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Monday, January 31, 2011
After we initially came across a photo showcasing the dashboard of the future A-Klasse, Autoreview has recently published a set of clear design sketches revealing the interior of the upcoming B-Klasse. The dashboard emphasizes a smooth, fresh and youthful design. The huge, round aircon vents (which are very similar to those on the SLS or the new SLK) as well as the ingeniously-mounted display for the COMAND infotainment system and the big slab for fitting the aluminium/wood trim will obviously cause a great visual impact when someone enters the car for the first time. As far as we are concerned, these drawing are very encouraging and we can't wait to see the final result. Till then, hit the jump button and see more pics!
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
PHOTO GALLERY: The F-CELL World Drive - From Stuttgart to Reims
0 comments Posted by blogg at 10:33 AM
The Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive trip commenced on the 30th January 2011. The team from the three B-Klasse F-CELL models that are taking part in this venturesome journey have penetrated France, going from Stuttgart to the town of Reims located in the northern part of the country. Check out the first pictures after the you hit the jump button!
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
REPORT: Future Mercedes-Benz compact SUV and coupe models planned for U.S.
0 comments Posted by blogg at 9:57 AM
In an interview awarded to Automotive News, Joachim Schmidt, head of the Sales & Marketing department at Mercedes-Benz, stated that the Stuttgart-based carmaker is currently working on several compact variants, developed on the revolutionary MFA front-driven platform, that will enter the U.S. market within the next three years. “We will introduce the next generation of our MFA family to the U.S.,” he said. Moreover, “Two variants, maybe even a third, are planned for the U.S.”, Schmidt further added. The future lineup of compact models will include up to four versions for Europe; the first of the series, the new B-Klasse MPV that comes by the end of 2011 and the A-Klasse hatchback that arrives in the summer of 2012, will not be sold in USA, but if there's an indication of a possible substantial demand, the officials might reconsider the situation, as Joachim Schmidt concludes: “The U.S. is not the typical compact hatchback market but if the demand arises, we could react very quickly and introduce these two variants in the U.S. far quicker than in the past.”. For the North Americans, Mercedes-Benz will offer a range of three interesting models, which includes a coupe (most probably a 4-door one - the little brother of the CLS), a small SUV (call it baby GLK, that may receive the name "BLK") and a third option - either a compact cabriolet or a shooting brake. The coupe and SUV will arrive six months after the Europe debut, which means 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
- 60 years of Setra buses – the idea of the self-supporting body wins through
- 100 years of bus expertise from Ulm/Neu-Ulm
- Four historical buses from 1911 to 1976 in hall 8
Stuttgart/Neu-Ulm, Germany Jan 31, 2011 – Setra Buses, Daimler AG's Ulm-based bus brand, will be celebrating the brand's 60th anniversary and the beginning of bus production in Ulm 100 years ago when it appears at Retro Classics 2011 in Stuttgart (11 – 13 March), presenting four historical buses in hall 8 (commercial vehicles).
The first Setra bus from 1951
The highlight at the exhibition stand will be the first Setra bus ever to be produced, bearing the chassis number -001. This vehicle was presented to bus companies for the first time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1951. The defining characteristic of this vehicle was that it did not use a truck frame as its base. Instead, a self-supporting frame was lined with sheet metal to form the vehicle's body. Other features of the first Setra include a six-cylinder Henschel rear engine rated at 74 kW (100 hp), underfloor luggage compartments and a fully synchromeshed five-speed ZF manual transmission.
S 215 HD dating from 1976 - the prototype of the Setra 200 model series
The 200 series in the Setra brand's 25th year opened another successful chapter. This generation of vehicles introduced cross-flow ventilation, whereby fresh air was channelled draught-free into the passenger compartment along the entire length of the vehicle. The exhibit is the prototype of the 200 model series and is fitted with an OM 403 10-cylinder V engine from Mercedes-Benz rated at 235 kW (320 hp).
First Kässbohrer bus on Saurer chassis from 1911
It was 100 years ago, in February 1911, when Kässbohrer undertook its first step in the field of bus construction. The first Kässbohrer bus was built on a Saurer truck chassis for the city of Ulm's first bus service running from Münsterplatz to the suburb of Wiblingen. The exhibit is a fully functional replica of the lost original. The vehicle possesses a four-cylinder Saurer petrol engine with an output of around 29 kW (40 hp). The wooden body has 18 seats plus space for around ten standing passengers.
Bus on Opel Blitz chassis with Kässbohrer trailer, built in 1956
The compact bus dating from 1956 was built on the chassis of the Opel Blitz, which was highly popular among bus companies at the time. With the introduction of the Setra S 6, compact buses were also produced in self-supporting design from the mid-1950s. The exhibit is fitted with a six-cylinder petrol engine rated at 46 kW (62 hp). A Kässbohrer luggage trailer compensates for the lack of space in the luggage compartment.
Retro Classics 2011 is an international trade show for vintage vehicles, replacement parts and restoration which is to take place at the Stuttgart exhibition site from 11 to 13 March (preview on 10 March), with over 1000 exhibitors. Opening times are Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs € 16 for adults, concessionary rate € 12.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
2010 VW Passat Photo
2010 VW Passat Pics
The 2010 Volkswagen Passat ranks 13 out of 18 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Passat, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2010 Volkswagen Passat is an affordable midsize car with an interior that almost belongs in a more expensive class, combined with with suspension tuning that makes it fun to drive and an excellent safety record. However, it's also one of the most expensive midsize cars, particularly when fully loaded with options.
The 2010 VW Passat offers a near-luxury level of refinement, and excellent road manners. It also offers a near-luxury price. Edmunds notes, "For many folks, the Passat fills the gap that exists between normal, humdrum family cars and the financially out-of-reach luxury brands."
Reviewers aren't sure what to make of the car because of that unusual status, floating between affordable and luxury classes. The 2010 Volkswagen Passat, most critics say, is an enjoyable car to drive. It offers a refined, smooth ride, and sharp handling for a family car. Its interior is a step up from those of most Affordable Midsize Cars, with high-quality materials and fine attention to detail.
Its high price, however, can be hard to justify. Volkswagen's midsize car isn't among the class leaders in fuel economy, either -- making it an expensive car to own.
Other Cars to Consider
The Passat is known for its tight handling, but high price. Those looking for a fun-to-drive midsize car might want to consider the Mazda6 or Ford Fusion as well. Both cars offer similar athleticism at a lower price. The all-new Suzuki Kizashi is a bit smaller, but may be the sportiest entry in the midsize category.
Volkswagen loyalists might also want to look closely at VW's other midsize car. The stylish CC uses many of the same parts as the Passat, but offers an even more upscale feel with similar driving dynamics. Many VW dealerships now stock a greater variety of 2010 CCs than Passats.
Volkswagen Passat: The Details
Volkswagen has scaled back Passat production significantly, as the company prepares to replace the aging model. For 2010, Volkswagen will build only a single trim level for the Passat, available as a sedan or wagon. VW offering free scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles on all Passats.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Welcome to #7 of Freak of the Week, where for every weekend, we look for something balls off the wall crazy, polarizing or just weird and worth talking about.
This week I want to show you a purpose built standing mile machine. Now I'm sure many of you are more than familiar with Suzuki Hayabusas and although this one doesn't look any different from the rest of the lot, you'll soon realize that's exactly what makes it so special. Think of it as Dr. Bruce Banner. Reserved (as far as Hayabusas go) at first impression, but you'll need no more than a brief introduction with this 'busa before you find a Garrett GT40 turbo underneath... maxing 35 psi... pushing 636 whp.
636whp in a 480lb motorcycle?! This has got to be illegal in at least 40 countries. And that's fine, because it's still nothing short of a hero at the Maxton Mile.
I saved the best number for last. HULK SMASH at 1:56!!
The Fastest Mile- 256.79 MPH on a Turbo Hayabusa from Streetfire Network on Vimeo.
I dub thee king of the fin, ruler of the winged, dictator of the decadent... For me the height of the finned era that began in 1949 with the Cadillac ended in 1961 with the Chrysler Imperial. It is a land yacht of epic proportions with more doo-dads than a swiss army knife. From the head lights that are pods set into a cutout to the squared steering wheel, its just over the top... and I love it. I can just imagine the conversation that lead to the tail lights...
- The designer is doing the final massage on the prototype, in walks the engineer -I would love to cruise in one of these beasts, of course I would need an extra long garage to keep it in but oh well I still want one. The king of fin is another odd man out.
E - Uh, that's a sweet three foot fin and all but didn't you forget something?
D - No! Of course not, it's design perfection symbolizing our march into the future!
E - Yes you did, the only future this thing will have is the wrecking yard if you don't put some tail lights on it
D - SHITTTTTTTTTTT, uh run down to Quality Farm and Fleet and pick up some tractor lights, we'll just stick them on there somewhere
TWO HOURS LATER...
D - Perfect! It looks like it was meant to be
E - That looks like absolute shit
D - I'm the designer and I say it's aesthetically pleasing
E - It looks like a tractor light bolted to a fin
D - Shut up...
VIDEO GALLERY: Daimler Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the automobile - Best Moments
0 comments Posted by blogg at 11:10 AMCopyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
After a leaked image appeared today in the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, MERCEDES GP PETRONAS has just officially released a digital 3D rendition of the new MGP W02 single-seater for the 2011 F1 season. The real car will debut at Valencia on the upcoming Tuesday. Till then, we can fairly judge the design of the second modern Silver Arrow. The nosecone suffered an important revamp, becoming sleeker and longer. The front wing received an intricate, aerodynamically-purposeful shape, whereas the side air vents grew in size to become more effective at cooling the engine. The colour scheme of the MGP W02 is also fresh, as the silver colour has now been accentuated, becoming deeper and shinier. There has also been applied a visible rearrangement of the logos of partners and sponsors of the team on the body of the new Silver Arrow, as they are now more clearly defined, more elegant and more profound in terms of first visual impact - please observe, for instance, how sharply contoured and personalized is the Three-Pointed Star on the nosecone or the PETRONAS logos sitting on the front and rear wings.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
PHOTO GALLERY: 125th Anniversary of the Automobile at Mercedes-Benz World
0 comments Posted by blogg at 4:39 AM
On the 29th January 2011, Daimler celebrated the 125th anniversary of the automobile in the special ceremony organized at Mercedes-Benz World in Stuttgart. The highest on the list of guests were the German Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel, and Stefan Mappus, Prime Minister of the federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg. During the show, the astonishing Mercedes-Benz Aesthetics 125 sculpture as well as the new SLK-Klasse were officially presented to the gathered audience. Moreover, the impressive F-CELL World Drive 125-day road trip was given the green light. Experience the unique atmosphere of the celebration show of yesterday throughout a gallery of exquisite images after you press the jump button!
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
For those who love terminator and its series here’s some joy. The bike used for the Terminator Salvation movie, the moto-terminators was an inspiration from the Ducati Hypermotard 1100. it’s amazing how a bunch of smart dudes get together, collect a concept, gain inspiration and then make something that will go down in history as a legend. By the looks of this, the Moto-Terminator looks like it will be the G I Joes for the next generation. For the boys only… it still doesn’t look appealing for girls, I bet.
The third generation of the SLK roadster has been officially premiered in a special conference organized at Sindelfingen today. Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard and Nico Rosberg were among the stars who helped reveal the new open-top model from Mercedes-Benz. To see more images from the event, press the jump button!
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
