BINZ Debuts 6-Door 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Limo

Limousine manufacturer Binz has applied its 'Procrustean magic' on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stretching the executive sedan to a mighty 5,979mm in length, or about 1,100mm longer than the standard version.

The E-Class limo also adopts a 6-door configuration and three rows of seats, increasing passenger capacity to seven (including the driver). In addition, the two individual middle row seats can be placed to face forward or backward.

Those interested can choose from three powertrain options, including a 204HP 2.2-liter turbo diesel, a 292HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol and a range-toppingh 388HP 5.5-liter V8 petrol.

»»  read more

It's Bigger!: Mercedes-Benz Launches E-Class LWB in Beijing

Mercedes used the Beijing Auto Show as a stage to debut its new, Chinese-market E-Class L. Built locally by Beijing Benz Automotive Co.,Ltd (BBAC), the E-Class L is nothing more than a stretched E-Class.

Other than that, what do you need to know? Not much, actually. The car's length, wheelbase, and rear legroom have increase by 14 cm (5.5 inches) and the front seats can be controlled from the back (so don't let jerks sit in the back...).

The ground clearance has also grown and the car features Merc's Agility Control suspension system. Those are the key bits.

Safety features include Mercedes' PRE-SAFE technology, a sleep alert system, and other various safety features.

The trunk carries 540 liters and 2 engines are available at launch: the 260 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY making 150 kW / 204 hp and the E300 producing 180 kW / 245 hp. Oh, and it's got the smallest turning circle in its class.

For a breakdown of the three trim levels offered at launch, you know where to scroll.

"The [E 260 CGI] ELEGANCE version already comes, among other things, with bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive ILS (Intelligent Light System), electric sliding sunroof, automatic air conditioning and COMAND DVD system.

Additional highlights of the E 260 CGI AVANTGARDE version includeselectric panoramic sliding sunroof, COMANDAPS with DVD changer, THERMATIC air conditioning system, heated rear seats and residual heat system. The E 300 Avantgarde also features a Rear Seat Entertainment System (two large 20.3 cm screens in the backs of the front seat head restraints), KEYLESS-GO electronic drive authorisation system and remote boot closing."

By Phil Alex

»»  read more

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.

»»  read more

Brabus Does the New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible

Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus didn't waste any time in releasing its tuning program for the all-new 2011 E-Class Convertible that was launched in Europe this week. As with all other Mercedes models, Brabus offers a variety of performance and styling kits for Stuttgart's four-seater soft-top.

Starting with the engine upgrades, the most powerful option is for the E500 (E550 in the U.S.A.) Convertible. The stock 388HP 5.5-liter V8 unit is bored out to 6.1-liters, while the conversion also includes new cylinder heads and camshafts, a custom exhaust system and catalyst as well as a recalibrated ECU.

The result is an overall output of 462HP and 615Nm (453-lb-ft) of peak torque, for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

With the German firm's tuning kit, the E250 CGI gets a jump from 204HP to 230HP, while the E350 CGI from 292HP to 310HP.

For the diesel range, Brabus offerings include a power kit for the E250 CDI and E350 CDI that bump output from 204HP to 232HP, and from 231HP to 272HP, respectively.

A four-pipe exhaust system, a sport suspension with height-adjustable coil-over suspensions and variable damper rates and a variety of high-performance braking systems complete the list of performance upgrades.

The tuner's body kit bundles a new front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights, a rear diffuser and a discreet boot lid spoiler. There's also a variety of alloy wheel options ranging in size from 17- to 19-inches, with 20-inch rims to follow in the near future.

Brabus also offers a range of interior options, including a unique sport steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates with an illuminated logo and genuine carbon-fiber decorative trim.

»»  read more

Brabus Mercedes E V12 Coupe Wants to Punch Geneva in the Face

Brabus is calling its E V12 Coupe a Gran Turismo, and that makes sense. I mean, look at it. You gonna argue? I'm sure it's more than happy to slap you around with its 800 horsepower and then proceed to crush your spleen with that 1,420 Nm of thrustalicious torque. Well, technically, torque is limited to 1,100 Nm, so maybe it'll just bruise you.

With this car you show respect. When you look at the engine, you call it by its name; it's an SV12 R Biturbo 800. That makes it a 5.5 liter V12 that's been bored and stroked to 6.3 liters, gets all-new internals, sport-cam'd heads, and breathes through an all-new intake system hooked up to a functional RAM-air hood.

Twin turbochargers handle exhaust duty before the stainless exhaust system spits the fumes through sport cats and out the back (it's even Euro IV emissions-compliant).

Unfortunately, for real-world reasons they had to limit its top speed; that means instead of peaking at 230 mph (370 km/h), the car is programmed to keep drivers locked down to a mere 217 mph (349 km/h). Darn.

Stopping from those speeds gets done thanks to fixed caliper brakes at all four corners (12-piston up front, 6-piston in back) measuring in at 380 mm and 360 mm in diameter, front to rear.

Lastly, all the carbon fiber and venting is functional. Of course.

This thing is a race car in a ninja costume. It's a grizzly bear in a tuxedo. It's just plain silly. Then why is it so cool?

1,850 kilograms (4,078 lbs). 2 doors. Seating for 4. 12 cylinders. 2 turbos. 4 intercoolers. 800 horsepower. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. 230 mph (370 km/h). €470,000. Jet Black.

If Johnny Cash and the White Stripes teamed up and put out an album in Germany during World War 2 and then Quentin Tarantino made a movie about it, it would have been THIS badass and hardcore. This is the next Batmobile. That's what makes it cool.

If you're really interested in the power/drive train and suspension specs, feel free to geek scroll down.

-By Phil Alex

Powertrain

RWD, ESP

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

Reverse gear 3.16

BRABUS limited-slip differential with locking rate of 40 percent

Final drive ratio either 2.65 : 1 (V/max 315 km/h / 196 mph) or 2.24 : 1 (V/max more than 370 km/h / 230 mph), electronically limited for use on public roads to 350 km/h / 217 mph).

Suspension

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

Front axle:

Three-link axle with custom lower A-arms for individual adjustment of toe-in, camber and caster, anti-dive geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with coil springs and gas-pressure shocks with ten selectable settings for compression and rebound, BRABUS sport sway bar.

Rear axle:

Multi-link suspension with custom upper A-arms for individual adjustment of toe-in, camber and caster, anti-squat and anti-dive geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with coil springs and gas-pressure shocks with ten selectable settings for compression and rebound, BRABUS sport sway bar.

»»  read more