It is the hottest place to be during the Cannes Film Festival: the legendary de GRISOGONO party at the renowned Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes on May 17, 2011.
There are no tickets available for this sought after high society event at the Côte d’Azur; participation is by invitation only. Maybach as the official main partner of the event invites customers to be part of this highly exclusive gathering hosted by de GRISOGONO, a Swiss manufacturer of luxury watches and jewellery.
A cocktail reception awaits guests, followed by an exclusive dinner and the after party everyone is looking forward to. An automotive highlight and the special appearance by Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas are part of the event which attracts celebrities from all over the world to the unique location in the South of France.
One particularly precious highlight, Swiss jewellery manufacturer and watchmaker de GRISOGONO and German luxury car maker Maybach will be unveiling a Maybach 62S Saloon studded with precious-carat diamonds to a gathering of around 1.000 guests from the international jet set, film industry and show business. The luxurious gems are initially only included on the rear centre armrest. But de GRISOGONO and Maybach are currently looking at further options for individualising the interior with diamonds and other gemstones – on the steering wheel, shift lever or seats, for example. Today’s unveiling of the refined Maybach 62S marks the launch of the joint “Maybach individualisation by de GRISOGONO” project by the two luxury manufacturers.
Over the coming months, the Saloon will be studded with further diamonds and gemstone creations before being presented officially at the Dubai International Motor Show between 10 and 14 November 2011. This is the second time that Stuttgart-based luxury brand Maybach has been a main sponsor of the “de GRISOGONO Party”.
“Oh Lord, won’t you buy me…” – with these lyrics, Janis Joplin made history. Taking inspiration from her classic 1971 song, singer/songwriter Estelle along with rapper/producer David Banner and the hotly tipped artist Daley were brought together – by British based international style magazine BLAG – to create a brand new song in honor of the inventor of the automobile.
The track “Benz”, by Grammy award winning producer David Banner, is an upbeat, celebratory track inspired by his Mississippi roots. The three artists composed a brand new melody and lyrics. Their different musical styles flowed together resulting in an impactful and harmonious crossover, recorded at Record Plant, Los Angeles. Thrilled about the idea, Mercedes-Benz supports the project.
BLAG is internationally releasing the new track and video on April 18, 2011 via iTunes along with the debut of its BLAG Deluxe App for iPad and coffee table magazine featuring the making of the Benz video, photos, and interviews with Estelle, David Banner and Daley.
The original Janis Joplin track was created before any of the artists were born, however, according to Sally A. Edwards, who co-owns BLAG with her twin sister Sarah J. Edwards, “The song still resonates with all of us and when we came together on the meaning for the new version, we thought it should be about ambition and triumph. The fact it’s the 125th anniversary of the car is symbolic and the perfect tie-in,” said Sally Edwards, who loves bringing people together and felt Estelle, David Banner and Daley, could pull together something just as meaningful as the original lyrics given their different musical styles and backgrounds.
“We were honored that these creative artists chose to record a song about the Mercedes-Benz brand and after hearing about their project it was an easy decision to work with BLAG magazine to lend our support,” said Christoph Horn, Director Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The fast-paced action thriller “Unknown”, playing in the U.S. and now showing in German cinemas beginning today, offers movie-goers a blockbuster cast and a fleet of cars displaying the Mercedes star. In total, six Mercedes-Benz models are featured alongside leading actors Liam Neeson and German beauty Diane Kruger, in some scenes taking on major roles in the breakneck race against time. Throughout the movie you will see four E-Class taxis from three decades, a SLS AMG Gullwing and a fuel cell car in the guise of the B-Class F-Cell. The film was made by director Jaume Collet-Serra and producer Joel Silver in Berlin, Brandenburg, Leipzig and the Babelsberg studios in Potsdam.
“End of the 19th century the automobile and the cinema have been invented. Thanks to their fascination, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a long tradition as heroes of the silver screen. They have written cinematic history above all in the role of taxis and attractive sports cars,” says Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communication Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We are delighted that our 125th anniversary is being marked with no less than six Mercedes-Benz models appearing in an international blockbuster.”
About the film “Unknown”
Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife (January Jones) suddenly doesn’t recognize him and another man (Aidan Quinn) has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by assassins, he finds himself alone, tired, and on the run.
On his own in a strange country, Martin seeks aid from an unlikely and reluctant source (Diane Kruger) as he plunges headlong into a deadly mystery that will force him to question his sanity, his identity, and just how far he’s willing to go to uncover the truth.
“Unknown” was directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (“Orphan”), from a screenplay by Oliver Butcher & Stephen Cornwell, based on the novel by Didier van Cauwelaert.
The contemporary thriller stars Oscar® nominee Liam Neeson (“Schindler’s List”), Diane Kruger (“Inglorious Basterds”), January Jones (TV’s “Mad Men”) and Aidan Quinn (TV’s “The Book of Daniel”), with Bruno Ganz (“The Reader”) and Oscar® nominee Frank Langella (“Frost/Nixon”).
“Unknown” was produced by Joel Silver (“Sherlock Holmes”), Leonard Goldberg (“Charlie’s Angels” franchise) and Andrew Rona (upcoming “The Apparition”). Susan Downey, Steve Richards, Sarah Meyer and Peter McAleese served as executive producers.
Collet-Serra’s behind-the-scenes collaborators included director of photography Flavio Labiano, production designer Richard Bridgland, editor Tim Alverson, and two-time Oscar®-nominated costume designer Ruth Myers (“Emma,” “The Addams Family”). The music is by John Ottman and Alexander Rudd.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Dark Castle Entertainment, a Panda Production, “Unknown.” The film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
“Unknown” has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some intense sequences of violence and action, and brief sexual content.
Featured Mercedes-Benz vehicles:
For your Monday morning entertainment, we have a trailer for the upcoming film ‘Venger’. The film is the first episode in a 3-part series and follows a race-car driver on a mission for revenge following the death of his fiance. It features four current Mercedes-Benz models with the sequel to include all the AMG models, including the SLS.
Below you will find more information on the film or you can skip straight to watching the suspensful trailer.
The filmmakers factor, FG Entertainment, The lab Sydney and Red Apple are proud to present:
‘VENGER: Episode One’
A short film sponsored by G-Brothers Mercedes-Benz and Petronas International.
Synopsis:
Following the murder of his fiancé, racecar driver Anthony McCullough becomes hellbent on revenge. Set loose by a ruthless detective, McCullough begins to follow a trail of clues. As he gets closer to finding the men responsible, he is drawn into a web of secrecy and betrayal that threatens to destroy his entire family.
ABOUT
Venger was created as a branded content film for the G-Brothers Mercedes-Benz dealership and Petronas Lubricants International by executive producers Marc Windon & Jesse Press of The Filmmakers Factory and writer/director Marc Furmie of FG Entertainment. The project was designed to merge strong storytelling and brand awareness with a concept that resonates with online audiences – eventually becoming the first episode in a web series. The screenplay was written by Marc Furmie, Shiyan Zheng and Vincent Andriano and follows a racecar driver’s mission for revenge following the death of his fiancé. Influenced by the classic action-revenge thrillers of the 70’s such as Bullitt, Death Wish and Dirty Harry, Venger showcases several current model Mercedes-Benz in an edgy and stylish framework.
The film was made possible by A-list crew, suppliers and facilities ranging from FG Entertainment, Tiger Tale Productions, Red Apple Camera Rentals, Cinoptix, The Lab Sydney, RedDot Sound Design, Steve Morris stunts and many, many more.
The story spans across three 15-minute movies.
Episode 1 is directed by Marc Furmie (Dark Horse, Death’s Requiem) and written by Shiyan Zheng, Marc Furmie and Vincent Andriano.
It was produced by Simon Ritch, Matt Inglis and Hadi Tieu-Vinh.
It stars Christian Clark (Gabriel, Crush), Henry Wells Nixon (The Pacific, Noise), Dan Mor (Underbelly, Cedar Boys), Jai Koutrae (Broken Sun), Bren Foster (Cedar Boys), James Caitlin and Amanda McConnell.
For more information, visti Venger Films.
As the official vehicle of the 22nd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, Mercedes-Benz provided environmentally friendly luxury vehicles for Hollywood’s elite. The Festival, which runs from January 6-17, 2011, starts the winter awards season with a spectacular program of films and a celebrity filled red-carpet gala.
The two week celebration of films kicked-off with the Gala Awards Dinner on January 8th, where celebrity presenters and honorees such as Amy Adams, Mark Wahlberg, Natalie Portman, Colin Firth, Carey Mulligan, Helen Mirren, Taylor Hackford, Aaron Eckhart, Oliver Stone, James Franco, Amy Ryan, Rashida Jones and Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), Ben Affleck, Robert Duvall, director David O Russell (The Fighter), Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) and songwriter Diane Warren (Burlesque) were driven in Mercedes-Benz 2011 S400 HYBRID luxury sedans.
“For the eighth consecutive year, Mercedes-Benz is proud to support the festival and the Palm Springs International Film Society as a sponsor and official vehicle,” says Jill Martinette, Mercedes-Benz Regional Marketing Manager. “The start of the festival season sets a perfect backdrop to present an environmentally friendly vehicle like the S400 Hybrid. As our flagship sedan, it’s the ideal blend of luxury, safety and technology, which continues to gain a loyal following with Hollywood’s eco conscious stylish set.”
The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery in a production vehicle. The 275-hp V6 gasoline engine provides impressive fuel economy with an estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Mercedes-Benz offers a selection of hybrids and BlueTEC clean diesel vehicles, ranging from four door sedans to seven-passenger SUVs and 14 passenger vans. Throughout the two week festival, Mercedes-Benz is displaying several additional eco-friendly vehicles including the C350 Sedan, GLK350 SUV and E350 Cabriolet. Built with 85 percent recyclable materials, all are powered by highly efficient V6 engines that achieve the California Air Resources Board’s most stringent exhaust rating as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV).
Mercedes-Benz eco-friendly line-up are already the vehicles of choice for many of Hollywood’s elite. Individuals such as Demi Moore, Gerard Butler, Simon Baker, Toby Maguire and Katharine McPhee among others are choosing Mercedes-Benz because it offers safety and technology with solid environmental credentials without sacrificing luxury. These vehicles range from the S400 HYBRID luxury sedan to the ML450 HYBRID mid-size SUV. Also popular are the clean diesel BlueTEC sedans and SUVs like the E350 BlueTEC and the R, ML and GL350 BlueTEC.
In 2011, Mercedes-Benz celebrates 125 years of the automobile and its future. It was Carl Benz’s patent of the automobile that occurred around the same time as the invention of motion pictures. No one knew the impact that these inventions would have on society, but now more than a century later, Hollywood and Mercedes-Benz are synonymous with glamour and luxury. Both share a rich and inspirational history together – in front of the camera and behind the scenes
About the 22nd Annual Awards Gala
The Festival’s 22nd Annual Awards Gala, presented by Cartier and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight and Mercedes-Benz, kicked off the 2011 awards season at the Palm Springs Convention Center on January 8th. Hosted by “Entertainment Tonight’s” Mary Hart, the Awards Gala honored Academy Award winners Robert Duvall with the Career Achievement Award; Academy Award winner Javier Bardem with the International Star Award; Colin Firth and Natalie Portman will receive the Desert Palm Achievement Actor and Actress Award; Danny Boyle with the Sonny Bono Visionary Award; Academy Award-nominated director David O Russell with its Director of the Year Award, Carey Mulligan the Breakthrough Performance Award; Ben Affleck with the Chairman’s Award:Diane Warren with its Frederick Loewe Award for Film Composing for “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” from Burlesque; and Jennifer Lawrence with the Rising Star Award. The film’s director, David Fincher will also present the Ensemble Performance Award to the cast of The Social Network, including Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer and Rooney Mara, who all attended.
About the Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming 130,000 attendees each year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries. The Festival runs January 6-17, 2011. Founded in 1990 by then-Mayor Sonny Bono, the movie PSIFF line-up will include over 400 screenings of more than 200 films from approximately 60 countries. The Festival presents a majority of the films submitted for consideration in the Best Foreign Language category for the Academy Awards, as well as a large number of American independent and international features and documentaries marking their world, North American or U.S. debuts. Screenings are held on 15 screens throughout Palm Springs. Screening information can be found at
Carolina Herrera known for her sophisticated design and elegance receives the distinguished title of “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer for this season’s spring/summer 2011 collection debuting on Monday, September 13th at 10:00 am at Lincoln Center, the new home of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
The “Mercedes-Benz Presents” program recognizes designers that demonstrate dedication to the use of quality materials, unique style and innovative design for the past seven years. “I am very proud to be chosen as the “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer,” said Herrera. “To be recognized in such an important year in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week history, is, without question, a wonderful honor.”
Carolina Herrera has designed for many celebrities and high profile clients including Renée Zellweger, Amy Adams, Michelle Pfeiffer, Emily Blunt, Oprah Winfrey, and Camilla Belle. She joins a prestigious list of past “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designers including Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, and CHADO Ralph Rucci.
“Carolina Herrera’s understated grace, precision design and attention to detail uphold the Mercedes-Benz commitment to quality,” said Lisa Holladay, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “She is a symbol of great success within the fashion industry and especially in New York City and choosing her as this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer represents the strength of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the event’s bright future at Lincoln Center.”
Born in Venezuela, Carolina Herrera began her Fashion career in New York in 1980, and will be celebrating 30 years of her eponymous collection in 2011. Recognized throughout the industry for her impeccable style and elegant, feminine, sophisticated designs Carolina Herrera has been awarded by the Council of Fashion Designers of America two distinct honors “Womenswear Designer of the Year” in 2004 and in 2008 the “Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award”. Carolina Herrera oversees a design house which encompasses her signature fashion collection and bridal collections, her lifestyle collection CH Carolina Herrera, and ten successful fragrances.
Prior to the unveiling of Carolina Herrera’s spring 2011 Collection during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week the Designer will fete two milestones in support of Fashion’s Night Out on Friday, September 10th. The highly anticipated opening of the CH Carolina Herrera store at 802 Madison Avenue with special guest illustrator Robert Risko and the 10th Anniversary of her Madison Avenue flagship store at 954 Madison Avenue with a digital photo booth with creative backdrop for memorable shots of the evening.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 will take place in New York, NY at Lincoln Center from September 9-16. Carolina Herrera is among more than ninety designers presenting their Spring/Summer 2011 collections at Lincoln Center including Diane von Furstenberg, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Christian Siriano and Charlotte Ronson.
For more information about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, and for a schedule of shows and events, visit http://newyork.mbfashionweek.com.
As evident from the early presales of the film, there is huge buzz for New Line Cinema’s Sex and the City 2, due from Warner Bros. Pictures on May 27th. Sex and the City style icons Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda are back and the four friends remain true to their exclusive lifestyle as they escape from the city and find themselves embarking on adventures in the ultra-luxurious Maybach and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. Back home in New York City, Mr. Big. keeps his S-Class, but moves to the new eco-friendly S400 Hybrid, and Carrie and Mr. Big embrace summer chic by heading to Connecticut behind the wheel of their all-new 2011 E-Class Cabriolet, which makes its own retail debut June 2010.
“Based on the success of the first movie and its ability to attract trendsetters and style-makers, Sex and the City 2 is a natural fit for Mercedes-Benz,” says Steve Cannon, Vice President of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA. “The movie provides a great stage for us; it showcases our new eco-friendly flagship S-Class, ruggedly sophisticated G-Class and ultra luxury Maybach line in their natural elements. It also perfectly positions the new E-Class Convertible just as it arrives in showrooms.”
About the “Sex and the City 2” featured vehicles
In Sex and the City 2, four very different vehicles appear in numerous scenes: the all-new E-Class Convertible, the S400 Hybrid Sedan, the G-Class SUV and the ultra-luxury Maybach sedan.
While Mr Big still tours New York City in his Black S-Class, he’s now being driven in a new Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. Carrie and Mr. Big then jaunt off for the weekend in their silver E-Class Cabriolet. The debut of the all-new E-Class Cabriolet previews the chic, elegant, and versatile four seat, three-layer soft top convertible that can go up or down in 20 seconds at speeds up to 25 miles per hour, AIRCAP (a new system that significantly reduces airflow and wind noise for all four passengers), AIRSCARF (outlets that blow warm air on the necks of front passengers) and the latest in luxury and safety technology, it’s the vehicle of choice for those who want to enjoy open-top driving without sacrificing style, sophistication and comfort.
When the four ladies head for an exotic “girls-only” trip, they are chauffeured through their adventures in the exclusive comfort of luxurious Maybach sedans.
Mercedes-Benz USA E-Class Cabriolet commercial support
In addition to its appearance in the movie and further highlighting the universal appeal of the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz will debut a humorous print advertisement based on the familiar four ‘girls’ personalities.
The Sex and the City 2-based print ad for the E-Class Cabriolet features the same Quartz Blue E-Class Cabriolet that arrives for a Connecticut wedding scene in the movie. Set on a spotlighted stage with its top down, the E-Class Cabriolet perches beneath sparkling lights that are arranged to say, “Stylish Enough for Carrie, Luxurious enough for Charlotte, Smart enough for Miranda and fast enough for Samantha.” Near the Sex and the City 2 movie logo at the far right continues the tag, “The stunning. The talented. The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet.”
Supporting the exclusive print ad, a customized TV spot which features the use of AIRCAP will use the closing tagline, “The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. See its debut in Sex and the City 2, opening in theatres May 27.” The ad will run on in entertainment areas via national cable and syndication, via Spot TV in 17 of the top Mercedes-Benz markets for two weeks leading up to the movie’s premier. The top channels include Bravo, E! Entertainment TV, USA, TNT and HGTV, and the top entertainment shows are ET, Extra, The Insider and Access Hollywood. The print complement will appear in Entertainment Weekly,The Hollywood Reporter and Variety magazines.
It’s no secret Jay Leno’s a huge automotive aficionado, so Mercedes-Benz USA decided what better way to showcase the new Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing in the States than by having Jay Leno – a.k.a. the Conan-slayer – take it for a spin around the mean streets of Beverly Hills. That’s exactly what they did, in vintage “Rendezvous” style (if you’ve never heard of “Rendezvous”, it’s a nine minute short film that takes place in Paris… see trailer here). Jay starts on Mulholland Drive and winds his way through Laurell Canyon, Sunset Blvd. and Coldwater Canyon, in a route Jay hails as the Nurburgring of L.A.
I can’t say it’s as exciting as watching the SLS AMG take a lap around the Ring, but I will say the engine notes of the SLS sound absolutely superb. You can check out the full video of Jay Leno and the SLS AMG Gullwing below, preceded by a brief making-of video showing the initial conception and planning stages.
Later this month, fans will flock to theaters for the long awaited return of their four favorite New Yorkers in the soon-to-be blockbuster “Sex and the City 2”. Making its big screen debut along side Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. Commenting on the choice to feature Mercedes in “Sex and the City”, Steve Cannon, Vice President of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA, notes : “The Mercedes-Benz brand has always attracted trendsetters and style-makers and the partnership with New Line Cinema’s ‘Sex and the City,’ which personifies these attributes, is a very natural fit.”
“Sex and the City 2” hits theaters May 27th.
On the eve of the Beijing Auto Show 2010, Mercedes held a “Premier Night” for the recently announced Concept Shooting Break as well as the updated 2010 Maybach, and we’ve got photos from the event. On hand to celebrate the festivities was the exotically sexy English pop and R&B singer Leona Lewis, as was Ulrich Walker, Head of Daimler North East Asia and Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Development Mercedes-Benz Cars (neither of whom boast nearly the same level of exotic sexiness). More details of the Beijing Auto Show 2010 should be coming tomorrow, but in the meantime, you can view Mercedes’ Premier Night photos and the beautiful Leona Lewis in the gallery below.
Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC clean diesel technology, a Hollywood veteran for luxury eco-chic transportation, is getting support from a cast of new environmentally friendly vehicles including the Mercedes-Benz 2010 S400 HYBRID luxury sedan and ML450 HYBRID SUV. The expansion of Mercedes-Benz eco line-up is making it easy for celebs to have green transportation by offering the best of both worlds: supreme luxury, safety, and technology with solid environmental credentials.
S400 HYBRID
The new Mercedes-Benz 2010 S400 HYBRID luxury sedan is the vehicle of choice for A-list actors including Robert Downey Jr, who drove the luxury sedan when off-camera while shooting his upcoming film Due Date, and Gerard Butler, among others. The S400 Hybrid made its rounds during the award season as, the chic transportation choice among a select group of celebs in the know.
The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery in a production hybrid vehicle and the 275-hp V6 gasoline engine provides an impressive estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The ML450 HYBRID mid-size SUV uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and sophisticated electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model, and is the vehicle of choice for international pop star Miley Cyrus.
BlueTEC clean diesel
Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC and ML Hybrid vehicles combine a smooth, quiet ride with fuel efficiency that delivers 20-30 percent higher fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine making it the GREEN choice for a number of Hollywood’s elite including Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler, Rosario Dawson, Christina Applegate, Molly Sims, Giles Marini, Felicity Huffman among others.
Today, Mercedes-Benz offers three BlueTEC SUVs – the R, ML and GL320 BlueTEC – and, will soon add the E350 BlueTEC sedan this fall. The term “BlueTEC” is derived from the innovative AdBlue process that dramatically reduces emissions and enables the diesel V6 engines to meet the stringent emissions standards of all 50 States. According to the EPA, the nation would save 1.4 million barrels of oil a day if just one third of all light-duty vehicles in the USA were state-of-the-art diesel vehicles.
An added bonus of driving green cars like the Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC and Hybrid, beyond not sacrificing space, safety or luxury, is the IRS alternative-powertrain tax credit. The current Diesel Tax Credits for owners of a 2009/10 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC are $1,800 for the GL320/GL350; $1,550 for the R320/R350; and $900 for the ML320/ML350. Mercedes-Benz hybrid credits are $2200 for the ML450 and $1150 for the S400.
For 2010 Mercedes-Benz plans to offer a limited number of B-Class hydrogen fuel cell vehicles available for lease in California. Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-Cell has a range of about 240 miles before needing refueling. Running on compressed hydrogen, the F-Cell boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 86.6 city-highway combined miles per gallon and water is the F-Cell’s only emission.
** On a side note, I nor any or of the staff here at eMercedesBenz endorse purchasing a vehicle based on what celebrity may or may not be driving them. When it comes to selecting a new car, SUV, etc., base your decisions on your own experiences with the model through test drives and dealer demonstrations, talk to other owners and gain their real world insight about the model, and most importantly, forget Hollywood. It won’t take Robert Downey Jr. to convince you the S400 Hybrid is the best luxury hybrid sedan on the market.
The smart fortwo, pioneer of intelligent micro cars, masterfully plays the leading automotive role in the sequel to the successful cinema blockbuster “The Pink Panther”. In Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’/Columbia Pictures’ “The Pink Panther 2” to be released February 6 in the US and 12 March in Germany, the two-seater demonstrates the advantages of its compact dimensions and its superior agility with a twinkle as the police car of the fearless, although somewhat clumsy Inspector Clouseau in a breakneck dash through the Paris city jungle.
In „The Pink Panther 2“ Steve Martin as bumbling Inspector Clouseau chases criminals for the second time. At his side is his unrivalled police car, a red smart fortwo coupé. “smart is the optimal company car in the movie”, says Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “smart and the main character stand for unusual ways of thinking, irresistible charm and cleverness – and therefore have extraordinary success.”
In an exciting sequence of the film Clouseau steers his smart fortwo coupé – in the equipment line passion with a 52kW/71 hp petrol engine – in a wild dash across Paris. Here, he benefits from the exceptional agility of the environmentally friendly, intelligent two-seater car. Not even finding a parking space at the chronically busy airport of the French capital poses a problem – the compact smart fortwo simply parks perpendicular to the flow of traffic.
Amateur detectives can pick up the trail of the pink diamond themselves on the internet. Under the motto “Stay on the trail”, since 02 February 2009 anyone can enter the film world of Inspector Clouseau at www.smart.com/pinkpanther and follow the precious gem across Paris. Participants who track down the diamond in this exciting internet game have a chance of winning a smart fortwo.
“The Pink Panther 2”, the sequel to the 2006 worldwide hit, stars Steve Martin as he reprises the role of intrepid-if-bumbling French police detective, Inspector Jacques Clouseau. When legendary treasures from around the world are stolen, including the priceless Pink Panther Diamond, Chief Inspector Dreyfus (John Cleese) is forced to assign Clouseau to a team of international detectives and experts charged with catching the thief and retrieving the stolen artifacts. Martin is joined by his co-stars Jean Reno (as Ponton, his partner) and Emily Mortimer (as Nicole, the object of his awkward affections). The investigative dream team is played by Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina, Yuki Matsuzaki (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Lily Tomlin also stars. The story is set in Paris and Rome. The film is directed by Harald Zwart and produced by Robert Simonds. The screenplay is by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber and Steve Martin. The story by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber. Based on the Pink Panther films of Blake Edwards. Based on characters created by Maurice Richlin & Blake Edwards.
smart success story
After ten years on the market, the smart fortwo can report impressive performance. Since the introduction of the first generation in 1998, smart celebrated its 10th anniversary last year with over one million delivered models. Having initially been offered only in Germany and eight other European countries, the smart fortwo is now available in 37 countries worldwide. After the market success in the US in 2008, smart will also be launched in China, Brazil and Denmark in 2009.
As one of the youngest car brands, smart stands for innovation, functionality and vitality. Above all, smart appeals to customers that are seeking new, forward-looking and intelligent solutions within the automobile sector. smart fortwo drivers are defined more by their attitude than by their age, profession or gender. They are open-minded, they question conventional wisdom and are in-touch. They choose the smart fortwo because it is special and because it sets them apart from the masses. And most certainly – because it is fun.
If you’re in the market for a new Mercedes SL63 AMG, Jay Leno recently spent some time with the consummate model, featuring the roadster on his Jay Leno’s Garage website. In the roughly ten minute video, Jay outlines a number of the model’s features and tech specs, eventually taking it for a spin on the streets of California. There’s not much you haven’t already seen, and some of Jay’s stated tech specs are a little off, but if you have some free time this Monday afternoon, it’s worth a few minutes of your time.
To watch the video in its entirety, hit play below, sit back and enjoy.
When Academy Award Nominee Naomi Watts celebrated her 40th birthday in Los Angeles this fall, her partner Liev Schreiber (“X-Men,” “The Manchurian Candidate”) surprised her with a spectacular present; a Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC. Liev and Naomi are among the actors and musicians to discover the exceptional performance, efficiency, and high cruising range of Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC models, the world’s cleanest and most advanced diesels.
In addition to Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts, fellow BlueTEC drivers from motion pictures and television include “Desperate Housewives” star Kyle MacLachlan, “Sex and the City” siren Kim Cattrall, Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe Winner Gary Oldman, and “Phantom of the Opera” star and singer Emmy Rossum. “My ML320 BlueTEC has all the power and luxury you’d expect of a Mercedes-Benz, plus the efficiency and low environmental impact of an economy or even hybrid vehicle,” says Emmy Rossum. “BlueTEC really is the best of both worlds.” Also from the world of music, pop superstar Gwen Stefani and her husband, musician Gavin Rossdale, have a BlueTEC parked in their driveway, as does singer Josh Kelley (husband of “Grey’s Anatomy” star Katherine Heigl).
Seven-time Grammy winning artist Alanis Morissette chose the fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC for the video of “Underneath”, the first single and video from her latest album, “Flavors of Entanglement.” In the video, Alanis is sitting at a bus stop wearing a “Save the Earth” t-shirt and distributing fliers to encourage concern for the environment. When a Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC passes by, Alanis salutes the Mercedes driver in appreciation for their environmentally aware choice. “Making green choices on a local level is important in creating global change,” says Alanis. “I’m glad that Mercedes-Benz has introduced a great option with BlueTEC.”
BlueTEC have also starred in some of the hottest television shows and series this season, including “90210” (CW), “The Amazing Race” (CBS), “Privileged” (CW), “Starter Wife” (USA Network), and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (NBC).
About Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC
The BlueTEC wave began in October 2006 when Mercedes-Benz introduced the E320 BlueTEC sedan; it immediately captured accolades from consumers and critics alike and was voted “2007 World Green Car of the Year.” Now Mercedes-Benz has expanded the BlueTEC product range with the introduction of three new SUV’s – the R, ML and GL 320 BlueTEC – the first diesel SUV’s to meet the stringent emissions standards of all 50 States. The term “BlueTEC” is derived from the revolutionary AdBlue process that injects a reducing agent in the vehicle’s exhaust line, thereby clearly reducing emissions.