Mercedes-Benz at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show
Driving fun and fuel efficiency are the common themes through all the new Mercedes-Benz products on display at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show. The main attraction at the show stand will be the world premiere of the 2012 C- Class Coupe, an expressive two-door model that represents Mercedes-Benz's first foray with a classic coupe into this segment. Together with the updated C63 AMG Sedan, the Coupe rounds off the recently launched 2012MY C- Class line-up. Finally, the all-new SLK-Class is bound to attract attention, which takes driving pleasure and open-air enjoyment to a new level. The 2012 C-Class line goes on-sale in the U.S. this summer, and the SLK-Class will be available in June.
What better way to celebrate the invention of the automobile? The expressive C- Class Coupe sees Mercedes-Benz, now in its 125th year, offering a new coupe. From the side, the new coupe captivates the onlooker with its compact proportions, low silhouette with powerful shoulders and a narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design. Typical coupe features include the short front overhang, long hood, steeply raked windshield and long, sloping roof. The greenhouse extends far beyond the rear axle to an aggressive short rear end.
At the front, the new coupe shares styling cues with the latest C-Class sedan but retains its own unique personality. The front view is dominated by the prominent radiator grille surround including the bumper. Two chrome louvers extend on either side of the central star, tapering off at the outer edges and creating an aggressive, arrow-shaped horizontal sweep which gives the front end a pronounced V-shape.
The instrument panel features a sporty and premium design, highlighted by three tube rings with a metallic finish. A key element of the dashboard is a large decorative trim element that extends from the center air vents across the front passenger side to the outer air vent, emphasizing the interior's generous proportions. Aluminum trim is standard on the C250 Coupe, while the C350 Coupe features rich Burl Walnut. Unique Ash Olive Matte Wood Trim is optionally available.
There is a choice of two new direct-injection gasoline engines to power the C- Class Coupe and both models are equipped with a more fuel efficient 7-speed automatic transmission.
The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is now more attractive than ever, with an enhanced aura of athleticism: new features include a new radiator grille with a large Mercedes star and a single transverse louvre, as well as a new AMG front apron with a lower cross member painted in high-gloss black. These modifications to the design of the premium C-Class model are complemented by numerous technical updates that deliver even more driving enjoyment while also significantly reducing fuel consumption. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission offers four driving modes, including the Controlled Efficiency "C" mode, which is programmed to provide smooth, comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed to help maximize fuel efficiency. The output of the AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine is unchanged at 451 hp and can be increased to a maximum of 481 hp with the optional AMG Development package. Agility, grip and ride comfort have been enhanced as a result of numerous measures to optimize the AMG sports suspension.
The all-new 2012 SLK-Class, one of the most exciting and successful sports cars ever built is now entering its third generation. The new roadster takes driving pleasure and open-air enjoyment to the next level by blending nimble handling with stylish comfort, striking sports-car design, everyday drivability, top performance and exemplary efficiency. In addition, the 2012 SLK-Class is proud to present the world premiere of the panorama retractable hardtop with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which switches between light and dark transparency at the touch of a button. Exemplary efficiency and athletic flair come courtesy of powerful new 4 and 6-cylinder engines. With superb levels of performance, they are more fuel efficient than their predecessors and with unique new safety equipment the 2012 SLK-Class sets the new standard in this segment. With its wealth of technical innovations, the SLK is once again the benchmark in its class.
As of February 25, the F-CELL World Drive has arrived on the second continent of Page 4 its journey. On this date the three distinctive green B-Class F-CELL vehicles set off on the first U.S. leg of their journey on the east coast of North America, from Fort Lauderdale to New Orleans. In total, the hydrogen-powered vehicles will cover 4,660 miles through the U.S. and Canada before embarking from Seattle to continue their journey in Australia.
Before beginning their journey in the U.S., the vehicles had already shown their mettle over a distance of more than 1,864 miles through southern Europe. The ceremonious start of the trip came during the gala celebration marking the 125th anniversary of the automobile on January 29, after which the B-Class F-CELL vehicles set-off the following day for Paris on the first leg of a journey that would take them through France and Spain and to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.
To view the complete press release, please download the PDF file.
