Generations of Innovation: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mario Gear January 10, 2021

With every generation throughout its storied history, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and its predecessor models have consistently set new and previously unimaginable standards in automotive engineering. The following provides an overview of some of the most significant innovations found in the S-Class throughout its highly successful past.

Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Pricing for All-New S-Class

Mario Gear December 23, 2020

New-generation Mercedes-Benz flagship model to start from $109,800

With every new generation, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes comfort, safety, and the overall driver and passenger experience to a completely new level, setting new standards not only for the brand but for the industry as a whole. The all-new flagship of the Mercedes-Benz model range is no exception, representing a seamless combination of luxurious form and intelligent function thoughtfully executed down to the smallest detail. The S-Class consistently embodies the brand's very best thinking, with human-centered innovations supported by 135 years of automotive expertise, delivering unparalleled levels of comfort, refinement, and tailored craftsmanship. The all-new, highly anticipated Mercedes-Benz S- Class Sedan will start from $109,800* and will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2021.

MERCEDES-BENZ USA ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL-NEW MERCEDES-MAYBACH GLS

Mario Gear October 27, 2020

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the all-new, highly anticipated addition to the Mercedes-Maybach lineup, expanding the Maybach product portfolio with its first-ever SUV. Offering refined spaciousness, unparalleled comfort, and powerful V8 performance, the Mercedes- Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC represents the absolute pinnacle of SUV luxury for the Mercedes-Maybach brand in the U.S. market. Arriving in U.S. dealerships in late 2020, this exclusive new model will be priced from $160,500.*

Dimitris Psillakis Head of Marketing and Sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars North America and CEO of MBUSA

MERCEDES-BENZ USA ANNOUNCES DIMITRIS PSILLAKIS AS HEAD OF MARKETING AND SALES, MERCEDES-BENZ CARS NORTH AMERICA AND CEO OF MBUSA

Mario Gear October 7, 2020

The Daimler Board of Management has appointed Dimitris Psillakis (53) as Head of Marketing and Sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars North America and CEO of MBUSA, effective January 1, 2021. The announcement was made by Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Marketing and Sales, to whom Psillakis will report. Psillakis, who was appointed as the President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, succeeds Nicholas Speeks, who after more than 40 years will leave the company and pursue opportunities outside of Daimler. Psillakis will be based in Atlanta, GA.

MERCEDES-AMG GT COUPE AND ROADSTER OFFER INCREASED POWER AND ENHANCED EQUIPMENT FOR 2021

Mario Gear September 28, 2020

With enhancements for the 2021 model year, the Mercedes-AMG GT two-door models boast 54 more horsepower than before--now with an output of 523 hp--and reach 60 mph 0.2s quicker, in only 3.7 seconds.

New Pre-Production SL Roadster Embarks on Extensive Road Tests

Mario Gear September 16, 2020

The next generation of the legendary SL Roadster returns to its roots, which trace back to the 300 SL competition racing car of 1952. Mercedes-AMG, as the performance and sports car brand of Mercedes-Benz AG, has fittingly taken on the task of overall vehicle development for the reinterpretation of the legendary SL Roadster.

Mercedes-Benz B 250 E Plug-In Hybrid Pricing and Specification announced

Mario Sousa June 18, 2020

The Mercedes-Benz B 250 e plug-in hybrid is now on sale, with prices starting from £35,280, for the B 250 e AMG Line Executive. The AMG Line Premium equipment line costs £36,780, while the AMG Line Premium Plus is £38,280. The B 250 e features a 1.3-liter petrol engine, which generates 158 hp and 230 Nm, with an additional 101 hp and 330 Nm available from the electric motor. The on-board battery has a total useable capacity of 10.6 kWh, meaning the B 250 e has an all-electric range of up to 42 miles.

SLSHOP revolutionises classic SL ownership with its CARE membership service.

Mario Sousa March 23, 2020

SLSHOP introduces CARE, a unique membership for classic SL owners which offers planned, inclusive, servicing among many other benefits for a great value monthly subscription payment.
Three-tier membership options of CARE CLASSIC, CARE COMPLETE or CARE CONCIERGE covering R107, R113, and R129 SL models.
Planned, detailed CARE is as hassle-free, easy to budget for and manage as running a new car, and protects both the value and reliability of your classic SL.
Membership brings incredible savings, with CARE CLASSIC starting at just £11 a month, and CARE COMPLETE, which adds SLSHOP’s comprehensive servicing plan, starting from just £40 a month.

Europe’s biggest and best independent Mercedes-Benz SL specialists SLSHOP (www.theslshop.com) is introducing CARE, a unique, innovative new community and ownership model that protects the value and ensures the reliability of your classic SL.

SLSHOP owner, Sam Bailey, says: “Whether your SL is used barely, sparingly or extensively, SLSHOP offers a CARE plan to suit, CARE to make classic SL ownership effortless, and, crucially, the costs associated with it, as predictable and manageable as possible via a single monthly payment.”

SLSHOP’s CARE membership is available as CARE CLASSIC, CARE COMPLETE and CARE CONCIERGE.

CARE CLASSIC is the access point to the huge benefits and savings of CARE membership. Costing just £11 a month, CARE CLASSIC members get an annual insurance valuation certificate, a ‘key area’ 10-point SL check, a roof mechanism check and adjust. The combined cost of these services alone would usually be £390, meaning CARE CLASSIC represents incredible value for its members.

In addition, CARE CLASSIC members have access to SLSHOP’s technical support helpline, fast-track service bookings, priority access to trips and tours, subscription to SLSHOP’s STATUS magazine and invitations to exclusive SLSHOP MEET/DRIVE/TALK events. CARE CLASSIC members also benefit from free delivery with their first parts order, a 5% discount on all CARE parts as well as discounted insurance and special offers from SLSHOP’s local partners.

CARE COMPLETE builds on the incredible value of CARE CLASSIC and is priced from just £40 per month. It adds a full SLSHOP Vehicle Health Check for just £95 (RRP £495 R107 or £595 R113), certified servicing for 3 years tailored the owner’s usage with pre-planned bookings, reminders and a free courtesy car. CARE COMPLETE also includes an MoT pre-check and MoT test, as well as enhanced discounts on vehicle transportation, detailing, rust protection, COMPLETE parts, and hardtop summer storage. CARE COMPLETE also guarantees acceptance to SLSHOP’s showroom program and adds a subscription to Classic Mercedes Magazine.

As with all CARE packages, the combined value of service and benefits of CARE COMPLETE significantly outweigh the regular, manageable monthly payment.

CARE CONCIERGE is the SLSHOP’s most comprehensive, premium level of CARE membership. Priced from just £68 a month, CARE CONCIERGE adds collection and delivery in a covered trailer for inclusive servicing, or, alternatively, a stay over at a premium hotel if you wish to drive your SL to the SLSHOP yourself. In addition, CARE CONCIERGE members benefit from the use of a premium courtesy car, paint correction and detailing during your service, free summer hardtop storage, a day of track time in SLSHOP’s Classic SL Racer and 2x tickets to the NEC Classic Car Show or Silverstone Classic among many other exclusive discounts and savings.

Bailey says: “Our CARE plans ensure the correct annual servicing, MoT, and preventative maintenance is addressed in the key areas the SLSHOP know to target. This not only ensures reliability but helps protect the future value of your SL. Essentially, the car has the right things done at the right time, by the right people, for the right price.”

CARE COMPLETE and CARE CONCIERGE bring inclusive servicing, this tailored to the CARE member’s typical usage.

A CARE COMPLETE member owning a 6-cylinder R107 SL driving under 1000 miles a year would pay just £40 a month for annual servicing and MoT test as well as all of CARE COMPLETE’s other benefits and savings. Should that annual mileage be between 1000 and 5000 miles, CARE COMPLETE subscription would cost £58 a month. The same owner, driving over 5000 miles annually, would pay just £75 a month for all of CARE’s extensive benefits and savings. CARE CONCIERGE adds £28 monthly over COMPLETE pricing.

Whatever CARE package an owner requires the value it represents is significantly in excess of the regular monthly payment, helping members manage their ownership costs and increasing the enjoyment of their cherished, classic SL.

Bailey says: “Over and above the reassurance of perfectly maintaining your pride and joy, the benefits CARE brings include priority passes to events, contact with our enthusiastic, knowledgeable SLSHOP team and the chance to engage with a like-minded community of SL enthusiasts.”

Bailey adds: “Far too many people own these cars and aren’t creating lasting memories in them. We encourage our CARE community to do more, drive more and see more. Our CARE plan adds huge value to a complete spectrum of classic SL ownership, allowing owners to realize the full potential of these incredible machines.”

Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR

Mario Sousa February 6, 2020

Inspired by the future: The VISION AVTR

Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR – inspired by AVATAR: The name of the groundbreaking concept vehicle stands not only for the close collaboration in developing the showcar together with the AVATAR team but also for ADVANCED VEHICLE TRANSFORMATION. This concept vehicle embodies the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future.

Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR – inspired by AVATAR is the result of an unprecedented global partnership between one of the most innovative brands in the entertainment industry and the eighth most valuable brand in the world, Mercedes-Benz.

Inspired by the world of Pandora – the VISION AVTR shows a completely new interaction between human, machine and nature.

Fusion of interior and exterior: The holistic concept of the VISION AVTR combines the design disciplines interior, exterior and UX on an unprecedented scale. The distinctive inside-out design structure combines inside and outside into an emotional whole and was inspired by several creatures from the movie AVATAR. With its stretched "One Bow" design and organic design language, the VISION AVTR offers a visionary outlook on the design of the future.

Biometric connection: Instead of a conventional steering wheel, the multifunctional control element in the center console allows human and machine to merge. By placing the hand on the control unit, the interior comes to life and the vehicle recognizes the driver by his or her heartbeat and breathing.

Immersive experience space: By simply lifting the hand, a menu selection is projected onto the palm of the hand, through which the passenger can intuitively choose between different functionalities. For example, real-time 3D graphics can be used to explore the fictional world of Pandora from different perspectives. The curved display module creates the visual connection between passengers and the outside world.

Organic battery technology made of recyclable materials: For the first time, the VISION AVTR concept vehicle is using a revolutionary battery technology based on graphene-based organic cell chemistry that is completely free of rare earths and metals. The materials of the battery are compostable and therefore completely recyclable. In this way, electric mobility becomes independent of fossil resources. As a result, Mercedes-Benz underlines the high relevance of a future circular economy in the raw materials sector.

The vehicle as a living creature: The 33 "bionic flaps" on the back of the vehicle are reminiscent of scales of reptiles. They can communicate with the driver and through the driver with their outside world through naturally flowing movements in subtle gestures. Due to the possibility to drive the front and rear axles in the same or opposite direction, the VISION AVTR can move sideways by approx. 30 degrees, in contrast to conventional vehicles. The so-called "crab movement" gives the concept vehicle an animal-like appearance even in its movement.

Sustainable materials: The seats of the VISION AVTR are refined by vegan DINAMICA®leather. DINAMICA® is the first and only microfiber that guarantees environmental sustainability throughout the entire production cycle. The floor is decorated with an innovative wood called Karuun®. The raw material for Karuun (Rattan) grows very fast as a natural raw material and is harvested by hand in Indonesia. The material gives the interior warmth and radiates naturalness.

January 27, 2021

GMC HUMMER EV Teams Up for Off-Road Extreme E Racing Series

GMC announced today a new multiyear sponsorship with Chip Ganassi Racing for the team’s first electric racing venture in the inaugural Extreme E season in 2021. CGR’s 550-horsepower electric SUV, which features a unique grille, graphics, and bodywork, was inspired by the GMC HUMMER EV, the world’s first all-electric supertruck.

January 26, 2021

Repeating History by Preserving, Restoring and Sharing Historic and Authentic Race Cars on Track

For years, old race cars were just that. Forgotten machines relegated to museums, private collections, left covered in dusty garages, and even tucked away in barns. There wasn’t a calling to keep them running nor was there a suitable venue to safely exercise them.

January 25, 2021

2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S sets production sedan benchmark

Atlanta, Georgia. The new 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S has taken its latest step as it demonstrates its capabilities on demanding courses around the world. After achieving a then-record lap at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife before its official unveiling late last year, the Panamera Turbo S traveled to Porsche Cars North America’s home and on to its local track – Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta to set a benchmark lap time of 1 minute and 31.51 seconds. PCNA enlisted professional race car driver Leh Keen to showcase the significantly enhanced driving capabilities of the new Panamera on the 2.54-mile race track in November.

January 24, 2021

New tasks for Bugatti Head of Technical Development

Divo, Centodieci, Chiron Pur Sport, as well as the development of the world record-breaking Chiron Super Sport 300+2 and the technically extreme Bolide2 concept car: the list of sensational hyper sports cars from Bugatti that have been developed under the direction of Stefan Ellrott as Member of Bugatti’s Executive Board and Head of Technical Development is very long indeed. From February, the outstanding engineer will take on new responsibilities as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Compact Vehicles at the brand Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Until further notice, Gregor Gries, previously Head of Powertrain Development at Bugatti, will take charge of the Technical Development department at Bugatti.

January 23, 2021

McLaren Automotive delivers 1,000th new vehicle in Canada

Luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive has retailed its 1,000th new vehicle in Canada, less than a decade after the brand first opened its doors in the country in 2012.

The 1,000th unit, an Onyx Black 2020 720S Coupe, neatly mirrors the first McLaren delivered in Canada, a Black 2012 McLaren 12C. Both were delivered from McLaren Toronto, the country’s first McLaren retail point.

January 22, 2021

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association names Kahn Media agency of record

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, the organizer of America's premier hot rod and custom car events, has announced that Kahn Media will exclusively represent the automotive event producer as its Agency of Record. Kahn Media will use its public relations, social media, and digital marketing expertise to expand consumer awareness of the Goodguys organization and the 19 events it is hosting around the United States in 2021.

January 21, 2021

Volkswagen to end production of Golf for U.S. market

Volkswagen of America announced today that the critically-acclaimed Volkswagen Golf ended production for the U.S. market last week. Volkswagen expects that the model year 2021 Golf models built at the Puebla, Mexico plant will sustain sales of the affordable, European-designed hatchback through year-end. The Golf family name will carry on in the model year 2022 with the introduction of the all-new Mk 8 Golf GTI and Golf R, arriving this Fall.

January 18, 2021

The driving force behind the Flying Spur V8

The new Flying Spur V8 builds on Bentley’s more than 60-year tradition of using cross-plane V8 engines. The V8-powered Flying Spur offers a characterful engine note, greater range between fuel stops, and a reduction in CO2 emissions – while still offering breath-taking performance. This unlikely combination has been achieved by using the latest engineering knowledge and technology.

January 17, 2021

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport – Delivery to Customers begins

Molsheim/ Greenwich, 15 January 2021. 2021 begins with the world's first delivery of a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport1 in the USA. Bugatti Greenwich, the official dealer partner of the French luxury brand, recently handed over to its customer the keys to happiness. "Bugatti of Greenwich is honored to have delivered the world’s first Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport to a very valued and loyal client. A long time Bugatti aficionado who now holds the keys to the purest Bugatti ever made," says Evan Cygler, Sales Manager Bugatti Greenwich.

January 16, 2021

Huber pays homage to the Lamborghini Aventador and reveals the ERA

Huber is a bespoke coachbuilder based in the United Arab Emirates with an international audience of supercar owners who seek excellence and world-class quality when it comes to reﬁning their vehicles.

Entitled ‘Era’ to mark ten years of the Lamborghini Aventador, and to pay homage to the end of its production, the team has focused on creating a new kind of aero package that pays homage to the original Aventador DNA. The Huber Era aspires to usher in a new way that automotive design thinks about the aftermarket.