PREVIEW: A look inside the future B-Klasse

After we initially came across a photo showcasing the dashboard of the future A-Klasse, Autoreview has recently published a set of clear design sketches revealing the interior of the upcoming B-Klasse. The dashboard emphasizes a smooth, fresh and youthful design. The huge, round aircon vents (which are very similar to those on the SLS or the new SLK) as well as the ingeniously-mounted display for the COMAND infotainment system and the big slab for fitting the aluminium/wood trim will obviously cause a great visual impact when someone enters the car for the first time. As far as we are concerned, these drawing are very encouraging and we can't wait to see the final result. Till then, hit the jump button and see more pics!




Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

PHOTO GALLERY: The F-CELL World Drive - From Stuttgart to Reims

The Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive trip commenced on the 30th January 2011. The team from the three B-Klasse F-CELL models that are taking part in this venturesome journey have penetrated France, going from Stuttgart to the town of Reims located in the northern part of the country. Check out the first pictures after the you hit the jump button!













Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

REPORT: Future Mercedes-Benz compact SUV and coupe models planned for U.S.

In an interview awarded to Automotive News, Joachim Schmidt, head of the Sales & Marketing department at Mercedes-Benz, stated that the Stuttgart-based carmaker is currently working on several compact variants, developed on the revolutionary MFA front-driven platform, that will enter the U.S. market within the next three years. “We will introduce the next generation of our MFA family to the U.S.,” he said. Moreover, “Two variants, maybe even a third, are planned for the U.S.”, Schmidt further added. The future lineup of compact models will include up to four versions for Europe; the first of the series, the new B-Klasse MPV that comes by the end of 2011 and the A-Klasse hatchback that arrives in the summer of 2012, will not be sold in USA, but if there's an indication of a possible substantial demand, the officials might reconsider the situation, as Joachim Schmidt concludes: “The U.S. is not the typical compact hatchback market but if the demand arises, we could react very quickly and introduce these two variants in the U.S. far quicker than in the past.”. For the North Americans, Mercedes-Benz will offer a range of three interesting models, which includes a coupe (most probably a 4-door one - the little brother of the CLS), a small SUV (call it baby GLK, that may receive the name "BLK") and a third option - either a compact cabriolet or a shooting brake. The coupe and SUV will arrive six months after the Europe debut, which means 2013 and 2014, respectively.


Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Setra to celebrate anniversary at Retro Classics 2011

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

- 60 years of Setra buses – the idea of the self-supporting body wins through
- 100 years of bus expertise from Ulm/Neu-Ulm
- Four historical buses from 1911 to 1976 in hall 8

Stuttgart/Neu-Ulm, Germany Jan 31, 2011 – Setra Buses, Daimler AG's Ulm-based bus brand, will be celebrating the brand's 60th anniversary and the beginning of bus production in Ulm 100 years ago when it appears at Retro Classics 2011 in Stuttgart (11 – 13 March), presenting four historical buses in hall 8 (commercial vehicles).


The first Setra bus from 1951

The highlight at the exhibition stand will be the first Setra bus ever to be produced, bearing the chassis number -001. This vehicle was presented to bus companies for the first time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1951. The defining characteristic of this vehicle was that it did not use a truck frame as its base. Instead, a self-supporting frame was lined with sheet metal to form the vehicle's body. Other features of the first Setra include a six-cylinder Henschel rear engine rated at 74 kW (100 hp), underfloor luggage compartments and a fully synchromeshed five-speed ZF manual transmission.

S 215 HD dating from 1976 - the prototype of the Setra 200 model series

The 200 series in the Setra brand's 25th year opened another successful chapter. This generation of vehicles introduced cross-flow ventilation, whereby fresh air was channelled draught-free into the passenger compartment along the entire length of the vehicle. The exhibit is the prototype of the 200 model series and is fitted with an OM 403 10-cylinder V engine from Mercedes-Benz rated at 235 kW (320 hp).

First Kässbohrer bus on Saurer chassis from 1911

It was 100 years ago, in February 1911, when Kässbohrer undertook its first step in the field of bus construction. The first Kässbohrer bus was built on a Saurer truck chassis for the city of Ulm's first bus service running from Münsterplatz to the suburb of Wiblingen. The exhibit is a fully functional replica of the lost original. The vehicle possesses a four-cylinder Saurer petrol engine with an output of around 29 kW (40 hp). The wooden body has 18 seats plus space for around ten standing passengers.

Bus on Opel Blitz chassis with Kässbohrer trailer, built in 1956

The compact bus dating from 1956 was built on the chassis of the Opel Blitz, which was highly popular among bus companies at the time. With the introduction of the Setra S 6, compact buses were also produced in self-supporting design from the mid-1950s. The exhibit is fitted with a six-cylinder petrol engine rated at 46 kW (62 hp). A Kässbohrer luggage trailer compensates for the lack of space in the luggage compartment.

Retro Classics 2011 is an international trade show for vintage vehicles, replacement parts and restoration which is to take place at the Stuttgart exhibition site from 11 to 13 March (preview on 10 March), with over 1000 exhibitors. Opening times are Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs € 16 for adults, concessionary rate € 12.


Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

VIDEO GALLERY: Daimler Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the automobile - Best Moments

Daimler Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the automobile - Best Of - Part I


Daimler Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the automobile - Best Of - Part II

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

2010 Subaru Tribeca Awards Cars wallpapers and images

2010 Subaru Tribeca Awards Cars wallpapers and images
The Tribeca won best interior of the year by Ward's Auto, a benchmark agent similar to JD Power, but more subjective. Also, it was considered Most Innovative Concept at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show.

The Tribeca scored well on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. It earned a "Top Safety Pick" ranking.

2010 Impreza WRX STI Cars wallpapers and images

2010 Impreza WRX STI Cars wallpapers and images
Available for the UK market only, the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 was announced in late May 2010. Only 75 units built, the STI CS400 is powered by a 400 PS 2.5 liter turbocharged engine which has Cosworth engineered forged connecting rods, racing pistons, heavy duty cylinder head studs, multi-layered head gasket, and high pressure oil pump. The ECU had been remapped, and the new compressor design and wastegate actuator had been applied to the turbo. The exhaust system features larger capacity tubular manifold and bigger diameter downpipes. Clutch was also upgraded.

2011 Honda Odyssey Cars wallpapers and images

2011 Honda Odyssey Cars wallpapers and images
Honda showcased the 2011 Odyssey in concept in early 2010. The 2011 concept was shown at the Chicago Auto Show.

Honda took the wraps off the 2011 redesign on June 17, 2010. The new model shows a much more agressive stanse with a lower roofline and wider body. The side is characterized by the lightning bolt belt line. Styling brings the minivan in line with Honda's new 2010/2011 products.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 review Cars wallpapers and images

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 review Cars wallpapers and images
For the 2003 SEMA show, Chrysler displayed a highly tuned Viper SRT-10 in coupe form. The vehicle's name comes from the carbon fiber used to reduce the weight by 150 lbs (total down to 3200 lbs).