2008 Mercedes-benz M-class on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Mercedes previews new C63 DTM racer alongside Edition 1

The new C-Class Coupe will undoubtedly be one of the main points of focus at the Mercedes-Benz pavilion in Frankfurt this year. But the Silver Star automaker will have more than just the base version to showcase. There's be the new AMG C63, and now two additional versions. First up is the Edition 1, the designation Mercedes often applies (in some markets anyway) to launch versions of exciting new models. For the C63 Coupe, the Edition 1 features a raft of upgrades, available in either standard (476 horsepower) or S (510 hp) states of tune. It's done up in one of two exterior appearance packages, in matte gray with either yellow trim or black. The Edition 1 also wears special 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inchers at the back, ceramic brakes, enhanced aerodynamics package, more chrome and gloss-black trim, and an optimized interior with racing buckets. Alongside the Edition 1, Mercedes will also reveal the new DTM racing model in Frankfurt. And following the teaser sketch released the other day, it's giving us our first proper look at the new touring car right here. The new C63 DTM will replace the existing C-Coupe DTM (as it has been formally styled) that has represented the automaker in its local tin-top racing series since 2012 – winning seven races over the past four seasons, but not a championship yet. If looks are anything to go by, the new racing coupe could be up to the task. Special Model to Market Launch: Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe Edition 1: Inspired by Motorsport Affalterbach. Mercedes-AMG is bringing the C 63 Coupe Edition 1 special model to the starting line. The exclusive colour combination in designo Magno Selenite Grey with yellow film coating and black wheels with yellow painted rim flanges reflects the graphic design of the Frankfurt International Motor Show launch version of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM racing coupe which will be used in the DTM next year. The special model is equipped with Performance seats and an aerodynamics package, highlighting its proximity to motorsport. The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe and C 63 S Coupe are also available as "Edition 1" special models from market launch. The extraordinary combination of exclusive design and equipment characteristics is inspired by the optical appearance of future Mercedes-AMG racing coupes which will compete in the popular DTM series in 2016. Two exterior designs address different customer wishes.

Mercedes-AMG Sprinter63 S is a perfect April Fools' prank

The pranksters at Mercedes-Benz USA need to check their calendars because April Fools' Day isn't until tomorrow. Still, the folks over there deserve points for taking something that should be absolutely absurd and making it look great. Meet the Mercedes-AMG Sprinter63 S. This utilitarian van can seriously haul the mail thanks to the performance division's latest 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 boasting 503 horsepower under the hood. With a retuned suspension and rear diffuser, it should hold the road with aplomb while delivering packages at very high speeds. We really have to give Mercedes credit on the renderings too because they almost look realistic. However, the company misses the chance to really take things over the top by not basing the AMG Sprinter on the latest 4X4 model. When driving a performance van with over 500-horsepower putting your foot down should mean billows of tire smoke from the front and rear axles. Related Video: Introducing the all-new Mercedes-AMG Sprinter63 S. A combination of legendary performance and driving dynamics from Mercedes-AMG with the utility and capacity of a Sprinter Van. Ready to attack corners with its AMG custom-engineered sport suspension, the Sprinter63 S is powered by a 503hp handcrafted 4.0-liter biturbo V-8-which means it's also ready to haul a lot more than just cargo. It's exactly what you'd expect of our high performance division, if they were given the keys to a Sprinter van.

Geely chairman is now the single biggest investor in Daimler

Li Shufu, the chairman and main owner of Chinese carmaker Geely, has built a stake of 9.69 percent in Daimler AG, the German carmaker said in a regulatory filing on Friday. The stake, worth nearly $9 billion at the current valuation for Daimler shares, makes Li the biggest single shareholder in the maker of Mercedes-Benz cars, trucks and vans headquartered in the German city of Stuttgart. A Daimler spokesman called the stake purchase a private investment by Li. "We are delighted, with Li Shufu, to have won over another long-term investor who is convinced of Daimler's innovative prowess, strategy and future potential," the spokesman said in response to a request for comment. "Daimler knows and respects Li Shufu as a Chinese entrepreneur of particular competence and forward thinking." Li's stake purchase makes him the top shareholder in Daimler ahead of the Kuwait Investment Authority, which owned 6.8 percent as of Sept. 30, according to Thomson Reuters data. Earlier this month, the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported that the Chinese industry giant was seeking to become Daimler's biggest shareholder, likely exceeding the 6.8-percent stake of the Kuwait Investment Authority. The paper said Daimler had reportedly turned down Geely's $4.5 billion offer for a 5-percent stake via a discounted share placement, saying that Geely could buy shares in the open market. Institutional investors currently own 70.7 percent of Daimler, and the company already has strong ties to Chinese automakers BAIC and BYD. Bild am Sonntag said the move was intended as a strategic alliance against Apple, Google and Amazon on autonomous and connected cars. And Reuters reported that Daimler wants to have bespoke "robo taxis" on the road quicker than Google's Waymo, and views Geely as a strong partner for that. Geely conversely is interested in Daimler's electric car battery technology, and sources quoted by the German paper say there are plans to establish joint electric car manufacturing in Wuhan, China, to meet China's smog-reducing quotas. Geely is developing the Lynk & Co. brand of electric and hybrid cars. Geely owns Volvo, which has enjoyed a renaissance under the arrangement, as well as the maker of London's black cabs. In December, it bought a stake in AB Volvo, the maker of Volvo trucks.