The new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY": 45 years of AMG - Marking the anniversary with high-performance and style

To mark its 45th birthday in June 2012, Mercedes-Benz's high-performance AMG brand is presenting the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY". The V12 roadster boasts an exclusive array of unusual appointments and design features. The special anniversary model is being produced in a limited edition of 45 vehicles. AMG also presented a limited special model to mark its 40th birthday: the 40 cars produced as the CL 65 AMG "40th Anniversary" edition in 2007 have since become valuable collectors' items. Mercedes-Benz's high-performance AMG brand was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. Over the past 45 years the former two-man company has evolved into a world-renowned producer of unique high-performance automobiles.

"To mark AMG's 45th birthday we are presenting the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY" – a very special anniversary model in a limited edition of 45 vehicles. The superior V12 roadster with exclusive appointments embodies our brand claim "Driving Performance" to perfection", says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The designers have created a new paint finish exclusively for the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY": designo magno graphite. This grey colour with its satin look further highlights the V12 roadster's supremely powerful character. The matt finish brings out the contours of the aluminium body in particularly striking guise. Highlights in the form of high-gloss chrome applications add interesting contrasts.

Such highlights include the new "twin-blade" radiator grille with blade-like slats, the surround for the AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights and the fins on the wings and the hood, for example.

Exterior Carbon-Fibre package in matt finish

The Exterior Carbon-Fibre package in matt finish is exclusive to the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY". The cross strut in the front apron, the exterior mirrors and the spoiler lip are produced in genuine carbon fibre with a satin finish. The AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine features the same look: the high-quality engine cover consists of matt carbon fibre and aluminium.

The AMG sports exhaust system provides for a characteristic engine sound. The outer surround of the twin tailpipe comes in black with chrome plating, while the inner insert is finished in high-gloss chrome. The AMG multi-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey with high-sheen rim flange and matt finish round off the appearance to perfection. The light-alloy wheels from the AMG Performance Studio are fitted with tyres in size 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the rear.

Exquisitely designed interior with full range of appointments

The interior design of the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY" has been carefully coordinated with the special designo magno graphite paint finish: sitting in the highly exclusive AMG V12 roadster, one is surrounded by a composition of exquisite materials and exceptional workmanship combined with a comprehensive scope of standard-fit appointments.

A defining stylistic element is the upholstery in designo Exclusive STYLE leather in titanium grey pearl/ginger beige. The distinctive upholstery featuring the AMG-specific V12 layout with a diamond pattern adorns both the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats and the door centre panels. Embossed AMG emblems on the seat backrests exude the same class as the designo nappa leather roof lining in ginger beige featuring special stitching details in AMG V12 diamond pattern.

The AMG Performance steering wheel sports an AMG logo in its bottom bezel and offers a two-tone rim in titanium grey/ginger beige. The AMG trim elements are also finished in matt carbon fibre to match the matt finish of the Exterior Carbon-Fibre package. A badge on the ashtray cover bearing the logo "45th ANNIVERSARY – 1 OF 45" alludes to the 45th birthday of the AMG high-performance brand and highlights the exclusive character of this very special SL 65 AMG.

The key data at a glance:

The SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY" features an exclusive and extensive range of standard-fit appointments (selection):

- AIRSCARF

- Active Parking Assist incl. PARKTRONIC

- Active Multicontour Seat package

- AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system

- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system

- COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer

- Driving Assistance package Plus with DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist

- Frontbass

- Intelligent Light System (ILS)

- Media interface

- KEYLESS-GO Convenience package (incl. remote-closing boot lid and HANDS-FREE ACCESS system)

- MAGIC VISION CONTROL

- NECK-PRO head restraints

- Panoramic vario roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL

- PRE-SAFE® system

- Door power closing

- Automatic, pop-up roll-over bars for driver and front passenger

- Electric draught-stop

AMG Performance Media with telemetry function is additionally available from the AMG Performance Studio as an optional extra

The market launch of the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY" will take place in September 2012.

45 years of high performance – the history of AMG

AMG – this brand stands for "Driving Performance", Mercedes-Benz-style. An uncompromisingly sporty driving experience is the hallmark of automobiles developed by AMG. This sporty character is shaped by unique driving dynamics together with maximum agility, a fascinating sound and emphatically sporty design. "Driving Performance" also embodies AMG's aspiration to be a driving force and innovator in the development of high-performance vehicles.

AMG is Mercedes-Benz's high-performance brand. Since its foundation in 1967, Mercedes-AMG GmbH, based in Affalterbach near Stuttgart, has been concerned with the development of motor racing and engine technologies. Numerous successes in the field of motorsport and an excellent reputation among customers around the globe attest to the outstanding expertise offered by the AMG brand. As a one hundred percent subsidiary of Daimler AG, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has enjoyed a rapid rise to its present status. Today, the company is firmly integrated into Mercedes-Benz's development processes. This close involvement right from the concept development stage for new models spawns high-performance automobiles which embody a perfect blend
of hallmark Mercedes-Benz genes and exclusive AMG features. The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is the latest result of this process to demonstrate the charismatic appeal which is the natural outcome of this partnership.

Mercedes-AMG is the right address for those in search of something special. The Performance Studio in Affalterbach develops and produces individual AMG vehicles and exclusive small series; the SLS, the SLS Roadster and the supremely sporty Black Series vehicles enjoy something approaching legendary status. The AMG high-performance brand is in its element on the race track – the SLS AMG GT3 has also been deployed in customer racing since 2011.

Mercedes-AMG GmbH currently employs a workforce of 1000 at its plant in Affalterbach. AMG's professionalism is defined by its pursuit of high performance as embodied in its vehicles, coupled with a due commitment to precision and respect in keeping with the brand motto of "Driving Performance."








Credits: Mercedes-AMG GmbH

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

New engine for the C 180, optimised E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition: Beacons of efficiency

Presenting the most economical E-Class diesel and C‑Class petrol models to date: with a consumption of 4.5 litres/100 km and 119 g CO2/km for the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition and 5.8 litres/100 km and 136 g CO2/km for the new C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, Mercedes-Benz is giving an impressive demonstration of just how much potential is still left in the internal-combustion engine. Take the C-Class, for instance: since its predecessor was launched in 2000, the output of the C 180 has increased by 21 percent, whilst consumption has been reduced by 37 percent. The present version of the C-Class is nearly twice as efficient as its predecessor.


The E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition that is available from March 2012 is simply one of the most economical cars in its segment. Thanks to a bundle of efficiency-boosting measures, including an Aerodynamics package, electric power steering (EPS), a longer final-drive ratio and size 205/55 R 16 tyres with low rolling resistance, the model emits just 119 g CO2/km – that is ten grams or nearly eight percent less than before and equates to 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 km. The E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition has an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only.

The turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol unit is the brand new entry-level engine for the C-Class. With fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100 km and a CO2 figure of 136 g/km, the improvement compared to the previous C 180 when similarly equipped is as much as 21 g/km, or just under 1 l/100 km. This makes the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY one of the very first petrol models to be ranked in energy efficiency class B. The 115 kW (156 hp) engine is very light when compared to its competitors and delivers impressive agility from standstill – peak torque of 250 Nm is on tap from just 1250 rpm all the way up to 4000 rpm.

Consumption per hp halved: efficiency has doubled in twelve years

The tremendous efficiency potential held by petrol engines is illustrated by a look back over the entry-level petrol models for the C-Class and its immediate predecessor, the 190 (W201 model series). This was launched in 1982 with an output of 66 kW (90 hp) and consumption of 8.5 litres/100 km based on the Euromix formula used at that time. When the W203 model series debuted in 2000, the output of the entry-level C 180 climbed to 95 kW (129 hp), while fuel consumption measured according to the new NEDC standard was 9.4 litres/100 km. Twelve years later, the entry-level C-Class from the W204 model series generates a powerful 115 kW (156 hp), but burns just 5.8 litres of fuel per 100 km. This means that output has increased by 21 percent while fuel consumption has been lowered by 37 percent since 2000. Or to put it another way – instead of 0.0729 litres of fuel per hp, today’s C-Class consumes just 0.0372 litres per hp, making it almost twice as efficient as its predecessor from 2000.

BlueDIRECT technology from the luxury segment becomes widely available

The technology of the Mercedes-Benz combustion system, which was first introduced in 2010 on the new V6 and V8 engines, has now made its four-cylinder debut with the launch of the new engine. At its core is third-generation spray-guided, homogenous direct injection with centrally positioned, fast-switching injectors, where fuel is injected at a pressure of up to 200 bar. A single-plunger pump with a flow control valve integrated into the pump module serves as the high-pressure pump. This is supplemented by multi-spark ignition, turbocharging and the ECO start/stop function.
Compared to the engine it replaces, internal engine friction has been reduced by 16 percent, while engine weight has been lowered by 18 percent, thereby setting a benchmark amongst comparable four-cylinder units.

Low friction losses and on-demand control of ancillary units both help to further enhance the engine's energy efficiency. Oil is supplied via a two-stage, variable-speed vane pump. An electronically controlled thermostat in the coolant circuit provides for map-controlled regulation of the warm-up phase, with no coolant flowing through the cylinder head when the engine is cold. The water pump is controlled in such a way that the passenger compartment can be heated up as soon as possible.

The key data at a glance:

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Exclusive, stylish and dynamic: the Viano PEARL - The new Limited Edition from Mercedes-Benz

Travelling in ultimate style: the new Mercedes-Benz Viano PEARL Limited Edition demonstrates the possibilities offered by a large-capacity vehicle. The top model of the Viano line combines spaciousness with exclusivity. It sets new standards with its tasteful and stylish interior featuring select materials and its dynamic exterior.


Striking exterior: Exclusive appearance exuding dynamism and style

The front end design featuring a modified radiator grille and a distinctive bumper with integrated LED daytime driving lights provides a subtle yet effective initial indication of the class embodied by this exclusive Viano. The new "magno allanite grey" paintwork featuring a satin finish plays its part in defining the vehicle's special appearance. An alternative new metallic paint finish will also be available to customers from the start-up of production.

19-inch light-alloy wheels with two-tone paintwork and tyres in 245/45 R 19 emphasize the dynamic character of the Viano PEARL Limited Edition. The vehicle's equally elegant character is underlined by shoulder line trim strips. The exterior can be further refined with the optional roof rails in the contrasting dark colour "mountain grey".

Luxurious interior: high-quality real wood, fine nappa leather and trim elements in brushed aluminium

Entrance steps with walnut wood strips and illuminated brand lettering welcome passengers aboard. The rear boasts a real walnut floor finished in a warm walnut stain. Despite its protective seal, the material presents an open-pored and natural appearance. The side trim panels in the rear and the cockpit are also in walnut. Roof liner and window pillars feature high-quality DINAMICA fabric.

The front seats and the four individual seats in the rear are upholstered in finest two-tone nappa leather in seashell grey and grey beige. Contrasting stitching adds an attractive highlight, as do the trim strips in brushed aluminium, whose colour is designed to complement the two nappa leather variants. Subtle, dimmable ambient lighting behind the aluminium trim strips underscores the sedate atmosphere reminiscent of a stylish yacht.

Impressive dimming effect with electrochromatic glass

Passengers are able to control the degree of privacy which they wish to enjoy on board the Viano PEARL Limited Edition, thanks to MAGIC SKY CONTROL, featuring electrochromatic glass for the rear side windows which can be darkened at the touch of a button. The glazing can be switched directly from light to dark or dimmed in ten successive stages. This effect is made possible by liquid crystals in the double glazing which adjust their orientation according to the applied voltage, thereby altering the degree of transparency.

Specially tailored sound system from Bang & Olufsen

A "BeoSound Viano" sound system from Bang & Olufsen, produced and tuned specifically for the Viano PEARL Limited Edition, provides for superior on-board audio quality. The system comprises an amplifier with a total output of 1320 W, together with 18 high-end loudspeakers and four illuminated tweeter lenses distributed throughout the interior.

A W-LAN hotspot keeps the vehicle connected for entertainment or work purposes while on the road. Up to four terminals can be connected simultaneously to the internet.

Limited edition based on the Viano VISION PEARL showcar

The Viano PEARL CDI 3.0 Blue EFFICIENCY Limited Edition is powered by a V6 diesel engine rated at 165 kW (224 hp) which combines superior performance with restrained fuel consumption. Alternatively, the new top Viano model is also available as a 3.5 variant with a V6 petrol engine rated at 190 kW (258 hp). Both engine variants come with an automatic transmission.

The new flagship for the Mercedes-Benz Viano originates from the impressive Viano VISION PEARL show car at the last Frankfurt International Motor Show. The highly positive response to the show car prompted Mercedes-Benz Vans to take it as the basis for development of the new series-production model. The Mercedes-Benz Limited Edition Viano PEARL will be premiered at the Geneva Motor Show from 6 to 18 March. It will retail at € 99,000 net. The Viano PEARL Limited Edition will be available for ordering from the spring. The initial vehicles will be delivered to customers in the summer of 2012.




Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Emotion and high performance at its finest: The new C 63 AMG Coupé Austria Edition

In the summer of 2011, Mercedes-Benz presented the new C 63 AMG Coupé, a stand-alone, high-performance car that appeals to all the senses: unmistakable design is teamed up with a high-performance drive system and dynamic handling. The extensively upgraded C 63 AMG Coupé Austria Edition limited series model boasts exclusive equipment features. The first unit - displaying badge number 1 on the gear selector - recently celebrated the world premiere at the Vienna Auto Show 2012.


The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the C 63 AMG Coupé Austria Edition has a maximum output of 336 kW (457 hp) and peak torque of 600 Nm, delivering powerful traction and first-class performance figures: the Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The exclusive features of the C 63 AMG Coupé Austria Edition in detail:

· AMG light-alloy wheels in matt black with high gloss finish
· Fire Opal, Diamond White or Black designo magno night exterior paint finish
· designo leather in solid black colour with red contrasting stitching
· Front seat head restraints with embossed AMG "apple logo"
· Steering wheel in black Alcantara® and red leather with red contrasting stitching
· Gear lever in black Alcantara® with numbered plaque Austria Edition
· Instrument panel and door sill trim in black leather with red contrasting topstitching
· Austria Edition badge on the dashboard
· Entry strips illuminated in red
· Aluminium trim

The new C 63 AMG Coupé Austria Edition can also be equipped with AMG Performance Package, thus emphasizing the great level of individual customization. Available as an option, this package offers a maximum output of 358 kW (487 hp) and improves acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h to 4.4 seconds, with technology transferred from the SLS AMG responsible for the 22 kW (30 hp) increase in output. The forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft adopted from the gull-wing model's high-tech drive system save three kilograms in weight. This reduces inertia and enhances the agility and responsiveness of the high-revving, eight-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine. Visually, the AMG Performance package can be identified by the variable intake manifold in titanium grey under the bonnet, the AMG high-performance braking system with composite front discs and red painted brake callipers all round, the carbon-fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid and the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather with an Alcantara® grip area.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission as standard

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission provides direct and dynamic power delivery. Rather than using a torque converter, it has a compact, wet start-off clutch which reduces the losses associated with conventional automatic transmission and thereby significantly lowers fuel consumption. The Controlled Efficiency "C" mode also plays a significant part in this. By providing earlier and more comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed and "soft" accelerator characteristics, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission helps the driver achieve better fuel economy figures.

At the same time, the power transmission, which is exclusive to Mercedes-AMG, excites with its high level of variability and scintillating dynamism: the “S”, “S+” and “M” transmission modes make the vehicle even more responsive and can be selected using the new rotary transmission switch familiar to many from the SLS AMG. Shorter gear shift intervals and higher engine revs assure the ultimate in emotional appeal. The double-declutching function is also activated in the “S”, “S+” and “M” modes, thereby further increasing driving enjoyment. The gear shifts take just 100 milliseconds in “S+” and “M” transmission modes. Using the RACE START function the driver can explore the vehicle's full acceleration capability.

Specific AMG sports suspension for great dynamism and ride comfort

It is not just the engine and power transmission which characterise the C 63 AMG Coupé's dynamic quality – the AMG sports suspension and AMG high-performance braking system are also key here. In contrast to the series production suspension system, the top-of-the-range AMG model has a specially designed three-link front suspension, reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension and a wider track all round. The stiffer elastokinematics, the autonomous axle kinematics with more negative all-round camber and stabilisers with a larger cross-section all give greater responsiveness and greater lateral acceleration. Selective damping with specially modified spring and damper rates optimises both the response characteristics of the springs as well as the ride comfort.

The AMG sports speed-sensitive power steering with direct steering ratio (13.5 : 1) gives excellent road surface contact and makes a significant contribution to the vehicle’s direct, responsive handling. This is complemented perfectly by 3-stage ESP Ò : the Electronic Stability Program gives three individual control strategies at the touch of a button: the ESP Ò button in the centre console allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT HANDLING MODE” and “ESP OFF”. The AMG high-performance brake system has internally ventilated and perforated brake discs on all wheels: it is characterised by outstanding responsiveness, short stopping distances and excellent fatigue strength.

High level of safety and new assistance systems

With seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats, the C 63 AMG Coupé has extensive safety features. The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds in the event of an accident, include front airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag on the driver's side, sidebags, pelvisbags and windowbags for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. The side protection system – comprising headbag and sidebag – optimises the level of protection afforded to individual parts of the body.

With numerous driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, the C 63 AMG Coupé provides a comprehensive level of driver support and protection. The assistance systems are familiar from the flagship S-Class and the trendsetting CLS, and are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology. They cover frequent accident causes such as driving too closely, fatigue and darkness.











Credits: Mercedes-Benz Austria

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.