The new aluminum engine reports 415 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque as well as direct injection with a stop-start feature to help improve fuel mileage. Look for the Mercedes-Benz roadster to arrive in showrooms sometime in January 2012; MSRP: $54,800.

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Participating in the Mercedes-Benz AMG Driving Academy has never been easier. Why? Now you can win a trip with the release of the new “AMG Performance Series Videos” and the opportunity to participate in the one-day intensive Basic Course at the Academy. Ten instructional videos, hosted by professional racecar driver and AMG Driving Academy instructor Tommy Kendall, are available on the Mercedes-Benz USA Facebook page as well as on YouTube. Enter the contest through September 15, 2011 on the Mercedes-Benz USA Facebook page. Contest includes a trip for four – you and three friends – to the AMG Driving Academy at Laguna Seca. And remember, when you get there drive like a PRO!

SEAT POSITION

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BRAKING

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SLALOM – AMG Driving Academy Video – Episode 3

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Thanks to fuel savings of around 30 percent compared to the existing AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine, the high-revving naturally aspirated eight-cylinder demonstrates the great innovative strength of AMG while simultaneously demonstrating the potential still available in naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engines.

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The distinctive AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine with AMG Cylinder Management and direct fuel injection will find exclusive use in the all-new 2012 SLK55 AMG, which will celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main in September. This means that the SLK55 AMG will remain the only roadster in its segment with an eight-cylinder engine.

Even with peak output increased by 60 hp to 415 hp and torque increased from 376 lb-ft to 398 lb-ft, the fuel consumption is about 30 percent less which places the new SLK55 AMG among the top performers in its segment.

New naturally aspirated eight-cylinder closely related to the V8 biturbo

In line with its “AMG Performance 2015″ strategy, Mercedes-AMG is meeting its promise to continuously reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models over the next few years with the new V8 motor – while reaching new heights with the central brand value of “Driving Performance.”

The new M152 is based on the AMG M157 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine which first debuted on the 2011MY CL63 AMG and S63 AMG. Numerous components and systems are basically identical, e.g. the displacement, bore/stroke, distance between cylinders, ECO stop/start system and direct injection technology. Distinguishing features versus the M157 include the new intake air ducting, new cylinder heads, the modified valve drive, an adapted oil supply system and an optimized crankcase.

High performance fuel economy and output

“With the new 415 hp AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine we have once again created a real masterpiece. The M152 sets an outstanding example for efficiency, while demonstrating the creativity and expertise of our engineers, who took their inspiration from Formula 1 when developing the cylinder shut-off system. This makes the new, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder the perfect power unit for the new SLK55 AMG, which will celebrate its premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt/Main in the autumn,” says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“Thanks to the innovative AMG Cylinder Management system and other high-tech components, our newly developed AMG M152 naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine achieves the fuel economy of a four-cylinder with the muscular power delivery and emotional sound experience of a V8. A sports car engine with technology taken from Formula 1 – I am convinced that the new SLK55 AMG will meet the high expectations of all sports car fans,” says Friedrich Eichler, head of powertrain development at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Key data* at a glance:

*provisional figures

Exclusive combination of advanced technologies

The high-tech M152 engine not only stirs emotions with its extraordinary power delivery and torque, but also thanks to a combination of advanced technologies which is unequalled anywhere in the world. No other gasoline engine features direct injection at a pressure of 2,900 psi, spray-guided combustion and piezo-injectors in conjunction with map-controlled cylinder shut-off, an all-aluminum crankcase with “spectacle” honing, four-valve technology with continuous camshaft adjustment, a high compression ratio of 12.6 : 1, an ECO stop/start system and generator management – while revving to a maximum of over 7,000 rpm. All these design features lead to high thermodynamic efficiency, which is the foundation for high fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions.

AMG Cylinder Management

The AMG Cylinder Management cylinder shut-off system, developed completely by Mercedes-AMG, significantly improves efficiency: cylinders two, three, five and eight are cut off under partial load, which considerably lowers fuel consumption. This technology is similar to what’s used in the 750 hp V8 engines used in Formula 1. Since efficiency also plays a major role in this ultimate form of motor racing, two or four of the eight cylinders are cut off when cornering at low speed, during Safety Car laps or for pit stops.

The cylinder shut-off function is available over a wide engine speed range from 800 to 3,600 rpm if the driver has selected transmission mode “C” – Controlled Efficiency. The AMG main menu in the instrument cluster informs the driver whether cylinder shut-off is active, and whether the engine is currently running in four or eight-cylinder mode. No less than 170 lb-ft of torque is still available in four-cylinder mode – enough power to ensure plenty of acceleration in most driving situations. As soon as the driver has a need for more power and leaves the partial load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are activated. The switch from four to eight-cylinder operation is immediate and imperceptible, leading to no loss of occupant comfort whatsoever. At an engine speed of 3,600 rpm the activation process takes no longer than 30 milliseconds.

Valves closed, fuel delivery and ignition deactivated

The cylinder shut-off system is made possible by a sophisticated engine management system, with 16 hydraulic actuators and a complex oil supply system in the cylinder head. The selectable actuators are integrated into the cylinder heads, and keep the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders two, three, five and eight closed. At the same time their fuel supply and ignition are deactivated. This not only enables the load-change losses of the four deactivated cylinders to be reduced, but also increases the efficiency of the four remaining cylinders. This is because the operating point is transferred to the higher load range. The actuators are compact and lightweight, allowing tight valve train operation and engine speeds up to 7,200 rpm.

All-aluminum crankcase with Silitec cylinder liners

The crankcase of the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine is made of diecast all-aluminum construction. The low (dry) engine weight of just 412.4 lbs is the result of uncompromising lightweight construction methods. The bearing covers for the main crankshaft bearings are grey cast iron, and are bolted to the crankcase as well as on the sides for high rigidity.

The piston rings are carbon-coated to minimize internal friction and optimize the wearing characteristics. Cast-in Silitec cylinder liners ensure low friction for the eight pistons. “Spectacle” honing is another measure to reduce friction and therefore fuel consumption: in this sophisticated and complex process, the cylinder liners receive their mechanical surface treatment when already bolted in place. As honing would no longer be possible with the cylinder head installed, a jig resembling a pair of spectacles is bolted to the crankcase. The cylinder liners distort as if the cylinder head were in place, and are only then given their mechanical surface treatment. As a result, any static distortion of the cylinder liners caused by tightening the cylinder head bolts can be completely eliminated.

Other measures to optimize efficiency:

• weight-optimized cast aluminum pistons with special piston skirt coating
• special ventilation holes in the crankcase
• oil pump with electrically controlled pressure stage
• separate oil pump for cylinder shut-off as a controllable, low-friction vane cell pump
• engine cooling on the particularly efficient cross-flow principle
• electronically controlled fuel pressure, fully variable and demand-related between 1,450 psi and 2,900 psi.

The forged crankshaft of high-grade 38MnS6BY steel alloy rotates in five main bearings, has eight counterweights and has been optimized with respect to torsional rigidity, inertia, low rotating masses and a long operating life. A two-mass viscous damper mounted at the front reliably eliminates vibrations. Each connecting rod journal on the crankshaft carries two forged, cracked connecting rods.

Four-valve technology with variable camshaft adjustment

Perfect charging of the combustion chambers is ensured by large intake and exhaust valves. The exhaust valves, which are subject to high thermal loads, are hollow and sodium-cooled. Four overhead camshafts operate the 32 valves via low-maintenance, low-friction cam followers. The infinitely variable camshaft adjustment within a range of 40 degrees on the intake and exhaust sides depends on the engine load and engine speed, leading to outstanding output and torque values. This also results in consistent idling at a low speed. Depending on the engine speed, valve overlap can be varied for the best possible fuel/air supply to the combustion chambers and efficient removal of the exhaust gases. The variable camshaft adjustment is carried out hydraulically via four pivoting actuators. These are electromagnetically actuated and controlled by the engine control unit. The camshafts are driven by three high-performance silent chains, which have considerable advantages in noise comfort compared to cylinder roller chains.

Controlled Efficiency stop/start function as standard

The Controlled Efficiency stop/start function further contributes to the low fuel consumption. This system is standard equipment in the new SLK55 AMG, and permanently active in the fuel economy transmission mode “C”. Once the driver brakes to a stop the V8 engine is automatically switched off. Once the brake pedal is released or the accelerator is depressed, the engine is immediately restarted and the car is able to accelerate quickly. Intelligent technology guarantees a comfortable and immediate start-up: a crankshaft sensor recognizes the direction of rotation and registers the resting position of all eight pistons. For an automatic engine start, the cylinder with the most favorable piston position receives an injection of fuel into its combustion chamber. The precise piezo-electric injectors greatly assist this process, as they make particularly fast starts possible. The M152 always starts in eight-cylinder operation.

The sophisticated engine management system ensures that the engine is only switched off if certain conditions are met. The starter battery must have sufficient charge, for example, and the engine must be at the necessary operating temperature for efficient emissions control. The same applies to the interior temperature selected by the driver: if this has not yet been reached, the engine is not switched off when the car comes to a stop. The onboard network management system makes sure that active audio, telephone or video functions are not interrupted by the stop/start function, and that the air conditioning continues to operate.

A framed “ECO” symbol in the AMG main menu shows the driver that the Page 7 Controlled Efficiency stop/start function is active. When cylinder shut-off is active, the driver is notified by the symbol “ECO4″, while “ECO8″ stands for eight-cylinder operation. Should one of the above criteria prevent activation of the system, this is shown in the central display by the message “Stop/start inactive” and an “ECO” symbol with no frame. In the two more performance-oriented driving modes “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual), the stop/start function is always deactivated. If required, the driver can also switch it off while in “C” mode as well. In this case neither a “stop/start” nor an “ECO” symbol appears.

Generator management helps to save fuel

A generator management system makes a further contribution to fuel economy: whenever the V8 engine is in overrun or when braking, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather than being wasted as heat in the usual way. In all other operating modes a combination of onboard network and generator management enables the generator to be kept at a low voltage. This reduces the load on the engine as well as fuel consumption when in city traffic with its frequent overrun and braking phases.

Highly efficient engine electronics for every function

All the engine functions are executed and controlled by a particularly efficient Bosch MED 17.7.3. control unit. This state-of-the-art engine computer not only controls the direct fuel injection, cylinder shut-off and variable oil supply, but also communicates with all the other onboard control units. The microprocessor has more than 30,000 different parameters and functions stored in its memory, and is able to perform up to 260 million individual operations per second. To reduce the load on the engine control unit, the eight individual ignition coils have an integral electronic module known as an ignition amplifier at each cylinder. These ensure a strong ignition spark at all engine speeds and under all load conditions. Eight high-voltage powerstages are responsible for highly precise actuation of the piezo-electric injectors.

New AMG sports exhaust system with integrated exhaust flaps

For the first time AMG is using a sports exhaust system featuring an exhaust flap on each side. This technology resolves the age-old conflict of an emotional sound during spirited driving and a more discreet engine note at low speed operation.

Each of the two rear silencers has a flap which is variably activated on a logic-controlled basis depending on the driver’s accelerator input and the engine speed. At low loads and engine speeds below 2,000 rpm the flaps remain closed. This causes the exhaust gases to cover a longer distance and flow through an additional damping element, so that the engine sound is pleasantly subdued and irritating frequencies are effectively suppressed.  When the driver accelerates, the flaps open at an angle of 15, then 30 and up to 50 degrees so that some of the exhaust gases cover a shorter distance. This produces a sonorous engine note. Under full load at higher engine speeds, in performance-oriented eight-cylinder operation, both flaps are fully opened so that the occupants are able to enjoy the muscular sound typical of an AMG V8.

The twin-pipe AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes on each side has a diameter of 65 millimeters from the manifolds to the pre-silencer. The diameter is reduced to 60 millimeters from the pre-silencer to the rear silencers.

Effective emissions technology with new catalytic converter boxes

The requirements for the exhaust system of the new, naturally aspirated AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine were complex – low exhaust emissions, compliance with country-specific standards and a characteristic engine sound. The SLK55 AMG meets all the requirements of the US market (LEV-III standard, On-Board Diagnosis II).

Air gap-insulated manifolds ensure a rapid catalytic converter response. For efficiency and to save space, this concept has a tandem catalytic converter housing on each side of the vehicle: adjacent to the firewall, two thin-walled ceramic substrates are grouped into each housing. This solution makes the previous, additional underbody catalytic converters unnecessary. The two ceramic substrates differ to ensure rapid and efficient emissions control: the front one is coated with palladium, while the rear one has a bimetal coating  of palladium and rhodium. One lambda sensor per row of cylinders is located in front of each catalytic converter housing, and there is a lambda diagnostic sensor between each of the two thin-walled substrates.

The lambda sensors are necessary for demand-related lambda control. In all operating conditions, the constituents of the intake mixture can be precisely controlled to avoid damaging the catalytic converters. This also benefits the fuel consumption under full load, as the mixture can be leaner than in engines without this control system.

Development of the M152 began in 2008

Development of the new, naturally aspirated AMG M152 5.5-liter V8 engine began in 2008. On the basis of the M157 eight-cylinder biturbo motor, the first drafts were calculated, designed and verified by simulation. Various model and component tests were followed by numerous test series before a concept engine was finalized. The focus was on optimizing the cylinder shut-off function, with the goal of achieving the maximum fuel saving. The spray-guided direct fuel injection exclusively developed by Mercedes-Benz and also used in this new AMG V8 engine made a valuable contribution.

During the conceptual phase for the M152 the AMG engine specialists concerned themselves with fundamental packaging trials, especially concerning the placement of the selectable actuators for the cylinder shut-off function. The design of the intake and exhaust ducts was decisively influenced by the actuators, the aim being to make best possible use of the installation space in the cylinder heads to achieve the maximum output and torque yield. Configuration of the camshaft sections was also a central consideration. The challenge was not only to achieve the desired output and torque figures, but also to create a durable, dynamic valvetrain with the selectable actuators  despite the high engine speeds of up to 7,200 rpm.

In addition to extensive simulations of the valve drive system, tests were Page 10 conducted on the cylinder head test bench to assess the dynamic properties of the valve drive before it was used in a finished internal combustion engine.

Perspex cylinder head for research purposes

Further component tests for the AMG Cylinder Management system were carried out using a perspex cylinder head. The AMG developers used this to analyze the complex system of oil supply ducts and selectable compensating elements in a wide range of operating conditions, e.g. when starting or at high engine speeds. This enabled extraneous influences such as air intrusion into the oil circuit to be easily identified for optimization of the system. Only after the component tests was the cylinder shut-off system tested and verified in a complete engine on dynamic simulation test benches.

The M152 presented a further challenge – verifying the performance of an engine which is strictly speaking a combination of two engines: a four-cylinder and an eight-cylinder. During the development process a large number of parameters such as injection quantities, injection times and camshaft adjustment in four and eight-cylinder operation had to be examined. The transition between the two operating modes must only occur when the camshafts are not “biting”, and the selectable actuator is not under load. The behavior of the deactivated cylinders was also continuously analyzed.

High-tech test benches for engines with over 630 hp

The Mercedes-AMG test bench facility houses nine high-tech test benches, allowing dynamic testing of engines with an output exceeding 630 hp and more than 738 lb-ft of torque. These test facilities are able to simulate any road and environmental conditions to reproduce any conceivable type of operation. Cold or hot starting, mountain passes, stop-and-go traffic or fast laps on the North Loop of the Nürburgring – the engines are required to give their utmost. Even the intake air temperatures and densities can be varied by computer control, and the engines can be alternately filled with hot and cold coolant. Fuels of different grades are also available.

Function and endurance bench testing for the highest quality

The goal of the detailed bench tests was to verify the performance of all the engine components, including the accessories. All the measurement data for the engines examined were systematically compared, and evaluated using reproducible test methods. The functioning tests were accompanied by endurance testing: to ensure the very highest quality standards over their entire operating life, the new AMG V8 engines were required to undergo 8,000 hours of endurance testing.

Extensive trials in every climatic zone on earth

At the same time the first test engines had to prove their worth in practical trials. The AMG engineers paid painstaking attention to the cylinder shut-off function, the stop/start system and the exhaust flaps. A wide range of operating conditions was chosen to ensure that the individual functions operate at a high level. Whether in the icy cold of northern Sweden,  the merciless heat of Death Valley (USA), lapping the high-speed circuits in Nardo (Italy) and Papenburg or in stop-and-go traffic – the standardized test program of Mercedes-AMG includes all climatic zones and route profiles. At the same time it places the very highest demands on the day-to-day practicality, reliability and long-term durability of the new engine/transmission combination.

The SLK55 AMG test cars were taken on extended stop-and-go journeys in  a number of large cities. This enabled the interaction between the different engine and transmission control units to be painstakingly examined, as well  as the influence of the ambient temperature on the operating modes of the new V8 engine. Another major focus was on the further development of the control software, and its constant adaptation to the different onboard systems and environmental requirements.

Engine production – tradition of hand-built excellence

Like all other AMG engines, the new, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder is assembled by hand in the AMG engine shop commissioned in 2002. Highly-qualified technicians assemble the M152 according to the “one man, Page 12 one engine” philosophy, maintaining the very strictest quality standards. This painstaking care is attested to by the signature on the characteristic  AMG engine plate.

Long tradition of powerful AMG V8 engines

Powerful eight-cylinder engines are an inseparable part of AMG’s corporate history. Established in 1967, the company immediately caused a stir with the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG which succeeded in taking second place at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) in 1971. The AMG racing sedan was technically based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 with the M100 V8 engine. With an engine output of 247 hp at 4,000 rpm and a top speed of 137 mph, this luxury V8 sedan with the M100 V8 engine was Germany’s fastest regular production car at the time. Classic tuning as well as an enlarged displacement from 6,330 to 6,835 cc resulted in an increase in output to 422 hp at 5500 rpm and in torque from 369 to 448 lb-ft.

Another important engine in the AMG story was the M117, its first eight-cylinder unit with four-valve technology. With a displacement of 5.6 liters,  355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, this V8 accelerated the 300 CE 5.6 AMG to a top speed of 188 mph in 1987. This made the coupé the fastest German car in series production, and American fans reverently christened it “The Hammer”.

The supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 of 2001 is another milestone in the history of AMG engine development: the M113 K delivered up to 574 hp and a torque of 590 lb-ft. The supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 of the SLR McLaren dating from 2003 was even more powerful – the M155 generated up to 641 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque.

2005 saw the debut of the naturally aspirated, high-revving AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine known as the M156, which developed up to 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. In the new C63 AMG Coupé this eight-cylinder in combination with the Performance Package delivered 481 hp. From 2005 to the present more than 68,000 M156 engines have been produced – a record in the history of AMG. Exclusively reserved for the SLS AMG, the M159 likewise has a displacement of 6.3 liters and delivers a peak output of 563 hp, with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft.

Closely related to the new M152, the AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine delivers between 518 hp and 563 hp depending on the model, and a maximum torque of between 518 and 664 lb-ft. The M157 is regarded as the most efficient engine in its output and displacement class.  The supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8, the AMG 6.3-liter V8 and the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo were all able to win the Best Performance Engine category several times in the International Engine of the Year Awards.

AMGmarket.com News/Source: Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz sales are once again setting new records: Last month the brand had its best June ever. Worldwide, a total of 120,510 passenger cars (June 2010: 113,297) were delivered to customers, an increase of 6.4 percent compared to the same month last year, when a high sales volume was recorded. Thanks to the strong sales in June, the second quarter of this year was the highest-volume quarter ever; sales increased 7.2 percent to a total of 329,979 units (Q2 2010: 307,733). In the first half of the year overall, Mercedes-Benz thus sold more vehicles than in the first half of any previous year. From January to June, 610,531 customers (Jan.-June 2010: 556,691) decided to buy a Mercedes-Benz brand vehicle, an increase of 9.7 percent.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The first half of the year went very well for Mercedes-Benz. We achieved double-digit increases in many markets, our products are in demand, and we succeeded in setting a new record. Our aim is to continue this trend. In the second half of 2011 we want to achieve further growth compared to last year.” In addition to the very popular new C-Class generation, the new M-Class will also be a driver of the positive development. Customers can order the M-Class starting on July 11, the market launch in Western Europe will be in fall. Dr. Schmidt: “We’re on the right track, and this year we have our sights set on achieving an all-time sales record by selling more than 1.3 million Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and smart fortwo.”

The first half of this year was marked by dynamic development and high growth rates, particularly in Asia and the BRIC countries. Sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in China rose 52.3 percent to the record-setting level of 92,174 units (Jan.-June 2010: 60,511). Deliveries in June were up 19.1 percent compared to June 2010, with 16,278 units (June 2010: 13,667) sold - yet another new record. Dr. Schmidt: “In China we will begin production of the GLK for the Chinese market later this year. From 2013, we will gradually start with the local production of three of our new compact cars, thus establishing the conditions for continued dynamic growth of Mercedes-Benz in China. We expect to sell 300,000 units there in 2015.”

Good news was also reported in the other Asian markets: In Taiwan (plus 45.0 percent) and South Korea (plus 16.6 percent) Mercedes-Benz surpassed the previous best marks in the first half of the year. This was also the case in India (plus 40.3 percent) and Russia (plus 70.6 percent). Mercedes-Benz sales in Brazil were up 34.7 percent compared to the first half of 2010. In June, Mercedes-Benz achieved the best month of the company’s history in Brazil and Russia.

The brand was also very successful in its second largest market, the U.S. Sales were up 13.0 percent to 20,652 passenger cars in June (June 2010: 18,269). Deliveries to American customers totaled 110,926 units (2010: 103,674) for the first half of the year, an increase of 7.0 percent. In Canada, Mercedes-Benz set a new record for the period of January through June (14,503 units, plus 1.5 percent).

Mercedes-Benz remained the best-selling premium brand in Germany last month. Sales totaled 26,747 vehicles, nearly reaching the high sales volume of June 2010 (26,974). Since the beginning of the year, deliveries have risen slightly to 123,013 units (Jan.- June 2010: 122,458). In Western Europe (without Germany), Mercedes-Benz sold 153.830 passenger cars in the first half of 2011, a slight increase compared to last year (Jan.-June 2010: 152.332) – despite decreases in many of the total markets. There was especially strong demand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the U.K. (plus 11.7 percent), Belgium (plus 13.0 percent), and Sweden (plus 20.0 percent).

The new-generation C-Class, the S-Class sedan, and the SUVs were important growth drivers in the first half of the year. Since its introduction, the new generation C-Class sedan has been defending the leading position in its class - and did so once again in June. Sales in the C-Class segment increased 11.4 percent in the first half of the year; in June, they were up 18.7 percent. The C-Class estate, in particular, has recorded high growth since January (plus 38.5 percent). And the new SLK continues to be a strong performer: Sales of the car increased 23.9 percent in June. The S-Class succeeded in defending its position as the best-selling luxury-class sedan - in the month of June and in the first six months of the year, with a sales increase of 18.1 percent to 35,956 units since January. In the SUV segment Mercedes-Benz has set new records every month since the beginning of the year with sales rising by 30.7 percent to 118,629 units. Deliveries of the GLK were up 43.1 percent compared to the same period last year, and sales of the new generation of the R-Class increased by 67.5 percent. Shortly before the market launch of the new M-Class, sales of the vehicle rose another 13.2 percent. Also very popular was the G-Class with an increase of 59.7 percent compared to the first half of 2010. In the E-Class segment, Mercedes-Benz recorded growth of 8.0 percent in the first six months of 2011. Demand was especially strong for the E-Class convertible (plus 80.1 percent). The new CLS also performed very successful during the first six months of this year (plus 155.4 percent).

The facelifted smart fortwo continues to set a dynamic pace. In June the two-seater posted worldwide growth of 7.9 percent, with 10,314 units delivered (June 2010: 9,560). Deliveries to customers worldwide totaled 54,801 units in the first half of the year (Jan.-June 2010: 50,723), an increase of 8.0 percent. In Germany, demand for the smart rose 19.2 percent to 15,729 units, making it number one in its segment in every month from January to June. Sales development was also very positive in France, where smart deliveries increased 11.4 percent in the first six months of 2011. In China the smart continues to write a dynamic success story: Since January, more than four times as many customers chose the two-seater as was the case in the same period last year, 5,493 vehicles were delivered (Jan.-June 2010: 1,204 units).

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

The award details are as follows:

GOLD:

• History, Motorsports: When Mercedes Raced at Indy, Karl Ludvigsen
• Technical, Reference: W123 Diesel Buyer’s Guide, Pierre Hedary and Mathieu Cama
• Collector Vehicles: Recreating the 190SL Exhibition Car, Jim Luikens (award given to Jim’s Representative)
• Design, Article: Mercedes Revisits La Panamericana, Gary Anderson

SILVER:

• History, Single Marque: Automotive Archaeology, 1934 M-B 150 Sports Roadster, Michael Kunz
• Technical, Pictorial: Factory Fresh, Stephan McKeown
• Design, Total Issuel: The Star May June 2010 Issue, MBCA
• Design, Cover: The Star Cover, May June 2010 Issue, Gary Anderson
• Single Photo, Color: The Star Cover, March April 2010 Issue, David Gooley
• Writing, Best Single Issue, Small Magazine: The Star, January February 2010 Issue, MBCA

BRONZE:

• History, Single Marque: The Cosworth Connection, Graham Robson
• Article, Car Show: Amelia Island Opens the Season, Rich Taylor and Jean Constantine
• Column, Blog: Silverphile, John Kuhn Bleimaier
• Environmental, Regulatory: Eco-Benz Project, Robert Schilling
• Illustration, Original Art: Starry Eyed, April 2010 Doug Herrick
• Illustration, Photographs, Article: Mille Miglia Historica, David Gooley
• Single Photo, digitally manipulated: Starry Eyed, Jan-Feb 2010, Michael Salemi

The International Automotive Media Competition, a function of the International Society for Vehicle Preservation, is an awards program to recognize and encourage excellence in all forms of automotive media.
Judging is by peers to a standard of 100 points, with Gold (97-100 points), Silver (92-96 points), and Bronze (85-91) Medallions presented for those works so qualified.

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May I have another:

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The Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) is offering members who own or drive AMG vehicles an exclusive opportunity to participate in the first MBCA SLS AMG Performance Week in Germany. This AMG event is not available anywhere else. It only costs $45 to join MBCA, if you’re not already a member.

Features of the event include partipants’ driving the SLS and other AMG vehicles on a variety of roads in Germany as well as on the Autobahn. Also included are lengthy visits to AMG headquarters in Affalterbach where you’ll tour the production, engineering, design, and research facilities. The trip focuses on all the particulars that make AMG Mercedes unique in the world of ultimate luxury performance cars.

There will be an in depth visit to the Sindelfingen plant, the SLS production area, and the Center of Excellence (Maybach and the designo studio). A visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Classic Center is also included.

The trip is scheduled for June 5-10, 2011; limited to 24 participants on a first come first served basis. The cost is $4,050. per participant and includes five hotel nights, all meals, guides, ground transportation and use of the AMG vehicles (fee does NOT include airfare). Our friend Jim O’Sullivan is the contact person; tell Jim that Greg Magnus said hello!

This is truly a unique opportunity for AMG Mercedes enthusiasts. Additional information and registration details are available on the MBCA website here for those interested.

Background | Bob Bell

Bell started his motorsport career as an aerodynamicist almost 30 years ago. He worked at McLaren, Benetton and Jordan, before becoming Deputy Technical Director at Renault in 2001. In 2003, Bell was promoted to Technical Director and played a key role in the team’s double championship-winning successes (2005 and 2006). While with Renault, he became the Acting Team Principal in September 2009 and Managing Director in 2010. Bell left Renault last year in October.

Bob Bell said:

I am both delighted and honored to be joining the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team as Technical Director. It will be a privilege to be a part of such a strong and determined organisation, and to be able to contribute to furthering the enviable heritage of Mercedes-Benz in motorsport.

Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS, said:

We are delighted to welcome Bob to the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team in the position of Technical Director. Bob’s appointment is a key step in the strengthening of our excellent technical team and we are pleased to have recruited one of the most experienced engineers in the sport. Bob will be an important asset to our team, bringing with him a wealth of Formula One knowledge and championship-winning experience, and we look forward to welcoming him at the start of April.

Norbert Haug, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, commented:

Mercedes-Benz is fully committed to providing our Formula One team with the personnel and resources to compete at the forefront of the sport. Bob’s track record speaks for itself and I know he will be a valuable addition to our team as Technical Director. He shares our passion for competition and our vision for establishing long-term success with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS.

February 18, 2011 | Test Day in Spain

SOURCE Daimler/02-18-2011: Formula One’s third pre-season test began at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona today with Michael Schumacher kicking off the programme for the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. Nico Rosberg will take over the car on Saturday and Sunday, before Michael completes the four-day test on Monday. With the track damp from overnight rain and taking time to come up to speed, Michael first headed out midway through the morning to complete aerodynamic evaluations and balance checks. Following the lunch break, he completed a successful race simulation including pit stops. Michael completed 90 laps in total today.

Michael Schumacher said:

We had a good day and it is certainly satisfying to finish a race distance with all of the systems operational and to have everything working fine. Now we have to turn our focus to performance and it was important to complete today’s simulation to understand how the car and tyres behave going from a heavy to lighter fuel load.

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Organizers canceled this weekend’s GP2 Asia race due to the civil unrest in Bahrain. It has been reported that police and the military fired rubber bullets and tear gas to break up thousands of demonstrators at the Pearl Roundabout; three deaths have been reported. The GP2 Asia organizers released the following statement:

“Following the current events in Bahrain, at the request of the Bahrain Motorsport Federation, it has been decided that the remainder of the meeting which was supposed to take place this week at Bahrain International Circuit is cancelled due to force majeure.” (SOURCE: gp2series.com News Room)

The current development cast considerable doubt that the Grand Prix will take place as scheduled March 13th. The F1 teams are scheduled to begin a test at the circuit on March 3rd.

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• Racing Canceled at F1 Circuit Amid Bahrain Unrest (abcnews.go.com)
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The show features Jeremy Clarkson and his co-hosts Richard Hammond (the fast young guy) and James May (the ditzy everyman) on a US Tour traveling from North Carolina to New York.  The secret filming of the show took place at VIR on September 15, 2010.  Clarkson piloted a Mercedes SLS AMG, while Hammond was at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and May had the luxury of testing the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Virginia International’s 3.27-mile Full Course is considered by racing enthusiasts to be the U.S. track that is most like the legendarily demanding European circuits such as the Nurburgring and Spa Francorchamps, so it is ideal for testing high-performance supercars to their absolute maximum.

Virginia International Raceway first opened in 1957 and is a classically configured road race course with 130 feet of elevation change and “gut-check” high-speed corners absent from most modern tracks. Carroll Shelby memorably observed that,

“One lap at VIR is like a hundred at Watkins Glen.”

[Show as slideshow]

About VIRginia International Raceway

Virginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Virginia. VIR hosts a wide range of professional and amateur auto and motorcycle racing and track events, and is well established as “America’s Motorsport Resort.” For more info, visit the VIR website at: www.VIRnow.com. Visit the BBC America website for more info and the TV schedule.

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SOURCE: AdAge.com — Now that we are all back from the holidays, making resolutions on our efficiency and work ethic, it’s fitting that a Mercedes-Benz video entered our video chart this week, featuring two Formula One drivers racing along on the side of a snow-covered mountain. Even for those of us, like me, who don’t follow the sport, the video makes its point with one car getting in front of another as the speedier driver shakes his head saying, “I knew it! Sunday driver,” only to be cut off by a third car, a woman in a Mercedes SUV shaking her own head saying, “I knew it, senior citizen.” For those who do follow Formula One rivalries, the “senior citizen” is Mika Hakkinen and the “Sunday driver” driver is Michael Schumacher — two racing legends who famously battled each other in the 1990s. (Full article here: AdAge.com)

Mercedes-Benz Sunday Driver Video | Holiday Commercial