: : Mercedes-Benz Owners : :

September 07 News

		The rivals In the latest Mercedes TV commercial, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton reveal that they’ve got racing in their blood. In a series of amusing scenes, it becomes clear that they see themselves as rivals not only on the racetrack but also at a hotel reception desk, at a gym, and in a sauna. Taking a tongue-in-cheek approach, current Formula 1 rookie Hamilton, is shown winning a race just seconds ahead of Alonso. He celebrates his triumph while he’s still sitting in the cockpit, with a broad grin and a wave of his hand. But only a short time later, as the two racers are driving back to their hotel in a C 63 AMG and a CLK 63 AMG Black Series, Hamilton is momentarily distracted and Alonso leaves him behind at a traffic light. The game continues when they arrive at the hotel reception desk, on the way to and from their hotel rooms, in the gym, and in the sauna. In all of these arenas, neither of the two is prepared to give way. Despite the blistering heat and their exhaustion in the sauna, each of them wants to be the winner. In the end, the driver who steals the show is the experienced Mika Häkkinen, who comes from Finland and therefore knows everything there is to know about saunas.

		A-Class future in doubt Mercedes may drop the baby Benz A-Class in 2011, according to newspaper reports. The A-Class will reach the end of its current production cycle that year, and no direct replacement appears to be planned. However, the larger B-Class, launched in 2005, may continue. The next-generation version, due in 2011, may be derived from the C-Class platform, however, and if so will be rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive. Mercedes has not confirmed the A-Class’s demise as yet, but has issued a response to the claims saying that the range has by no means been a failure, with over 1.5 million sold since the launch in 1997.

		R-Class overhaul Mercedes luxury R-Class range is being overhauled for the ‘57’ registration this month. Out goes the slow-selling £74,000 R 63 AMG and in comes the first two-wheel drive, five-seat model, the R280 CDi, priced at around £36,000. The R-Class will now be available with seven, rather than six, seats as standard arranged in a two-three-two formation. An AMG body kit also becomes available on every model in the range. The entry-level R280 CDi does without the heavy four-wheel-drive system of existing R-Classes, with power going to the rear wheels only.

		Hearse of the year Do you want your last ride to be as classy as you were in life? Take a peek at the latest take on a hearse from U.K. coachbuilder and vehicle designer Binz. The stodgy look of a traditional hearse has been tweaked to give it a more contemporary and coupé-like design. Binz took an E-Class and added a CLS styling option. “By offering our customers this option,” it said in a statement, “they now have yet another way of differentiating their service from that of the competition.” Still, you can’t get away totally from the bulky and boxy rear hatch in this case. Binz says its limousine lineup is now complemented by two E-Class hearses designed specifically for the U.K. Binz keeps you fashionable to the very end.

		Tailored Privacy Styling Window tinting and privacy glass options can now be a thing of the past. TPS offers UV protection to your rear seat passengers by blocking sun glare and reducing in-car heat. Unlike other shades on the market, this product gives full window coverage of all rear windows and is made specifically to fit your vehicle. One major advantage is that you can still have full use of your rear windows whilst the shades are fitted. The darkened effect is both a styling feature and also adds security to your vehicle. The shades are easy to install and are clipped into place in just a matter of minutes. Shades can also be printed onto, making them an excellent advertising tool for corporate customers who want to advertise whilst on the move. Contact: 01623 428882 or www.tailoredprivacystyling.com

		M-Class edition 10 Mercedes is celebrating the10th anniversary of the M-Class, the premium SUV with 850,000 units to its name. To mark the occasion, the company is bringing out the special ‘Edition 10’ model. The specification includes 20-inch wheels, bi?xenon headlamps and special bodywork highlights in titanium-look as well as dark-tinted taillights. The interior features two-tone all-leather appointments, sports instruments and stainless steel sports pedals. The Edition 10 can be ordered from autumn 2007.

		Help the hospice tour In June this year Jim Gavin and his wife Mary who organize JG Motor Tours, organised a tour from Baden-Baden to Beaujolais in which 14 cars took part - and raised over £14,000 for CHASE hospice care for children. It is great news to hear that they are going to do another tour next year, in May 2008, this time across the Pyrenees and they would love to get some additional people to join them on the 2008 tour. It is open to anyone from any area and although mainly classic cars take part – it’s not imperative that entrants have a classic car. Once details of the May 2008 Pyrenees tour are finalised they will appear on the website: www.chasecare.org.uk but in the meantime further information can be obtained from the fundraising team on 01483 454213.

		SL buying guides Recently published by Veloce are two essential buyer’s guides covering the Mercedes Pagoda and 107 SL models. Each paperback volume has 64 pages with 90 colour pictures. Given the small cost of these books (£9.99) one would be foolish to spend thousands on an SL without taking its expert advice. Having these books in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. For further details go to www.veloce.co.uk

		The sultan of bling This exclusive and luxurious Sprinter van was commissioned for The Sultan of Brunei and specially built by AMG. It is based on a 414 Sprinter Van with totally re-designed exterior and interior. The adapted 2300cc compressor engine delivers 200 bhp, and the vehicle features an AMG sports exhaust with twin mufflers integrated into the rear apron, together with a specially designed body kit.

		The Vito Sport, great for work and play The new Vito Sport delivers all the performance you expect from a Mercedes van and has a host of classy extras that make it stand out from the crowd. It can fill the roles of a versatile work van and a stylish family car with a cavernous load area and luxurious passenger compartment. It includes luxury touches such as cruise control, air conditioning, and electronic windows as well as exterior features such as 17" alloys, chrome front grille and electrically adjustable and heated mirrors. The Dualiner version even comes with privacy glass and safety locks. The Vito Sport is already proving a big hit with style-conscious users. The Vito Sport is available from Intercounty Truck and Van with sales and service centres in Wellingborough, Milton Keynes and Peterborough as is the forthcoming Vito Sport X, which is being produced in limited numbers. Now you can work hard all week and take your friends and family out in style at the weekend.

		Past meets present As part of the Nurburgring’s 80th birthday celebrations, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton drove on the track in a Mercedes ‘S’ sports car with a capacity of 6.4-litres and 180 hp. It was in this mighty beast that Rudolf Carracciola won the opening race at the circuit in 1927.

		Salon Privé at the Hurlingham Salon Privé, the luxury super car show held at the exclusive Hurlingham Club in London was attended by a slew of who’s who including Jay Kay, Jodie Kidd, Emma Parker-Bowles, Lord Jeffrey Archer, and Ron Dennis. Jay Kay’s stunning 1955 Maserati won the Concours d’Élégance. Speaking after the awards, Jay Kay said “I don’t feel like I deserve this. I didn’t make it, I just drive the pretty girl!” Other event highlights included an audience with Ron Dennis, the live auction by Lord Jeffrey Archer, an interactive Q&A session with members of the English Rugby team including Matt Stevens, Mike Catt, Austin Healey and Jason Leonard. Organiser David Bagley commented, “It has been a stunning year for Salon Privé. While the weather had us on the edge of our seats several times, I think all who attended had a great time. We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.”