McLaren MP4-12C

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2011 Mercedes-Benz S350 4MATIC BlueTec Diesel

Mercedes-Benz is adding another efficiency-minded model to the S-class lineup by bringing the European S350 diesel to the U.S. for 2011. As configured here, the S350’s 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 will be rated at 241 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, up from 235 hp and 398 lb-ft for the Euro model. The S350 will be the only full-size luxury sedan offered with a diesel engine in the States.



The U.S.-market S350 will wear BlueTec badges and therefore use AdBlue urea injection to clean up the exhaust. It will be available exclusively with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The 2011 ML350, R350, GL350, and E350 diesels use a similar turbo-diesel V-6 rated at 210 hp and 400 lb-ft. EPA ratings for the S350 BlueTec aren’t available yet, but the optimistic Europeans rate the S350 at a combined 37 mpg, so high 20s on the highway is a reasonable expectation for EPA tests. It’s sure to be more efficient than the gutsy S550 and S600 and perhaps even better than the S400 hybrid’s 19 city/26 highway mpg ratings.

Power-wise, the S350 will slot in at the bottom of the S-class range, with slightly less horsepower than the hybrid, but with the added bonus of heaps more torque. Expect it to be the slowest S-class, too; Mercedes says the European rear-drive S350 takes 7.8 seconds to reach 62 mph—for reference, we got the S400 hybrid to the 60-mph mark in 7.1 seconds. But Americans picking a diesel likely value other qualities higher than all-out speed.

Pricing is a little harder to pin down. Mercedes says it won’t release official numbers until closer to the model’s launch in the first quarter of 2011. We do know the S350 won’t be a stripper (a relative term with an S-class) and will be available with most of the same packages and equipment as other trim levels.

Broadly speaking, it’s not that surprising to see automakers putting smaller, more efficient powertrains in their luxury machines; witness the availability of six-cylinder engines in the BMW 740i/Li and Porsche Panamera. While a small diesel doesn’t necessarily fit the traditional S-class image in the U.S., it will satisfy eco-conscious buyers and help improve Mercedes’ average fuel-economy figures.
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Mercedes-Benz Dresses 2011 S63 AMG Like Classic 300SEL 6.8 AMG

Mercedes-Benz will be releasing its new 2011 S63 AMG this fall and has chosen to dress it up like the famed 300SEL 6.8 AMG endurance racer that once competed in the 24 Hours of Spa.

In 1971, the 300SEL 6.8 AMG took to the track of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium to prove its mettle in that year's 24 Hours of Spa, and it performed admirably. Facing heavily favored racers including the Ford Capri RS, BMW 2800 CS, Chevrolet Camaro, Opel Commodore, and Alfa Romeo GTA, the 300SEL 6.8 AMG placed second after completing 308 laps around the scenic track, behind a Capri and ahead of a Camaro. The Mercedes recorded few mechanical issues but had to refuel often. Following its second-place finish, the red 300SEL gained international acclaim, especially in its home country of Germany. Mercedes even built 300 replicas in 2006.



To celebrate its 1971 success, Mercedes wrapped its new 2011 S63 AMG with matching sponsor decals, looking to channel the spirit of the old AMG-prepped 300SEL. Debuting in the S-Class is AMG's new twin-turbocharged V-8, a hand-built marvel that is more powerful and less fuel-thirsty than the outgoing 6.2-liter V-8.

After adapting the exterior, the two speedy sedans were sent around Spa for a classic photo shoot, and Hans Heyer (co-driver in 1971) was on hand with his trademark Tyrolean hat. As you can tell from the photos, the sticker placements are impeccable.

Mercedes sedan comparison

300SEL 6.8 AMG

Engine -- 6.8-liter V-8 (6.3-liter for the standard 300SEL 6.3)
Power -- 422 horsepower, 448 pound-feet of torque (247 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque for the non-AMG version)
Weight -- 3600 pounds
Top speed -- 165 mph
1971 24 Hours of Spa drivers -- Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz

2011 S63 AMG

Engine -- 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8
Power -- 536 horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque (563 horsepower, 664 pound-feet of torque with performance package)
Weight -- 4700 pounds (estimate)
Top speed -- 155 mph (186 mph with performance package)

The 2010 24 Hours of Spa will be held July 29 to August 1.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Preview: Lorinser Previews Tuned Next-Gen CLS

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t even launched its next-generation CLS-Class, but that hasn’t stopped German tuning firm Lorinser from designing a series of cosmetic enhancements for the car.

The new CLS -- which was previewed at the 2010 Detroit auto show with a large sculpture -- is slated to go on sale in 2011, but Lorinser aims to have its own tuned version ready for customers shortly after the launch date. The German tuner already has the bodywork designed, and provided the preview sketch shown above.



According to Lorinser, the body kit is designed to emphasize the new CLS’ masculine and sporty features. A revised front fascia is designed to optimize engine and brake cooling, while swollen fenders allow the tuner to bolt on larger wheels -- we hear the firm plans on offering 21-inch aluminum wheels as an option.

Along with the bodywork, Lorinser will revise the CLS with upgraded chassis, interior trim, and powertrain. We’ve not heard any specifics on any of those improvements, but like any Lorinser product, we imagine the sky -- or the customer’s wallet -- is the limit for modifications.

Lorinser hasn’t detailed exact launch timing for its hopped-up CLS-Class, but noted it will reach dealers in 45 countries -- including the United States -- shortly after the stock version is introduced in 2011.

Source: Lorinser

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