Mercedes has been in the SUV business since 1997 and now 12 years later they are introducing the GLK350, the 5th Mercedes SUV/Crossover.  This all new SUV is a slightly tuned down version of the GL SUV and priced respectably at $35,000.  I'm surprised any Mercedes vehicle, let alone a large SUV, can drop below $40k, so color me impressed.

Green drivers will be pleased to hear that the large SUV is capable of 21 miles per gallon on the highway.  That figure becomes even more impressive when you consider that the GLK350 is pushing close to 270 horsepower.  It goes to show that Mercedes has a long running commitment to efficiency and engineering to produce that kind of power in an SUV out of 3.5 small liters and 6 cylinders.

My concern is that bringing an albeit well priced Mercedes SUV this late to the market may not be a smart move.  It's happening all over the US, families are trading in a Mercedes in the drive way for a paid off house.  We'll see how sales place the GLK350 in the SUV market and whether or not Mercedes plans on trimming back some of it's oversized line ups.

Mercedes GLK350

The Black Series Mercedes Benz SL65 has officially been tested by the boys at Motor Trend, whom as the question, what recession?  Basically jetting around in a $300,000 blown V12 makes you wonder who could afford such awesome toys, but apparently Mercedes feels at least 350 people can.  As of this posting Mercedes plans to produce only 350 2010 Mercedes Benz SL65-AMG Black Series.

Check out the pictures of this throbbing race car wrapped in domesticated sex appeal.

RennTech, a popular Mercedes tuning company, is in the process of putting the finishing touches on a hybrid rally car to be displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.   The worlds most potent green machine will function with the same hybrid technology found in Chevrolet and Saturn hybrid vehicles.  However, RennTech is utilizing electric motors in the GLK to help PUSH the light weight rally car out of turns.

Obviously there are a number of other changes to the rally car that are typical with rally race cars.  For example you will find the obligatory fascia modifications and humongous spoiler to aid in high speed stability.

“With the Rally Racer, we have really increased the car’s performance,” continues Feyhl. “Together with the more aggressive, sporting look, we have created a powerful and exciting package.”

RennTech is hoping to prove that high performance nad efficiency can coexist.  Furthermore then note that advancements in the automotive industry were done by enthusiasts that pushed the envelope and demanded higher performance at a lower cost.  The RennTech GLK hybrid rally car will definitely be a site to see at the Auto Show.  Viva La Revolucion!

Admittedly I'm a long time fan of Mercedes cars, even though they are out of my price range I've always had an attachment to their sleek stylings, especially any Mercedes Convertible.  In a word 'sexy' and in a description 'I'd like to find a moist spot on the car somewhere'.  But I'm not just talking about new Mercedes convertibles, I'm talking about aged classics with the drop top.

Below are some of my favorite Mercedes convertible pictures and what I aspire to purchase one day.

Mercedes Benz SL Class ARIZONA CAR MERCEDES BENZ 380SL CONVERTIBLE 2 TOPS NO RUST EVER    US $5,995.00

Mercedes Benz CLK Class CLK430 02 CLKCLASS CONVERTIBLE CD BOSE PREMIUM    US $100.00

Mercedes Benz SLK Class SLK350 APP 7K MILES CONVERTIBLE APPEAR PKG P1 HEATED STS LTHR    US $38,950.00

Mercedes has decided to take a break from pushing their diesel technology on green buyers and released an all new BlueHybrid series car.  The Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid is a radically engineered 'green' car capable of close to 300 horsepower and still get 29 miles per gallong.  Thanks to the use of their 'Blue' technology, Mercedes is able to mount a battery in the engine bay only slightly larger than it's regular 12v battery, instead of a heavy lithium under carriage mount unit.

Mercedes BlueHybrid

Mercedes has released information on a new concept car they are working on, the Mercedes F700.  The idea is to create a car with limousine power, refinement, and luxury with super low fuel consumption.  Basically it's a new toy to make the rich feel better about using Mexicans to mow their enormous yards.  But hey, that's just me and it does look awfully pretty and futuristic.

The engine is a 1.8-litre four cylinder, with twin overhead camshafts with variable timing and two turbochargers acting independently according to a series of valves in the intake system. The fuel is injected directly into the cylinders and the air enters the combustion chambers via either of the two different-sized turbochargers and an inlet-charge cooler. There is also a swirl plate to induce the fuel to spread evenly throughout the combustion charge.

The design is described by Dr Günter Karl as a different approach to the problem.  Sounds 007ish.

(more...)

According to popular news media it looks like Daimler is being sued over a navigation patent in their 07-09 model Mercedes vehicles.  WorldLogic Corp sued Mercedes for an 8.6% royalty per unit and a bonus for 'willful' infrintement.  According to WorldLogic Mercedes has been aware of the infringement since 2005.

MERCEDES 190E GRILLE GRILL CRAP POOP GARBAGE JUNK    US $.01

01 08 MERCEDES C230 C300 C350 XENON HID FOG 6000K 9006    US $2.00

H7 White HID Xenon Bulbs 01 07 MERCEDES C230 C240 C320    US $2.00

Ladies and gentlemen, please start your drool sacks, introducing the all new 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK350.  The 09 SLK is boasting some higher performance numbers and a slightly touched up styling.  The convertible shown below is ready for summer and for those lucky enough to own one, it's leaving people breathless in it's path.

One of the few complaints about the new SLK350 is the new transmission, which replaced the manual of last year.  The 7G-Tronic Manu-matic is not terrible, but still not a traditional manual that lets you rip through the gears...grinding if necessary.

MERCEDES BENZ BIG BOYS TOYS L SHIRT SLK CLK SL SIZE L    US $8.99

Smart Car cartoon t shirt Mercedes Benz Fortwo City    US $9.95

Mercedes Benz 300SL cartoon t shirt 300 SL gullwing    US $9.95

Mercedes Benz LOGO EMBLEM T Shirt T Shirt Tshirt BLK    US $12.99

Classic Mercedes Benz T Shirt Metallic Silver on Black    US $12.99

There are too many factors that play into a Mercedes ability to be sexy. The power, the poshness, the price tag, and the new 09 Mercedes SL63 AMG delivers on all accounts.  The well-to-do will have a hard time passing up this sexy roadster, which just screams power and subtlety.

The 2009 Mercedes SL63 AMG will come with a potent 518 horse power V-8, which screams push me to the limit.  Although it's got the gumption to tear it up on the track, it also does so in style and sophistication you'd be used to in a Benz.  The 2 seater 2009 Mercedes will make guys jealous and women swoon, at home on the track or the quick trip to Wal-Mart...or wherever the super rich shop.

All there we got are rumors about the plant in this bad boy, but it looks like the V6 will remain the standard and the 2009 Mercedes CLK will continue with an optional 5.5l V8. In regards to the 09 CLK, rumor has it there may be a 4matic optional transmission, but expect a base rear wheel 2 wheel drive setup.

This model should be available the end of 2008 and a convertible sometime early 2009. Again, this is purely speculation, but who can't speculate about such a beautiful looking auto? Another first with shots from Edmunds.

Mercedes Benz CLK Class 35 AUTO CLK Low Miles Sunroof Memory Seats Auto Transmission    US $23,993.00

Mercedes Benz CLK Class CLK350 24K MILES WOOD IPOD 6 DISC WHITE COUPE BLK BLK 08    US $29,450.00

Mercedes Benz CLK Class CLK350 SPORT PKG HEATED STS IPOD CONN 4K MILES WE FINANCE    US $35,950.00