For those that don’t care to wait for the forthcoming 2010 E-Class AMG model that will most likely boast a 6.2-liter V8 with close to 550HP but do wish to carry the AMG spirit, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new, optional sport package for its just released executive saloon. Available from the market launch of the new E-Class in March 2009, the AMG sports package can be combined with all engine variants and all design and equipment lines.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Sports Package On the outside, the package consists of a bodykit that comprises a front apron with large cooling air intakes, side skirts and a rear apron. There’s also sport exhaust tailpipe -oval shaped in the four-cylinder models and rectangular in the V6 and V8 models- as well as newly designed 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels shod with 245/40 R18 tires at the front and 265/35 R18 tires at the rear.

Read more »

Given the lack of anything truly new to offer, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a special edition version of its recently updated CLS four-door coupe model. The CLS Grand Edition is part of Merc’s new factory program called “designo” that offers buyers more exclusive options and differentiation within a model’s line-up. In the case of the CLS Grand Edition this means a new platinum matt finish which is allegedly highly scratch- and dirt-resistant. Buyers can also choose from four other colors – obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red or flint grey.

Read more »

The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss is the crown glory of the soon-to-be discontinued, SLR McLaren super sports car. Named after the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary SLR racing cars during the 1950s, the speedster version of the SLR comes with neither a roof nor a windscreen. Not that anyone will leave the car exposed to the elements of nature, but the vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot.

Power is provided by the same supercharged V8 engine as the standard SLR with an output of 650HP. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph), the SLR Stirling Moss is the fastest series-production car drop-top in the world.

Read more »

Does the Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG with its 612HP twin-turbocharged V12 engine seem a bit slow and not quite as exclusive as you’d like it to be? Need a set of wheels that will really make you stand out of the AMG crowd? Don’t fear because Carlsson is here. Set to make its world premiere at Zurich Auto Show in Switzerland on November 13, Carlsson’s Mercedes-Benz CL-based Aigner CK65 RS “Eau Rouge” Dark Edition has been developed in association with the leather lifestyle brand Etienne Aigner.

Production of the luxury coupe that features a V12 Bi-Turbo tweaked to deliver 705 HP or 756 HP with a few additional upgrades will be limited to only 10 cars. In case you’re wondering why, let’s just say because prices for the Carlsson Aigner CK65 “Eau Rouge” Dark Edition 705HP start from €319,000 (around $400,000) and for the 756HP version with the second power stage from €374,000 (approx $470,000).

Read more »

While Porsche reportedly mulls the idea of a four-cylinder Boxster and Audi offers a TDI version of its iconic TT, Mercedes-Benz is now reportedly preparing to offer a diesel engine in its next-generation SLK.

The unit in question will be the same 2.2-liter “BlueEfficiency” 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel currently offered in the C250 sedan, where it returns a claimed 54.3 mpg while spewing out just 138g/km of carbon dioxide. Although to previous generations the idea of a diesel convertible remains an anathema, the advance of particulate filter and common rail injnection technologies now common among the most advanced diesel engines make them a viable, earth-friendly option for open-air motoring. Unfortunately, no mention was made whether or not the diesel SLK will be offered in the U.S., which is a tough question for all automakers to answer when it comes to diesels thanks to stricter diesel emissions standards in California and other states compared to the rest of the country.