Initially, four variants of the new car will be offered: the S400 HYBRID, S500, S350 BlueTEC and S300 BlueTEC HYBRID. Power ranges from 204HP to 455HP, depending on engine, with the S500 managing the 0-62mph dash in 4.8s. The S300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the most eco-friendly, with a 115g/km CO2 output and up to 53mpg (US); Mercedes will soon release an S500 Plug-In Hybrid model, too. All have adaptive damping air-suspension as standard, but the V8 S500 can be fitted with Road Surface Scan and Magic Body Control, which cooks up new suspension settings on-the-fly after tracking the condition of the upcoming road surface using stereo cameras on the front of the car.

That’s not the only geekery Mercedes has indulged in. Lashings of aluminum mean the body is stiffer than the outgoing model, and the PRE-SAFE feature now automatically brakes when it spots pedestrians in the way, avoid whiplash by using the brakes when the stationary car is hit from the rear, and even use the seat belts to pull front-seat occupants out of the way of an impact. In the back, there are inflatable belt straps and motorized tightening systems to make sure passengers are getting the full benefit.

The new S-Class can’t quite do away with the driver altogether, but it’s getting close. Distronic Plus can take control of the steering and accelerator/brake, navigating lanes and following other vehicles, while active lane-keeping assistance makes sure the car stays where it should be. The brake-assist system now tracks crossing traffic and pedestrians, augmenting braking force as required, while Night View Assist Plus shows thermal views of the dark streets ahead, highlighting anything in the road. Sensors all round the car are networked together, so that they can react more intelligently.

Mercedes S-Class safety and driving features:

Inside, meanwhile, there’s new wood, metal, and pearl-effect paint finishes, and the option of “First Class Rear” seating in the back which adds folding tables, phones, and other office-on-the-go kit. There’s more space both in the front and the rear, and a whole lot more tech: two 8:3 aspect, 12.3-inch LCD TFT screens on the dashboard for dynamic instruments and infotainment, with a touch-sensitive phone keypad, user-assignable keys for commonly-tweaked features, and the option to have text messages and emails read out. The new S-Class can also be controlled via voice, with the updated system recognizing full addresses in one go, rather than needing ZIP code, city, and street details spoken individually.

Various seat options are available to choose from, and they can massage you – with 14 separately-controlled air cushions, with optional warming – and actively cool you. In the long-wheelbase version, which Mercedes says it developed first since the car is expected to be a particularly big hit with chauffeured passengers in the Asia market – there’s the option of the largest backrest-reclining seats in the industry, no less.

Mercedes S-Class interior:

As for entertainment, the standard kit has ten speakers and uses woofers embedded in the firewall to resonate through the chassis; that reduces door bulk and improves sound. Options include a Burmester Surround Sound system, and an even more expensive Burmester 3D Surround Sound version with up to 24 speakers in total. If you’re using the navigation system, you can show a Google Maps route on front and rear displays, complete with live traffic overlays.

Mobile TV and DVD are offered, as well as AM, FM, and DAB radio, and there’s the ability to make mixed-media playlists of music and video. Bluetooth audio is supported, and there are two USB inputs, Gracenote track data identification, the ability to view photos stored on USB or SD card, and WiFi hotspot functionality. In fact, the whole new COMAND Online system Mercedes has used is now powered by an Intel Atom chip, and the driver and front passenger can see different views – such as navigation and TV – on the same central display, using a split-view system.

Mercedes S-Class video overview:

Unsurprisingly, none of this comes cheap. The new 2014 S-Class will be priced from €79,789.50 ($102,600) in Europe for the S350 BlueTEC short-wheelbase diesel, while the S500 long-wheelbase will close out the top of the initial range at €107,635 ($138,500); US pricing is yet to be confirmed, and of course there’ll be an encyclopedia-length options list to gush more money onto.

The laser projection headlights are something of amazement it seems, and thanks to some pretty nifty technology that’s built right into the headlights, drivers can project any image or video onto a screen. The images or video can come from a phone, tablet, flash drive, or even the internet using the GLA’s in-dash COMAND system.

However, Mercedes didn’t add projection to the GLA just for kicks and giggles — there is a logical purpose behind this, and the company says the projection system can be used as a real-time GPS navigation overlay.  It’s certainly something different then just looking at a small GPS screen during the whole trip.

The headlights feature a cooling system composed of a series of fans, so you won’t have to worry about the inevitable overheating of most projectors. Plus, there’s even a pair of HD video cameras mounted to the roof of the vehicle, and they’re detachable so you can take them with you when you’re not driving around. As for the engine specs, you’re looking at a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder motor pushing out 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive.

[via Engadget]

Garmin has been in the navigation business for a while, and they’ve been a go-to solution for GPS products. However, the next time you buy a new Mercedes-Benz, it could come with an infotainment system with Garmin navigation component built right in, although there’s no word on when exactly Mercedes-Benz will begin putting Garmin units in their new cars. However, it’s said that the car maker will be slowly ramping up Garmin integration over the next four years.

Garmin says that the built-in navigation for these new Mercedes-Benz models will not only display the usual navigation stuff, but drivers will also have access to other navigation information, like when your next turn is, which will show up on a second display positioned behind the steering wheel, so that drivers can easily glance at it.

The infotainment systems will come with navigation functions that can be controlled via voice while driving, creating a safe, hands-free environment. Plus, Garmin will include technology that will provide GPS information for Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS), which can assist drivers in dangerous road conditions.

Mercedes plans to launch a new vehicle on average of once per quarter. The two vehicles making their world debuts at the New York show include the 2014 CLA45 AMG and the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive. We don’t have the full details on either of those vehicles yet, but the embargo on everything there is to know will expire today.

What we do know so far is that the CLA45 AMG will feature the most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production in the world producing 355 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle will have all wheel drive as well. The other world debut is the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive featuring a 134 hp electric motor and a driving range of 115 miles.

Making the US debut at the show will be the 2014 E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon and the 2014 CLS63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC. The last of the vehicles making its US debut is the 2014 C63 AMG sedan and coupe. Mercedes says by the end of 2013 there will be 21 AMG models available in the United States. The smart fortwo BoConcept signature style car will also be debuting in the US for the first time.

[via Mercedes-Benz (sub required)]

The G63 AMG 6×6 will only be produced in a limited quantity, something that isn’t surprising considering that the vehicle will only be out-priced by Mercedes-Benz’ SLS Electric Drive, which costs $457,000. No price tag has been given for the SUV, however, although it was noted that the car will go on sale in October of this year.

You can see the machine in action in the video above. The SUV features five differential locks, a tire-control system, and low-range gearing, according to AutoWeek. The 536-horsepower is provided by a twin Turbocharged 5.5-liter V8, while torque comes in at 560lb-foot. All this is rounded out by a 7G-tronic 7-speed auto transmission.

Accompanying this power is an 18.1-inch ground clearance, providing more than ample space for mowing down zombies. The entire vehicle measures in at 231.3-inches long x 83.1-inches wide x 87-inches high, making it a tad larger on all sides than its four-wheel sibling. As far as the luxury part goes, the interior features leather and polished bamboo.

[via AutoWeek]

The G63 AMG is designed to be used in tough off-road terrain with three electrically controlled 100% differential locks, a ladder frame, rigid axle, in a giant V-8 twin turbo engine. That hand built AMG engine produces 536 hp and 560 pound-foot of torque. That means that the impressive off-roader is very quick.

Mercedes-Benz announced that the G63 AMG has inspired boat tie up with Cigarette Racing. I wouldn’t have thought about a boat in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz. Bhen you hear the specifications of the impressive boat, the tie up is understandable. This isn’t your typical fishing boat, this is a big high-performance racing boat and it’s incredibly fast on the water.

The boat is 42-feet long and has a beam of 11’11″. Power for the boat comes from five Mercury Racing Verado 350SCi engines. Those five engines propel the massive boat to a top speed of 78 mph, which is flying on the water. The giant ship also holds 500 gallons of fuel to feed the five thirsty engines.

[via Cigarette Racing]

Samsung ended up going all out this year for their Super Bowl ad, taking up a full two minutes of airtime, costing them around $16 million after it was all said and done. Actors Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd, as well as NBA all-star LeBron James made appearances in the commercial, and discussed some ideas on what Samsung’s “next big thing” could be. BlackBerry (formerly known as RIM) aired their first-ever Super Bowl ad, spending a few million dollars on an ad showing off the new BlackBerry Z10, which according to the ad, will light you on fire, so be careful.

Best Buy ended up airing their own Super Bowl ad as well, and it features SNL alum and Parks & Recreation star Amy Poehler, who is pretty much the most adorable and funniest woman in show business right now, so we have to give it up for Best Buy for pulling off such a cute and witty ad.

We knew GoDaddy would make an appearance at the Super Bowl, as they do every year, but this time they aired two ads, one featuring the typical sexy theme that you know and love, and then there was an ad that actually wasn’t that bad. The company advertised their .co domain names, and the ad rings true of anyone with an original idea these days.

As far as the automotive commercials, it was a hit or miss mostly. Audi’s “Prom” ad was probably our favorite one out of the bunch, with Dodge’s “Paul Harvey” commercial at a close second. Other car ads included VW’s semi-racist Jamaican ad, Hyundai’s adorable “Team” ad featuring kids with super powers, Kia’s “Hotbots” ad, Mercedes-Benz with their celebrity-filled commercial (as well as one featuring Kate Upton), Lincoln’s Jimmy Fallon ad and “Phoenix” teaser, and an awkward Toyota ad featuring Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco.

Movie trailers were also hot stuff during Super Bowl commercial breaks. The Iron Man 3 trailer caught our eye the most, with Star Trek: Into Darkness also showing off a quick teaser for us. World War Z also made a quick appearance, and we also saw an extended teaser for Johnny Depp’s upcoming movie, The Lone Ranger.

Now we want to hear what you think. We know not every ad this year was amazing, and some were iffy at best. What was your favorite commercial from the Super Bowl? Which tech company blew it out of the park? Which one could’ve been better? What suggestions would you make to the creators of the ads? Sound off in the comments below!

The CL, SLS, CLS, R, M, and smart models all experienced lower sales this January than last, with the rest seeing a boost – some of them by thousands of vehicles. Breaking the numbers down, the SL-Class experienced a 290-percent increase over last year, followed by the S-Class at 19.5-percent, the Sprinter at 16.6-percent, and the C-Class at 10.6-percent.

Mercedes-Benz USA saw a total of 1,054 diesel models sold, as well as 8,159 through its Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, a jump of over 17-percent over its January 2012 sales. Recently, the company unveiled its CLA four-door coupe, which is the launch of a new segment. The model is set to hit showrooms in April.

Mercedes-Benz USA President and CEO Steve Cannon offered this statement. “We’ve set another record this January and are breaking into 2013 at a strong sales pace. It’s a historic time for the brand with product milestones that will drive our momentum. Our new CLA, the star of our Super Bowl ad this weekend, will reset the entry point. Stay tuned as product innovations continue throughout the year with the introductions of our completely redesigned E-Class and new generation of our flagship S-Class.”

[via PR Newswire]

Fuel-cell electric vehicles, or FCEVs, power their motors by combining hydrogen and oxygen, with water the only physical byproduct. A high-pressure tank contains the hydrogen, while oxygen is extracted from the air.

The three companies involved have, they point out, a cumulative total of over 60 years of fuel-cell vehicle development, and more than 6m miles in test driving and demonstration models. Work on the homogenized stack will take place in multiple locations around the world, while teams from the three companies will also look at collaborating on other components FCEVs will require so as to achieve further economy of scale.

Unlike the BMW-Toyota partnership, however, which will take an active role in pushing the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, Ford, Daimler, and Renault-Nissan instead hope that their work “sends a clear signal” to existing hydrogen network stakeholders that they need to pull their finger out and get working.

Still, that focus means today’s deal may result in a workable car – or cars – before BMW and Toyota have something ready for the forecourts. The trio today claim 2017 is the earliest a fuel-cell vehicle may be on the market, whereas BMW and Toyota gave themselves a little more wiggle-room, estimating that they would have something prepared by 2020.

On the outside, the gaping grille leads a body that does mischievous things with convex and concave surfacing, throwing copious LEDs behind the lamp cover-glass for what Mercedes describes as “flare effect” lighting. A huge panoramic sunroof is an option, with both a fixed polycarbonate section up-front and a sliding mineral crystal panel at the back. The swoopy styling is also very slippery: drag area is down to 0.51m2, a record for production cars, while the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition version of the CLA will be even more efficient when it arrives in June.

Under the hood, the range kicks off with the CLA 180, packing a 1.6 litre petrol engine with 122HP and a 0-62 mph dash in 9.3s, topping out at 130mph. Those looking for more speed can step all the way up to the €38,675 CLA 250 ($52,000), with a 2.0 litre petrol engine mustering 211HP and a 0-62mph time of 6.7s; that pushes the top speed to to 150mph. A €37,991 diesel CLA 220 CDI ($51,000) manages 170HP and 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, and shares the CLA 250′s 7G-DCT dual-clutch auto transmission. The other models get Mercedes’ 6-speed manual.

Inside, there’s Siri integration if you’re an iPhone user, with Glympse real-time location sharing, Facebook and Twitter social networking, internet radio, Garmin-powered navigation with Google Street View graphics, and the latest version of Mercedes’ COMAND Online infotainment deck. That has Bluetooth, real-time traffic, and more. Ambient fiber-optic lighting is an option, while the four seats emphasize the outer seats, with Mercedes pushing the CLA as a 2+1-seater.

Bluntly, we’d been hoping for more in terms of performance from the CLA, with even the CLA 250 lacking the grunt to match its aggressive looks. Still, there’s plenty of room for Mercedes to slot in higher-capacity engines from elsewhere in its range, and of course when tuner AMG gets its hands on the car, all bets are off. The Mercedes CLA is up for order now.

While we’ve seen RC cars and other devices controlled by our favorite smartphones before, SilverLit added a few nice features that makes their Mercedes-Benz quite fun. The device is actually meant to be an awesome replica Mercedes-Benz for your office desk or garage. It then doubles as an RC car. It doesn’t just drive around endlessly searching for a garage however, it has other functions.

We first mentioned this a few weeks ago, and now we have the details. Instead of sitting on a desk, you can use this to secretly annoy and surprise co-workers and office mates. The built-in speakers actually jam out and plays your devices iTunes library. Once paired with the SilverLit app you’ll be able to play your own music playlist. Here’s a quick video of it in action although you might not be able to hear the music.

The Mercedes-Benz by SilverLit has integrated speakers that will blast your favorite tunes right from your iPad or iPhone 5 iTunes library. While this isn’t ideal for average users (as we don’t fit in the car) kids can enjoy it, as well as those wanting to have a little fun at the office. Then you’ll be able to make the SilverLit dance. Yes we said dance. The car lights flash to the beat, and the doors will open and close too. It’s actually quite fun and more than just your average RC car. So far pricing hasn’t been finalized by SilverLit, but it will be available this spring.

The 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet are set to go on sale in the United States in the summer of 2013. The 2014 model year cars are fitted with partial LED lighting in the headlights as standard equipment and full LED headlight technology is available as an option. The vehicle is rear-wheel drive and the styling is intended to make the car look muscular and sporty according to Mercedes.

The Cabriolet version has an acoustic soft top featuring high-grade insulation promising the lowest noise levels of any Cabriolet in its class. The special acoustic material used in the soft top helps to prevent wind noise from entering the cabin when the vehicle is at speed. The Cabriolet features an interesting AIRSCARF neck-level heating system.

This heating system is designed to help keep the driver and passenger warm from the neck up to help extend the convertible driving season. The vehicle safety systems include a steering assistance system to help the driver keep vehicle centered in their lane and a brake assist system to boost braking power applied by the driver when needed to prevent an accident. The E-Class vehicles have a standard start/stop system and can be had with a 302 HP V-6 engine or a 402 HP V-8 with twin turbos depending on the model. The vehicles use seven-speed automatic transmissions. Pricing information is unknown.

First and foremost, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is controlled using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. The car will connect your device using Bluetooth and a downloadable app that’s included along with your purchase. This setup allows you to use your device’s tilt controls to steer the car, and if you’re using an iPhone, you’ll feel force feedback as you rev the engine, which increases in intensity the faster the car is going.

While all of that is awesome, there’s one feature in particular that makes the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG RC really stick out from the crowd: music playback. You can use the app to play music from your device while you’re driving the car, or you can park it and play your music through the speakers this bad boy comes equipped with. The gull-wing doors on the car open to make sure you can hear everything nice and clear, and the lights on the car will even flash along to the music.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG comes with a price tag of $129.99 and will be launching sometime in Spring 2013. Silverlit is set to give the RC car a full reveal during CES 2013, which is right around the corner. Of course, we’ll be there reporting on all of the awesome stuff that’s sure to appear on the show floor, so keep it here at SlashGear for all you need to know!

A new video takes a few guesses as to what the highly anticipated Galaxy S IV will look like and what kind of features it’ll have, and a new concept from Hyundai will have users taking advantage of NFC to lock and unlock their vehicles. Federal regulators are pushing for black boxes in cars made after September 2014, and Toshiba has pulled the veil off a new 20-megapixel sensor for a point-and-shoot camera. We heard today that Game of Thrones and Project X were among the most pirated products in 2012, and Samsung told us how its Galaxy line has been performing in India.

Apple CEO Tim Cook took a 99% pay cut this year, while Samsung was busy dishing new details on its Premium Suite and the Android 4.1 update for the original Galaxy Note. Apple and Intel are rumored to be working on iWatch and targeting a 2013 release, and Mercedes-Benz released promotional images for the 2014 CLA-class early. We were told that crime in New York City is up for the first time in 20 years thanks to iDevice hype, while Microsoft doubled the number of apps on the Windows Phone market in 2012. If you’re in the giving mood, you might want to support Extra Lives’ Pokethon III, but if you’ve got some cash burning a hole in your pocket, Xbox Live’s Borderlands 2 sale isn’t a bad idea either.

OUYA developer consoles started shipping today, the Sony ODIN has been tipped to hit the market as the Xperia X, and Foursquare and NASA have launched a new Curiosity Explorer badge. Microsoft said today it isn’t all that worried about Google stealing its Office thunder, and Windows RT has been ported to the HTC HD2. Finally tonight, Chris Burns delivers his review of the Spigen SGP SGP10091 Armor Slim Case for the iPhone 5. That does it for tonight’s Evening Wrap-Up, we hope you enjoy the rest of your night folks!

The look of the CLA might be a little jarring for longtime Mercedes owners, as the company is taking some leaps of faith with the louder design. The new car has a lot in common with the A-class series, and its risky design can be attributed to Mercedes’ desire to net some younger customers for itself. Gernot Bracht explained the shake up in design to Car and Driver, saying that the 2014 CLA is “Definitely not a typical Mercedes-Benz.”

“The CLA is clearly informed by Asian tastes, and it symbolizes yet another departure from the traditionally purist German approach to design,” Bracht said. “But this is becoming a trend, and in a way the CLA reminds me of Opel’s approach with the new Adam.” Will this new design rub those longtime fans of Mercedes-Benz the wrong way? Perhaps it’s too early to tell, but we could definitely see this kind of car getting younger drivers interested.

We’ll have to wait until next month to find out more about the 2014 CLA, but for now, we have these shots to gawk at. Expect the the 2014 CLA to get a lot of attention as Mercedes-Benz reveals more about it, given that the car signals something of a departure for the famous car company. What do you think of the 2014 CLA’s design?

It’s still unmistakably an E-Class, but Mercedes has tightened things up along the side crease-lines and the rear is less fussy. The BlueDIRECT gas engine range has been expanded, available with a choice of four-, six-, and eight-cylinder options, while ECO start/stop in low-speed traffic is standard across all models. At the top end there’s the E500 4MATIC with a 4.6-litre V8 putting out 408HP and boasting a 5.2s 0-62mph dash. Mercedes also has various diesel models, including a BlueTEC HYBRID pairing a four-cylinder diesel engine with a 26HP electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and 107 g/km CO2 output.

Transmissions include a 6-speed manual and a seven-speed auto with shift paddles. Mercedes has introduced a short-term “M” manual mode, too, which automatically returns to fuel-efficient auto mode after a period of time of manual shifting.

Technology plays a greater role elsewhere, too, with a new “Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera” mounted by the rear-view mirror and giving the onboard computers a 3D view of the 500 meter range (including up to 50 meters in front) around the E-Class. That – along with radar systems – is used to track pedestrians and other traffic, in addition to road signs, and works with the various collision prevention, brake assistance, lane-keeping, tailback-tracking, and other systems the car boasts. The cameras will even help you park, showing a bird’s eye view of your car and the space you’re trying to get into.

At the driver’s seat, you’ll have the optional COMAND Online system, with a 7-inch color display, internet connection, navigation, emergency calling, and – for a little extra cash – a 6-disc DVD changer. It supports Google search, Google Streetview, local point-of-interest search and other downloadable apps. Otherwise, it’s a choice of a CD player with USB port (and 5.8-inch display) with a choice of CD changer and optional navigation. Throw more money again at Mercedes, and they’ll put some Bang & Olufsen speakers in there too.

Pricing for the 2014 E-Class is yet to be revealed, and we’ll have to wait until 2013 to see the first glimpse of the E63 AMG sedan and wagon models the company has promised.

Pope Benedict is known for his whimsical red shoes, but the Vatican sensibly stuck with white for the new Popemobile’s paint0job. There are some embroidered coat of arms details on the throne inside, however, and the roof lining is illuminated.

It’s safety which is key among the concerns, however, though neither the Vatican nor Mercedes are keen to say exactly how the car has been modified in that respect. Judging by the outgoing Popemobile, in service since 2002 and based on the previous M-Class, there’ll be bulletproof glass for the windows and roof, along with reinforced, armored side panels and underbody.

The throne itself is accessed by a huge rear door; it’s not clear if it’s hydraulically lifted, as in the old model. Mercedes’ ML63 AMG top-spec model – in its regular form – can manage 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, though the Popemobile is unlikely to ever see such speeds.

The vehicle is called the Ener-G-Force and Mercedes says that the vehicle is designed for crowded roads with electronically monitored and guided traffic, a much larger population, and to deal with changes in human behavior. Mercedes figures that outdoor activities will dominate leisure time and therefore, a vehicle for police officers capable of traveling across all surfaces will be needed.

I don’t know about all that, what I do know is that the concept car is very cool. The concept car was inspired by the G-Class. The concept has a three-panel greenhouse with lines that reminded the classic G-Class. It rides on 20-inch wheels and looks sort of like a futuristic off-road racing truck.

In the rear of the vehicle is a pullout toolbox designed to hold a variety of equipment without having to open the entire tailgate. The concept stores recycled water in tanks on the roof and transfers the water to a “hydro-tech converter” where natural and renewable resources are converted into hydrogen to operate fuel cells that power the vehicle. The car has four electric motors with one in each wheel. The odds of this ever making it to production are virtually nonexistent, but it’s always cool to see an interesting concept car.

That V8 comes with no supercharging or turbocharging, instead relying on natural aspiration for its 8,000rpm maximum and 635 Mb of torque at 5500rpm. However, various AMG efforts to slim the car have helped squeeze as much potential out of the powerplant as possible; the new sports exhaust system, for instance, has been crafted from titanium, saving 13kg from its steel predecessor.

In fact, at 1,550kg, the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is 70kg in total lighter than the SLS AMG. The bonnet is carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, just as is used in motorsport, as is the rear panel behind the seats, the underbody bracing, and the torque tube. CRP replaces aluminum in sections of the space frame, and even the traditional starter battery has been junked, replaced by an 8kg lighter li-ion power pack.

For the driver, the most noticeable differences may be the new dual-clutch transmission – which has faster shifting speed and auto double-declutching during downshifts, along with a temporary manual mode for the occasional system override – and the AMG rear-axle differential lock, which promises better control over traction, even when most of the nannying electrics have been turned off. There are ceramic composite brakes as standard – now 16kg lighter than the old set – and an all-new chassis and suspension system.

Externally, Mercedes-AMG has borrowed FIA GT3 style for the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series’ flared wings, tinted lights, various carbon-fiber splitters, sills, and other components. Inside, there are bucket seats, metal elements across the dash, and plenty of leather and Alcantara. AMG even ditches Mercedes’ traditional COMAND APS entertainment/nav system to save weight, though it can be added back in as an option. That can be paired with a Bang & Olufsen sourced 1000W audio system with eleven speakers, two of which are illuminated.

Mercedes-AMG says the new car will go on sale in June 2013. No word on pricing at this stage.

Technical details on the new engine are scant so far. Described as a 4-cylinder gasoline unit, with direct-injection and a turbocharger, it will supposedly be “compact” and show up in the first cars from all firms in 2016 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Nissan has also grabbed a license to manufacture automatic transmissions using Daimler technology, which Nissan has said will take place in Mexico. Daimler gearboxes already help waft-friendly autobahn cruisers like Mercedes’ sedans shuttle through eight gears, and Nissan’s versions will use “park and shift by wire” and “start and stop” tech the German firm has developed.

The new ‘boxes will be used in both Nissan and Infiniti models, also from 2016, likely tuned for various degrees of efficiency, smoothness, and performance, depending on the specific vehicle and target audience.

Daimler and Renault-Nissan are still in discussions regarding fuel-cell powertrains, the companies confirmed, as well as a cross-supply program for battery and powertrain components for zero-emission compact models. City-car manufacturer and Daimler subsidiary smart showed off a concept all-electric model, the forstars, last week at the Paris Auto Show, which pairs battery power with smartphone remote control and an integrated projector for impromptu movie screenings.

The video which shows the feat is quickly becoming a smash hit of its own, as seeing this massively expensive car capture a ball whose take-off speed was 178 mph down an airport runway is no one-time view. Have a peek at this action right this instant:

You’ll find that Mercedes-Benz got in on the action as well with a “making of” video which shows some behind the scenes action. This video shows how not only did they not get the catch the first time, it actually took a few tries to get it right – and one broken windshield as well.

Let us know if you’ve done anything nearly as interesting as this lately, and of course feel free to tout your own personal world records as well!

[via Mercedez-Bens]

The car also has an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph. All the power the engine produces is sent to the rear wheels via a recalibrated AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed transmission. The 2013 model is also available as a coupe and roadster. I think this car needs the gullwing doors and really don’t like the convertible version. The car will go on sale in the middle of November 2012 and will replace previous SLS AMG versions.

The new 13 model also has optional AMG design Style interior packages. The seven-speed transmission has a manual mode the shift gears using paddles behind the steering wheel. The car also gets specially tuned AMG Adaptive Suspension with stiffer more aggressive spring/damper tuning and the suspension has a sport mode. Pricing is unannounced at this time, but these cars are decisively high-end.

After AMG gets finished massaging that Turbo 5.5L V8, the engine produces 550 HP and 560 pound-feet of torque. That is a lot of power, even in a full-size SUV. The engine is paired with an AMG speed shift seven-speed automatic transmission that offers three driving modes. The driving modes include one for fuel savings with a start-stop feature.

AMG also fits the big SUV with giant brakes measuring 15.4″ x 1.4″ in the front and 13.6″ x 1″ in the rear. The big SUV will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. That’s not supercar territory today, but considering this is a full-sized SUV the performance is impressive. The car is expected to hit dealers in Q1 of 2013.

[via The Car Connection]

Lexus dealerships have begun looking to firms with a reputation for clear, understandable advice such as Apple for their in-showroom staff, one dealer tells the WSJ. Its in-house “technology specialist” – previously an Apple Store employee – talks through new owners in dedicated handover sessions, helping them hook up their phones, set up voice dialing, personalize navigation and sync multimedia.

Mercedes, meanwhile, has 11,000 trained employees across the US, equipped with 1,300 specially purchased iPads, that pull the exact specifications of each new car from the VIN (vehicle identification number) and create custom tutorial guides. As well as the expert advice, there are videos showing some of Mercedes’ more technical features; by tailoring the content based on what standard and optional features the car has been outfitted with, there’s no confusion around aspects being missed out or incorrectly mentioned.

Cadillac CUE iPad app demo:

Cadillac will offer OnStar drivers technical advice for their in-car systems at the touch of a button, and will fly 25 newly-trained specialists around to bring showroom staff up to speed. The CUE app for iPad is a free download [iTunes link], though you’ll need an access ID and password for GM Global Connect to actually use it.

“In standby mode they shine red” Mercedes gurgles of the indicators, “when they are activated, the individual elements light up one after another in a “Mexican wave” effect.” Current concept flourish-du-jour, the panoramic glass roof, is also present and correct, as are strangely “rippled” door mirrors.

Inside there’s lashings of carbon-fiber and leather, all edged in neon green pinstriping, with anthracite-coloured Alcantara rubbing supple shoulders with suede. Switchgear gets a black anodised finish, and while the seats have been recycled from the A-Class Sports model, they do get an illuminated, electroplated insert.

In fact, light-up elements seem to be Mercedes’ fetish of the moment, with the vents glowing red when blowing hot, blue when cold, and matching the pinstriping when at an ambient temperature. A COMAND Online in-car entertainment system with cloud integration rounds the dash out.

With all this style and leather you could forget to actually drive the CSC, though what’s under the hood might surprise you. Mercedes has used its 2.0-litre 211hp new petrol engine with a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission. No word on how, exactly, the Concept Style Coupé may translate to a production model, but Mercedes isn’t being too coy about its ambitions for the car.

The most interesting addition for 2013 is the G63 AMG model that packs an eight-cylinder biturbo engine under the hood. That AMG model also gets start/stop technology standard. The 2013 G-class is landing in US showrooms in August. The standard engine in the G-class is the 5.5-liter V8 producing 388 HP and 391 pound-foot of torque with a seven speed automatic transmission.

The AMG version biturbo V-8 produces 544 HP and 560 pound-foot of torque. The vehicle also gets a bunch of drivers assistance aids including blind spot assist, LED daytime running lights, a color instrument cluster display, and a lot more. Pricing on the 13 G-class is unannounced.

This vehicle is being touted by its makers as a “German castle”, meaning it’s certainly a giant in the industry as well as in your garage. You’ll be working with style as well, of course, and we should expect so for a vehicle whose current iteration costs $63,000 for its diesel model or $85,000 for the model tagged GL550. This new version could end up costing six figures before all is said and done.

The new MB here is not made for your everyday consumer, certainly not one worrying about gas prices – it’s no small customer. That said, executives are claiming that this model has an 18 percent fuel economy gain over past models here in the GL450 – but how far can such a gain go?

The GL-Class revealed here this week has a 4.6-liter engine with 406 horse power in the GL450 model, and 429 horses galloping through the GL550 model. This engine is the company’s biturbo direct-injection V-8 engine. There’s also a 240 horsepower diesel inside the GL350 Bluetec. Have a peek at this monstrously lovely vehicle in the gallery above and below, and let us know if you’ll be dropping cash on it soon!

[via Daimler]

So, what does the 2012 SL 65 AMG have under the hood? A 6.0 litre twin turbocharged V12 engine, capable of producing 630 brake horsepower. It also generates a serious amount of torque: 737lb-ft. Top speed is said to be 250km/h, with the car going from zero to a hundred km/h in exactly four seconds.

The car’s body has also been tweaked, with Mercedes saying it’s 170 kilograms lighter than before thanks to an all aluminium construction. The brakes have been adjusted in order to cope with the increased power and reduced weight, with six pistol callipers to clamp the 390mm brake discs on the front wheels, and single piston callipers handling the 360mm discs on the rear wheels. Ceramic brakes will also be an optional extra.

How much can you expect to pay for this speed demon? Around €236,000 (~$312,000) when it’s released in September. Hopefully you’ll find a buyer for your vital organs before then.

The car has a big “B” in the grill along with a matte black paint job. It also has cool wheels and a few other tweaks. The big draw this car is the twin turbo V12 engine under the hood producing 788 BHP. That’s enough motivation to get the car to 100 KM/H in 3.7 seconds. If you keep your foot in it long enough, it needs 23.8 seconds to reach 186 mph on its way to a top speed of 230 mph.

The car is based on the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe, but the V8 is replaced with the aforementioned massive V12. The engine produces 1047 LB-FT of torque by default, but Brabus limits that torque electronically to 811 LB-FT from 2100 RPM up to prevent you from reducing the tires to molten rubber. The transmission has a seven-speed automatic that has paddles behind the wheel for shifting or a normal automatic mode. The car sells for €378,000 working out about $500,000 in the United States.

[via GizMag]

Although the resolution of the LED panels themselves is relatively low, at a suitable distance it’s enough to give a strong enough impression of being able to see right through the car. The effect is most impressive when the Mercedes is parked out in the wilderness, suddenly jumping out at you in the video below when the panels cycle through bright colors.

The LED tech is actually being considered by the US military for so-called invisible tanks, cladding armored vehicles in panels that help disguise them against their background. That’s useful on the battlefield, but not so much on the roads in your brand new F-Cell powered Merc.

Still, the company’s slogan with F-Cell is “invisible to the environment” and that makes for some good marketing. The fuel-cell itself runs on hydrogen, and emits only water and oxygen as byproducts.

[via NOTCOT and via Mashable]

In fact, all of the iPhone functionality can be used, even if drivers only have the basic Audio 20 system in their car. The iPhone 4S itself also gets recharged while plugged in, and its display is outputted to the in-dash screen.

There’s also Garmin-powered real-time traffic data, with POI search and 3D mapping, in the Digital DriveStyle App. A car finder tool will automatically store the car’s location in a parking garage, too, and there’s AUPEO! Personal Radio for streaming entertainment and social networking integration.

Although the new system will arrive in the A-Class first Mercedes-Benz expects to roll it out to the B-, C- and E-Class from fall 2012.

Featured: Don’t miss our review of LG’s newest Verizon 4G LTE phone, the Spectrum. Also, if you’re into cool automotive technology, you have to check out our hands-on report of Mercedez-Benz’s tricked-out new mbrace2 platform. It’s pretty dope. And if that isn’t enough Mercedez-Benz goodness for you, we also took a ride with an interior concept that is pretty mind-boggling.

Gaming: The PlayStation Vita launch is less than a month away and today we learned details about what bundled goodies to expect when the anticipated device finally goes on sale. Check out the details right here. Our Chris Burns also took a look at how Steam’s emerging mobile platform might capture a whole new audience.

Other Stuff: For all you science nerds, here’s an interesting piece – NEOShield international asteroid threat-reduction group forming now. We also found a scoop on a mysterious ZTE tablet that was outed by the FCC. If iPad news is more your style, check out this: Blue Spark Digital condenser microphone for iPad revealed and detailed.

It’s been a busy day, but we’ll be back on Monday night for another roundup of the best stories of the day right here on Slashgear.

iPhone apps

First have a peek at the mobile application. Though we do not have a fully working model here in person, we’ve got all the functionality built-in to this setup anyway. First you’ll get a glimpse of the smartphone-based out-of-car controls, then we’ll step into the vehicle for another connection. Here you’ll get a taste of what connecting your car directly to your iPhone for a fully immersive and interactive experience in intelligent console computing feels like.

Built-in Facebook app

Next have a peek at a couple of apps that will be working with mbrace2 aside from the smartphone experience. First you’ll get a peek at Facebook, fully operational with your in-car dial and able to update your status on the fly. Pay special attention to how smooth the operation already is even though we’re still in a bit of a pre-release phase here. This is but one of a collection of apps you’ll have built-in with mbrace2.

Built-in Google Local Search app

Next there’s Google Local Search, this also built-in to mbrace2 and ready for some search and map action. The unique thing about this build of Google’s search and mapping system is that no other group currently has street view and panoramic view from the vehicle. This will prove quite valuable to you when you’re hunting for that one tiny sandwich shop amongst hundreds of buildings in your own gigantic city.

mbrace2 Control Module

Finally take a look at the mbrace2 Control Module. It’s through this that you’ll have the connectivity for everything you’ve seen above, be it the iPhone-connected interface or the built-in applications. This bit is built-in to the car and you’ll never physically see it, but it’s a comfort to know what it looks like nonetheless. This technology is built by Continental and has its own chip, internal Bluetooth connectivity, cellular connections, and GPS connector antenna.

This whole technology suite will be hitting Mercedes-Benz vehicles in spring of 2012. Look for it at your local dealer’s lot relatively soon!

We got the opportunity to take a ride in the vehicle as a Mercedes-Benz assistant helped us along. Your humble narrator was shown how the front screen and the control scheme worked together to create a fully immersive experience for the driver. You’ll see in the video how menus sat on carrousels, selections were made with a push forward on the atmosphere in front of one’s hand, and at no point was there any doubt that the car was attempting to think with the person controlling it. Though the controls weren’t exactly simply to work with, as the sensor technology wasn’t perfect, this certainly stuck with us as one of the most amazing shows of power at the convention.

While the dashboard shows off menus that included media, social, and places, each of them able to control what you’re hearing and seeing around you, who you’re contacting from the vehicle, and mapping where you want to go, it was the windshield that really showed off the state of the future. In the windshield you were able to see not only the turn-by-turn directions you’d pushed up from the dashboard so that you could experience them in a less distracting way, but landmarks were pointed out and were able to be collected as you drove. Incoming calls appeared on the display as images of the people calling, and all of this could be pulled down into your dashboard for safe keeping.

Have a look at what’s going to be possible someday, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, and let us know what you think. I certainly wouldn’t mind having something like this working in my vehicle in the next few years. Unfortunately there may be a few legal hurdles to cross before allowing on-windshield displays, even IF they’re perfectly excellent like this one was. Mercedes-Benz, bring us the future right now!

MB calls this the “Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience” or DICE. The front view out of the car could have speed, points-of-interest, engine efficiency, navigation and other information superimposed, as well as flagging up safety hazards; however, location-based services could also be used to pull in other information, such as playing venue-themed music when driving past a club. Local news, or information about landmarks and places could be accessed via a simple gesture; meanwhile, drivers would be able to leave location-fixed messages and alerts for others.

“As much as a smartphone can be far more than just a tool for communication, a smart car can be more than just a means of transportation” Mercedes-Benz head Dr. Dieter Zetsche said at the tech show today. “Precisely at the interfaces between communication and mobility, vast potential for innovation lies dormant, and we intend to tap it.”

Zetsche also suggested that the in-car telemetrics could be used to create impromptu car-shares, alerting those in need of a ride that there’s a vehicle nearby, headed in the right direction, that has a spare seat. Called CarTogether, it could use Facebook as an organizational venue, and sit alongside traditional short-term rental schemes like ZipCar.

Perhaps more likely in the short term is ”Media”, “Social” and “Places” integration into the infotainment system, which Mercedes says could be used to flag up which of your Facebook friends are nearby on a 3D city outline. The company already offers internet access and Mercedes Apps in Europe as part of the COMAND Online system; that will soon be offered in the US as mbrace2.

Maybach cars found some favor among the custom-obsessed, thanks to Mercedes’ willingness to modify and tweak vehicles according to buyer whim; its hefty power-plants and brutal looks also saw third-party firms try their hand at customization, such as Xenatec’s outlandish Cruiserio. The brand rode a short wave of popularity among rap artists, though was subsequently usurped by Rolls Royce’s distinctively luxe Phantom and later convertible variants. Even so, rap’s target audience generally lacked the cash to follow the trend.

Those who do have sufficient funds will find Mercedes still eager to swipe their credit cards. “Plans are already in place to fill the void left by the axing of the Maybach 57 and 62 with the next-generation S-class,” the insider says, “which will be offered in three wheelbase variations and six different body styles, including a top-of-the-range S600 Pullman.”

Mercedes has never been shy of in-car technology, and the new S-class is expected to be a tour de force of electronics and gadgetry. Hybrid engines – in which electric motors will augment modular V6 and V8 traditional power plants – have already been tipped, along with a host of safety and entertainment options in the cabin. Sales should be considerably stronger than those of Maybach, which reportedly failed to even achieve its 800 per year target.

The iPhone Interface Plus system works with a free iOS app such that your iPhone can be completely integrated with the in-vehicle system. In this way, you can stash your iPhone in the glove compartment and be able to connect and control your smartphone, accessing your music, email, or social networks directly from the larger display and hardware controls on the vehicle’s dashboard.

Additionally, Mercedez-Benz will be offering an iPad Integration Plus system for rear-seat passengers that work like seat-back docking stations that can be tilted and turned for the best suitable angle. This makes it easy to watch movies, play games, or browse the web for back-seat customers while allowing them to easily recharge their tablets while on the road.

[via 9to5Mac]

The SLK55 AMG has a 5.5-liter V8 engine that has cylinder shut off tech to improve fuel economy. The engine is rated for 415 hp and has 398 lb-ft of torque. The car also gets a special AMG suspension to help the car handle better and a high-performance brake system to help the car stop. Mercedes clams that the car can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The cylinder shut off system will turn the two, three, five, and eight cylinders under partial load to lower fuel use. Mercedes says that this same sort of tech is used in its formula one engines. The engine also uses automatic start stop technology to shut the engine off when the driver stops at a light and automatically start the engine back up when it’s time to drive. The transmission is an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic that has an automatic rev-matching function when downshifting. The car is a retractable hard top convertible. Pricing is unannounced at this time

The shape of this vehicle, Vardai says, is based on the aerodynamics of an airplane, a streamlined set of sides for a smooth ride all the time. Black and silver are strewn throughout (though you can only see the black and the lights above) and lights, although the designer doesn’t mention them in his outline, are taken straight out of the newest installment in the Tron series: Legacy. Behold!

[Via Yanko Design]

According to Mercedes-Benz, this is the first car that’s actually “grown.” They mean that it’s grown in a nursery, and that it is molded to fit a particular driver’s needs and wants. Basically, the shape, elements of the vehicle, and anything else Mercedes-Benz feels should be customized, will be made to fit what the driver wants. This way, no Biome vehicle will be completely like another. The wheels are apparently grown from four different seeds, which provide them with their rounded, “puffy” look.

The car is also a solar collector. It’s designed to work like a leaf, and absorb solar energy while you’re out and driving about. The result? That’s what would power the vehicle, mostly. Other details about the vehicle are still anyone’s guess, but with what’s already known, we are already starting to count down the days until the Biome becomes the real deal.

[via DVICE]