Parx Super Car show 2012

INK Group presents Parx Super Car Show 2012, organized by the Super Car Club (SCC) in association with Autocar India, took off to a roaring start with excited Mumbaikars vying for a glimpse of the super cars displayed at Mahalaxmi Race Course. The auto beauties then paraded the city’s arterial streets, covering Bandra Worli Sea Link and the Western Express Highway amidst a round of applause from visitors at the show.


Gautam Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director of Raymond Ltd. and Founding Chairman of the SCC led the entourage of supercars. Trophies were handed over to the most desirable cars at the end of the show.

Valentino Balboni, former test-driver from Lamborghini was one of the guests present at the event.

The first-of-its-kind series of events in India, the Parx Super Car Show was first conceptualized and organized in April 2009 to enable auto enthusiasts and general public to view some of India’s best super cars, including multiple Ferrari 458 Italias , three Lamborghini Aventadors, Aston Martins, Numerous Porsches, the Ariel Atom, Bentleys, Rolls Royce’s, BMWs, Mercedes AMGs amongst others

Parx Super car Parade is coming

It’s time for the fourth edition of the eagerly awaited Parx Super Car Parade, presented by the INK Group in association with Autocar India. This time, the event will be held in Mumbai on Sunday, January 22, 2012. Scores of super cars, like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, M-powered BMWs, Merc AMGs, Porsches, Maseratis, Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, will parade the streets of the city.

The Parade will be flagged off from Mahalaxmi Race Course at 10am sharp. You can catch these dreams on wheels pass by Nariman Point at around 10.15am, reach Teen Batti by 10.45am and head to Worli Sea Face by 11am. The cars will then drive up to the Domestic Airport Junction and return to the Race Course via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

Expect whoops, howls and blares from exhausts, full bore launches, the works – the Parx Super Car Parade has it all. Last year over 50 of the most exotic cars in the city collectively pumped out more than 22,000bhp, sending the crowds into a frenzy. This year, expect to see even more cars and a lot more horsepower!

Test Drive and Review of New Mercedes ML 350

It was on the flight over the Alps that the adrenaline kicked in. I knew that somewhere in the pristine white landscape below lay Innsbruck, Austria. And out of Innsbruck lay a snaking road that awaited me and the new Mercedes-Benz M-class. Now, I happen to like the old M-class because of its easy-going nature, so it was only natural that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the new one.

In the metal, the new M-class looks much more appealing than when I saw it in pictures. It’s 23mm longer than the old car and 15mm wider, as well as 20mm lower than before. These changes alone help the new car look far more dynamic than its rather conservative looking predecessor. The designers have created an aggressive-looking car, with dramatically cut wheel arches extruding from the body and a big grille with a large, three-pointed star sitting proudly on it. There are also AMG-style vents on the bonnet and a mini aerodynamic diffuser in the rear bumper, along with more traditional off-roader cues such as an imitation sump guard and proud sills. Overall, the effect is extremely positive, and there is also a strong family resemblance to the rest of the Mercedes-Benz range.

Here in India, the M-class is only going to be sold with two engines, at least initially. I drove the 3.0-litre common-rail diesel. At 258bhp, the ML 350 BlueTec 4Matic has 34bhp more than the old ML 350 CDI. It comes mated to the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s silky seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, complete with an automatic stop/start and brake energy recuperation functions, and a permanent four-wheel-drive system as standard.

The new diesel ML 350 CDI is just so smooth and sweet sounding even from the outside, that anyone could easily mistake it for a petrol-powered car. There’s no hint of diesel motor rattle, there’s very little vibration and even when you rev it, it’s as smooth as honey mixed with syrup.

With 63.2kgm of torque — some 10kgm more than the old car — the oil-burner makes light work of the substantial 2175kg kerb weight. Its best work is achieved on part-throttle loads; the new Mercedes

off-roader cruises in a relaxed, serene manner. Thanks to the linear power delivery of the engine the big M-class feels easy to drive in traffic too. The gearshifts, though, are on the slow side and the smooth and slow shifts clearly indicate that Mercedes has put refinement and comfort before performance.

Driving the car on the smooth, twisting roads of the Alps revealed that the new M-class’ dynamic properties have improved drastically thanks to a heavily reworked version of its predecessor’s chassis and double wishbone suspension. Now it handles with added fluidity, improved response and greater feedback. With all that torque on tap at just 1600rpm and four-wheel drive to apportion it to each corner, the ML 350 BlueTec punches out of corners with great enthusiasm and hangs on exceptionally well when pushed hard. Ultimately though, the M-class still doesn’t provide an involving enough drive to rival an X5. It excels at refinement and poise rather than engrossing appeal.

Nevertheless, it’s surprising just how quickly and easily you can hustle it down a twisting road when the dampers are in the Sport setting. Only when you need to scrub off that speed or change direction in a hurry do you realise that two tonnes of off-roader can’t really bend the laws of physics.

Performance in the rough stuff has been enhanced thanks to a new six-stage program that comes with an optional on/off-road package, offering everything from variable ride height adjustment to automatic lock-up of the differentials and a special off-road calibration for the stability control system.

It comes with a long list of merits in other areas too — a truly high-quality interior, superb-looking instruments, nicely damped controls, a commanding view of the road from the driver’s seat, a spacious cabin, copious luggage space, state-of-the-art entertainment and communication systems and outstanding quality to name a few – which certainly adds to the overall appeal. It is unmistakably a Mercedes in terms of its cabin design and the smooth shapes, improved materials and flashes of alloy-effect trim create a quality atmosphere.

The M-class sticks with five seats and there are no great surprises in either its packaging or internal features. Legroom is adequate for passengers in the rear and the headroom is particularly impressive.

The only real drawbacks I can level at the new M-class right now are its larger dimensions, which will make it more of a handful in tight city traffic, and the lack of a third row of seats. But as an overall package, the new M-class is very impressive. Slated to hit Indian showrooms by the end of 2012, the M-class is definitely worth waiting for.

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 49 lakh (est)*

Engine

Fuel	Diesel
Installation	Front, longitudinal, AWD
Power	255bhp at 3600rpm
Torque	63.2kgm at 1600-2400rpm
Power to weight	6 cyls in vee, 2987cc, turbo diesel

Transmission

Gearbox

7-speed automatic

Chassis & Body

Tyres

235/65 R17

Economy

Tank size

70 litres

Merc SLS Roadster, new M-class, Concept A-class displayed at Expo

Click on the image to open.

Mercedes-Benz took up all of Hall 15 and presented a vast array of cars for the Indian car buying public to gawk at.

Among the production models dished up were the SLS AMG roadster supercar the new, third-generation M-class and a customised S600 Pullman Guard. The star of the pavilion however was the Concept A-class – a hatchback that previews the forthcoming design direction the brand is going to take. Built on the same MFA platform as the B-class that will soon be launched in India, the Concept A-class is likely to be sold in India in saloon form. And a swanky saloon it will be.

The car that attracted the most eyeballs, however, was the SLS AMG roadster. The SLS AMG coupe is famous for its gull-wing doors, so it’s good that the roadster version hasn’t lost too much of the charm in having ditched them. The powertrain remains the same – a 562bhp 6.2-litre V8 engine paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission - and gets the soft-top roadster to 100kph in 3.8 seconds.

The new M-class improves on the previous version in almost every area, especially in size. Despite this, there are a number of technological improvements to keep emissions and fuel consumption in check. The ML has been introduced with a 3.0-litre diesel V6 that produces 255bhp and 63.2kgm. The styling is less aggressive, but more mature than before with softer edges and more chrome accents on the exterior.

The S600 Pullman Guard armoured limousine was on display as well. The gargantuan V12 limo is about as luxurious as a Mercedes can get, but it is also as tough as a tank, achieving VR6 and VR7 safety ratings – the highest currently possible.

Mercedes-Benz also filled the large display hall with various other cars from its current range, like the SLK roadster and CLS four-door coupe, as well as racing cars like the C-class DTM car and the SLS GT3 touring car.

Mercedes plans exciting display for Auto Expo

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed its plans for the Auto Expo. 

The German luxury carmaker will showcase a range of new models and technologies at the upcoming expo. Firstly, there will be the all-new Concept A-Class on display which will also be one of the first-examples of Mercedes’ new ‘fascinating’ design language. This concept aims towards a future range of compact cars from the Mercedes stable. The A-Class concept was earlier revealed at the Shanghai Auto show and is based on an all-new MFA platform. Mercedes will also showcase alternative fuel technologies such as ‘Fuel-Cell’ at the expo.

Another major highlight will be the launch of the SLS AMG roadster. This is essentially a drop-top version of the popular SLS AMG supercar already on sale in India.  The Mercedes stall will see as many as 10 cars on display that include the SLS AMG GT3 supercar as well as the C-Class DTM car.

Motorsport enthusiasts will also be able to get details on the soon-to-be-launched Mercedes-Benz-JPSI Performance Driving Academy which, according to Mercedes, is a first-of-its-kind platform for nurturing talent in India.

                                      

New Mercedes SL-class pics leaked

Pictures of the all-new sixth generation Mercedes SL have been leaked online, ahead of the car’s official debut at the Detroit motor show in January.

These grainy brochure images of the new drop-top show the clearest indication of the car’s styling yet, which closely follows the design language used on the new Mercedes SLK. These include a large, open grille, angular headlamps with distinctive LED graphics, a heavily contoured bonnet and tail-lights that wrap right around to the body sides.

The leaked pics also include a first look inside the SL’s cabin, which, in the spec pictured here, features plush leather seats, door cards and centre arm rest.

As with the third-generation SLK, the new SL will offer Mercedes-Benz’s Magic Sky Control roof as an option. The roof’s glass structure, integrated into the hard-top’s aluminium frame, uses an electronically controlled process to alter the level of tint and intensity of the UV light entering the cabin at the press of a button.

Among the petrol engines set to appear in the new upmarket roadster are Mercedes-Benz’s new naturally aspirated 302bhp 3.5-litre V6 and a 429bhp twin-turbocharged 4.6-litre V8.

The new SL is to be the first large-scale production Mercedes to use an almost exclusively aluminium lightweight construction, which has saved 140kg compared with the previous steel-bodied model.

Mercedes is also claiming that the aluminium monocoque is stiffer than that of its rivals, the Jaguar XK being a good example.

Mercedes to axe Maybach brand

Mercedes-Benz has recently revealed that its under-performing Maybach luxury brand will officially be killed off in 2013.

The decision to disband Mercedes-Benz’s upper luxury marque comes after lacklustre sales of the company’s existing 57 and 62 limousines and a recent decision from chairman Dieter Zetsche not to push ahead with the development of replacement models – the likes of which were tentatively due out in 2014 – owing to what one insider describes as a "positive move to focus greater attention on the Mercedes-Benz brand."

"We’ve come to the conclusion that it is better to cut our losses with Maybach than to continue into an uncertain future with a brand that has failed to live up to original sales expectations," said the insider. "Plans are already in place to fill the void left by the axing of the Maybach 57 and 62 with the next-generation S-class, which will be offered in three wheelbase variations, including a top-of-the-range S600 Pullman."

Moves to push Mercedes-Benz further upmarket into the segment follows an internal marketing study which came to the conclusion that it has more potential to succeed in the upper luxury segment against competition from the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce than Maybach, which despite being revered at home in Germany failed to gain traction in key world markets.

Despite the plan to dump Maybach, both the existing 57 and 62 will be produced through to early 2013, at which point the next-generation S-class is due to be introduced.

The Maybach brand was resurrected by Mercedes-Benz in 2002 following its failure to purchase Rolls-Royce and Bentley from then owner Vickers after being outbid by Volkswagen, which then ceded control of Rolls-Royce to BMW.

The original Maybach models, the 57 and 62, were named after their respective lengths of 5735mm and 6170mm. Both were based around stretched underpinnings of the already superceded third-generation S-class, first introduced in 1991.

A recent proposal to involve Aston Martin in the development of future Maybach models was abandoned in early 2011.

Mercedes CLS 350 review, test drive

The long right-hander ahead stretches as far as I can see. Almost subconsciously, I pile a bit more pressure on the throttle. The suspension hunkers down, the rear wheels bite the tarmac a little bit harder and, apart from the increase in pace, everything remains completely calm inside the cabin. What’s immediately clear is that, though this car is based on the current E-class, the new CLS delivers a driving experience that surpasses its donor. The nearly 2.9-metre wheelbase and wide footprint give it amazing stability around longer corners, and once settled into the bend, the near-five-metre length and 1735kg kerb weight seem to some
how shrink. The Airmatic suspension lowers th
e ride height, the suspension gets a bit stiffer when you select Sport, and the already impressive body control tightens up even further.
The direct, electromechanical steering is lacking in feel, but it is very precise and that makes it easy to place the immense CLS in a corner quite easily, even at triple-digit speeds. However, more weight and feedback would have been welcome. Through sharper corners, it becomes apparent that the CLS is no lightweight supercar. Push it hard and the rear-wheel-drive car understeers and the ESP cuts in rapidly. Get carried away and take your eyes off the clocks, and you’ll find yourself at speeds worryingly close to the two-tonne mark. Which is why more bite and feel from the first few millimetres of brake travel would have been nice too.It may be called a 350 like the E-cla
ss, but this motor is different. Developing a much healthier 306bhp and 37kgm of torque this creamy-smooth, direct-injection engine has ample torque right from 1500rpm. In many cars, the message from the accelerator seems to pass through a government agency and a translation service before reaching the engine. But in the CLS the right pedal and the motor seem to be connected via ESP (Extra-Sensory Perception). A light dab of the accelerator sends the CLS rolling forward smoothly. Press down with greater urgency and the motor hauls you forward briskly, and like all very torquey motors, the resulting change often pins your head to headrest. The 7G-tronic gearbox, however, is a bit slow on the downshift and using the paddles can be a bit frustrating at times. All put together, the CLS manages 0-100kph in a claimed 6.95 seconds, which is plenty quick.
Back in 2004 I dismissed the first-generation CLS as unnecessary and frumpy. But that was only until I saw it in the metal. After that I promptly fell hopelessly and nonsensically in love with it. Mercedes’ second take on the four-door coupe design is also a bit hard to swallow. Although this time, I’m giving it a more patient hearing. The new C218 CLS is attention grabbing, albeit in a technical and futuristic manner. While the last CLS’ design could be represented with just a few light strokes, the new CLS has a frenzy of highlights and a barrage of hectic lines. There is plenty of muscle here and the low roof, tight-fitting boot and the LED lamps give it a presence you just can’t ignore, and that’s just what Merc wants. Taking it easy in the CLS is quite rewarding too. In Comfort mode, a thick carpet seems to cushion the ride and passengers are not tossed around. However, some thuds over deep ruts do reveal an underlying stiffness, but that is only to be expected.
Passengers won’t feel short-changed in the CLS either. It exudes a dignified ambience, the rear seats are sculpted to feel almost like bucket seats, and though there is space only for two in the rear, this is a genuinely usable backseat that offers great underthigh support. It doesn’t hurt that the CLS has almost the same amount of legroom in the rear as an S-Class either. However, headroom is in short supply and the low roof demands some dexterity when getting in or out.
While it can be argued that the new CLS can’t top its predecessor for sheer class, there is no doubt it is a much better car. It is very attractive to look at, very quick both in a straight line and around corners, and it is very comfortable and very refined as well. It is beautifully built, will stand out as something special in any parking lot and the Rs 71.1-lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) price isn’t too bad either, considering this car looks like it could cost upwards of a crore. Wish you could buy it with a diesel though.

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 71.1 lakh, (ex-showroom, Mumbai)

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Installation	Front, longitudinal
Type	6-cyls in-vee, 3498cc
Power	306bhp at 6500rpm
Torque	37.7kgm at 3500-5250rpm
Power to weight	176.4bhp per tonne

Transmission

Gearbox

7-speed automatic

Dimensions

Length	4940mm
Width	1881mm
Height	1416mm

Chassis & Body

Weight	1735kg
Tyres	245/45R 17

Suspension

Front

MacPherson

Brakes

Front	Vented discs
Rear	discs

Economy

Tank size

89 litres

Lexus launch in India confirmed

Toyota has officially confirmed that it will introduce the Lexus brand in India by 2013. The Japanese carmaker has been evaluating the feasibility of its luxury brand in India for several years now and has finally decided to go ahead with the launch. “We have been watching India with keen interest and we are happy to announce that we will bring Lexus to India in 2013” confirmed Yukitoshi Funo, executive vice-president of Toyota Motor Corporation.

The Lexus range will be sold through dedicated dealerships, though several Toyota dealers are likely to take up the franchise to take advantage of their service set up that requires common equipment for both brands. However, Toyota will take a very cautious and diligent approach to appointing dealerships. “We would rather have a few, quality dealerships than a large number of mediocre outlets” said Funo who also emphasised that he wanted to differentiate Lexus from its German rivals. Last month Kazuo Ohara, who oversees the Lexus brand globally, made a visit to India and gave the green light after intense market research, which included studying the dealer and service outlets of other brands.

Toyota plans to follow a top-down strategy and the initial plan is to introduce the LS saloon and RX SUV, both premium luxury models. This is likely to be followed by the GS executive luxury saloon which competes directly with the E-class and 5-series.

The company will initially bring the Lexus range as imports or completely built-up (CBU) units to test the market before considering local assembly. “We need consider local production to compete with the others in the market, but this is still being studied,” said Funo. It is likely that the compact IS models will be locally assembled in time.

The initial feedback and market studies for the Lexus brand have been very encouraging. “The Indian consumers’ awareness of Lexus is quite surprising and much more than we anticipated,” said Funo. However, the challenge will be to price the cars competitively, especially since Lexus will initially import cars and will be at a cost disadvantage in comparison to rival luxury brands that locally assemble and hence pay lower duty. Also, there is no diesel engine in the Lexus range which could be another disadvantage. However, Lexus will introduce its hybrid technology, which could click with customers looking for the ultimate in refinement.

Aluminium tech for next Mercedes SL

Nov 23, 2011

Mercedes will unveil its sixth-generation SL roadster next year. The new SL roadster will be the very first Mercedes in large-scale series production to use an almost exclusively aluminium lightweight construction.

At a preview event held close to last week’s Los Angeles Motor Show, Mercedes showed journalists a completed example of the new two-seater grand convertible’s ‘body-in-white’ superstructure.

Made from a mix of chill cast, vacuum die-cast, stamped and extruded aluminium, it allows the finished 2012 SL to be 140kg lighter than the outgoing steel car, and 20 percent more torsionally rigid – to the enhancement of handling precision, rolling refinement, performance and fuel-efficiency.

Mercedes’ CAD-optimised design for the SL’s monocoque is even stiffer than other aluminium-constructed rivals – or so the firm claims. “Our engineers have measured a Jaguar XK’s body stiffness at around 16,000Nm per degree of torsional deflection,” said SL Product Manager Bernd Stegmann. “The new SL has just under 20,000Nm per degree.”

The various metal castings and tailored blanks of the SL’s body-in-white are connected via different methods, depending on how much load they transmit. While some parts of the underbody are MIG welded, hemmed, bonded and bolted, others are joined via state-of-the-art friction stir welding – a technique that allows for particularly stiff, precise joins.

With mainly aluminium body panels, the only significant parts of the new Mercedes that aren’t aluminium are its pedestrian-protection-oriented plastic ‘soft nose’ grille, its super-lightweight magnesium rear bulkhead, and its tubular steel A-pillars and header rail. Steel is chosen here for its extremely high strength in the event of a rollover.

Mercedes’ engineers wouldn’t be drawn to confirm very many other details about the new convertible last week, which will be unveiled in the flesh at the Detroit motor show in January. But Stegmann did tell Autocar that diesel or petrol-electric hybrid versions of the SL had been ruled out.

“SL customers are extremely loyal, and they know what they want from the car,” he said. “Quality, refinement, safety, design appeal, and a certain amount of dynamic ability. But most of these cars are the third or fourth in someone’s collection: so fuel economy really isn’t a priority.”

Petrol Ventos, Mercs for a steal

The Mahindra First Choice Super Store at Goregaon, Mumbai, has on offer six 1.6-litre petrol VW Vento Autos for Rs 7.75 lakh each. Manufactured in the year 2011, these cars have only clocked 2800-12000km on the odo, and are still under factory warranty.

Also on sale is a 2008 VW Passat diesel for Rs 12.50 lakh and an October 2009 Jetta that has been driven 23,000km for Rs 12 lakh. In the premium segment, there are two BMW 3-series’ – a 2008 320i for Rs 16 lakh and a 2010 320d for Rs 26 lakh. The Mercs on offer include a 2011 Mercedes E350 petrol priced at Rs 40 lakh, a 2010 C200 retailing for Rs 20 lakh and a 2002 E240 at Rs 12.50 lakh.

All these cars come with a one-year First Choice 24/7 road-side assistance service.

Big end-of-year discounts on luxury cars

The luxury car market is full of serious discounts this month and leading the way is the German trio. Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi are offering selected models at prices difficult to resist.

Leading the way is Mercedes-Benz with the E200 CGI. The premium saloon is being offered with a Rs 5.5-lakh cash discount and a petro card worth Rs 2.5 lakh (3,500 litres approximately). This adds up to a massive Rs 8-lakh benefit. The base petrol variant will now cost you only Rs 40 lakh as against Rs 45 lakh on-road Mumbai. The E200 CGI has the same engine used in the C-class developing 183bhp from its 1.8-litre unit. Add the luxuries and space of an E for just about Rs 5 lakh more than the similarly specced C-class and it makes a compelling case for itself. 

Audi is offering a Rs 5 lakh discount on the A4 petrol models too. That’s approximately 15 percent off the sticker price for the entry-level Audi 1.8 TFSI. It now retails at just around Rs 30 lakh. The 1.8 TFSI develops 160bhp and 25.5kgm of torque.
Not one to miss the boat, BMW will sell you the 320i and 320d Highline models with a Rs 4.5-lakh discount and the Corporate Edition with Rs 2 lakh knocked off the price tag. The 5-series too is being offered with a Rs 1.5-lakh discount. The base variants of the driver-focused 3-series are now priced on par with the X1. The 320i develops 154bhp and 20.4kgm of torque and the 320d churns out 174bhp from its 2.0-litre engine.
BMW sold 330 units of the 5-series in September and Mercedes matched it with 333 units of the E-class. Audi managed to sell 259 units of A4 in the same period, while the 3-series sold 220 units.

Mercedes-Benz Launches CLS

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the all-new CLS 350 BlueEFFECIENCY.

The new CLS replaces the car that’s credited with creating the “four-door coupé” segment of the market, and spawning models like the Audi A7 and the VW Passat CC. Mercedes sold more than 1,70,000 examples of the original car, which was launched globally in 2004.

The new CLS is slightly cheaper than the model it replaces. It sits on a modified version of the current E-class platform, with wider tracks to help give it a more aggressive stance. Mercedes has not released official dimensions, but the car is wider and longer than the outgoing model, and wider but lower than the E-class saloon.

The most dominant styling feature is a new front-end treatment that will be phased in across Mercedes’ range over the next few years. Described by Merc insiders as a “soft nose”, it features a gaping grille that’s similar to one already introduced on the SLS. Mercedes says the grille treatment — which sits separate from the engine cover — helps to make the bonnet look longer.

The CLS’s flanks feature the same rear wheel arch bulge as the current E-class. The single, uninterrupted crease that ran from nose to tail on the old car is replaced by a line that falls from above the front wheel arch to the middle of the rear door.

At either side of the grille, the CLS comes with headlight units made up entirely from LEDs. Each set-up contains 70 LEDs, which work on dipped and main beam, sidelights and indicators.

The dashboard is an evolution of the current E-class design, with more flashes of chrome around the main dials and metal-finish buttons, and an analogue clock mounted in the centre of the fascia. Five interior colours, five trim designs and three grades of leather will be offered.

The CLS 350, priced at Rs 67.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) is powered by a 3.5-litre motor that produces 306bhp.  

Mercedes Benz India has launched the updated new C-class with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.
The petrol model is called the C200 BlueEFFECIENCY, powered by a M271 EVO 1.8-litre turbocharged, direct-injection motor; it now comes with a 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox. The new car also gets 17-inch wheels with 225/45-R17 tyres. It is priced at Rs 29.79 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Avantgarde trim level.
The diesel model is called the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and is priced at Rs 32.30 lakh and it comes with a 5-speed automatic gearbox.
The refreshed C-class now sports new headlamps with LED day-time running lights and though the tail lamps look the same they too have been tweaked. The bumpers have been re-profiled as well. The interiors have been redesigned and now look more like the ones on the bigger E-class. Also new is the panoramic sunroof
Additional features include Attention Assist along with PreSafe, Neck Pro, and Adaptive Braking safety systems. Apart from that it gets Agility Control package which changes the damper settings to alter the ride and handling balance.
Read the detailed review of the new C-class in the latest issue of AUTOCAR INDIA.

Mercedes Allies With Buddh Circuit

Mercedes-Benz has joined hands with the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) with an aim of taking motorsports closer to Indian fans.

The German carmaker has chalked out aggressive plans to provide boost to the ever growing spirit of motoring in India. Mercedes-Benz and JPSI have concluded an agreement whereby Mercedes-Benz cars will be utilized as safety cars for all events taking place at the BIC.

Both partners will jointly set up a Performance Driving Academy by next year to foster potential talent and popularise performance driving. The new academy will offer structured programs, cars, trainers and help groom new talents on the racing circuit. In addition, the company also plans to popularise motorsports through promotional activities, road shows and dealership activations across India. Mercedes-Benz customers will also have exclusive access to use the cars on the race track.

The carmaker will start a nationwide promotional campaign and give motorsport enthusiasts an access to witness the action at the Indian Grand Prix in October. It plans to create Pit Stops at all its dealerships which will put up race tickets and merchandise on sale. Speed Date is another activity planned in the second half of October in Mumbai with participation of over 100 Mercedes-Benz and AMG cars.

Speaking on the occasion, Peter Honegg, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “Mercedes-Benz is a performance brand and our long association with motorsports is a testimony to this fact. It has been our endeavour to enable more people to experience the performance and dynamism of our cars, and we will continue to do so in times to come.”

Commenting on the partnership, Sameer Gaur, MD & CEO, JPSI Sports added, “We are pleased to have Mercedes-Benz as the Official Partners for Buddh International Circuit. Together with Mercedes-Benz, JPSI will play a pivotal role in popularizing motorsport in India. BIC will act as a new platform to create a talent pool of next gen motorsports champions of India”.

Mercedes SLK55 AMG Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its most powerful SLK ever, the Mercedes SLK55 AMG.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine that boasts 415bhp (almost 60bhp more than its predecessor), 55.02kgm of torque and a 0-60mph time of 4.5sec and can take the SLK to a limited top speed of 250kph.

The roadster has an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission that features three modes – sport, manual and 'controlled efficiency'. It features AMG performance components including sports suspension with a Direct-Steer system that enhances handling and agility, Torque Vectoring Brakes that provide selective brake actuation at the rear wheel during cornering and a high-performance braking system.

An optional AMG Handling Package comprises sportier suspension with stiffer tuning, an AMG rear axle differential lock, two-piece brake discs at the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel finished in premium leather with Alcantara grip inserts.

The front apron of the roadster features large air inlets and AMG-specific LED daytime running lights, while the wide radiator grille is a nod to the SLS AMG sports car. The SLK55 AMG also boasts styling tweaks including light-alloy wheels, body styling with spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear.

Darkened clear-lens headlamps and darkened bicolor tail lamps come as standard exclusively on the top-of-the-range V8 model. Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination are also available as an optional extra.

The interior design of the SLK55 AMG is reminiscent of the SLS, with four jet-engine style air vents and the centre console finished in brushed aluminium. The car features an AMG Performance steering wheel plus sports seats with the Airscarf neck-level heating system.

The standard retractable hardtop opens and closes in less than 20 seconds. Two other roof variants are available, including one with the Magic Sky Control system, which has glass that can switch from light to dark at the press of a button.

Instead of a standard wind-stop, the car has a new Airguide system. It consists of pivoting transparent plastic wings which are attached to the back of the roll-over bars, meaning no installation or removal is required.

The third generation of the AMG roadster model will be on display at the Frankfurt motor show next month and will go on sale early next year.

New Mercedes SLK Launched

Mercedes-Benz has launched the new 2011 SLK 350 roadster in India.

The new SLK's exterior styling is inspired from the SLS AMG and it continues to eschew a fabric roof for a reworked version of the old model’s folding hard-top.  It now offers the choice of standard aluminum, fixed-tint glass or electro-magnetic variable-tint glass panel. 

Inside, there’s an angular new dashboard, again modeled on that of the SLS, with distinctive vents, reworked instruments, more contemporary switchgear and a new range of trims.

The 2011 SLK made its global debut at the manufacturer’s 125th birthday celebrations in Stuttgart in January this year. It has a new rear-wheel drive platform. The SLK 350 features Mercedes’ new V6. The 3.5-litre direct-injection motor kicks out 306bhp and is paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It offers vastly improved performance and economy.  It competes with the likes of the BMW Z4 and the Porsche Cayman/Boxster and the Audi TT. 

The SLK 350 is priced at Rs 61.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Mercedes SLK Launch On August 10

Mercedes-Benz India is all set to launch the new SLK in India on August 10th. The SLK made its global debut at the manufacturer’s 125th birthday celebrations in Stuttgart in January this year.

The new SLK continues to eschew a fabric roof for a reworked version of the old model’s folding hard-top. It now offers the choice of either standard aluminum, fixed-tint glass or electro-magnetic variable-tint glass panel.

Inside, there’s an angular new dashboard, modeled on that of the SLS, with distinctive vents, reworked instruments, more contemporary switchgear and a new range of trims.

The 2011 SLK has a new rear-wheel drive platform. Mercedes will launch the SLK 350 in India, which features Mercedes’ new V6. The 3.5-litre direct-injection motor kicks out 306bhp and is paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It offers vastly improved performance and economy.

The SLK competes with the likes of the BMW Z4 and the Porsche Cayman/Boxster and the Audi TT and will be available at an estimated ex-showroom price of Rs 65 lakh.

High-end Mercs under single roof

 

Shaman Group has put up on sale a cluster of high-end and exclusive vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz stable. The Mumbai showroom has put on display cars like the E-Coupe, E-Cabriolet, SLK 200, SL350, ML, GL and the R-Class – all under one roof.
These CBUs are exclusive and lifestyle Mercs which are purely built keeping performance, exclusivity, safety and luxury in mind. This collection of CBUs is rare a sight as buyers don’t get to see a variety of high-end Mercedes under one roof. These brand new cars are for selective buyers and can be customized as per the buyers’ demands.
Prices of these Mercs start from Rs 58 lakh and goes up to Rs 1 crore (on-road Mumbai). The 184bhp SLK 200 is available at Rs 58 lakh, the 272bhp E 350 Coupe is priced at Rs 75.33 lakh and for those who want an open-top four-seater GT can opt for the E 350 Cabriolet for Rs 82.89 lakh. The SL 350, which can be termed as the most desirable and stylish car on Indian roads, is also put up on sale for a staggering price tag of Rs 1.03 crore.
In the SUV class you could opt for the ML 350 CDI for Rs 69.30 or if you want something that has spacious interiors and a perfect blend of on- and off-road capabilities then look no further than the GL range that starts from Rs 79.40 lakh for the petrol variant, going up to 95 lakh for the Luxury diesel variant. And if you are keen on buying a luxury MPV then you have the R350L that is available for Rs 79.53lakh.
Prospective buyers can check out the cars at the Mercedes-Benz Shaman outlet at Kalina

Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series revealed

 

Mercedes reveals its most powerful C-Class — the 509bhp Mercedes C63 AMG Coupé Black Series.
Like all three previous Black Series Mercedes, the C63 sticks with a tried and tested formula of sledgehammer power, track-focused hard-core chassis and aggressive race-derived styling. Power comes from AMG’s 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, which has forged pistons, conrods and crankshaft, a new engine control unit and a 50 per cent bigger oil cooler.
The prodigious output is channelled through a seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, which uses a wet, dual-clutch in place of the usual fluid coupling. The transmission has four control settings and can snap through the gears in 100 milliseconds in the sportiest Sport Plus and Manual modes.
To boost the new Mercedes’ traction and improve its handling the rear axle features a limited slip differential that is allied to three stages of ESP stability control, one of which allows the system to be completely switched off.
Under the skin is a revised chassis with wider tracks — up 40mm at the front and 75mm at the rear — stiffer anti-roll bars and suspension with “numerous setting options”. Upgraded brakes include bigger 390mm front discs, stopped by six-piston calipers, and 360mm discs at the rear, with four-piston calipers.
A two-seat cabin is standard, with an optional rear bench with individual seats, like the ‘cooking’ C63 AMG Coupé. Race-style bucket seats and red-trimmed seatbelts with contrasting stitching add a sporty edge to the interior.
Firsts for the Black Series are an optional Track Package and the AMG Aerodynamic Package. Included in the Track Package is super-sticky Dunlop rubber and a differential cooler sited in the rear bumper apron. The Aerodynamic Package features carbonfibre aerodynamic add-ons for the front bumper and a fixed, carbon rear spoiler.
The Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series will go on sale in the first quarter of 2012.