Kicherer Mercedes ML420 CDI

Tuning firm Kicherer has released a new kit for the Mercedes ML 420 CDI which offers an additional 56hp and 200Nm more of torque. Called the Kicherer ML 42 ICE, the overall specifications are now 360hp and 900Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 6.1 seconds, half a second quicker than a non-tuned model. Top speed for the ML 42 ICE is 280 km/h (174mph).

Exterior changes include the body kit from a Mercedes ML 63 AMG, 20-inch AMG wheels with a special black varnish, high performance brakes, an electronic lowered suspension and a four-pipe sports exhaust. Leather is added to the interior’s roof, dashboard, doors, and in several other locations. Real carbon fiber trim is applied throughout the interior and on the new ergonomic sport steering wheel.

Press Release

Kicherer ML 42: Cold as Ice

Kicherer now has a tuning kit available for the ML 420 CDI bestowing an extra 56 hp and 200 Nm more torque to an already powerful SUV, thus increasing the effective horsepower from 306 hp in the standard model to a superb 360 hp. At the same time, the maximum torque of 700 Nm is increased to a terrific 900 Nm.
Just as spectacular is the performance of the so-called Kicherer ML 42 ICE. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds, it is a whole half a second quicker than its series counterpart. The maximum speed has been increased to approximately 280 km/h.
The exceptional performance of the CDI power units tuned by Kicherer are impressive, as are the high degree of elasticity and favourable fuel consumption, which is at a standard level despite the increased power. As with the basic vehicle, Kicherer engines also comply with the Euro 4 exhaust standard and, of course, are just as suitable for any vehicle equipped with diesel particle filters.
But Kicherer has gone even one step further and perfected the details of the ML.
Its exterior looks have been adapted to match the increased performance by adding an AMG ML 63 body kit, AMG 20-inch wheels with special varnish, an electronic lowered suspension and a four-pipe sports exhaust. High-performance brakes ensure that fast off-road enthusiasts still have the appropriate deceleration.
The precision of the Kicherer team can also be seen in the interior. The roof interior, dashboard, door trim and other surfaces have been covered with the finest Kicherer leather. Real carbon trim parts add the necessary sporty accentuation to the otherwise luxurious surroundings.
The driver has the pleasure of an ergonomic sporty steering wheel with gear paddles - also finished in carbon.
A really cool complete package – Ice in name and Ice in nature

RENNtech Mercedes SLR McLaren 722GT

What do you do with 680 wild horses under your right foot? Take them to America of course! At least that is what tuner RENNtech, SLR.Club Trophy USA and RML (Ray Mallock Ltd) of the UK plan to do when they host a two-day track day series featuring the maddest SLR cars ever made, the 722GT in 2009. Exact dates will be announced this coming Northern Hemisphere summer.

The 722GT is technically superior to the standard car, which already boasts some impressive figures on its own. Fitted with the same 5.4-litre V8 run by a supercharger, the 722GT boosts power from the “ordinary” 626 bhp/ 467kW to 680 bhp/ 507kW and 830Nm of torque, with a weight shaving of some 660 lb/ 299kg. It is whispered in racing circles that the car will scuttle away from a still position to 62.1 mph/ 100km/h in less than 3.3 seconds and max out at just over 199 mph/ 320km/h.

Owners of this special vehicle, developed by RML at the approval of Mercedes-Benz, will stay at 5-star accomodations, meet very special guests, all the while being instructed by some of the best like David Coulthard and later racing at some historic tracks. RENNtech will provide trackside support for the events.

The idea was shaped after 722GT trackdays held at the Nurburgring and Paul Ricard. Only 21 of these are being made, half already sold, so get on the phone to RENNtech right now while there’s still time

Mercedes CL 65 AMG by Vath

There are already plenty of ways to get your monster-Benz thrills, but one more couldn't hurt, now could it? Aimed at those drivers for whom the Mercedes CL 65 AMG's 612-horsepower V12 just isn't enough, German tuning firm Vath has released a tuning package for the high-performance luxury coupe.

With Vath's kit, the twin-turbo 6.0 liter V12 in the big Benz cranks out 718 horsepower. Of course, that kind of power wouldn't be any fun with an electronic nanny aboard, so Vath also removes the CL 65 AMG''s speed limiter, allowing this boosted beast to run all the way up to a reported 211mph (340 km/h), which suggests that this CL 65 AMG can run down most supercars while providing an opulent and relatively quiet ride. A high-performance carbon brake kit, 20-inch wheels and a lowered suspension are also part of the package, to help the CL 65 AMG handle the additional performance.

Style-wise, the Vath-tuned CL 65 AMG gets a carbon bodykit with a revised spoiler up front and an integrated air diffuser at the rear.

Lorinser Nardo3 at Geneva

German tuner Lorinser has released details about their plans for the Geneva Auto Show, where they will introduce the Nardo3 and the C-Class T-Model.

The C-Class T-Model is based off of Mercedes’ C320 T CDI and comes with a special Lorinser diesel module, tuned to deliver 192 kW/261hp instead of the 164 kW/224hp delivered by the standard model. It also features an aerodynamic styling package and 19-inch wheels.

Using the Mercedes SL as a platform, the Nardo3 pushes the biturbo V12 to create 485 kW/660hp and 1013 Nm of torque. Top speed is limited to 325hm/h to prevent damage to the transmission. Exterior differences include a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust, unique wheels, extended side skirts, modified side vents, and a new front end. Production will be limited to 50 copies.

RENNtech CL 65 Gets Upgrade to 695hp

Nobody has suggested that the 612 horsepower Mercedes CL65 AMG is lacking for power, but that didn't stop RENNtech from seeking the next level nonetheless. The high-end modifier today announced its "stage 3" tuning package for Mercedes' big AMG coupes and roadsters, which uses new ECU software and revised airflow to produce 695 horsepower and 890 ft-lb torque from the twin-turbo V12.

The $18,990 MSRP for what RENNtech calls "PKG3" doesn't include installation, but does add a larger intercooler pump, carbon fiber airboxes and stainless steel sport mufflers that give it a much different sound from the stock AMG cars.

RENNtech says the additional power and torque provide a "real, noticeable" improvement in the CL65 AMG's already stellar performance, which shouldn't come as a surprise.

Press Release

The last few years have seen a flood of 500 horsepower sedans almost pouring out of Germany from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Earlier this month, however, representatives from Mercedes and AMG announced that the "horsepower wars" were over, saying that outright power would no longer be the "main focus" for future sports sedans.

Apparently, no-one sent that "war over" memo to RENNTECH.

This morning, RENNTECH announced a new "stage 3" tune for the 2008 65 series AMG models, which makes use of what RENNTECH calls "next-generation ECU software" to get 695 hp and 890 lb-ft of torque from the AMG's twin-turbo V12.

"Power will always be important to many customers, especially torque." explains Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director of AMG North America. "Our cars have always been able to make considerable torque, and have been praised in magazines for their drivability. Still, we are constantly trying to improve our product."

Commitment to constant improvement is one reason RENNTECH has become known as one of the world's premier tuning firms, and America's foremost authority on Mercedes-Benz. RENNTECH believes their new software will further cement that knowledge in the public mind. "We now have two in-house engineers that are doing software full-time, and others that work with the software on a part-time or contract basis. We are always looking for improvements. The latest software takes advantage of the increased power of the new engine computers, and offers a number of small improvements that add up to a big 'overall' improvement," Feyhl explains. "It really is that 'next-generation' sort of product that is much more advanced than what we were capable of offering before. Compared to earlier versions, our new software gives customers more power and better drivability in a way that is more reliable, smoother power curve, and even improves emissions and gas mileage."

In addition to the software upgrades, RENNTECH adds a larger intercooler pump and secondary heat exchanger, as well as a pair of carbon fiber airboxes to improve the flow of cool air into the big AMG's V12. The intercooler system upgrades reduce air intake temperatures by more than 20 degrees, delivering more consistent power compared to stock and allowing RENNTECH to more safely increase boost throughout the rpm range.

RENNTECH's stainless steel sport mufflers (also part of the new package) produce a deep, distinctive growl that is suitably aggressive for a high-end luxury car. Feyhl suggests that his mufflers "let the car sound the way it is supposed to sound."

With almost 900 lb-ft of torque available from the engine, RENNTECH's upgrades deliver a real, noticeable improvement in terms power and acceleration compared to the already impressive performance of the stock 65 series AMG cars. MSRP for RENNTECH's new performance "PKG3" for 65 series AMG is $18,990 (plus installation). PKG365 is available for S65, CL65, and SL65 AMG.

Kleemann ML63K Bi-turbo

The Danish tuning house has turbo charged the 6.3 liter V8, which has already been pushed close to its limits by AMG. AMG extracts 510 hp while Kleemann manages an astounding 800 hp with 1,000 Nm of torque. The ML 63 AMG gearbox (7G Speedshift) and 4-Matic drivetrain are up to the task and were left untouched.

Just to throw some numbers at you, the ML63K Bi-turbo can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds and will not stop until the 300 km/h mark. The ML63K rides on 20 inch Kleemann TS-7 wheels (315/35 R20), is painted in Nordic White matte colour, exclusive to the Scandinavian tuner and comes with a hand-made 400 km/h speedometer. A limited edition run has not yet been finalised.

Press Release

Setting new style and performance standards for SUV's

KLEEMANN, best known for their extensive experience in Kompressor technology for Mercedes-Benz cars, now includes the other side of engine supercharging into their programme: turbo's. As a result of the joint experience and efforts of KLEEMANN Denmark and KLEEMANN Dubai/GAE German Automotive Engineering, one of the worlds most beautiful and powerful SUV's will be revealed on the Dubai Motor Show from November 13th 2007: The KLEEMANN ML63K Bi-turbo prototype.

New challenges, new partnerships

Faced with the challenge of bringing out the full potential from the highly sophisticated V8 engine in the ML 63 AMG, the KLEEMANN R&D department chose a turbo solution over one of their efficient Kompressor systems. This is also the main reason KLEEMANN teamed up with their partner in Dubai, GAE German Automotive Engineering, from who they gained valuable and up-to-date turbo knowledge and experience.

Sophisticated technology

"The advanced triple throttle system on the AMG engine ensures remarkable power and torque on the normally aspirated engine, but its function is too sensitive for the constant boost pressure of the Kompressor. This is why we wanted to try turbocharging the engine instead, so the whole throttle system only recieved boost pressure under max load. This prooved successful and resulted on both enormous power and driveability, made possible through the new technology of stand alone engine management, which we are also currently using for our Kompressor systems" says Claus Ankjaer, technical director at KLEEMANN.

"We reduced the compression ratio from 11,3:1 to 9,7:1 to leave space for more turbo boost pressure and this was achieved by installing thicker and much stronger headgaskets. The 2 ballbearing Garrett turbochargers are placed behind the engine where they are mounted on modified KLEEMANN tubular headers and the exhaust gasses continue through special KLEEMANN turbo downpipes and a stainless steel high flow KLEEMANN exhaust system. For cool and efficient engine conditions, the pressurised intake air flows through 2 flat high capacity air-to-water intercoolers placed on top of the engine" Horst Busch, director at GAE German Automotive Engineering explains.

Speed and safety go hand in hand

This complete engine modification result in the awesome power output of 800 HP and torque electronically limited to 1000 Nm. The standard ML 63 AMG 7G Speedshift gearbox needed no modifications to handle the power increase and it easily transfers every horsepower through the 4-Matic drivetrain and out to each of the 20" KLEEMANN TS-7 wheels. Running on Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires in the size 315/35 R20 and fitted with a KLEEMANN EBL suspension modification, the big SUV handles like a much smaller and lighter car.

The raw performance data for the ML63K Bi-turbo places it at the very front of the competition. The 0-100 km/h acceleration is achieved in only 4 seconds and the SUV continues the brutal acceleration right up to the electronically limited top speed of 300 km/h.

For improved safety, a high performance KLEEMANN brake system featuring 380 mm. drilled and vented discs with 8 piston fixed aluminium callipers on the front axle and 345 mm. drilled and vented discs with 4 piston fixed aluminium callipers on the rear axle is fitted. These brakes bring the ultrafast 2,5 ton SUV to a fast and controlled standstill from any speed again and again without fading or loss of stopping power, and it's a significant improvement from the standard twin piston sliding callipers on the standard ML 63 AMG.

"The overall goal for the ML63K Bi-turbo is – as it is for all KLEEMANN cars – to give the driver maximum performance and control on the road. Being a safe, reliable and everyday usable SUV reflects the Comfort Power slogan of KLEEMANN, and sets the ML63K Bi-turbo apart from many other tuned SUV's" says Lars Meller Jensen, Head of Communications at KLEEMANN.

A beautiful beast

For stunning elegance, the SUV is fitted with a complete KLEEMANN bodykit blending seamlessly into the dynamic lines of the ML and for the unique and very important final touch, KLEEMANN has coloured the SUV in the brand new and unique matte colour called Nordic White. This colour is a KLEEMANN exclusive and reflects the serene coolness of the Nordic climate.

Inside the car, driver and passengers experience a luxurious custum made alcantara headliner and Nappa leather covered dashboard in the special Rub'al-Khali Beige colour expressing the calm of the Arabian desert. A handmade 400 km/h KLEEMANN speedometer matches the huge performance potential of the car.

A limited production run of the ML63K is currently not finalised, but several elements of the car is already available from KLEEMANN.

Mercedes SL Facelift Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has just released details about the reworked SL range. We brought you leaked images of the new model last week, which showed a much more aggressive front end that resembles the headlights on the CLS and the grill of the CL. The new look certainly is more contemporary than before and does fit in well with the rest of Merc’s new range in terms of design but early comments have been the front can look awkward from some angles. Not much has changed at the rear in terms of design.

The SL is the world’s most successful premium roadster and has been in production since 1954 with the introduction of the 300 SL (Gullwing). In total, Mercedes-Benz has produced more that 630,000 SL roadsters. Mercedes-Benz describes the SL as sports car and while that might have been an apt description with the original models, there are those who believe that over the years the SL has grown to be more of a luxurious grand tourer than outright sports car, AMG models aside.

Engine options include two six-cylinder models, the SL 350 and a new SL 280 (170 kW/231 hp). The stalwart SL 500, with a V8 engine, and SL 600, with a V12 engine, will also feature in the new range.

Open-top drivers in cold climates will also appreciate that the SL now features the AIRSCARF system, introduced on the SLK. The interior has also been updated with a greater emphasis on the quality of the materials used. In particular, the more prominent stitching, such as on the console, makes the SL better prepared when compared to direct rivals, like the Aton Martin Vantage Roadster.

News on the handling front is that SL features a new direct steer system. The new system has variable rack ratio, which, compared to a constant ratio steering system, means that the driver does not have to move the steering wheel as much when cornering. According to Mercedes, this means that the car's response is more direct and that means that the drive will be sportier.

Speed-sensitive power steering is combined with the new system when driving slowly or parking to make it easier to park or maneuver thanks to the large ratio. We’ll have to wait for the road-tests to see if the new steering works as well in practice as it does in theory. The most interesting new feature is the Intelligent Light System, which provides five different light functions. According to Mercedes-Benz, these functions are designed specifically for typical driving situations and weather conditions.

The different modes include: country mode, motorway mode, enhanced fog lamps, cornering light function and active light function. The variable-control bi-xenon headlamps activate the various light functions automatically. With the motorway mode, for example, is activated in two stages when the speed of the car exceeds 90 km/h and increases the driver's range of vision by up to 60 percent.

Familiar Mercedes-Benz tehnology like the Command and Linguatronic (voice operating) system also feature while convenience features, like Keyless-Go are now standard. The facelifted SL-Class will introduced in March at the Geneva Motor Show and will land in European dealerships in April 2008.

Press Release

Sportier than ever before

Mercedes-Benz will continue its long tradition of producing legendary sports cars when it launches the new-generation SL-Class in spring 2008. The world's most successful premium roadster in its class features a new design with the emphasis firmly on sportiness and effortless assurance. These traits are also reflected in the handling qualities of the two-seater model, which now delivers even more athletic performance thanks to the new direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort and safety. The SL 350 is powered by a newly developed, extremely high-revving sports engine boasting an impressive output of 232 kW/316 hp yet returns a fuel consumption figure that is 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres lower than that of its predecessor (NEDC). The SL range will now feature two six-cylinder models in the shape of the SL 350 and the new SL 280 (170 kW/231 hp) as well as the familiar SL 500 with a V8 engine and the top-of-the-range SL 600 with a V12 powerplant. The Mercedes sports car extends its lead in the safety stakes courtesy of bi-xenon headlamps, included as standard, and the Intelligent Light System whose light functions are designed specifically for typical driving situations. Further new features on board include AIRSCARF neck-level heating. This system - invented by Mercedes-Benz and available as an optional extra - enhances comfort when driving with the roof down, extending the roadster season until well into the winter months. SL passengers are kept informed and entertained by the standard-fit COMAND multimedia system, which has also been fully redeveloped and features additional functions.

The new-generation SL caps a glorious history of Mercedes sports cars, which began in 1954 with the introduction of the legendary 300 SL "Gullwing", followed in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster. To date, the Stuttgart manufacturer has produced a total of over 630,000 SL sports cars.

Like its predecessors, the new-generation SL also merits its "incomparable" tag. No other sports car in this market segment offers such a perfect balance of sportiness, safety and comfort. These three qualities are the cornerstones of highly eventful, active motoring that provides a profound sense of well-being - for hallmark Mercedes refinement at the highest, sportiest level.

New design idiom with unmistakable sporty overtones

When it came to developing a concept and design for the new-generation SL Class, the Mercedes-Benz engineers set out with the aim of accentuating the Roadster's sporty attributes even more strongly than before. This aspiration is reflected in the new front-end design featuring as its centrepiece a wide and, therefore, very dominant radiator grille whose V shape symbolises sporty virtues such as forwards thrust and performance potential.

A horizontal louvre makes the radiator grille appear wider and, in doing so, emphasises the powerful aspect of the SL's front end, making it seem surprisingly new yet also very familiar. By using expressive stylistics in this way, the Mercedes designers are able to forge a link with the SL's history and create a front-end design that is reminiscent of the earlier SL Roadster models, which also expressed their poise and assurance through wide, very distinctive radiator grilles. Hence the front-end design of the new-generation SL shows Mercedes-Benz taking the styling of the legendary sports car to the next level.

The designers also pay homage to the forefather of the SL model series: the two powerdomes on the bonnet and the gill-style air outlets in the front wings are unmistakable hallmarks of the 300 SL from 1954 and have been given a modern interpretation for the new Mercedes sports car.

These classic design features drawn from five decades of roadster tradition are in stylish harmony with new elements of the modern Mercedes design idiom, including the distinctive V-shape of the front section and, above all, the headlamps, which are drawn deeply into the flanks, thus further emphasising the impression of breadth at the front end. As well as giving the SL a highly contemporary look, this striking headlamp design also sees the Roadster continuing its traditional role as a trendsetter. Just like its predecessors, the new generation SL features a front-end design that will serve as a template for future Mercedes passenger cars.

At the rear, too, the new-generation SL demonstrates its sporty nature even more clearly than before. This is achieved above all by a new, diffuser-look bumper which adds a motorsport touch. In conjunction with the equally new trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes this design element emphasises the width of the body, further symbolising the power just waiting to be unleashed by the roadster.

BRABUS presents PowerXtra D6 BLUE Kit

When the aftermarket applies its go-faster magic to Mercedes products, it usually focuses on the already-hot AMG versions. BRABUS has set its sights a bit greener with its just-introduced Power Xtra D6 BLUE kit developed specifically for the new E300 BLUETEC. The kit boosts the diesel's output by 47 horses.

The power gain is accomplished by means of an auxiliary engine management system that's designed to work in harmony with the BLUETEC's special catalysts and exhaust filters. The result is 258 horsepower and a stunning 450 ft-lb of torque from the 3.0 liter diesel V6. BRABUS claims a 6.8-second 0-62 mph sprint and a limited top speed of 155. The power gain is accomplished with no loss of fuel economy, as well. A modified suspension, brakes, wheels, body kit and stainless exhaust are also available from BRABUS for the E300, but are not part of the performance package.

BRABUS has been tuning Mercedes' diesels since 2001, when the E V8 became one of the first clean-burning diesel performance sedans. The D6 BLUE kit continues that tradition by meeting EURO V emissions standards set to go into effect in 2011.

Press Release

BRABUS PowerXtra D6 BLUE Power Kit for the E 300 BLUETEC

A powerful engine and exemplary environmental friendliness are not mutually exclusive: The motor engineers of BRABUS have developed the BRABUS PowerXtra D6 BLUE performance kit for the new Mercedes E 300 BLUETEC. It boosts power output of the cleanest diesel car on the market by 47 hp / 35 kW. The new BRABUS tuning technology makes BRABUS the first automobile tuner to meet ultra-stringent EURO V exhaust limits which won’t go into effect until 2011. The Mercedes E 300 BLUETEC with BRABUS PowerXtra D6 BLUE tuning stayed below permissible exhaust limits of EURO V by up to 65 percent.

Powerful and clean tuning for diesel engines is a long BRABUS tradition. The BRABUS E V8 Diesel from 2001 was the first diesel car ever to be equipped with a particulate filter. It met today’s EURO IV emission limits even long before they became law.

Using state-of-the-art test-bench technology in the company-own R&D center the BRABUS development team has developed a special auxiliary module for the electronic engine management system of the E 300 BLUETEC. BRABUS mapping is specifically calibrated to the environmentally friendly BLUETEC concept that features an oxidation catalyst, particulate filter and BLUETEC SCR catalyst.

After the conversion operation, which any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer can perform, the engine produces 258 hp (255 hp SAE net) / 190 kW at 3,700 rpm. The engine’s torque grows by a healthy amount as well: Between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm the torque curve reaches a new high of 610 Nm (450 lb-ft), up from standard 540 Nm (398 lb-ft). Thus powered the BRABUS-tuned car sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.8 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

In everyday driving the 3-liter V6 engine with BRABUS D6 BLUE kit harmonizes perfectly with the seven-speed automatic gearbox. The engine delivers excellent performance with even further improved pulling power from low engine speeds, which benefits overall fuel economy. Despite the improved performance fuel consumption remains on the low level of the production car.

The BRABUS PowerXtra D6 BLUE power kit for the E 300 BLUETEC is available for 1,790 Euros MSRP. Like all BRABUS components the kit is backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers or 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006). BRABUS also offers a power kit for the E320 BLUETEC model available in the USA and Canada.

An efficient complement to the BRABUS D6 BLUE power kit is the BRABUS sport exhaust system with four polished tailpipes. The fully stainless-steel exhaust system lends the common-rail diesel engine a throatier exhaust note and optimizes power yield.

To add sporty emphasis to the elegant lines of the W 211-series E-Class the BRABUS designers have developed a sporty aerodynamic-enhancement kit, manufactured from Pur-R-Rim in OEM quality.

BRABUS one-piece and multi-piece light-alloy wheels for the E 300 BLUETEC are available in four different designs and in sizes ranging from 8.5Jx17 to 10.5Jx20. The optimal tires in any size come from technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA, up to the largest possible tire sizes for the E-Class, size 245/30 ZR 20 in front and 295/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

Also available for the E-Class sedan are custom-tailored BRABUS suspension solutions such as lowering modules, sporty yet comfortable complete suspensions, a special control module for the optional air suspension, and sport stabilizers that reduce body roll during cornering.

BRABUS high-performance brake systems for the Mercedes E-Class are available in three different versions.

Another BRABUS specialty is the creation of luxurious customized interiors. The range of products includes stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, various types of ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels, and even an exclusive BRABUS interior crafted from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

New Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz has released the first official pictures of the new C Class Sport Coupe, or else, the CLC, the name the company has decided to give to the hatchback version of the C-Class. In fact, if the German manufacturer had kept the same name, it would be no problem, since it has already kept the old architecture.

The CLC will be produced in Brazil, in the Juiz de Fora plant Mercedes-Benz built to produce the A-Class. With the end of its production, this facility almost closed its doors before the company managed to find out what to do with it. The solution was the production of the C-Class Sport Coupe, what in part explains why the company has decided to keep the previous platform structure for the CLC. Boot capacity, for example, is the same: 310 liters.

The new CLC, as the company’s press release states, has only had its front and rear end redesigned, in order to follow the sedan's visual identity, but Mercedes-Benz underlines almost 1,100 components have been newly developed or enhanced. We will only know what it means when we drive the car, but the German automaker says the uprated engines (especially the four-cylinder 1.8-liter that pushes the C200 Kompressor and now delivers 184 bhp) and a direct-steer system will provide a much sportier behavior.

The direct-steer system consists of a variable rack ratio associated with a speed-sensitive power steering. To sum up, this means that the driver will be able to turn less the wheel in corners, what may be interesting at high speeds.

There will be six powerplant offers for the car: two turbodiesel four-cylinder engines and two four-cylinder and two six-cylinder motors that run on gasoline. They range from 122 bhp to 272 bhp. Fuel economy has been reduced by up to 10.8%. A six-speed manual transmition will be standard to all models, with two automatic options, a five-speed for the four cylinder engines and the 7G-TRONIC for the six-cylinder powerplants.

Press Release

The new Mercedes-Benz CLC: Sports Coupé with fun factor

Stuttgart - Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a stand-alone model series in the guise of the new CLC, the compelling entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz coupé family. The Sports Coupé's design, technology and equipment meet the discerning requirements of young drivers looking for an athletic car that gives an involving drive, while at the same time delivering the hallmark Mercedes quality standards in terms of safety, comfort, environmental compatibility and functionality. Compared with the previous Sports Coupé, the Mercedes engineers have newly developed or enhanced over 1100 components. Engineering highlights of the CLC include a new direct-steer system for even more agile cornering, state-of-the-art infotainment systems featuring a colour display, Europe-wide DVD or hard-disc navigation and media interface, as well as an uprated four-cylinder engine that now develops 135 kW/184 hp. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 10.8 percent compared with the outgoing model.

The compact body dimensions and the muscular lines emphasise the sporty appearance of the new CLC. The Mercedes designers have completely redesigned the front and rear so that the Sports Coupé embodies the contemporary Mercedes design idiom with its distinctive coupé radiator grille featuring a large Mercedes star in the centre, and the new projection-beam headlamps. The S-Class, the luxury CL-Class Coupé and the C-Class provided the stylistic models. The redesigned large tailgate conceals a variable boot with up to 1100 litres of luggage capacity. The new tail lights, the long row of LEDs which make up the third brake light unit and the rear bumper subdivide the rear and emphasise its width.

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz CLC is akin to a contemporary tailor-made suit - custom-fit and comfortable. Sports seats with better lateral support than ever, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and brushed aluminium trim elements form part of the standard specification.

A choice of seat covers in black, alpaca grey and a particularly stylish combination of black and red are available to give the interior its individual colour scheme.

Sports package with new direct-steer system and 18-inch wheels

Mercedes-Benz has put together the sports package for drivers looking for sporting flair. It includes exclusive engineering innovations and equipment extras such as 18-inch light-alloy wheels, wide-base tyres, headlamps with black inner surrounds, sports suspension with lowered body, leather sports steering wheel and dark brushed aluminium trim elements. Another special feature which the CLC inherits from its racing car counterparts is the instrument cluster with red needles for the speedometer and rev counter. Once the engine is switched on, these needles spin once around the dial before returning to their start positions.

The standard specification for the sports package includes a new direct-steer system, which further enhances the agile driving experience of the CLC while adding an important boost to safety. This new feature is based on the speed-sensitive power steering and also offers a variable rack ratio which changes as a function of the steering angle so that the driver only has to turn the wheel slightly when cornering; the Sports Coupé therefore responds far more spontaneously to steering commands and offers even sportier handling. As a result, the direct-steer system also improves handling safety in critical situations - for instance when taking sudden evasive action - as the field tests conducted by the Mercedes engineers demonstrate.

Engines: fuel consumption reduced by up to 10.8 percent

Mercedes-Benz offers four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines with power outputs ranging from 90 kW/122 hp to 200 kW/272 hp for the new CLC. The 135 kW/184 hp powerplant in the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR now develops an extra 15 kW/20 hp while consuming just 7.8 to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEDC cycle - the equivalent of up to 0.7 litres less than before. In consumption terms, with its advanced turbodiesel engines, the CLC falls into the five-litre category: the CLC 200 CDI returns a consumption of 5.8 to 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEDC cycle, up to 10.8 percent less than the outgoing model. The CDI models boast operating ranges of over 1000 kilometres with a full tank (62 litres).

The six-speed manual transmission comes as standard with all engine variants. Mercedes-Benz can also supply a five-speed automatic transmission for the four cylinder units, and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission for the V6 models. In combination with the sports package, the driver can use gearshift paddles on the steering wheel to select the gears of the automatic transmission manually and make optimum use of the engines’ high power reserves when the driving situation calls for it.

Infotainment: state-of-the-art technology for navigation and musical enjoyment on wheels

The Mercedes engineers have developed a new generation of infotainment units for the CLC, bringing luxury-class cutting-edge technology to the Sports Coupé as of September 2008. Three units are available, offering a superb combination of colour display, twin tuner, speed-sensitive volume control and Bluetooth mobile phone interface. An iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices can now also be connected to the infotainment system. A new universal media interface (optional extra) links these devices to the on-board electronics and the Sports Coupé's control system, allowing the iPod tracks to be displayed in the instrument cluster and on the colour screen in the centre console. Tracks can then be selected conveniently using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

The new Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS units come with a Europe-wide DVD or hard-disc navigation system. The LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which Mercedes-Benz has upgraded with a new whole-word recognition capability, is fitted as standard if the integrated six-disc DVD changer is specified. LINGUATRONIC enables the driver to conveniently operate the telephone, audio and navigation system.

Success story: Sports Coupé with extensive conquest potential

The new CLC is the successor to a successful Mercedes model that boasts some 320,000 drivers around the world to its name since 2001. The majority of these were new Mercedes customers. Its high conquest rate of some 70 percent made the Sports Coupé one of the most successful models in the Mercedes strategic product initiative. With the help of a compelling two-door model, the Stuttgart-based car maker has managed to fire customers' imagination over the long term. Over 40 percent of buyers opted for a larger Mercedes model after the Sports Coupé and are currently driving an E-Class, CLK or an SLK.

Thanks to its sophisticated design, high-quality equipment and appointments, and enhanced technology, the new Mercedes-Benz CLC offers even more conquest potential than its predecessor. The public will get the chance to take a close look at the Sports Coupé for the first time at the European Mercedes sales and service outlets and authorised dealerships in May 2008