Showing posts with label Mercedes C-Class. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mercedes C-Class. Show all posts

Friday, 30 April 2010

Tulsa Man Drives Mercedes through Parking Wall Backwards! [with Video]


A couple of days ago, 67-year-old Ralph Hudson backed his Mercedes-Benz C-Class out of a parking garage in Tulsa, Oklahoma (let's hear it for the Golden Hurricane!).

Only problem is, he was 7 stories up. According to his statement, his foot was caught between the accelerator and brake pedals. Luckily, he wasn't hurt or killed.

The same can't be said for some of the cars below, which got beat up by falling bricks. Ah well, accidents will happen... Video after the break.

By Phil Alex

Via: AP


»»  read more

Wednesday, 7 April 2010

BRABUS Releases ECU Tune for Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY Models


Brabus, the German tuner of all things with the star on the hood, has launched a new ECU upgrade for the Mercedes-Benz 200, 250 and 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models with direct-injection gasoline engines.

Equipped with the Brabus ECO PowerXtra CGI kit, the four-valve four-cylinder direct-injection engines in the C200 and E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models produce an additional 26HP and 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) of torque.

On the C250 and E250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models, the ECU tuning helps boost output from 204HP to 230HP while peak torque grows from 310Nm to 350Nm (228 to 258 lb-ft).

As for the most powerful direct-injection gasoline engine in Mercedes-Benz's current range, the 3.5-liter V6 unit in the C350, CLS 350 and E350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models gains an additional 18HP.


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Sunday, 14 September 2008

Video: Mercedes-Benz C250 CDi BlueEfficiency

While the debate on diesel-powered cars lingers on here in the States, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new-generation 4-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2.2-liters that develops an output of 204 HP and an impressive 500Nm or 368 lb-ft of torque. When matted to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the C250 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.0 sec and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph) with an average fuel consumption of just 5.2 lt/100km or 45.2 US mpg. The German automaker plans to use the new 2.2-liter CDi to replace higher-displacement diesel engines in several vehicles in its range including the E-Class, GLK-Class and the future E‑Class Coupe. -Video after the jump

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Thursday, 4 September 2008

Brabus B63 S based on the Mercedes C63 AMG with 530HP

Mercedes C63 AMG BrabusIf you’re the kind of person who finds that the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG could do with a bit more oomph, then Brabus’ new tuning package might just do the trick for you. The German tuning firm’s new B63 S performance kit consists of free-flow high-performance metal catalysts, sport air filters and newly programmed ECU with custom mapping for ignition and injection. Together these components result in an increase the standard 6.2-liter V8’s output from 457 HP to 530 HP while peak torque grows from 600 Nm to 650 Nm (442 to 479 lb-ft).-Continued

Mercedes C63 AMG BrabusAccording to Brabus, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened from 4.5 to 4.1 sec while 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached after 13.1 sec, down from 14.5 seconds. Buyers can choose between two versions of the Brabus Vmax unit that allow the B63 S to reach a top speed of 300 or 315 km/h (188 or 197 mph).

In addition to the performance kit, Brabus also offers a wide range of accessories for the C63 AMG including a limited-slip rear differential, 19-inch wheels complete with Yokohama or Pirelli high-performance tires in size 235/35 in front and 265/30 on the rear axle, a height-adjustable coil-over suspension and 380mm brake discs with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle and 360mm discs with 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear.

Mercedes C63 AMG Brabus

Mercedes C63 AMG Brabus
Mercedes C63 AMG Brabus
Mercedes C63 AMG Brabus

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Thursday, 27 March 2008

Smoking Hot: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG TV Ad

What’s the point of buying a 451 Hp rear-wheel-drive model like the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG (see details here) if you don’t throw the car’s rear-end around amidst a cloud of smoke? Now that we justified Mercedes for its politically-incorrect C 63 AMG TV advert, we’ll let you follow the jump to check out the video for yourselves. -Continued

»»  read more

Sunday, 2 March 2008

Geneva Preview: Brabus Bullit Black Arrow Mercedes C-Class with 730Hp V12

Not that the stealth colour will help you with the cops or anything, but the Brabus Bullit Black Arrow is one bad ass machine. For those of you with a good memory, Brabus unveiled the Mercedes-Benz C-Class based “Bullit” at last year’s Frankfurt Show. The “Black Arrow” is nothing more than a “Bullit” covered in a delicious matte-black paint.

Everything else remains the same with the standard Bullit meaning that the Black Arrow is equipped with a 6.3-liter bi-turbo V12 engine delivering a staggering 730 Hp and 1,320 Nm (974 lb/ft) of torque. The matte-black stealth C-Class needs a mere 3.9 sec the sprint from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) and 10.5 sec to go from standstill to 200 km/h (124 mph). And after just 24.5 seconds the car breaks the 300-km/h barrier (186 mph). Top speed is in excess of 360 km/h (225 mph). The Bullit Black Arrow will be built in a small-series production with prices in Germany starting at €348,000 or $528,700. -Details and pics after the jump













PRESS RELEASE

The Four-Door V12 Biturbo Stealth Super Sports Car

Ultra powerful, ultra fast and conspicuously inconspicuous: The four-door stealth super sports car BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW offers performance superlatives like no other car on the market: The basis for the car is the body of the new C-Class sedan, covered with a special matte-black coating. The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo twelve-cylinder engine was dropped into the engine bay with almost surgical precision. Performance is staggering: 3.9 seconds from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph), 24.5 seconds for 0 – 300 km/h (186 mph) and a top speed of more than 360 km/h (225 mph). BRABUS produces the BULLIT BLACK ARROW in small-series production starting at 348,000 Euros MSRP.

The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW ensures that the world’s fastest sedans continue to come from Bottrop. The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW follows in the footsteps of the 330-km/h (206 mph) BRABUS E V12 based on the W 210-series Mercedes E-Class, the 350.2-km/h (219 mph) E V12 Biturbo of the new W 211 generation and the world’s current fastest sedan, the 365.7- km/h (227.2 mph) BRABUS ROCKET based on the Mercedes CLS.

Numerous modifications to the reinforced body were necessary to install the turbocharged V12 engine in the C-Class engine bay. The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine is derived directly from the BRABUS ROCKET and uses the latest Mercedes S 600 engine that has been completely reworked in the company-own engine building shop.

Nothing beats displacement except even more displacement: A crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore, and special pistons and piston rods increase displacement of the twelve-cylinder three-valve engine from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cu. in.).

Cylinder heads optimized for faster gas exchange and high-performance camshafts also contribute to the increase in power output. They are assisted by a more efficient dual turbocharging system, special manifolds, larger turbochargers and larger intercoolers. Because of space constraints in the C-Class body an entirely new stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with low back-pressure metal catalysts had to be developed.

The BRABUS motor engineers used state-of-the-art engine test benches to program new mapping for engine electronics and on-board diagnostics. The new mapping ensures optimal power yield while meeting strict EURO IV emission limits.

The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine, lubricated like all BRABUS high-performance engines with ARAL Synthetic motor oil, produces 730 hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537 kW at just 5,100 rpm. The peak torque of 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) is limited in-car electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and a BRABUS limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. Customers can choose from two final drive ratios. The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW features all modern driving dynamics systems such as ABS, ASR and ESP.

The matte-black stealth street rocket delivers unique performance: Just 3.9 seconds pass for the sprint from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph), 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached after just 10.49 seconds. And after just 24.5 seconds the car shatters the 300-km/h barrier (186 mph). Top speed is more than 360 km/h (225 mph).

At these speeds favorable aerodynamic properties are absolutely essential. The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW was honed to perfection in the wind tunnel. The BULLIT front apron features large air ducts to supply cooling air for radiators and front brakes. Its sophisticated design further reduces lift on the front axle. Its aerodynamic counterparts in the rear are a three-piece rear spoiler and a rear apron with integrated diffuser. Both front and rear aprons are made from especially light yet highly robust autoclave-baked carbon fiber.

A wider track optimizes directional stability so elementary at speeds beyond 300 km/h. The BRABUS designers have styled aluminum wheel arch flares for front and rear axle. They are seamlessly melded to the production body and add six centimeters (2.4 inches) to the C-Class width. BRABUS rocker panels optimize the airstream along the sides. They also feature integrated entry lights that make entering and exiting the vehicle safer in the dark.

The visual appearance of the BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW is further characterized by the new aluminum hood. Its integrated ‘gills’ are not just distinctive features, they also ensure the engine’s thermal health.

The wheel arch flares provide space for especially wide matte-black BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels with high-performance tires from technology partners YOKOHAMA or Pirelli. The 9.5Jx19 wheels on the front axle are shod with size 265/30 ZR 19 tires. The rear axle is fitted with size 10Jx19 wheels and size 285/30 ZR 19 tires.

The height-adjustable coil-over suspension was developed specifically for the BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW. The gas-pressure shocks feature ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound. They provide a sporty yet comfortable ride and safe handling in any situation. Sport stabilizers reduces body roll to a minimum during fast cornering.

The BRABUS high-performance brake system can handle even the most extreme stress. It features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle that grip vented and grooved 380 x 37 millimeter (15 x 1.46 inches) brake discs. The rear axle stops with 360 x 28 millimeter (14.2 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

Exclusive individuality also abounds in the interior of the BRABUS automobile: The standard equipment package includes a fully leather interior hand-crafted in the company-own upholstery shop from the finest Mastik and Nubuk leathers.

The custom BULLIT seats offer a perfect combination of comfort and lateral support. Their carbon-fiber rear covers lend the interior an especially sporty feel. This look is complemented by carbon-fiber components on dashboard, center console and door panels as well as by the ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals and shifter.

BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW – Technical Data

Body

4-door sedan based on Mercedes-Benz C-Class, W 204 series

Steel unibody widened with BRABUS fender flares by 60 mm (2.36 inches). BRABUS aluminum hood with integrated gills.

BRABUS BULLIT aerodynamic-enhancement kit with BULLIT front and rear bumper manufactured from carbon fiber baked in an autoclave. Rocker panels with integrated entrance lights, three-piece rear spoiler.

BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW with matte-black coating.

Measurements:

Length 4.590 mm 180.7 in.

Width 1.830 mm 72.0 in.

Height 1.402 mm 55.2 in.

Curb weight 1,850 kg 4,079 lbs.

Engine

BRABS SV 12 S Biturbo displacement engine based on Mercedes 600

V12-cylinder 3-valve light-alloy engine with twin turbochargers

Displacement 6,233 cm³ (380 cu. in.)

Compression ratio 9.0 : 1

Rated power 730 hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm

Peak torque 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) from 2,100 rpm (electronically limited to 1,100 Nm – 811 lb-ft)

Fuel: Super plus (98 octane)

Motor oil: ARAL

BRABUS SV 12 S Biturbo engine conversion consisting of:

Displacement increase to 6.3 liters with special crankshaft with longer stroke, enlarged cylinder bore with corresponding larger pistons. Both cylinder heads feature flow-optimized ports and special camshafts. Two high-performance turbochargers with special exhaust manifolds; more efficient intercooling system and BRABUS stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with low-back-pressure metal catalysts. Newly programmed mapping for engine electronics and on-board diagnostics.

Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Reinforced five-speed automatic transmission

Gear ratios:

1st gear 3.59

2nd gear 2.19

3rd gear 1.41

4th gear 1.00

5th gear 0.83

BRABUS locking rear differential with 40 percent locking rate

Final drive either 2.65 : 1 (top speed 315 km/h – 196 mph) or 2.24 : 1 (top speed 350 km/h – 217 mph – electronically limited).

Suspension

Independent suspension front and rear with height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over suspension.

Front axle:

Three-link, anti-dive geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with coil springs and gas-pressure shocks featuring ten settings each for bound and rebound; BRABUS sport sway bar.

Rear axle:

Five-link, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with coil springs and gas-pressure shocks featuring ten settings each for bound and rebound; BRABUS sport sway bar.

Wheels:

BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels with YOKOHAMA or Pirelli high-performance tires.

Front: 9.5Jx19 H2 with 265/30 ZR 19

Rear: 10.0Jx19 H2 with 285/30 ZR 19

Brake System

Dual-circuit brakes with Brake Assist and BRABUS high-performance brake system.

Front: BRABUS 12-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and grooved 380 x 37 mm

(15 x 1.46 in.) steel brake discs.

Rear: BRABUS six-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and grooved 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 in.) steel brake discs.

Performance

0 - 100 km/h (62 mph): 3.9 sec

0 - 200 km/h (124 mph): 10.49 sec

0 - 300 km/h (186 mph): 24.5 sec

Top speed: more than 360 km/h (225 mph)

»»  read more

Monday, 26 November 2007

BRABUS 2008 Mercedes C-Class Estate

Just as the new Mercedes C-Class Estate gets ready to enter the European market, German tuning specialist BRABUS announced the introduction of a sport program for the sexy looking Deutsch-o-wagon. The company’s product line up, which will make its public debut at the ESSEN Show in December, comprises engine tuning for gasoline and diesel models, an aerodynamic-enhancement program, light-alloy wheels up to 19 inches with corresponding suspension modifications, and custom interior options. -Continued after the jump

Diesel Engine Upgrades

For the diesel-powered C-Class Estate models BRABUS offers its PowerXtra kits which start with the D2 (III) kit that boosts power output of the C 200 CDI by 39 hp and peak torque to 385 Nm (284 lb-ft). BRABUS D3 S tuning in the C 220 CDI model increases power output by an extra 50 hp to 220 hp and maximu torque to 480 Nm (354 lb-ft). The kit adds an extra 48 hp to the top-of-the-line turbodiesel model C 320 CDI while peak torque grows to 590 Nm (435 lb-ft). The BRABUS tuned C 320 CDI wagon sprints from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds while top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).

Gasoline Engine Upgrades

For the gasoline-powered V6 models C 280 and C 350 BRABUS offers a 4.0-litre displacement engine. Displacement of the V6 engine is increased while the four-valve heads are optimized for mixture flow and fitted with custom camshafts. Newly programmed engine electronics and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts round out the conversion.

The BRABUS 4.0-litre engine develops 332 hp and a maximum torquefigure of 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm,. The sport wagon accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds while its top speed is 275 km/h (171 mph).

Aerodynamic Kit

The aerodynamic-enhancement kit for the new C-Class wagon includes a front spoiler with four auxiliary headlights, rear bumper spoiler, rocker panels (optionally available with integrated LED entrance lights that are activated with the keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle) and custom-tailored covers for the exterior mirrors made from exposed carbon fiber. The product lineup for the interior includes a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals and a speedometer with 300-km/h dial. In addition there are stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, and precious-wood and carbon fiber trim sets.

Suspension, Brake Systems & Alloy Wheels

In terms of alloy wheels, BRABUS offers rims with diameters of 17, 18 and 19 inches and corresponding BRABUS sport suspensions, lowering kits and sport sway bars, all custom-developed for the new wagon. Finally BRABUS high-performance brake systems - available in two versions - offer maximum endurance and stopping power on the level of a sports car.

»»  read more

Friday, 27 April 2007

2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Scooped

Unlike other rumours and renderings we’ve been seen lately, the C63 AMG is really coming to a Mercedes outlet near you either this fall or early 2008. AutoMotorundSport not only managed to scoop the top-end C-Class performing test runs in Germany but they also came up with a rendering giving us a preview of the car. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

While the previous gen C55 AMG wore a 5.4 V8 pumping out 367Hp, the 2009 C63 AMG will take advantage of the 6,2-litre V8 engine that’s fitted in the CLK63 AMG, E63 AMG, CLS63AMG etc. With the help of a compressor, the V8 will deliver around 500Hp, thus making the C63 AMG the most powerful kid on the German block, out-powering both the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. We don’t know if that’ll be enough to give its two German rivals a lesson, but it’ll sure give the C63 AMG a place in the spotlight when it’s unveiled.

Via: Automotorundsport

Technorati: Mercedes+C-Class, AMG, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

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Thursday, 19 April 2007

Video: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM goes up in flames during presentation!


Boy, talk about things going wrong when they shouldn’t! Listen to this; a couple of days ago, during a DTM presentation in Düsseldorf, a 2002 Mercedes CLK-DTM race car dressed in a 2008 C-Class outfit (for demonstration purposes) went up in flames leaving the huge crowd totally speechless! Mercedes even came out with an official press-release saying that the fire was caused due to an overheated brake that occurred when the car’s driver, Bruno Spengler spun a few (very hot) doughnuts! Ouch… -Press Release after the jump

Via: Motorpasion

PRES RELEASE: DTM Presentation, Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, Apr 16, 2007

An incident, in which nobody got injured, occurred during the DTM presentation programme at Düsseldorf’s Königsallee. The rear of a former DTM race car (Mercedes-Benz CLK-DTM from the year 2002), driven by Bruno Spengler, caught fire due to an overheated brake. The car was a five-year-old race car that had been fitted with the bodywork of the new C-Class for demonstration runs.

The fire brigade extinguished the fire within three minutes. “First of all the important thing: nothing happened to anyone”, said Bruno Spengler. “I noticed smoke coming into the cockpit, I stopped immediately, I got out of the car and discovered that the rear of the car had caught fire due to the untypical overheating of the rear brake when I spun doing some doughnuts.” After an initial inspection, the team found that the car can be repaired. Gerhard Ungar, HWA’s technical director: “The so-called doughnuts (spinning of the car on the spot), put untypical strain on the brakes because of a lack of cooling airstream. Therefore, the brakes on Bruno’s car today overheated and caught fire. The reason of the fire is still being investigated.”

The quick intervention by the fire brigade has shown that the safety concept made up beforehand by the fire brigade, the police and the ITR was effective. The event continued as planned.

Technorati: Mercedes+C-Class, DTM, Race, Accident, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

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Monday, 2 April 2007

New York Preview: 2008 Mercedes C-Class US Spec

We won’t bore you much with this one, as I’m sure you’ve taken enough doses of C-Class over the previous months. We’ll just inform you that the only difference we spotted between the Euro and US spec C-Class are the extra turning-signals on the front bumpers – despite Mercedes USA CEO, Ernst Lieb’s talk about distinct styling cues for the US version in an interview he gave to Automotive News (sub. Required) in February. The new C-Class will be launched in the US this fall where it will be available with three V6-powered models – the C350 Sport (3.5 V6 268Hp) , the C300 Luxury and Sport (3.0 V6 228Hp). The latter will also be offered in all-wheel-drive guises. Via: Autoblog.com , Source MB USA

-Click “Read More…” below for a high-res image gallery & the press release















PRESS RELEASE

Next-Generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class Makes U.S. Debut
New Sport and Luxury Models Unveiled at New York Auto Show

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is making its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show, open to the public April 6-15, 2007 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. The next-generation 2008 C-Class sedan is slightly larger than its highly successful predecessor, with a greater emphasis on agility, comfort and safety.

With a nod to the recently introduced S-Class sedan, the look of the new mid-size C-Class reveals the latest Mercedes design idiom that's characterized by an edgy interplay of taut lines and wide, rounded surfaces. Revised suspension and steering help make the new C-Class noticeably more agile, along with a new slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission for the C300 Sport model.

V6 Power With a Sport or Luxury Personality
In the U.S. market, the new C-Class will be launched this fall with three V6-powered models – the C350 Sport, the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport. In addition, the C300 Sport and Luxury models will be available with an all new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system mated to a seven-speed transmission. New standard equipment includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a central controller with a seven-inch display screen.

Distinctive Sport Models
The AMG-inspired C-Class Sport models can be identified by the iconic three-pointed star in the front grille, a design cue usually reserved for its coupes and convertibles. In addition to the grille-mounted star, the new C-Class Sport models come with AMG cladding – deeper front and rear aprons as well as under-door rocker panels – and twin-spoke 17-inch wheels of staggered width. The car also features sport shocks, springs and stabilizer bars that provide a crisper ride and more than a half-inch lower ride height. Instead of the Luxury model's traditional four-spoke wheel and burl walnut trim, Sport models come with three-spoke steering wheels and either aluminum (C300) or black Birdseye maple (C350) interior trim.

Optional 4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive
As modern all-wheel-drive systems become even more refined, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel-drive systems provide year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads.

The latest version of the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is optionally available on the new-generation C300 Sport and the C300 Luxury model. After making its debut on the new-generation S-Class sedan, the new 4MATIC system features a totally redesigned full-time all-wheel-drive system that's integrated into the seven-speed automatic transmission. The new system fits right into the standard body and utilizes the existing front suspension – gone are the special suspension parts and wider transmission tunnel that were necessary on earlier 4MATIC systems.

The extra gears and shafts that drive the front wheels now weigh only 145 pounds more than the rear-wheel-drive model. Fuel efficiency has been improved, due to a number of innovative measures that minimize the energy needed to turn the extra hardware.

More Space, More Comfort, More Cargo
More space means more comfort. With a body that's 3.7 inches longer and 1.7 inches wider than the previous model, the new C-Class boasts a noticeably roomier cabin in both the front and rear seating areas, and an increased wheelbase of 1.8 inches. The new car has more luggage room, too – according to the VDA measuring method, the trunk capacity is now 16.8 cubic feet – four percent more than the outgoing model.

A High-Performance Instrument Cluster

A new instrument cluster features three analog gauges that show engine speed, road speed, fuel level and coolant temperature. In addition, a display in the center of the speedometer is linked to a 12-button multi-function steering wheel that can call up a variety of helpful information including range, oil level, phone and audio system information such as radio station or CD track or iPod playlist (if optional iPod integration kit is equipped). If the car is equipped with the optional navigation system, this display will also show next-turn directions.

A standard-equipment Bluetooth feature allows a phone that's still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the audio system.

Electronic Controller Replaces Scores of Buttons
Similar to the popular system launched on the S-Class sedan, an electronic controller on the console works like a computer mouse to provide easy, quick operation of many functions that used to require scores of separate buttons and switches.

By turning and pressing the aluminum controller, menus and sub-menus on the center-console display are displayed and selected for the audio system as well as the optional navigation system and integrated phone. The controller is also linked to the rocker switches on the multifunction steering wheel.

A Choice of Audio Systems
Standard equipment in the new C-Class is an eight-speaker, 100-watt Audio 20 system that includes a single-slot dash CD/MP3 player, telephone keypad, an MP3 plug in the glove box and a Bluetooth interface. Optionally available is a 450-watt harman/kardon LOGIC7 audio system featuring Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 surround sound. The LOGIC7 system comes with 12 speakers, including two surround-sound speakers and a sub-woofer.
The new C-Class includes a MusicRegister feature as part of the Multimedia package, which enables CD "ripping" (saving) to a four-gigabyte hard drive that can store up to 1,000 tracks from an audio CD. A Gracenote database automatically identifies each track with its title, artist, album name and other information. The audio system can also play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or memory card.

No Need to Ask for Directions with COMAND Navigation
A five-inch color display nestled under a flip-up cover at the top of the center console is standard equipment on the new C-Class. When the car is equipped with the optional COMAND navigation system, a power-operated seven-inch display screen slides out and up when the flip-up cover is raised.
The navigation system uses a hard drive with map data covering all of North America. In addition to the high-resolution map display at the top of the center console, next-turn navigation instructions can also be shown in the instrument cluster central display.

Renowned Mercedes-Benz Safety
The 2008 C-Class comes with all the safety features that people have come to expect from Mercedes-Benz – from four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes to six air bags, ABS anti-lock, traction control and ESP stability control. In addition, active front head restraints move forward nearly two inches and upward by about an inch in the event of a severe rear collision, helping to support the head and reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries.

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2006, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 248,080 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 13 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

* * *

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Preliminary Technical Data

C300, C300 4MATIC; C350
Vehicle type - Four-door, five passenger sedan
Body - Steel unit body; aluminum front fenders, doors hood and trunk lid
Aerodynamic drag (Cd) - 0.29, 0.30
Frontal area (sq. ft. / m2) - 2.17, 2.18

Engine - 90-degree V6
Material - Aluminum block and cylinder heads; iron cylinder liners
Valve design - Four valves per cylinder
Valvetrain - Double overhead camshaft per cylinder bank;
Duplex chain driven; variable valve timing
Intake System - Two-stage intake manifold, tumble flaps
Fuel System - Sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection
Ignition System - One centrally mounted spark plug
and ignition coil per cylinder
Emission controls - Internal EGR, secondary air injection,
Two three-way catalytic converters with linear oxygen sensors
Displacement (cu. In./cc) - 182.7 / 2996, 213.5 / 3498
Bore (in./mm) - 3.46 / 88.0, 3.66 / 92.9
Stroke (in./mm) - 3.23 / 82.1, 3.39 / 86.0
Compression ratio - 11.1 : 1, 10.7 : 1
Horsepower (SAE @ rpm) - 228 @ 6,000, 268 @ 6,000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) - 221 @ 2,700 – 5,000, 258 @ 2,400 – 5,000
Max. engine speed - 6,500, 6,700
Automatic Transmission - Seven-speed, adaptive shift logic and Touch Shift
Manual Transmission - Six-Speed (RWD C300 Sport only)
--
Gear Ratios: Manual: Automatic:
1st 5.10 4.38
2nd 2.78 2.86
3rd 1.75 1.92
4th 1.25 1.37
5th 1.00 1.00
6th 0.81 0.82
7th -- 0.73
Reverse 4.63 3.42
R2 -- 2.23
Final drive -3.27, 3.07; 2.82

Traction System - Full-range ASR
Stability System - ESP Electronic Stability Program
Suspension - Four-wheel independent (Sport models: sport shocks and springs)
Front - Coil-spring strut with two-piece control arm; gas shocks, stabilizer bar
Rear - Five-link with coil springs; gas shocks, stabilizer bar
Steering - Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Overall ratio - 14.5 : 1
Turns, lock-to-lock - TBD
Turning circle (ft.) - TBD

Brakes - Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs (four-channel ABS and Brake Assist)
Front discs: Diameter 11.6 in. (295 mm); 12.7 in. (322 mm)
Thickness 1.26 in. (32 mm); 1.26 in. (32 mm)
Calipers Aluminum floating, single-piston

Rear discs: Diameter 11.8 in. (300 mm)
Thickness 0.86 in. (22 mm)
Calipers Cast iron floating, single-piston

Alloy Wheels: Luxury 7.5 x 17
Sport 7.5 x 17 front, 8.5 x 17 rear
Optional 8.0 x 18 front, 8.5 x 18 rear

Tires: Luxury 225 / 45 HR 17
Sport 225 / 45 HR 17 front, 245/40 HR 17 rear
Optional 225 / 40 ZR 18 front, 255/35 ZR 18 rear

Exterior Dim. (in. / mm)

Wheelbase - 108.7 / 2,760
Front Track - 61.0 / 1,549
Rear Track - 61.1 / 1,552
Length - 182.1 / 4,581
Width - 69.7 / 1,770
Height - 57.0 / 1,447
Curb weight (lbs.) - 3,421 / 1,555, TBD; 3,498 / 1,590
Weight distribution - TBD
Ground clearance: Sport - TBD
Luxury - TBD

Interior Dimensions

Legroom: Front - 41.7 / 1,059
Rear - 33.4 / 848

Headroom: Front - 37.1 / 942
Rear - 36.9 / 938


Elbow room: Front - 56.7 / 1440
Rear - 57.5 / 1462


Shoulder room: Front - 54.7 / 1390
Rear - 55.0 / 1398


Hip room: Front - 52.3 / 1328
Rear - 54.9 / 1394


Capacities

Cabin volume (cu. Ft.) - TBD

Trunk volume (cu. Ft.) - 17.6

Fuel Tank (gal./l.) - 17.4 / 66

Performance

0-60 mph (seconds) - 7.2 *, TBD; 6.3*

Top Speed: 130 (electronically limited)

EPA Fuel mileage:
(city / highway mpg) - TBD

* preliminary

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