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The following is a recent MBUSA press release for the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series, an exclusive high-performance coupe for especially discerning customers.
A spectacular look, unique performance data, consistently lightweight design and the highest degree of exclusivity – these attributes sum up the new 65 AMG Black Series from Mercedes-Benz. The high-performance coupé features pure-bred motor sports technology, and introduces sports car fans to a whole new world in terms of dynamic performance. The AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, developing a maximum output of 661 hp and maximum torque of 738 lb-ft, guarantees the dynamic performance of a super sports car.
Source: AMG Market
Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Ernst Lieb says the German luxury automaker will axe the CLK in its current form (based on the C-Class chassis) and replace it with a 2-door coupe (wow, a new coupe announcement that’s not a 4-door one) based on the E-Class chassis.
Lieb said this was to move the smallest Mercedes-Benz coupe up a segment in order for it to be more competitive against cars such as the hot-selling Audi A5. It would also mean the new E Coupe will be more expensive than the CLK it replaces.
Mercedes-Benz USA launches a bigger Baby Benz imbibing the Mercedes standards. “The C-Class is a gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand,” said Bernie Glaser, general manager, product management. The new Mercedes C-Class gets minor facelift for 2008 while the least-expensive 2007 model is discontinued. The new C-Class sedan has $31,975 as manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the C300 Sport model, with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The 2008 C300 Luxury model is $33,675, with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Sales of those three models start on August 7. All-wheel-drive 4Matic models will be available starting in September. The 2008 C-Class is the third generation of the Mercedes entry-level car. In 1993, the C-Class replaced the 190 Class, and the next generation C-Class generation debuted in 2000.
The all-new C-Class offers an impressive list of exciting features, including:
* A choice of two V-6 engines (3.0 or 3.5 liter sport sedan and 3.0 liter luxury sedan)
* Standard 7-speed automatic transmission (optional on C300 Sport Sedan)
* Standard 8-way power driver and passenger seats
* Adaptive brakes
* Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
* Burl Walnut trim (luxury sedan) or Aluminum trim (sport sedan)
* DIRECT CONTROL adaptive suspension system with selective damping for comfort and handling
* Standard Bluetooth® connectivity
* Aggressive AMG bodystyling on sport sedan models
* Standard power sunroof
* Six standard air bags
* 17-inch twin-spoke aluminum wheels (Optional 18-inch twin-spoke aluminum wheels on C300 and C350 Sport Sedans)
With the 2008 model, Mercedes is also trying to make its “Sport” and “Luxury” C-Class models more distinct from each other.
Mercedes-Benz SLK – What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK ranks 7 out of 8 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
In addition to its surprisingly smooth ride and sports-car handling, the SLK’s power-retractable hardtop gives it an advantage over soft-top sports car convertibles and makes for a unique coupe/roadster experience. Still, it falls a bit short on its interior space and controls. Overall, it ranks near the bottom of its class.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is a fun-to-drive convertible. Its power hardtop gives it all the practicality of a coupe along with the open-air exhilaration of a roadster. Redesigned in 2005, the second generation SLK is described by Car and Driver as the “sweetest-handling Benz ever” and “an everyday please-me machine.”
While the SLK’s strengths are its quick-folding steel hardtop and luxurious interior, its weakness include a small cabin and little cargo space — but that’s to be expected for this class. With a base price just under $45,000, the SLK may be inexpensive for a Mercedes — but it still commands a premium. Less expensive hardtops include the Pontiac G6 and Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, when compared to such luxury (and pricey) rivals as the Porsche Boxter and Chevrolet Corvette, the SLK could be a good value.
Mercedes-Benz’s smallest sports car comes in several trims. The base SLK280 features a 3.0-liter V6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, while the SLK350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 and a seven-speed automatic. Though it’s not addressed in this review, a performance-minded SLK55 AMG is also available.
source: US News
U.S.News Scores
Overall: 8.4
Performance: 8.3
Exterior: 8.5
Interior: 7.3
Safety: NA
Reliability: 8.0
2006 Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR
2006 Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR
2006 Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR
