Mercedes has revealed the cabriolet variant of its E-Class. It is set to make its live unveiling at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
Tag Archives: Mercedes-Benz
Car of the Year Nominees: Part 4
This is the most important part of the nominees list. This where the the Car of the Year nominees are listed. It’s not the longest list of nominees, but choosing should be hard, as all the contenders are quite good ones.
Car of the Year
Yes, this is the big one. The best car of the year. This must excel in everything. It should be able to satisfy the little child in you, while taking you shopping and your children to school safely and comfortably. Price shouldn’t be too high either.
Volkswagen Golf: Great looks, plenty of practicality, comfortable and it’s good fun, especially in GTI form.
Mazda3: The new small Mazda is based on the Ford Focus so it drives brilliantly. It’s also cheaper than the Ford, it’s built with the same quality and it looks good.
Vauxhall/Opel Astra: As they did with the Insignia, Opel/Vauxhall broke tradition (one more time) with the new Astra, giving it a modern design.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Alex isn’t a fan of the styling but the new E-Class offers a very complete package combined with classic Mercedes quality.
There you are then. All the nominees are now out there. We’ll be working on picking out the best of the best to bring you the winners. We’re already running into arguments, so it won’t be easy and we can’t predict when the winners will be released.
Car of the Year Nominees: Part 3
Here’s the next batch of Car of the Year nominees. Executive Car of the Year and Supercar of the Year are up.
Ferrari will allow Schumacher to leave
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has said that he will let Schumacher leave to Mercedes-Benz GP if he chooses to do so.
Mercedes C-Class facelift leaked
Pictures of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift have leaked on the internet through Mercedes UK’s online configurator.
Changes include a slightly modified front fascia, a new set of wheels, and LED daytime running lights.
I’m not really liking the new wheels, but otherwise, the car seems alright to me.
Source: Jalopnik
Mercedes recalls 2009 G550
Another recall today, this time from Mercedes. They’re recalling 352 2009 G550s due to issues with the fuel line quick connectors, which could be a fire hazard.
The NHTSA says: “The fuel line quick connectors located under the vehicle away from the engine compartment may not have been connected properly on the assembly line and completely seated in the connection. In case of a frontal crash, the fuel pump would no longer function, but a partial dislocation of the line could lead to a potential for fuel loss from the line at the quick connector. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.”
Dealers will check the connection of the fuel line quick connectors and install a new clamp. The recall is expected to begin in January.
If you own a G550, call your local dealership to arrange to get this fixed. Try not to use your car until the fix is installed.
Source: Inside Line
McLaren and Mercedes split
The partnership between McLaren and Mercedes-Benz has come to an end, now that the last SLR McLaren Stirling Moss has been built in Woking at McLaren’s factory.
2010 European Car of the Year Announced
The European Car of the Year jury have announced their 2010 Car of the Year: the Volkswagen Polo.
Mercedes' AMG considering use of alternative fuels
Mercedes’ AMG division is considering the use of alternative fuels, one of which includes diesel.
AMG’s product manager for the C-Class, E-Class, SLK and SL, Oliver Wiech, said that “We are taking an open view and looking at lots of options, but if you look at our announcement on the electric SLS, you can see what is in the future.” He did not exclude diesel.
So electricity as an alternate fuel is definitely on the way, while others such as hydrogen, solar energy, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are under consideration.
To back up the possibility of diesel, there were reports back in 2008 that by 2011, Mercedes would build a diesel AMG version of the E-Class. It was said to be called the Super Hammer. It was supposed to have a twin-turbo diesel developing over 500bhp and a whopping 900nm of torque. The chassis would be taken from the C-Class, but the body was said to most likely be from the E-Class, and would be offered in cabriolet and coupe form. It’s only 2009, so maybe this car is still on its way.
AMG has made a diesel before. Back in 2002, they made the C30 AMG, which was based on the Sport Coupe body. So they’ve got some experience.
Source: WorldCarFans (As well as this page there)
Michael Schumacher may return to Formula 1
Michael Schumacher, holder of an insane amount of Formula 1 records, including the most drivers championships won, may be returning to Formula 1 to race with Mercedes-Benz GP, previously known as Brawn GP, but now taken over by Mercedes, hence the new name.
Mercedes has done a lot for Schumacher. He begun his career racing sportscars there, and they helped him get into Formula 1. Now, Mercedes is giving him a chance to return the sport. They want him as their lead driver. Currently, Schumacher is under a contract with Ferrari, but BCC F1 pundit Eddie Jordan says “…I understand he was due to meet Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo with a view to him being released – and that it will be approved because it is in the interests of F1.” Strangely enough, I saw another article which seems to contradict Autocar’s, saying that he has been sacked from the Formula 1 team as advisor. Mind you, it also mentions that he’s still working with them in the road car department, so perhaps that’s the contract they are talking about.
Jordan told the BBC “I also believe Ross and Michael have spoken in recent times and that Michael likes the idea of driving a Mercedes run by Ross. It’s a mouth-watering idea,” and “Schumacher was bitterly disappointed he didn’t get to come back to replace Massa – he’s keen to race again. And this is a dream for both parties.” That, along with his past relationship with Mercedes, may mean that he’ll end up racing for them. I’d really like to see that. Alex had his doubts about Mercedes-Benz GP doing well next season, but if they get Schumacher on, perhaps that disadvantage will be evened out to create some close competition.