Mercedes-Benz has given the world a peek at the upcoming C-Class AMG Sports Package, thanks to a few quick photos on the company's USA Facebook
page. Buyers who opt for the kit will get to enjoy seven-spoke,
eighteen-inch alloy wheels outside, while the cabin comes decked in all
sort of niceties. Red seat belts pair with MB sport seats hemmed in red
contrast stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel replaces the
standard tiller. Otherwise, details are scarce about when we can expect
to see the package show up on order sheets or how much it will cost
buyers when it does arrive.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts at $35,350, plus a $905
destination fee. You can find out more by heading over to the
Mercedes-Benz USA consumer site or checking out the company's Facebook page.
Mercedes-Benz is already at work on the next-generation C-Class sedan, but USA Today reports that the automaker promises to add a convertible model for to the mix as well and will offer it in the US. The new C-Class
is expected out next year as a 2014 model, and it will be the first
time the C-Class has ever directly offered a drop-top model, likely to
be called the C-Class Cabriolet.
Previously, the CLK-Class acted as a convertible based on the smaller C-Class, but it was sized and generally thought of as an E-Class
model. There are no concrete details about this new car, but it's
almost certain to be the most affordable convertible in the Mercedes
lineup, priced less than the $42,900 SLK-Class roadster and well below the $59,070 E-Class Cabriolet. Cars such as the C-Class Cabriolet and the all-new CLA-Class are an attempt to draw younger buyers into the Mercedes family, according to Steve Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.
In addition to the new C-Class convertible, USA Today also says that Mercedes plans a total of 19 new or refreshed models (including 11 in new-to-Mercedes segments) by 2020.
Brabus has taken the time to work over the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe in the company's trademark over-the-top style. The result is the Brabus Bullit Coupe, which is headed for a debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week, complete with an 800-horsepower version of the same V12 found under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That kind of craziness is so beautiful, it almost brings a tear to our eye.
The engineers at Brabus bored out the block to 6.3 liters of
displacement, up from 5.5 liters in factory form. Throw in a pair of
turbos and you have a vehicle capable of dumping a staggering 1,047
pound-feet of torque on the rear tires.
Or at least you would if Brabus didn't have to electronically limit
final output to 811 lb-ft of torque. The company says there simply isn't
a transmission out there capable of standing up to that kind of twist.
Even with the limited grunt, the Bullit Coupe can pop off a 0-62 mph run
in 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 229 mph. Pure brilliance.
Press Release
Ultra-powerful, ultrafast and conspicuously inconspicuous: the BRABUS
BULLIT Coupe 800, which celebrates its world debut at the 2012 Geneva
Motor Show, is built in small-series production based on the two-door
Mercedes C 63 AMG model. In place of the 6.3-liter fast-revving V8 that
powers the production car, a twelve-cylinder engine in BRABUS 800 V12
Biturbo specification lurks beneath the matte-black exterior. 800 hp
(788 bhp) / 588 kW and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) propel
the BULLIT Coupe 800 to superlative performance: 3.7 seconds to 100 km/h
(62 mph), 23.8 seconds from 0 - 300 km/h (186 mph) and a top speed in
excess of 370 km/h (230 mph) document the unique know-how of the
engineers from BRABUS. BRABUS went into the wind tunnel to engineer the
aerodynamic-enhancement components that are part of the equipment of
this supercar, as are new 20-inch BRABUS Monoblock R wheels, a sport
suspension with customer-selectable ride height and damper rates, a
high-performance brake system and exclusive cockpit design. The supercar
will sell for an MSRP starting at EUR 378,000. It goes without saying
that this car can also be built based on the Black Series C 63 AMG
Coupe.
The BRABUS BULLIT Coupe 800 seamlessly continues the tradition of
high-performance supercars from Bottrop. Following in the footsteps of
the BRABUS BULLIT supercars based on the Mercedes C-Class sedan, which
each produced 730 hp (720 bhp) / 537 kW and reached top speeds in excess
of 360 km/h (224 mph), the even more powerful BRABUS BULLIT Coupe 800
has now been developed based on the new C-Class Coupe.
Numerous modifications to the reinforced C-Class body were necessary
to implant the turbocharged V12 into the engine bay. The BRABUS 800 V12
Biturbo engine is derived directly from the BRABUS E V12 one of ten. For
this purpose an up-to-date Mercedes S 600 engine Motor is completely
reengineered in the company engine building shop.
There is nothing to take the place of displacement except more
displacement and for that reason displacement of the 12-cylinder,
three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu.
in.) with the help of a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger,
forged pistons and an increase in cylinder bore across the board. Intake
and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow,
and fitted with sports camshafts.
The engine peripherals were also completely reworked completely. The
inlet side features a newly designed, larger header casing that gets its
combustion air from carbon-fiber ram-air intake system integrated into
the hood.
To achieve the desired power increase of almost 300 hp over the
production engine, the exhaust side had to be newly configured as well.
The BRABUS 800 Biturbo system comprises two special exhaust manifolds
with integrated high-performance turbochargers, and four water-to-air
intercoolers. The stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with
free-flow metal catalysts and driver-controlled butterfly valve also was
created specifically for the C-Class Coupe floorpan.
State-of-the-art engine BRABUS test benches were used by the engineers
for designing new mapping for engine electronics and on-board
diagnostics. The result is maximum power yield while meeting strict
current EURO V emission standards.
The BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo high-capacity engine, which like all BRABUS
high-performance engines is lubricated exclusively with MOTUL synthetic
motor oil, produces 800 PS (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm. The peak
torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) is limited electronically in the car to
1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
Power is transferred to the rear wheels via an appropriately
reinforced seven-speed automatic transmission, which is shifted either
automatically or manually via shift paddles on the steering wheel, and a
BRABUS limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40
percent. The BRABUS BULLIT Coupe 800 features all state-of-the-art
driving dynamics systems such as ABS, ASR and ESP.
The matte-black stealth coupe delivers unrivaled performance: in a
catapult start just 3.7 seconds pass from 0-100 km/h (62 mph), 9.8
seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph). The 300-km/h (186-mph) barrier is
shattered after 23.8 seconds. Top speed is more than 370 km/h (230 mph).
To be able to attain such extreme speeds while maintaining outstanding
directional stability, the aerodynamic properties of the two-door car
were modified extensively in the wind tunnel. The supplemental
carbon-fiber BRABUS front spoiler reduces lift on the front axle at high
speeds. The carbon-fiber lightweight air routers for the air inlets in
the front fascia go beyond optimizing the supply of cooling air for
radiators and front brakes. These lateral air vents also allow the air
streaming through the radiators to exit again as quickly as possible.
Another significant contribution to the heat exchange in the engine bay
is made by the BRABUS air vents integrated into the front fenders behind
the wheel wells.
The BRABUS designers have developed an aerodynamically effective
combination of rear wing and diffuser insert for the rear fascia in
order to generate more downforce on the rear axle. This carbon-fiber
component has cutouts on the right and left side for the dual
ceramics-plated design tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel
high-performance exhaust system.
The thrilling looks of the BRABUS BULLIT Coupe 800 is rounded out by
the new BRABUS Monoblock R wheels. They represent a fresh approach with
their unique design that features two times five double spokes arranged
on two different plains. While the posterior plain has a titanium paint
finish, the anterior surfaces are polished and coated with a
smoke-colored clear lacquer, which lends the wheel a highly individual
character. In sizes 8.5Jx20 in front and 9.5Jx20 on the rear axle the
BRABUS Monoblock R wheels make perfect use of the available space in the
wheel wells. The high-performance tires in sizes 235/30 ZR 20 and
275/25 ZR 20 are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or
YOKOHAMA.
The height-adjustable coilover suspension was custom developed for the
BRABUS BULLIT Coupe 800 in cooperation with technology partner
BILSTEIN. It features gas-pressure shocks on front and rear axle with
ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound for a sporty yet
comfortable ride. Sport sway bars reduce body roll during fast cornering
to a minimum.
The BRABUS high-performance brake system consists of vented and
grooved steel brake discs that measure 380 x 37 millimeters (15.0 x 1.45
in.) and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers in the front. In combination
with vented and grooved steel discs measuring 360 x 28 millimeters
(14.2 x 1.1 in.) and six-piston fixed aluminum calipers on the rear axle
it easily masters even highest brake loads.
The cockpit of the supercar has a distinctly sporty design. The
interior was clad by the BRABUS master craftsmen in the upholstery shop
in a combination of black leather and Alcantara to match the outer skin.
Red contrasting seams add discrete sporty highlights. This look is
rounded out by genuine carbon-fiber components on the dashboard, center
console and door trim. Further sporty features are the ergonomically
shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel as well as aluminum pedals and
shifter.
Two standard versions of the C-Class Coupe are planned for sale in North America including the C250 CGI and C350 CGI
The first official photos of the long awaited 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe have made their way online, roughly a month prior to its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
Sadly, those of us in the U.S. will have to wait until September to purchase the new Mercedes Coupe, which will enter into direct competition with the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A5 when it hits the market. Sources at Mercedes-Benz have suggested that pricing of the new C-Class will closely resemble prices seen on similarly powered C-Class Sedan’s.
Based on the same mechanical package as that of the C-class sedan, with which it shares its 113-inch wheelbase, the new C-class coupe retains the same basic styling cues as its four-door big brother, however the coupe offers a more sporty two-door layout and a 1.6″ lower roofline. To finish the coupe off, Mercedes outfitted the C-Class Coupe with B-pillars, a feature not seen on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe.
Two standard versions of the C-Class Coupe are planned for sale in North America including the entry-level C250 CGI with a 201-hp turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and the C350 CGI with a 302-hp naturally aspirated V6 engine – a model that should boast a 0-to-62-mph acceleration in 6.0 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe, scheduled to debut at the New York Auto Show in April, will join the other coupe models at its launch. The exact details are still scarce, but the sources at AutoWeek suggest that the C63 AMG coupe is in line to receive a new 422-hp naturally aspirated version of AMG’s new 5.5-liter V8 featuring cylinder shutdown and automatic stop/start. By contrast, the facelifted C63 AMG sedan continues with AMG’s older 457-hp naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8.
The first photos of the 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe show an evolution on par with the wagon/sedan up front and one unique difference out back: a Hoffmeister-ish kink.
Images of the new C-Class Coupe were leaked by AutoBild and they reveal the interesting C-pillar treatment. Having been used to the long, arched belt-line this is a dramatic and BMW-ish change in an otherwise predictable refresh.
The new car will debut sometime in the next few months with the same direct-injection V6 and V8, as well as a turbocharged four-cylinder some time in the future. We can't wait for the wicked Black Series and C63 versions.
Here it is – the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. While you may have to look a little close to notice the subtle design changes, most of the changes to the 2012 C-Class have been made under the hood.
“In terms of driveline and safety systems, the new-generation C-Class offers the comfort and safety of our luxury vehicles – and with many high-end details in the interior evocative of the new CLS, the new C-Class sets completely new benchmarks in its segment when it comes to premium look-and-feel,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. This interior upgrade is further enhanced by the latest generation of telematics, which not only features completely new visuals, but also brings improved functionality.
Mercedes-Benz says that a total of 2,000 new parts set the new C-Class apart from its predecessor. That’s great – let’s move on to see what’s under the hood.
Fuel-economy of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been improved by 15 percent, thanks to a new direct-injection engines and a redesigned 7-speed automatic transmission. New for the 2012 model year C-Class is the addition of a 4-cylinder engine. The new direct-injected 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 201-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. That will allow the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 to average a combined fuel-economy of 24 mpg and 20 mpg for the C300. The range-topping 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 also gets some direct-injected goodness for the 3.5L V6, which now makes 302-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque – an increase of 34-hp and 15 lb-ft of torque.
New technology for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class includes ATTENTION ASSIST, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Park Assist incl. PARKTRONIC, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will make its public debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and will go on sale in Summer 2012.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:
New look for Mercedes’ top-selling sedan this summer The restyled MY2012 C-Class
• Energetic – new dynamic look inside and out • Expanded – five new assistance systems for greater safety • Efficient – new direct-injection engines with better fuel economy • Experience – new-generation telematics • Exceptional – more than one million sold since March 2007
The restyled 2012 C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2011. The front and rear end of the popular Mercedes sedan have been enhanced with a more distinctive design. The luxurious interior is now emphasized by the stylish new dashboard, which features a premium, fine-grain finish and stylish trim elements, as well as a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster. Fuel economy has been improved by as much as 15 percent, thanks to new direct-injection engines and the redesigned 7-speed automatic transmission. Five new driver assistance systems ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system through to the Blind Spot Assist are now available in the C-Class lineup. New generation telematics offer new infotainment and navigation features.
A total of more than 2,000 new parts distinguish the newest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. The U.S. market introduction is scheduled for summer 2011 (available to order in Europe as of January 2011). Alongside the generous standard equipment, the Sport and Luxury versions of the new C-Class form the basis of the individualization program, with both lines now more clearly differentiated from each other.
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s highest volume model range, and therefore especially important. The current range has chalked up global sales of more than one million units since its launch in March 2007. Since the market introduction of the first C-Class in 1982 (known then as the 190), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles around the world.
Dynamic, determined and confident exterior
The bumper now has a more distinctive and dynamic design, with the front end adopting the brand’s new design language. The central element of the front end is the grille, which is further enhanced by the new bumper design. The center air intake opens upward in a v-shape and forms the core element of the grille design. Distinctive lines emerge from the base of the aggressive arrow design in the center. Running beneath the headlamps, these character lines transition into the side profile. The outboard air intakes in the bumper are positioned very low down to give the car a more muscular stance.
The C-Class features a new aluminum hood, which contributes to weight reduction and consequently to improved fuel efficiency. Contours around the headlamps and grille bring additional emphasis to the front-end arrow form. Working together with the redesigned headlamps, the overall front-end look is far more distinctive.
Modified clear glass headlamps create a more dynamic and determined look and, together with the hood, grille and bumper enhance the arrow visual at the front end. This precise, contemporary look is reinforced by the design of both the exterior and interior of the headlamp units, which feature a finely balanced interplay between matte and gloss surfaces. The halogen headlamps follow the classic format with low beam located on the outside and high beam in the inside, while the indicator lamps are discreetly positioned in the outer corners toward the fenders.
The available bi-xenon headlamps come with active functions and bring added depth to the appearance with a series of LED modules. A C-shaped positioning light defines the nighttime design, with cornering lights located behind it and stretching outward to the main lamp module. At the base of the headlamps are broad horizontal LED indicator units. Also horizontal are the LED daytime running lights located in the bumper, which make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.
On the rear bumper, the character lines and shutlines have been modified to add emphasis to the vehicle’s stance. This is especially evident in the steep rise of the character line running outward toward the rear lights. A continuous character line on the upper edge of the rear bumper runs into the fenders of the C-Class to provide a connection to the sides and emphasizes the sporty character of the rear view. A new one-piece jewel case on the tail lights provides further integration into the rear of the vehicle. The characteristic sinuous surface line is now reflected on the inside of the lights and is reminiscent of earlier models. The distinctive depth of the lights are achieved by LED indicators located in the center that appear to float in front of the more deeply set red LED bands above and below. The rear light pattern is particularly distinctive at night.
The bodyshell of the new C-Class is distinguished by its outstanding aerodynamics. With a cd figure of 0.26, not only is it best-in-class, its drag plane of cd x A = 0.57 m2 also cuts more smoothly through the air than most compact and even sub-compact cars.
Premium and sporty interior
One focal point of the work done in the interior was the redesign of the dashboard with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and premium look-and-feel that includes extensive enhancement to the trim. The surfaces of the controls are more finely detailed and feature a metallic finish. The stepped hood of the instrument binnacle now extends to incorporate the central display and runs onward into the passenger side enhanced by a subtle character line. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the outer circular vents are accentuated with metallic trim elements. Central to the design of the new dashboard is a prominent trim panel. This element stretches from the central air vents along the passenger side to the outer air vent, adding visual width to the interior. The surface grain on the top portion of the dashboard continues along the upper edges of the door panels.
The new-generation center console is distinguished by its rectangular silver keys and emphasizes the premium feel of the interior in combination with matte keys, high-gloss surfaces and a new knurled control knob. Together with the new generation telematics, the restyled C-Class also receives a new instrument binnacle with integrated display. Oriented toward the driver are three tubular gauge surrounds with metallic surfaces that further enhance the aggressive character of the C-Class.
The luxury feel is emphasized by the new-generation leather steering wheel introduced with the all-new CLS and now available as standard in the C-Class. The steering wheel features a chrome-plated central spoke and further accentuates the car’s stylish and sporty ambience.
The new C250 Sport and C300 4MATIC Sport models come with standard brushed aluminum trim, while the C350 Sport has distinctive Black Ash. The Luxury versions feature Burl Walnut trim.
Drivelines with more power and better fuel economy
Fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 percent. All new direct-injection versions feature exceptional efficiency and environmentally-friendly fuel consumption. All models also come with the redesigned seven-speed automatic transmission, with the gear ratios on all versions optimized for fuel economy.
The highlight in the engine lineup is the introduction of the new V6 gasoline engine in the C350 Sport Sedan, featuring the innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process. The improvement in efficiency is combined with a considerable increase in output. The C350 Sport Sedan now generates 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (previously 268 hp and 258 lb-ft), while fuel economy has been improved by 5 percent compared with the outgoing C350 model.
The four-cylinder engine (new for the U.S. market) features direct injection and turbocharging and is also distinguished by outstanding combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. This marks an improvement of nearly 15 percent compared with the 2011MY C300.
New driver assistance systems
The C-Class attains an all-new level of safety with a total of five new driver assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection through to Blind Spot Assist. The assistance systems are based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology and are setup to react to frequent causes of accidents such as proximity to the vehicle in front, fatigue and darkness.
The following provides an overview of the new assistance systems: • ATTENTION ASSIST • Adaptive Highbeam Assist • Park Assist incl. PARKTRONIC • Lane Keeping Assist • Blind Spot Assist
More user friendly, improved connectivity – the new generation of telematics
The new C-Class sees the debut of a new generation of telematics, which is scheduled for successive introduction across further model ranges. Key new features include improved user-friendliness with larger 3-D displays, phone book transfer, text message display, wireless music via Bluetooth and a USB interface now located in the center armrest.
When I woke up this morning, I didn't think I'd be getting a look at the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift, I'll tell you that much.
Sporting a revamped front, rear and a much-needed update to its interior, the 2012 C-Class looks like its ready to take on its competition in a battle royale. Although we showed you leaked photographs of the new C-Class not too long ago, we couldn't confirm how valid they were.
At least now we know they were spot on.
**Please excuse the small sized photographs. It's the best we could do. Rest assured, when Mercedes-Benz releases the full information and press kit with all of the high-resolution photographs, the Agents will update the photo gallery
