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Mercedes-Benz releases updates for 2012 models

In the 2012 model-year most Mercedes-Benz vehicles are equipped with a more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission and increased power from direct-injection gasoline engines. That includes a new turbo four-cylinder, a normally aspirated V6 and bi-turbo V8s – some with ECO Stop/Start technology.
Posted: May 12, 2011 - 6:29PM
Author: Don Bain

Many 2012 models also feature a new viewscreen with a 5.8-inch color display, Bluetooth audio streaming, phonebook download, album cover art and USB port. Comand with Navigation receives a 7-inch screen, SIRIUS weather, display of personal photos, 3D city models, intermediate navigation destinations, area avoidance and a larger 10GB Music Register.

The C-Class sedan is restyled with direct-injection 4 and 6-cylinder engines, aluminum hood and standard equipment including HD radio, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, USB interface and an integrated compass.

New headlights compliment the exterior with LED daylight running lights and taillights, plus new designed bumpers and grille.

An all-new interior features a color instrument cluster with a fixed 5.8-inch display screen and available ParkTronic parking assistance.

Safety is enhanced with the indispensible Blind Spot Alert, Attention Assist, adaptive brakes with a Hold function, plus available adaptive headlamps and lane keeper.
The C250 Sport or Luxury models have a new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb.-ft. of torque.

The C350 Sport gets a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque.

The C63 AMG sedan and coupe both step up to a 7-speed Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT) and keeps its naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V8 (451 hp, 443 lb-ft) and righteous suspension. An optional AMG Development Package boosts output to 481 hp.

The new C-Class coupe debuts with bold styling borrowed from the AMG, a panoramic sunroof standard, shift paddles, integrated front seat headrests plus a 7-speed automatic transmission as well as the other technical highlights of the sedan.

The C250 Sport coupe gets the new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo and 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels

C350 Sport coupe also gets the new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 mentioned above and 17-inch AMG twin 5-spoke alloy wheels with a rear trunk-mounted spoiler.

All the above models will reach dealers this coming September.

In June, the new-generation of the CLS-Class Four-Door debuts with fresh styling, two new V8 engines, electromechanical steering, aluminum doors and the world’s first active LED headlights.

Despite four doors, Mercedes-Benz refers to this as a coupe – though the Aston Martin Rapide looks like a coupe, four doors still qualify it as a sedan. We suspect a similar tactic is in use here.

The CLS550 features a new direct-injection 4.6-liter bi-turbo V8 evolving an impressive 402 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft of torque with the more efficient 7-speed transmission, Airmatic suspension and optional 4MATIC all-wheel-drive by Sept.

The CLS63 AMG steps it up with a direct-injection 5.5-liter bi-turbo AMG V8 delivering a staggering 518 horses and 516 lb-ft towing power with ECO Stop/Start technology, the AMG 7-speed MCT and Airmatic rear suspension. An optional performance package boosts output to 550 hp/590 lb-ft. for those with a need for speed and high-powered lawyers to match.

The same tech and safety features in the C-Class coupe and sedan are added to the CL line-up.

The CL550 (two-door coupe) 4MATIC will follow in July with the same 4.6-liter direct-injection bi-turbo V8 as the CLS550.

The CL63 AMG keeps its 5.5-liter direct-injection bi-turbo AMG V8 (536 hp, 590 lb-ft) with ECO Stop/Start and the 7-speed MCT.

The remaining models in the class remain unchanged, though this level includes tech features such as Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Braking, automatic brake intervention and Nightview Assist with pedestrian detection.

The E350 Coupe and Cabriolet debut in July with a new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine boasting 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque plus new 17-inch twin 5-spoke wheels.

In October models with a new 4.6-liter direct-injection V8 engine (402 hp, 443 lb-ft) and electromechanical steering will be brought out.

Both have available active and passive Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, new steering wheels, shift paddles, standard LED daytime running lights, 7-speed transmission and the media interface moves to the center console.

We will follow up shortly with info on the new models of the E-Class sedan and wagon; G, GL and GLK SUVs; R-Class crossover, S-Class sedan, SL and SLK-Class coupes and roadsters, the SLS AMG and Sprinter Van.

Comments

boydfoose (not verified)    September 16, 2011 - 1:18PM

High performance Benz Parts is surely under the hood of this car! German's have their way of putting cars on the road that has the most power out of its engines.