Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate Black Series

We’ve got another interesting rendering to share with you this evening. The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate Black Series isn’t expected anytime soon but that hasn’t stopped Khalil Bouguerra of Virtuel-Car from attaching Black Series trademark looks to the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate.

It gets wider body work including new fender extensions, side skirts, front fender and rear bumper air vents and a rear diffuser. The car also sits visably closer to the ground which will surely help handling and aerodynamics.

As for the mechanicals that could underpin a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate Black Series, we need look no further than the recent C63 AMG Black Series. Currently the E63 AMG Estate features a 6.2 liter V8 engine with 525hp. The C63 AMG Black Series had a 30hp upgrade so we’d expect the same treatment for an E63 AMG Black Series. A total of 555hp could be the total figure, together with a range of handling and interior upgrades.

What’s more likely is a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Black Series, although now that we have the C63 AMG Black Series that doesn’t look likely.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Let’s just cut straight to the chase. This deceptively demure execu-coupe weighs more than 4800 pounds and can sprint to 60 mph in four seconds. That would be four seconds flat.

The CL63 AMG enters triple-digit speeds in 8.8 seconds, trips the quarter-mile lights in 12.3 at 121 mph, attains 150 mph in less than 20, and maxes out at 190 mph, whereupon its governor says “Das ist genug.”

That’s one governor we’re inclined to agree with, particularly on U.S. highways. You may be able to find places where you deem 190 mph to be reasonable and prudent, particularly in this car, but you’re not likely to find anyone wearing a badge who’ll agree with you.

Primal Power

The source of the CL63’s green-light zeal is AMG’s new twin-turbo, 32-valve direct-injection aluminum V-8. It replaces the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 last seen in the 2010 model, which made 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine leaves the AMG works in Affalterbach, Germany, with a horsepower rating no lower than 536 (at 5500 rpm), and torque of 590 lb-ft, on tap from 2000 to 4500 rpm.

Formidable, but not quite enough to produce acceleration at the threshold of the supercar gate. That level comes with the $7300 AMG Performance package—our vehicle was so equipped—which alters engine mapping, increases max boost from 14.2 psi to 15.6, and adds a snappy carbon-fiber engine cover. The carbon fiber probably doesn’t contribute much to engine output, but the net of the other two tweaks is 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.

The power comes on with an addictive hydraulic rush, no waiting, and the seven-speed automatic transmission makes the most of it. Using the paddle shifters abets savoring this cornucopia of thrust. The shifts are prompt enough, though not on par with those of dual-clutch ’boxes. But there’s such a surplus of torque, and the transmission’s responses in pure automatic modes are so seamless, that simply operating in drive is thoroughly satisfying.

We should note that for really serious torque junkies, with really deep pockets, there’s yet another CL in the lineup that may have even more appeal. The CL65 AMG is propelled by a 6.0-liter SOHC 36-valve twin-turbo V-12 developing 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not enough, you probably need therapy.

Mass and Dynamics

For all its face-distorting thrust, the CL’s really amazing attribute is how adroitly it handles a sinuous stretch of back road. Transient responses belie the big coupe’s substantial mass, and the word “agile” keeps inserting itself into the driver’s mind, making it hard to believe he’s herding almost 2.5 tons of sophisticated machinery.

Cornering attitudes are remarkably flat, information from the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system is abundant, and—for all its roll stiffness—the CL never punishes its occupants, even on the wartiest pavement. Credit the Mercedes Active Body Control active suspension here, as well as the CL’s standard torque-vectoring feature. Baked into the stability-control system, this electronic torque distributor applies selective braking to the inside rear wheel during hard cornering to enhance turn-in. It’s basically undetectable, but the results are hard to criticize.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe

PRICE AS TESTED: $174,035 (base price: $152,375)

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 333 cu in, 5461 cc

Power: 563 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque: 664 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 116.3 in

Length: 201.0 in

Width: 73.7 in Height: 56.2 in

Curb weight: 4825 lb 

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 4.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 8.8 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 14.2 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.3 sec @ 121 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 190 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g

FUEL ECONOMY:

EPA city/highway driving: 15/22 mpg
C/D observed: 21 mpg

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Vitt Performance Mercedes-Benz SL

Vitt Performance already presented a range of body enhancements under their Squalo range. One of their latest is based on the R230 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG. The Vitt Performance Squalo Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG gets a widebody kit with elements taken from the SL65 AMG Black Series.

Among the parts included in the package are a new front bumper, a new front fender, side skirt, rear fender, rear bumper, Black Series-style bonnet and a new rear wing. All parts are finished in a choice of either FPR or carbon fiber. Extras can be ordered including a new exhaust kit, interior parts and a brake system.

The price for the parts is 2,205,000 yen (22,039 euros) for the carbon fiber body panels or 1,942,500 yen (19,415 euros) for the FPR panels. Outside of Japan, Vitt Performance products are distributed by Jonari in the US and at Vitt’s Bangkok shop. Availability in Europe will depend on what Jonari or Vitt Performance can arrange.
 

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The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

It seems that there are so many sports cars coming onto the market that we as individuals are having to turn to websites (such as this) just to keep up. Trust me when I say that I love it. The reason being is that when oil prices ran rampant in 07-08 I was fully expecting a drop off in performance models of all sizes. Today we see that the year of the driver is about to be upon us as manufacturers all over the world are focusing on a few performance models in their lineup. So we have much to look forward too. By the looks of it the Mercedes A45 AMG will certainly be a pick for fast-ass-hatch.

Mercedes has one hell of a performance team at AMG that can bring many smiles to us boys and girl. The AMG performance division will be massaging some pony power from a turbo 2.0L that will be connected to either a 6-speed manual or dual clutch 7-speed auto. Then power is placed to an AWD 4matic system in order to launch this car. What is interesting is that speculations for hp from this 2.0l are hitting numbers like 329hp. If this is the case then expect a very low 5 sec 0-60 and a 13 sec ¼ mile.

This car could simply be the vehicle for individuals that couldn’t get their hands on a BMW 1M. The price for this car will probably start in the high $30’s if not low $40’s because it’s Mercedes Benz and AMG and that equals expensive. If it is too expensive then get the VW Golf-R that starts at 33k or especially the WRX STI. But look for some impressive numbers to be had if MB AMG sticks to their guns and delivers some potent power from an A-Class 2.0L.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the dazed peepers on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, with their heavy, cockeyed lids, would reveal the newest iteration of the hot-rod SL to be an incorrigible drunk with a fondness for the snooze button.

But like many things your granddad told you, it’s poppycock. The SL63 is actually fully alert and has its metaphorical shit together. In fact, it was up hours before you—fresh as a daisy—closing deals like the master of the universe it is.

So ignore the eyes. They mean nothing at all. For soul, you’ll want to look at the great, stonking hunk of twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 that produces, in base-level form, 530 horsepower and great gobs of torque with no apparent effort. That’s 12 more horsepower than the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 made in the previous SL63. With so little difference in peak power, you might wonder why AMG bothered. Indeed, so good was the 6.2-liter that AMG engineers get wistful just talking about it, even in front of the meddling, judgmental press. Goodness, was it a lusty thing with perfectly linear power delivery, immediate throttle response, and an exhaust snarl that would cause wolverines in neighboring states to believe they’d heard the voice of their God.

But, while the 6.2-liter is making its last stand in the C63 and the SLS gullwing and roadster, AMG hasn’t forgotten what keeps buyers coming back.

“One of the most important things for our customers is the sound,” says Tobias Moers, who heads vehicle development at AMG. And despite having a couple of turbos diminishing its exhaust-gas energy, the 5.5-liter in the SL63 positively blares out of its square tailpipes. It has an almost marine-engine quality, with a deep burble at idle that implies positively cavernous cylinders despite giving up 0.7 liter of displacement to the old engine. And that’s not its only trick: When the seven-speed so-called Speedshift automatic upshifts, the exhaust produces a gratifying pop like a single handclap of applause. It invariably makes passengers say “oooooh.” It is also carefully orchestrated by AMG. Some software code in the engine-control system cuts two or four cylinders (depending on load) on upshifts to produce the sound. “It is for emotion,” says Moers.

We’re guessing most owners will love the trick and the engine’s performance. It’s a sort of mobile tsunami of torque. It churns out 590 pound-feet between 2000 and 4500 rpm. That’s a whopping 125 more than the 6.2-liter, which delivered its torque peak at a comparatively high 5200 rpm. If it isn’t as pure and linear as the old engine, this new one is devastatingly effective. Thanks to this engine and a launch-control system, the SL63 should pop off 0-to-60-mph runs a bit below 4.0 seconds. Opt for the AMG Performance package (an extra $9000 on top of the car’s $146,695 base price), and AMG turns up the turbo boost, resulting in a total of 557 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The package also brings red brake calipers, a speed limiter pushed from 155 mph to 186, a steering wheel partially covered in synthetic suede, and a locking limited-slip differential. Mercedes officials acknowledge that the take rate on previous boost packages has been minuscule. But let the record state that it is available and not just something that appears on test cars built for the press (although it surely does appear on most of those). Anyway, an SL63 with the AMG Performance package should produce 0-to-60 times of about 3.7 seconds. Also, Mercedes estimates that the new SL63 (thanks in part to an annoying but easily defeated stop-start system) gets significantly better fuel economy than before.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door roadster

BASE PRICE: $146,695

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 333cu in, 5461cc
Power: 530 or 557 hp 
Torque: 590 or 664 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 101.8 in
Length:182.4 in
Width: 73.9 in Height: 51.2 in
Curb weight: 4150 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.7–3.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.8-12.0 sec
Top speed: 155-186 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 14/21 mpg

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2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

There is something to be said when you drive a nice luxury coupe such as the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. This car tells others that you are either a well to do professional that likes to wrap it up or that you are an empty nester looking to drop those keys into a bowl in the hopes that someone more attractive picks it out. What I am trying to say through this bizarre analogy is that a coupe symbolizes freedom and these coupes symbolize badass looks with a little bit of performance stuffed under the bonnet. From a 1.8L to a 6.3L there is fuel efficiency and then there is speed.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-250 Coupe starts at $37k and offers the Turbo 1.8L. With the 4 banger you get 201 hp and 31 mpg’s on the highway through a 7-speed automatic transmission. Good gas mileage but not good performance. If you or daddy can fork out $42k you can get the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C- 350 Coupe that sports a 3.5L V6 that produces 302 hp. Fuel economy drops but only to 28 mpg on the highway. If you want the muscle car tire melting ability then you need to look at the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe that pumps out 451 hp thanks to its monster 6.3L AMG V8. The AMG C63 gets you from 0-sexy in 4.4 secs. The problem with all that fun is that you are only going to get 19 mpg on the highway if and only if you can keep your foot off the gas pedal, which is impossible. The AMG C63 comes at a price of $61k but hey it’s an AMG. If you have more money then you can go for the AMG C63 Performance Special Edition or for the Black Edition but that’s top secret.

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The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Far too many times a European model comes out for sale and Americans are left either not get the vehicle entirely or miss out on the sickest versions. This practice has become so common in the auto industry that it actually a breath of fresh air to see the Mercedes-Benz is doing it right by bringing us the top dog for sale unless the sneaky Germans have something more powerful up their sleeves.

The 2013 model year Mercedes-Benz is bringing the SLS AMG GT which packs a respectable amount of force power between those sexy gullwing doors. Far too many Honda Civics and Pontiac Sunfires have ruined Lambo doors but thanks to gravity and backyard engineering issues they have yet to ruin the gullwing doors. To me the SLS AMG GT is certainly a wonderful modern interpretation of the iconic 300 SL gullwing and if I were to make enough off of you readers then I would certainly be looking into ownership for this but until then I will stick to only writing about it.

The Mercedes-Benz performance group AMG is filled with those seemingly joyless mechanical engineers that are so damn good at their job that they are a bore to talk to. What they lack in personality they certainly make up for when producing a performance-based V-8 that sings such sweet notes.

Horsepower for the SLS AMG GT is bumped up 20 ponies making now 583 hp with at the torque of 479 lb-ft. This powerful 6.3 L monster is been connected to an out dated seven speed dual clutch transmission that is said to have much more improved manual shifting over the previous SLS AMG.

The price of this beauty is going to run you in the neighborhood of $200,000. And for that amount of money you’re certainly in the realm of exotic cars to choose from. We see a lot of individuals remarking that they would simply purchase a Ferrari 458 Italia instead of this vehicle which is fine by all means as the Ferrari is a driver’s car.

As for me I would likely be more persuaded by the SLS as it seems to me to have a sense of timeless elegance and is a car you can look back in 30 years and see it as being just as beautiful while I am still having a hard time embracing Ferrari’s new designs. Now if I was a racetrack rat that would certainly be looking at the Ferrari or McLaren but for everyday driving I would love to have this stunning Mercedes-Benz SLS.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz announced the first official AMG variant of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class today in the form of the GL63 AMG. The GL63 AMG will compete with the BMW X5M, Range Rover Supercharged and the Toyota Land Cruiser. It’s the second SUV in Mercedes range to get the AMG treatment, following the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG.

The GL63 AMG gets the AMG 5.5 liter V8 biturbo engine that has become synonymous with the ’63' badge. In the GL-Class it produces a peak output of 557hp and maximum torque of 760Nm. This allows a 0 to 100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. For those that need to know, economy figures are 12.3 liters per 100 kilometers (288g CO2/km).

Mercedes have offered an insight into the elements fitted to the engine. It features a high-tech power package including spray-guided direct petrol injection, piezo injectors, biturbo charging, air/water intercooling, an all-aluminium crankcase, a four-valve-per-cylinder design with variable camshaft adjustment, plus alternator management and the ECO start/stop system.

The gearbox will be a seven-speed AMG Speedshift Plus 7G Tronic which transmits the power to the permanent four-wheel drive system. The gear box gets three modes and an automatic double-declutching function for downshifting. These include “Controlled Efficiency” (C) mode where the ECO start/stop function is active, Sport (S) and Manual (M) modes.

The ride benefits from a combination of the 4matic all wheel drive system, AMG ride control, active curve control active roll stabilisation and the airmatic sports suspension program. Roll stabilisation, damping and suspension adapt automatically to the driving surface with three familiar suspension modes, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus”, available at the touch of a button. Also fitted is the 4ETS electronic traction control system.

The steering is electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering connected to five-spoke light-alloy wheels in size 10×21, painted titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish. The braking system is a fade resistance system with ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round in size 390×36 millimeters (front) and 345×26 millimeters (rear).

The exterior design features AMG elements including a new front apron with larger openings, a bottom air intake, trim inserts finished in matt silver chrome around the air intake and LED daytime running lamps in the side air vents. Wheel-arch flaring widens the car by 20 millimeters on each side and the wings and illuminated running boards get V8 Biturbo logos. At the rear, the AMG sports exhaust system with its quad pipes is perhaps the most telling visual image of the GL63 AMG.

Inside, all seven seats in the high-performance SUV are covered in high-quality leather. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats have been fitted with AMG badging, an AMG Performance four-spoke steering wheel is fitted and you get the AMG instrument cluster with central colour TFT monitor.

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Vitt Performance Mercedes-Benz CLS

Vitt Performance latest model is based on the W218 Mercedes-Benz CLS. We’ve seen some fantastic enhancements for the latest CLS, the Wald Black Bison, the Carlsson CK63 RS and the Brabus Rocket are examples that immediately spring to mind. We’re not too sure about this example though, the Japanese tuner added a full set of cosmetic enhancements to the German saloon car. Take a look and see what you think.

The aerodynamic kit consists of a new front bumper, a set of front and rear fender extensions, a side skirt, door panel and a new rear bumper. The look is very aggressive, the front bumper gets massive air intakes with a set of horizontal led daytime running lights. The fender extensions add further air vents and a lot of width the the car. The side skirts and door extensions have a similar effect creating lots of new lines and holes.

At the back, the new rear bumper incorporates an interesting rear diffuser with a full length rear spoiler. Vitt performance also offer an exhaust system for the CLS with oval RS-style tips. The price for the full body kit is 1,155,000 yen which is 11,573 euros at today’s exchange rate. The exhaust price has not yet been announced, the spoiler will cost you 134,400 yen which is 1,346 euros at today’s exchange rate.

Outside of Japan, Vitt Performance products are distributed by Jonari in the US and at Vitt’s Bangkok shop. Availability in Europe will depend on what Jonari or Vitt Performance can arrange.

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Second Gen Fuel-Cell Buses Roll In Switzerland

PostAuto Schweiz AG has become the first company in Switzerland to deploy fuel-cell technology for public road transport.

Since the end of 2011, five Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid models have been serving on routes in and around Brugg (in the canton of Aargau) as PostAuto vehicles. Over the next five years, PostAuto will test the new generation fuel-cell drive, using clean hydrogen as fuel.

The dense network of routes operated by PostAuto around Brugg is ideally suited to the test in terms of both topography and routing, with a mixture of city traffic, country roads and village streets. The routes will be operated by the PostAuto company Voegtlin-Meyer AG, which will also service and refuel the five fuel-cell post vehicles at its garage location.

Aargau Canton is supporting the fuel-cell bus project with a subsidy of 1.5 million Swiss francs from the Swisslos lottery fund. PostAuto expects to save some 2 000 tonnes of CO2 during the five-year test phase.

Compared with the fuel-cell omnibuses that were tested from 2003 on as part of the CUTE and HyFLEET:CUTE projects, the new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid offers significant innovations: hybridisation with energy recovery and storage in lithium-ion batteries, powerful electric motors fitted in the wheel hubs with a continuous output of 120 kilowatt, electrified PTO units and more advanced fuel cells.

These cells will have a service life of at least five years, or 12,000 operating hours.

The fuel-cell stacks in the new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid are identical to those used in the Mercedes-Benz B-Class FCELL with fuel-cell drive. As in the earlier fuel-cell buses, the two stacks are already installed on the vehicle’s roof.

A new addition is lithium-ion batteries, which store energy that is recovered during braking. With the electric power from this energy accumulator, the new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid is able to run for a number of kilometres on battery power alone.

The concept behind the new FuelCELL bus essentially corresponds to that of the Mercedes-Benz BlueTec hybrid buses. However, these derive their electric power from a diesel generator, whereas in the new FuelCELL buses the fuel cells generate the electricity for the drive motors, without producing any emissions whatsoever.

The improved fuel-cell components and the hybridisation with lithium-ion batteries result in a reduction in hydrogen consumption of almost 50 percent for the new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid compared with the previous generation.

As a result, it has been possible to reduce the number of tanks from the total of nine on board the fuel-cell buses deployed in earlier trials to seven on the current vehicles, holding 35 kg of hydrogen in all. The operating range of the fuel-cell bus is now over 150 miles.

With these diverse technical advances, buses running on electric power alone with fuel cells as energy generators are now a major step closer to production maturity.

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Mercedes ML 250 CDI

The new Mercedes M-Class has to tackle the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 head-on. Longer and wider than its predecessor, it’s certainly big enough, but this ML 250 CDI has a 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine.

An engine that size in a 2,100kg 4x4 sounds like a struggle, but the 500Nm of torque ensures the ML is no slouch. It belies its weight with 0-62mph in nine seconds and strong in-gear response.

It’s not as quick or refined as the ML 350 CDI, but you can shift between the seven gears using steering-wheel paddles when you want to push on, or leave the box in auto mode for smooth, effortless progress. And while the engine sounds slightly harsher than the larger six-cylinder diesel, it’s never too noisy.

The steering is weighty and a decent amount of lock is needed to turn, while there’s no shortage of stopping power and very little dive under braking for an SUV of this size. Permanent four-wheel drive means there’s plenty of grip and Mercedes’ Downhill Speed Regulator system is standard.

The main benefit of the four-cylinder diesel engine is reduced running costs. The ML 250’s claimed 44.8mpg economy is 5.6mpg better than the ML 350’s and it emits 24g/km less CO2, too, at 165g/km. That’s more efficient than any of its rivals.

Inside, there’s typical Merc quality and class, solid switches and lots of kit, including keyless entry, an iPod connection, dual climate control and Bluetooth. The faux leather seats are quite firm, yet they’re supportive rather than uncomfortable, with a wide range of electrical adjustment, plus heating and cooling functions.

There’s great detailing, with silver dial surrounds and optional textured wood grain inserts. You also get a class-leading 2,010 litres of boot space thanks to the flat-folding back seats.

So although the ML 250 CDI trades power for lower running costs, it’s still an impressively swift, spacious and refined 4x4.

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Mercedes SLK55 AMG

Mercedes tuning arm AMG is renowned for shoehorning large engines into small cars, and it’s worked its magic again with the SLK55 AMG, which we’ve driven on UK roads for the first time.

A short rump and long nose give the newcomer the look of a classic roadster, and it’s a compact design, although the AMG bodykit and standard 18-inch alloy wheels lend it some more aggression.

In our eyes, this is the best-looking SLK yet, but we still wouldn’t describe it as beefy – at least until you fire the engine.

Under the louvred bonnet is the same 5.5-litre V8 as found in new 63 AMG models, albeit without the twin-turbochargers on the E, SL, and S-Class, as well as the G63 driven on Page 44. Still, this naturally aspirated engine makes 416bhp and 540Nm of torque – enough to take the SLK from 0-62mph in only 4.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited 155mph.

It does so with a typical AMG soundtrack: the V8 erupts from the quad exhaust pipes and emits a carefully choreographed crescendo of pops and bangs on the overrun. It’ll do the same each time the dual-clutch gearbox changes up.

The rest of the package isn’t quite as exciting, though. While the steering provides consistent weighting, it doesn’t have the same level of feedback as the new Porsche Boxster.

Leave the quick-operating folding hard-top in place and refinement is excellent, but stow it in the boot and you can feel the extra weight over the rear axle. Still, body roll is acceptable and there’s plenty of grip in the dry.

The key to the SLK55 AMG’s appeal is its ability to be civilised and efficient one minute and a hooligan the next. Not only is it comfortable, with a high-quality interior and plenty of standard kit, it can also return 33.6mpg. That’s mainly due to the cylinder management system which can deactivate four of the V8’s cylinders below 3,600rpm. And this happens so quickly that most drivers wouldn’t notice if it wasn’t for the dashboard indicator.

It’s not cheap, but with such a breadth of abilities this AMG model is the best SLK on sale.

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Benz B-Class F-CELL Wins German eCar Award 2012

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL is the best electric car with fuel cell - this is the result of an online survey completed by 18,324 readers of specialist magazines "Auto Bild" and "Auto Test."

The B-Class F-CELL is the first passenger car with fuel cell drive to be produced by Mercedes-Benz under series conditions. Production of the model has already been under way since 2009. The vehicle generates the power for its electric drive itself on-board from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Its tank can be filled with hydrogen in three minutes, providing a range of some 248 miles. And thanks to its 100 kilowatt (136 hp) electric motor, it provides driving pleasure and dynamism on a par with a 2.0-litre gas engine. The vehicle's NEDC consumption amounts to just 71 mpg (diesel equivalent). At the same time it produces no emissions whatsoever: the only thing to come out of its exhaust is pure water.

This zero-emission principle, paired with impressive performance characteristics, convinced the readers of the specialist German magazines "Auto Bild" and "Auto Test" to vote the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL into first place in the category "Best electric vehicle with fuel cell", thus enabling it to secure the eCar Award 2012.

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2013 Mercedes S-Class rendered & speculated

While we wait for the official launch of the new Mercedes S-Class, artistic renderings are doing pretty well to feed the imagination. We have already seen one speculative effort and now we bring you a second version courtesy of Wildspeed.

Codenamed W222, the next generation S-Class has been caught on a number of occasions by our spies which has evidently fed the thoughts of the artist. The renderings feature a single frame grille that rides over smiling central air intakes while the additional vents reside on the outer area of the front fascia and incorporate LED daytime running lights. The headlights meanwhile show a unique design that appears similar to those seen on recently spotted camouflaged prototypes.

A similar engine line-up to the current generation is expected to be employed in the new S-Class range, albeit with emissions busting tuning and perhaps a few extra ponies.

The first body style will be unveiled later this year in the form of the S-Class sedan before it is followed by a long-wheelbase sedan, a coupe, a convertible as well as a Maybach replacing Pullman.

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