New Mercedes-Benz CLS PHOTO GALLERY

When Mercedes-Benz presented the first generation of the CLS in 2004, nobody expected that it would virtually reestablished the so-called four-door coupe segment and go on to sell some 170,000 examples throughout the world.

Now, the Stuttgart-based automaker is getting ready to bring the shooting brake category into the limelight with a new variant of the second generation of the CLS.

The company not only acknowledged the production of the Shooting Brake model a few months after the presentation of a concept study at the Auto China motorshow in 2010, but even announced that sales will start in 2012.

Our spy photographers caught up with a very thinly camouflaged prototype, in which only parts of the rear end were hidden.

The shape of the production CLS Shooting Brake remains more or less faithful to the concept with the only visible change being the slightly higher roofline that should improve interior space for both passengers and their luggage.

Don't expect any surprises under the hood as the powertrain lineup will be directly sourced from the sedan model and range from the entry-level 2.2-liter turbo diesel with 204HP (for Europe) to the ferocious 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 with up to 557-horsepower and 800 Nm of torque in the CLS 63 AMG.

PHOTO GALLERY

U Spy: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster Convoy Scooped in Spain

Carscoop reader Frank Jonas hit the Mercedes-Benz jackpot when travelling in Spain last week, he stumbled upon a convoy of camo'ed SL prototypes, which were accompanied by several other vehicles with the star on their bonnet including an example of the current generation of the German firm's hardtop roadster model.

"On my trip to the south of Spain last week I had the opportunity to take some pictures of a heavily camouflaged Mercedes-Benz Coupe/Cabriolet, most probably the next SL," Frank told Carscoop.

Although Mercedes has done its best to disguise the SL by covering it in heavy cladding, we can see that the new generation model keeps its predecessor's two-piece folding hard top, while the styling is expected to adopt the German firm's more "artsy" design philosophy as seen on the latest CLS and recent concept models such as the F800 Style, along with a more in-your-face front grille.

Being that the 2012 SL was developed alongside the SLS Gullwing, the two models are likely to share certain key components such as the suspension bits and electrical systems.

Information regarding the engine range remains scarce, but buyers should expect a entry-level V6 and the usual lineup of V8 units including Merc's newly developed 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 for the AMG model, and possibly, an upgraded V12 for the flagship version.

Hat tip to Frank for the scoop!

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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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Mercedes releases new photos of 2012 SLK Roadster, gets panoramic glass roof

Mercedes-Benz has published a bevy of pictures of its next-generation SLK hardtop roadster during endurance testing in the heat of Death Valley to show off the upcoming model's panoramic glass-roof with Magic Sky Control [MSC].
Driving with the top down is not always an option. There might be clear blue skies, but temperatures could be also very low. Other times the car's interior gets way too hot if it has a panoramic glass roof. Either way, your drive is ruined.
And this is where the Magic Sky Control system comes into the picture. A roughly 2,000 euro (US $2,772) option for the next generation SLK, the MSC is, in essence, a panoramic roof that can be made either transparent or darkened, just by pushing a button.
So, when it's too cold you make it transparent and still enjoy the nice visuals or, when you have to park in the sun, it darkens on engine-shut down and the interior remains much more cooler. No more burnt arms on an over-heated armrest…
Mercedes says that the system works on the principle of a plate condenser. The glass roof has some special particles in it, which react to electrical voltage. And when you push that button you're feeding it voltage or cutting the supply off, thus the glass becomes transparent or not.
The Germans have been testing the Magic Sky Control on prototype SLKs in Death Valley (check out the gallery below) and came to the conclusion that parts of the interior remain much cooler (up to 10 degrees Celsius) than in cars using traditional green glass.
The 2012 Mercedes SLK is expected to go on sale next summer and we'll probably see it for the first time either at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2011 or at the Geneva Salon in March of the same year.
If we're to believe the rumors going around, the new generation of the roadster model may be the first SLK to get a diesel engine. Other than that, it's business as as usual under the bonnet, with turbocharged four-pots and more noble V6s.
By Csaba Daradics

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