Just when you thought BRABUS had reached the limit of how much power they could squeeze into a Mercedes, the company has unveiled the latest in a long line of exceptionally high powered models. BRABUS’ newest endeavor is entitled the E V12, and as you’ve probably surmised, it’s based on the 2010 Mercedes E-Class, with one key difference: it’s packing an 800 horsepower V12. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, BRABUS has packed shoehorned their newly developed BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 800 twelve-cylinder powerplant into the 2010 E-Class – one that boasts 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW and1,420 Nm of torque – and one that subsequently propels the model from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds before helping it reach a final top speed of more than 230 mph.

To help the E V12 cope with its newfound power, a heavily modified aerodynamic package has been fitted, ranging from new front and rear aprons and fenders to special cowlings in the rear BRABUS calls “Speed Spads,” with the ultimate goal of course to streamline airflow while providing additional cooling to the various components.

High performance braking and suspension systems, a customized interior and a new exhaust system are just a few of the other changes.

If you’re interested in procuring your own BRABUS E V12, there are a grand total of 10 set for production, so you need to act quick. Pricing is set at at EUR 498,000, a small price to pay to hit the elusive 230 mph mark.

From November 2009, Mercedes-Benz will be expanding its family of E‑Class vehicles by adding another highly distinctive model: the new estate. Just like the saloon and coupe, the new estate combines unique design with leadership in safety, comfort, quality and practicality. The new E‑Class marks the debut of a number of technical innovations which no other car in the world in this category is able to offer – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as being imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet. Naturally the new estate also features all these innovations. In addition, it also features air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard as well as unique innovations with regard to load compartment management features.

Design: New Mercedes hallmarks combined with E‑Class styling features

The new estate immediately makes an athletic and practical, but also effortlessly superior and safe impression. The profile displays many new elements and leaves no room for doubt about the new estate’s identity. The B and C-pillars appear to merge into the background thanks to glossy, black trim panels, making the entire side window area look like a single entity. The intriguing design of the door sill panels, which are visually understated in the centre but feature a prominent light-catching contour towards the wheel arches, accentuates the dramatic overall effect of the side aspect. This is additionally emphasised by the muscular, sweeping line on the rear side panel in front of the rear wheels.

When shaping the rear end, the Mercedes designers concentrated on highlighting the estate’s high levels of practicality. They did this by emphasising horizontal lines, for example the band formed by the tail lights and the chromed tailgate handle. The new LED tail lights are based on a two-piece design and create a visual continuation of the side wall into the tailgate. Both by day and night, their distinctive design makes it easy to recognise the E‑Class estate.

Practicality: Top marks for load capacity and ease of operation

If the vehicle has to be loaded from the rear, the standard EASY-PACK tailgate can be opened automatically using the ignition key or manually by pressing the handle. The innovative “Quickfold” system enables the rear seat backrests to be folded down from the load compartment. Neither the head restraints nor the rear-seat cushions need to be adjusted beforehand in order to do this. The two backrest sections are unlocked and folded down by a cable pull, creating a level loading surface. As another useful feature, either the left of right backrest sections, or both together, can be folded down. This enables the rear seat unit to be used by passengers even when long and bulky items are being carried. The backrest sections can also be unlocked and folded down from the side.

The new E‑Class estate sets a new standard in its class for the size of its load capacity, which has a volume of up to 1,950 litres (length/width/height: 4,895/1,854/1,471 millimetres). An exemplary load management system is specified as standard. Examples of this system include the automatically opening and closing EASY-PACK tailgate and the EASY-PACK folding load compartment floor. The latter considerably increases the usable height of the load compartment. It can be folded up and secured in various positions. Standard equipment also includes the EASY-PACK load compartment cover with a load securing net. The optional folding bench seat for the load compartment is also unique in this vehicle segment.

Suspension: Automatic self-levelling at the rear as standard

Outstanding long-distance driving comfort is ensured in the estate by the all-new DIRECT CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping system as standard. Thanks to the likewise standard self-levelling rear suspension, the estate always remains at the same level, even when fully laden. The tuning of the estate’s chassis has been adapted to the modified body geometry. The shock absorbers and the torsion bar stabilisers have been somewhat upgraded, making the vehicle just as agile as the saloon without sacrificing rolling comfort.

Engines: Considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions

A range of new engines and numerous improvements to, for example, aerodynamics, weight, energy management and rolling resistance, have substantially reduced the new estate’s fuel consumption and emissions. An overview of all the available engines at the market launch:

Diesel

E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cm³, 125 kW/170 hp, 5.8 l/100 km, 150 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from €44,803.50

E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cm³, 150 kW/204 hp, 5.8 l/100 km, 150 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from €47,719.00

E 350 CDI Blue-EFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cm³, 170 kW/231 hp, 7.0 – 7.3 l/ 100 km, 185 – 192 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €54,204.50

Petrol

E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 3498 cm³, 215 kW/292 hp, 8.6 – 8.9 l/ 100 km, 200 – 208 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €55,156.50

E 500: V8, 5461 cm³, 285 kW/388 hp, 11.1 – 11.2 l/100 km, 258 – 260 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €70,150.50

The following engines will be available in the first quarter of 2010:

Diesel

E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cm³, 100 kW/136 hp, 5.7 – n/a l/100 km, 150 – n/a g CO2/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from €41,947.50

E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 7.6 – 7.7 l/100 km, CO2200-203 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €56,941.50

Petrol

E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 135 kW/183 hp, 7.7 – n/a l/100 km, CO2 179 – n/a g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from €42,721

E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 8.0 – 8.2 l/100 km, CO2 185 – 191 g/km, 5-speed automatic transmission, from €47,719

E 350 4MATIC: V6, 3498 cc, 200 kW/272 hp, 10.2 – 10.3 l/100 km, CO2 238 – 241 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €56,941.50

(All prices inclusive of 19% VAT)

Pole Position for the new E 63 AMG estate: The performance estate car with an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers 386 kW/525 hp, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and offers a load capacity of 1,950 litres – and that with a relatively low fuel consumption of 12.8 litres per 100 km (combined, preliminary figures). With these dream figures, the new E 63 AMG estate is an extraordinary combination of dynamic performance, great utility and high efficiency.

The top-model of the E‑Class not only features a unique design, but also an extremely responsive AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7 seven-speed sports transmission, a completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sport chassis including electronically controlled damping and a new front axle. A ceramic-composite brake system is also available as an optional extra with the E 63 AMG estate. The unique combination of driver assistance systems raises the estate to a new level of active and passive safety.

A boot with a huge load volume and a high degree of functionality

With a volume of between 695 and 1,950 litres, the luggage area has not only been expanded but is also way ahead of the competition in terms of the most important load compartment capacity dimensions and load compartment volume. Standard equipment includes the major components from the EASY-PACK system, including the folding load compartment floor with two loading levels and folding box, the load compartment cover, the Quickfold system for convenient folding down of the rear seats with its 1/3–2/3 division and the electric EASY-PACK tailgate.

The market launch of the new E 63 AMG estate will be in February 2010 at a price of 108,409 euros (incl. 19 % VAT).

Mercedes-Benz offers for the first time wireless and unrestricted Internet access in a vehicle. With the Mercedes-Benz InCar Hotspot, the data signals are received via the vehicle antenna. A special WLAN router and a data-enabled SIM card process the signals and provide wireless Internet access also during the drive. Up to three WLAN-enabled end devices (e.g. laptop, mobile) can be connected to the Internet simultaneously. The users thus have access to the “World Wide Web” with no site restrictions. The Mercedes-Benz InCar Hotspot system supports the particularly fast HSDPA transmission standard, as well as UMTS and GSM/EDGE. From October 2009, the Mercedes-Benz InCar Hotspot will be available in the new E‑Class and S‑Class*

The only Mercedes-Benz plant in North America celebrated a significant milestone– the production of the plant’s 1 millionth M-Class. The milestone vehicle is a fuel-efficient ML 350 BlueTEC diesel, destined for a West Coast Mercedes-Benz dealership.

“Everyone here at MBUSI is extremely proud to have reached this milestone,” said Ola Kaellenius, who assumed leadership of the plant in June 2009 as the new President and CEO of MBUSI. “This year has posed some challenges, but our Team Members have worked to maintain our momentum and they’ve turned those challenges into opportunities. I’m personally excited by the passion and dedication I’ve seen in our Team Members as they’ve worked to help us achieve our goal of delivering superior products to our customers.”

Initially, the M-Class was the only vehicle produced at the Alabama plant. More than 570,000 vehicles were built during the original M-Class’ eight-year lifecycle — from 1997 to 2004. That success led to a $600-million plant expansion. Today, three vehicles are built at the Tuscaloosa facility – the second-generation M-Class, the R-Class SUV Tourer, and the GL-Class luxury SUV. In total, MBUSI has built more than 1.2 million vehicles and MBUSI is the sole production location for these three products.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to begin a BlueTEC offensive within the U.S. passenger vehicle segment to coincide with the introduction of ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel. The E320 BlueTEC was a huge success right from the beginning and was voted “2007 World Green Car of the Year”.

Mercedes-Benz is now pushing forward with this initiative with the R, ML and GL 350 BlueTEC – the world’s first three diesel SUVs that not only meet the particularly demanding targets specified in the U.S. BIN5 (50-state) standards, but which also have the potential to fulfill the stringent EU6 standards due in the future, thus also significantly exceeding all current emission standards for diesel passenger cars worldwide. In the U.S., around 20 percent of all customers order their Mercedes-Benz SUVs as a BlueTEC diesel version.

In addition to the innovative clean BlueTEC diesel technology, MBUSI will begin building the new ML 450 HYBRID, which goes on sale Fall of 2009. MBUSI currently has more than 3,000 Team Members who are building the M-, R- and GL-class SUVs for all global markets.

Daimler AG is reporting today that worldwide sales at its Mercedes-Benz Cars division dropped 13.2 percent in August 2009 to 73,200 new units – this compared to 84,400 new units in August 2008. As a result, sales of the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands now total 711,300 new units through the first eight months of the year, a decrease of 17.1 percent.

Individually, sales at Mercedes-Benz were slightly better than that of the group for the month of August, with the luxury brand noting sales of 66,200 new units – a decrease of 12.0 percent. At smart, the picture was somewhat more bleak, with sales of the compact fortwo dropping 23.8 percent to 7,000 new units. Through the first eight months of the year, sales at Mercedes-Benz are off 17.5 percent with 632,700 units sold, while smart sales are off 13.2 percent with 78,600 units sold.

To learn more about sales of Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz Cars division through in August and through the first eight months of the year, keep reading for the official press release.

Continuing their tradition of developing the most powerful Mercedes models in existence, BRABUS has just unveiled the latest member of their high powered luxury sedan family. It’s titled the BRABUS SV12 R, and it’s based on the recently face lifted Mercedes-Benz S600. So how powerful is it? In total, the BRABUS SV12 R boasts a staggering 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW at 5,500 rpm, while peak torque comes in at 1,350 Nm at 2,100 (electronically limited to 1,100 Nm). All of this is made possible through a displacement increase from 5.5 to 6.3 liters, four new camshafts, larger turbochargers and a more efficient intercooling system (among other things), with the end result being a 0-62 mph time of 4 seconds flat along with an electronically limited top speed of 211 mph. Yes ladies and gentlemen, you heard that right: an electronically limited top speed of 211 mph.

Transferring the abundant power to the ground, the BRABUS SV12 R features a modified five-speed automatic transmission along with an optional locking differential to help maximize traction. Helping better the standard Mercedes S600’s aerodynamic properties, a new front apron, new front sport fenders, new rocker panels, a new rear apron and new rear spoiler are present, all of which were developed from scratch in a wind tunnel to optimize airflow and provide enhanced cooling for the vehicle’s various systems. And of course, no S-Class is complete without an exemplary level of technology inside the vehicle. For the BRABUS SV12 S, a trunk-mounted ultra-slim 3-GHz notebook computer (UMTS internet enabled) is wired into the vehicle and operated via a second COMAND dial, allowing the operator to browse the Internet, host a video conference directly from the rear seat, watch television and/or movies, etc. There’s even a printer housed in a specially designed rear center console, further emphasizing its ability to act as a mobile office.

Believe it or not, this is only a sampling of the new BRABUS SV12 R’s many features. To learn more about the model and see it from a number of different angles, keep scrolling for the full photo gallery (click any photo to enlarge) followed by the full press release.

If the small sampling of photos we brought you yesterday highlighting the forthcoming Mercedes SLS AMG wasn’t enough to satisfy your desire to see the new Gullwing, today we can do you one better. Mercedes AMG has launched a webspecial for the model displaying the SLS AMG in all its unmasked glory, in vastly higher quality than the small pictures we brought you yesterday.

I won’t detail again the Mercedes SLS AMG’s various features, as you should already be familiar with them from our prior articles on the topic. I will, however, bring you the high resolution photos from the site, giving you a quick snapshot of what the webspecial offers.

When you’re finished browsing the photos below (be sure to click them to see the super sized version), head over to Mercedes AMG where you can check out the full Mercedes SLS AMG webspecial highlighting its performance specs, technology, interior and exterior, etc.

Mercedes-Benz today has again detailed one member of their modularly constructed electric car family– the Mercedes BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS. Based on the BlueZERO E-CELL (one of the models unveiled late last year that’s driven only by a battery-powered electric drive), the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS features the same battery powered electric motor but adds a compact 50kW three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. As a result, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS boasts an operating range of up to 600 km, whereas the BlueZERO E-CELL notes an operating range of 200 km.

In terms of operation, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS features a rapid charging option with a capacity of 20 kW, enough power to allow for a 50 km cruising range in about 30 minutes. To achieve full electric charge, a little over an hour is needed, which will then allow the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS to achieve its maximum range of 100 km (using the electric drive only). Charging time with a standard charge cycle at a conventional household outlet with 3,3 kW is approximately 6 hours.

Speaking briefly about the new concept, Prof. Herbert Kohler, Head of E-Drive and Future Mobility and also Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler, notes: "The Concept BlueZERO offers a triple demonstration of the technical maturity of alternative drive systems from Mercedes-Benz. Electric vehicles with battery electric or fuel cell drive systems will not truly be on an equal footing with today’s combustion engine drive systems until the customers are confident that there is a sufficient infrastructure of electricity and hydrogen refueling stations."

Mercedes-Benz USA is reporting that for the month of August 2009, sales were off 7.5 percent with 17,112 units sold – MBUSA’s best performance so far this year. As a result, sales at Mercedes-Benz USA now total 158,519 new units through the first eight months of the year, down 25.3 percent compared to 2008’s eight month YTD total.

As for the models making headlines, the volume leader for the month was the new 2010 E-Class, with sales of the sedan jumping 74.2 percent to 4,671 units sold. Taking the second and third place volume positions, the C-Class and M-Class sold 4,253 units and 2,577 units, respectively, while the month’s biggest loser was the R-Class – a model whose sales dropped a staggering 91.7 percent to 39 units (compared to 469 units a year ago).

Mercedes-Benz is launching its first series-produced fuel cell car on the road: the new B‑Class F-CELL. The environmentally friendly electric car has better a performance similar to than a 2,0-litre petrol car and is fully suited for everyday driving. The zero-emission drive system consumes the equivalent of 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). Production of the B‑Class F-CELL will commence in late 2009 with a small lot. The first of around 200 vehicles will be delivered to customers in Europe and the USA at the beginning of next year.

The new fuel cell vehicle offers everything that people expect from a Mercedes-Benz: High comfort and safety as well as no reduction in interior space and boot capacity. Customers will not have to sacrifice any driving pleasure either, because the electric motor has a peak performance of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 290 Nm, which is available from the first rotation. It ensures that the B‑Class F-CELL, whose impressive dynamic handling properties are in some cases far better than those of a two-litre petrol car, gets off to an excellent start. Despite these qualities, the zero-emission fuel cell drive consumes the equivalent of only 3.3 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC). Thanks to its great range of about 400 kilometres and short refuelling times of around three minutes, the B‑Class F-CELL ensures local zero-emission mobility even for long stretches.

“2009 is the year in which we are establishing further milestones where sustainable mobility is concerned. The B-Class F-CELL is taking on a pioneering role as the world’s first fuel cell powered automobile to be produced under series production conditions”, says Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Development for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The vehicle’s technological heart is the new generation of the compact, high-performance fuel cell system, in which gaseous hydrogen reacts with atmospheric oxygen at 700 bar to generate a current for the electric motor. The fuel cell system of the B‑Class F-CELL has a very good cold-start capability even at temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius. The drive system was completely newly developed versus the F-CELL A-Class presented in 2004, with Mercedes-Benz engineers achieving considerable improvements in output, torque, operating range, reliability, starting characteristics and comfort. The B-Class F-CELL now offers driving pleasure and day-to-day suitability at Mercedes level – without local emissions.

As in hybrids with combustion engines, the fuel-cell car uses a lithium-ion battery with an output of 35 kW and a capacity of 1.4 kWh to boost power and recover braking energy. Lithium-ion technology offers several advantages over conventional batteries, including compact dimensions, high performance, great recharge efficiency and a long service life.

The B‑Class F-CELL employs the unique sandwich floor architecture that is well-known from the A- and B-Class. The advantage of this design is that the drive components are located in the sandwich floor, where they are protected and don’t take up much space so that the vehicle’s interior remains fully usable and a boot capacity of 416 litres is available.

The B-Class F-CELL does not need to fear comparison where equipment is concerned either. Eye-catching features include a bonamite silver paint finish and exclusive light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design. In the interior, leather upholstery, seat heating, automatic climate control and the COMAND-system, as well as other features, continue to ensure a high level of comfort.

Same level of safety as in other Mercedes cars

No matter what the conditions, the operational reliability of the B‑Class F-CELL is of the same high level as in Mercedes vehicles with conventional combustion engines. The B‑Class F-CELL’s integrated safety concept takes the specific characteristics of the innovative drive system into account. The concept incorporates the expertise from the many years of experience Mercedes-Benz has had with fuel cell drives and high-voltage applications. Mercedes engineers have tested and optimised the drive-specific components’ safety in more than 30 additional crash tests.

Network of filling stations required for car’s widespread use

With more than 100 test vehicles and a combined total of over 4.5 million kilometres of trial testing, Daimler and Mercedes-Benz have the most extensive experience with fuel cell vehicles of any manufacturer worldwide. The B‑Class F-CELL is further testimony of this technology’s high level of development for automotive use. However, a comprehensive network of hydrogen filling stations still has to be set up before locally zero-emission driving can become a widespread reality. To make this possible, Daimler is cooperating with government authorities, energy utilities and oil companies in joint projects in places such as Hamburg, Stuttgart and California.

Mercedes-Benz views the development of electric cars with battery and fuel cell drives for local zero-emission driving as a means of supplementing vehicles with high-tech internal combustion engines. Advanced diesel and petrol engines will remain important for automotive applications for a long time to come – not only for individual mobility in passenger cars – especially over long distances – but, more importantly, for freight transport in trucks. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, will increasingly be used in urban transport.

The evidence is now clear: drivers of Mercedes vehicles are safer on the road than drivers of other car brands. This is the result of a study of Mercedes accident research based on official, anonymous data samples from the Federal Office of Statistics. Having looked at 18,748 accidents resulting in personal injury during the period from 2003 to 2007, the study found that the risk of being seriously or fatally injured as the driver of a E‑Class, is 10.4 percent lower than for comparable vehicles of other brands.

The study did not even allow for the fact that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are involved in accidents less frequently than the vehicles of other brands – primarily because, among other reasons, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to introduce ESP® across the board. The study of accident severity only took into account accidents resulting in personal injury. The criteria were initial registration from 2002 onwards, as well as a performance and weight class corresponding to the E‑Class.

The result represents clear evidence of the contribution made by the passive safety systems of Mercedes-Benz to reducing the consequences of an accident. Thanks to adaptive front airbags and belt-force limiters, which can adapt to the severity of an impact, rollover sensors, windowbags as standard and an intelligently designed body structure which provides occupants with excellent protection even in the event of severe collisions, at the time of its world premiere in 2002 the E-Class became the new benchmark for passenger car safety in the luxury class.

In the course of a facelift of the E-Class in the spring of 2006, the Mercedes engineers continued to achieve further substantial advances in the field of high-level safety, equipping the E-Class with safety systems which no other passenger car in this class was able to offer. At the time PRE-SAFE® was introduced, the interlinking of systems for accident prevention with occupant protection marked the start of a new era in this vehicle class. This Mercedes invention takes advantage of the time between detecting an accident-prone situation and possible accident damage for occupant protection. With the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has continued to build on the advances being made in the field of safety. Around a dozen new or enhanced driver assistance systems contribute to preventing accidents and reducing the severity of an impact. These include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, as well as the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system and PRE-SAFE® Brakes with autonomous emergency braking. For the first time, PRE-SAFE® can also make use of information from the short-range radar sensors in the front bumper to tighten the front seat belts in the very last split second before an unavoidable accident, thus helping to reduce the loads suffered by the driver and front passenger in a crash.

With nine airbags as standard, four seat-belt tensioners and belt-force limiters as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger, the new E-Class provides an even more comprehensive level of safety equipment than its predecessor. As well as the air cushions, which can be activated in milliseconds in the event of an accident, there are also two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front seat backrests, and also two generously sized windowbags which span the area from the A to the C-pillar in the event of a side impact. For the first time, pelvisbags have also been incorporated for the front seat occupants. These can also help to reduce loads in the upper body and pelvic areas in the event of a side collision. Sidebags are also available as an optional extra for the rear passengers, while another safety innovation includes automatic adaptive belt-force limiters in the rear, now available for the first time as an option from Mercedes-Benz. These adjust automatically to the size and weight of the passengers.

If you’re in the market for a new smart fortwo, the Daimler has announced today that coming this fall is a special edition of the compact model called the smart fortwo edition highstyle. The model boasts exclusive chocolate brown metallic paintwork along with 12-spoke 15″ alloy wheels, while inside, metallic leather seats mixed with different colored fabrics and brown stitching are present. Other highlights include a kneepad and instrument panel with leather look, a leather covered 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift, and various trim elements in a matte silver color.

In terms of equipment, the smart fortwo highstyle is based on the “passion” line, so features include a softouch automatic gear program, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, and a panoramic roof with sunblind. Additional equipment standard on the fortwo highstyle are dashboard instruments and the radio 9, while electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment and the smart sound system with a smart MP3 interface are all optional.

For those of you interested in procuring your own smart fortwo highstyle, the limited edition model is available with either the 52 kW/71 hp or 62 kW/84 hp engines, with pricing set at €15,695 and €16,195, respectively (yes, they’re only available in Europe).

While its true Mercedes’ partnership with McLaren in regards to producing the SLR has ended, that hasn’t stopped FAB DESIGN from taking aim at tuning the model. FAB has finally released details of a model that made its debut in Geneva – one that they’re calling the SLR “Desire.”

From a design standpoint, it’s clear FAB’s SLR is anything but an ordinary SLR McLaren. A vastly different front and rear apron are present, as are additional widened body panels in both the front and back. New side skirts have also been added, while a rear spoiler completes the exterior enhancements.

As for power, FAB DESIGN boosted total output to 740 horsepower with a maximum torque of 1080 Nm, enough to propel the model from 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds before reaching its top speed of an electronically limited 192 mph.

Unfortunately, if you’re interested in procuring a FAB DESIGN SLR Desire, you’re out of luck (for now, at least). Production has been limited to 15 units, all of which are already sold out. I have a feeling, however, that if you’re patient, you’ll see at least one hitting the second-hand market in the not-too-distant future.

Last week we brought you spy photos of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Convertible, and today we’ve got another slightly more revealing look at the model. The retractable roof is still heavily masked, leaving us to speculate about both its exact contours and construction, but up front we now have a much clearer view of the front apron.  The rear is also still heavily masked; however, with a little imagination you can probably surmise fairly well what the back is going to look like.

It’s been extremely slow the past week for any new Mercedes news, but today we’ve finally managed to find a story worth posting thanks to our friends at Autoblog.nl. They managed to grab some spy photos of the forthcoming 2010 Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, and as you can see, the model is nearly unmasked.

From a technical standpoint, there really isn’t anything worth mentioning that isn’t already known. Power and technical features should be directly in line with the 2010 Mercedes E-Class Coupe, while the main difference (i.e., the cloth top) is clearly visible in the photos.

Over the past several months, Mercedes has done little to hide the fact they’re developing a new 571 horsepower model known as the SLS AMG – a model developed entirely in-house by AMG that’s based heavily on the legendary 300SL. Up until now, it’s a model that’s been distinguished by its Gullwing-style doors, but today, spy photos have emerged hilighting the fact that like the original 300SL, the SLS too will be available as a convertible.

Due to the camouflage, it’s difficult to divulge too much about the convertible top. However, it’s clear the model features traditional doors, and from a performance standpoint, 0-62mph times when compared to the coupe version of the SLS will likely be a couple tenths off (about 4.0 seconds, as opposed to the 3.8 seconds Mercedes is claiming for the Gullwing).

We’ll keep you posted as new details of the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG Convertible emerge

In Mercedes tuning news, MEC Design has just unveiled a new bodykit for the W216 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Entitled the 2FACE Bodykit, the CL styling package features a new front apron with driving and fog lights, side skirts with or without LED lighting, a new vented rear apron, and last but not least, a three-piece rear spoiler.

Of course, to truly set your Mercedes CL apart from the rest of the pack, you can give it the full MEC Design treatment (as seen above and below), ranging from matte black paintwork and blackened lighting all the way up to matching matte black rims.

Personally, give me a standard CL with an AMG sport package and I’m a happy man, but if you’re into the stealthy look, then look no further.

Mercedes today has officially taken the wraps off the 2010 E-Class Estate, a highly functional variant of the E-Class that will launch this November.  As you’d expect, the model’s styling closely resembles that of the sedan version save for the vastly more grocery friendly rear end, with designers choosing to emphasize horizontal lines (note the band formed by the tail lights and chromed tailgate, for example), all of which serves to emphasize the supreme functionality of the estate.

In total, the 2010 Mercedes E-Class Estate boasts a load capacity of 1950 liters (length, width, and height of 4895, 1854, and 1471 millimeters, respectively), setting the bar in terms of load capacity for its class.  Adding to its functionality, an EASY-PACK tailgate and folding load compartment floor are present, the first of which automatically opens and closes the tailgate and the second of which allows numerous configurations for optimum cargo transport.  An optional folding bench seat adds additional seating as well, further increasing the E-Class Estate’s capabilities for people transport.

Under the hood, you’ll have your choice of five engine variants at launch, including three diesel and two petrol models (the E220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the E350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and the E500).  Power ranges from 170 horsepower in the E220 CDI to 388 horsepower in the E500, with fuel consumption and emissions improved across the board.  Starting next year, two additional diesel models and three petrol model will be furthermore be available – it’s important to note, however, that the U.S. customers will have far fewer options to choose from.

Mercedes-Benz USA is reporting that for the month of July 2009, sales totaled 16,228 new vehicles – a drop of 21.7 percent when compared to July 2008.  As a result, sales at MBUSA now total 101,316 new vehicles through the first seven months of the year, down 27.6 percent compared to the year prior.

As for the models making headlines, the 2010 Mercedes E-Class took the volume lead in its first month on the market, with the sedan’s sales totaling 5,556 units.  The C-Class and GLK-Class also noted high volume sales, selling 4,450 units and 1,809 units, respectively.