Mercedes-Benz and AMG have been working together very hard to involve themselves in the supercar wars and one of these efforts is the current SLS AMG coupe and roadster. Though reports are now saying that Mercedes-Benz AMG is strongly considering the idea of expanding the AMG brand’s offerings, beginning with the much rumored and anticipated baby “baby SLS AMG.”

After an interview between AutoCarUK and AMG’s boss Ola Kallenius, it seems like AMG is getting closer to producing more models.

“AMG is a financial company and runs with targets, just like every other company,” said AMG’s boss Ola Kallenius. “These products can’t just be built for fun. We need a reasonable return to new fund projects.”

Kallenius pointed out that the current SLS AMG has that return and that the decision to expand the AMG brand is still a decent ways away. But either way, Kallenius also recognizes that the SLS’s success is enough to keep the AMG brand’s discussion of expansion under those pretenses.

“What is clear is that we have entered a segment with an overwhelming reaction from customers and fans — and many of them are entirely new customers to AMG — so it would certainly be the right strategy to grow the AMG brand.”

Should the plans succeed, we could see AMG’s rumored “baby SLS” receiving the green light. Supposedly, the “baby SLS” will cost roughly £80,000, marking it as the entry-level model. No other details have been announced, but it’s safe to assume that the “baby SLS” could go on sale as early as late 2013, donning the brand’s all-new twin-turbocharged 5.4L V8 good for 500hp.

It will be mounted in the front-mid position and will send its power to the rear-wheels. Put two and two together and it seems like AMG is aiming its sights directly at the Porsche 911 Carrera S. Both coupe and roadster versions are expected to be built.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCarUK

BMW’s M division may be enjoying a lot of publicity with the debut of a range of diesel powered M vehicles that will include the BMW M550d xDrive, BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d - but its biggest competitor has no plans to offer a rival.

According to Mercedes-Benz AMG boss Ola Kallenius, the tuning arm of the Stuttgart-based automaker has no plans to go diesel. He says that such a move will introduce too many “compromises to its performance-focused line-up.”

“The technology of performance gasoline engines is converging with diesel tech,” he said giving the example of the new 5.5 liter V8 from AMG. “Direct injection, downsizing and turbocharging are all having an effect. We looked at diesel a few years back, but petrol engines have obvious benefits of sound, weight, agility and response.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Mercedes’ upcoming A25 AMG model may still be in development, but we now have an idea of what direction Mercedes is headed in to power the model of the A-Class.

AMG has reached out to its High Performance Engine subdivision to aid in the development of a 2.-liter four cylinder for the A25. Starting with the M271/M274 petrol motor, HPE will be working to produce a heavily modified version. Ola Kallenius, former HPE head, has been brought on to the project, and has set some high goals for the engine.

Kalleniusis is aiming to produce over 335hp, which takes the Audi RS3 Sportback a 2.5-liter to produce and the BMW straight six makes even less in the upcoming M135i hatchback, with a 2.0liter engine.

Check out more news on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Swiss company Hyprex was originally Mercedes’ pick to provide a pressure-wave turbocharger, but the automaker chose to go a more conventional route instead with an exhaust-gas driven twin-scroll turbo, and direct injection.

The rest is left up to speculation, which could mean that the anticipated 2.0-liter is a strong possibility, as is a bore and stroke of roughly 83mm x 89mm.

Whatever may end up powering the A25 will also be shared with the CLC25AMG and CLC25 Shooting Brake AM. Both models are scheduled for launch next year, while the A25 is expected to be released at the Paris Motor Show in September.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

The goal of the Mercedes-Benz Citan is to offer a lower and more compact van for the market, boosting sales in a segment where the Stuttgart automaker already shines.

“Whereas the small vans segment was still a niche market in the mid-1990s, it has now grown to around 700,000 units in Europe,” the company said in a statement. “Mercedes-Benz Vans plans to gain a market share of four to five percent in this segment.

“We will take advantage of the trend toward city vans, which our brand will be able to exploit thanks to its attractively priced vehicles and the high quality of our products and services,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “Our typical Mercedes-Benz reliability, 24/7 service, and, last but not least, our great brand image are key selling points as far as our commercial customers are concerned.”

The Mercedes-Benz Citan will hit the Euro market in fall of 2012.

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz will be unveiling the new 2013 A-Class hatchback. A video footage of the car was caught and uploaded on YouTube while it was undergoing a photo shoot in the Canary Islands.

Check out more news on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz has made no comment on the video but as you can see, the car seems pretty close the concept version that was shown at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class will go on sale later this year in Europe and will come to the stateside early next year.

Stay tuned for more info.

Hit the jump for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

Known as the Wald International Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Black Bison, the modifications inlde a new carbon fiber front bumper, angular air vents with LED lighting, blacked out front grille, a new rear bumper and diffuser, a roof spoiler and new rocker panels.

Wald also added a larger set of wheels and a sportier muffler with quad exhaust. The company also lowered the suspension to increase driving dynamics. Power output was left untouched.

Check out more news on the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Refresher: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is powered by a M157 5.5L twin-turbocharged V8 making 518-hp with a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft of torque. Adding the AMG Performance Package increases output to 550-hp and a peak torque of 590 lb-ft. Mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed Sports Transmission, 0 to 60 mph comes in 4.4 seconds and 4.3 seconds with the AMG package. Top speed is clocked in at 186 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG arm is well known for debuting some exciting vehicles at the New York Auto Show. At the 2011 New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and this year, according to our sources, the Stuttgart automaker will bring us the SL63 AMG.

Power for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG will come from a 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8 engine making 540-hp. The engine will be mated to a AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed Multi-Clutch automatic and will help send power to the rear wheels.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.

What we’re really waiting for is a brutal Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series.

We’ll have more details for you from the 2012 New York Auto Show in April. Stay tuned.

Refresher: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 will be available in the United States starting this spring. Power comes from a 4.6 liter V8 engine producing 429-hp with a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft. Mated to a 7-Speed Driver-Adaptive automatic transmission, it will go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes-Benz has just dropped pricing details on the new 2012 ML63 AMG, which is arriving in dealerships as we speak.

Prices for the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG start at $95,865 including a $875 destination charge.

Follow the jump for the list of standard equipments.

Check out our original post on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.

Refresher: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG comes from a 5.5 liter V8 biturbo engine making 518-hp at 5,250 rpm with a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft between 1,750 – 5,000 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Buyers can add the AMG Performance Package, which increases output to 550-hp at 5,750 rpm and 560 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. The package allows a 0 to 60 mph of 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph. The engine is mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission with engine deactivation through one of the three driving programs.

Standard equipment includes:

• AMG illuminated door sills in stainless steel
• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
• COMAND system with hard-drive navigation & SIRIUS real-time traffic & weather
• 10-way power front seats w/door-mounted controls plus driver and passenger memory with 4-way lumbar support
• harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system
• HD radio
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• USB port
• 7″ display with central COMAND controller
• 4.5″ color instrument cluster display
• Power lift gate
• Multi-color ambient lighting
• Power sunroof w/express open and close
• Heated & active ventilated front seats

The AMG Performance package includes:

• Top speed of 174 mph
• AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA grips
• Increased output +32 hp / 44 lb-ft
• Red brake calipers
• Carbon fiber engine cover

Car and Driver loves doing special features. So they’re back with their latest one for the 2012-year: the annual Lightning Lap. The competition is to compare some of the most critically acclaimed cars as of recent.

Taking place at Virginia’s International Raceway, the C/D team will compare a series of cars organized in various price classes and see who’s the fastest. The diversity includes and are not limited to the latest Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the Corvette ZR1, and for the first time, SUVs like the BMW X5 M and the hot new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

It really needs no explanation. And to make things more interesting, they even provided a video!

Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

Last September, famous actor John Travolta’s classic W113 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was stolen while he was visiting a Jaguar dealership in Los Angeles. After cameras were found to have captured Travolta’s Benz leaving the Jaguar dealership, law enforcement was able to track the car and two arrests were made.

“Through the collaborative efforts of investigators … two individuals were identified as suspects relating to the theft of Mr. Travolta’s Mercedes, and were arrested by investigators from the task force,” said Sergeant Richard Lewis of the Santa Monica police department.

Travolta received his Mercedes back, but unfortunately, it was returned in pieces. Apparently, there’s a major investigation for a massive car theft ring that’s been occurring throughout the Los Angeles area.

So if you own a classic or vintage car that’s worth some dough and live in the Los Angeles area, be sure to take some extra security measures as Lewis added the investigation is still pending.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Reuters

Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser for the new A-Class prior to its production debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The whole teaser is a part of an Apple iPhone and Android app that lets you find camouflaged prototypes with QR codes on the streets, press and Internet.

Those who happen to come across a QR code and scan will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Geneva to see the A-Class debut.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will go on sale across Europe later in 2012 and will come to the Untied States next year.

Check out the teaser after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Daimler AG plans to more than double output of its Mercedes-Benz brand models to 2.7 million by 2020 in its goal to become the world’s largest luxury automaker. According to a report by German business magazine Manager Magazin, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche plans to open new plants in China and the United States to meet the goal.

Daimler aims to overtake BMW and Audi as the top producer of luxury cars by 2020. Mercedes sold 1.26 million units in 2011, just 120,000 short of the BMW brand.

Around 2017-2018, Daimler plans on opening a new manufacturing plant in the United States to produce the A-Class with Nissan as its partner.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

It seems like in this day and age of newer is better, old Mercedes-Benzes tend to go overlooked and are often underappreciated. It’s rather unfortunate since their cars have been reputed for so many superlatives that even today, only those who do appreciate them—like me, hardcore—are the ones who never forget.

But even for those who need a refresher, most of you will agree that old Mercedes-Benzes have truly proven themselves to withstand the test of time and wear and tear.

Either way, rappers Jan Emil Wathne and Ivar Kjetland have paid their tribute via a rap music video to the W201 190-class Mercedes-Benzes, the father to the current C-Class and arguably one of the last true Mercedes-Benzes ever made—most argue between the W124 E-Class and W140 S-Class.

It is actually quite amusing, so check it out after the jump.

Disclaimer:  Those who have ears or are in environments where profane language is sensitive should watch the volume levels.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoBlog

Fans of Germany’s Hummer/Land Rover Defender will be very pleased to hear that the famed Gelandewagen, or the G-Class in short, will still be a part of Benz’s lineup for the 2013 model year. Tried, tested and proven for over 33 years, the 2013 Gelandewagen will stick with its grassroots body-on-frame design with no major changeups, other than just a slightly extensive facelift both inside and out.

The Gelandewagen is the only car in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup that still maintains their cost-no-object build quality, simply because the design has literally gone unchanged since the car’s debut in 1979. Not to mention, the Graz, Austria based firm, Magna Steyr, has been building the Gelandewagen ever since its inception. Magna Steyr is the same company that also helped assemble the virtually unstoppable Mercedes-Benz Unimog and the Pinzgauer and other various German military vehicles.

The Gelandewagen once faced death back in the day before Mercedes introduced the seven-passenger, unibodied GL-Class. But due to heavy demand by both military contracts and fans of the famed off-roader, Mercedes decided to continue the G-Class.

Because the Gelandewagen will be updated for the 2013 model year, there’s also word that a new AMG Gelandewagen is on the way a la G63. That means the G63 will be powered by the brand’s current M157 5.5L twin-turbocharged V8, currently seeing duty in all the other AMG models. The original AMG Gelandewagen, the G55 AMG, was powered by M113 5.5L supercharged V8 and was dropped for the 2011 model year.

Either way, it’s very much exciting news to hear. Let’s just hope that Mercedes doesn’t do away with the Gelandewagen’s ancient brick house build quality.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

A new tuning kit for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has been released by Japanese tuning firm Veilside at the Tokyo Auto Salon dubbed Black Fortune.

As the first of this model Veilside has tuned, the body kit was created drawing heavy inspiration from the 65 AMG Black Series, with exposed carbon fiber accents to tip off the carbon fiber front and rear bumpers, rear spoiler, side skirts, and hood.

The SL Black Fortune kit only will be priced at $39,000, and Veilside is making just 300 units.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Many people consider BMWs and Mercedes Benzes to be completely different brands, therefore offering two distinct experiences. MB feels differently. In fact, they feel that there are enough undecided prospective Mercedes customers out there to offer four new compact cars next year.

Naturally the A and B Class front wheel drive compacts will be offered along with a CLC coupe to rival the BMW 1-series and a small GLC crossover to rival the BMW X1 and the Audi A3. Joachim Schmidt, director of MB’s global sales said that “In the midterm, we expect U.S. sales of 300,000 units for the Mercedes brand — especially thanks to our new compact-car family.”

The motivation behind the 300K mark is merely a mirror of BMW’s recent goal of 300,000. It is important to note that both BMW and Mercedes only include vehicles badged as BMW or Mercedes respectively; Minis, Rolls Royces and Dodge Sprinters are not included. This past year, BMW sold 2715 more cars than MB’s total of 245,192. The numbers are similar, but the news is that Lexus held the top US luxury spot for 11 years, but only sold 198,552 cars.

Back on the topic of the compacts, details currently are far and few between other than the B-Class will be offered with a range of powertrains one of which includes a US-exclusive plug in hybrid version a la the Chevy Volt. The competition between the CLC and the BMW 1-series makes sense, but the B Class and the GLC Class seem to be very similar and fighting for the same turf (Audi A3/BMW X1).

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoNews

Word is bouncing around that the next update for Mercedes-Benz’s BMW X3 fighter, the GLK, will get a “significant” facelift for the 2013 model year, MBUSA’s president Steve Cannon apparently said.

Mercedes-Benz has been hard at work to refresh their entire lineup. One of these examples is the current W204, which just recently received a major “facelift,” if you must, with the addition of a slick looking coupe version as well. If anything, it’s safe to assume that some of the cues from the updated W204 may be seen on the next GLK, with a mix of the new W166 ML crossover SUV.

Because the C-Class and E-Class all received updated 3.5L V6s, it’s also safe to assume that engine will be included with the update. The new V6 produces 302hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, versus the old versions 268hp and 258 lb-ft of twist. But the big news apparently is, Cannon almost mentioned something about a diesel powered GLK, which might leave the X3 behind in this part of the world, depending on when the GLK diesel gets here and if it does.

The supposed GLK diesel will displace 2.1L and produce 204hp and pretty hefty 369 lb-ft of torque for a supposed EPA estimate in the upper 30s. I just wonder if Mercedes will follow up on the rumor for the reintroduction of their inline-6. If everything goes as planned, Mercedes may throw that same diesel into the C-Class—all part of a plan to have at least eight diesel models in the US by 2014.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

Mercedes-Benz may be releasing its anticipated ‘baby SLS AMG’ sometime late this year, bearing only an AMG badge.

With only two doors and two seats, the sports car may be competition for the Porsche Cayman and Boxter models. Improvements that come with the new model’s smaller size over the SLS include better gas mileage and better handling.

The release of the new model opens up doors for plenty of other AMG-branded opportunities, although there is no word from Mercedes on this at this time. Pricing has yet to be released, but once the automaker releases where the AMG will be making its debut, all of the details are sure to follow right behind.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: MotorTrend