Spied! Mercedes-Benz Testing V-12 Powered G65 AMG?

See the full gallery on Posterous

That mysterious pair of Mercedes-Benz G-Class mules has once again been spotted by our spy photographer, this time running winter tests in Sweden. The facelifted G-Wagens don’t look that different from when we last saw them in October, but our spy shooter now believes one of them to be the rumored V-12-powered G65 AMG.

The test mules retain the classic, utilitarian shape of the G-Class, and still sport the updated grille, new side mirrors, and revised front bumper that we saw last time around. The dual side-exit exhaust pipes are also present, placed in their usual spot right in front of the rear wheel wells. One interesting difference about these mules, however, is the appearance of openings in the front bumper, which our spy photographer believes hide turbocharger intercoolers. One test mule sports a single intake vent on the passenger side of the front bumper, while its otherwise identical testing partner sports two. Our spy photographer speculates that the one with the single opening is packing Mercedes’ 5.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, estimated to make around 525 hp in the G55 AMG. The other one could be hiding the S65 AMG’s twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 under its hood, good for around 612 hp. If MB’s current naming scheme sticks, that would make this SUV a G65 AMG.

Further evidence that this one is the more powerful of the two can be seen in the brakes, which look upgraded for better stopping power. It’s believed that the V-12-powered G-Class will be a limited-run vehicle, with production numbers as low as 200 units at 250,000 euros (roughly $326,850) a pop. Mercedes-Benz won’t confirm the existence of either vehicle, though rumor has it that these hot boxes could debut as early as the Detroit show in January. Whatever beastly powerplants Mercedes has in store for these rugged machines, we’re glad to see the automaker hasn’t given up on its tried-and-true G-Wagen just yet.

Source: motortrend.com

Stop in and take advantage of our December Oil & Filter Sale!

Receive up to 9 quarts* of Mobile One Synthetic Oil for only $6.75/qt (reg $8.75). Plus, get a new Oil Filter* for only $12.00 (reg $15). Hurry in, there are only a few days left on this great offer!

* For all Mercedes-Benz vehicles model year 1998 and newer, excluding v12, AMG, and Diesel. Over-counter purchase only. Please present offer at time of purchase.

Click here to print your coupon.

Mercedes-Benz launches hybrid offensive

Mercedes-Benz is filling a gap in its model lineup with two models that the automaker says are the most economical luxury-class vehicles in the world. New to the E-Class offering are the E 300 and E 400 BlueTec HYBRIDs.   
The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID combines fuel economy with impressive performance.  Its4-cylinder diesel engine produces204 hp and 369 lb.-ft of torque.Combined with an electric motor producing 27 hp184 lb.-ft., this little power plant is capable of 231 hp and a stunning 553 lb.-ft. of torque.Better yet. Unofficial fuel consumption estimates are as high as 56 mpg using the European standard.  That translates to about 45 mpg here.
The V6 gasoline-fueled engine in the E 400 HYBRID produces 306 hp and 272 lb.-ft., and is also supplemented with 27hpand 184lb.ft.from the electric motor. The consumption figures based on the American CAFE standard are: City 24 mpg, Highway 31 mpg, Combined 27 mpg.
"With these two E-Class models we are now continuing our comprehensive hybrid offensive. The modular technology opens up a quick way for us to complement other model series with hybrid models", explains Professor Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler Board Member for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "With a clear focus on the different requirements of global markets, we are able to offer precisely the models which our customers want. The E-Class hybrids provide a clear reduction in consumption as well as a very impressive driving experience: they represent hybrid motoring at the premium level."
Available as a sedan and wagon, the new models don‘t require passengers to compromise when it comes to space.
The driving experience includes an engine start/stop function to conserve fuel while standing still and regenerative braking to capture and store the energy that would normally be lost during braking.   Hard acceleration will benefit from the boost effect of the electric motor and the energy stored in the lithium ion battery.  Purely electric driving is also possible and Mercedes has hinted at a feature called “sailing function“.  Details are forthcoming.
The hybrid module is flexible, allowing its use in other model series, such as the S 400 HYBRID.  The new hybrid models will premiere at the Detroit Auto Show and will appear on the market during the 2012 calendar year. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is initially planned to be launched on the European market, while the E 400 HYBRID will be made available on the American market first, followed by other countries such as Japan and China later.
Source: examiner.com

The G-Class is the Classic Mercedes-Benz Off-Roader

A lot more than just snow and ice is needed to stop this car.

The commanding presence of the 2012 S-Class, elegant in motion or at a standstill!

Elegant in motion or at a standstill, the commanding presence of the 2012 S-Class starts with a majestic grille that sweeps elegantly from the chiseled front bumper.

Click here to learn more about this special and to view our other specials.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hybrids to Bow at 2012 Detroit Show

It appears that the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL may be sharing the spotlight at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.  According to a report by Autocar, Mercedes-Benz will introduce two new E-Class hybrids at the Detroit show. The E-Class is already one of the most varied models in the automakers portfolio with sedans, coupes, cabriolets, wagon, all-wheel drive, and high-performance variants available. These two new hybrids add to that list and will bring some eco-friendly cred to the E-Class.

The first hybrid is the E300 Bluetec, expected to go on sale in Europe next September. The E300 will include a 2.1-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel rated at 201 hp and 369-lb feet of torque. Adding to that torque-tastic figure is an electric motor rated at 27 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The E300 is expected to scoot from 0-62 mph in just 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph. Autocar also reports that it will emit 109g/km of CO2 emissions, 40g/km less than the gas-powered BMW Active5 Hybrid. According to our source at Mercedes-Benz USA, there are no plans to bring the E300 to the States for now, though that could change in the future.

Next up is the E400 Hybrid, which will be a U.S.-only car. The E400 will get the E300’s electric motor combined with the 3.5-liter, V-6 engine (302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque) already used in other models. It’s estimated to achieve a combined 32.4 mpg on the U.S. fuel cycle. Both vehicles will feature a number of fuel-sipping tricks such as start/stop, a sailing mode, low resistance tires, and brake energy recuperation. Mercedes-Benz will reveal the detailed specs closer to the Detroit show.

Source: motortrend.com

2011 Mercedes-Benz E350: A smooth ride with beautiful design and exceptional performance

See the full gallery on Posterous

Learn more about this beautiful vehicle.