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Wald International previews their Mercedes S-Class Coupe
Wald International has released the first picture of their upcoming styling program for the Mercedes S-Class Coupe.
The company didn't have much to say about the model but we can see it has been equipped with an aggressive front bumper with LED daytime running lights. Moving further back, there's ventilated front fenders, aerodynamic side skirts and attractive turbine-style alloy wheels.
There's no word on when the styling package will become available but additional information will likely be released closer to launch.
New Mercedes S-Class Brabus Rocket 900 Set To Take Off In Geneva
Brabus is on a mean streak, with a couple of very hot new offerings scheduled next week for the eager Geneva crowd. Here's the hottest of them all - The Rocket 900.
You've guessed it, no fewer than 900 HP come out of this V12 bi-turbo Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which makes it more appealing than say, MTM's 791 HP Audi S8. In fact, this might be THE car to buy if you can afford it and you're in the market for a luxury saloon.
On the outside, it's very similar to the Brabus 850 S-Class but with more pronounced aero parts, a bit more carbon fiber and obviously the '900' badge which says it "all" if you happen to be driving behind one of these things.
The interior is truly spectacular, looking like a Mercedes-Maybach cabin but with a sports steering wheel, which makes for the best of both worlds - which is something Brabus has always provided.
Despite the fact that we don't know anything officially about its performance, we can assume it's electronically limited to 350km/h just like the Brabus 850, while maybe sharing a similar 0-62 sprint time of 3.5 seconds.
With cars such as these, it's almost never about 0-62, and more about pure force, meaning midrange pull and top speed. After all, it is a 'Rocket'.
I think the biggest factor that affects its sales is still the exterior design, which is not as desirable as the previous generation. The fact that it looks like a bigger SLK doesn't help either(not the case with the previous generation)
The R231 SL is the opposite, as it inspired the R172 SLK in a last-minute effort over 7 years ago. Design work on the R231 SL was primarily defined in 2007, with the R172 immediately taking after it and the SLK design being quickly frozen by June 11, 2008. The R231 was on ice between late 2007 and early 2010.
Early 1:1 R172 Clay Model 2007-08
R172 SLK Design freeze-2008
June 11, 2008 Design Patent
R231 CAD File-2009
Originally Posted by TangoRed
I just went back through the sales figures. The SL sold better in 2013 than it has since 2006. In 2014 it sold better than it has since 2008. The data has spoken. This all after the economy crash as well. If you look at pre-2006 sales figures...well good luck finding many luxury cars that weren't selling at huge numbers back then when the economy was very healthy. The 3/4 series is one of the few cars that have really posted gains since then.
All in all, looks like the current SL is doing just fine. Until perhaps this S-class vert rolls in.
EDIT: For the record, the current Mercedes design chief, Gorden Wagener, hates what his predecessor (Peter Pfeiffer) did with the SL.
Yes, that is very true TangoRed. A lot of the recent heavy updates to MB models are the result of Gorden Wagener's directives (X204 GLK II, W212 E-Class II, W166 GLE). Back in June 2008, he took over MB Design. By then, he was not allowed the right to change anything that was due before 2011, unless a minor refresh or MY2012 facelift (see W204). The redesigned W166 M-Class had just been frozen back then, untouched by Wagener and mostly a Pfeiffer directed design process.
Originally Posted by Gojirra99
Back in late 2002 the SL500 was really hot, I was considering getting it and was told there was a 3 year waiting list. Thus I went to choosing between SC430 and E500 instead.
In 2003/4, a used SL500 can sell for more than a new one's MSRP because you don't have to wait and the car didn't have too many miles on it.
No such phenom happened withthe current SL.
Pfifer has better taste than Wagener
Pfeiffer took over MB Design in March 1999 and stepped down in June 2008. His first production sign-off was the W211 E-Class in 1999, developed for the 2003 model year. His last full design developments would've been the W166 M-Class and R172 SLK, both frozen in 2008. The R230 was the last all-new MB design signed-off under Bruno Sacco's leadership on June 16, 1997. The SLR even has roots under Sacco, despite being frozen in 2000 after his early 1999 retirement .
Originally Posted by TangoRed
No car in that segment has waiting lists that long anymore. Touring convertibles aren't bringing in hot sales anymore-not even the Jag F-type. Guess what vehicles have huge waiting lists in that price bracket? Range Rovers.
Also you misunderstood the last part of my comment. Pfeiffer is the guy that designed the current SL.
Yes, that's right! If you visited the design centre in Sindelfingen in December 2007, you would've seen at least clay mock-up of the definitive R231. Back in 2007, we all know Wagener hadn't even been announced as a succeeding design director nor had Pfeiffer announced his retirement. I hated the full effects of Pfeiffer's design leadership (2004-2011), as I mostly lost interest in new MB products during that period (outside of Geländewagen, S-Class).
Originally Posted by Gojirra99
OK, the guy who designed the previous SL has better taste than the one who designed the current
That would be designer Steve Mattin, under the direction of the Bruno Sacco. He designed many cars at Mercedes-Benz. The W210 E-Class in 1991, W168 A-Class in 1993-94, W220 S-Class in 1994, R171 SLK in 2000, W164 M-Class in 2001 (GL in 2002), and many others.
February 1998 Spy shot-based R230 SL Rendering
Steve Mattin 1996-1997 (top); 2007 (bottom)
November 18, 1992 W220 Sketch by Steve Mattin
November 18, 1992 W220 Sketch 2 by Steve Mattin
W220 S-Class Sketch 1994 by Steve Mattin
W168 A-Class January 28, 1993 by Steve Mattin
W220 S-Class 1:1 Design Model 1995 at Sindelfingen Mercedes-Benz Design Center
The R230 SL, although it was launched in November 2001, began design development on January 27, 1996 and board sign-off of Steve Mattin's final design on June 16, 1997. Twenty-one months later Bruno Sacco retired after 41 years of service at MB. Prototypes of the vario-roof R230 SL began testing in February 1998, originally planned for launch in the second-half of 2000 (delayed). The 1999 SLR concept was inspired by the R230 SL's design, becoming a McLaren co-development.
The current SL as I said above, was mostly a 2007 development by designer Frank Pfisterer and the heavily accredited MB designer Mark Fetherston under Peter Pfeiffer as chief. There were some difficulties with certain aspects of the aluminum space-frame, that delayed it for over 2 years.
I apologize for digressing, as this is supposed to be about the W222.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class photographed in the metal
200mm longer than the standard S-Class
The exclusive Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has been caught on camera on public streets.
Seen here is a silver example of the second model in the new S-Class family with Dutch plate, showing its 200m longer body (compared to the regular S-Class) with 3365mm wheelbase.
The model is positioned between S-Class and the range-topping Pullman version.
The Maybach S-Class is available in S600 and S500 variants with the first one offering a twin-turbo V12 6.0-liter unit with 530 HP (390 kW) and 830 Nm (612 lb-ft). The S500 comes with a bi-turbo V8 4.7-liter engine that generates 455 HP (335 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft).
Those who want to own the Maybach S-Class will have to pay a starting price of €134,053 for the S500 and €187,841 for the S600 in Germany. In America the car starts at $189,350 (+ $925 destination & delivery charges) with deliveries scheduled to kick off in April.
The R231 SL is the opposite, as it inspired the R172 SLK in a last-minute effort over 7 years ago. Design work on the R231 SL was primarily defined in 2007, with the R172 immediately taking after it and the SLK design being quickly frozen by June 11, 2008. The R231 was on ice between late 2007 and early 2010.
Yes, that is very true TangoRed. A lot of the recent heavy updates to MB models are the result of Gorden Wagener's directives (X204 GLK II, W212 E-Class II, W166 GLE). Back in June 2008, he took over MB Design. By then, he was not allowed the right to change anything that was due before 2011, unless a minor refresh or MY2012 facelift (see W204). The redesigned W166 M-Class had just been frozen back then, untouched by Wagener and mostly a Pfeiffer directed design process.
Pfeiffer took over MB Design in March 1999 and stepped down in June 2008. His first production sign-off was the W211 E-Class in 1999, developed for the 2003 model year. His last full design developments would've been the W166 M-Class and R172 SLK, both frozen in 2008. The R230 was the last all-new MB design signed-off under Bruno Sacco's leadership on June 16, 1997. The SLR even has roots under Sacco, despite being frozen in 2000 after his early 1999 retirement .
Yes, that's right! If you visited the design centre in Sindelfingen in December 2007, you would've seen at least clay mock-up of the definitive R231. Back in 2007, we all know Wagener hadn't even been announced as a succeeding design director nor had Pfeiffer announced his retirement. I hated the full effects of Pfeiffer's design leadership (2004-2011), as I mostly lost interest in new MB products during that period (outside of Geländewagen, S-Class).
That would be designer Steve Mattin, under the direction of the Bruno Sacco. He designed many cars at Mercedes-Benz. The W210 E-Class in 1991, W168 A-Class in 1993-94, W220 S-Class in 1994, R171 SLK in 2000, W164 M-Class in 2001 (GL in 2002), and many others.
February 1998 Spy shot-based R230 SL Rendering
The R230 SL, although it was launched in November 2001, began design development on January 27, 1996 and board sign-off of Steve Mattin's final design on June 16, 1997. Twenty-one months later Bruno Sacco retired after 41 years of service at MB. Prototypes of the vario-roof R230 SL began testing in February 1998, originally planned for launch in the second-half of 2000 (delayed). The 1999 SLR concept was inspired by the R230 SL's design, becoming a McLaren co-development.
The current SL as I said above, was mostly a 2007 development by designer Frank Pfisterer and the heavily accredited MB designer Mark Fetherston under Peter Pfeiffer as chief. There were some difficulties with certain aspects of the aluminum space-frame, that delayed it for over 2 years.
I apologize for digressing, as this is supposed to be about the W222.
Mercedes Maybach S600 Pullman photographed in the metal in Geneva
To debut tomorrow
The Mercedes Maybach S600 Pullman has been spotted while being prepared for its debut during the Geneva Motor Show tomorrow.
The range-topping vehicle in the S-Class lineup is 1053 mm longer than the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class with a 4418 mm long wheelbase. This results in a rear passenger compartment with class-leading legroom and two executive seats.
The exclusive model is powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine with 530 HP (390 kW) and 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque. Deliveries should kick off from early 2016 with prices starting from approximately €500,000 ($570,465 / £371,645) for the unarmored version.
On this episode of Ignition, presented by Tire Rack, Carlos Lago tests the new 2015 Mercedes Maybach S600. Though it has a twin-turbo V-12 and more than 600 lb.-ft. of torque, this car isn’t about driving. No, the Maybach S600 is all about being chauffeured in quiet comfort while your driver calmly shuffles to your next destination. When it comes to the Maybach’s long wheelbase and never-ending supply of luxury features, doing the normal Motor Trend test program seemed wrong. So we did something different. How well does the Maybach work when chauffeuring an elite Internet celebrity? Find out on today’s episode of Ignition.
Mansory's Mercedes S63 AMG Coupé Diamond Edition Has More Ponies Than A LaFerrari!
The creative tuning minds over at Mansory have presented their take on the new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe named the Diamond Edition, which will debut in Geneva.
It's no doubt a unique looking proposition with Mansory giving the S63 AMG Coupe a matte blue paint job and extensive aerodynamic and styling mods, including a wide body kit with flared wheel arches, new bumpers, roof spoiler and rear lip made of carbon fiber, vented hood and fenders, plus 22-inch wheels in 255/30 tires front and 295/25 rear tires.
The modifications continue inside where Mansory re-did the entire interior from top to bottom, dressing it in leather – even the carpet was replaced with leather, which doesn't really sound very practical in real life conditions…
While Mansory's styling choices are subjective, what isn't are their performance upgrades to the S63 AMG's 5.5-liter V8 biturbo unit, which gains the firm's M1000 kit that revamps the engine with a new ECU, connecting rods, big end bearings, crankshaft, bearing bushings, turbocharger, suction and compressor system, as well as many other new parts.
The result is a boost from the stock V8's 577hp (585PS) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque to 972hp (985PS) and an electronically limited 1,400 Nm (1,032 lb-ft)! According to Mansory, the Diamond Editions shaves an entire second in the 0-100km/h sprint time over the regular S63 AMG at 3.2 seconds, while top speed is electronically regulated 300 km/h (186mph).
02-26-15, 11:20 AM
Wald International previews their Mercedes S-Class Coupe
This all after the economy crash as well. If you look at pre-2006 sales figures...well good luck finding many luxury cars that weren't selling at huge numbers back then when the economy was very healthy. The 3/4 series is one of the few cars that have really posted gains since then.
Yes, that's right! If you visited the design centre in Sindelfingen in December 2007, you would've seen at least clay mock-up of the definitive R231. Back in 2007, we all know Wagener hadn't even been announced as a succeeding design director nor had Pfeiffer announced his retirement. I hated the full effects of Pfeiffer's design leadership (2004-2011), as I mostly lost interest in new MB products during that period (outside of Geländewagen, S-Class).
