Cadillac Challenges Mercedes-Benz by Pitting the Escalade Against the C-Class [Video]

We think most of you will agree with us when we say that, for the same reasons the Cadillac Escalade is extremely profitable, it also doesn't quite fit the brand's current image being sort of a throwback to the glory days of the classic American cruiserships.

But this didn't stop General Motors from raising the ante in yet another provocative commercial for Cadillac that follows the CTS-V spot featuring the Ferrari 458 Italia.

This time, the General took the Escalade and pointed its ammo towards Mercedes-Benz and its C-Class sedan. The video spot shows the big Caddy V8 beating the C300 on a straight line duel, and then…hauling back the Merc.

We're not going to say that we didn't enjoy the video nor that we don't get Cadillac's point, but it's somewhat an unfair comparo when the Escalade starts at $63,200, or about $25k more than the C300. Heck, even the almighty C63 AMG with is 451HP V8 is $5k cheaper than the basic Escalade…

Mercedes wants us to think the C63 AMG Coupe is Faster than a Ducati 848 EVO

The freshly revealed Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe is featured in two promotional videos released by the company. The first footage shows the AMG coupe taking on a Ducati 848 EVO motorbike on some scenic twisty roads. The winner of the duel isn't hard to guess - after all, this is a promotional video for the C63 AMG - but one can't help but wondering if the Merc could stand a chance in front of the Italian superbike if the race hadn't been a friendly one (or at least if the two vehicles would have taken the same route).

However, the appearance of the 140HP Ducati motorbike in the video is the fruit of the marketing collaboration between AMG and the Italian brand announced last year. Scroll down to enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful duel, plus a short presentation of the C-Class Coupe in AMG guise in the second video.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEOS

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

We've already had an in-depth look at the new 2012 C-Class Coupe, but Mercedes-Benz has published the first official video of the two-door model before its official debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. You can hit the jump to watch the clip for yourself.

In Europe, the Stuttgart-based automaker's Audi A5 Coupe rival will come with a choice of up to of five direct-injection engines including 1.8-litre and 3.5-litre petrols ranging in power from 156 to 306HP, and two 2.1-liter diesels delivering from 171HP and 204HP. Buyers in the United States will have to make do with two gasoline engine choices, 1.8-liter unit with 201HP and a 3.5-liter V6 with 302HP.

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Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Receives Power Boost by Wimmer RS

When it comes to German tuners, the name of the game is power. The more the merrier. In its latest take on the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Wimmer RS has presented the Level 3 performance kit, which increases the 6.3-liter V8 engine's output to 580-horsepower and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft), up from 457 HP and 600 Nm.

To bestow over 120 HP on top of the already potent naturally aspirated V8, Wimmer RS made a series of upgrades including the addition of a reprogrammed ECU, air filter from K&N, air induction optimization, a new sports catalyst and optimized cat-back all-stainless steel exhaust system.

The tuner also fiddled around with the the electronic speed limiter allowing the C63 AMG to reach a limited top speed of 305 km/h or 190 mph.

As an option, Wimmer RS offers a KW-Club Sport Suspension and high performance Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires.

The cost of the full performance level 3 kit is set at €9,900 (about US$13,800 at today's rates) including installation.

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Are these Official Drawings of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift?

Definitely take this with a grain of salt, but Autobild has published some allegedly official drawings of the facelifted 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon. There's a possibility they may be sourced from some kind of promotional material, but they could also be faked - we're, just not sure.
In any case, the sedan model pictured here appears to feature the same styling changes seen on recent prototype models (check out our scoop pictures here), most importantly the redesigned front end with the "L" shaped headlamps and re-sculptured bumper, as well as the revised dashboard that encompasses the upper part of the center console.
The revised 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class range, which will see the introduction of an all-new coupe model, will go on sale in spring 2011.

Source: Autobild

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RENNtech Widens Up Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG with New Aero Package

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist RENNtech is back again, this time with a C63 AMG saloon wide bodykit that is said to enhance the car's aerodynamics, although we reckon most owners will buy it for the show.
Claimed to be inspired by Stuttgart's DTM racing cars, the full C74 aero package includes a carbon fiber rear deck lid spoiler, a rear diffuser package with distinctive exhaust tips, front and rear fender flares and wide body conversion kit that increases the overall rear track width to 74'' and allows the use of 11-inch wide wheels with 315-series tires.
The complete package costs $15,450, but RENNtech also offers C63 AMG owners the option of buying the components individually. More details on pricing and specs in the release below.

Press Release
C74 Full Package $15,450
Full high quality carbon fiber exterior aero package includes Rear Decklid Spoiler, Rear Diffuser, Rear Widebody Kit, Front Wide Body Kit and Front Splitter
OE quality and perfect fitment
All products designed, developed and engineered in house by RENNtech
74″ rear track width
DTM inspired package injects adrenaline into the C63 exterior styling with a wider stance and improved aerodynamics



C63 Aerodynamic Package $11,950

Exterior carbon fiber aero package includes all of the above listed components, but without the Front Widebody Kit



C63 Rear Decklid Spoiler $1,650
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss or matte)
Agressive design improves airflow and downforce on rear of vehicle
Easy installation, mounts with 3M double-sided tape



C63 Front Splitter $2,650
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss, or matte)
Greatly enhances front fascia aesthetics while keeping a similar approach angle
Splitter was specifically designed to increase front end downforce while still allowing proper underbody airflow in order to function with our rear diffuser
No modifications or drilling required, installs with 3M double sided tape and four OEM underbody fastening points

C63 Rear Diffuser w/ Integrated exhaust tips $3,950
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss, or matte)
Replaces the OE diffuser and exhaust tips
Utilizes same attachment locations as the OE diffuser
Aggressive/race inspired design improves air flow underneath the vehicle, increases rear downforce and functions as the companion component to our front splitter
Four CNC machined 3.5" exhaust tips and blow-through pipes included



Rear Widebody Kit $3,850
6 pc. fender flare package
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss, or matte)
Brings rear track width to 74"
Fits up to 11" wide wheels and 315 series tire
DTM style design with integrated extractors



Front Widebody Kit $3,750

6 pc.fender flare package
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss, or matte)
Compliments widened rear track width and improves steering characteristics
DTM style design with integrated extractors

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RENNtech Widens Up Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG with New Aero Package

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist RENNtech is back again, this time with a C63 AMG saloon wide bodykit that is said to enhance the car's aerodynamics, although we reckon most owners will buy it for the show.
Claimed to be inspired by Stuttgart's DTM racing cars, the full C74 aero package includes a carbon fiber rear deck lid spoiler, a rear diffuser package with distinctive exhaust tips, front and rear fender flares and wide body conversion kit that increases the overall rear track width to 74'' and allows the use of 11-inch wide wheels with 315-series tires.
The complete package costs $15,450, but RENNtech also offers C63 AMG owners the option of buying the components individually. More details on pricing and specs in the release below.

Press Release
C74 Full Package $15,450
Full high quality carbon fiber exterior aero package includes Rear Decklid Spoiler, Rear Diffuser, Rear Widebody Kit, Front Wide Body Kit and Front Splitter
OE quality and perfect fitment
All products designed, developed and engineered in house by RENNtech
74″ rear track width
DTM inspired package injects adrenaline into the C63 exterior styling with a wider stance and improved aerodynamics



C63 Aerodynamic Package $11,950

Exterior carbon fiber aero package includes all of the above listed components, but without the Front Widebody Kit



C63 Rear Decklid Spoiler $1,650
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss or matte)
Agressive design improves airflow and downforce on rear of vehicle
Easy installation, mounts with 3M double-sided tape



C63 Front Splitter $2,650
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss, or matte)
Greatly enhances front fascia aesthetics while keeping a similar approach angle
Splitter was specifically designed to increase front end downforce while still allowing proper underbody airflow in order to function with our rear diffuser
No modifications or drilling required, installs with 3M double sided tape and four OEM underbody fastening points

C63 Rear Diffuser w/ Integrated exhaust tips $3,950
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss, or matte)
Replaces the OE diffuser and exhaust tips
Utilizes same attachment locations as the OE diffuser
Aggressive/race inspired design improves air flow underneath the vehicle, increases rear downforce and functions as the companion component to our front splitter
Four CNC machined 3.5" exhaust tips and blow-through pipes included



Rear Widebody Kit $3,850
6 pc. fender flare package
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss, or matte)
Brings rear track width to 74"
Fits up to 11" wide wheels and 315 series tire
DTM style design with integrated extractors



Front Widebody Kit $3,750

6 pc.fender flare package
Full high quality carbon fiber (gloss, or matte)
Compliments widened rear track width and improves steering characteristics
DTM style design with integrated extractors

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