Thanks to an extensive range of accessories, it is now possible to enhance the individual flair of the new Mercedes-Benz SL that little bit further. All products are manufactured to Mercedes-Benz's usual high quality standards.From all-weather mats to ten-spoke alloy wheels, the Mercedes-Benz original accessories for the new SL offer a multitude of ways for owners to tailor the roadster even more closely to their own needs. The stars of the extensive initial range are eleven stylish alloy wheels – perfect for giving the SL that additional individual touch – and a total of 16 charging cradles and docks for various smartphones. Other upgrade options include the COMAND Online multimedia system, boasting a DVD changer, and the media interface, which can be integrated via cable with a host of mobile end devices.
The high quality is also apparent in the elegant door sill made from brushed stainless steel and featuring illuminated lettering, or the key ring, a replica of the SL symbol on the boot lid.
The SL can be made to look even more sporty thanks to genuine accessories from AMG. One option is the AMG bodystyling package, comprising front and rear aprons and side skirts, and a choice of three 19" five-spoke wheels.Credits: Daimler AG Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
A further highlight of the 2012 DTM season in addition to the spectacular new Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé will be the DTM Safety Car: right from the off, C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series will be providing the necessary safety for the world's most popular touring car series. With a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp), this two-seater is the most powerful C-Class of all time. The German Touring Car Masters (DTM) gets underway at the Hockenheimring on 29 April 2012.The Safety Car is deployed under the direction of the German Motorsport Association (DMSB), which is responsible for implementing safety measures, ensuring compliance with safety standards and discharging the attendant official sporting functions in accordance with the DTM rules. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car driven by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (44) is intended to ensure maximum safety for racing drivers, spectators and track marshals in case of dangerous situations, such as extreme weather conditions, accidents or other incidents. In response to a radio message from the race organisers, the Safety Car enters the track and leads the DTM field around the circuit until normal racing can be resumed.
The most powerful C-Class of all time stands for spectacular design, technology transfer from the field of motorsport and driving dynamics of the very highest calibre. As such, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series only required modification to a few points of detail for deployment as the DTM Safety Car. The most striking feature distinguishing it from the series production version is the aerodynamically optimised light bar on the roof. Energy-efficient, fast-response LEDs in green and orange keep the DTM racing drivers informed of the current situation.
- Green: the two central green lights on the front and rear are always active when the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series enters the field at the beginning of a Safety Car phase. Continuous green is the signal for all DTM drivers to overtake the Safety Car.
- Orange: as soon as the Safety Car is in position in front of all DTM vehicles, the green LEDs are switched off and the orange LEDs are activated. The flashing orange lights at the outer ends of the light bar indicate that overtaking is absolutely prohibited.
- The stroboscope-like flashing LED lights on the front and rear remain active throughout the Safety Car phase. The license plate with Safety Car lettering which is illuminated by LEDs on the boot lid provides for better visibility in poor weather.
Engine, power transmission, chassis, suspension and brake system corresponding to series production variant
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine corresponds to the series-production engine: with a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp) and maximum torque of 620 Newton metres it even tops the roughly 377 kW (500 hp) V8 engine in the Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé which is being used in the DTM. The high-speed naturally aspirated engine enables acceleration to 100 km/h from a standing start in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited). With the spectators at the race track and the TV audience in mind, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car is fitted with a modified AMG sports exhaust system. The special rear silencer guarantees a distinctive AMG V8 sound.
Engine cooling, power transmission, chassis and suspension, brake system – these areas have been honed to perfection and did not require any modification. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with four drive programmes, double-declutching function and RACE START guarantees direct and fast gear-shifting. As is customary in motorsport and typical for a Black Series model, the AMG sports suspension is designed as a coil-over suspension. It covers a broad range of adjustment options for an individual race track set-up. The standard-fit AMG rear-axle differential lock with locking effect in acceleration and deceleration mode combines with the 3-stage ESP® for reliable traction. The AMG high-performance braking system featuring motorsport-tested compound brake disks at the front offers extremely short stopping distances and fade-resistant deceleration performance.
Optional equipment from the AMG Performance Studio
The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series DTM Safety Car is equipped with the AMG Track package, the AMG Aerodynamics package, the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package and forged AMG light-alloy wheels. The AMG Track package comprises active rear axle gear cooling and sports tyres. The radiator is positioned in front of the diffuser insert in the rear apron, where it effectively takes in the air stream. The specially developed Dunlop Sport Maxx Race sports tyres in size 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear are fitted on forged AMG wheels which are painted matt black with a high-sheen rim flange.
The AMG Aerodynamics package includes so-called flics and a functionally designed genuine carbon-fibre front splitter on the front apron, plus a fixed carbon-fibre rear aerofoil with adjustable blade. All three components provide the vehicle with a sharper profile while optimising its aerodynamic balance. The AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package covers exterior mirror housings, the inserts in the side sill panels and a diffuser insert in genuine carbon fibre. All optional equipment items come from the AMG Performance Studio and are available ex-factory for every C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series.
Functional race-track atmosphere in the interior
The interior also corresponds to the series production model, with a few exceptions. The two AMG sports bucket seats ensure optimum lateral support for driver and co-driver. In view of the intended deployment on the race track, four-point seat belts are used. Optimum control of the vehicle is guaranteed by the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA with flattened top and bottom rim sections and aluminium gearshift paddles.
AMG carbon-fibre trim featuring the "AMG Black Series" logo underscores the functional race-track atmosphere. For communication with the race organisers, the Safety Car is equipped with a two-way radio system and TV monitor. The camera located next to the rear license plate provides the co-driver with a view of the DTM cars following the Safety Car. Under the monitor there are four buttons in blue, green, orange and silver for operating the light bar, the stroboscope-type flashing LED lights and the horn.
DTM Safety Car provided by Mercedes-AMG since 2000
Mercedes-AMG has been providing the Safety Car ever since the beginning of the "new" DTM in 2000, alternating with Audi from race to race – and since 2012 with BMW also. In the Formula 1 World Championship, an SLS AMG is deployed as an Official F1 Safety-Car and a C 63 AMG Estate serves as an Official F1 Medical Car.* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH * Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
• Start of new era in the DTM – first race for DTM Mercedes AMG C‑Coupé
• The grand finale of the 2011 season – also at Hockenheim – was won by Jamie Green in the last outing for the AMG Mercedes C‑Class, the most successful car in DTM history with a total of 85 victories from 159 races
• Mercedes-Benz has won 31 out of 64 races at its home circuit of Hockenheim, including the last five races staged there, (i.e. opening and closing weekends of the season): Gary Paffett (x2), Jamie Green, Bruno Spengler and Paul di Resta
Comments on the DTM season opener at Hockenheim from:
Jamie Green (29, England, Mercedes AMG C-Coupé):
- won the closing race of the 2011 season at Hockenheim
- his record at Hockenheim is two victories (2007 and 2011), two pole positions (2005 and 2006) and five fastest race laps (2005, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011)
“I’m really looking forward to the new DTM season. We’re in for an interesting and thrilling year with our new Mercedes AMG C-Coupé. The fans can look forward to seeing spectacular cars in action and to witnessing some close-fought encounters on the track. For myself, I’m obviously hoping that I can start the new DTM era in the same way that I finished the old one – namely with a win. The DTM field is so strong and well matched that it is vital to lay down a marker in the first race and to build on that basis by consistently finishing at or near the front.”
Ralf Schumacher (36, Germany, Mercedes AMG C-Coupé):- started from third on the grid in the 2011 season opener at Hockenheim
- claimed his first DTM podium in the 2011 season opener
“I have very positive memories of the season opener last year when I finished on the podium for the first time in my DTM career. It would be great if I could repeat that result this season. However, the winter testing has left us none the wiser as to the balance of power in the new DTM era – we’ll only find that out at Hockenheim. All the same, we’re coming to Hockenheim well prepared for the new season. I’m expecting an exciting race and – hopefully – a good result for myself.”
Gary Paffett (31, England, THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG C-Coupé):- has won three times at Hockenheim (2004, 2009 and 2010)
- has finished on the podium at Hockenheim on six occasions
“New cars, new drivers, new teams – it promises to be an exciting and intriguing start to the season. During the tests, I’ve thoroughly familiarised myself with our new Mercedes AMG C-Coupé and got used to the different handling of the car. It’s hard to predict the result of the first race, but I’m happy with our level of preparation and hope that we can get the season off to a solid start. Since my DTM debut in 2003, I’ve competed in a lot of races at Hockenheim. The circuit consists of three sections: the first corner is very fast and decisive for your time in the first sector; the second section mainly has long straights and demands some hard braking; the last sector is essentially made up of medium-fast and high-speed corners. To set a good lap time at Hockenheim, you need a well balanced car.”
Christian Vietoris (23, Germany, Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Coupé):- started from a Top 10 grid spot on his DTM debut in 2011 at Hockenheim
- is a member of the new Mercedes-Benz DTM Junior Team along with Roberto Merhi and Robert Wickens
“Here we go again – at last! I just can’t wait for the start of the season. Our preparations have been very good, and I learned a lot in my rookie season. I intend to build on this and convert the lessons from last year into respectable results. The conditions are perfect: I think I’ve slotted in well with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM and I feel at one with my Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Coupé. I got to know the car well during testing and worked with the engineers on getting the setup right. The Hockenheim circuit is technically very demanding; it requires both good brakes and massive straight-line speed. It’s all about finding the right balance.”
David Coulthard (41, Scotland, DHL Paket Mercedes AMG C-Coupé):- is starting his third DTM season at Hockenheim
- had a Top Ten finish in the 2011 season opener at Hockenheim
“Hard to believe it, but I’m just about to start my third DTM season. As always, I’m immensely looking forward to the season opener at Hockenheim, a contributory factor being the part played by the fans in our home race. They really get behind us and generate a fantastic atmosphere in the Motodrom and in the Mercedes-Benz grandstand. The second of these two vantage points gives them an excellent view of perhaps the best place for overtaking on the circuit – before and after the hairpin. I am aiming to improve on my first two seasons in the DTM, especially in qualifying and at the start of the race. If I can do that, I should be able to post decent results this year.”
Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “In 2012, the DTM starts a new era - indeed, its third and most important era. The fact that Audi and Mercedes-Benz stayed the course for six years, putting on fascinating races in competition with each other, created the stable platform for a fresh start with new momentum. We are now welcoming BMW as a new competitor to the DTM. Thanks to Audi, Mercedes, the ITR and its board plus the DMSB and its officials, this unique, outstanding motorsport series has been preserved. Now, the world’s three best and best-known premium car manufacturers are competing against each other in the DTM, with a new and exciting generation of vehicles. Over a quarter of a century, Mercedes-Benz has been the most successful manufacturer in the DTM. In figures, a total of 165 victories from 342 races, ten driver titles, nine manufacturer titles and 13 in the team championship, encapsulate the achievements of our teams over the past 24 years. We will all work on the new chapter of this success story with focus and the highest motivation.”
What’s new for the 2012 season
- The new DTM cars are coupés (two door) rather than the saloons (four door) used previously
- The cars are longer (5,010 mm, previously 4,872 mm), wider (1,950 mm, previously 1,850 mm) and lower (1,210 mm compared to 1,255 mm)
- The minimum weight has been set at 1,100 kilos. This is combined weight of the car, driver and onboard camera (or substitute ballast if the car has not been allocated a camera).
- As in F1, drivers now change gear using paddles located on the steering wheel
- The innovative new safety concept is based on a standard construction carbon fibre monocoque with roll cage and crash structures
- There are about 50 other standard components to include parts such as brakes, fuel tank, rear wing, gearbox, clutch and starter motor
- The new Hankook tyres are taller and wider than their predecessors. They measure 30 cm at the front (previously 26 cm) and 32 cm at the rear (previously 28 cm)
- From this season, in-race refuelling is no longer allowed. Fuel tank capacity has been increased from 70 to 120 litres. The two mandatory pit stops are to remain.
- Points are to be awarded to the first ten drivers across the line using the Formula 1 system: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1
- In addition to the driver and team championships, there will also be one for the constructors. The ‘DTM Manufacturer Champion’ is calculated on the basis of the top ten finishers in each race. However, if any manufacturer has more than six cars amongst the points, the others won’t count.
- New arrangements for free practice on Fridays and Saturdays: the two sessions will be interrupted by a ten-minute break after the first 45 minutes.
- The maximum duration of a race is to be 70 minutes.
- For the race at Spielberg, the number of laps has been increased from 38 to 42.
- Introduction of a marshalling system: Signals will be given by flags as well as by means of coloured lights on the driver’s display unit.* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH * Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The frequently speculated mid-range supercar from Mercedes-Benz will become reality in 2014, after it got the greenlight for production under the name SLC. The news was separately revealed by Daimler boss Dr. Dieter Zetsche and by chief designer Prof. Gorden Wagener. As in the case of the SLS, the Mercedes-AMG division will also be in charge of the development programme of the new medium-sized hypercar.Supercars are an essential part of the prestigious history of Mercedes-Benz. The ambitious SLS AMG project has been a market success since the model was premiered in 2009. The idea of a smaller performance coupe positioned below the Gullwing and boasting a lower purchase value has fuelled enthusiastic minds since 2010. Now that the SLC is really coming, things will start heating up as first road test prototypes will be released 'out in the wild'. Compared to the bigger SLS, this new supercar tamed in Affalterbach will display an even more dynamic, youthful and striking exterior styling that will certainly attract a lot of curious eyes.The entry-level, baby SLS will be fighting for the crown of the class with the legendary Porsche 911, its main opponent. The SLC will feature a lightweight construction, with the chassis and components made up of aluminium, steel and magnesium alloys. The intelligent spaceframe will also allow for a perfect and balanced mass distribution between the two axles, now that it was announced the SLC will have a front-engine architecture and conventional doors.The heart of the new supercar will likely be a new 4.0-litre V8 powerplant, carefully refined by the Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains specialists for maximum performance. We don't know anything about the peak output yet, but we predict at least 400 to 450 hp. Speculators insist there's also an increased chance a basic V6 unit with less than 400 hp and a smaller displacement will complete the engine lineup of the SLC AMG.Note: SLS AMG pictured.Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
We have once reported on a fake return of Mercedes-Benz to the old, pre-1993 entitling for its models, which has not and won't come true any time soon. That's because the Stuttgart-based carmaker will move on with the current nomenclature, set to be enriched with new class designations in the next 2-3 years. While the standard A-, B-, C-, E-, G-, M-, and S- single letters will still form the basic vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio, the niche variants will get new names. The future coupe (2-dr or 4-dr) and cabriolet Mercs will receive the "CL" preffix followed by the letter of the class they belong to. For example, the next generation of the E-Class Coupe will be entitled CLE. On the same rule, we shall also get the CLA compact 4-door coupe and the CLC for the forthcoming C-Class Coupe/Cabriolet. Only the CLS won't follow the basic principles and will stay as it is. For the future S-Class Coupe, we feel Mercedes-Benz will stick to the existing CL nameplate.The upcoming sports vehicles under the Star brand will display the "SL" particle and a different letter depending on the size of the model. The traditional SL-Class is here to stay, as is the SLS AMG or the SLK. Starting 2014, a new supercar below the modern Gullwing will be revealed under the SLC badge, which was wrongly associated with the next generation of the luxury flagship 2-door model.The new crossovers and SUVs from Mercedes-Benz will also receive new names: the compact class GLA and the GLC replacing the current GLK, both of which evolve from the GL root. At the moment, two aspects remain blurry: will the German constructor preserve the R-Class and will the new M-Class SUV Coupe be called MLC or CLM? We shall get answers to these inquiries from 2015 onwards. Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
With the reveal set for Paris Auto Salon this fall, the new S-Class should make an initial appearance in either late June or July. The trendsetter in the automotive industry enters the eighth model generation with a confident mission - to write a new chapter of the rich S-Class heritage book.The new S-Class will be, how else, the best high-end premium limousine. Powerful and astonishing in every sense, the W 222 will incorporate intelligent technology that make it look like a moving luxury Swiss watch. The MAGIC RIDE CONTROL, the Autonomous Driving System and the integrated @yourCOMAND telematics will celebrate world debut on the new S-Class.Furthermore, a new generation of active safety systems, such as the Speed Limit Assist or the Blind Spot Assist, will be available for the car as well. Powertrain will consist of the rear-driven MRA platform, on which new and efficient BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines, as well as an I4, a new V12 unit and several hybrid solutions, will be sitting on. A new automatic gearbox, featuring up to nine speeds, will also be launched with the W 222.The new generation of the S-Class goes on sale beginning with 2013 and we expect the entry-level version to be priced at over 75,000 euros in Germany. The US market launch is scheduled for spring the same year.Image Credits: Motor AuthorityCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz began the development programme of the future C-Class during winter 2011-2012. Intensively put to work on snow from the beginning, the W 205 prototypes became a familiar sight in Northern Scandinavia and spy shots never stood coming for a period. Now, the weather has warmed and spring time hit Europe, so the test vehicles are now back on German roads. A heavily disguised car has been recently spotted on the outskirts of Stuttgart, the natal city of the Three-Pointed Star brand.The new C-Class will celebrate world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014 and goes on sale a few months later, during summer. According to latest hints from inside the factory, the mid-class premium limousine will have slightly altered dimensions to make room for the new CLA sporty executive coupe, set to arrive in November this year. The W 205 will have a more spacious and upscale interior and will launch a new, driver-oriented cabin architecture, inspired by the F 800 Style and F 125! research cars.When unveiled, the new medium high-class sedan from the Star brand will certainly be the most powerful, most efficient and most secure automobile in the segment. Mercedes-Benz experts from the R & D department will certainly implement a consistent series of specially designed measures that substantially improve comfort, efficiency and safety aboard the upcoming C-Class. First of all, this model will sit on a new platform: the Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture for added dynamics and comfort. A load of assistance systems, such as the PRE-SAFE and ATTENTION ASSIST, will likely be offered in the standard package. A new range of gasoline and diesel engines with BlueEFFICIENCY technology and ECO start/stop function will be launched together with the new W 205, whereas alternative variants (hybrid, electric) are possible beyond 2015. As for the communication and entertainment, the future C-Class will be among the first Mercedes-Benz models to adopt the revolutionary @yourCOMAND infotainment system which promises man's best partner when at the wheel of the forthcoming W 205 vehicle series._29.jpg)
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