Another story brought to our attention this morning – this time by our good friend Shiv – is a recent article published by Automobile magazine that provides some unique insight into the future of Maybach. It’s no secret that Maybach’s attempt to compete with Rolls Royce has been less than successful, with sales totaling 146 units in the U.S. last year: about one-third of their competitor’s sales. But as the article points out, all is not lost at the premium luxury division. According to a Maybach insider: ‘The Exelero show car did more for us than all the tweaks to the 57/62 series combined.’
Month: May 2007
New Spy Photos Of The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Emerge
I know it’s been a few days since you’ve had your last fix of Mercedes reviews, but have no fear ladies and gentlemen, because a new batch has emerged – a batch which analyzes the Mercedes S550, the S550 4MATIC, the CL550, the CL600, the E280 4MATIC, the E320 BLUETEC, and the CLK320 CDI Sport. This of course means its time for another ‘Review Roundup’ segment, and in our usual Review Roundup fashion, we’ve included links to each article, along with a brief description of each, immediately below.
Review Roundup: Testers Weigh In On The Mercedes S550, CL550, CL600, E280 4MATIC, CLK320 CDI Sport And E320 BLUETEC
Going through our inbox this morning an astute reader by the name of Duy tipped us off to a new batch of Mercedes C63 AMG spy photos uncovered by the Norwegian website BilNorge.no. Although there’s no new information published about the model, rumors have been circulating the C63 will be making its premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will feature a de-tuned versions of AMG’s 6.3-Liter V8 outputting around 430 hp.
A Look Back: Ten Years Of The Mercedes M-Class
Although it seems like only yesterday the world was introduced to the Mercedes M-Class, on May 21st, the luxury SUV will be celebrating its 10 year birthday. Produced at the Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the M-Class marked a significant historical event for Mercedes – it was the first time a model destined for world distribution that was produced outside the company’s home country of Germany. Since then, production at the facility has expanded, with three models – the new M-Class, the GL-Class, and the R-Class – all starting life in Alabama.
Mercedes Flambe: C-Class Goes Up In Flames At DTM Presentation In Düsseldorf
I don’t know how we managed to overlook this story, but in case you missed it (as we did), spectators at a DTM presentation in Düsseldorf witnessed an insanely-hot show last Monday courtesy of Mercedes’ Bruno Spengler. During the presentation, Spengler, who was piloting a 2002 CLK DTM clad in a 2008 Mercedes C-Class DTM shell, rocked a few doughnuts for the crowd in the middle of his run, an act that apparantly caused the rear brake to overheat. The result is a C-Class cooked to what appears to be medium to medium well; thankfully no one was injured, and the DTM presentation continued as planned.
RENNtech Introduces Intercooler Pump Upgrade For Kompressor and V12 Turbo-Powered Mercedes
Over the weekend the boys of RENNtech sent us details of their new intercooler pump upgrade available for both Kompressor and V12-powered Mercedes. As with the RENNtech SLR we told you about last week, RENNtech engineers believe the Mercedes’ stock intercooler is the ‘Achilles’ heel’ of the powerful Mercedes lineup, discovering that stock power dropped quickly as the vehicles’ temperature rose.
The DTM Race Season Kicks Off In Hockenheim
Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and took advantage of the warmer-than-usual temperatures blanketing much of the country. To kick things off this morning comes a recap of the DTM season opener that took place in Hockenheim over the weekend. Rather than give you the full details of the race – something which could get somewhat confusing due to the number of Mercedes drivers involved – I’ll instead give you a quick summary of where each of the driver’s finished and let you check out the full press release for the actual race commentary. So without further ado, the Mercedes drivers’ results:
KLEEMANN Introduces New High Flow Exhaust Headers For The AMG 63 Engine
Are you the exuberant new owner of a Mercedes powered by the prodigious AMG 63 engine that wants to add a dash of additional power to your already impressive powerplant? If so, KLEEMANN has announced the introduction of new high flow exhaust headers for the M156 AMG 63 engine, the result of which is a power output increase of approximately 7% to 35 horsepower and 40 Nm of torque.
EvoBus GmbH Wins Contract From Czech Republic For 600 Mercedes-Benz Intouro Intercity Buses
DaimlerChrysler announced yesterday that in the city of Prague, privately-owned ICOM transport a.s. has just signed a contract with their subsidiary, EvoBus GmbH, to purchase a total of 600 Mercedes-Benz Intouro intercity buses. The agreement spans a total of five years, with 100 buses scheduled to be handed over this year, 300 additional buses scheduled to be delivered next year, and the remaining 200 buses scheduled to be delivered between 2009 and 2011.
Inside Line And Auto Bild Report On The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Going through our inbox this bright Friday morning an astute reader by the name of Eric tipped us off to an article published by Inside Line – one which looks at the 2010 Mercedes E-Class. The article is based on recent Auto Bild renderings of the upcoming model, and states pretty much what you see in the picture. Gone are the oval headlights we’ve all come to know and love, replaced by a squared-off lights similar to the ones found on the new C-Class. Overall size and shape will remain similar to the current model however, while only minor revisions to the rear are expected.
Subaru Unleashes Impreza WRX STI Limited for 2007
Less Show, Same Go – Leather Interior, Power Moonroof – Only 800 Numbered Units Available
NEW YORK, April 13, 2006 – Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled the 2007 Impreza WRX STI Limited model at the New York International Auto Show. The new edition of the road-conquering Impreza WRX STI packages greater comfort and refinement with subtler exterior styling, but does not sacrifice the performance of this street legend.
The WRX STI Limited will be available in the fall in a limited run of 800 numbered units, 400 in Satin White Pearl and 400 in Urban Gray Metallic.
The 2007 WRX STI Limited delivers all the power and performance of the standard model. This new limited-edition version adds a layer of refinement and design detail enhancements targeted at a new group of driving enthusiasts looking for supercar performance but with an understated demeanor. Designed by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the WRX STI Limited is descended from the Subaru WRC Rally car.
“The WRX STI redefined the performance car category when it was introduced in 2004. We know some enthusiasts have resisted the temptation to buy one simply because they want more everyday driving comfort and refinement, along with less aggressive styling,†said Fred Adcock, executive vice president, Subaru of America. “Now, with the STI’s reputation for pure performance unquestioned, we recognized an opportunity to broaden the car’s appeal.â€
Less Show, Same Go
The 2007 WRX STI Limited stands apart from the standard model with an appearance that’s more low-key, and even stealthy. A new trunk-mounted lip spoiler replaces the standard model’s large dual-plane rear spoiler, and the black aluminum roof vane spoiler is deleted. A new, deep front lip spoiler further distinguishes the WRX STI Limited from the standard model.
New Enkei wheels with high-luster paint replace the BBS® wheels, keeping the same 17 x 8-in. size and 225/45 ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 directional performance tires. Behind the new wheels, black Brembo® brake calipers with white lettering have a more reserved appearance than the gold and red-painted calipers on the standard WRX STI.
All WRX STI Limited models feature distinctive black gloss B-pillar paint and high luster paint for the exterior mirrors, and this special edition model includes standard fog lights.
New Refined Interior Keeps the Focus on Performance
The interior of the 2007 Impreza WRX STI Limited balances the performance-directed design and attitude with a dose of refinement. Most notably, the WRX STI Limited replaces the perforated blue high-grip Alcantara® fabric seating surfaces with leather and new dark gray metallic bezels and interior trim.
For the first time in a WRX STI, the performance-design front seats are heated for all-season comfort. Also enhancing all-season driving pleasure, the 2007 WRX STI Limited features the first-ever power glass moonroof on this model. Beyond the changed interior appearance, additional features include new carpeting with improved sound insulation materials, an auto-dimming compass rear view mirror and an audio system input jack for an iPod or other digital music player. Finally, each car in this series gets a sequential number plate.
The standard automatic climate control system integrates cabin air filtration. SIRIUSâ„¢ Satellite radio availability enhances the versatility of the standard 120-watt AM/FM premium stereo, which includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers.
Rally Tested and Road Ready
All Impreza WRX STI models are powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter DOHC Boxer engine producing 293 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. The Subaru Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing technology helps provide strong torque characteristics throughout the engine’s operating range. A manually operated water spray feature helps to bolster intercooler efficiency during spirited driving.
All WRX STI models are exclusively equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission that features carbon-plated double-cone synchronizers on 4th, 5th and 6th gears to help ensure durability.
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) All-Wheel Drive
From its launch, the WRX STI has been equipped with one of the most advanced and most performance-directed All-Wheel Drive systems on the market, regardless of vehicle segment. The Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system uses a planetary-type center differential to provide a 41:59 torque split, with automatic and manual differential modes.
Center differential lock-up is controlled by both a mechanical limited-slip type differential and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. The mechanical limited-slip differential activates and operates initially in response to changes in engine torque, improving overall vehicle stability when accelerating or decelerating. In automatic mode, the electronic limited-slip differential controls the differential lock-up by evaluating the amount of lock-up in the mechanical limited-slip. The total amount of lock-up is based on the combination of both differentials. A steering sensor input improves torque transfer response by more accurately relaying the car’s cornering situation.
Set in automatic mode, the DCCD system can vary the torque distribution ratio as needed in response to vehicle acceleration, deceleration, steering angle, cornering force and wheel slippage.
In manual mode, DCCD allows the driver to select center differential lock-up to optimize All-Wheel Drive performance for varying driving conditions. The driver first selects manual mode with a console-mounted button and then turns a thumbwheel on the center console to select from among six levels of lock-up. Increasing the locking factor keeps more power at the front wheels (max. 50:50 torque split with 100 percent lock-up selected), which the driver might want in certain driving conditions or on particular road surfaces.
A helical-type limited-slip front differential and Torsen® limited-slip rear differential help to optimize power distribution side-to-side, helping to prevent the inside wheels from slipping during cornering.
Competition-Bred Chassis
A super-stiff Ring Frame Reinforced body structure with a hydroformed front subframe provides the foundation for the high-integrity Impreza platform. Compared to the standard WRX models, the WRX STI models are lowered by 0.4-inch to help lower the center of gravity.
The 4-wheel independent suspension inherits its inverted-strut technology from the Impreza WRC competition car. Aluminum front suspension lower control arms and aluminum rear suspension lateral links reduce unsprung vehicle weight. A quick-ratio steering system yields 2.6 turns lock-to-lock, and the steering rack uses a “cannon mount†for greater rigidity that improves on-center response.
The powerful Brembo Performance Brake System employs front discs measuring 12.7 inches in diameter and 1.2-inch thick and utilizing 4-piston, fixed-position calipers. The rear discs are 12.3 inches in diameter and 0.8-inch thick and use 2-piston, fixed-position calipers.
A combination of Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Super Sport Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to reduce stopping distances and understeer compared to conventional ABS systems. EBD provides precise control of braking pressure between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle load to improve stability and stopping distances. Super Sport ABS, using input from a lateral-g sensor, can control the braking forces at each rear wheel independently, optimizing the braking ability during hard cornering to help reduce understeer.
All Impreza, WRX and WRX STI models are equipped as standard with the Subaru Advanced Frontal Air bag system and front seat head/chest side impact air bags (SRS). The driver’s side air bag deploys according to the driver’s proximity to the steering wheel, as measured by a sensor on the seat track. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight on the passenger seat – first determining if it’s occupied, and if so by a child or adult – to control air bag deployment.
Sports car manufacturer presents logo for multipurpose hall at NeckarPark in Stuttgart
Dynamic logo highlights flexibility of the new Porsche Arena
Stuttgart. After acquiring the name rights in October 2005, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has now presented the official logo of the new Porsche Arena: Oval, gradated dynamic lines are paired with classical design. The familiar red Porsche logo combined with an energetically depicted arena silhouette in metallic gray are particularly eye-catching. The word “Arena” written in the manner otherwise used exclusively on the rear end of the Zuffenhausen sports cars completes the striking yet discrete expression.
“The dynamic logo is also a symbol for the highly flexible concept of the new Porsche Arena,” summarizes Anton Hunger, Head of Porsche AG Press and Public Relations, on the advantages of the multipurpose hall. In addition to the Annual General Meeting of the car maker and the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix a great variety of sports and cultural events are possible due to the short change-over times. The Porsche Arena is to be opened on May 27, 2006.