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.

Facelifting for Mercedes R-class

A Mercedes has undertaken thorough processing class R. Now the big car with a three-beam star on a cowl is accessible with new motors, a drive on back wheels and even more transformed interior. Appearance of the car also has undergone to changes. The forward part of a body and a forage now look freshly. In design of forward the hand of division AMG is felt. Besides there are oval headlights now round. Behind the car has received a new bumper.
The R-class becomes more and more utilitarian car. Separate seats on the second line are excluded and the version with a back drive will be accessible.

All variants of R-class V6 now tyred in 18-inch disks. The palette of colors has replenished with three shades: sand, green and white. The second line of seats can be ordered exclusively three-local. Though there was an opportunity to establish{install} in interior of 2 single seats in the second line earlier, however such variant practically was not popular in serial models. The average seat of a back sofa can be shifted forward and to put. And on lateral seats of the second of some there were fastenings Isofix - for nurseries chairs.

As the new motor it is offered V6 for R 280. It gives out 231 h.p. and the car up to hundred for 9,6 seconds disperses. The twisting moment - 300 Nanometers. On the average a Mercedes eats 10,9 L gasoline. Топ-model P 500 4Matic also receives the altered motor in volume of 5,5-litre.s V8 gives out power 388 h.p. and 530 Nanometers of the twisting moment. Thus consumption of gasoline makes only 12,9 L on 100 km.

CL 600 Coupe Brabus

Tuning-studio Brabus represents compartment CL 600 Coupe SV12 S Biturbo which power makes 730 h.p.

For a basis car Mercedes Benz CL 600 equipped by engine V12 in volume 5,5 l by power 518 h.p. Owing to increase of volume up to 6,3 l, to addition of a biturbo-supercharging, modernization of systems of an admission and release, valves, cylinders has been taken, and also cranked and camshafts, it was possible to achieve result in 730 h.p. and 1 320 Nanometers of the twisting moment to which have limited to electronics on 1 100 Nanometers.

Super-penalties Brabus SV12 S Biturbo reaches a point of 100 km/h for 4 seconds, the maximal speed limited by electronics, makes 340 km/h. Such parameters make this car by one of the fastest in a class. Appearance also has undergone to modernization - compartment CL 600 from Brabus have dressed in an aerodynamic package.

Besides on a choice are offered disks of original design by dimension from 18 up to 21 inches. Top variant are 21-inch disks in trunks Pirelli dimension 265/30 ZR 21 on a forward axis and 295/30 ZR 21 on back.
The brake system is equipped by 380-millimetric brake disks and 12-piston supports. Furnish of an interior is executed from a high-quality leather, aluminium and carbon. The price on new super-penalties is not disclosed yet. Also it is not known, by what quantity "charged" compartment СL 600 will be released.

Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive

Conceptual Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive revives old tradition of big magnificent cabriolets. The car is created on a platform of sedan S600 of last generation (W221). Solid enough open car with 5,5-liter V12 power 517 h.p. has as a result turned out.

From a usual S-class, except for "stuffing", conceptual Ocean Drive has inherited the sizes and the basic lines. In the rest it is absolutely new car. In comparison with S class the lattice of a radiator is more and some than other form. Among bright design decisions - absence of lateral racks, big windows and handle of doors. Forward and back headlights in concept car - from light-emitting diodes. Body Ocean Drive is painted in two tones, smoothly passing each other.

The soft roof simplifies and facilitates the car, the metal collapsible design would be extremely bulky and difficult. As well as all cabriolets, Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive looks better without a roof which is removed in the special compartment made of a maple tree. The innovative heating system аirscarf (an air scarf), directing on passengers a warm stream of air, built in in all four seats, will allow to enjoy driving even in cold days. Probably, there will be aesthetes in whom Ocean Drive will cause inconsistent feelings. But it also is intended not for all. In fact the big four-seater cabriolet should draw not so much attention, how many designates the status of the owner. Anyway, the cabriolet has turned out exclusive and aristocratical. For the present, the truth, as concept.

Mercedes-Benz refuses from McLaren

Company Mercedes-Benz any more does not wish to cooperate with McLaren. The Principal cause became discontent of Germans with new model SLR. The following partner becomes the developer of racing cars HWA. However, new it you will not name - the companies in common work above cars for DTM championship. Already even there was a first informal information on new model. According to German edition Auto Motor und Sport, the car will equip 6,2-liter V8, developing up to 700 horsepowers. Most likely, number of "herd" under a cowl will be on 100 horses less - the car should take a place between colleagues SL and SLR, not coming to the last on heels.
For the sake of similar cooperation management HWA is measured to enclose 4,5 million euro in expansion of the capacities. That is high-grade to collect sportcars for Mercedes, the area of factory shops will increase three times. The first-born from marriage of two German companies plan to show on the Geneva motor show already in following to year.
As to cooperation with McLaren, for full break to wait it is not necessary. Mercedes it is still interested in work above F1 bolide for sports team McLaren Mercedes.

Ten most expensive cars of the world

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron 1,192,000 USD
8.0 W16 64V (1001 h.p.)

Pagani Zonda C12 667,000 USD
7.3 V12 (650 h.p.), version Clubsport

SSC Ultimate Aero 654,500 USD
6.3 V-8 (1046 h.p.)

Leblanc Mirabeau 645,000 USD
4.7 (700 h.p.)

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo 637,000 USD
7.0 (750 h.p.)

Koenigsegg CC R 545,500 USD
4.7i V8 32V (806 h.p.)

Mercedes SLR McLaren 452,700 USD
5.4 V8 (626 h.p.)

Maybach 62 448,000 USD
5.5 V12 bi-turbo (550 h.p.)

Porsche Carrera GT 440,000 USD
5.7 V10 (605 h.p.)

Maybach 57S 430,000 USD
6.0 V12 bi-turbo (604 h.p.)

The rating is made on materials of magazine Forbes