SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Cabriolet (A 205) reappears in Stuttgart

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Mercedes-Benz will add a new member to the future C-Class family as the cabriolet choice will join the "army" from late 2014. The street development phase for the A 205 model has just begun scarcely a month ago, with the first prototype being captured on tape in Stuttgart. The newest spy shots are coming from the "capital city" of Mercedes-Benz as well.

The new C-Class Cabriolet will be the first mid-sized convertible in the history of the brand. As there is no predecessor to the open-top, the job Mercedes-Benz engineers need to complete is an even harder challenge, because there is no room for error in an industry packed with many similar eager competitors.

The A 205 is expected to feature the all new Mercedes-Benz Rearwheel Architecture (MRA), which means overall length should be somewhere near 4.70 - 4.75 meters, exactly like the limousine version. The updated powertrain will further enhance ride comfort and dynamics, a category where the future C-Cabriolet must simply excell in order to appeal to as many customers as possible. In order to stay as light as possible, the new C-Class Cabriolet will receive a classic soft top, in addition to the extensive use of aluminium and alloy compounds for the construction of the chassis and bodywork.

All the engines fitted underneath the front hood will be entirely newly developed for maximum efficiency and performance. The list comprises units will peak displacement ranging from 2.0 up to 4.0 litres. The entry-level C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY produces 184 hp, the C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY reaches 211 hp, whereas the C 300 BlueEFFICIENCY boasts 252 hp and the range-topping V6-powered C 400 stops at 333 hp. The C 55 AMG model is set to arrive during summer 2015 and should be powered by a new 4.0-litre 8-cylinder petrol engine equipped with twin-turbocharging and direct injection rated at around 465 hp. Some hybrid variants are also possible from 2015 onwards, according to latest reports.

Image Source: Motor Authority

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SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet (A 205) - premiere scoops

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Mercedes-Benz plans to add an all new member to the future C-Class family. After the 204 model series got its 2-door Coupe on the facelift occassion, an open-top choice will join the current three-model portfolio next year when the 205 generation is set to come into force.

The first version to premiere is the new C-Class Limousine, expected to be officially presented in early 2014. Through spring, the wagon T-Modell under the S 205 codename is bound to arrive, while the new Coupe (C 205) is slated to showcase during the second semester of next year. Towards late 2014, right in time for the hot season of 2015, the all new C-Class Cabrio (A 205) will celebrate its world premiere.

The first-ever convertible C-Class in history has been lately spotted by spy photographers in the yard of the Mercedes-Benz R&D Center in Stuttgart. The car will emphasize Merc's brand new styling philosophy. A progressive exterior design will ensure the desired sportiness, dynamism and appeal levels are met, while also staying stlightly different compared to the standard W 205/S 205. As it is early to draw some conclusions over the looks given the heavy cladding on the pictured test prototype, we shall reserve those for later.

The length of the new C-Class Cabriolet will reach 4.7 meters, so this means plenty of space for some well-handled, balanced and sleek proportions. It is unclear whether the A 205 model will use a classic retractable cloth roof or go instead for a roadster-like hardtop just such as the SLK and SL do. From what we can see in these spy shots, there is enough room in the back to house a folding tin roof thanks to the visibly generous third volume. So, odds are in favour of this modern solution.

Similar to its open-top relatives, the C-Class Cabriolet will also use the innovative AIRSCARF neck-heating system, the AIRCAP draught-stop solution and the MAGIC VISION CONTROL wiper washer technology to further enhance the driving pleasure and passenger comfort while the roof is down even in winter.

The engines and entire technological package will be shared with its brothers from the 205 family. The entry-level choice starts at 156 hp, while the range-topping C 400 Cabriolet boasts 333 hp and the new 3.0-litre V6 BlueDIRECT engine featuring state-of-the-art turbocharging, direct injection and ECO start/stop function. Clean BlueTEC variants are also expected to make up most of the diesel range for the new A 205. During 2015, the ground-breaking C 55 AMG Cabrio will complete the lineup sporting an entirely newly-developed 4.0-litre V8 with biturbocharging cranking out near 470 hp.

Image Credits: Autoevolution

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SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class XL (X 222) spotted for first time

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Alongside the S-Class SWB (W 222) and LWB (V 222) which make their official world debut this year in May, Mercedes-Benz is also planning to reveal an extra long wheelbase model (XL), codenamed X 222 and based on the new S-Class, scheduled to premiere in around a year from now.

The Germans have already began testing their super-sized S-Class in Sweden alongside regular versions. The first spy pics were recently captured by photographers deployed in the area. The rear doors are visibly longer than on standard version seen so far, as is the wider B-pillar.

All in all, the future S-Class XL has an additional 30-40 centimeters over the LWB model, which means around 5.6 - 5.7 meters. It is important to mention this is not the anticipated S 600 Pullman variant, but the replacement for the former Maybach 57 model.

The ultra high-end luxury saloon on the underpinnings of the S-Class and destined to fill the gap left open by the Maybach 62 will arrive around the end of 2016 and will feature a distinctive styling, Guard security equipment, MRA rear-wheel-drive platform and a brand new V12 unit engineered by Mercedes-AMG.

Sticking to the S-Class XL, it will be available with only certain range-topping variants, such as the S 350, S 500 and the future S 600 V12 coming in late 2014 or early 2015. In addition, upon clients' request, the X 222 will also be optionally equipped with the all-wheel-drive 4MATIC traction system for better road performance and overall safety.

We expect the price for purchasing the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class XL to exceed 100,000 euros in Europe. With extra equipment, the final tag could indicate almost 200,000 euros. Clearly, not a car for the masses, but for the wealthy businessmen (and women) in Europe (especially Germany, United Kingdom and Russia) and Asia (China and the Middle East's Arab "petrol" countries).

Image Credits: GermanCarForum / Gmotors.co.uk

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SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé (C 217) continues winter testing in Scandinavia

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A new set of spy shots with the future S-Class Coupé has just arrived in store. The heavily camouflaged prototypes are spread across Scandinavia, where the weather is simply perfect for the cold weather development phase.

Hidden under the psychedelic cladding lies a beautiful silhouette that has evolved into a modern approach to coupés based on the heritage of traditional Mercedes-Benz 2-door models from the past.

The C 217 is tested along with a the current C 216 CL-Class it replaces, so we can get a better comparison between the two generations. First of class, the S-Class Coupé is slightly lowered in terms of height and has an even more rakish roofline when put together with the CL.

In every sense, the future 2-door luxury Merc is simply lengthier and more robustly shaped than the C 216 model. The imposing front end with its upright single-louvre grille boasting the Star inspires force and self confidence. The profile with its discrete dropping line and muscular rear shoulder and revised lower window line that swervs upwards as it meets the upper line point to the fact the C 217 displays thoroughly grown up design. The trunk area with its linear tail lamps and generous boot lid impresses with its maturity and cleanliness.

All in all, the new C 217 series rewrites basic principles of Mercedes-Benz coupés by premiering a remarkably fresh attitude that is certain to turn heads on street. Expect a similar styling procedure applied to the new generation C-Class Coupé (C 205) and E-Class Coupé (C 213) that are scheduled to arrive on the market in the next 2-3 years.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé is expected to make its first appearance during summer 2014, with sales kicking off in autumn the same year.

Related articles:

- SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé (C 217) in a fresh set of scoops

- SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé (C 217) - First on-road scoops

Image Credits: Gmotors.co.uk

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F1 Gossip: Toto Wolff spills more gas on fire amidst McLaren-Honda affair

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Toto Wolff, Merc's newly appointed motorsports chief, has recently expressed his fears the Silver Arrows team must do their best to protect the important know-how contained in the future V6 turbocharged engine the Brixworth engineers have developed for the 2014 season.

This statement comes in a period when hints that McLaren is in advanced discussions with former engine partner Honda for the revival of their historic alliance starting 2015 are becoming more evident. If you like, Wolff seems to be admitting the reality and intentionately reveals the real situation behind closed doors.

Needless to say, if the Woking-based team chooses the Japanese brand to supply its engines (which odds say it will), there will be some leaks concerning technical facts over the Mercedes-Benz 6-cylinder engine to Honda.

He further warned that, regardless of the outcome, the Germans really need to stay focused and supervise their ongoing contract with McLaren, at least for the remaining two years and crucially for next season (the alleged last season with Mercedes-powered McLarens on the grid), if Honda gets its deal signed with the British team.

Eager plans of McLaren might raise some questions of loyalty and confidence. It is their own choice to finish relationship with Mercedes-Benz, even though the performance, balance and reliability of the engines could hardly have been put at doubt during their long-term partnership which began in 1995.

Playing fair should be the right choice and battling weapon for the anticipated 2015 Telmex McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team.

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F1 Gossip: McLaren could switch to Honda power from 2015

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Recently, it came to light Honda is planning a return to Formula 1 as engine supplier starting 2015. The Japanese are currently developing their own V6 turbocharged engine according to the new regulations coming into force next season.

Since the news emerged on various motorsports website across the internet, speculation has been intense around the possible F1 team they would offer their services to. McLaren-Mercedes was on top of the rumor list and it seems the Woking-based team is closer than ever to secure a contract with Honda running from 2015.

It is recommended to remind you McLaren has an ongoing partnership with Mercedes-Benz that expires at the end of the 2013 season, but has an option of extension for 2014 and 2015. The current contract was signed in 2011, after the Brits bought back the remaining 10% stake the Germans still had in the company.

While Martin Whitmarsh admits the team will continue in 2014 with Mercedes-Benz power, he does not reveal anything about the season after. Cited by British publication Autosport, the team principal of McLaren-Mercedes revealed: "I can definitely say that we are with them for some time, we have a contract and we have been talking about it for some time. There is nothing to announce at the moment. I can't elaborate any further. We have a contract that covers the next three seasons at the moment and we will certainly go into next year with Mercedes-Benz. We have a long and successful partnership with them."

Indications is talks between McLaren and Honda have reached an advanced stage and a positive decision would likely be taken very soon. In the event the deal gets signed, Mercedes-Benz could experience a win-lose situation: more time to focus on engines, less teams to supply (only two - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS and Force India), less revenue from this business. For McLaren, the lack of visible results in the last seasons could be a tough argument for the switch to Honda, even though the reliability and overall performance of the FO108 unit supplied by Mercedes-Benz cannot be discussed under negative terms whatsoever.

Using the new 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine developed in Brixworth for a single season and switching to Honda the next season needs some delicate analysis on whether it is the right move. Being pushed by the historic success of McLaren-Honda in the 90s without taking into consideration the massive changes Formula 1 went through in the last 5-10 years, as well the absence of the Japanese constructor from competition together with the unsuccessful experience of their fully-owned F1 team, is more than enough to make you think twice. The failed revival of the once iconic Williams-Renault alliance is another strong example that should weigh pretty much in the final decision.

The past synergies do not necessarily perform well in the future as they once did. Hopefully we'll write about McLaren-Mercedes in 2015 as well. :)

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SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé (C 217) in a fresh set of scoops

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After Mercedes-Benz launches the brand new S-Class in summer this year, the S-Class Coupé replacing the current CL-Class (C 216) will follow next summer and premiere at the Paris Motor Show 2014. The C 217 will be a daring car for the German constructor: stuffed with intelligent technology and brimming with dynamism and elegance.

The new S-Class Coupé continues the rich heritage of Mercedes-Benz regarding large-sized, luxury 2-door models. For the first time since the W 111/W 112 generation, a Cabriolet version slated to debut in 2015 returns to complete the already expanding S-Class lineup.

The road development phase for the C 217 began in February, some months after the first test prototypes of the cabriolet (internally codenamed A 217) rolled off in Europe in October 2012. As you may see in the gallery, the latest scoops come from Germany and Northern Scandinavia.

If you feel the outgoing CL series is rather silent and boring, then prepare yourself for the revolution the new S-Class Coupé will bring at Mercedes-Benz. First of all, the C 217 brings with it a whole new design language combining traditional styling with a modern, progressive philosophy to complete a uniformly blended character.

Inspiration comes from the latest concept cars showcased in the recent years, like the F 700, F 800 Style and F 125!. The front end is now dominated by the large, single-louvre design grille with the Star placed centrally and the LED headlights that towards the sides.

The wheelbase seems to be wider compared to the C 216 generation, giving the entire car an all new perspective. The beautifully sculpted wings and rakish roofline in true Mercedes-Benz style, together with a clean, upright profile signal the S-Class Coupé as one sensational piece of automotive art.

The muscular rear shoulders add substantial self-assurance and invite everyone to have a look at the redesigned back end. The LED tail lights are now thinner and horizontally positioned, pointing to the centrepart of the boot lid. For that reason, the licence plate spot has been moved to the rear bumper, also marking a premiere for Mercedes-Benz.

To sum up, the 2015 S-Class Coupé will be a total departure from today's CL. Baring the signs of its winning predecessors, yet going in favour of a distinct approach that makes it clearly the most dynamic and sporty luxury 2-door model in the history of Mercedes-Benz in terms of styling.

Inside, the premium touch will be all so present. Apart from some details on the door covers and some repositioning of certain controls, the entire dashboard and technology will come from the upcoming S-Class (W 222). Only the most refined leather will be used for the upholstery on seats and upper part of the dashboard. Pure essence wood and high-sheen metallic trim will further enhance the aesthetics and wellbeing inside the C 217.

The new S-Class Coupé will feature the latest breakthroughs by Mercedes-Benz: MAGIC RIDE CONTROL, MAGIC BODY CONTROL, PRE-SAFE, @yourCOMAND integrated infotainment, Autonomous Driving Pilot, Car-to-X communication, eCall emergency system, Beltbag plus several other assistants premiered on the S-Class (W 222). Moreso, the new Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture (MRA) will enhance ride dynamics and driving pleasure while also retaining the hallmark Mercedes-Benz comfort.

As always, the engine lineup will consist solely of "V" petrol engines. The baseline choice is the S 500 Coupé powered by the 4.7-litre MoV8 BlueDIRECT engine rated at 450-460 hp. A plug-in hybrid version is also possible in the next years; the V6 + electric motor combination should deliver around 415 hp. Next on the list is the S 600 with a new V12 powerplant engineered by Mercedes-AMG and capable of 550-560 hp. The future S 63 AMG Coupé could feature a new 4.0-litre BITURBO 8-cylinder petrol unit cranking out a massive 585 hp and may also be available as S-Model with all-wheel-drive traction thanks to the development of the PERFORMANCE 4MATIC system already in use on the new E 63 AMG 2013 model year. The range-topping S 65 AMG Coupé will remain committed to the rear-drive configuration and will be equipped with an upgraded, efficiency-improved version of the current M279 6.0-litre V12 engine boasting a massive 650 hp.

Related articles:

- SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé (C 217) - First on-road scoops

- PREVIEW: The future 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe (C 217) artistically rendered

- SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet (A 217) scooped on the test track

- SPY: First sighting of the future 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet (A 217)

Image Credits: GermanCarForum

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