2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG be built in USA and Germany

The diminishing value of the U.S. dollar, most notably against the Euro and Yen, is causing plenty of grief for foreign automakers. While the US market has been in the tank for the past two years, it still remains a major market for companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. All three brands have been looking at ways to relieve some of the exchange rate pressure and Mercedes has decided that more "dollar zone" production will be part of the solution.

When the next generation C-Class rolls out in 2014, German production will be consolidated at Daimler's Bremen factory while units for the North American market will be built in the U.S. There's been no announcement about where production will take place, but an expansion of the SUV factory in Alabama is one possibility. On a related side note, part of the reason the Premium German brands have recently avoided selling four-cylinder versions of their entry-level models in the States has been the exchange rates and the associated lack of profitability. With new CAFE rules coming, it's likely that we'll be seeing more moves like this in the next several years.
















[Source: Daimler]

Posted on Saturday, December 12, 2009 / 0 nhận xét / Read More

Mercedes-Benz Brabus SV12 R with 750HP

Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h (6mph) comes after 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) after only 11.9 seconds while the saloon's maximum speed is electronically limited to 340km/h or 211 mph.

The Brabus SV12R rides on 21-inch alloy wheels (available in various designs) wrapped in Pirelli or YOKOHAMA tires in size 265/30 ZR 21 up front and 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle.

The beefed up S600 also gets a high-performance brake system with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 380 x 36-mm (15.0 x 1.42 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs at the front, and 355 x 28-mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle along with sportier suspension set-up.

Being a Brabus and all, the SV12 R receives a cosmetic upgrade with a new bodykit that includes a new front bumper with integrated LED lights, side skirts, a discreet boot lid spoiler, a new rear diffuser that also houses the quad tailpipes and side air vents.

Interior enhancements include a newly created BRABUS Yachting trim that blends maple and tropical Wenge wood and a full leather treatment in a combination of light-beige and dark-brown leather.

Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009 / 0 nhận xét / Read More