Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake Rendering

The small four-door coupe takes the majority of its design cues from the Mercedes CLS also a style rebel

Coming off the Detroit International Auto Show, there is no question that the new Mercedes-Benz CLA is one of the most talked about car in the Mercedes lineup. With its frameless doors, the four-door coupe seamlessly carried over the design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production

And while the CLA may look on the small end, it actually comes in at 4,6 m (182 inches) and is bigger than the C-Class. With this said, is it really inconceivable that Mercedes-Benz would offer a shooting brake version of the all new CLA-Class?  While it is unlikely we will see a CLA Shooting Brake anytime soon, the renderings from Theophilus Chin offer us a detailed look at what we could expect if Mercedes were to offer one.  The rendering shows the CLA-Class with the big shooting brake back with bulked up body panels similar to an AMG exterior.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class press release.  Hattip: Jeremy by way of AutoEvolution.

Video – CLA-Class Stars Alongside Top Model in “Mind of it’s own”

The short video centers around a mischievous automobile that takes center stage with top model Karlie Kloss

Ryan McGinley presents the new CLA in his latest film, “Mind of its own”. The short video centers around a mischievous automobile that takes center stage as Ryan McGinley and creative director Jefferson Hack follows top model Karlie Kloss clad in Chloé as she races along winding roads, at one of California’s biggest ranches.  Check out the second video for an interview with Director Ryan McGinley as he discusses what it’s like to work with the Mercedes-Benz.

Video of the All New 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA four-door coupé combines the world's best aerodynamics with an avant-garde coupé design

The CLA four-door coupé combines the world’s best aerodynamics with an avant-garde coupé design, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST radar-supported brake system together with a new multimedia system and an unmistakable design language.

Following a brief appearance on the eve of the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the CLA is celebrating its official world premiere at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin (January 15 to 18, 2013). The new CLA will arrive at U.S. dealerships in September 2013.

CLA-Class Official Video Debut

For a complete overview of the all new CLA-Class, click here.

Detroit World Premiere

Mercedes CLA and Kate Upton Take Center Stage in Super Bowl XLVII Ad

The Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl ad is a tongue-in-cheek depiction of how far a person may go to get their heart's desire

UPDATE:  By popular request, CLICK HERE for a complete photo gallery featuring Kate Upton as seen in GQ, Esquire and more.  Enjoy!

I love a good Super Bowl ad, and last year’s VW Star Wars commercial easily took the top spot in the auto category during the game. This year, in an attempt to spread the word on their new CLA model, Mercedes-Benz will also be airing a Super Bowl ad, along with some help from supermodel Kate Upton. Created by ad agency Merkley + Partners, Upton will be sharing the 60-second spot with singer Usher. Filming already took place in and around New Orleans, where the city’s Mercedes-Benz Superdome will play host to Super Bowl XLVII. Previous press release have stated the ad to be “a tongue-in-cheek depiction of how far a person might — or might not — go to get their heart’s desire,” (whatever that means…) executives from Mercedes-Benz USA stressed that it will be classy and not like Upton’s steamy appearance for Carl’s Jr., see below, which was banned from last year’s Super Bowl. You can catch Super Bowl 47 on February 3, 2013.

What Adage has to say:

Mercedes-Benz has long been considered by Americans as a top-of-the-market items that only a select few could purchase. Mercedes hopes to extend its appeal to a wider set of consumers when it advertises at Super Bowl XLVII.

After joining the Super Bowl’s ad ranks in 2011 and sitting out in 2012, Mercedes is poised to redefine its appeal to the game’s massive TV audience, which last year included approximately 111.3 million U.S. viewers, according to Nielsen. The car marketer will use the Super Bowl to introduce its CLA, a “highly stylized four-door coupe” with what might be a surprising price, said Steve Cannon, president-CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, in an interview with Advertising Age.

“We have something big to say and we think this is a great vehicle to reach out to that mass affluent audience,” he said. “We hope to use the Super Bowl to kind of open up the Mercedes-Benz brand to a wider audience. There are a lot of people out there who just automatically put Mercedes-Benz in an out-of-reach category. This is a great opportunity to use this new product coming to market in 2013 as that ‘Wow, I didn’t realize that about Mercedes-Benz.’ That’s the kind of wake-up call opportunity — with a mass audience — that we’re going, we hope, to use the Super Bowl to communicate.”

“For our C-Class, the median age of the consumer is around 50,” he said. “We think we’re going to get 30-something and 40-somethings in this car.”

In its last Super Bowl appearance, Mercedes ran a 60-second ad in the fourth quarter that depicted past and present car models escaping garages, showrooms and driveways to welcome a new lineup of autos. Entrepreneur Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, had a featured role. The automaker intends to run its 2013 ad in the fourth quarter as well, according to a spokeswoman for the company. Already, news reports suggest model Kate Upton and singer Usher will be featured in the new effort.

The ads are being crafted with Mercedes’ longtime agency, Merkley + Partners, owned by Omnicom Group.

“There’s more to come,” said Mr. Cannon, declining to tip his creative hand. “Celebrity plays with the young audience, and we are stepping up our game. If you want to step on that stage, you’d better be prepared to go big. Mercedes-Benz is a brand that has a very high celebrity quotient anyway. It’s our natural audience. We’re going to have some fun with it in the spot itself, use these high-profile kind of celebrities in connection with this new vehicle.”

The company will have to work hard to stand out. For the past two years, the Super Bowl has more or less become a parking lot of ads from sundry automakers. Already, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Kia are among the sponsors lined up for the next event. Volkswagen has proven quite adept at generating buzz with prereleases of Super Bowl content. And many observers are wondering if Chrysler will join the event again — and if so, how it might top its 2012 post-halftime spot featuring Clint Eastwood.

Of course, Mercedes has a weapon in its marketing arsenal that others do not: its name on the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, where the 2013 Super Bowl will unfold.

The automaker has reached out since 2005 to New Orleans, ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Cannon said. Mercedes has planted trees and taken part in several charitable programs. “We are a member of that community — more than just slapping our logo on a very large stadium — and we are going to leverage that,” he said. Some of the commercial work for the company’s Super Bowl ad spot is taking place in New Orleans, where it can generate economic activity, he said.

As with anything Super Bowl-related, the stakes are high. Mercedes will have to balance the introduction of the CLA while maintaining its status as an aspirational brand. And Mr. Cannon will be watching the results of the campaign as CEO of U.S. operations, not as the division’s chief marketing officer — the title he held until the start of this year,when he was elevated to the top post.

“This is not just any Super Bowl,” he said. “Anybody can stand up and spend the money, but to have Mercedes-Benz on the Superdome with a brand-new car and and a brand-new audience and being a member of the community in New Orleans — those are a lot of dots that we’ll try to connect.” Via: Adage

PRESS RELEASE

While the official public debut of the much-anticipated Mercedes-Benz CLA four-door coupe is still nearly two months away, the vehicle has been spotted at red carpet premiers, racing alongside Formula One cars, and doing the club scene.  The CLA, a seductive and dynamic new coupe which will create a new entry point for the Mercedes-Benz brand, is the centerpiece of a new 60-second ad that will debut in the fourth quarter of the year’s biggest night in television advertising: Super Bowl XLVII.

The ad, which was created by Merkley+Partners (NYC), is a tongue-in-cheek depiction of how far a person might go to get their heart’s desire and what shape the “good life” might take.  Filmed in part on location in New Orleans, MBUSA went full throttle with star power including Kate Upton and Usher playing themselves.  But the commercial is more than just glitz, glamour and the unveiling of the CLA. It’s another example of the company’s ties to the city.

Long before purchasing the naming rights for the “Mercedes-Benz Superdome,” which will be the site of this year’s game, the company had been a supporter of the community. In October 2010, 180 employees from across the country spent more than three hours planting 125 trees to help restore some of what was lost to Hurricane Katrina.  This year, as part of their $1.3 million national-commitment to Laureus USA, MBUSA joined with Laureus and Coaches Across America in New Orleans to train and place 26 coaches in 11 local after-school sports programs with a goal of providing safe afterschool activities for area youth.

In addition to setting its ad in New Orleans, MBUSA will have a series of onsite activations in the city on the day of the game.  In the weeks ahead, the company will roll out a robust social media campaign, complementing the ad while building awareness and engagement prior to the arrival of the CLA in the Fall.

The company expects the CLA to bring in new buyers with an unexpected price point for the brand and a highly stylized, sporty design. Among its notable features is a dynamic on-board connectivity package allowing access to popular social media sites.

The CLA will make brief appearances at select events over the next few weeks leading up to its official world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2013.

First Look at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as a Style Rebel

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has been officially unveiled and added to the Mercedes-Benz vehicle lineup

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has been officially unveiled and added to the Mercedes-Benz vehicle lineup. The all-new 2014 CLA250 arrives in U.S. dealerships Fall 2013. The four-door coupe takes the majority of its design cues from the Mercedes CLS that was also considered a style rebel when it debuted in Detroit in 2003. The brand new CLA features world-leading aerodynamics, an avant-garde coupe design and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, that will be available in Spring 2014. With its frameless doors, the four-door coupe seamlessly carried over the design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production. The new model features COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST as a standard feature, that is an assistance program that engages at speeds above 4 mph, kicking in the radar-based braking system that is able to warn the driver of obstacles and is able anticipate braking force when the driver steps on the brake pedal.

“The response to the Concept Style Coupe was overwhelming. The most frequent comment by far was ‘Please put this car into series production.’ That’s precisely what we are doing now,” notes Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management for Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The CLA is a car that does not confuse ‘mid-size’ with ‘mid-quality’. Its sporty design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand.”

The sporty CLA comes with a powerful turbocharged engine generating 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, as well as sport suspension and available 4MATIC all- wheel drive. The technical highlights of this new design icon include a new world record in aerodynamics for series production automobiles (Cd value: 0.23) and a wide range of driver assistance systems, including advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.

This radar-based assistance system provides the driver with visual and acoustic warnings of identified obstacles and primes Brake Assist for adaptive braking. Brake Assist is initiated as soon as the driver steps hard on the brake pedal. When the system identifies a risk of collision, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST calculates the precise braking force ideally needed to avoid an accident and makes the best possible use of any distance remaining. Adaptive Braking Assist activates at speeds of just 4 mph and gives trailing vehicles as much time as possible to also react accordingly and avoid another accident.

There are four special equipment packages and a series of standalone options for individualizing the striking compact four-door coupe (length/width/height: 182.3/80.0/56.6 inches). In keeping with the digital lifestyle of the CLA’s social media-savvy target group, smartphones can also be fully integrated into the vehicle’s display and operating system via mbrace2, which is standard equipment.

Following a brief appearance on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the CLA will celebrate its official world premiere at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin (January 15 to 18, 2013). The new CLA will arrive at U.S. dealerships in September 2013.

The style rebel – exterior design

Its sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design language featuring the interaction of concave and convex surfaces give this four-door coupe its distinctive look. The CLA carries the avant-garde design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production almost 1:1.

Striking features include the hood with its power domes and the diamond-look grille. The arrangement of the headlights and LEDs behind the headlamp lens evokes the characteristic “flame effect” for the optional daytime running lights and indicators. This light signature is a key aspect of the car’s energetic look and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.

A number of details indicate that the design of the CLA represents a further development of the modern classic Mercedes-Benz CLS. Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side – the front structural edge above the fenders flows toward the rear in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third feature line extends in a sweeping curve from the front wheel toward the rear. Together, these lines lend depth and dynamism to the side profile.

The design of the rear end emphasizes the width of the CLA, expressing power and athleticism with the interaction of convex and concave surfaces and edges. The gently sloping roof contour and pronounced curve of the rear window retain the CLA’s coupe-style character. The athletic look of the rear end comes from the drawn-in C-pillars paired with the shoulder muscle above the rear wheel arches. The tail lights are framed by the muscular shoulder lines extending into the back while the horizontal light layout emphasizes the car’s powerful and visually striking breadth.

A large panorama sunroof is available as a standalone option. It consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a glass moving panel and side trim elements to match the glass look. The visual effect is of a glass surface that extends all the way from the front to the rear windshield.

Premium look-and-feel – the interior

The exterior’s progressive, sporty appearance also carries through to the vehicle interior. Anthracite surface finish is available as the standard trim. Additional trim options include burl walnut wood, black ash wood and aluminum.

The instrument panel incorporates five air vents. The outer rings of the vents are done in a high-quality galvanized finish, while a galvanized insert controls the direction of airflow. The free-standing display is set in black piano-lacquer trim and edged with a flush-fitting silver frame.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

(Wind) resistance is futile – a new record Cd figure

With a Cd figure of 0.23, the CLA sets a new benchmark among not only Mercedes models, but also all series-production vehicles. The frontal surface area, Cd x A – which is crucial to aerodynamic resistance – also leads the field at 5.49 sq. ft.

The good air flow characteristics, which have a major impact on fuel consumption under everyday driving conditions, are the result of extensive aerodynamic optimization. These include a low A-pillar shoulder with adapted A-pillar geometry, aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors, low-drag wheel trims and serrated wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheel arches.

Extensive underbody cladding, additional cladding at the center of the rear axle, an aerodynamically optimized muffler and a diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the underbody.

Smart safety – advanced assistance systems

An extensive array of standard and optional driver assistance systems in the CLA is available to the driver. Standard features include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which offers collision protection in the CLA from speeds of just 4 mph.

The optional Driver Assistance package also offers DISTRONIC, as well as familiar safety systems including Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. PARKTRONIC with Advance Parking Assist enables autonomous parking in parallel and perpendicular parking spaces and is available as a standalone option.

Precision handling – the chassis and suspension

The CLA’s running gear features McPherson strut suspension at the front and independent multilink suspension at the rear. Three control arms and one trailing arm at each of the rear wheels enable longitudinal and transverse forces to be handled separately. Specific to the CLA is the flexible decoupling of the rear axle sub-frame for improved ride characteristics. The wheel mounts and spring guides are made from aluminum in order to reduce unsprung masses. Standard equipment includes the Mercedes-Benz Sport Suspension for sporty yet comfortable handling.

The CLA also comes as standard with electromechanical power steering. Compared with conventional systems, this power steering system offers improved driver feedback and makes an important contribution to overall efficiency, as the power steering function draws energy only under active steering. It also facilitates various steering assistance functions activated by the ESP® control unit. These include counter-steering in the event of oversteer, corrective steering when braking on road surfaces with differing levels of grip (split-friction braking), minimization of torque steer and compensation for crosswinds and road gradients.

Both the front wheel drive and 4MATIC variants of the CLA250 are delivered on 17-inch, 5-spoke, two-tone wheels clad in all-season, run-flat tires. The Sport Package offers 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels and adds Sport body styling plus perforated front discs.

High levels of traction and outstanding agility – 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is also available with a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution. Like the other 4MATIC variants, this completely new development boasts high levels of traction and outstanding agility combined with excellent safety and energy efficiency.

The components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, and the rear-axle gear set with an integrated electro-hydraulic, multi-disc clutch. This set-up enables fully variable distribution of drive between the front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than that of competitor systems, as well as a high degree of efficiency.

All set for the future – a powerful and efficient drive

The CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC both feature Mercedes-Benz’s 2.0-liter four- cylinder gasoline engine with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes with the ECO stop/start function as standard for added gas mileage and is mated to the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission for an outstanding combination of sporty performance and comfort.

“Always on” – multimedia systems

The latest generation of multimedia systems in the CLA provides a wide array of functions, apps and graphics.

Like all models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the CLA comes with the brand’s acclaimed connectivity service mbrace2, providing users with an extensive range of online and concierge services and apps all linking seamlessly to smartphones for use inside and outside the car. By using cloud technology, mbrace2 is always up to date and offers users wide-ranging and flexible access to content.

The CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC both include the 5.8-inch display and Bluetooth as standard equipment. The central controller provides an all-access pass to an abundance of advanced technology. This can be upgraded to the 7- inch display with the Multimedia package featuring the COMAND system with hard-drive navigation, voice control, an SD card slot, an in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer, a 10GB music register, a rearview camera and SiriusXM Traffic & Weather.

Premium comfort – additional equipment options

As well as the Multimedia package and Driver Assistance package, the CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC are also available with the Premium package for an even higher level of comfort and convenience. Its features include an iPod/MP3 media interface, SiriusXM satellite radio, the harman/kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system, heated front seats, auto dimming mirrors, integrated garage door opener, dual-zone climate control and a compass.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Scale Model Revealed

More CLA-Class design detail revealed today by from images of the 1:18 Diecast model of the CLA sedan

We earlier revealed to you the first official photos of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class that is scheduled to make its public debut at the North American International Auto Show early next month.

Even though the press shots may have given you an up-close encounter with the CLA sedan, there’s more design detail revealed today by these images of the 1:18 Diecast model of the CLA sedan.

As you can learn from the Diecast model image uploads, the interiors are heavily based on the A Class. The use of the same components shaves cost and development time.

The CLA is based on the all new A-Class, and is about 4.60 meters (181.1 inches) long and will be offered at initially with three gasoline engines and a diesel: CLA 180 with 122 HP (90 kW), CLA 200 with 156 HP (115 kW), CLA 250 with 211 HP (155 kW) and the more frugal CLA 220 CDI with 170 HP (125 kW). In September 2013, Mercedes-Benz will unveil the range-topping CLA45 AMG which is rumored to offer 335 HP (246 kW).

The revealing of the CLA sedan is just days away now, stick around to learn more on the CLA Class.

Tipped by :Shrawan Raja – Via: Indian Autos Blog

Official Photos of the CLA-Class Ahead of Detroit

The first official images of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA have made their way on to the web

The first official images of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA have made their way on to the web weeks ahead of its January public debut in 2013 NAIAS in Detroit.

For months, we’ve been bringing you leaked info, rumors,spy photos and videos, and now we are finally able to bring you the official CLA photos. The baby CLS has inherited quite a bit of its design from the Style Concept Coupe, specifically the “floating dots” front grille.

The CLA is based on the all new A-Class, and is about 4.60 meters (181.1 inches) long and will be offered at initially with three gasoline engines and a diesel: CLA 180 with 122 HP (90 kW), CLA 200 with 156 HP (115 kW), CLA 250 with 211 HP (155 kW) and the more frugal CLA 220 CDI with 170 HP (125 kW). In September 2013, Mercedes-Benz will unveil the range-topping CLA45 AMG which is rumored to offer 335 HP (246 kW).

Mercedes has already confirmed a new type of 4MATIC all-wheel drive system for the CLA.

Source: WCF

Mercedes-Benz CLA and CLA45 AMG Inside Look

The CLA is available with high-torque turbo engines rated at up to 155 kW (211 hp), sports suspension & newly developed 4MATIC

With the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, designers have embodied, in a production car, the unconventional design of the Concept Style Coupé that premiered at Auto China fair in April. The compact mid-range CLA adopts the concept vehicle’s non-conformist, provocative and masculine lines. On numerous points of detail the designers drew inspiration from the SLS and CLS modern Mercedes classics – examples being the sporty front end, the powerdomes on the bonnet or the three-dimensional side design featuring an additional brawny muscle extending over the dropping line from the rear door to the boot lid.

Mercedes Concept Style Coupe

In keeping with its sporty positioning, the CLA is available with high-torque turbo engines rated at up to 155 kW (211 hp), sports suspension and the newly developed 4MATIC. The technical highlights of the new design icon include numerous driving assistance systems, such as advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. In addition to outputting visual and acoustic warnings when an impending danger of a rear-end collision is identified, the latter system is also able to carry out autonomous partial braking if the driver fails to respond to warnings and a danger of collision persists.

Five equipment and appointment packages which vary greatly in character are available to individualise the striking compact mid-range coupé (length/width/height: 4630/1777/1437 millimetres). In keeping with the digital lifestyle of the CLA’s social media-savvy target group, smartphones can additionally be fully integrated into the vehicle’s display and operating system.

CLA 45 AMG: the most dynamic way to experience the new 4MATIC

As the high-powered top model of the new compact class, the CLA 45 AMG broadens the portfolio of Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance brand to offer a fascinating high-performance vehicle in the compact class, too. The newly developed AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine will set new standards in its engine capacity segment: with maximum torque of well over 400 Newton metres and low fuel consumption, AMG is aiming to lead the competition. In conjunction with the specially adapted 4MATIC version for this engine-power class, the CLA 45 AMG will be one of the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder series-production compact cars.

Perfect power transmission is ensured in the CLA 45 AMG thanks to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with dual clutch technology and performance-oriented all-wheel drive. The ideal basis for high cornering speeds and exciting, agile handling also comes courtesy of the AMG sports suspension with independently developed front and rear axles, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system and 3-stage ESP® with “SPORT Handling” mode. The 3-stage stability programme is also applied to adapt the control strategies of the variable 4MATIC system:

In “ESP ON” mode a safety-oriented driving programme supports the driver with clear-cut self-steering behaviour, i.e. essentially neutral handling characteristics.

Briefly pressing the ESP® button activates “ESP SPORT Handling Mode”. This dynamically oriented driving mode applies appropriate control strategies for later ESP® intervention and increased drive torque at the rear axle.

Pressing the ESP® button longer activates “ESP OFF”. “ESP OFF” should only be used by experienced drivers on cordoned-off race tracks.

After pressing the brake pedal in “ESP SPORT Handling Mode” or “ESP OFF” mode, all ESP® functions are available once again.

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive System To Be offered On the New 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive is a completely new development tailored to the requirements of the new models with front-wheel drive

Beginning next year, Mercedes-Benz will offer a new variant of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution. This new development is based on the front-wheel-drive architecture with transversely mounted engines. Like the other 4MATIC versions, it boasts high tractive power reserves and outstanding agility accompanied by optimum driving safety and energy efficiency. The new 4MATIC will complement the four all-wheel-drive versions which have been available to date. This will ensure 4×4 technology tailored to the respective vehicle categories – from the CLA and the models of the C-, E-, S-, CLS- and CL-Class to the comprehensive range of SUVs and ATVs covering the GLK-, M-, GL-Class and G-Class. The new 4MATIC will also boost driving enjoyment in the particularly dynamic CLA 45 AMG which, like the series production model, is to be premiered in 2013.

The most innovative components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle which is integrated in the 7G-DCT automated dual clutch transmission and the rear-axle gear with integrated, electrohydraulically controlled multi-disk clutch. This set-up enables fully variable distribution of the drive torque between front and rear axle. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than is available from the competition and high efficiency. Similarly to the front-wheel-drive versions, all 4MATIC models also boast good energy efficiency.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive is a completely new development tailored to the requirements of the new models with front-wheel drive.

Integrated power take-off unit (PTU) channels power to the rear axle

The new 4MATIC comes together with the 7G-DCT seven-speed automated dual clutch transmission. The power flux to the rear powertrain is provided by a compact power take-off unit (PTU) which is fully integrated in the main transmission and is supplied with lubricant from the latter’s oil circuit. This configuration gives rise to substantial weight advantages of up to 25 percent in comparison to rival systems which branch off power by means of an add-on component with its own oil circuit. Together with the friction-minimised tapered roller bearings, the PTU achieves an excellent level of efficiency.

Completely new development with torque-on-demand rear axle

The electrohydraulically actuated multi-disk clutch integrated in the rear-axle gear unit provides for fully variable torque distribution. Basic principle: when the multi-disk clutch is open, the vehicle is driven almost exclusively by the front axle. When the clutch is closed, the rear axle comes into play. The drive torque can be shifted in fully variable mode between front and rear axle according to the given situation (torque on demand).

The system pressure to activate the rear axle is supplied in milliseconds by the rotor pump which is integrated in the rear-axle gear unit. The pump is activated automatically as soon as only minimal speed differences apply between front and rear axle. Pressure control is performed by an ESP®-controlled proportioning valve.

Intelligent control systems for enjoyable driving

The 4MATIC is activated according to the basic principle of “as often as necessary, as rarely as possible”. This means that when the underlying conditions allow, the all-wheel-drive models run almost exclusively in particularly economical front-wheel-drive mode. As soon as the driving situation requires, drive torque is channelled to the rear axle as appropriate. The reverse process takes place just as quickly: as soon as additional drive torque is no longer necessary at the rear axle – e.g. in case of heavy braking manoeuvres with ABS intervention – the rear powertrain is deactivated and torque is reduced to zero.

In case of impending understeering or oversteering under load, the drive torque is first of all distributed such as to stabilise the vehicle. Only if these measures fail to have a stabilising effect do the control systems adapted to 4MATIC conditions, such as ESP® or 4ETS, intervene to keep the vehicle stable.

With this strategy, the developers have managed to combine two key requirements defined in the performance specifications: optimum energy efficiency coupled with maximum driving dynamics and driving safety.

Individual: driving modes to suit personal driving styles

The torque distribution ratio is also dependent on the activated shift programme of the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. In ECO mode less torque is channelled to the rear axle, resulting in gentler handling and supporting an economical driving style at lower revs. In SPORT or MANUAL mode the activation times are shortened and more torque is distributed to the rear axle in the interests of a dynamic, sporty driving style. On the AMG versions, adaptation of the 4MATIC controller takes place in accordance with the 3-stage ESP®.

New 4MATIC featuring in the Mercedes-Benz CLA

The CLA-Class models which are set to appear next year and the particularly agile and powerful CLA 45 AMG will also benefit from the further advances in all-wheel-drive technology from Mercedes-Benz. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA adopts the avant-garde design of the Concept Style Coupé into series production almost 1:1. In keeping with its sporty positioning, the CLA is available with high-torque turbo engines rated at up to 155 kW (211 hp), sports suspension and the newly developed 4MATIC. The technical highlights include numerous driving assistance systems, such as advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.

CLA 45 AMG: the most dynamic way to experience the new 4MATIC

As the high-powered top model of the new compact class, the CLA 45 AMG broadens the portfolio of Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance brand to offer a fascinating high-performance vehicle in this class, too. The newly developed AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine will set new standards in its engine capacity segment: with maximum torque of well over 400 Newton metres and low fuel consumption, AMG is aiming to lead the competition. In conjunction with the specially adapted 4MATIC version for this engine-power class, the CLA 45 AMG will be one of the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder coupés around.

Impressive variety

In addition to the E-Class and the C-Class, both of which are available as Saloon and Estate variants, the 4MATIC model range also extends to the CL luxury coupé, the four-door CLS Coupé and the CLS Shooting Brake. The recently thoroughly overhauled SUVs and ATVs are also included in the range – the M‑Class, the compact GLK, the GL luxury SUV and the legendary G-Class, which still retains its special off-road strengths after 33 years in production. The all-wheel-drive line-up from Mercedes-Benz further includes an exotic model in the guise of the SLS AMG Electric Drive. Four electric motors on this vehicle guarantee tremendous thrust, with fully variable and selective drive torque distribution to the individual wheels. And when the compact models featuring the new 4MATIC generation round off the range next year, it will really be a case of all-wheel drive all-round!

Close Up Spy Photos of the Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz plans to premiere the new CLA model to the world during the Super Bowl XLVII

The latest Mercedes-Benz CLA prototype spy photos are from a parking lot in Budapest, Hungary.

Based on the MFA platform, the CLA will take its engine lineup from the A- and B-Class models and will offer a variety of gasoline and diesels engines with outputs ranging from 108 hp (80 kW) to 208 hp (155 kW) for the regular versions.

The flagship AMG version will feature a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 349 hp (260 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Power will be sent to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system through a 7G-DCT transmission.

As for when we will start seeing ads for the new model – it seems as though Mercedes plans to premiere the car to the world during the Super Bowl XLVII next year, taking advantage of more than 100 million viewers. Last year, Mercedes-Benz aired their new lineup during the big game and next year.

“We have something big to say and we think this is a great vehicle to reach out to that mass affluent audience,” he said. “We hope to use the Super Bowl to kind of open up the Mercedes-Benz brand to a wider audience. There are a lot of people out there who just automatically put Mercedes-Benz in an out-of-reach category.

Apparently, supermodel Kate Upton will be a part of the campaign.

“This is a great opportunity to use this new product coming to market in 2013 as that ‘Wow, I didn’t realize that about Mercedes-Benz.’ That’s the kind of wake-up call opportunity — with a mass audience — that we’re going, we hope, to use the Super Bowl to communicate.”

In case you forgot last year’s Super Bowl Ad, here it is again.

Mercedes said that it is targeting consumers in their 30’s and 40’s for the new car . The new Mercedes-Benz CLA will debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show next month.

Photos via: WCF

2013 Mercedes CLA 45 AMG Video and Photos Leaked

The CLA 45 AMG will likely receive a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 354 hp and has a maximum torque of 450 Nm

Thanks to the latest spy photos and video, courtesy or our good friend Markus, Mercedes-Benz has given us a detailed look at the CLA 45 AMG.

At the 2013 NAIAS in January, the Mercedes-Benz CLA will celebrate its world premiere followed later in the year with the debut of the CLA45 AMG in Frankfurt.

As previously reported, the CLA 45 AMG will likely receive a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 354 hp and has a maximum torque of 450 Nm. It will be partnered with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox that will send the power to all four wheels.

Make sure to view the gallery below and check out the video for the most current look at the all new Mercedes CLA.

Special thanks to Markus for the tip.

Mercedes CLA 45 AMG Detailed Spy Photos

The Mercedes CLA 45 AMG has been confirmed and will make its debut next September at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

The upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG was recently spied near Augsburg, Germany by Michael, a friend of World Car Fans.

Based on the photos that show the large front grille, it seems that it will look a lot like the grille on the Concept A-Class. What makes the grille so interesting is that it has several “dots”. You’ll also notice in the photos that the front fascia is quite aggressive, the new CLA 45 has aerodynamic side skirts, dual exhaust, trunk-mounted spoiler, high-performance brakes and the typical double five-spoke AMG alloys.

As previously reported by WCF, the CLA 45 AMG will likely receive a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 335 HP (246 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. It will be partnered with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox that will send the power to all four wheels. A 0-62 mph sprint should take around five seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The Mercedes CLA 45 AMG has been confirmed and will make its debut next September at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.