The internet has been abuzz lately about the smart car coming to the U.S. - some report it's coming, some say it's probably coming... but as of yet, a definite decision still hasn't been made, at least not one that's been officially announced.

The Detroit Free Press is the latest publication to weigh in on the topic, outlining once again DaimlerChrysler's current stance on the issue. They restate the obvious, including the fact the smart will face an uphill battle as it attempts to compete with the host of new Japanese compacts, but for those counting the minutes until the final smart decision, the article will at least get you up to speed on DaimlerChrysler current position...

Keep Reading "U.S. Smart Decision Looming"

While browsing our inbox this morning, we received an email from our good friend Vincent at Autoblog.nl, who graciously tipped us off to the fact that the Brabus' self-titled Rocket, a Mercedes CLS fitted with the 600-series' V12, has officially garnished the title of the world's fastest sedan.

During recent high speed testing, the Brabus Rocket, whose superbly-tuned V12 produces a power output of 730 hp / 537 kW and an electronically limited peak torque of 1,100 Nm at 2,100 RPM, registered a maximum velocity of... are you ready for this... 225.19 miles per hour...

Keep Reading "Brabus Rocket Becomes The World's Fastest Sedan"

Just when you thought we couldn't bring you any more stories pertaining to the 2007 Mercedes CL-Class, we're back with more photos of, as the title has alread stated, the flagship coupe's sumptuous interior.

What can I say that isn't already evident from the photos?

A work of art.

Don't believe me?  Click through to view the photos.

Keep Reading "2007 Mercedes CL-Class Interior Photo Collection"

In a quick follow up to our last post, we've taken the liberty of compiling a rather interesting photo montage showcasing the birth of the 2007 CL-Class and its various design stages.

I always find it intriguing to see what the designers originally envisioned for the new model, and seeing how well it translates over into the final version.  As you'll see, there was a tremendous amount of variation from the original CL's incarnation to the final product; I'll let you form your own conclusion as to whether or not that's a good thing.

The photos follow after the jump...

Keep Reading "Photo Montage Of The Mercedes CL-Class Design"

If you're wondering how the 2007 CL-Class arrived at its current form, Mercedes has published an in-depth press release detailing that very question, explaining how its designers attempted to create a vehicle based on the principles of modern purism.

While I could attempt to reiterate the CL designer's various inspirations and objectives, the press release does a far better job than I can even attempt to, so it is with this sentiment that I will now cease from my rambling, allowing you to partake of the official CL design press release in all its unfettered glory.

The full press release after the jump...

Keep Reading "Mercedes CL-Class Design Study"

Next up in our string of 2007 Mercedes CL-Class articles is a listing of both the CL 500 and 600's technical data.

If you're wondering about each model's engine and transmission attributes, suspension characteristics, dimensions, weights, and performance figures, it's all here ladies and gentlemen.

The technical info, in its entirety, follows after the jump...

Keep Reading "Mercedes CL-Class Technical Data"

In our second CL-Class story for the day, Mercedes has published an overview of both the standard and optional equipment available on the next CL-Class. While the list doesn't cover every unique component, it does provide a fairly-extensive listing of many of the CL's features, made available via an easy-to-read to chart...

You can view the full list after the jump...

Keep Reading "The New Mercedes CL-Class At At A Glance"

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  To kick things off this sultry June morning, Mercedes has published details of a car we've told you about on several occasions; a car considered by most to be the pinnacle of luxury coupes; and now, a car sure to garnish both praise and disdain among its various onlookers. That car is the CL-Class, and today, Mercedes has officially announced what prospective customers will soon come to love (or not love) in its latest incarnation...

Keep Reading "Official Details Of The 2007 CL-Class"

Today marked a historic day for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with the first unit of the recently-updated model range rolling off the assembly line at the company's Ludwigsfelde plant.

DaimlerChrysler CEO and Mercedes Car Group head Dr. Dieter Zetsche, the premier of the state of Brandenburg, Matthias Platzeck, and managing director of DaimlerChrysler Ludwigsfelde GmbH Dr. Heinrich Weiss were all on hand for the event, pushing the red button that symbolically marked the launch of Sprinter production in Ludwigsfelde...

Keep Reading "Ludwigsfelde Plant Launches New Mercedes-Benz Sprinter"

Despite its diminutive sales figures, one of the Mercedes models we're most questioned about when checking our inbox is the Mercedes G-Class. Today, Mercedes has released news G-Class fanatics of all ages have been longing to hear - what upgrades are planned for the always-classic G-Wagon.

First up, as with all upgrades, are the powerplants. For my European readers, gone are the G 270 CDI and G 400 CDI models, replaced instead by the new G 320 CDI, a model fitted with Mercedes' ultra-modern 165 kW/224 hp diesel powerplant. In addition to meeting current EU4 emissions standards, the new diesel engine offers the fuel efficiency of the former 156 horsepower five-cylinder model, while still offering the same "punchy" performance of the former 250 horsepower V8 diesel...

Keep Reading "Mercedes Releases Specs For The New G-Class"

In advertising news, DaimlerChrysler has commissioned Jung von Matt AG to be the Mercedes-Benz brand's new advertising agency, ending the company's sixteen-year partnership with Springer & Jacoby.  Based in Hamburg, Jung von Matt AG will serve as the lead agency for Mercedes and be responsible for the key strategic and creative tasks associated with the communication of the company's brand.

According Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice-President Mercedes Car Group and the man responsible for Mercedes' sales and marketing: "Mercedes-Benz is the most valuable premium car brand in the world..."

Keep Reading "Jung von Matt Appointed As Mercedes' New Advertising Agency"

Here she is ladies and gentlemen.  According to CarScoop, these are the first official photos of the latest Mercedes CL-Class.  While I can't vouch for the photos' validity, they are virtually identical to the photshopped pics we've been seeing lately, shot in a similar style to the original S-Class photos, which leads me to believe they're probably real...

Keep Reading "The First Unconfirmed Official Pictures Of The Next CL-Class"

Mercedes has released details today of their newest accessory, a telephone module featuring Bluetooth (SAP-Profile). Perfect for anyone who has a tendency of forgetting their cell phone in the typical cradle, the new module with Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) allows users to operate their Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) compatible phones via their vehicle's multifunction steering wheel, audio system, and central display in the instrument cluster, all without ever taking their phone out of the pocket (or briefcase, purse, etc.)...

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While going through our inbox this morning, I stumbled upon an email from our good friend Martin, who alerted us to the fact that Mercedes is adding the 030 AMG Package as an available option on the upcoming E63 AMG.

Formerly available only on the SL55, SLK55 and CLS55 models, the 030 package has in the past offered a number of improvements over the standard models, including upgraded wheels, tires, brakes and limited-slip differential.  Although specific details of the E63's 030 package haven't been released yet, I'd expect to see the same or a similar set of features on the forthcoming AMG option...

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