It looks to us, that at least some version of the upcoming Playstation 3 racing game Gran Turismo 5 apparently comes with 3 discs. An observant reader spotted the game’s box in the hands of game creator Kazunori Yamauchi on this Mercedes-Benz video that talks about the inclusion of the Mercedes SLS AMG. Notice the Red, Blue and Clear disc boxes inside.

But better news is that Mercedes Benz’s latest supercar the SLS AMG will be prominently featured on the cover.

The airplane-inspired interior design has everything you need. There is a full-featured infotainment system in the front and center, including the stereo, Bluetooth, climate control, COMAND, and shifter mounted below. Each part is surrounded with either aluminum or carbon-fiber trim.

Aluminum pedals match with the metal used on the vents, gauges, steering wheel, and the rings around the controls. Two gauges are placed behind the multi-function wheel, with a computer display in-between them. Leather sports seats in at least five different colors are available.

We’ve known most details of the SLS for a while now so the pictures are what puts the whole picture together. Under the bonnet is a 6.3 liter AMG tuned V8 which delivers 571bhp and 650Nm of torque. 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 195mph. The price will be around €150,000 when it goes on sale next year.

Gran Turismo 5 Packaging Reveals Three Discs [GT Planet]

As with all cars, Mercedes-Benz’s latest supercar the SLS AMG had to pass crash testing to be certified as safe for use on the public roads.

This video released by Mercedes-Benz shows the SLS AMG being prepared and tested (crashed) from various angles. It also shows that in the event that the SLS AMG rolls onto its roof in a crash the gullwing doors will still be able to be opened.

In case you were wondering, the SLS employs explosive bolts to ensure that passengers can get out of the car in case of a roll over.

According to the latest J.D. Power APEAL Survey, Mercedes-Benz and smart drivers should be particularly satisfied, about the best vehicle concept. In this exhaustive customer survey the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was awarded the highest number of overall points for the third time running, and is therefore not only the best car in its segment, but at the same time The W221 S Class is the best car in the entire US market. Other winners in their segment were the Mercedes Benz SLK and, for the first time, the Smart, whose buyers appreciated it as the best car in the Sub-Compact Cars segment. This result by the internationally renowned market research institute underlines the high level of Mercedes customers’ satisfaction with the quality and design of their new cars.

The 2009 APEAL study (”Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study”) by the market research institute J. D. Power reflects how satisfied car buyers were with their new cars after driving them for three months between December 2008 and February 2009. Around 81,000 new car buyers delivered their verdict on a large number of aspects in a detailed questionnaire. These included driving characteristics, exterior and interior design, operating functionality, stowage space, but also e.g. also the noise made when closing the doors.

Out of a total of 1000 points, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class scored 887 points – the highest recorded points in any of the categories. This makes the luxury saloon the best car in the US market, as well as the measure of all things in the large premium car segment. The S-Class therefore easily defended the first place it had already achieved in 2007 and 2008.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK was also the winner in its class, gaining 28 points after the last model facelift. Other improvements were achieved by the M-Class (plus 10 points), the R-Class (plus 7 points) and the C-Class (plus 6 points). The overall average achieved by the Mercedes models was 841 points – an outstanding result. In this study, car buyers made very positive mention of the fact that in their view, Mercedes-Benz has made very substantial progress in reducing fuel consumption and therefore carbon dioxide emissions.

The smart was represented in the APEAL study for the first time, and the two-seater immediately took first place in the Sub-Compact Car segment

This outstanding result in the APEAL study means that within just a few weeks, and for the second time this year, Mercedes-Benz has emerged a winner in a customer survey conducted by the well-known USmarket research institute J. D. Power and Associates. Only recently, top marks for highest product quality were achieved in Germanyfor the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) survey, which is regarded as the perfect buyers@ guide. First place overall across all categories was won by the Mercedes-Benz CLK, which also took first place in the sports car rating. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was able to prevail in the luxury segment, taking first place in this significant ranking.

The J. D. Power studies of this year therefore confirm the outstanding status enjoyed among demanding car buyers by the vehicles made by the world’s oldest automobile manufacturer.

This clever commercial from Mercedes, designed to promote their new pre-safe brakes, presents a twist on the dangers of texting and driving.
Namely, DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE! (not even if you have a Mercedes-Benz)

Queen Latifah's Wrecked S Class

These pictures were taken at VIP Status, where Queen Latifah’s S-class was unceremoniously lowered off a tow truck. No helpful information exists regarding the crash besides what’s evident in the images. The wrecker driver said he fished it out of the ditch.

From what it appears, the suspension is toast, along with the lower control arm, and the Wald bodykit is done for;(front bumper and fenders). That right wheel won’t be salvageable and lastly that oil cooler is also a very oily mess.

The only thing we know for certain is that “Jay J” is a lover of watermarks. Step away from the Photoshop. Please.

Mercedes Benz C-Class Stuck In Concrete

In certain places around the world people from Dallas, Texas are considered rich, class-obsessed morons. This photo of a Dallas citizen deciding to ignore the bright orange warning cones and park in freshly-poured concrete only solidifies this theory.

According to Alison Bristol, who snapped this photograph, the Mercedes driver somehow missed the ongoing construction:

“Apparently, the driver didn’t realize the construction crew just finished pouring cement on the road,” Bristol said, adding that the car drove into a work area clearly marked by signs and cones.
The driver had to be helped out of the car because the C Class Mercedes was completely surrounded by wet pavement.

As for the poor Mercedes, a wrecker had to be called to extract it from the southbound lanes before it became permanently stuck in traffic.

2010 Mercedes Benz E63 Amg

Mercedes-Benz has finally lifted the cover off the next generation 2010 E-Class, the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG. Up from the W211 chassis’s 507hp to 518 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque, the new E63 generation sports sedan is poised to deliver top driving performance. AMG is boasting that their tuning team has taken Mercedes’ family sedan to new hights, promising outstanding performance, thrilling handling characteristics and advanced technology as seen from its sibling, the SL63 AMG high-performance Roadster. The 6208cc V8 is mated to the SL’s AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, and together, the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited), all while allowing it to consume 12% less premium petrol than the previous iteration.

The new E63 AMG from Mercedes Benz will get its debut at the New York Auto Show next week, and is expected to make its U.S. sales debut in November 2009. Standard 18-inch or optional 19-inch alloys with matching rubber help transfer all that power to the pavement. Official press release and picture gallery after the jump.

2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG Gallery

Mercedes Benz E63 AMG Press Release:

The new E63 AMG distinguishes itself from the standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans with a newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping, revised front suspension and unique exterior and interior design. At the same time, Mercedes-AMG has achieved a significant reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E63 AMG, thanks to the precise application of several fuel efficiency improvements. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG further consolidates the brand’s leading position in the field of automotive safety.

The AMG 6.3-liter V8-engine in the new E63 AMG develops an output of 518 hp and a 465 lb-ft of torque, matching the outstanding figures for the SL63 AMG. The high-performance Roadster has also transferred its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model. This transmission replaces the conventional torque converter through the use of a multi-disc wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual driving modes, rev-matched shifts and RACE START function, the resulting, direct connection to the powertrain delivers an extremely emotional and high-performance driving experience.

The AMG MCT drive unit is unique in this segment, and provides dramatic performance figures: the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and high redline. The AMG V8 sound is a thrilling partner for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees renowned Mercedes long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.

Fuel consumption cut by almost twelve percent
Despite 11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the E63 AMG showcases several advancements designed to improve fuel efficiency, including on-demand delivery of fuel and alternator management with recuperation of engine power during overrun. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used to coat cylinder walls.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a multi-disc wet clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, directly and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia. The transmission is equipped with four driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection during gearshifts under full load contributes to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

In the even more fuel-efficient driving mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears with deliberate smoothness, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible. At the same time, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission met the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast and precise multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic rev-matching and RACE START function: this enables the E63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle
Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the dynamic cornering of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E63 AMG. This is made possible by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height, irrespective of the load.

A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition, the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button. The E63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, unique front axle with a 2.2 inch (56 millimeter) wider track, a tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, newly-designed bushing geometry and kinematics and new wheel location for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking turns at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensures significantly more precision. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimized elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.

Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP
For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14 : 1 is 22 percent more direct (quicker) than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.

The 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL63 AMG and C63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same high level of handling safety. The ESP® key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even during performance driving is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 14.2 inch, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested compound (two-piece) construction technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of 9 and 9.5 inches and mixed tire sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

Decidedly dynamic interior and exterior
The purposefully dynamic design of the E63 AMG is fully in keeping with the vehicle’s impressive technology. The front aspect is characterized by 17-millimeter wider fenders bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering, the new AMG front apron
with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology. In conjunction with the optional Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination, the E63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps.

The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side skirts and AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

The new interior of the E63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles. As a completely new feature exclusive to the E63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly adjacent to it in the center console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension setup and the AMG driving modes. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colors, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.

Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras
Customers can select the optional AMG Performance Package, which includes the following:
• Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19
tires at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
• AMG Performance suspension with stiffer spring rates
• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
• Top speed raised to 186 mph

Active and passive safety at a new level
The E63 AMG traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Brake Assist PLUS, eleven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. Optional safety features can bring the vehicle to a level unprecedented in this class with Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS.

Girl Sushi Car Logos

This is what happens when women with a peculiar attraction to seafood and automobiles bring out the sushi knife and the tuna.

Clockwise from top: Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Fiat (slanted logo in use between 1968 and 2000), Audi (on bottom), Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru.

Photo Credit: Eva Mercz

2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Planning a 2010 trip to Stuttgart? This will most likely be the taxi that’ll pick you up. Without a doubt, it’ll be a nicer taxi than you’ve ridden in before.

From the looks of all the pics we’ve seen so far, Gone are any signs of the early 2000s, channeling the rolling granite-like Mercedes of the 1980’s, from a quality so peerless that it felt like they would last a lifetime.

The beauty of the exterior is still up for questions, at least in these brochure scans. No denying that it looks tough from the front, classy from the sides and, different from the rear.

But the fares at the airport won’t just be impressed by the new focus on quality and the bold teutonic looks, they’ll appreciate the larger interior, achieved by expanding the E-class a centimeter in nearly every direction except height, which is a smidge lower than before.

For the European market at least, there’s a range of 10 available engines, 5 diesels and 5 gasoline units. Those range from a distinctly taxi-like 2.10-liter, 136 HP diesel to the Miami Dentist special that is the 388 HP 5.5-liter V8.

Look for a 2010 Mercedes E-Class wagon and a 2010 Mercedes E-Class coupe to arrive later in the year, shortly followed by a 2011 Mercedes E-Class Hybrid and a 2011 Mercedes E63 AMG.

2010 Mercedes Benz E Class Brochure

Mercedes Bluetec R ML GL Models

As you may know, to meet the stringent diesel emission criteria here in the United States, all the new Mercedes Benz BlueTec diesels use urea. It’s carried in a separate tan and injected into the catalyst. As you’d expect, the urea must be replenished from time to time, generally at the 10,000 mile service intervals, and now Mercedes informs us that their vehicles won’t start if the urea is allowed to run out.

BlueTec cars and SUVs will notify the driver when the 7 gallon urea tank reaches 1 gallon, and again when it runs completely out, allowing 20 additional starts before disabling the vehicle. At least 2 gallons of fluid must be added for the system to reset and permit the car to be started. Now, where might someone find two gallons of urea on the open road?

Mercedes dealers will sell urea in half-gallon containers, using a special mess-free store-and-fill bottle, for $7.50, but that’s the expensive option. At service intervals, using bulk containers, Mercedes is expecting the fluid to run no more than the cost of diesel fuel. If you run out of the emissions juice, urea transport and refill is reportedly included in your roadside assistance plan, as is tire changing — fortunate since the urea tank occupies the spare tire well.