Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss

If you thought the standard SLR was extreme, then take a look at this! Called the SLR Stirling Moss, Mercedes has pulled out all the stops to make sure this is the firm’s wildest road car ever. There’s no roof or windscreen, while under the stretched bonnet lies the same 641bhp supercharged V8 from the outgoing SLR and SLR Roadster.

Designed to evoke memories of Sir Stirlings famous 300SLR, with which he won the Milli Miglia, this car gets retro styling and two-seater speedster layout.Two air scoops, moulded into the bodywork above the headrests, double up as roll hoops in the event of a crash, while a central bar splits the cabin into two distinct cockpits.

The bodywork is crafted from lightweight carbon fibre and is entirely redesigned from the ‘standard’ SLR. Enormous side vents and the swooping nose give a bullet-like profile, while the SLR’s trademark side-exit quad exhausts give the driver and passenger front row seats to the throaty V8 soundtrack.

The interior is sparse and functional, in keeping with the speedster’s racing car roots, and each machine is fitted with a metal plate around the automatic shift lever engraved with Moss’ signature.But while the looks are retro, the performance is cutting edge. Using the same 5.4-litre V8 from the SLR, it’s capable of hitting 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 217mph.

To boost the aerodynamics, there’s a flat underbody and large rear diffuser – both for maximum downforce at the rear axle. There’s also a self-raising airbrake positioned on the boot lip, which adds extra stopping power under heavy braking.

Only 75 cars will be made between June and December 2009, starting as soon as the final SLR roadster has roared off the production line. Costing a phenomenal £591,000 each, the exclusive SLR Stirling Moss will only be made available to hand-picked clients who have shown loyalty to the SLR brand.

Mercedes BlueZero

It looks like blue will be the colour of this year's Mercedes show stand at the Detroit Motor Show. The German giant is set to reveal three variants of its new BlueZero concept, revealed here for the very first time. Based on the same platform that underpins the new B-Class, all three promise ultra-green credentials thanks to a heady mix of cutting edge technology, and advanced design.The most ambitious of the three is the all-electric BlueZero E-Cell, which is powered by lithium-ion batteries and a 100kw electric motor that boasts an impressive 320Nm of torque.

Merc claims that only two hours of charge will power the BlueZero E-Cell for around 100km (62 miles). That’s might not sound like much but as the car is being aimed solely at city drivers, it should fit the bill for eco-conscious types with short commutes.

For drivers with longer distance journeys, Mercedes has developed two, longer-legged alternatives in the form of the BlueZero E-Cell Plus and the B-Class F-Cell.

The E-Cell Plus uses the same set-up as the E-Cell, but it also features an internal combustion engine – a three-cylinder turbochrged unit borrowed from child company, Smart – which acts as a generator, charging the batteries on the move and stretching the range of the eco-Merc out to a respectable 600km (373 miles).

The third and final BlueZone variant – the F-Cell – gets a hydrogen fuel cell. Mercedes claims that the F-Cell will emit no emissions whatsoever and kick out around 134bhp and 320NM of torque – roughly the equivalent of a modern turbodiesel powerplant.

But it’s not all about showcasing the latest eco-friendly powertrains. The exterior of the BlueZone is a big hint to what the next generation of B-Class will look like when it arrives in 2010. The flat nose, swooping and sculpted sides and peculiar headlamps could all make their way onto the new B-Class when it arrives in showrooms, and you can bet that there will be at least one alternatively-fuelled B-Class on sale in 2009.

Mercedes GLK

‘Baby’ M-Class hits the road

The Mercedes M-Class has got a baby brother! These are the first official pictures of the GLK, which was revealed at this week’s Beijing Motor Show in China. The firm’s first compact 4x4 was initially seen as the Freeride concept at the Detroit expo in January. It’s based on the platform of the C-Class compact executive car, and is designed to take on the Audi Q5 (see Page 8), plus the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander. The GLK is shorter, narrower and taller than the X3, and it’s slightly heavier – although it’s not lacking in performance.

The entry-level diesel powerplant is a new 2.1-litre four-cylinder common-rail unit, delivering 170bhp. This propels the GLK from 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph, yet returns 40.9mpg and emits 183g/km of CO2. Topping the diesel line-up is a 224bhp 3.0-litre V6, while petrol options include 3.0-litre and 3.5-litre V6s offering 231bhp and 272bhp respectively. Later on, there could possibly be a V8-powered GLK63 AMG, and even a hybrid.
Buyers can specify a sports pack aimed at on-road driving. This brings 19-inch wheels, stiffer springs and a 20mm lower ride height. There’s also a mud-plugging option, comprising 17-inch alloys, more ground clearance and extra body cladding. All cars get 4Matic all-wheel-drive and a 7G-Tronic Touch-Shift automatic transmission. Sales of the GLK will start in Europe in October, but don’t expect to see the car in the UK soon. According to sources, the 4WD system complicates right-hand-drive production – so the GLK is unlikely to reach our shores until 2010 at the earliest.Source

Mercedes SL63 AMG

It's a big claim, but Mercedes says the new SL63 AMG is the sportiest roadster it has ever made. Better even than the open-top SLR McLaren. Out on the road, you can see why. Trademark AMG styling cues such as deeper side skirts, a black grille and unique bumpers work with the latest SL’s angular lines to give real presence.The big exhausts and pronounced bonnet bulge are the visual giveaways to the 519bhp 6.3-litre V8 which is at the heart of this car’s appeal. But it’s not until you press the gearlever-mounted starter button and hear the rumble of the unit that you get a true sense of the performance potential.

The 0-60mph sprint takes less than 4.6 seconds, and the 630Nm of torque gives a seemingly endless amount of overtaking punch. What’s more, the SL63 is the first car to use AMG’s new SPEEDSHIFT MCT-7 transmission – and it’s a revelation. Doing away with the standard car’s torque convertor, the seven-speed gearbox uses multiple clutches to provide smooth shifts and give the driver better control. And this isn’t the only thing that makes the Merc feel like a supercar. AMG has worked its magic on the SL’s Active Body Control, fitted a switchable three-stage ESP stability system and revised the damping. Our car also featured the £8,230 Performance Package, which includes composite brakes, a limited slip differential and enhanced suspension.
As a result, pressing the throttle to the floor doesn’t cause the car to squirm as it did in the old SL55 AMG. The Merc now turns in with agility, while the reassuring levels of grip and the gearbox control allow you to exploit the engine’s power as never before. Body stiffness is impressive, too, and it’s a great tribute to AMG’s damper tweaking that the 63 rides as well as the standard SL.
An array of sporty materials such as Alcantara, carbon and leather give the cabin a racy feel, too, and means the SL63 can rightly claim to be one of the most desirable roadsters currently available. At least, that is, until the rumoured AMG Black edition arrives in 18 months’ time...Source

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Meredes M-Class

A sharp new look is set to make the Mercedes’ M-Class a big crowd puller in the Big Apple.The majority of the changes made are to the German model’s styling. At the front, the SUV gets a redesigned bumper and new headlamps to give it a more distinctive shape. A new bumper has also been added at the rear along with new look tail lights.Inside, safety features have been substantially upgraded with the addition of Mercedes’ latest PRE-SAFE and NECK-PRO technology.However, if you want to make the biggest statement in an M-Class, the mighty new look ML 63 AMG is the perfect model for you. Now with an even more extreme appearance thanks to its lower front and rear bumpers and extensive AMG bodykit it’s a muscle-bound Porsche Cayenne chaser.We will get our first chance to see the revised 4x4 in the metal at the New York Motor Show next week.Source

Mercedes SL 350 : First Drive

It may have been around since 2002, but few luxury cars are as desirable as Mercedes’ SL. With an elegant shape, slick electric folding roof and cultured road manners, it’s one of the best models the firm has ever produced. However, rivals such as the BMW 6-Series Convertible and Jaguar XK Convertible are giving customers reason to look elsewhere, as will Maser-ati’s GranTurismo Roadster when it arrives in 2009. So the SL has had a host of updates to keep it on the ball. The most obvious change is the nose, which takes cues from Mercedes’’ latest design direction with big headlights and an even bolder radiator grille featuring the famous badge mounted on a large horizontal bar. Bosses claim that the styling harks back to the past, too, with the bonnet power bulge and front wing air intakes inspired by the classic 1954 300 SL. At the rear, there are fresh tail-lights and sleeker bumpers. The result? Well, while the previous version was subtle, this SL is very dramatic – and to our eye, that imposing front end could be a bit too much for traditional Mercedes buyers. Inside, there’s less controversy. In come new materials and revised versions of the COMAND control system and sat-nav. As ever, it’s a sumptuous, comfortable and ergonomically sound place in which to spend time. One thing that improves comfort no end is the AIRSCARF set-up. This was first seen on the SLK, and blows warm air on to the necks of the driver and passengers, making open-top cruising in winter a more realistic experience. Another new option is the Intelligent Lighting – essentially adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with different set-tings for varying driving conditions. No changes have been made to the roof – and none was needed, either. Owners will never tire of the way in which it folds into the boot at the touch of a button. As for the engines, well heeled customers will continue to be satisfied by the SL 500 and SL 600 models, while those with even more cash can stump up for a new SL 63 AMG, com-plete with a 525bhp 6.2-litre V8. The most significant changes have taken place further down the range, though. In comes the SL 280, which gets a new 228bhp V6. It can return 30mpg, yet sprints from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds. Marking the most significant step forward is our car: the new SL 350. Its 3.5-litre V6 is a development of the previous unit, and now offers 312bhp – that’s over 40bhp more than before. Torque is up 10Nm to 360Nm, too, and on the road, it’s very impressive indeed. The 0-62mph dash takes only 6.2 seconds, making it four-tenths-of-a-second faster than the previous SL 350. As you might expect, there’s plenty of overtaking punch, as well as a rasping soundtrack from the creamy V6. The six-speed automatic gearbox is smooth yet responsive, too. Despite its increased performance, the SL 350 is 1mpg more economical than its predecessor, returning nearly 29mpg on the combined cycle. And there’s more good news when it comes to the handling, largely due to the all-new variable-ratio, speed-sensitive steering system. As a result, the car has more feel and responsive-ness. Fitted with air-suspension, the SL also manages to strike a brilliant balance between comfort and driver appeal. It serves up a supple ride that massages bumps away, yet there is very little body roll and lots of agility under hard cornering. It’s still too remote to feel like a Porsche 911, of course, while the Jaguar XK delivers a sharper and more fun driving experience. But the SL is a great all-rounder nevertheless.If there’s controversy over how the new SL looks, there are no doubts about the XK’s lines. It’s one of the most stylish drop-tops in its class. Add in a characterful V8, epic pace and a sporty driving experience and you have a great luxury car.Source

Rival: Jag XK Convertible

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F1 Safety car

Here are the latest additions to this year's F1 grid - the Mercedes AMG SL63 and C63.Rather than taking part in the races, these two tuned motors from the German manufacturer will be on safety car duty, ready for any on-track emergencies. Thanks to a host of modifications, the grand prix newcomers will go as hard as they look.The SL63 will be the official safety car, deployed to slow down the F1 runners after an incident. Like other SL models the newcomer gets the all-new nose that was unveiled at this week's Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the standard car there is a deeper front bumper and a larger rear diffuser.In an effort to keep up with some of the fastest cars on the planet AMG's engineers have given the roadster important tweaks. Thanks to an intensive weight saving regime that includes ditching the folding hard top mechanism and using carbon fibre for various body panels the SL now tips the scales at 1,750kg, an impressive reduction of 220kg.Under the bonnet is the same 517bhp 6.3-litre motor found in the production version. However, a larger cooling system has been installed to cope with extreme temperatures and a new quad exhaust set-up allows the engine to breathe easier, and provide a thunderous soundtrack. Connected to a 7-speed semi-auto gearbox it accelerates the car from standstill to 60mph in 4.6 seconds.Other enhancements include powerful composite brakes, an active rear differential and a fully adjustable suspension system that can be tailored to individual tracks.Climb aboard the SL and you'll find a stripped-out cabin that features deep bucket seats and plenty of weight-saving carbon-fibre. A special feature is the twin screen TV set-up that allows occupants to watch a live feed of the race and so respond quicker to emergencies.The finishing touches include the light bar on the roof and a rear number plate that incorporates an incredible 672 LEDs. They are lit up during bad weather, making it virtually impossible for following F1 drivers not to spot the safety car.The C63 AMG estate that joins the SL on pit-lane standby will be used as a medical car. It gets the same braking and chassis modifications but features a slightly less powerful 450bhp version of the 6.3-litre V8 engine.However, it will carry a host of life-saving kit including the official FIA Chief Medical Officer Dr Gary Hartstein. Even the driver Jacques Tropenat is a fully qualified doctor.You'll be able to see the two newcomers in action at the opening round of the F1 season at Melbourne, Australia on 16 March. Although, if all goes well it should only be a brief debut!Source

BMW 6-Series

Excellent engine and package prove that diesel GTs can work.

Driving
The 635d has a straight-six twin-turbo 3.0-litre turbodiesel that’s hard to fault. It offers even more torque than the V10 M6, and there’s no arguing with 0-60mph in a mighty 5.7 seconds. On the road, it feels extremely fast, especially in kickdown. However, it’s the effortless nature with which it gains speed that really impresses, while the engine remains unruffled even when pushed hard. Through corners, the BMW continues to impress. There’s lots of grip, the steering has good feedback and it remains composed. However, this involvement does lead to a firm ride and a surprising amount of road noise. It’s not comfortable enough to be a true GT.

Marketplace
The diesel 6-Series is a take on the two-door, 2+2 luxury coupe that BMW expects to account for three-quarters of UK sales. It’s a significant car alright. It was launched in 2007, along with a facelift for the entire 6-Series range. Now the controversy over the car’s styling has worn off, it’s easy to appreciate what an aggressive, distinctive-looking machine it is. This visual impact is likely to appeal to younger buyers. The 635d is available in both coupe and convertible guise, with a choice of two trims – standard and Sport, the latter offering more focused suspension, larger wheels and delectable sports seats. There currently isn’t a premium two-door diesel rival, but Mercedes offers the four-door coupe CLS in diesel guise, and there are also oil-burning versions of the cheaper Audi A5. No Jaguar XK diesel yet, though.

Owning
Like all BMW models, build quality is immaculate, but there are grips. There’s a lack of stowage, and the iDrive control system is fiddly – though eight programmable buttons do make things easier. The 635d is well suited to accommodating two people as well – the cabin is spacious up front and the electrically adjustable, figure-hugging seats of the Sport model offer excellent support and comfort. However, the two-door body means access to the rear is tricky, and the seats themselves are cramped. The BMW is also expensive, as are options – so it’s a good job retained values are rated at well over 50 per cent. It’s also economical, as you would expect from a diesel. Even during testing, it averaged over 30mpg, with 37mpg potential on a cruise. Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £53,910 - £61,800
• For : Diesel is best engine in 6-series line-up, agility, looks
• Against : Expensive, firm ride

Jaguar XF

Driving
It's hard to find fault with the XF’s driving experience. The ride is tauter than we expected, but this could be due to launch model’s large alloy wheels. The damping, however, is tuned to perfection. It isn’t soft and silent like a Mercedes, but still glides effortlessly over rough surfaces. Steering is also wonderfully precise, allowing the grippy front end to slice into corners with great grip and poise. A BMW 5-Series, by comparison, simply can’t match the finesse and sensitivity of the Jaguar’s handling. The smooth 2.7-litre V6 diesel continues to impress as well; it’s the most impressive all-rounder in the line-up, which also features a 3.0-litre V6 petrol and two V8s. As before, the range-topping supercharged unit provides superb performance. All models feature a six-speed automatic gearbox – with steering wheel paddles that shift faster than the XK sports car!

Marketplace
The XF is the beginning of a new era for Jaguar, despite being based on a modified version of the old S-Type’s platform. The styling fails to betray these underpinnings, though – and despite reservations about the grille, we reckon it's bold, modern and appealing. Strong shoulder lines, a high rear and a shallow rear screen angle give it the stance of a coupe – although the slanted windscreen does restrict visibility and headroom. The Jag’s key rivals are the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and, for those after similarly bold styling, the Cadillac CTS. There are three trims – Luxury, Premium Luxury and SV8 – and all are very well-equipped, with standard sat nav, leather, Bluetooth and a host of other goodies.

Owning
Put simply, the cabin is the most striking and beautifully executed we’ve seen in an executive saloon. It’s at its best at night, when a turquoise glow illuminates it. Yet a simple, logical layout proves Jaguar hasn't forgotten the basics. Neat features include touch-sensitive interior lights and glovebox release, but the highlight is the centre console and its JaguarDrive Selector. The gearlever dial pops up when you press the engine start button, and is very logical to use. World-first iPod integration with the touch-screen centre display is also handy.
However, despite the XF's lengthy body, packaging is weak. Rear headroom is only just tolerable, and legroom isn’t great. The 500-litre boot is more impressive, though – and extends to 540 litres if you do without the optional space saver spare wheel. Running costs seem competitive, too: the best aerodynamics of any Jag ever help return real-world economy close to official figures, while servicing costs are low and retained values currently beat both BMW and Mercedes!Source

• On the road price: £33,900 - £54,900
• For : Superbly designed inside and out, fantastic to drive, cost effective
• Against : Packaging could be better