DVD Changer, multi interface Media, sunshade for rear window, Harman / Kardon ® LOGIC7 surround sound system and KEYLESS-GO. In addition, the Affalterbach Edition is equipped with the AMG Performance Package, which adds 30 additional horses, removes the speed limiter and adds a limited slip differential.

Available in spring 2011, Mercedes-Benz C63 Affalterbach Edition will retail from $ 81,500.

 

Dubbed the Affalterbach Edition (it's named after the German town in which AMG's skunkworks reside), this C63 wears a unique Magno Allanite Grey paint that is accented with red brake calipers, 19-inch black alloy wheels, carbon fiber mirror shells and a subtle lip spoiler. No tweaks have been made to the C63's powertrain, but the Affalterbach edition comes standard with the normally optional AMG Performance Package, meaning there's 481 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque on tap. Sprints to 62 miles per hour will be accomplished in a tidy 4.4 seconds.

Inside, the Affalterbach treatment includes things like AMG sport seats wrapped in Nappa leather, red contrast stitching, carbon fiber trim, and special edition logos placed throughout the cabin. Only 30 units will be sold in the Great White North, starting from $81,500 Canadian when it goes on sale in the spring. Follow the jump for Mercedes-Benz's official release.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz B55 Concept

 

Benz Concept B55. This idea comes from Rastatt plant manager, Peter Wesp. Comes with V8 engine and rear wheel. Spacious, innovative and safe. The compact models of the Mercedes A and B-Class score with their high practicality, and have found favour with more than 2.5 million customers as a result. An extraordinary one-off example has now been built at the Rastatt plant, and shows the B-Class in a completely new light.

A book of specifications was drawn up:

• The spatial concept of the B-Class was to remain unchanged.
• On the outside too, there were only to be minor indications of the conversion work.
• The interior was to be upgraded in line with the new vehicle class being aspired to.
• And the result of the conv

 

HR manager Martin Spicale promised financial support, which made the project a feasible proposition in the first place. And a "victim" (Würz) for the conversion was also soon found: a B 200 CDI which had anyway been delegated to the training workshop for learning purposes. While the trainees completely disassembled the car, Würz went in search of a suitable engine and found what he was looking for. And no mistake: the 5.5-litre V8 developing 285 kW (388 hp) and 530 newton metres of torque was transplanted into the B-Class together with a seven-speed automatic transmission and the engine control unit.



The latter proved to be quite a headache later on, as it had to be reprogrammed only to process signals from the driven rear axle.

Würz: "The V8 power unit fitted amazingly well, and we were even able to use the original engine mounts." There were serious problems with the steering, but here too, harmony was restored with a number of modifications. The exhaust system was a clever combination of various replacement part items, and took the form of a twin-pipe system emerging at the centre of the rear end. This is where the one-off, christened the B55 gets its typical, burbling sound - once the ignition key has been turned, all heads in the vicinity are guaranteed to swivel simultaneously in the direction of the B-Class.



Intensive perusal of parts catalogues also solved the second major transplantation problem, namely the drive axle at the rear. It emerged that the rear axle of an older W 210 series E-Class would be a very good geometrical fit. Plant manager Wesp gave the go-ahead to obtain one, and Würz and his colleagues designed a subframe, which extensive forming and welding work allowed to be integrated into the B-Class bodyshell to receive the new rear axle. Elegantly concealed within the sandwich floor, the propshaft of the E-Class also fitted into the B-Class with no further modifications.



For the brakes the team also struck gold in the replacement parts catalogue, this time in the C32 AMG listing. Perforated and internally ventilated disc brakes in size 345 x 34 mm were implanted at the front, with perforated and internally ventilated disc brakes in size 300 x 30 mm at the rear. The system was combined with striking 8.5 x 18 AMG sports wheels in a five-spoke design shod with 235/40 ZR 18 Y tyres at the front and 9 x 18 wheels with 255/35 ZR 18 Y tyres at the rear. The maximum steering angle at the front axle was limited to suit. The team had recourse to a typical item from the tuner's toolbox for the suspension, installing a coil-over suspension by K&W.



Where the interior was concerned, friends from the training workshop in Sindelfingen were able to help, providing Alcantara linings for the A, B and C-pillars as well as a roof liner in the same, luxurious material. The seats in a leather/Alcantara combination were provided by the specialists at Johnson Controls, who are located on-site in Rastatt. The finishing touches were added to the B55 in the paint shop of the Rastatt plant. In trendy white with dark-painted radiator louvres and smoked headlamp lenses, the B-Class cuts an imposing figure but only gives a discreet indication of the powerpack concealed beneath its bonnet.

ersion was to be in large measure suitable for day-to-day driving.

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