Mercedes SL63 and SL65 AMG

By Ben Pulman

First official pictures

08 February 2008 10:44

SL63 AMG. Remember the name, because it’s what Lewis Hamilton will be looking at all year. Mercedes has let its in-house tuners AMG loose on the recently facelifted SL, and the result is not one but two supercar baiters. The SL65 AMG continues pretty much as before, while the new SL63 AMG wil be the Grand Prix pace car for 2008.

The SL65 AMG keeps its twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12, with 612bhp and 737lb ft being delivered through Merc’s five-speed auto ‘box. That means it’ll run to 60mph in 4.2 seconds while there are 390mm (front) and 360mm (rear) discs to stop this behemoth.

But it’s with a tear in our eyes that we wave goodbye to the SL55 AMG, and Mercedes’ supercharged V8. Hopefully the thought of 525bhp and 465lb ft will cheer you up. Welcome then, to the 6.2-litre V8-powered SL63 AMG. It’s the same V8 that powers everything from the C-class to the CLS, albeit in a slighty higher state of tune. We're cheering up.

Is the SL63 AMG as fast as the old SL55 AMG?

The 0-60mph sprint is actually 0.1 seconds slower than the outgoing car’s 4.5 second run. But you will have one of the world’s best and brawniest engines under the bonnet. And the new V8 also means Mercedes can fit its seven-speed auto. In the SL63 it features the company’s new Speedshift Multi Clutch Transmission. According to Mercedes it has a wet start-up clutch that replaces the conventional torque converter. That apparently means a more direct connection to the powertrain so the SL offers a more sporting drive.

The Speedshift MCT also has a double declutching function, and Race Start launch control. There are four modes for the gearbox and Merc’s clever ABC suspension is standard. The AMG button – the equivalent of BMW’s M button – also allows you to select your favourite set-up quickly. Both AMG-tweaked SLs have the clever folding metal roof, which open in 16 seconds.

And what if I want something hotter than the SL63 AMG?

Then clearly you have issues, but the SL Black is on the way. In the meantime Merc is offering a AMG Performance Studio to at least give your SL the Black Series looks. Carbonfibre exterior trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, AMG wheels, and bigger brakes for the SL63 are all part of the package.

Both cars will be available in the UK from April 2008. Expect the SL63 to cost £100,000, and the SL65 to top £150k.

Mercedes SL Black

By Georg Kacher

Spyshots

30 January 2008 12:17

The recently facelifted SL is just the tip of the sports car iceberg for Mercedes. CAR Magazine Online can today reveal the company’s plans for a hardcore SL65 Black Series that will transform the slick SL into a 670bhp hardcore coupe aimed at Lamborghini and Porsche.

The exclusive Black Series model, scooped here by CAR Magazine Online, will be launched in autumn 2008. It’s been developed in close cooperation with HWA of DTM/German Touring Car Championship fame. Only 400 units will be available – and you’ll need a stiff £193,000 (€260,000) to bag the ultimate SL, we hear.

The fixed-roof Black Series model sports much wider wings, massive 19/20in (front/rear) wheels, stronger steel brakes and a new Sportshift transmission which mates a new wet clutch (in lieu of the torque converter) to the familiar seven-speed cogworks.

Mercedes SL65 Black Series: the design

It’ll be easy to spot the uber SL, thanks to additional air intakes and a massive adjustable rear wing. Much of that soaraway price tag is spent on carbonfibre body panels, helping the Black shed a substantial 260kg over the SL65. Fireworks under the long bonnet are provided by the unloved SLR’s supercharged V8 developing a heady 670bhp and a maximum torque of 737lb ft, restricted to 555lb ft in first and second gears to protect the drivetrain.

SL65 Black Series goes GT2 hunting

This exclusive SL is aimed squarely at the Porsche 911 GT2 and Lamborghini Murcielago. The raw figures are certainly impressive, the Black Series SL accelerating to 62mph in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 3.9sec. The top speed is a totally unrestricted 200mph.

According to those in the know, there will be a six to nine month gap between the end of production of the SLR and the launch of the new Mercedes supercar which is being developed without the help of McLaren this time round.

Regular SL: the facelift

The rest of the SL range gets a refresh at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. There are new L-shaped headlamps, a single-bar grill and a freshened interior with optional Airscarf, plus numerous technical improvements: quicker and more direct steering, an updated telematics system, hard disc infotainment system plus AMG-developed drivetrain tweaks.

We’ll see all this on the new range unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show – spanning from the SL280 3.0-litre V6 to the SL63 V8. CAR Magazine Online will report live from Switzerland on 4 March 2008 – so stay tuned to read about all the unveils in the coming weeks.

Mercedes S400 Hybrid

By Ben Pulman

Spyshots

01 February 2008 11:20

Hello hybrid. CAR Magazine has caught Mercedes’ first hybrid model testing in Scandinavia before a European launch in mid-2009. This is the S400 Hybrid, and our spy shot under the big limo’s bonnet appears to show Merc’s second big step towards going green – the first was their NOx-busting Bluetec technology.

The S400 Hybrid will come with a 274bhp petrol V6, but mated to a hybrid module the S400 will have a total of 295bhp and 277lb ft. That means 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds but more importantly 35.8mpg and just 190g/km CO2. The equivalent 262bhp S350 will only do 28mpg while producing 242g/km CO2.

So what’s the hybrid technology like?

Somewhat complicated but there’s a disk-shaped electric engine that also acts as the starter motor meaning this S-class will have a stop/start system. The electric motor also helps to boost performance when accelerating, while under braking it acts as a generator, recovering braking energy. This energy is stored in lithium-ion batteries mounted in the engine compartment.

The technology has been developed in conjunction with BMW and GM. The Amercians have already shown the hybrid system in various SUVs, while BMW will use the technology in the new 7-series and X6.

And if I want my limo a little cleaner…

…You’ll have to wait a little longer. Mercedes is also readying two diesel hybrids, the S300 and S400. The S300 Bluetec Hybrid will appear first in 2010 and offer a frankly stunning 52.3mpg. Combined with Bluetec technology the S300 will also only produce 142g/km CO2. There’s no word from Mercedes yet on what diesel engine will power the S300, but the all-new E-class will come in 2010 as an E300 Bluetec powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine. Whether S-class buyers will accept anything less than six cylinders remains to be seen.

If you still want to be clean and green though, but with a little more power then the S400 Bluetec Hybrid will be along after 2010. Combined with the hybrid module the diesel V6 will produce 261bhp and 464lb ft, while still averaging 48.7mpg and emitting 154g/km CO2

How else are Merc going green?

Later this year we’ll see a CNG-powered B-class, and there’s already diesel and petrol hybrid Smart cars on the road, as well as electric versions. The M-class (which is facelifted this year) will gain hybrid power in 2009, 2010 will see a fuel-cell B-class, and 2011 will bring us a C300 Bluetec Hybrid.

In the meantime 2008 will see Bluetec technology reaching the R, ML and GL in 320CDI form. Whether these cars make it to the UK is another matter, as despite an 80 percent reduction in NOx, Bluetec technology currently increases CO2 output by a few points and therefore makes the system useless under Britain's current CO2 ratings system.

Beyond Bluetec and hybrids Mercedes' third step will be the Diesotto engine due in 2014. Read all about it here.

Beyond that 2014/15 puts us in diesoot tech

Mercedes CLC

By Ben Pulman

First official pictures

27 January 2008 18:00

This is Mercedes’ new CLC, only it's not quite so new. Underneath it’s really the old Sports Coupe with a nose from the C-class grafted on to give it more modern engines and help it pass the latest crash regulations. In fact, the new CLC has exactly the same wheelbase (2715mm) as the old Sports Coupe, and the same size boot.

I don’t get it. Why not base the CLC on the new C-class?

Money. To the accountants at Stuttgart it made more sense to heavily revise the current car rather than to start afresh. That doesn’t mean the engineers haven’t been hard at work though: Merc claims over 1100 parts on the CLC are new or revised compared to the old car.

Merc was never going to stop making the Sports Coupe. Over 320,000 have found homes since 2001, and with over 70 percent of cars sold being conquest sales, and then over two-thirds of Sports Coupe buyers sticking with the Mercedes brand it’s a car Stuttgart cannot afford to be without.

So what’s good about the new CLC?

The new front end and the new styling. Out go the quad-headlamps, in comes sharp, jutting, solid lines to give the CLC the C-class family look. And that new front end means the latest engines and gearboxes. The engine line-up is:

Diesel

CLC 200 CDI 2.2-litre 120bhp/199lb ft
CLC 220 CDI 2.2-litre 148bhp/251lb ft

Petrol

CLC 180K 1.8-litre 141bhp/170lb ft
CLC 200K 1.8-litre 181bhp/184lb ft
CLC 230 2.5-litre 201bhp/180lb ft
CLC 350 3.5-litre 268bhp/258lb ft

All CLCs come as standard with a six-speed manual, but a five-speed auto is optional on the four-cylinder cars, a seven-speed auto can be had with the CLC 230, and it’s standard on the CLC 350.

So what’s bad about the CLC then?

The new car keeps the old car’s interior dash architecture, and many of the same materials. Thus the quality is nothing like that of the latest C-class, and is not much of a step forward compared to the current car either. The dial for the lights, and the buttons below the central air vents seem especially cheap. Has Mercedes not seen the BMW 1-series Coupe?

But despite the old architecture you do get new electronics. The CLC can now be had with a USB and iPod interface, and the standard leather-covered multifunctional steering wheel lets you scroll through your iPod’s tracks which are displayed on the colour screen. The new Comand multimedia system also offers hard-disk sat-nav for faster operation, while ESP and front and rear parking sensors are standard on all cars.

Anything else?

We’ll let you decide about the overall styling. Mercedes says S, CL and C-class provided the influence for the designers, but we can’t help noticing a little B-class in the rear lights. That third brakes light is made of LEDs incidentally, and underneath that hatchback rear door is a boot that can hold up to 1100 litres, the same as the current car’s maximum capacity.

The CLC will be available in SE or Sport guises. Sport adds 18-inch wheels, lowered suspension, and Merc’s new Direct-Steer speed-sensitive variable rack, and steering wheel-mounted paddles on automatic-equipped models. All CLCs are supposed to be sporty though, and as on the newly facelifted SL the needles on the dials make an exploratory sweep when they’re first turned on. The CLC will be in UK dealerships from June with prices expected to start from £21,000.

Mercedes SL facelift

By Ged Maxwell

First official pictures

23 January 2008 10:20

With inspiration apparently coming from the stunning 1954 Gullwing, this is Mercedes' facelifted SL. With a new entry-level engine, Merc's clever Airscarf system, and a different front end, this second and final facelift should see the SL through until the next decade.

That new nose is the most obvious change. The quad headlamps are replaced by twin CLS-style items, while the front grille is not only wider with a horizontal bar, but now sits proud of the bonnet too. The whole front end tapers to a point, creating a focal point, while the rear taillights are now smoked, a feature that had previously been reserved for AMG models of the SL.

Inspiration for further changes has been drawn from the original W198 Gullwing that was built from 1954 to 1957. The bonnet has a new powerdome (nee twin raised humps) and the revised air outlets behind the front wheelarches now feature vertical gills as opposed to the current horizontal strakes.

Are the changes drastic inside?

Not really. There’s the three-spoke steering wheel that first featured on the new C-class, a new Comand entertainment system and the Airscarf system from the SLK. The system blows hot air from the headrests to keep your neck warm when the clever folding metal roof is tucked away in the boot. Options will include Merc’s new Direct-Steer system already seen on the facelifted SLK and GLK concept, and the company’s ‘Inteligent Light System’.

What about the engines?

The big news for the UK is a new engine for the SL350, which lifts power from 268bhp to 311bhp. There’s a new SL280 but it won’t make it to the UK – the same is true of the new CLS280. The SL500, SL600 and SL65AMG continue as before, but the monstrously torquey, and much-loved SL55 AMG model looks set to be dropped. Expect it to be replaced by an SL63 AMG that CAR has been told will be this year’s Grand Prix safety car: we had hoped it might have been the SL Black but a Mercedes insider vehemently denied this.

CAR will have the full details of Merc's facelifted SL on 31 January, and be reporting live from Geneva in early March when the car has its motor show debut.

Mercedes CLS facelift

By Tim Pollard

First official pictures

18 January 2008 15:58

Merc has revised the unfaceliftable: the CLS four-door. Four years after launch, the unusual coupe/saloon gets a freshen-up and a new cheaper entry model – but it’s not coming to the UK.

Not that the CLS looks very different. The radiator grille has been tweaked and now has – count ’em – two bars instead of four. Big deal. The mirrors have gained new LED indicator repeaters, Merc has tidied up the rear apron, taillights and exhausts (now trapezoidal not oval)… and that’s about it. Thankfully, the CLS still looks drop-dead gorgeous.

Under the bonnet

More significant changes are under the bonnet of the revised model. The new entry-level model is the CLS280, a 3.0-litre V6 mustering 228bhp – enough for a 7.7sec sprint to 62mph and, more importantly, an average economy of 31mpg. Sadly, the UK isn’t taking the 280, as so many buyers pick the diesel over here. Other engines remain unchanged; all have the seven-speed auto 7G-Tronic auto transmission as standard.

The full engine line-up is:

CLS280, 228bhp 3.0 V6
CLS350 CGI, 288bhp 3.5 V6
CLS500 V8, 383bhp 5.5 V8
CLS63 AMG, 507bhp 6.3 V8
CLS320 CDI, 221bhp 3.0 V6 TD

Mercedes CLS: an inside job

The interior has a new three-spoke steering wheel and redesigned instruments with white dials, while the telematics system is upgraded with extra functionality for the modern man’s army of gadgets.

Prices haven’t been fixed yet, but we expect them to rise slightly in the UK, along with a corresponding rise in equipment. The new CLS280 starter model we’re denied costs £2500 less than the diesel on the Continent – pointing to a £41,000 starting price.

Mercedes GLK at Detroit

By Guy Bird
First official pictures
15 January 2008 21:28
When the pictures of Mercedes’ new small SUV concept were shown prior to Christmas, there were plenty of pained expressions in the CAR office. To be honest, the cars look little better in the metal.
Aiming to draw inspiration from the iconic boxiness of the legendary G-Wagon and the more car-inspired sculptural curves of the huge GL-class, the resulting melange does no credit to either. It just goes to prove that good-looking parents don’t always make an attractive kid – or in this case twins.
Why are there two GLKs at Detroit?
Mercedes chose to unveil two Vision GLKs – Freeside and Townside – to show how the GLK could look in rugged off-road and sleeker on-road guises. Of the two, the white Freeside – all roof rails, bonnet bulges and ridged front and side skirts – looks the more convincing but both look too fussy.
This is especially apparent on the silver-coloured Townside in side profile where the rising feature lines almost collide with the flared rear wheelarch and the oddly oval-shaped door handle scoops jar with the straight lines elsewhere. The Townside’s thicker and flatter razorblade front grille looks needlessly brash too.
Remind me why the UK isn’t getting the GLK?
The official line varies. Some say the 4Matic powertrain wouldn’t fit in a right-hand drive version, others say that it would but is too expensive to re-engineer given the sales volumes (which seems unlikely given the huge success of this sector: X3, RX and now Tiguan and Q5) while some industry insiders have even suggested that the RHD Merc markets might not have put their hands up for consideration early enough and were ultimately not considered.
That’s no great loss. Only one final model will be made, with the details of the two concept cars potentially available as options. The production version will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in April and go on sale in autumn 2008 looking extremely similar to these ‘Visions’ models. Just remove the glitzy alloys, front grille and interior appointments.
UK Merc fans can look forward to a new-generation SLK also unveiled at Detroit, and arriving in British showrooms in April 2008. It features a restyled exterior, modified interior plus more powerful engines and lower CO2 emissions.
They say: The Vision GLK Freeside and Townside are set to take the world by storm.We say: The Land Rover Freelander has little to fear.CAR verdict: 2/5

Mercedes CLC tease

First official pictures
09 January 2008 11:19
Looking squat, mean and aggressive (the car, not the model), this is the new Mercedes CLC. And although the CLC is based on the current C-class-derived Sports Coupe, Merc hopes that the 1100 new or revised components will make the car a serious challenger to the BMW 1-series coupe.
It certainly looks slicker than the current car, and with C-class inspired styling it looks smarter than today's stumpy model. Equipped with a Sport pack bodykit, lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels and darkened headlights, the new CLC has something of the CL65 AMG about it.
The CLC will be unveiled at Berlin Fashion week which starts on 27 January 2007, so we’ll be able to get model Eva Padberg out of the way and see the rest of the car.
CLC: the timetable
The CLC will go on sale in the UK from June 2008, offering the cheapest entry into the Merc coupe family. Prices are expected to start at just over £20,000.
Technical highlights include ‘new direct steering for even more nimble handling of bends’, Merc’s multimedia Comand system, and fuel consumption that’s up to 11 percent better than on the current model. Whether it’s enough for the ageing platform to better the BMW remains to be seen. CAR will have the definitive verdict this spring when we get to drive the car.

Mercedes-Benz GLK concept

By Ben Pulman
First official pictures
03 January 2008 15:03
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the concept that isn’t really a concept. This is the Vision GLK Freedside study, or if you change the wheels and some trim details, the new GLK.
To be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in mid-January, the (ahem) concept previews Merc’s BMW X3 competitor. However, the GLK will only be a competitor to the X3 on the Continent because Merc’s new 4x4 won’t be coming to the UK. The GLK’s four-wheel drive system is left-hand drive only, and Mercedes doesn't see any economic benefit in making the conversion to right-hand drive.
It looks very, er, square…
Indeed. The boxy shape is supposed to remind potential buyers of Merc’s 1980s robustness, and the fact that nothing soldiered on like the Geländewagen. The GLK’s names alludes to that; the G refers to the mud plugging, the L to luxury, and the K apparently signals the car's compactness… Well, it’s shorter than a BMW X3, but it’s not exactly small at 4.52m long.
But to the luxury, and the GLK concept features Merc’s Command entertainment system, twin headrest-mounted screens, and three-zone air-con. There’s also (deep breath) matt, anthracite-coloured cebrano wood with white grain. That’s fancy wood trim to you and me, and it splits the upper and lower parts of the cabin, which are trimmed in black and white leather respectively.

Does it off-road?
Apparently, though all the GLK will probably ever do is mount a kerb. Nevertheless Merc insists the GLK will ‘perform exceptionally in all conditions’. Hence there’s a 45:55 front-rear split four-wheel drive system, and what Merc calsl a 'G' button that apparently 'increases the Vision GLK Freeside’s aggression'. What the button actually does is switch the electronics into off-road mode, and actual reduce the aggressiveness of the acceleration.
Any chance it's green?
Actually it’s not bad as they go. Powered by a new-generation 168bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine mated to a seven-speed auto, the diesel engine also comes with Merc’s NOx reducing Bluetec technology. By squirting urea into the exhaust, NOx emissions are cut by up to 80 percent.
The GLK will be launched on the Continent in autumn 2008 at the equivalent of £32,000, and CAR Online will deliver the first drive to tell you whether you need to start petitioning your Merc dealer to import the car.

Mercedes SLK facelift

By Tim Pollard
First official pictures
21 December 2007 00:01
Mercedes has given its SLK a spruce-up just in time for Christmas. Blink and you most certainly will miss it – but the company claims there are 650 modified parts on its renowned roadster, which gets freshened looks inside and out, and fettled engines to take it into 2008.
Anoraks will spot the facelifted two-seater by its reshaped bumper and front air dam, and the large three-pointed star is given more prominence on the SLK’s snout. At the rear, a faux diffuser is grafted onto the car’s behind, alongside trapezoidal tailpipes and smoked, AMG-style rear lights.
Bigger door mirrors sprout from the flanks – now illuminated with arrow-shaped indicator repeaters, and new designs of alloy wheel evolve the look originally penned by Brit designer Steve Mattin, now design chief at Volvo.
New engines
The four-strong engine line-up will continue, led by the SLK55 V8. The three smaller engines are all revised for lower consumption and emissions: the SLK200 Kompressor (up 21bhp to 182bhp), SLK 280 (unchanged at ) and SLK350 (up 33bhp to 301bhp).
Also new is a variable ratio steering system called Direct-Steer. It’s optional on the three base models and standard on the AMG, and is wholly mechanical, meaning a much more direct ratio when just 5deg of lock is applied for quicker responses. Merc claims the turns lock to lock has reduced by a quarter as a result.
Changes inside include a new instrument cluster and three-spoke steering wheel design. Merc’s latest telematics system has been shoehorned in, letting owners use Bluetooth and operate their iPod remotely through the usual stereo controls.
The revised SLK goes on sale in Britain in April 2008. Pricing will be announced in the new year. Despite being the priciest car in its segment, the SLK remains a strong seller – Merc has flogged nearly half a million since its debut in 1997, nearly a tenth of those in the UK.

Mercworld's first birthday

Industry news
03 December 2007 09:36
Mercedes-Benz World will be celebrating its first birthday this weekend, and you’re invited.
Although officially the anniversary was last week, it’ll be this Saturday and Sunday (3-4 November) that the festivities take place.
Stirling Moss will be going down to Surrey to collect the keys to his new Smart and sign autographs, they’ll be a free prize draw to win passenger rides in the SLR or with the Silver Arrows display team, and Mercedes’ AMG and off-road courses will be available for a birthday price of £15. There will also be lots of birthday cake, and having sampled some we can say it’s very rich, but very good.
Peter O’ Halloran, the managing director of Mercedes-Benz World said ‘Our first birthday is a very special milestone for us and we want to celebrate it with as many people as possible’.
Based at Brooklands, Mercedes has a long history with the historic circuit: the winner of the inaugural race drove a Mercedes. So far 306,698 guests have visited Mercedes-Benz World. The celebrations start at 10am this Saturday, and entry is free.
Words: Ben Pulman

RML SLR 722 GT

By Ben Pulman
First official pictures
30 October 2007 09:04
Yet another McLaren Mercedes special edition SLR?
It’s another special edition, but it's nothing to do with Mercedes, apparently. Northamptonshire-based RML (Ray Mallock Ltd) have tweaked the SLR for rich racing enthusiasts. Don't fret, they've got some pedigree. In 2007 RML ran the Chevrolet WTCC teams, competed in the ALMS, and at Le Mans, and in the past ran they also ran Nissan's BTCC team. Compared to the standard SLR 722, RML claim to have ‘uniquely and comprehensively re-engineered’ the car, with over 400 changes being made.
So what are these changes?
The headline figure is of course the power, and the supercharged Merc 5.5-litre V8 now puts out 671bhp thanks to a new exhaust and air filter. However, that’s only up 21bhp, and torque is up a measly 7lb ft. The fuss, therefore, is all about the loss of 334kg. That’s right, 334kg! RML have stripped out all the weight that Gordon Murray was so adverse to see Mercedes put in, and now the SLR 722 GT weighs 1390kg, 5kg less than a 911 GT3.

What about the SLR 722 GT's fancy new bodykit?
The SLR GT gets a new front splitter, wider wings and side skirts, a huge rear diffuser, and that rather large and obvious fixed wing. Overall downforce is up, but so is drag, so the top speed drops from 210mph to 197mph. Apparently ‘fast lap times are guaranteed'. The suspension is adjustable, and lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels with central locks for quick changes complete the external makeover, though what you can’t see is the pneumatic jack system to make tyres changes even quicker. Hidden behind the lightweight wheels are new brakes, which meet the FIA GT series regulations. Hopefully they’ll provide some more feel than the standard car’s off-ON brakes…
And inside?
Exactly what Mercedes never planned for the SLR. Their ideal was a big touring GT. This is anything but. There's a very big rollcage, racing buckets with six-point harnesses, and a new instrument cluster and steering wheel. All very un-Mercedes.

So when can I get one?
Only 21 are going to be built, and they're not being homologated for road use. According to RML, all the orders it's had so far have been from existing SLR owners. But at least this is a venture by RML, and thankfully Mercedes have not taken the much-maligned route Ferrari have with the FXX. No word yet on price, but if you have to ask you’re probably too sensible to want one.

Mercedes-Benz F700

By Ben Pulman
First official pictures
11 September 2007 03:00
So, another big lumbering Mercedes saloon then?
Not a bit of it. Although the F700 might be 5.17m long – somewhere between the S-class and long-wheelbase S-class – the F700 is supposedly cleaner and more frugal than any current S-class. This is thanks to its innovative ‘Diesotto’ engine. The F700 also features a hybrid drive and suspension that reads the road ahead. And, for those who are familiar with the online world Second Life, there's an avatar too.
Diesotto? Sounds like a mix of diesel and the Otto cycle...
Bingo. That’s just what this engine is. The F700 has a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that is supposed to combine the low emissions of a petrol engine with the consumption of a diesel. With the Diesotto engine, this very large F700 manages 55.3mpg and emits just 127g/km of the dirty stuff. But don't think this engine lacks power, as there are two sequential turbochargers, plus a hybrid system to assist when the car moves off. The hybrid system allows stop/start running. There's also direction injection, variable valve lift and a variable crank. This crank allows for the especially clever bit: the ignition. Running on conventional petrol, the Diesotto engine operates with spark ignition under start-up and full loads, but under partial loads (low and medium speeds) it switches to diesel-style compression ignition. Mercedes calls this controlled auto ignition (CAI) and it means lower operating temperatures. This in turn means fewer nitrogen oxide emissions, while a three-way catalytic converter mops up the rest. The Diesotto engine makes 235bhp and 295lb ft, and the electric motor adds another 20bhp. This means a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds, and the aforementioned impressive consumption and emission figures. And not only is the engine very clean and efficient, but because it's smaller and lighter, it helps the F700 weigh 1700kg, whereas a base S280 is 1880kg.

What about this fancy suspension?
You mean Pre-Scan. Mounted in the headlights of the F700 are two lasers that scan the road ahead. The hydraulically controlled active suspension then adjusts according to their feedback. Merc claims this gives the F700 a ‘flying carpet’ feel. Pre-Scan also has a laser scanner in the base of the driver’s door and a hydraulic cylinder stops the door being opened should the car detect a possible collision.
So what's all this about an avatar?
Mercedes calls its new system Servo-HMI. The F700 comes with an avatar, a virtual operating assistant. So rather than telling the car your destination, you can 'discuss' it instead. Quite why this needs discussion is another matter. And as an avatar is supposed to be your own persona in a virtual world, you might as well just talk to yourself... Mercedes seems to have thought of this, though. Rather than rich bankers having to talk to themselves on the journey home – if they should happen be driving themselves – the avatar in the F700 is a young woman. No word yet on whether she can be personalised...

What else should I know about the inside of the F700?
That if this car ever makes production you won't want to sit up front. At 5180mm long, it’s only 29mm shorter than a long wheelbase S-class. However, thanks primarily to the compact engine, the F700’s wheelbase is 285mm longer than the biggest S-class's. It’s very slightly lower than an S-class too but, because it's wider than the current S, there's lots of interior room. This allows for Mercedes’ Reverse seat. The right rear seat (in this left-hand drive car) can split apart and move to face away from the direction of travel so that the two rear passengers can interact. Two large glazed areas in the roof allow light in, while the interior trim is made from natural materials including leather and cork.
The outside is somewhat challenging...
Indeed, but apparently the F700’s design is ‘perfectly compliant with the brand identity of Mercedes-Benz’. To these eyes that doesn’t bode well, especially having seen the Ocean Drive concept as well. The F700's design language is called ‘aqua dynamic’, though it isn’t quite as extreme of that of the 2005 Bionic Car concept. That car was heavily based on a Boxfish. The doors of the F700 are asymmetrical, as the right rear door is a ‘suicide door’, a la Rolls-Royce.

Anything else?
There’s a transparent cover over the rear wheels to improve aerodymanic efficiency. There are also recessed door handles and tiny wing mirrors. And those big 21-inch wheels are wrapped in low rolling resistance rubber that is said to be 17 percent less resistant than regular tyres. Why has Mercedes made this car? Because, apparently, with increased traffic in megacities we need ‘mobile living spaces which afford the highest comfort on wheels’. So Mercedes has kindly built a large car to take up more space. And it's not exactly for the masses either... Some of these technologies, especially Diesotto, are worthwhile, others are not. Either way, big Mercs always point towards what the rest of us will eventually drive. This is the future.

Mercedes C63 AMG estate

By Ben Pulman
First official pictures
05 September 2007 00:01
The Mercedes C63 AMG estate looks nice then…
That is does, being better resolved and (slightly) more understated than the saloon. But don’t for one moment let the big boot fool you, because this car has 451bhp and 443lb ft. The C63’s 6.2-litre V8 is a great engine and it will rocket Mercedes’ latest load-lugger from rest to 62mph in 4.6 seconds.
Specs please…
All that power is transmitted to the road by AMG’s Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic gearbox. It comes with steering wheel paddles and you can also choose between three driving modes: Comfort, Sport and Manual. On the Continent prices will start at €69,853 (£47,115) so expect it to be £50k by the time it reaches UK shores at the beginning of 2008.

Any other goodies?
Standard spec includes 18-inch wheels, though 19s are an option. But our only complaint about the C63 AMG saloon was the overly hard ride, so the wife, children and labrador may not be too happy with the bigger wheels. The front axle is lifted from the CLK Black Series, and there’s also a three-stage ESP system.
‘But I’m a practical man,’ we hear you cry…
Then fear not, because like the regular C-class estate the boot is full of rings and hooks, plus a collapsible crate to hold your shopping while the Easy-Pack tailgate opens and closes at the touch of a button. The C63 AMG estate can also hold 485 litres, or 1500 litres with the rear seats folded. That’s 15 and 146 litres bigger respectively than the old C55 AMG estate, and comfortably more than the current RS4 Avant. But with that car due to retire soon, and BMW yet to confirm a M3 Touring, the Merc seemingly has the compact premium super-estate category to itself.

Mercedes C-class Estate

By Ben Pulman
First official pictures
31 August 2007 12:08
About time the C-class Estate turned up…
It is, and while the new C-class saloon has only been around for six months, it’s so good that the old outgoing estate that's been soldiering on has suddenly been left feeling very long in the tooth. Merc has responded - and today presents the new estate. It’ll be shown in the metal at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show and then go on sale in the UK in summer 2008.
Inside, inside, tell us what’s inside!
A lot of space. The old car could hold 470 litres with the rear seats in place, or 1354 with them folded. The new C-class Estate increases this to 485 and 1500 litres, respectively. That comfortably beats the BMW 3-series’ 460 and 1385 litres. The one challenger the C-class may have is the new A4. The boot in Audi’s recently revealed saloon is 480 litres, beating the Merc saloon by five, so expect the A4 Avant to be equally cavernous. Of course, if you want a proper estate, rather than a posing exec lifestyle one, you'll find plenty of rivals such as the Volvo V70 whose boots will make a mockery of these German wagons'.

How much more do I have to pay compared with the C-class saloon?
Merc isn’t revealing any prices just yet, but in 180 Kompressor SE trim the saloon costs £22,937 so don’t expect much change from £24k. From there the range will work up through 200 Kompressor, 200 and 220 CDI to C350. That range-topper comes as standard with Merc’s 7G-Tronic ‘box as standard, while every other car has a six-speed manual as standard.
What about a hot model?
Well of course. We’ve scooped the C63 AMG estate before and the 6.2-litre V8 that we know and love will find its way into the wagon. Georg Kacher recently drove and raved about the C63 saloon but it is perhaps a little too OTT for some tastes, so we can’t wait for the AMG estate. Come back to CAR Online on 5 September for pictures and details of the C63 AMG wagon. If you’re not quite so hardcore, you can have a dynamic handling pack, or the AMG pack, both of which have tweaks to the suspension.

Anything else I need to know about the C-class Estate?
Trim levels will be SE, Elegance and Sport while Mercedes also claims the C-class can be up to 12 percent more economical than the old car. Then again, if it said anything else it would be seen as a social pariah. In the boot hooks, rings and a collapsible shopping crate are standard in all models, whilst the Easy-Pack tailgate opens and closes the boot at the touch of a button. No word yet on whether this is standard. Self-levelling suspension is definitely an option though, and keeps the ride hide constant, whatever you carry. Seven airbags are standard as is Merc’s Pre-Safe system.

Anything else I need to know about the C-class Estate?
Trim levels will be SE, Elegance and Sport while Mercedes also claims the C-class can be up to 12 percent more economical than the old car. Then again, if it said anything else it would be seen as a social pariah. In the boot hooks, rings and a collapsible shopping crate are standard in all models, whilst the Easy-Pack tailgate opens and closes the boot at the touch of a button. No word yet on whether this is standard. Self-levelling suspension is definitely an option though, and keeps the ride hide constant, whatever you carry. Seven airbags are standard as is Merc’s Pre-Safe system.

Mercedes C63 AMG

By Jack Carfrae
First official pictures
04 July 2007 12:54
Mercedes C63 AMG: the lowdown
Mercedes has a penchant for extremely powerful saloons and sports cars, in case you hadn't noticed. We've been inundated with the likes of the CL65 AMG, the CLK Black AMG and the McMerc SLR Roadster. Not content with these tyre-shredding giants, Mercedes has now shown the C63 AMG just 48 hours before the launch of the BMW M3.
So, what’s the deal with the C63?
This is the roadgoing version of Merc’s latest DTM touring car. It’s fitted with a 6.3-litre V8, kicking out a very serious - and M3 humbling - 457bhp and 442lb ft of torque. It’ll sear its way to 62mph in just 4.2 seconds, says Mercedes and is limited to the usual 155mph top speed. So it's as rapid as most Ferraris for a fraction of the price... In fact, there’s very little separating the roadgoing C63 from the DTM racer in raw power, as the touring car only offers an extra 13 ponies. So every trip to the supermarket will feel not dissimilar to a lap of Cadwell Park.

So it's just a dirty great V8 shoehorned into a C-class?
Of course not, this is a Mercedes. That sort of crude engineering is reserved for American muscle cars. The C63 boasts plenty in the way of dazzling and flashy technology, too. The seven-speed automatic ’box is impressive enough. It comes with the usual sport, comfort and manual settings that you would expect on an exec saloon, but it also blips the throttle automatically on downchanges, making for smooth cog-shifting and a noise that’s likely to wake the dead.
Everyone's doing the V8 saloon nowadays...
Absolutely. Audi's done it with the RS4, BMW will with the M3 and Lexus is even preparing an eight-pot version of the IS. It's de rigeur these days, don't you know. As well as a strong power output, the Merc has been engineered for what it calls a ‘designer’ exhaust note - it's been tuned to be pleasing to the ear. The company conducted customer clinics with audiophiles to get the exhaust note just right, so we can't wait to hear if the 6.3 V8 is as pitch-perfect as they claim.

Could be a handful on a rainy day, though?
It sure could, but there’ll be plenty to keep the big Bavarian in check. ESP is active unless you have a death wish and choose to turn it off, but it can also be stepped up to sport mode, which reigns in the torque and keeps the C63 on the straight and narrow. Anchoring the C63 shouldn’t be a problem, either. Behind the front wheels lie huge, 360mm discs with six-piston callipers, and 330mm discs with four-piston callipers bringing up the rear. Grip shouldn’t be a problem with the 18- or optional 19-inch alloys wrapped in 235/40 rubber at the front and 255/40 at the rear. So, in theory the C63’s bark should be a lot more ferocious than its bite. We'll know for sure when we get to drive it later in the year.
When can I can I get my hands on a C63 AMG then?
It should arrive in the UK early next year wearing a £55,000 price tag. It will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, so expect to see the tasty Benz in the metal on home turf.

Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Coupe

By Tim Pollard
First official pictures
15 May 2007 11:37
Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Coupe: the lowdown
Environmental concerns? Soaring tax duties? Pah. Green issues are clearly a long way from the minds of the men in Bottrop, who today unveiled their latest loony coupe: the Brabus version of the CL. Prepare yourself for some calculator-challenging numbers. The renowned German tuners take a stock CL600 and increase capacity of the V12 from 5.5 to 6.3 litres. With two bigger turbochargers and bespoke Brabus crankshafts, cylinder heads and camshafts, outputs rise to 720bhp and 811lb ft of torque.
Sounds like this uber-CL might be a bit of a handful to drive...
Even standard Mercedes nowadays are pushing the power race to ridiculous new heights, and many would question the need for this Brabus version. It has electronically limited the SV12's torque - unfettered, it would produce a tyre-troubling 974lb ft at just 2100rpm. Naturally, the CL is rear-wheel drive and we can't help but worry that the ESP light is going to be permanently engaged. The transmission is a five-speed auto and a locking rear diff is optional to try and tame the torque. It's correspondingly fast against the stopwatch, Brabus claiming a limited top speed of 211mph and 0-62mph in just 4.0sec.

What else do I get for my extra £16,000?
Brabus has developed aero aids to keep the SV12 stable at high speeds, and buyers can select a range of bodykits. Wheel options vary from the sensible (18-inchers) all the way up to the full bling effect of 21-inch rims. Although the SV12 is hardly in keeping with the times, Brabus has a good track record of tweaking fast Mercs and this CL's spec sheet suggests it has been given a characteristically thorough going-over; the ABC air suspension has even been recalibrated to match the new wider tyres, lowering the ride height by 25mm, while bigger brakes are grabbed by 12-piston callipers at the front. One thing's for sure though. The SV12 ain't cheap. Prices for a complete car start at £123,000 - £16,000 more than the regular model.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

By Tim Pollard
First official pictures
04 May 2007 06:28
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster: that's quite a mouthful
It certainly is. But then this is no normal car. Let's call it the SLR, for brevity's sake - and this new roadster derivative is designed to inject Merc's exclusive, low-volume range-topper with a new lease of life after three years on sale. The engineers at Mercedes and McLaren didn't merely take a tin-opener to the SLR's carbonfibre bodyshell. SLR stands for Super-Leicht, Rennsport (super-light, racing), and that philosophy has continued with the Roadster, whose roof is made from yet more carbonfibre.
Go on, whet my appetite. What are the technical highlights?
This car is based on the standard SLR, not the limited-edition 722, so it boasts merely 617bhp from its supercharged V8, not the full-blown, upgraded 650bhp. That's enough to propel it instantly towards the top of the rapid roadster brigade, with a maximum speed of 207mph. As if any owners will actually get anywhere near that in typical use. Mercedes counters that its bespoke engineering is important here; of course your typical buyer isn't going to drive three-and-a-half miles a minute, but if you've spent £350,000 on an open-top version of a super coupe you don't want to surrender a single mile per hour, thank you very much. With its composite roof, the SLR's body is made almost totally from carbonfibre reinforced plastic; two of the body frames are aluminium, but the rest of the monocoque is composite. Result? Light weight and wobble-free strength are claimed.

So there's still the same SLR qualities? Sledgehammer speed and a slightly soulless character?
We haven't driven the SLR Roadster yet, so we'll have to reserve judgment for a few more weeks yet. But there's little to suggest the Roadster will vary enormously from its hard-top brethren. It should be a stiff structure though, so we expect it to be more rigid than some open-top ultra-expensive convertibles. That roof is available in three colours and Mercedes claims to have marshalled the airstream to guarantee normal conversation is possible at speeds up to 125mph. Handy for the high-speed dash to the French Riviera. Surprisingly, roof operation isn't fully automatic. Yes - this car is set to cost £350,000, but you'll have to unlock the roof from the header rail and lift it slightly (by hand!) at which point electric motors take over. It then flops elegantly out of sight under an aluminium roof cover in less than 10sec.
Does it lose anything over the SLR coupe?
Not really. You still get the sexy side-exit exhausts, and the airbrake function is cleverly retained, despite the addition of a bulky folding roof mechanism. Speaking of brakes, the discs are carbon ceramic, which is handy to rein in the AMG engine. We know from our drives in the coupe that this V8 is brutal, with a neck-snapping 575lb ft of torque available. Which helps explain the 3.8sec blast to 62mph. There is a useful amount of extra security built in, too. The A-pillars are reinforced with steel, and there are two fixed rollover hoops behind the seats. Airbags for most parts of the body, including the knees, are standard fit, as are the usual niceties for three hundred grand (carbonfibre seats, gadgets galore). Naturally, the SLR is built at the Woking McLaren factory in England, and the first customer cars will arrive in September. The company has already built more than 1000 SLRs and the Roadster will doubtless expand sales in this uber-expensive elite market segment accordingly.

Mercedes C-class shown

By Tim Pollard
Motor shows & events
09 March 2007 01:08
Mercedes Vision C220 Bluetec: the lowdown
Mercedes' bigger, better and cleaner new C-class hogged centre stage at the DaimlerChrysler stand. The C is the bedrock of Merc's range and the company rolled out a slew of derivatives to mark the occasion - including the Vision C220 Bluetec, the first four-cylinder diesel with Merc's clean-breathing tech.
The cleanest C-class yet
Vision is a tag for Stuttgart's concepts that are a dead cert for the showrooms, so expect something very like this soon. The Vision C220 Bluetec should meet tough Euro VI emissions regs due in 2015, thanks to the Bluetec exhaust treatment, which uses ammonia to slash nitrogen oxides. Result? A handy 170bhp, 51mpg and spectacularly clean emissions.

What's this, the AMG version?
Not quite. Merc also showed off the DTM touring car version of the C-class, powered by a 470bhp V8. It will be driven by defending champion Bernd Schneider and three other drivers, including Mika Hakkinen. We'll have to wait a while longer for the production AMG version. The junior super-saloon class now demands no fewer than eight cylinders, and the C63 won't disappoint; all those cubic inches will help deliver a muscly 450bhp at least.
Anything else?
Mercedes also rolled out the new Mercedes McLaren SLR 722, the most powerful and lightest iteration yet of the Macca. To see what it's like to drive, buy the latest April issue of CAR magazine, with its twin test of the McMerc versus the Koenigsegg CCX.

Mercedes design boss speaks out

By Tim Pollard
Industry news
22 January 2007 09:40
We spoke to Mercedes design boss Peter Pfeiffer at the recent Detroit Motor Show – and asked him about the future strategy at the Stuttgart company.
What’s the point of the Ocean Drive concept? We had a discussion last year about the current Mercedes-Benz line-up. Mercedes has a very strict design and the idea came up to do a forward-looking car. The Ocean Drive concept is not looking back into the history books at all; we wanted to create a dream.
Some say it looks like a Maybach… It was always going to be a Mercedes – not a Maybach.
Will you build it? We are going to make a decision whether to build the Ocean Drive or not in the next two to four weeks. That roof looks engineered for production? Yes, it does, doesn’t it… Hmm. So which bits of the Ocean Drive concept are most significant? The grille is big – and very three-dimensional. You’ll see this on the new C-class and other future models. Look also at the taut lines and surfaces; the subtle surfaces along the flanks are important, too. The subtle lines continue through the rear lights. Note also the small strip of chrome running along the flank of the car; we are considering this for production. The two-tone paint on the Ocean Drive will happen. It’s more complicated to produce – it has to go through the paintshop twice.
Sounds like a facelifted S-class to me… I can’t comment on that. And what about those LED headlights? LED headlight systems will be here in the next two to three years; they give us designers more scope to do exciting things at the front.
How would you sum up the new C-class unveiled last week? The new C-class is both sporty and regal at the same time. We have different design languages for different ranges; our sports cars are different to our saloons – but there’s an overall language binding them all together. Designing a new C-class must be really easy. You just draw a mini S-class, don’t you? When you look at the S-class today, there is quite a bit of that in the new C-class. But it has its own character, too.
Which is your most important model in recent years in design terms? Our new look started with the CLS. It was a big change, a revolutionary step for us. There’ve been so many new models in recent years… How do you design so many? A new addition must always look like a Mercedes. Any new model must slot into our range and carve out its own identity – but it must also be a member of the family.

Mercedes C-class

By Tim Pollard
First official pictures
18 January 2007 07:00
Mercedes-Benz C-class: the lowdown
This is the most important launch in Merc's diary this year - the all-new C-class. It's charged with bringing the compact exec bang up to date and giving it (Mercedes hopes) the edge over the BMW 3-series that's snatched class honours in recent years. There's a sharp new look, that's definitely pilfered some design cues from the S-class limo, plus a raft of new engines and some pretty nifty gadgets. Read on to discover the full story behind the new C-class...
So when can I buy a new C-class then?
Mercedes will launch the new saloon at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with UK sales beginning in June. Today's estate continues until this autumn, when a new wagon rolls into showrooms. New Sports Coupe and CLK models (based on the C-class, don't forget) will arrive soon afterwards. You certainly won't miss the new C. This picture shows the Sport model, with its distinctive nose treatment; the big three-pointed star grille is based on the new CL coupe's - dominating the front view. Lesser SE and Elegance models prefer the glitzy chrome treatment and have a conventional Merc star standing proud of the bonnet. Other markets will continue with the Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trim lines; the UK is alone in tweaking its range to SE (volume model), Elegance (comfort) and Sport (does what it says on the tin).

So what's the C-class like inside?
This is where the gadget count gets interesting. There's more advanced Linguatronic II, which can apparently understand whole sentences, plus a stereo with full MP3 compatibility and two USB ports. Merc's take on iDrive is the Comand controller - and the C-class has an extra advanced one. It twists, pushes and (get this) tilts, for full control over most functions. The headlights, meanwhile, share the E-class technology that adapts the beam to driving on motorways or country roads. Oh, and the climate control is devilishly clever, too. There are separate controls available front and rear, and the system monitors the strength of the sun and air quality to make sure you get the perfect temperature. Cool.
Is it bigger than before? And what'll it drive like?
The new C-class is 55mm longer (most of that in the wheelbase) and 42mm wider, too. So, yes, there's more space all round - plus a bigger boot. Merc vows the newcomer will be agile though, despite the growth spurt. It's based on the old C platform, but everything's finely fettled. Highlights include switchable dampers and quicker steering, while buyers can opt for Agility Control options to include electronic control over the suspension, steering and throttle response.

And what'll it be like to drive?
We reckon it'll be pretty good. The outgoing C was always a slick drive, and the newcomer will be sharper in every department. The entry-level C180K gets a 156bhp 1.8-litre supercharged four-pot and there's a 184bhp version of the same engine in the C200K, while the C230 gets a 204bhp 2.5 V6 and the C280 has a 231bhp 3.0 V6. There are engines to suit every budget, in other words - but those badges don't tell the full story any more. From 2008 there's a new generation of direct-injection petrol engines coming - and of course there's a suite of turbodiesels, including a pair of 2.2s and 3.0 V6s. Or you could go the full hog and order the 450bhp C63 AMG...

Mercedes Ocean Drive

By Tim Pollard
First official pictures
21 December 2006 09:16
Oh my God. What have they done to the S-Class?
It's a good question. This Ocean Drive concept car is basically an S600 S-Class that's been decapitated for show goers' delectation. That's right - this is a four-door luxury convertible fit, as its name suggests, for cruising along an ocean boulevard. There's luxurious space for four, Merc's Airscarf heating system gently warming passengers at neck-level to keep them snug on chilly evenings.
Ok, so how different is the Ocean Drive?
Think S-Class with a smattering of high-tech jewellery. The outside is distinguished by LED headlights glowing with two inverted C's and ritzy 36-spoke high-gloss alloys. Unique two-tone paintwork distinguishes the Ocean Drive and the doors are frameless, leaving a seamless profile with the roof down. That grille is a third bigger than a regular S-Class's, too. Inside? The door cappings and roof compartment box are topped with maple and there's a champagne cooler, obviously.

Is it a runner?
Oh yes. The Ocean Drive has a 517bhp twin-turbo V12 under its long snout. And this car is l-o-n-g: 5293mm long, to be precise - and that canvas soft-top covers a marquee-like 3.2sq m. However, don't go thinking that this car will make it to a Merc showroom near you. This is a style statement, sources say, although a two-door CL cabrio could be on the cards. And it does look rather like a Maybach, don't you think?

Mercedes-Benz World

By Ben Whitworth
First official pictures
26 October 2006 11:40
The lowdown
The name says it all - Mercedes-Benz World. Situated next to the historic Brooklands race circuit and museum in Weybridge, Surrey, this multi-million pound group of designer buildings is Mercedes’ shiny new experience centre. Sitting in 60acres of parklands, it’s the ultimate one-stop Mercedes shop, with everything from a conference centre to an off-roading circuit. It joins eight other similar centres across the world, from Stuttgart to Singapore to Durban, but it’s easily the biggest and the only facility to have its own test track. With nine million potential customers living within an hour’s drive of Brooklands, Mercedes expects 300,000 visitors a year. It’s open seven days a week and entry is free. To save you the trek, we jumped the queue and had a look at the highlights…
Testing, testing
One of the key attractions will be the centre’s bespoke test tracks and off-road facilities. The test tracks were designed by MIRA, the Motor Industry Research Centre, and there are just under two miles of dynamic handling courses, including a wet skidpan and a 10-acre off-road circuit. There are 32 instructors on hand, all skilled drivers and many with motor racing experience, and the facilities have been designed to handle a dozen cars at any one time. It’s the ultimate test drive facility, with every model in the Mercedes range available to customers. And the handling circuits are not exclusive to those buying a car – there are a number of driving packages on sale, with prices starting at £25 for a ten-minute test session. Not cheap then…

Time travel
Mercedes has crammed a century of its motoring heritage into the centre, with the first car ever produced by Karl Benz in 1886 rubbing shoulders with the latest SL55 AMG. Other highlights include the iconic Gullwing and a multi-media exhibition of the SL range of cars. The history lesson extends outside to the original Brooklands racing circuit that surrounds the Mercedes site. Parts of this have been preserved, including the famous Brooklands banking and the Railway Straight, and are now open for the first time in 50 years.
Simulated factory tour
The ‘Build’ section of MBW uses sensory perceptive moving chairs and three-dimensional goggle to re-create the C-class factory floor. Strapped into the seats in front of a large cinema screen, visitors become the car as it passes along the production line, with the moving seats simulating the welding, assembly and spray paint sections of the factory.

Start them young…
Greenlaners will be able to get muddy in a bespoke 10-acre off-road course within the grounds, testing the GL and M-class vehicles under instruction from trained 4x4 specialists. Children shouldn’t get too bored either – those over 1.5metres tall will be able to drive either a Smart or A-class along the Railway Straight. Shorties will have to make do with the dedicated ‘kids zone’ which offers round-the-clock supervision and interactive problem solving lab. A bit like physics and chemistry, but more fun, apparently.
And the rest...
There’s more. On arrival you can watch an introductory film about Mercedes’ history and the Mercedes-Benz World in the on-site cinema. There are shops, a café, the Gullwing restaurant and display of films stills that have starred Mercedes cars. Early next year David Coulthard will open one of his five-star Columbus hotels next door to the centre. The 100-room hotel will feature a gym, swimming pool, hydro baths, relaxation room and sauna.

Mercedes plots McLaren buyout

By Georg Kacher
Industry news
04 October 2006 09:00
DaimlerChrysler is planning a bid for the McLaren Group, to gain full control of its F1 operation and production of the SLR supercar.
CAR Online asked DC boss Dieter Zetsche if he was considering extending Mercedes' stake in McLaren, to give the Germans control. 'It's one of the options we might exercise,' he said. As for the timing, Zetsche would only venture: 'In a situation like this, you don't wait forever.' The smart money is on a bid before the end of the year. Various prices have been mooted for the McLaren Group, with €600-750m the rumoured ballpark. Mercedes already owns 40 percent of the McLaren Group, with the remaining 60 percent split between CEO Ron Dennis and Mansour Ojjeh.
The industry grapevine has been buzzing with rumours of a DC takeover of McLaren. The Germans are seeking more control of the F1 team, having been disappointed with Team McLaren Mercedes' performance this season. The team has yet to win a race, despite strong showings from Kimi Raikkonen in qualifying, and in-team turmoil. Pedro de la Rosa replaced Juan Pablo Montoya halfway through the season.
And the SLR project has not gone smoothly, either. The 626bhp supercar arrived late and over budget, amid rumours of major tension between Mercedes and its British partner. The Woking plant has assembled more than 1000 of the carbonfibre sports cars. But a 650bhp, track-honed limited edition, the 722, and a forthcoming cabrio version are in the pipeline, to boost interest in the two-seater. Mercedes and McLaren's relationship has had its ups and downs. A supercar to replace the SLR – inspired by the classic 300SL Gullwing of 1955 – will be built in-house by AMG, not McLaren. That's because two proposed mid-engined McLaren-Mercedes – one aimed at the Lamborghini Murcielago, the other at the Gallardo – were pulled in late 2004.

Super-Mercs storm in

By Ben Whitworth
Industry news
29 September 2006 08:18
Mercedes pulled the wraps off not one but two muscle-bound AMG monsters at the Paris show – the CL63 and S63.
Powered by AMG’s formidable 6.3-litre V8 that pumps out 525bhp at a screaming 6800rpm and 465lb ft of twist action at 5200rpm, the uber Mercs will both hit 60mph in 4.6seconds and are electronically reined in at 155mph. Given their flagship position in the Mercedes thoroughbred stable, both cars are naturally fitted with every single acronym in Mercedes’ safety, braking, luxury and performance lexicon. Among others, there’s Pre-Safe, Mercedes holistic safety system, Distronic Plus active cruise control, Command APS to control all the audio-visual functions, as well as ABC active body control. They will be easily identifiable too – fitted with kerb-kissing body kits, vast disc brakes squeezed in behind big 19inch wheels and four bazooka-style exhausts, the AMGs will be the ultimate combination of poise and power. They arrive in the UK early next year, both with price tags that start around the £110,000 mark. We’ve already driven the CL600 and once again, we’ll be the first behind the wheel of the CL63 and S63 early next week.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 Edition

By Ben Whitworth
First official pictures
31 August 2006 08:12
What! A 722bhp SLR - are they mad?
You've got the wrong end of the stick. The Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 is named after the Mercedes 300 SLR that British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson drove to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia race from Brescia to Rome and back. The number actually refers to the time - 07:22am - that they started the gruelling 1000-mile race, and they completed it at a record-breaking average speed of 100mph.
So what's it all about?
Well, it's basically an excuse to put the SLR on a bit of a diet and send it down to the gym. Limited to a production run of only 150, the 722 is aimed at well-healed SLR fans wanting something with a bit more bite. The gull-winged coupe has been developed over the last 12 months to deliver a more aggressive, track-biased driving experience and has been given a power boost, tweaked suspension and sharper steering, all complemented by a muscular makeover.

More power? How much more do you need?
Reprogramming its electronic black box means the 722's mighty 5.5-litre supercharged hand-built V8 engine now develops 650bhp at 6500rpm and 605lb ft at 4000rpm (up 24bhp and 30lb ft) for a 3.6 second sprint to 60mph and a 209mph top speed. The transmission and gearing remains unchanged. It also gets a new carbonfibre front air splitter and rear air diffuser to suck it to the road and a revised airbrake for more assistance when throwing out the anchor. In total, over 300 components have been enhanced or replaced, resulting in a 44kg drop in weight to a still porky 1940kg.
Still, with all that power…
To be honest, the original SLR's biggest problem wasn't its lack of grunt, but rather its lack of finesse. It was startling quick but when pushed hard felt inert and leaden, lacking the feedback and tactility a 200mph supercar should possess by the bucketload. So Mercedes McLaren engineers have spent months pushing it around the Nürburgring, firming up the suspension to further rein in roll, pitch and dive, tweaking the front kinematics to boost turn-in bite and fitting bigger 390mm ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs and a revised aerodynamic package that increases downforce without creating drag. We'll drive it before the end of the year and let you know if it all works.

It still looks a bit brash.
True, but the 722 makeover has imbued the SLR with a dash of menace and intent. Fiddling with the suspension means the ride height has dropped by 10mm and the wheels are an inch bigger - 19inches black multispoke jobs. In the cabin, the lucky 722 driver will be surrounded by red-stitched black Alcantara and leather, unique red-faced dials and a plaque on the centre console emblazoned with the 722 logo. But he will pay for the privilege - when it goes on sale this month, the 722 will cost around £270,000. Big performance, big money.
So the cynic in me is thinking this is a marketing ploy to boost flagging sales.
Quite possibly, but Mercedes claims the 722 was instigated by members of the SLR Club after a run through Italy on the Mille Miglia route. And with two SLRs rolling off the Woking production line a day and around 1500 finding homes over the last two-and-a-half years, the SLR is hardly a sales flop. According to SLR bossman Klaus Nesser, there still huge demand for an SLR convertible. 'I'm not ruling it out - it would create some serious problems with the roof mechanism, but I'm not saying no,' says Nesser. Expect an SLR ragtop in the not too distant future, then.