Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe & Cabriolet Sport Edition

Yep, it’s another “sport edition” and guess what? Don’t be shocked but, it gets an AMG bodykit with front and rear aprons, side skirts, 18-inch alloy wheels (front 225/40 R 18, rear 255/35 R18) and a sport exhaust tailpipe on the outside and black upholstery, sport pedals and velour floor mats with silver-colored edging in the inside! Totally insane isn’t? Before we let you check out the image gallery and the press-release, let us inform you that the “Sport Edition” package in only available for AVANTGARDE variants of the CLK models and it costs 3.332 Euro / 4.533 USD.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below
Press Release: Mercedes-Benz CLK Sport Edition: Exclusive Coupés and Cabriolets now even more dynamic and attractive
Stuttgart, Apr 19, 2007
With its sporty appearance and sumptuous level of appointments, the immediately available Sport Edition is a new highlight among the Coupés and Cabriolets of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. 18-inch light-alloy wheels in an exclusive design, AMG styling features in the exterior and bi-xenon headlamps as standard give this special model a particularly distinctive appearance. The sporty, exclusive atmosphere of the interior is especially characterised by the grippy AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, aluminium-look sports pedals and special velour floor mats.
The letter combination CLK has denoted excitement and driving pleasure for many years. The new "Sport Edition" special model now makes the Coupés and Cabriolets of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class even more desirable. Both externally and in the interior, the Sport Edition further upgrades the CLK models and makes them even more attractive and dynamic.
The exciting design of the CLK-Class is accentuated by muscular AMG styling features for an even more dynamic appearance. These include a front apron with more pronounced contours, as well as the rear apron and side skirts which typify AMG models. Large, 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a new, six twin-spoke design (front 225/40 R 18, rear 255/35 R18) further enhance the sporty appearance and contribute to driving pleasure. The same applies to the perforated front brake discs. The brake callipers of Sport Edition models bear the lettering "Mercedes-Benz".
The special CLK Sport Edition models are equipped with bi-xenon headlamps including dynamic beam control, cornering lights with an integral foglamp function and a headlamp washer system as standard. The Active Light System is also available as optional equipment. A large, chrome-plated exhaust tailpipe and a special rear silencer provide a sonorous, sporty exhaust note.
Sporty, masculine features
The new Sport Edition is based on the already sporty configuration of the luxurious AVANTGARDE design and equipment line. In models equipped with an automatic transmission, an AMG sports steering wheel with upper sections of perforated leather and steering wheel shift paddles ensures an even more sporty touch. Depending on the engine variant, a further technical highlight is available in the form of the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the world’s only car transmission of this kind. Its seven gears can be shifted either automatically, via a manual shift programme or by means of steering wheel shift paddles as in the motor racing world. Moreover, 7G-TRONIC Sport reduces gearshift times by up to 30 percent.
The sporty atmosphere of the interior is accentuated by black upholstery in a combination of high-quality ARTICO man-made leather and fabric. A black leather interior is also available on request. Other sporty touches include a sports pedal cluster with an aluminium look and non-slip studs, as well as velour floor mats with silver-coloured edging.
The special models of the Mercedes-Benz CLK Sport Edition are available as Coupés and Cabriolets, with a choice of six powerful engine variants which are among the most economical in their class.
This attractive enhancement package provides a further individualisation option, and is only available for AVANTGARDE variants of the CLK models. The cost of this sporty equipment package is 3 332 Euro (incl. VAT).

Mercedes S-Class Tuning: ASMA Design Eagle II Sport Edition

What; an ASMA without a Darth Vader grille? Oh come on, that’s so, so disappointing. I guess ASMA’s latest Mercedes S-Class bodykit is addressed towards a more subtlety-bad-tasted crowd. But there’s no need to worry as all who which to make a fashion/taste statement through their ride ASMA is still offering the “Eagle I” S-Class pacage. -Press Release & High-res pics after the jump

Press Release: ASMA Design Eagle II Sport Edition

The new Project becomes through our amazing performance kit a never seen experience on the roads of Germany. This amazing model is crowned with the name “Eagle II“. The powerful wings of an eagle which are symbolized by the typical ASMA Design Air Intakes in the front fenders of the car, the perfect body kit with the typical ASMA Design elements and the bi-colour painting are creating this dominating presence.
Promises are promises and we keep our promises because we put another accent on the rear which makes you scared like the dominating front and the exhaust system.
Its body control is just stunning, its combination of comfort and structural integrity masterful. The ASMA Design wheels on the front axle in 9,5 x 21 inch and on the back axle in 11 x 21 are completing the excellent design of the car. The wheels are on the front axle vast 255/30/21 and on the back axle 295/25/21.

• Engine 5.5-liter V-8
• Horsepower 425 bhp @ 6000 rpm
• Torque 430 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
• Transmission 7-speed automatic
• Brakes, Front 13.9-in. vented discs
• Brakes, Rear 12.6-in. vented discs

Via: eMercedesBenz , Source: ASMA

Official: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Mercedes just unleashed the long-awaited SLR McLaren Roadster which will go on sale from September 2007. Like the 1999 Vision SLR concept on which it's based, the production version of the SLR McLaren Roadster retains the scissor-type doors of its coupe counterpart. Unlike the SL and SLK roadsters, the SLR features a retractable soft-top which is available in three different colors. The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, with the driver having to a little “dirty” work by unlocking the roof from the windscreen frame and briefly raising it, after which it folds away electrically. We have to say that, while we love the SLR McLaren Roadster’s appearance with the top down, we’re not so enthusiastic about the cars looks when its roof on. -Click “read More…” below for high-res images & the press release
Disproving rumors that Mercedes would prefer the upgraded 650Hp V8 of the SLR McLaren 722 Special Edition, the Roadster retains the “stock” 626Hp turbocharged V8 which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission. According to Mercedes, the Roadster sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3,8 sec while it reaches a maximum speed of 332km/h (206mph) which identical to the Coupe’s performance figures -3,8 sec & 334 km/h (207mph) respectively.

Press Release

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster: An open-air adventure for all the senses
Stuttgart, May 04, 2007
Mercedes-Benz will in future also market its SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster with a top. In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it, too, will be made of carbon fibre, a material that will endow the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupé version. This gives rise, in combination with the racing-type chassis, to outstanding ride characteristics.
The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h, therefore at the same high level as the coupé. Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.

Like the coupé version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR leg-end of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.

The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.

The puristic top is suitable for high speeds

The exceptional qualities of the Roadster are attributable also to the fully retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the SLR McLaren. Its newly developed roof material, which is available in three different colours, not only guarantees complete suitability for everyday use in all weathers, but also endows the high-performance sports car with characteristics that are exception-ally unusual in a roadster. For example, at 332 km/h, the maximum speed is at the high level of the coupé version. Conversation is still possible at well over 200 km/h on open-air journeys thanks to the favourable aeroacoustics.

The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, thereby combining the desire for convenience with the puristic character of the roadster. To open, the roof merely needs to be unlocked from the windscreen frame and be briefly raised, after which it folds away electrically. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when re-tracted.

Sophisticated aerodynamics and racing-type chassis

In the wind tunnel, the Roadster has been optimised for high speeds with regard to handling, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. It likewise employs the aerodynamic concept already known from the coupé version, featuring an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffusor in the rear bumper to provide increased downforce on the rear axle.

The open two-seater is equipped with a racing-type chassis featuring high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs, thereby setting extremely high stan-dards. Its front-mid-engine provides for optimum weight distribution. With 460 kW/626 hp and a maximum torque of 780 Nm, the AMG V8 compressor engine, which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, accelerates the Roadster from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Unique safety and exclusive fittings

A high degree of safety is ensured by unique carbon-fibre crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. The comprehensive specification also features adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

The exclusive standard equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, like the coupé, is produced at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, in accordance with stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria and will be available as from September 2007.

New Mercedes C250 CDI BluEFFICIENCY: 45.2mpg and 0 to 62mph in 7.0’’

Mercedes-Benz has developed a completely new turbo diesel engine generation that will make its world premiere on a C-Class model at the Paris Auto Show. In the limited production C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition, the 4-cylinder 2.2-liter diesel produces an output of 204 hp and a massive 500Nm or 368 lb-ft of torque. Combined to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the premiere model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 7.0 sec and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph).

Despite the impressive performance figures –especially for a diesel engine with just 2.2-liters of displacement, the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition consumes an average of just 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km. Apart from the C-Class, the new diesel engine will also be installed in the E-Class, in the new GLK-Class and in the future E-Class Coupe. -Continued

In the case of the premier model, production of the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition will be limited to 5,000 units with prices in Germany starting from €40,638. The special edition sedan will be offered in obsidian black, palladium silver, iridium silver and in the special paint finish diamond white metallic.

Special features of the Prime Edition include airflow-enhancing exterior-mirror housings as well as smooth underbody cladding, low rolling resistance tires, and a an efficient energy-management system with adaptive power steering, which with the help of an additional valve, closes the flow of the power-steering pump when it is not required.

New Mercedes-Benz GLK Unofficially Revealed

The first images and details of the production Mercedes-Benz GLK were leaked into the internet this morning, prior to the compact SUV’s scheduled debut at this week’s Beijing Auto Show (20 – 28 April). Based on a modified version of C-Class platform the GLK will compete with the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander, Infiniti EX, Volvo XC60 and the forthcoming Audi Q5 in the premium compact SUV segment.

The GLK’s “edgy” appearance that’s inspired from the larger GL holds no surprises as we already got a taste of it through the pre-production version at the Detroit and Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The “edgy” styling theme is also continued in the premium SUV’s cabin, which to be honest, isn’t exactly what we'd call awe inspiring...

The 4.528 mm / 178.2 in. long GLK will be initially offered with the choice of four engine options: the gasoline-powered GLK 280 (231Hp 3.0-liter V6) and GLK 350 (272Hp 3.5-liter V6) and the diesel-powered GLK 220 CDI (170Hp 2.1-liter 4cylinder) and GLK 320 CDI (224Hp 3.0-liter V6). All versions will come with Mercedes-Benz’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. -26 Images after the jump

2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK Caught During The Filming Of The Sex & The City Movie!

Oh boy, I hope none of my ex-girlfriends are reading this; I just voluntarily wasted five minutes of my life watching scenes from the filming of the 'Sex & The City - The Movie'. But alas; it was for a good cause as I was tipped from a female friend of mine (it would be strange if it were a man…) that the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK can be seen in the beginning of the clip. Apparently, the GLK is making a promotional appearance in the film, though to be honest, that could be a good enough reason for many people not to buy it… From what we’ve heard, the Mercedes’ compact SUV will make it’s public debut at the 2008 Detroit Show in January.

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Officially Revealed: 50 High-Res Photos

Mercedes-Benz has officially pulled the wraps off its all-new 2010 E-Class Estate that will be joining the sedan and coupe variants of the executive model from this November. Measuring 4,895 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width and 1,471 mm in height is not only larger than the outgoing model, but also the largest estate car in the premium segment. It boasts a maximum load capacity of 1,950 liters along while other features include the 'easy-pack' tailgate that opens automatically and the 'quickfold' rear seats that can be folded down easily from the load compartment.

The E-Class Estate's interior also benefits from the larger exterior dimensions as the elbow width in the rear has been increased by 50 mm to 1,505 mm while rear headroom with the large tilting/sliding sunroof installed has also improved by 50 mm to 1,010 mm (versions with no sunroof 1,012 mm).

Like any other model from the Stuttgart automaker, the E-Class Estate is showered with safety and technology features such as nine airbags that can be increased to 11 if customers opt for the extra rear passenger side airbags, four belt tensioners and belt force limiters, NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints and a newly developed DIRECT CONTROL self-leveling suspension, which features the adaptive damping system as standard.

The engine line-up for the new Estate at launch will comprise of five units, three diesels producing between 170HP and 231HP, and two gasoline engines with up to 388HP. In the first quarter of 2010, Mercedes will enhance the range with five more model including the AWD E350 4MATIC. For more details on the engine line-up as well as initial German pricing, check out the box below.

2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID: First Production Car with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Mercedes-Benz has released further details on its first production model equipped with a hybrid drive system, the S400 BlueHYBRID that will go on sale in Europe in June 2009 with China and the USA following in August and September 2009 respectively. Based on the S350, the S400 BlueHYBRID combines a modified 279HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine and an electric motor generating 20 HP and a starting torque of 160 Nm or 118-lbs/ft that’s installed in the torque converter housing between the engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission. The result is a combined output of 299 HP and a combined maximum torque of 385 Nm or 283-lbs/ft. -Continued

Quite importantly (and unless someone beats the Germans to it), the S400 BlueHYBIRD will be the first series-production model to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery. The advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and better electrical efficiency, together with more compact dimensions and a lower weight.

What’s more important to consumers is that the battery pack is installed in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery. This means that the interior space and boot capacity of the S400 remain unchanged. Additionally, thanks to its compact dimensions and modular design, the additional weight of the overall hybrid system including the comprehensive safety systems is only 75 kg or 165 lbs.

As with most hybrids today, when the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy which is then stored in lithium-ion battery pack and made available when required. The hybrid module also has a start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill- for example at traffic lights. When it's time to move on, the electric motor restarts the main power unit.

According to Merc’s official figures, the S400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 sec, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph. More importantly, the S 400 BlueHYBRID betters the average fuel consumption figure of the conventionally powered S350 by up to 2.2 lt /100 km, at 7.9 lt /100 km (29.8 MPG US) and CO2 emissions by 21 percent at 190 gr /km.

Want to Drive the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG Gulwing Supercar? Read On...

In a classic example of how press departments often miss the point / opportunity when it comes to marketing their own products and services, somewhere after the sixth paragraph in the release on the U.S. launch of the AMG academy this fall, Mercedes states: "Drivers attending the AMG Driving Academy Stage One at Laguna Seca Raceway from November 17-20 will have the opportunity to be among the very first to drive the most technologically advanced AMG ever – the all-new 2011 SLS AMG." Jeez, that should have been marked with big bold letters right in the title...

But anyways. For those of you residing in the States who are interested in test driving one of the most anticipated supercars of the year at the Laguna Seca race track, you'll have to sign up (see info below) for Merc's Stage 1 SLS program that demands a fee of $2,295 (roughly €1,650) which includes a one night stand stay at the InterContinental Hotel in Monterey.

Mercedes also offers two more programs for its AMG Driving Academy across three race tracks at Lime Rock Park, CT (September 9-15), Laguna Seca Raceway at Monterey, CA (November 7-8 & 17-20) and Palm Beach International Raceway at West Palm Beach, FL (September 22-27).

Aside from the aforementioned Stage 1 SLS, there's the one-day Stage I program designed to educate drivers on the fundamentals of performance driving dynamics and car control maneuvers (it'll cost you $1,895) and the Stage II which is a more comprehensive two-day program providing a deeper level of technical driver training, on and off the track. The latter costs $3,495 and is offered only to drivers that have completed Stage I or as Mercedes states, 'an equivalent course'.

Drivers attending these courses will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of several AMG models including the all-new 2010 E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series.

The fees mentioned above include a dinner reception, AMG Driving Academy certificate of program completion and an AMG gift bag. However, bear in mind that travel expenses and accommodations (expect for the Stage 1 SLS drive) are not included. If you want to learn more about the programs head over to AMG Academy'sdedicated site or if you're the kind of person that prefers talking on the phone, you can contact Mercedes at 1-800-217-6916.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: 27 High-Res Photos and Official Info

Stuttgart's BMW M5 and Audi RS6 rival was officially revealed today ahead of the sport saloon's world premiere at the New York Auto Show, open to the public April 10-19, 2009 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. At the heart of the new E63 AMG is a 6.3-liter V8 engine packing 525-horspower and a peak torque of 630Nm or for the U.S. spec model, 518HP and 465 lb.-ft. torque. The engine is hooked up to a new 7-speed automatic transmission and according to Merc, the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph.

Not that anyone interested in the E63 AMG cares, but the German automaker claims that despite 11HP of additional output versus the preceding model, fuel consumption in the model has been reduced by around 12 percent to 12.6 lt/100km (18.6mpg US).

To improve handling, the 2010 E63 AMG is equipped with an electronically controlled damping system and a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 56-millimetre wider track while the rear axle has more negative camber, optimized elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting.

Furthermore, the AMG sports saloon gets a different powering steering system, individual 3-stage ESP and a high-performance braking system with 360-millimetre, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. The E63 AMG rides on 18-inch light-alloy wheels shod in tire sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

As for the car's looks, the AMG model is distinguished on the outside by a somewhat subtle bodykit that consists of a new front bumper, side skirts, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser and tinted headlamps. Likewise, the interior is updated with a new set of sport seats, an AMG steering wheel, revised instrument cluster and a sportier trim.

The market launch of the new E 63 AMG will commence worldwide in August 2009.

First Look at Wald's 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Black Bison Sports Package

No sooner than Wald International showed off the finished Toyota Land Cruiser Black Bison Edition, the crew over at Japan's 'house of styling' revealed their latest Black Bison project in the form of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan (codenamed W212). We've only got a teaser photo to go by for now as the tuning company did not release any information whatsoever. However, expect the Black Bison Edition Sports Line package to include a full body kit, new alloy wheel designs and more likely than not, suspension and brake upgrades as well as interior enhancements.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Previewed Through Scale Model?

While Mercedes-Benz is trying to keep the prototype models of the next generation E-Class Estate hidden under heavy camouflage, a series of photos depicting a 1:43 die cast model of the car have made their way into various forums on the net. There's no mention of the name of the company that makes the scale model, but the build quality looks pretty high.

And even though there's no way of being 100 percent sure about the accuracy of the design, judging by the numerous spy shots we've seen so far, we'd say that the die-cast model's styling is very darn close to the real-life E-Class Estate that is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Previewed Through Scale Model?

While Mercedes-Benz is trying to keep the prototype models of the next generation E-Class Estate hidden under heavy camouflage, a series of photos depicting a 1:43 die cast model of the car have made their way into various forums on the net. There's no mention of the name of the company that makes the scale model, but the build quality looks pretty high.

And even though there's no way of being 100 percent sure about the accuracy of the design, judging by the numerous spy shots we've seen so far, we'd say that the die-cast model's styling is very darn close to the real-life E-Class Estate that is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Previewed Through Scale Model?

While Mercedes-Benz is trying to keep the prototype models of the next generation E-Class Estate hidden under heavy camouflage, a series of photos depicting a 1:43 die cast model of the car have made their way into various forums on the net. There's no mention of the name of the company that makes the scale model, but the build quality looks pretty high.

And even though there's no way of being 100 percent sure about the accuracy of the design, judging by the numerous spy shots we've seen so far, we'd say that the die-cast model's styling is very darn close to the real-life E-Class Estate that is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

2009 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets New Diesel Engines and 6-Speed Gearboxes

For the 2009MY, Mercedes-Benz's Sprinter van has been updated with the introduction of a new generation of diesel engines and six-speed manual transmissions along with numerous, but of less importance, features. The new four-cylinder OM 651 diesel engine is a completely new design sharing only shares its overall displacement of 2.15-liters with its predecessor. It is available with three outputs (95HP and 250Nm, 129HP and 305Nm, 163HP and 360Nm) and complies with the stricter Euro 5 emission standard.

The range-topping 3.0-liter V6 OM 642 diesel engine has been revised for 2009 producing a slightly higher (190HP at 3,800 rpm) output and a ten percent increase in maximum torque (440Nm at 1400-2400 rpm).

Both the four-cylinder and V6 diesel engines are offered with a new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission with a low first gear and high sixth gear. The transmission is available in two versions, namely the ECO Gear 360 for the four-cylinder engines and the heavy-duty ECO Gear 480 with wider gear teeth and a more rigid housing for the six-cylinder diesel engine.

Other improvements for the 2009MY Sprinter include the enhanced ESP trailer stabilisation system, the new adaptive brake light, heated wide-angle mirror, lower position of the front foglamps and automatic transmission with Start-Off Assist plus a new wireless hands-free system and radio units.

2010 Mercedes E-Class Cabrio Leaked Design

These grainy black and white pictures of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet were filed with the EU trademark office. Therefore we can safely take them as the real deal. Recent spy activity around the car has not captured it in its bare form although more and more bits have been revealed.

Mercedes-Benz is using a soft top canvass roof option like Audi's A5 Cabriolet, not the hard top adopted by BMW and Volvo. Like the E-Class Coupe there is space for four people but only official information will tell if all four are adults or two are kids.

Engines will mimic those of the Coupe and include a 3.5-litre V6 with 215kW (292hp) and a 5.5-litre V8 making 285kW (388hp). The expected main transmission would be the 7-speed currently doing rounds in the whole Mercedes-Benz range.

Because there is no E-Class Coupe AMG coming, the Cabriolet will also not have this high-performance version in its line-up. However Mercedes might extend the AMG Sports pack which includes 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels and a sports suspension, to the soft-top buyers as well.

Mercedes-Benz Debuts SLS AMG Desert Gold at Dubai Show

As the age old saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Not to stereotype, but you have to admit that the United Arab Emirates have had their fare share of gold-finished exotic supercars and as such, Mercedes-Benz decided to show off a special SLS AMG Gullwing with the designation "AMG Desert Gold" with a matt gold color at the bi-annual Dubai Motor Show that runs from December 15 to 20.

In addition to matt gold paintwork, all the decorative and mounted features like the Mercedes star at the front and the fins on the bonnet and flanks that are in shining chrome or Silver Shadow in the standard SLS AMG have been given a deep-black paint finish on the show car.

The same goes for the black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear that are embellished with a golden ring on the rim flange.

Mercedes chose to leave the interior of the 571HP gullwing-supercar intact, opting for black leather and carbon fiber trim.

The Stuttgart automaker noted that while the AMG Desert Gold treatment has been used only for the display vehicle at the Dubai show, if there's enough interest generated, the special gold paint finish could become available as an individual optional extra from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO.

And if not, we're pretty sure that those SLS AMG owners that find the gold finish alluring will find a way to do it anyway...