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November 07 News |
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Hopes for new season
Even though the big win failed to materialise, the past racing season brought important findings for the development of the new car for McLaren
Mercedes. The new car, to be presented mid-January, is not only faster, but it is claimed to be more reliable, too. Kimi Raikkonen was often right up
at the front of the pack, yet suffered 31 malfunctions in 85 races. After the first season without a win since 1996, the team has now resolved to do a
whole lot more, with the car of Fernando Alonso bearing the start number 1 in the coming year. Like the other teams, McLaren Mercedes will also
change its tyre partner in the coming season. But the team must also consider the driving style of the new driver and the chassis and front suspension
of the 2007 car is being designed with Alonso in mind.
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4MATIC S-Class
Mercedes has taken the wraps off its upcoming line-up of 4MATIC S-Class saloons. 4MATIC is, of course, the name for Mercedes' all-wheel-drive
system, and the range-topping S-Class will offer it mated to a number of engines to give the well-heeled a host of choices for uncompromised traction
in whatever conditions they may come across. 4MATIC will be offered on the S320 CDI, S450 and S500 saloons. Mercedes claims the AWD V8
saloon, despite the extra weight, will accelerate in the same 5.4 seconds it takes its rear-wheel drive counterpart to hit sixty from a standstill, and will
only suffer a minor increase in fuel consumption. The V8-powered 4MATIC models are on sale now in both short and long wheelbase versions, while
customers will have to wait until this month for the S320 CDI 4MATIC. Another petrol-powered V6 model, the S350 4MATIC, will arrive by mid-2007.
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Bullet-proof Benz
M e rcedes has never been short on offering its customers plenty of protection.
They build some of the safest cars on the road with technologically advanced
f e a t u res designed to impart peace of mind to those travelling inside. Dynamics
management and crash performance aside, Mercedes has now stepped up its
p rotective offerings with the introduction of the new S600 Guard. Produced in
Germany by experts tapping into nearly 80 years of experience with armoured
vehicles, the special model offers truly integrated protection. The special
f e a t u res to are built directly into the car during assembly rather then retrofitted
after the fact. The S600 Guard is built on a dedicated assembly line and offers
buyers traditional Mercedes build quality with the highest level of protection
available. Additionally, certain modifications that would be cost-prohibitive or
impossible after assembly are carried out right during the build process. Inside
this rolling fortress, occupants are treated to all of the luxury features common to
the brand. It's unlikely they'd ever realize they are surrounded with a shell
designed to resist penetration by military arms, grenade shrapnel and other
explosives. The S600 Guard also features a self-sealing fuel tank and run-flat
t i res. The driver is still able to
experience the trademark handling
and performance characteristics of
the S-Class saloon virtually
unchanged by the protective
upgrades. Power comes from a twin-
turbo V-12 with 517 horsepower,
making it an exceptionally quick
b u l l e t - p roof limo for prominent
personalities wishing to travel safely.
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Darth Vader’s Mercedes
Every once in a
while, a tuner
comes along that
completely
changes the
perception of the
vehicle they're
tuning. ASMA
Design is one of
those tuners. First
there was the CLS
Shark II. Then
came the ML
Gladiator II. Now
to further add to
their distinctive
line-up of tuning
products, ASMA has introduced a new tuning package for the 2007
Mercedes S-Class, aptly titled the Eagle I. Like the previous models, the
Eagle I's styling elements are unique, to say the least. A new front bumper
featuring additional venting and the now infamous ‘Darth Vader’ grille; new
front bumpers featuring additional vents; added side skirts; new rear door
panels with additional emphasis placed on the flared wheel arches; a new
rear bumper featuring, you guessed it, additional venting. Of course, if so
inclined, customers can also opt for new wheels, sport exhaust, etc., to
further add to the fashionable appearance.
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CL baubles
Mercedes has taken the new CL and enhanced it with a full line of high-end
accessories inspired by the vehicle. Leather wallet and business card cases
in the classic black nappa found in the cabin of the CL incorporate beige
stitching, mimicking the look of the trim in the CL's cockpit. Ash timber pens
and umbrella handle are reminiscent of the wood trim found in the cockpit of
the CL, and where would you be without your exclusive driving gloves
and instrument inspired wristwatch? Rounding out the offerings is a
keyring and money clip, both with the MB logo etched into them.
The accessories are available at Mercedes
dealerships. Happy shopping!
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