AMG Market News/Daimler PR/Affalterbach/January 21, 2009: With immediate effect, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is also available with the AMG sports package. This new, optional package includes sporty and dynamic features, some of which are not available individually. The AMG sports package can be combined with all engine variants and all E-Class design and equipment lines.

The new AMG body styling makes for a more sporty appearance and greater
emotional appeal. It comprises an AMG front apron with large cooling air intakes, striking AMG side skirts and an AMG rear apron. The exhaust tailpipes are further attractive features: in the four-cylinder petrol models these polished stainless steel tailpipes are of twin oval design , while four-cylinder diesel models have a single, oval tailpipe in polished stainless steel. All the six and eight-cylinder models feature twin, rectangular tailpipes of polished stainless steel integrated into the AMG rear apron.

Other eye-catching details include the completely newly designed 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, which are painted in sterling silver with a high-sheen finish and are shod with 245/40 R 18 wide-base tires at the front and 265/35 R 18 tires at the rear. Perforated brake discs and silver-painted callipers bearing the Mercedes-Benz logo at the front, plus the sporty DIRECT CONTROL suspension lowered by 15 millimeters, are also included in the AMG sports package as standard. Continue reading » »

It was here. It was gone and now it is back! Download the latest Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape release. The Mercedes-Benz promo includes music tracks by international newcomers; nice variety of rock, pop and jazz music you likely have not heard before.

Here is the newsletter content I rec'd earlier today (it includes a link to download the free mp3 files/Mixed Tape CD):

The Mercedes-Benz promo has included hundreds of songs during the marketing campaign. The program will provide 10 free music tracks (mp3 files) every two months. Subscribe to this blog and you'll receive the notices. I'm glad it is back. Enjoy! 

A word of caution, there are numerous scams connected to buying and selling automobiles. The crooks aren't the smartest people in the world, but as it turns out several unsuspecting people have been taken by these scams.

To help protect our site visitors, here are a few resources to check if you are purchasing or selling a Mercedes-Benz in the near future:

• U.S. Department of Justice: Contact the Internet Fraud Division if you've been victimized.
• Automotive Scam Alert - Buzz Trader
• Top Ten Car Scams - Car Buying Tips 
• Car Buying Advice – Cars.com
• European Anti-Fraud Office: Help if you're a victim of fraud in Europe.
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.: Advice on how to avoid being the victim of a scam or counterfeit check issue.
• Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection: Contact this agency if you've been victimized by fraud.
• SL Market News: Get current values for Mercedes-Benz SL cars from the newsletter (subscription required).
• Hemmings Motor News: Values for special-interest or collectible cars.
• National Association of Attorneys General: List of all 50 state attorney general offices; contact the consumer protection division to report fraud.
• National Automobile Dealers Association: Retail used-car values.
• National Consumers League: Tips for using escrow services online.
• National Fraud Information Center: Info about Internet and telemarketing fraud.
• U.S. Postal Service: Mail Fraud Complaint Form, report frauds committed via U.S. mail.
• U.S. Secret Service: Get information on check and currency scams from the Counterfeit Division.

The last few years have seen a flood of 500 horsepower sedans almost pouring out of Germany from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Earlier this month, however, representatives from Mercedes and AMG announced that the "horsepower wars" were over, saying that outright power would no longer be the "main focus" for future sports sedans.

Apparently, no-one sent that "war over" memo to RENNTECH.

RENNTECH announced a new "stage 3" tune for the 2008 65 series AMG models, which makes use of what the company calls "next-generation ECU software" to get 695 hp and 890 lb-ft of torque from the AMG's twin-turbo V12.

"Power will always be important to many customers, especially torque." explains Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director of AMG North America. "Our cars have always been able to make considerable torque, and have been praised in magazines for their drivability. Still, we are constantly trying to improve our product."Commitment to constant improvement is one reason RENNTECH has become known as one of the world's premier tuning firms…

RENNTECH believes their new software will further cement that knowledge in the public mind. they have two full-time in-house software engineers and others that work with the software on a part-time or contract basis.

The latest software takes advantage of the increased power of the new engine computers, and offers a number of small improvements that add up to a big 'overall' improvement," Feyhl explains. Continue reading » »

I have been asked to help find AMG Mercedes-Benz owners interested in participating in a photo shoot in Paradise Valley, AZ. Mercedes-Benz USA is commemorating AMG's 41st Anniversary in 2008.

The event will take place in late February 2008. MBUSA is looking for AMG models from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. This is a great way to meet AMG enthusiasts and increase the long-term value of your car. Your car may be included in MBUSA marketing materials.

Please send me your AMG model info and your contact info if you are interested. Thanks!

While Mercedes' ultra-exclusive SLR McLaren 722 GT track car has been making rounds in the motoring press for several weeks now, a few key questions remained unanswered – including "How much?" and "Where can I get one?"

We can answer the "How much?" question rather easily (795,000 €, or about 1.2 million USD), it's the "Where can I get one?" question that's more interesting.

As of Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT will be made available to the North American market exclusively through RENNtech, the Florida-based MB tuning house owned and operated by super-tuner Hartmut Feyhl, who also lists "technical director, AMG North America" on his resume.

"It's been a very exciting project to be involved in," explains Feyhl.

You can read the full RENNtech press release here. 

AMG Market/PR News, Los Angeles, Nov. 16, 2007: A car with extended, elegant lines which can change its form at the touch of a button and adapt to the requirements of its owners at any time – this is the automotive vision that Mercedes-Benz is presenting at the Los Angeles Design Challenge taking place at the 2007 L.A. Auto Show. When required, this Mercedes of the future can take on the form of a fast highway cruiser, quickly metamorphose into a compact city car, or become a roomy one-seater or economical two-seater, depending on the transport capacity needed. This is made possible by the magnetic control elements of the SilverFlow, a futuristic study by Mercedes-Benz, which take just seconds to configure the car required from tiny metallic particles.

Design Challenge is a competition where eight car design studios in southern California are challenged to create the "Robocar 2057" as a combination of vehicle technology and artificial intelligence. The Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center of North America (Irvine, CA) looked 50 years into the future and came up with the shimmering silver and gold Vision SilverFlow car. With its long, flowing lines and narrow, exposed wheels, this vision of the future is highly reminiscent of the golden years in motor racing during the 1930s.

In fact the physical characteristics of the SilverFlow are even more exciting than its shape. It consists of billions of microscopically tiny metallic particles which are formed into variable but stable configurations by magnetic fields. This means that the driver can theoretically adapt the vehicle to its intended purpose. The one-seater highway configuration is aerodynamic, while the city version is short and spacious. The pre-programmed vehicle variants can be selected at any time at the touch of a button, whereupon the assembler electronics reshape the car from one form to another within a few seconds – specialists refer to this as morphing. Any desired shape is conceivable in principle. As a particularly convenient feature when parking, the intelligent control system completely disassembles the vehicle structure and compacts the ferro-magnetic particles into a small, space-saving configuration. And thanks to these flexible metallic particles, dents and paint damage are also a thing of the past.

The disadvantage of the Mercedes-Benz SilverFlow is that so far, it only exists as a two-dimensional graphic design.The SilverFlow study, which – if at all – will only be realizable decades into the future, clearly shows that while car designers certainly live in the present, their working environment is the future.

AMG Market/PR News: The C63 AMG and S400 BLUETEC HYBRID are now making their North American debut at the Los Angeles Automobile Show (Nov. 16–25, 2007).

The new C63 AMG sedan is powered by a 6.3-liter normally aspirated V8 that produces 451 horsepower and 443 lb. ft. of torque.  << MORE C63 AMG here >>

Offering a glimpse of the future power train offerings from Mercedes-Benz, the S400 BLUETEC HYBRID combines a 20 horsepower hybrid module with a V-6 engine for a combined output of 265 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.

The SLR Roadster drives into Los Angeles topless and in style. Powered by a supercharged 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine with 617 horsepower and 575 lb.-ft of torque, the SLR McLaren Roadster boasts 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 206 mph.  Thanks to its fully retractable top, the SLR Roadster offers open-air driving pleasure that’s practical for everyday use. Even with the top down, conversation is still possible at speeds well over 120 mph, thanks to its superior aeroacoustics.

Planning to travel this holiday season? If so, now is a good time to get a head start on the masses that will surely descend on your local service center soon. Change the oil, slap on a new air filter and check the tires. Here are a few rebates we found that will make auto maintenance less painful on your wallet:

Tire Rebates

Dunlop: Stop in your participating Dunlop retailer before November 15 and get your choice of a $50 Mail-In Rebate when you buy a set of four selected Dunlop tires or a $25 Mail-In Rebate when you buy a set of four Dunlop Graspic DS-2™ tires. Click on the image for details.

Costco: Get $60 off instantly at check out when you buy a set of 4 Michelin or select BF Goodrich tires between 10/08/07 – 11/04/07. Offer expires this weekend << Details Here >>

Tire Rack: When you buy a set of four (4) passenger or light truck Continental tires you may be eligible to receive a free digital picture frame via mail. Offer valid on tires purchased from in-stock inventory before January 17, 2008. << Details Here >>

Wiper Blades

Tire Rack is also offering buy one get one free Valeo ULTIMATE Wiper Blades; offer valid while supplies last. << Details Here >>

In other news, Goodyear's new Eagle F1 Asymmetric ultra-high performance tire is considered the best by many:

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has just introduced its latest ultra-high performance tire, yet the new Eagle F1 Asymmetric has already begun capturing rave reviews and product awards from respected independent sources.

This week, at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric received the Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice Award for New Products. The tire is becoming available this month at many retail tire outlets.

Popular Mechanics editors selected the Eagle F1 tire from more than 4,000 displays and too many new products to count at the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week here.

"It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of Goodyear and the engineers who invented this tire for the demanding enthusiasts in this segment," said Bob Toth, marketing manager for Goodyear auto tires. "Goodyear's Eagle brand of tires have long been known for ultimate performance, and this recognition again helps to provide further credibility."
<< Full story here at CNNMoney >>

Mercedes-Benz World is a one-year old facility at the historic Brooklands circuit in Surrey, UK. The facility is celebrating it's birthday on November 3-4, it opened in October 2006.

Mercedes-Benz World offers driving experiences on five purpose-built courses, from learning advanced skills with qualified instructors to feeling the thrill of an AMG. Visitors will be able to stay at the 5-star hotel and spa when it is completed in 2008, tour the historic museum, relax in the 60-acre landscaped park, shop at the boutique and dine in the cafe or restaurant. A kids zone is included.

Entry to the full complex, excluding the hotel and spa (when completed) is free. Uniquely, Mercedes-Benz World offers driving lessons to anyone over 1.5m tall. This means children as young as 8 or 9 can drive on part of the original Brooklands Circuit.

The building is spread over three floors with over 100 cars on display, including a 300SL Gullwing as well as the McLaren Mercedes SLR supercar.

Everyone attending the event has the chance of winning an exhilarating ride in the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. And, MB will be unveiling the brand new Silver Arrows AMG Display Team, who will be giving their first public performance of breathtaking handling skills.

The AMG and Off-Road passenger experiences will be available for the special price of just £15. If you're in the area, stop by for some birthday cake and raffle prizes. Admission is free.