Who needs a complicated and apparently expensive, hybrid drivetrain when you can achieve an average fuel consumption of 7.6 lt/100 km (31 mpg US) in a fully equipped large saloon like the S-Class simply by using a diesel engine and a few supplementary measures? Even Merc’s own S400 Hybrid isn’t that good sipping an average of 7.9 liters of petrol for every 100 km (29.8 mpg US). And even if the S320 CDi is a tad slower than the S400 Hybrid completing the 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint in 7.8 sec instead of 7.2 sec (top speed for both models is 250 km/h), the difference is insignificant for your typical S-Class owner that that will most likely use the vehicle as a highway cruiser and not a highway racer

The latest variant of Merc’s luxury saloon, which is due to take over from the S 320 CDI from the end of this year, is equipped with the same V6 turbo diesel powerplant as before delivering an output of 235 HP and 540 Nm. But thanks to the BluEFFICIENCY package that includes on-demand power steering, a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with standstill decoupling, as well as 17-inch light-alloy wheels shod with reduced rolling resistance tires, the German automaker has managed to reduce the standard S320 CDI’s average consumption by 0.2 lt /100 km.

Adding to its allure, pricing for the BlueEFFICIENCY S-Class model in Germany remains the same as the S320 CDI at €70,864.50 (incl. VAT) and at €78,718.50 for the long-wheelbase version. Continued

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Even though Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with McLaren is coming to an end, the German automaker is trying to make the best of it by releasing yet another limited edition version. The rag-top SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S which features an upgraded 5.5-liter V8 engine developing 650 HP as well as a more dynamic suspension tuning and improved aerodynamics will be produced in a limited number of 150 vehicles. At the heart of the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is slightly tuned version of the supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine that develops an output of 650 HP and 820 Nm (605-lbs/ft) of torque compared to the standard SLR McLaren Roadster’s 626 HP and 780 Nm respectively. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) comes in just 3.7 seconds, and 200 km/h (123 mph) is reached in 10.6 seconds while the maximum speed is 335 km/h or 208 mph.

In addition to increased power, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features a sportier suspension setup with stiffer spring and shock absorber configurations while the body has been lowered by 10mm at the front and rear. Furthermore, Merc’s engineers added a carbon fiber body kit to improve aerodynamics. The 722 S sits on a new set of lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels.

In the interior, the limited production Merc features new sports bucket seats upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather/Alcantara highlighted by contrasting red seams, embossed 722 S lettering on the head restraints and the likewise red seat belts. Moreover, the shift and parking brake levers are lined in suede leather while Mercedes-Benz also added plenty of carbon-fibre details.

The limited edition SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S will be available for order from January 1, 2009. Continued

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The coming CLS appears to offer more of the same: the current CLS is based on the E-Class platform; the next one is expected to be built atop S-Class underpinnings. Other than bigger body with a wider track, and bolder styling to harmonize with Mercedes’ current design language, not much is expected to change.

That is usually the case with iconic cars. Having invented the category of the four-door-car with a more coupe-like silhouette, Mercedes could be waiting to see what its rivals — from Aston Martin to VW — will bring to the segment before it makes a revolutionary move.

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German car magazine Autozeitung is claiming to have obtained the first official photo of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class in its latest September issue. According to the folks over at Autozeitung, the above image has not been digitally enhanced in any way, and unless someone can provide substantial proof of the opposite, we have no reason to doubt them. Clearly apparent on this photo is the 2010 E-Class’ distinctive front-end design with the new trapezoidal shaped headlights that ditch the rounded theme used on the previous two generation models. The new headlamp treatment was first previewed in the ConceptFASCINATION that will make its world debut in Paris next week. Like the concept, the rest of the styling falls in line with Mercedes-Benz’s current range and especially the new C-Class, adopting tauter body surfacing and sharper creases.

Under the body panels expect to see an updated engine line-up with several new and revised gasoline and ultra-clean Bluetec diesel powerplants including a base 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol unit and Merc’s new 204 HP 2.2-liter turbo diesel. By 2010, Mercedes-Benz will also enhance the E-Class range with the BMW M5-rivaling AMG version equipped with a powerful direct-injection V8 engine developing around 550 HP as well as the first hybrid E-Class that will use the same mild-hybrid drivetrain as the new S400 BlueHybrid.

According to our sources, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class will make its global premiere in sedan form at the 2009 Geneva Show in March, followed by the Estate and Coupe / Cabriolet models at the 2009 Frankfurt motorshow in September of the same year.

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One of Merc’s highlights at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, is the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY study vehicle which gives us a glimpse of what the German automaker is preparing for its next generation vans. As with the company’s BlueEFFICIENCY passenger vehicles, the diesel-powered Vito has received a package of measures in order to achieve lower consumption and emission figures. These measures include a new six-speed manual transmission with a wide ratio range, low rolling-resistance tires, power-saving LED headlamps and tail lights and the ECO start/stop function, which switches the engine off automatically as soon as the vehicle is at a standstill.

Moreover, the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY features an extensive aerodynamics package that helps reduce drag. The package includes underfloor paneling, side and floor mounted ventilators that dissipate the heat given off by the engine and differential, and three louvres on the radiator grille that open or close as a function of the vehicle speed and coolant temperature.

Further components of the aerodynamics package include windscreen wipers that remain in a concealed position when at rest as well as a roof with a smooth plastic surface, recessed roof carrier bars, a rear spoiler lip and a camera system that replaces the conventional exterior mirrors.

According to Mercedes-Benz, overall, the fuel-efficiency measures implemented for the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY show vehicle result to a saving of up to 1.5 liters/100 km and a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 40 grams/km compared to a standard Vito.

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After the latest facelift of the Mercedes-Benz SL Class, Lorinser’s designers headed back to the draw board to cook up a new styling kit for the German roadster. The result is a full bodykit that will satisfy the eyes of any yuppie boy racer. The kit consists of a front bumper spoiler complete with a blunt Lorinser badge that replaces Merc’s famous star, new fenders with redesigned air vents, side skirts with air openings, a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser that houses the quad exhaust tips and a boot lid spoiler. The aero kit is complemented by a new set of alloy wheels while Lorinser also offers a series of interior accessories for those who want to live on the wild side. As for performance upgrades, the Swabian tuner said that it is currently working on an engine optimization kit for the facelifted Mercedes SL range and that it will release details in the very near future. We just can’t wait. See more photos  after the jump Continued

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Just a couple of weeks before Mercedes-Benz rolls out its new line-up of BlueTEC diesel vehicles, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) granted the German automaker the Qualified Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, qualifying the ML 320 BlueTEC, R 320 BlueTEC, and GL 320 BlueTEC buyers for tax breaks up to $1,800. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified to the IRS that the BlueTEC vehicles meet the strict emission requirements. So far, this is the first time that the IRS has granted the tax break to diesel vehicles. According to the IRS, buyers of the ML 320 BlueTEC are eligible for a $900 tax credit, purchasers of the R 320 BlueTEC may qualify for a $1,550 tax credit, and purchasers of the GL 320 BlueTEC for a $1,800 tax credit depending on their individual tax status.

The vehicles, which are the first diesel passenger vehicles to meet all 50 state emissions requirements and get up to 600 miles to the tank, are equipped with a 211 HP 3.0-liter V6 diesel unit. According to Mercedes, all three models will go on sale on October 1st.

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