Mercedes, BMW boost horsepower

As BMW readies the new generation M3, this time with a 4.0-liter, 420-horsepower V-8, Mercedes-Benz is preparing its answer in the form of the CLK63 Black Series.

As it debuted at the New York auto show, the CLK is essentially a street version of the F1 pace car. With a 6.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 500 horsepower, the CLK is capable of zero-to-60-mph times of only 4.1 seconds and top speed of 186 mph. The other competitor about to debut is Audi’s RS5, which comes in the new S5 coupe. The Audi will get its power from a 4.2-liter, 420-horsepower V-8. Another entry to the horsepower war is the upcoming Lexus IS 500F with a 5.0-liter, 400-horsepower plus V-8.

Auto Digest

New Mercedes C coupe

Sales of updated sedan Mercedes of a C-class have started one and a half month ago, but the automobile press already in all discusses "C" in a body of a coupe. Journalists even managed to photograph the car which is passing test in Sweden in the winter, however the tested sample was hidden under a camouflage, what even the skilled motorist hardly could understand, what mark before it.

In the meantime, on the basis of available photos and the informal information from the sources close to Mercedes, foreign craftsmen have created the image of a new compartment. On stylistics it will remind a sedan: at least, in front of them it will be difficult to distinguish. As potential engines consider different variants of four-cylinder motors, and also new diesel and petrol V6 (them already install on sedans). For example, the top version will be equipped with the 272-strong six-cylinder engine in volume of 3,5 litres. It is not excluded, that Germans at once will present also updating from AMG.

Premiere of a novelty it is planned on a September motor show in Frankfurt. After it technical details, including and where will build a compartment become known. Say, that as an assembly platform the factory in Brazil is considered.

Mercedes-Benz GLK will enter into a market in 2008

In the middle of next year Mercedes will present new medium crossover GLK. Its cost will make approximately 35 000 euros. Some times prototype GLK has been noticed by photographers on winter tests in Scandinavia. Noticeably, that auto has got many features of a GL-class.

Thus GLK it is constructed on a platform C-class and will have the same line of engines. Besides it is planned to install under a cowl also 4-cylinder diesel motor Bluetec in volume of 2,2 litres and capacity 202 h.p. Most "charged" engine becomes 3,5-liter V6 with a full drive 4Matic and an automatic check point 7G-Tronic.