Mercedes-Benz released the first teaser video of the 2012 A-Class today, ahead of its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Mercedes A-Class is entirely wrapped in QR coded camouflage.  The A-Class prototype will be just one of many models making their way  through Germany as part of a contest. One winner will receive  a trip to the car’s unveiling in Switzerland at the Geneva Motor Show. To enter into the contest, people will download the “A-Class QR-Trophy” app from the Apple App Store or Android Market. Once installed, users can then collect badges by scanning QR codes from prototypes, Facebook and Twitter. In total, four different badges will be available and each of them will give you a single entry into the contest.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will be built on the new MFA platform which is also what the B-Class rides on. It is likely that, like the platform, engine options will also carryover from its big brother.  If this is the case, we can expect five petrols with outputs ranging from 109 PS (80 kW / 108 hp) to 204 PS (150 kW / 201 hp). There will also then be four diesels with 122 PS (90 kW / 120 hp) to 204 PS (150 kW / 201 hp).

Spy photos of the third generation Mercedes-Benz Viano made their way to the web today with the very first photos of a chassis test mule.

The Mercedes-Benz Viano was introduced in 2004 as a passenger version of the Vito commercial panel van and went on to receive a facelift in 2010 with revised bumpers and lights.

According to sources multiple prototypes have been spotted around Europe, with all of them sporting the same modified bonnet that can be seen in the Viano spy photos. Some in the office think that with that high of a bonnet and such a massive grille, the model appears to be aggressive almost as if it were an AMG version – but more than likely the design is just a temporary solution in order to fit a new engine and/or its cooling system in the mule’s body, perhaps with some testing equipment too.

The next Mercedes-Benz Vito and Viano are expected to make their debut in 2013 or 2014.  We will of course keep you updated as new information comes in. Also, make sure to watch as there is the chance that a Renault-badged version of the same model will also surface as the partnership between the two groups allows them to work together on both cars and transporters.

Photos Via: Euro Car Blog

The Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake production version was spied today doing cold weather testing. For those of you unfamiliar with the CLS Shooting Brake, it is an estate version (station wagon) of the Mercedes CLS four-door coupe.  For in-depth information, you can visit an old press release here.  Mercedes-benz plans to sell the CLS Shooting Brake with several diesel and petrol engine options. A high-performance CLS63 AMG version of the Shooting Brake is also expected.  The CLS Shooting Brake will go into serial production in 2012, the sporty four-door Coupe with sloping tail end based on the CLS will roll-off the assembly line in the Mercedes-Benz Plant Sindelfingen.

With less than a month left till the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, we were getting more and more excited to get our first glimpse of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Today, that excitement comes to a peak, as German Car forum user “Ich” managed to procure the 2013 SL-Class brochure and graciously took the time to publish select pages of it on the web. The brochure shows the exterior of the SL (which sports a new front fascia that closely resembles the latest generation SLK), an interior overview, and a shot of the instrument cluster / steering wheel.

Beneath the updated exterior, look for a much lighter aluminum design that lowers the weight of the roadster up to 310 pounds. Although the SL is lighter, we are told that the new SL is 20 percent more rigid and has the added benefit of being 30 percent more fuel efficient.

As always, we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest 2013 Mercedes SL-Class information, which more than likely will be officially debuting any day now.

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will finish off 2011 selling around 25,000 units, making it one of the more popular Mercedes models.  It has been so successful that Mercedes has decided to do a substantial face-lift on the upcoming  GL SUV.

From the looks of it, we can expect to see rounder headlights and an updated rear end.  But the big news isn’t the exterior updates, it is what’s under the hood.  While still planning to offer the SUV with a turbocharged V8 as well as in diesels, Mercedes-Benz is also planning to make the massive GL-Class more efficient, beginning with at V6 engine that will likely have direct injection and no turbo option.

We will keep you updated as new photos and information become available, but keep watch in early 2012 for the updates.

Thank you to Jack and Autoblog.nl for the photos.

With its launch date planned for early next year, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was spied out and about with less camouflage then we have seen in the past.

Thanks to these recent spy photos, we are able to get a better idea of what the next-generation Mercedes SL’s design will look like.

As previously mentioned, the 2012 Mercedes SL-Class is expected to received its power from a series of engines that include the 3.5-liter V6 with 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque as well as a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 that features 435 PS (320 kW / 429 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft).

Thanks to Wyatt and WCF for the tip.

Look past its absolutely hideous wheels and golden paint color, and there, below light camouflage, exists the next-generation Mercedes SL-Class.  Expected to makes its debut early next year and hit the market soon thereafter, look for styling closer to that of the current SLK and SLS models, bringing the family into glorious styling harmony.

Under the hood, engine options are likely to include a 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp) 3.5-liter V6 as well as a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 with 408 PS (300 kW / 402 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Furthermore, a high powered SL63 AMG powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 544 PS (400 kW / 537 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque – bumped up to 571 hp with the performance package – is also on the docket.

We’ll keep you posted when we learn more.  In the meantime, hit the gallery for more pics.

Thanks to Autoblog.nl for the photos.

The second-generation Mercedes CLS went on sale earlier this year and now Mercedes is in position to popularize the niche segment once again with the ‘Shooting Brake’ body style that we previewed in the concept version in 2010 at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

Today, the very first spy photos of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake have made their way onto the web. The photographs were taken in Southern Germany on a test run and covered only in the rear, allowing us a relatively unobstructed view of what the new CLS Shooting Brake will look like.

We expect the engines to be the same as in the Mercedes-Benz CLS coupe. The concept debuted with the 3.5-liter V6 unit with an output of 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp) and 370 Nm (273 ft-lb) of torque.

As always, we will keep you up to date as new photos and information emerge. Photos via MotorAuthority.

After immense speculation over whether or not Mercedes-Benz was planning an AMG version of the new B-Class, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class AMG was photographed out on the street.

The B-Class AMG was spied sporting dual exhaust system, aerodynamic body kit and lowered sport suspension. To follow along with the traditional range of improvements seen on AMG vehicles, the 2013 B-Class AMG will receive a revised chassis, exterior enhancements and a higher-performance engine.

Like the Mercedes A-Class AMG, the B-Class AMG is likely going to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine with up to 355 PS (261 kW / 350 hp). Power to the all-wheel drive system will come from a dual-clutch transmission.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available – until then, enjoy the spy photos in the gallery below.

Thanks to Jack and Autoevolution for the tip and photos.

The guys over at WCF were the first to show off the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and they have managed to once again get the first shots of the much talked about Mercedes-Benz A-Class AMG.

The Mercedes A-Class AMG was photographed wearing heavy camouflage and sporting high-performance brakes, AMG wheels and a sporty dual exhaust system, distinguishing it as the AMG prototyp. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class AMG is reportedly slated to compete against the Volkswagen Golf .

A turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine with 320 hp (239 kW / 324 PS) to 350 hp (261 kW / 355 PS) will more than likely power the A-Class AMG and is expected to be put together with a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

As more photos and information come in we will bring it your way.

Mercedes-Benz is currently road testing their much beloved SL roadster, which will likely come to market in mid 2012. Just like the SLK, the SL will likely offer Magic Sky Control with the Vario Roof optional.

The next-generation SL will mimic styling of the SLK and SLS AMG. with engine options likely to include a 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp) 3.5-liter V6 as well as a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 with 408 PS (300 kW / 402 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Furthermore, the SL63 AMG could be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 544 PS (400 kW / 537 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque and 571 hp with the performance package.

The technology in the SL will be updated by including the latest assistance systems, like lane assist and sign recognition. The interior of the new SL will house a steering wheel and center console controls reminiscent of the CLS, the ventilation nozzles will be the same as in SLS, SLK, or new B-Class, centered is the Command with fixed display framed between two air vents.

So far there are no official details about price, but keep in mind that the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG will come with a slightly higher price than that of the current model, which cost $139,050.

Photos via Mercedes-Benz Passion

The upcoming Mercedes-Benz BLS (a.k.a., the Baby CLS) was recently spotted at the Mercedes plant in Hungary. The spy photos confirm the BLS rumors that have been circulating for months, and it’s clear that Mercedes-Benz is indeed planning to move forward with their slightly smaller CLS.

As you’d expect, the baby CLS will be built on the same architecture as the next-generation B-Class.  Front-wheel drive will likely be the choice for the standard version, whereas the AMG version is said to be receiving an all-wheel drive system.

It is not yet certain if the photos show a prototype version of the car or whether Mercedes-Benz is getting it ready it for the IAA in Frankfurt Motor Show this September.  Either way, as additional details come in, we will bring them your way.  Thanks to Markus and BenzInsider for the tip.

Photographer Ben G caught the 2012 Mercedes SL-Class driving in London with minimal covering. We have been bringing you Mercedes SL spy photos for several months and as based on those and the new photos seen below, you see that the 2012 SL will take on the SLK and SLS AMG styling. Engine options will reportedly include a 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp) 3.5-liter V6 in addition to a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 with 408 PS (300 kW / 402 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Reports are also in that the SL63 AMG will be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 544 PS (400 kW / 537 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque.

Thanks to Giana for sending the photos. We will keep you posted with the latest information as it comes in.

Mercedes-Benz let it be known that their new small car range, beginning with the recenlty spied 2012 B-Class, has been designed to be as future proof as possible. Mercedes plans to release a dedicated ‘eco’ version, as well as offering four-wheel drive and a range of alternatively powered models after the initial launch.

The old sandwich chassis architecture has been abandoned, allowing engineers at Mercedes to lower the B-Class’s center of gravity by up to 30mm. To some of us, 30mm might not sound like much, but it should provide a much sportier drive than before. All without sacrificing the comfort that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for.

In addition, Auto Express revealed that beneath the passenger cell, an ‘energy space’ has been engineered into the space between the floor and the under tray, which can be used to store batteries, natural gas tanks and fuel cells in the planned electric, hydrogen and hybrid variants, which are all due out in 2013/14.

The B-Class uses a sophisticated new multi-link rear suspension setup that is designed to accommodate permanent four-wheel drive. These 4matic models will be available as an option on the more powerful engines in the range, but will also feature AMG models, and the forthcoming SUV.

The conventional engines at launch will also feature a multitude of innovations, with an entirely new petrol and heavily revised diesel engine to choose from. According to insiders at Mercedes, the company is looking to utilize its partnership with Renault in order to offer a range of smaller capacity and even three-cylinder engines to provide the most efficient range possible.

The new petrol powerplant is a direct injection 1.6-litre turbo, and will be available in two different states of tune – with either 123bhp or 154bhp – although a lager capacity turbo unit will join the range later next year.

Particular attention has been given to providing the highest possible torque at the lowest revs – so peak shove arrives at a remarkably low 1,250 rpm, and the new unit won’t be limited to the compact cars either, and is set to be introduced on both the C-Class and E-Class saloons in 2012.

The diesel is a smaller, lighter version of the 2.1-litre unit from the current C-Class range, but this time displacing 1.8-litres, with either 108 or 134bhp. Mercedes engineers claim that it has been optimized for maximum efficiency, and that “even the standard diesel engines will offer the same fuel efficiency as the BlueMotion Golf”.

Less economically-minded buyers will be able to choose a more dynamic “Sport” package, which will offer fundamentally different driving characteristics, with a quicker steering rack, 20mm lower suspension, and passive dampers which can adjust to varying road conditions for greater agility.

The B-Class is scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show later this year.

Spy photographers have been working overtime, catching another round of Mercedes-Benz A-Class spy photos only a week after the very first photos of the hatchback emerged. This time however, the A-Class was seen sporting a bit less camo.

The Mercedes A-Class concept compared to the prototype has a much more inspiring design. The next generation A-Class design, based on the prototype, will be toned down and include a traditional Mercedes-Benz grille and slightly more understated tail lights.

The 2012 B-Class engine options will likely be shared with A-Class, so we can expect five petrols with 109 PS (80 kW / 108 hp) to 204 PS (150 kW / 201 hp) in addition to four diesels with 122 PS (90 kW / 120 hp) to 204 PS (150 kW / 201 hp).

For those of you that are AMG fans, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that an AMG variant of the A-Class is in the making. WCF speculates that the model would be called the A25 and feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 325 PS (239 kW / 321 hp) to 355 PS (261 kW / 350 hp). And to make it more fun, there’s the possibility of a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

We will keep you updated over the coming months as we learn more.

The stealthy guys over at WCF manged to get the very first photos of the next generation 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Previous drawings of the 5-door Mercedes A-Class were seen in the patent filing which match up to what we see in the spy photos. The body design of the 5-door A-Class shows a similar shape to that of the Mercedes-Benz 3-door A-Class Concept that debuted at Auto Shanghai.

Overall, the shape of this 2012 A-class looks very similar to the BMW 1-series, moving away from the current MPV shaped A-Class and upcoming new B-Class.

Mercedes is using the 2012 A-Class to insert themselves as a direct competitor to the BMW 1-Series and the Audi A3 while the next-generation B-Class, that will be offering an SUV variant, will be used to go up against the successful BMW X1.

The latest information on the 2012 Mercedes-benz SL63 AMG was revealed today, as a prototype of the next generation model was spotted on the Nurburgring race track. The 2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG being tested is dressed completely in camouflage, so there’s not much on the design we can comment on. A new rear diffuser, redesigned taillights, a smaller boot lid spoiler and a new exhaust system with two double pipes are the only styling elements of the 2012 SL63 AMG that can be seen.

If early reports are correct, Mercedes will fit the 2012 SL63 AMG with the new 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine, which is available in various outputs. The 2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG is expected to get a 536 hp and 800 Nm of torque version.

There are also rumors saying that Mercedes-Benz will offer a Performance Package for the 2012 SL63 AMG. This will increase the output of the car to 563 hp and 900 Nm of torque.

We’ll have more information on the 2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG as it is released.

Source: WorldCarFans

The good people over at the European Patent Office have gone above and beyond their duties and leaked the first photos of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

The Concept Mercedes A-Class was presented in Shanghai and today, the first pictures show the production model as a five-door hatchback with subtle styling. The overall design closely mimics the BMW 1-Series, but the front end is distinguished by a long hood, LED-infused headlights and a two-bar grille.

No one has managed to smuggle out interior photos yet, but according to Mercedes, the car will have a luxurious cabin with a high-tech COMAND system that offers downloadable apps.

The entry-level 1.2 liter A-Class engines will come from Mercedes’ new tie-up with Renault , and the 1.4-liter petrol and a 1.6-liter diesel will be getting engines from the French firm. The rest of the all-four-cylinder line-up will be sourced from Mercedes, with the 1.8-liter direct injection petrol and 2.1 liter diesel.

An AMG unit A22 is also in the pipeline, using a 270bhp. The A-Class Mercedes model will become the second to feature a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard, after the SLS AMG.

Source: automobile-magazine.fr

The very first spy photos of the all new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series have finally hit the web.

Taking cues from its fellow Black Series models, the C63 AMG Black Series Coupe has wider wheel arches and looks a little lower to the ground than the series C63 AMG Coupe. While the spies were able to look under the hood, it was inconclusive as to what specific engine is under the hood.

Previous reports showed the 5.5-liter V8 biturbo, currently seen in the S63 AMG with the AMG Performance Package, which is tuned to produce 571 PS (420 kW / 563 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque under the hood. As a Black Series engine, it is speculated to produce in excess of 600 PS.

As more info and photos come in, we will keep you posted. Our thanks to Andrus and GMotors for the news.

Over the last few months we have been bring you spy photos of the SLS AMG Roadster. We’ve seen it with its top down and testing in the snow but always with heavy camouflage. Today we have the first photos of the AMG Roadster with nearly no camo and we like what we see. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster was spied by World Car Fans while testing on the Nürburgring.

AMG Boss Ola Källenius stated that the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster will be make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September of this year. After its motor show unveiling, the roadster is expected to become available for purchase as a 2012 model shortly after.

The new Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster will be propelled by an AMG 6.3 liter V8 Engine with an output of 420 kW (571 PS / 563 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. The new roadster will top out at 309 km/h (192 mph) and sprint 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds.

As always, we will keep you up to date as news and photos come in.