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2012 has been a year full of new challenges to overcome. Some markets, which were initially regarded as key development areas, showed signs of slowing down which perpetuated throughout the entire period. The financial and economic crisis bounced back once again, however at a lower rate, which was just enough to compensate the negative effects on sales.This year, Mercedes-Benz launched an avalanche of premieres at various auto shows and also gained substantial revenue from sales, breaking record after record every month. The saga started back in January, at Detroit, where the company showcased its brand new SL-Class roadster. The R 231 generation came packed full of technology: the impressive MAGIC VISION CONTROL wipe-blade washer technology, the MAGIC SKY CONTROL dynamic luminosity panorama roof, the COMAND Online with full internet integration and the powerfully efficient V6 and V8 engines were among the tough points of the convertible. Apart from the SL, Mercedes-Benz also brought the all new E-Class fleet of models alternative power: the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID and the US-only E 400 HYBRID.
In March, at Geneva, Mercedes-Benz brought to the public for the first time the new A-Class, completely revamped compared to the previous MPV generation. Now marketed as a chic hatchback with wow factor and made to appeal to young customers, the W 176 series premiered a complete array of the most advanced safety technologies: PRE-SAFE and Collision Prevention Assist are just a few of the many. The wing-shaped dashboard, with clear inspiration from the SLS, attracted a lot of views through its build quality and user functionality. The social network integration into the latest version of the COMAND Online is a big plus, as is the new front-driven MFA platform with rellevant dynamic capabilities and the frugal diesel and gasoline engines with displacement ranging from 1.5 to 2.1 litres. Another star for Geneva was the new SL 63 AMG. The high-performance roadster tweaked by the Affalterbach engineers boasted a new 5.5-litre V8 BITURBO available in two output configurations: 537 hp and 564 hp.
April was the set for two major car shows: at New York and Beijing. The second generation GL-Class and the GLK 2012 model year made their debut on American soil. The large-sized premium SUV under the X 166 code came equipped with Crosswind Assist, STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) and the 360° camera technology. The X 205 featured a refreshed and more organic exterior and interior design, as well as updated technology, to keep up pace with its main competitors. Towards the end of the same month, Beijing hosted the advent of the facelift generation of the G-Class as well as the introduction of the Concept Style Coupe, a near-production showcar heralding a future addition to the compact class portfolio in the form of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The 2012 W 463 model features mild exterior upgrades, remaining roughly the same boxy and iconic 4x4 vehicle so much appreciated by customers all over the world. The most dramatic modifications are visible inside, where the revised dashboard displays a fresh stance and brand new technology.
The beginning of summer brought AMG once again into attention. The first generation GL 63 AMG with a massive 557 hp of peak output and V8 BITURBO power, as well as the all new G 63 AMG with 544 hp and the outrageous 12-cylinder G 65 AMG with 612 hp, came to light. Moreover, the portfolio of supercar expanded with the introduction of the new SLS AMG GT versions to the portfolio. Although the standard SLS models remain in production, the GT badge brings an extra 20 hp to the output, now making it 591 hp, and further upgrades to the powertrain (suspension, damping system, brakes).
In August, Mercedes-Benz rewrote principles of automotive industry once again: after the sensational CLS 4-door coupe which was first premiered in 2004, it was the turn of the new CLS Shooting Brake to cause a stir. The so-entitled 5-door coupe is a also a modern interpretation of traditional Shooting Brake models and features state-of-the-art technology, 4MATIC all-wheel-drive upon request, multiple customization choices through the special designo program and offers a fashionable approach to practicality. The new CLS Shooting Brake would not be complete without an AMG variant: CLS 63 AMG SB came towards 2012, cranking out 525 hp or 557 hp with the Performance package fitted.
Autumn came with an entire-fleet of efficient, eco-friendly models for Mercedes-Benz. The new B 200 Natural Gas Drive makes use of green technology to achieve a substantial decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Concept B-Class Electric Drive premiered at the Paris Motor Show announced the introduction of a new series produced, electrically-powered B-Class model beginning with 2014. Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG debuted their new SLS AMG Electric Drive, an all-electric hypercar packing no less than 552 kW of maximum output - which makes it company's most potent model in history.
In November, the star of the LA Auto Show was the anticipated, ever-awaited SLS AMG Black Series special supercar. Featuring GT3 technology compatible with road traffic, the new car boasts a staggering 631 hp and an impressive level of performance. Last, but not least, Mercedes-Benz designers from the Advanced Design Studio in California expressed their view of the future highway patrol vehicle: the ENER-G-FORCE concept could also signal a potential new model to replace the G-Class after more than 30 years of loyal service.
The end of 2012 is focused on the new E-Class facelift generation. The first details were released in mid-December, while the official reveal is bound to take place at Detroit, in January 2013. The executive saloon and wagon features a new styling philosophy, a distinct appearance depending on the chosen trim line and some clever technology from the future S-Class - the perfect ingredients for a fresh start in the new year.
You can also follow the Mercedes-Benz 2012 story on our official Pinterest page and Instagram channel, where you shall also find some nice photos. :)Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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On the 31st December 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog celebrates the fifth anniversary since the website was established as a competent Mercedes-Benz news resource back in 2007. With the passing of time, Mercedes-Benz-Blog enjoyed a constant growth, demonstrated by the select audience who chose it as their primary source for finding out the latest news about Mercedes-Benz.By far, year 2012 was the most successful in the history of the website. Not only did the performance figures regarding web traffic double compared to 2011, but also the look of Mercedes-Benz-Blog got revamped in April this year. A fresh, user-friendly template contributed to the sustainable success Mercedes-Benz-Blog experienced in 2012.
Furthermore, the team of editors intensified the social networks' presence and visibility as a fundamental piece in the overall growth. Expanding in these areas proved to be a decisive and rewarding measure for the benefit of Mercedes-Benz-Blog and that of its fans, visitors, readers, contributors and partners.
Recently, the official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzBlog) got improved - a mild, yet effective facelift along with a brand new identity for 2013. New interesting apps, for a better connection with the Youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/mercedesbenzblog) and the newly-created Pinterest page (http://www.pinterest.com/mbzblog), specifically designed to meet all demands, are now available on the Facebook fan page as well.
For the year that starts Tuesday, the prospects look highly optimistic. The recipe is already successful, but ensuring the best quality and offering that crucial element of individuality that distinguishes Mercedes-Benz-Blog from other similar websites is the substantial essence of the future development.
In the mean time, I invite to stay tuned to Mercedes-Benz-Blog as new updates are released in the coming hours. A review of 2012 in terms of new additions to the Mercedes-Benz vehicle portfolio, as well as an agenda for 2013 - the main premieres of the next year in brief. Furthermore, you shall find more interesting news and photos on our official Facebook and Pinterest pages in a few hours. So, don't forget to check them out later! :)
In the end, I, Adrian-Liviu Dorofte, as Editor In-Chief, would like to thank everybody for your support and ensure you we will fight to maintain and strengthen Mercedes-Benz-Blog as a recognizable internet brand and a powerful publication dedicated to world's most famous automotive constructor: Mercedes-Benz.
We wish all our fans, visitors, partners and contributors a Happy New Year full of bright, sparkling ideas, brimming with success and cherished with happiness and prosperity!The complete editorial team of www.mercedesgla.blogspot.comCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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The renowned German environmental research institute "ÖkoTrend" has ascertained that the Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC and Mercedes-Benz B 200 Natural Gas Drive are the most eco- friendly cars in their class. Both models have thus now been honoured as "Winners in Green" by the magazine AUTO TEST.The independent research institute "ÖkoTrend" in Germany has been analysing and evaluating products according to ecological criteria and in terms of the social and environmental responsibility of their manufacturers since 1995. The environmental car ranking, published annually, is always awaited with great interest. The environmental credentials of a broad range of cars are thoroughly assessed in twelve different categories on the basis of extensive data accumulated by the Institute. The categories include fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, manufacturing, logistics, recycling and the environmental management system operated by the manufacturer.
For the second consecutive time, the top spot among the SUVs has been taken by the Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC. When it came to the compact MPVs, first place also went to a Mercedes-Benz – the B 200 Natural Gas Drive. Specialist journal AUTO TEST has therefore honoured both cars with the title of "AUTO TEST WINNER in GREEN! 2013".
The Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC owes its top ranking among the SUVs to, amongst other things, its state-of-the-art four-cylinder diesel engine, which features both direct injection and turbocharging. From a displacement of 2143 cc the car delivers an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and impressive torque of 500 Newton metres. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds and to use a mere 6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, while emitting just 158 g/km of CO2 (combined). It is therefore able to travel a distance of up to 1500 kilometres without the need for refuelling. The Mercedes-Benz B 200 Natural Gas Drive operates on the basis of Monovalent+. This means that the engine runs as a general rule on natural gas, but that the vehicle also has a small, 12‑litre petrol tank on board to cope with any emergencies. Should the natural gas tank at any point run empty, the vehicle will switch automatically and imperceptibly to run on petrol.
Thanks to its natural gas drive system, the CO2 emissions of the 115 kW (156 hp) engine in the B 200 Natural Gas Drive have been reduced by more than 16 percent. Furthermore its exhaust gas emissions are significantly cleaner than those of a vehicle running on petrol or diesel, while the fuel costs are around 50 percent lower than for the equivalent petrol-engine model.
Because the driver is not able to actively select the petrol operating mode, the B 200 natural Gas Drive is certified as a natural gas vehicle and thus able to benefit from tax incentives. The range of the vehicle in natural gas operating mode is around 500 kilometres.
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The new-generation E-Class is the new trendsetter in the business segment. Packed full of the latest security, assistance and telematics technology which also previews some of the updates the new S-Class also brings next year when launched, the updated 212 series also impresses with a thoroughly revised visual identity, an improved powertrain, sharper driving dynamics and efficiency-engineered diesel and petrol engines. Hit "play" and enjoy the "intelligent drive" of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class! :)Video Credits: Mercedes-Benz | The new E-Class -- The E-xperienceCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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Formula 1™ is a constantly changing sport even when the technical regulations stay the same. Every year we at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will change almost every aspect of our cars to keep pace with development – on average we develop a new part for our F1 cars every seven minutes, seven days a week, 12 months a year.Change provides opportunities as well as challenges and the FIA, world motorsport’s governing body, recently announced some detail changes to the rules for the next two seasons.
From a technical perspective, the 2013 rule changes address some safety precautions as well as allowing for the extra weight of the new generation of Pirelli tyres. The car’s roll structures must meet new standards and new, more stringent crash tests will also be applied. The minimum weight of the car has increased by 2kg.
To combat the use of aero-elastic components the static load test will now be applied to all of each team’s survival cells, and the front wing test will permit no more than 10mm deflection rather than 20mm.
There has also been a change to the procedure when cars cannot return to the pits under their own power at the end of a track session. The existing rules state that each car must be able to provide a sample of at least one litre of fuel; from now on, if one stops on track, it must provide that quantity plus the amount of fuel that would have been consumed while driving back to the pits.
On the operational front, during practice sessions the Drag Reduction System (DRS) can now only be used in the same areas on track as it would during the race. Working hours have also been tightened up, with the personnel curfew now extending from six to eight hours on Thursday night, and the number of permitted exceptions dropping from four to two for the entire season.
Small changes, then, but important ones: every team is going to have to make more efficient use of its time at Grand Prix weekends, design even safer cars and be less marginal on fuel. Those are all challenges we’re ready for.~ Official photo and details courtesy of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes ~Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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We wish all our fans, visitors, contributors and partners a Merry Christmas. May this joyful period bring you peace, happiness and prosperity!
The editorial team of www.mercedesgla.blogspot.comCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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As today is the 24th December, we were not expecting many breaking news to publish on our website. But Santa Claus thought different and we ended up receiving a rather unexpected, yet highly pleasant Christmas gift. Here, we share it with our visitors - ladies and gentlemen, a warm welcome to the new member of the Mercedes-Benz family: the CLA-Class, company's so-entitled executive compact four-door coupe. At a closer inspection, the leaked photos appear to have been scanned from an internal brochure and then spread across the internet. However, we do not expect to see the official press pack any time soon. As the CLA gets a special preview on the eve of the NAIAS Detroit 2013, first pictures and information should be released by mid-January (14 to 15). This all-so-crucial model also follows the heritage of the CLS bestseller, in a compact-sized approach but retaining the pure essence of an elegant 4-door coupe model through its emotional exterior design.
Sticking to the car itself, the CLA resembles the main attributes of the New Compact Car Generation (NCCG) lineup, although its length is anything but compact. 4.6 meters, which is at least 1 centimeter longer than the current C-Class Sedan. This means the W 205 generation of the premium mid-class limousine should have around 4.7 - 4.8 meters to accomodate the CLA in the range.The front end is powerful and inspired from the A-Class and the Concept Style Coupe, although a bit toned down compared to the showcar. The images emphasize the range-topping CLA 250 SPORT edition, specially engineered by AMG. This version is distinguished by the state-of-the-art Diamond grille, the impressive front air intakes, the special alloy wheels with sports styling, the rear diffuser and the LED technology for both the headlamps and tail lights. The engine that powers the CLA 250 SPORT is a straight-four, 2.1-litre petrol unit rated at 211 hp.
Moving inside the car, we embrace a familiar atmosphere. Merely revised compared to the A-Class, the dashboard of the new CLA-Class features the dynamic wing-shape design and certain specific elements to make it stand apart from the hatchback model. The instrument cluster and silhouette of the trim panel running across the middle section of the dashboard are different for the C 117. By looking at the upholstery on the sport seats pictured in the photos, it is highly possible Mercedes-Benz offers greater customization choices for the CLA, as this is a niche model.- More preliminary facts --> HERE
- Early photos with an uncovered pre-series CLA >> HERE
We shall find out more about the all new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to www.mercedesgla.blogspot.com for the latest news!Image Credits: GermanCarForumCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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After Motor Trend had the opportunity to take a ride in the updated Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG performance saloon, it is now the turn of CAR and DRIVER contributing editor Csaba Csere to chat with the most important guys from the Affalterbach-based firm on their brand new rocket. Ola Kaellenius, head of Mercedes-AMG, and Tobias Moers, development chief of the company, explain him the most important characteristics of the model which gets officially introduced to public in January at the NAIAS Detroit. Without revealing many intricate details, we learn that the 2013 E 63 AMG, which hits the American market during summer next year as a 2014MY vehicle, gets a heavily revised front fascia, a new 4x4 powertrain with a fixed, rear-biased transfer ratio of 33:67, more output for the 5.5-litre V8 BITURBO engine underneath the bonnet and further ride management and assistance systems. Hit play and find out more about the new-generation Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG. Enjoy! :)Video Credits: CAR and DRIVER - Youtube ChannelCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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2014, GLA, gla-class, mercedes-benz, northern, scandinavia, spy, Sweden, testing, winter, X 156
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Winter is quickly spreading across Europe, so it's perfect time for cold weather testing in Northern Scandinavia. Mercedes-Benz is gradually moving its fleet of future models for some development in Sweden. The first model spotted by spy photographers is the upcoming GLA-Class (X 156), slated to appear towards the end of 2013.The new GLA will be the fourth member of Mercedes-Benz's New Compact Car Generation (NCCG), after the B-Class, A-Class and CLA-Class. It will be assembled at the Rastatt facility, a well-known excellence center for the production of compact-sized models under the Three-Pointed Star.
The new premium compact SUV builds on the heritage of the G-Class, given its official title, and on the dynamic appearance of the new A-Class. Situated right below the GLK, the X 156 displays a modern and progressive exterior styling complete with some beefy rear shoulders, a prominent front fascia with a larger grille and a higher ground clearance to give it the desired all-terrain vehicles look.
The GLA will be offered in both 2WD and 4WD specification, at choice. The modular MFA platform will form a standard equipment for most of the lineup, while the 4MATIC will be available as an option for the high-end petrol and diesel variants. Specially for its new compact class cars, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new version of its versatile 4x4 traction system to suit the character of such models. Most of the time, it acts like a front-biased platform, with some torque also directed towards the rear axle via the 7G-DCT, whom the system works in conjuction with. At need, the system converts to a real 4x4 configuration and can transfer the entire torque to one wheel, to the front axle or to the rear one, given the most adequate grip.
The GLA portfolio will comprise up to seven different versions, four trim lines (Urban, Style, AMG Sport and the special GLA 250 SPORT variant) and unlimited customization possibilities:
- GLA 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 109 hp
- GLA 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 136 hp
- GLA 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 170 hp
- GLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY: 122 hp
- GLA 200 BlueEFFICIENCY: 156 hp
- GLA 250 BlueEFFICIENCY: 211 hp
- GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC: 354 hpRelated articles:
- Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC: All-wheel drive for all – in every class
- SPY: First encounter with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG (X 156)Image Credits: GermanCarForumCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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Mercedes-Benz is still maintaining a complete secrecy over its brand new S-Class generation. Just to make sure the car is perfect when officially unveiled, the Stuttgart-based carmaker extended the development phase for the luxury limousine by more than nine months beginning with August 2012, which means we will likely see the finished product by May or June next year. The will to reveal the car at the most prestigious German motor show of 2013, the IAA Frankfurt in September, pushed the date so far ahead in the future and rose the anxiousness of clients and fans regarding the W 222.Much has already been said about the design and technology of the forthcoming S-Class, many details are still to be learnt when the first official details are issued to the media. We already know the all-time king of the luxury class will be a clever vehicle, able to monitor every inch of the surrounding territory via intelligent multi-purpose cameras, to predict accidents and mitigate their effects, to communicate with other cars and offer full access to the internet via a comprehesive online integration and also to offer an enjoyable, yet frugal and environmentally-friendly ride.
You can learn more about the tech stuff to be showcased on the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in our dedicated page --> Mercedes-Benz-Blog | New S-Class Special
Furthermore, we invite to take a look through the latest spy shots and spy video captured in the sunny Spain and in the wintry Sweden, where the camouflaged test prototypes of the luxury flagship of Mercedes-Benz have been recently spotted._14.jpg)
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The upcoming addition to the new premium compact class portfolio at Mercedes-Benz is the eagerly awaited CLA-Class. The so-called executive 4-door coupe, which takes most of its styling inspiration the elder brother, the CLS, and the Concept Style Coupe released in April this year, will celebrate the world premiere in 2013, at the Geneva Motor Show and not at NAIAS as previously programmed. The model will be assembled outside Germany, at the new Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét, Hungary, integrated in the production network as a competence center for compact cars alongside Rastatt. However, the new CLA will be introduced to the press representatives gathered at Detroit on the eve of the show during a special presentation gala, but the car will skip the public show. Thus, first details on the model are to be issued around mid-January (14th to 15th), sources indicate. The C 117 (internal designation) is highly important for the German constructor, so the decision to first introduce it on the stage of an European motor show instead prior the release onto the American market is likely based on solid arguments.
Sales for the CLA-Class start during summer of 2013 in Europe, whereas North Americans have to wait till the end of the year to get the car, also the first flagship of the new generation of compact vehicles to be sold on the continent. The engines and equipment come from the A-Class. Apart from the usual MFA front-driven transmission, clients will also be able to opt for the 4MATIC platform for the high-end variants, while the new CLA 45 AMG performance model comes standard with a special 4x4 sports traction system developed by the engineers from Affalterbach. Available from fall 2013, the super-hot four-door coupe boasts an all new 2.0-litre, I4 turbocharged petrol powerplant (M133) cranking out no less than 354 hp and over 400 Nm of torque.
For the start of sales, the entry-level version is the CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY with 122 hp (worth near €28,000 basic price), followed by the CLA 200 BlueEFFICIENCY with 156 hp. The range-topper will be the CLA 250 BlueEFFICIENCY (engineered by AMG) with 211 hp, which also receives the 4MATIC option from September 2013. This high-end version is also available with the bespoke AMG SPORT styling package, which adds an extra dose of sexiness to the already beguiling design of the CLA-Class.
For the beginning, the diesel choice will comprise a single variant: the CLA 220 CDI with 170 hp (worth €36,000 basic price). The CLA 200 CDI with 136 hp will be added to the range in the course of next year. In 2014 comes the CLA 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY boasting a 1.5-litre straight-four diesel engine co-developed with Renault and rated at 109 hp. The same year, the 4MATIC lineup extends with two new models that get the all-wheel-drive platform - the CLA 200 CDI and the CLA 220 CDI.
Read more about the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class following the next links:
- On track of CLS and Co.: 2013 premiere for CLA and CLA 45 AMG
- Newly developed 4MATIC all-wheel drive for the new CLA: All-wheel drive for all
Also, take a look at the spy shots captured during a photo session for the new CLA-Class in Los Angeles, USA --> 2013 Mecedes CLA SpyshotsImage Credits: WorldCarFans / GermanCarForumCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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