Mercedes-Benz Anticipates

Mercedes-Benz Anticipates No U.S. CAFE Penalty in 2010
In previous years, Mercedes-Benz occasionally has had to pay penalties because its corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) figure fell beneath standards set by the U.S. government. That will soon change, as the automaker expects to meet the 2010 CAFE standards.

Starting this summer, all of Mercedes-Benz’s six- and eight-cylinder engines will use direct injection, which covers every car the automaker sells in the U.S. According to Dr. Thomas Weber, Mercedes-Benz’s head of research and development, this development played a large part in helping the automaker meet the U.S. standard.

“Even for 2009, we aren’t likely to pay much in the way of penalties,” Weber told Automobilwoche. “From 2010 on, we won’t pay anything. That is clearly our goal.”

Vehicles like the new S400 and ML450 Hybrids will certainly help, but Mercedes-Benz is moving towards using forced-induction engines with smaller displacement. For instance, the new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter destined for its AMG line is reportedly 25-percent more fuel-efficient than the 6.2-liter V-8 it replaces.

We’re not surprised this is a major focus for Mercedes-Benz. In 2006, the company faced a record million fine, and a similar million fine in 2007. If Weber’s estimations prove correct, Mercedes-Benz has come a long way to reduce fuel consumption while offering customers the power they’ve come to expect.

Source: Automotive News

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Preview: Lorinser Previews Tuned Next-Gen CLS

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t even launched its next-generation CLS-Class, but that hasn’t stopped German tuning firm Lorinser from designing a series of cosmetic enhancements for the car.

The new CLS -- which was previewed at the 2010 Detroit auto show with a large sculpture -- is slated to go on sale in 2011, but Lorinser aims to have its own tuned version ready for customers shortly after the launch date. The German tuner already has the bodywork designed, and provided the preview sketch shown above.

According to Lorinser, the body kit is designed to emphasize the new CLS’ masculine and sporty features. A revised front fascia is designed to optimize engine and brake cooling, while swollen fenders allow the tuner to bolt on larger wheels -- we hear the firm plans on offering 21-inch aluminum wheels as an option.

Along with the bodywork, Lorinser will revise the CLS with upgraded chassis, interior trim, and powertrain. We’ve not heard any specifics on any of those improvements, but like any Lorinser product, we imagine the sky -- or the customer’s wallet -- is the limit for modifications.

Lorinser hasn’t detailed exact launch timing for its hopped-up CLS-Class, but noted it will reach dealers in 45 countries -- including the United States -- shortly after the stock version is introduced in 2011.

Source: Lorinser

Mercedes-Benz Considering Making S-class Hybrid-only?

Mercedes-Benz Considering Making S-class Hybrid-only?

With mostly large V-8s and twin-turbo V-12s in its lineup, the Mercedes-Benz S-class isn’t particularly fuel-efficient. In light of upcoming fuel economy standards, Daimler executives reportedly are considering making the S-class a hybrid-only lineup.

According to Automotive News, inside dealer sources said Daimler executives are considering the switch to all gasoline-electric models for the next-generation S-class. If the switch is made, the dealer sources say that no S-class will be offered with only an internal combustion engine -- including the high-performance AMG versions. The fact that even the Autobahn-storming AMG models would become hybrids has drawn criticism from U.S. dealerships because they worry hybrids are not perceived as true performance cars in this market.

As of right now, only a few U.S. Mercedes dealerships have been briefed on the proposed plan. Those dealers will meet with Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, this week at The Masters golf tournament in August, Georgia. Mercedes is a tournament sponsor.

Currently, the most fuel-efficient S-class is the recently introduced S400 Hybrid with a fuel economy rating of 19/26 mpg (city/highway). From there, the ratings continue to decline all the way down to 11/17 mpg for the top-of-the-line S65 AMG. According to Tommy Baker, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz dealership board in the U.S. and owner of a Mercedes dealership in Charleston, South Carolina, this doesn’t matter to S-class buyers. He says that for S-class buyers, the “goal is not gas mileage.”

“The most important thing in the American market -- regardless of hybrid, lithium, or electric cars -- is that we Americans are different than any market and we are going to want those gasoline engines,” Baker told Automotive News. To that end, Mercedes-Benz has already announced a new, more fuel-efficient 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 to replace the company’s 6.2-liter V-8 in its “63” AMG models.

Although Baker says the all-hybrid S-class lineup may not fly with U.S. consumers, an average combined rating of 16 mpg and emissions of a similar level won’t fly with the government’s upcoming fuel economy and emissions standards. Two Daimler sources told Automotive News that the move is being considered to help Mercedes reach the strict European CO2 emissions laws and the U.S. fuel economy standard by mid-decade. A final decision on the matter is expected within three months and, if approved, would be implemented on the next-generation S-class due out in Europe in 2013 and a year later in the U.S.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)