Preview: 2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe

The switch in nomenclature from the CLK to the E-Class Coupe made a bit of a stir when word began to leak last year. Just this week, the issue was broken back open when it was revealed that the new E-Class Coupe is actually based on the C-Class platform - much like its CLK predecessor. So what, then, of a true C-Class coupe? These previews show what it might look like.

Mercedes is already thought to be working on a new C-Class cabrio dubbed the CLR, opening the door for a revised two-door C-Class hardtop, though Mercedes could simply split the difference and fit a collapsible hardtop.



Preview: 2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe







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MEC Design adds sporty touch to the Mercedes Benz S-Class

There's something about a lowered Mercedes Benz S-Class with a bodykit that just looks sinister, and while there are some examples out there that can seem downright cruel others, such as this example from MEC Design, are much more pleasing to the eye.

With one of the most comprehensive customization jobs we've seen in a while, the staff at MEC Design have not left one aspect of the S-Class’ exterior untouched, right down to their custom designed wheel spacers. The customization list begins with unique wheels that range from 18 to 22in and alone cost up to $13,000.

Other modifications include a custom front apron, a redesigned rear bumper, a new rear spoiler and side-skirts fitted with LED lights, which altogether will set you back $9,700.



MEC Design Mercedes Benz S-Class







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Mercedes holding off on E-Class cabrio, wagon

Announcements of the delays of new car models are almost more numerous than the new cars themselves, and it seems no one is immune to the practice. Mercedes-Benz today revealed it won't be releasing the new E-Class Cabrio (spied here) at Frankfurt this fall, and the E-Class Wagon will be delayed a year as well.

The Cabrio decision makes sense regardless of the market condition - it's hard to launch a convertible in the fall. So instead, Mercedes will wait until Spring of 2010 and the Geneva Motor Show to reveal its E-Class Cabrio, according to a report from Auto Motor & Sport.



2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabrio spy shots







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Vath boosts C63 AMG Estate to 585hp V63 RS status

Carbon emissions taxes and fuel efficiency requirements are throwing a bit of a wet blanket on the horsepower wars, especially in Europe, but the aftermarket is carrying on the battle with undiminished ferocity. The latest combatant is Vath's V63 RS Estate, a re-interpretation of the already impressive Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Estate.

For those that are thinking this sounds familiar, it is. Vath released a nearly identical tuning package for the C63 AMG sedan last year. Once the gang at Vath are done with them, both cars generate 585hp (436kW) and 510lb-ft (690Nm) of torque - up 130hp (97kW) and 66lb-ft (90Nm) over the stock values.

But even with all that power, the V63 RS is barely on par with a stock Audi RS6 Avant, though its 6.2L V8 is a very different beast than the twin-turbo V10 in the RS6.



Vath V63 RS Estate







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Report: Mercedes prices the 518hp E63 AMG sedan in Europe at €105,791

Unveiled during this year's New York Auto Show sporting the new look of the E-Class but with unprecedented levels of power and performance, Mercedes Benz and AMG fans are eagerly awaiting the start of sales of the new E 63 AMG. Pricing information for the U.S. has yet to emerge, but a report today out of Germany pegs the price in Europe at €105,791 ($147,494).

From an American point of view, that's pretty steep - the current E63 AMG starts at $87,700. Even in Europe, where cars are more expensive generally and monstrously powerful limited-edition sedans carry an even higher premium, it's still a hefty price.











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Report: Mercedes planning new shooting brake based on E-Class Coupe

We’ve reported about Mercedes Benz planning to launch a new shooting brake version of its next-generation CLS but latest reports indicate that a smaller version based on the 2010 E-Class Coupe is also in the pipeline and could be on the market by 2011.

The shooting brake is essentially a two-door wagon that dates back to the first half of the century. Mercedes designers hinted at the possibility of a modern version with the unveiling of the ConceptFASCINATION study at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and now AutoExpress is reporting that the car is in the works.

At the original unveiling of the ConceptFASCINATION, most thought the concept was merely a preview of the E-Class Coupe but the fact that it featured a shooting brake bodystyle strongly suggests Mercedes already had big plans for the new E-Class range.



2008 Mercedes Benz ConceptFascination concept at Paris Motor Show







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Mercedes Benz launches high-end bicycle range

Before the invention of the automobile, cycling was a popular way to get around and even today many developing countries feature far greater numbers of cyclists then motorists. That at least goes some way into explaining this new range of bicycles from Mercedes Benz, which the automaker claims feature the same level of quality as its cars.

The range of two-wheelers from Mercedes consists of a folding bike, a new mountain bike and a racing bike. The folding bike features a patented mechanism that Mercedes says allows cyclists to fold the bike down in just a few seconds without any tools.



2009 Mercedes Benz bicycle range







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