Mercedes-Benz has kicked off a major advertising campaign for its facelifted C-Class series under the tagline “A Class Ahead”. The new model will be promoted across print media, TV, radio stationsa nd the Internet. While the TV advertisements are filmed in rural environments, the print ads put the C-Class in urban settings. Each advertisement highlights a specific feature of the 2012MY C-Class, such as the 20-second commercial called “Souvenir” (view below) that underlines the estate’s 1,500-liter load capacity and the “Rocker”, dedicated to the interior of the car. In addition, the German automaker released a new photo gallery of the 2012My C-Class, which you can check out below.

The redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-Class range is claimed to be up to 31 percent more fuel-efficient than its predecessor thanks to the updated engines, all equipped with start/stop function as standard (with the exception of the C 300 CDI 4Matic).

The updated C-Class also benefits from the introduction of ten new driving assistance systems, including the Attention Assist drowsiness detection and the Distronic Plus proximity control. Also available is a new generation of telematics with internet access and 3D navigation display.

In total, more than 2,000 new components have been added to the new model, according to Mercedes-Benz. The new C-Class will be launched onto the European market this month.

It was only a matter of time before Brabus got around to turning its attention to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The German tuner has given the Silver Arrow’s newest supercar the once over with a smattering of aesthetic additions both inside and out, as well as a few mechanical tweaks. Things get started with a carbon-fiber spoiler up front, as well as new fender vents made of the same light-weight material. A similar treatment crops up on the rear fascia, along with new titanium exhaust tips. Those tips are part of a full system that Brabus claims weighs a full 40 percent less than the stock pipes. Throw in a set of massive forged wheels (20 inches up front, 21 out back) and you’ve got the full package.

Inside, Brabus will be happy to custom tailor the SLS AMG interior to each customer’s taste. A new ergonomic steering wheel comes along with stainless scuff plates with an illuminated Brabus logo, though beyond that it’s up to the buyer to decide on what type and color leather strikes their fancy. How much will all of this kit set you back? Brabus isn’t saying, but you know what they say about if you have to ask. Hit the jump to take a look at the full press blast.

It will still be a while before you can get up, close and personal with the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, but thanks to some revealing spy shots, a leaked brochure and now, a flurry of official photos that hit the web, there’s nothing left to show but the press release.

The new Mercedes CLS, previewed by the German carmaker’s Shooting Break Concept shown earlier this year, is more of an evolution of the current model than a completely new take on the four-door sports saloon theme.

Set to have its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September, the new CLS will be offered with a variety of new powertrains including the freshly released 3.5 liter V6 producing 306HP and 4.7-liter bi-turbocharged V8 with 429HP.

The lineup will also include diesel options (depending on the market) while the range will top out with an AMG version powered by Merc’s new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 making at least 536-ponies.

The 2011 CLS will be a direct rival for the all-new Audi A7 Sportback, Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte and in the very near future, for BMW’s Gran Coupe sports sedan also.

As the age old saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Not to stereotype, but you have to admit that the United Arab Emirates have had their fare share of gold-finished exotic supercars and as such, Mercedes-Benz decided to show off a special SLS AMG Gullwing with the designation “AMG Desert Gold” with a matt gold color at the bi-annual Dubai Motor Show that runs from December 15 to 20.

In addition to matt gold paintwork, all the decorative and mounted features like the Mercedes star at the front and the fins on the bonnet and flanks that are in shining chrome or Silver Shadow in the standard SLS AMG have been given a deep-black paint finish on the show car.

The same goes for the black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear that are embellished with a golden ring on the rim flange.

Mercedes chose to leave the interior of the 571HP gullwing-supercar intact, opting for black leather and carbon fiber trim.

The Stuttgart automaker noted that while the AMG Desert Gold treatment has been used only for the display vehicle at the Dubai show, if there’s enough interest generated, the special gold paint finish could become available as an individual optional extra from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO.

And if not, we’re pretty sure that those SLS AMG owners that find the gold finish alluring will find a way to do it anyway…

Mercedes-Benz’s partner in crime, McLaren, is assembling the last examples of the final edition of the SLR, the Striling Moss, marking the end of one supercar era for the German firm and the beginning of another – the SLS AMG Gullwing. Jointly developed by Mercedes and McLaren, the outgoing SLR was launched onto the market in 2004.

The SLR was produced in five different variants including the standard coupe and roadster, the more powerful 722 Coupe and Roadster models, and the hardcore 650HP SLR Stirling Moss that was presented in January 2009 and will be built in a limited run of 75 units.

Overall, 2,000 SLRs have been produced in the five years it remained in production which is substantially more than any other sports car in this special category.