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January 06 News

Two-wheel-drive R-Class
Mercedes will launch a two-wheel-drive version of the forthcoming R-Class, the four-wheel-drive version of which goes on sale in the UK in the spring of 2006. The two-wheel-drive model won't appear until the start of 2008, but it will no doubt increase the appeal of the R-Class range as it squares up to its main rival, the Audi Q7. A rear-wheel-drive R-Class will follow on from an expanded engine line-up, including an R280 Cdi turbodiesel model for Europe. The R63 AMG, with an all-new 510bhp 6.3-litre V8 engine, comes with four-wheel-drive and goes on sale in the summer of 2006. Our picture shows the Rolling Stones supporting the new model.Mercedes will launch a two-wheel-drive version of the forthcoming R-Class, the four-wheel-drive version of which goes on sale in the UK in the spring of 2006. The two-wheel-drive model won't appear until the start of 2008, but it will no doubt increase the appeal of the R-Class range as it squares up to its main rival, the Audi Q7. A rear-wheel-drive R-Class will follow on from an expanded engine line-up, including an R280 Cdi turbodiesel model for Europe. The R63 AMG, with an all-new 510bhp 6.3-litre V8 engine, comes with four-wheel-drive and goes on sale in the summer of 2006. Our picture shows the Rolling Stones supporting the new model.

Media workshops
Journalists enjoyed the chance to experience the new AMG 6.3-litre engine. They were able to get a real feel for the engine on Paul Ricard's ultra-modern test track in Le Castellet in southern France. The engine was installed in two test vehicles based on the CLK DTM AMG that had been prepared specially for the media workshop. Due to their sensational orange paintwork with the shining chrome AMG logos, the two sports cars acted as magnets for the photographers.

Vito muscle van
Mercedes has given its Vito van a steroid injection and shoehorned a muscular six-pack under the bonnet. The Vito 123 shoots straight to the top of the LCV performance league, thanks to a V6 petrol engine that makes it easily the most powerful van on the UK market. The 3724cc powerplant pumps out a massive 231bhp and a maximum 345 Newton meters of torque and propels the new model from 0 to 62mph in a Gti-like 8.3 seconds, topping out at 125mph. Mercedes acknowledges that the Vito 123 offers far more power and performance than the average van operator needs. This new model was developed primarily with the specialist 'blue light' and armed response sectors in mind, and that is where the bulk of its sales are predicted to come from. However, a small number of vehicles will be available to retail buyers who want to revel in the extra power. Peter Lambert, van sales and marketing director for Mercedes-Benz in the UK only expects to sell around 100 souped-up Vitos a year. He said: "Although this vehicle is aimed at a highly specialised market, we believe it is vital to offer our customers the widest choice possible." Standard specification for the new Vito 123 will include air conditioning, alloy wheels with wide, low-profile tyres and auto transmission. Prices start at £19,260 for Compact-bodied models, with Long versions at £19,540 and Extra Long coming in at £19,930.

The legend continues
Mercedes will continue to produce its classic off-roader G-Class. On behalf of Mercedes, Magna Steyr has built over 185,000 G-Class in Graz, Austria, since 1979. The car continues to be popular among customers, and it has been part of the Mercedes product line-up for the past 26 years. With its rugged technology and off-road capabilities, the G-Class has set standards from the start. And it is equipped with the industry's most effective drive and driving safety systems, combining permanent all-wheel drive with the 4ETS electronic traction system and three differential locks that are activated when needed. The vehicle's distinctive shape, which had until now remained nearly unchanged over a period of almost three decades, has made the 'G' something of a design classic with cult status.

Paffett in F1
Gary Paffett will move a small step towards the formula one world when he tests a McLaren Mercedes. The newly crowned DTM champion, with a long-standing link to Ron Dennis' F1 team, secured the tin-top title at the wheel of a Mercedes. ''I look forward to the (F1) test,'' the Briton said, hinting that the run will be a reward for winning the coveted German championship. ''It is a step in the right direction to formula one, which is where I want to be.'' However, Paffett, 24, admitted that 2006, at least, will be spent defending his title, because there are 'no race seats available' on the F1 grid.

Easyhoist your hard top
Easyhoists will be familiar to many of you through the pages of Mercedes Owner. We are delighted to hear they are now manufacturing the Easyhoist system in the UK. They have a stock of the hardtop hoist systems for the Mercedes SL113, SL107, SL129 and SL129 Panoramic. And the good news is now that they manufacture in the UK the price has dropped by 40%. Easyhoists Can be contacted via the web at www.easyhoists.com info@easyhoists.com 01342 315 727 or 07956 174 941 .

		Armoured Special Mercedes is rounding out the new S-Class series with an armoured special protection version. Because the features are integrated into the vehicle before it leaves the production plant, it offers an unsurpassed level of protection against terrorist attacks and the threat of violent crime. Such protection is impossible to provide by retrofitting a vehicle with armour. Customers will be able to purchase the new model, the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard with a 12-cylinder engine, beginning in 2006. With the new S-Guard, Mercedes is continuing an uninterrupted tradition of special protection vehicles that stretches back almost 80 years. The protective elements for the doors, rear wall, side components, roof lining and bulkhead are integrated into the vehicle's body from the start in a separate production process and cause virtually no reduction in the interior space.

		Micro's monster miles A smart fortwo has notched up a staggering 339,600 miles: more than 13 times around the equator. The iconic car, first registered in 2000, is still running on the original 3-cylinder engine and gearbox. It began its life 5 years ago doing daily trips of almost 200 miles for a German dental laboratory and has since been run by an automotive magazine. The car's repair history during its marathon mileage has been unspectacular: the original brakes were changed at 84,000 miles and the clutch at 96,000 miles. All other repairs have been minor and the car is still going strong. Chris Smith, Car Editor at Glass's Guide, said: "Facts like these underpin our opinion that the smart fortwo has the best residual value of any of its competitors." Jeremy Simpson, head of smart in the UK and Ireland, said: "Many people make the assumption that small cars are not particularly durable, however, smart is no ordinary small car because it is engineered by Mercedes-Benz. It has been seven years since the original fortwo was launched in Europe and so it's no surprise to see stories like this appearing around the world." The smart fortwo was launched in the UK in October 2000 and there are now more than 37,000 models on British roads. Prices for the fortwo range start from £6,810.