AMG secreteveloping a hot A-Klassely

We've written through time about the plans of AMG to build a mean version for the future generation of the A-Klasse, which is about to suffer a major transformation in design, technology and market positioning. In an interview to Autocar, Olla Kaellenius, the AMG boss, revealed that the future A 25 AMG model, because this is the designation of the new baby hot-hatch from Affalterbach, will be previewed in April next year, in the form of an exciting concept expected to make its appearance on the stage of the Shanghai Auto Show, whereas the serial production car will be premiered in mid-2012. Engineers are currently working in alliance with the specialized Swiss firm Hyprex to build a highly-turbocharged 2.0 liters 4-cylinder in-line powerplant, that could deliver a peak output of 320 hp. According to Kaellenius, this impressive amount of power will be transmitted to all 4 wheels of the car with the help of an intelligent, carefully-trimmed for top performance, AWD system. Moreover, he added that there will be an AMG variant for the upcoming generation B-Klasse as well, that could also hit US showrooms.

500,000th C-Klasse Limousine produced at Sindelfingen

Another production milestone was reached today at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant - workers finished the assembly process of the 500,000th C-Klasse Limousine since the W 204 generation "came into force" in 2007. The model that rolled off the line in the morning of 15th December 2010 is a right-hand-drive C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY version, in Iridium Silver Metallic exterior paint finish, and will arrive at an UK customer.

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SPY - 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Klasse (R 231)

This a premiere: first SL-Klasse R 231 generation test prototype spotted in FEP camouflage on the German roads. The details of the exterior design, which can now be seen more clearly, are a confirmation of the 'almost real' rendition produced by Autobild's Larson. The future SL-Klasse, bound to premiere in 2012, will showcase a clean, elegant and fairly progressive styling philosophy, with key elements reminiscent of or similar to the SLS AMG. The front fascia will boast a powerful stance due to the roughly-cut shape of the headlamps and the impressive single-louvre radiator grille. The side profile will stick to tradition and will mark only a minor evolution of the lines of the current SL, while the rear end appears to be carefully penned: bold and curvy surfaces that blend together perfectly in the overall architecture. Check out more revealing spy shots after pressing the jump button!

2011 Value Champion: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Is Value Champion

Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 10, 2010 – The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been declared the 2011 Value Champion in the latest value retention assessment carried out by Auto Bild magazine in cooperation with EurotaxSchwacke. Models from the C-Class, the E-Class, the S-Class, the GLK, and the M-Class were among the top three winners in various categories.

According to the residual value forecasts of the market researchers, a four-year-old
E-Class vehicle will have the lowest loss of value in the upper-range segment. After four years of use, the E 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY station wagon will still retain 54.8 percent of its current original value.

Four other Mercedes-Benz vehicles also placed among the top three models in other categories. The C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY station wagon was among the winners in the midrange segment, the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY was one of the top three in the luxury segment, and the GLK 350 CDI as well as the ML 350 CDI were among the top SUVs. Mercedes-Benz vehicles have also regularly been among the value retention champions in their respective classes in previous years.

SPY - 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe

These are the first spy shots depicting a prototype of the previously-anticipated C 63 AMG Coupe, that is expected to be released around the summer of 2011. The large alloy wheels with their distinctive AMG design, the impressive rear diffuser and quad-exhausts, along with the slightly-widened front and tail bumpers indicate the pictured model is the forthcoming supersport version of the new C-Klasse Coupe. Taking into consideration the latest hints, it is hard to draw a definitive conclusion concerning the powering unit to be fitted to the new C 63 AMG Coupe: whether it's the same 457 hp 6.2 liters V8 engine (more likely, we say) or a new 5.5 liters non-turbo V8 powerplant, boasting 422 hp (less likely, we say) and prone to premiere on the future SLK 55 AMG next year, only time or further inside details will tell. Even the official designation is still in doubt, but as the '63' particle will be retained in the denomination of the AMG variants of the sedan and wagon bodies of the C-Klasse Facelift, there's no logical reason in changing the name specially for the coupe (C 55 AMG Coupe, for example). Check out several images after the jump!

The New SLK-Klasse: At a glance

Following yesterday's leak, it's time to build up the portrait of the new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Klasse. These are the key parts of the new roadster model from Stuttgart:

- Powerful sports car design, with clean, dynamic lines and two-section folding hardtop
- Elegant single-louvre grille: "reminiscence" of the SLS AMG
- Attractive exterior appointments thanks to the AMG Sports Package
- A comprehensive array of active & passive safety solutions, such as: the Intelligent Lighting System with Adaptive Light function, PRE-SAFE, latest generation of DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake
- Dynamic on-road capabilities thanks to the new adaptive sports suspension
- New, efficient, direct injection engines, boasting impressive consumption and emission figures, as well as Start/Stop function
- High-end model - the SLK 350, powered by the 3.5 litres V6 306 hp unit
- For the first time, a diesel version - the 204 hp SLK 250 CDI
- 7G-TRONIC PLUS gearbox available across the entire engine range
- AIRSCARF and sun-reflective leather upholstery available for optimal thermal comfort
- Innovative solutions premiered on the new SLK: COMAND Online infotainment system with internet access, MAGIC SKY CONTROL panorama roof and the AIRGUIDE draft stop system

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