Mercedes-Benz GLK Rock Crawler

Auto Car | Mercedes-Benz GLK Rock Crawler | Regardless of your sport – snowboarding, wakeboarding, skateboarding or any other extreme discipline, the Rock Crawler from Legendary Motorcar Company (LMC) is designed to be the ultimate companion for those seeking an adrenaline fix.

What started out as a go-anywhere brief focused on the off-road prowess of the Mercedes-Benz GLK, quickly turned into a do-anything reality when avid skateboarder Ryan Klutt, the 14 year-old son of LMC founder Peter Klutt first heard about the GLK tuner competition.

'I thought right away that it would be great to put a rail on top to turn it into an interactive snowboarding car, and it kind of went from there,' he explains.

Legendary Motors, which is more typically associated with race car fabrication and classic car restoration scene than with custom-tuning of road cars, then set about creating a vehicle that can not only get extreme sports fans to remote locations, but can also play an active role in the sport itself.

Central to the work carried out on the GLK is the gasoline-powered tow winch built into the rear of the vehicle. The 'Grinch Winch' is growing in popularity within the extreme sports community, able to tow boarders of any description at speeds of up to approximately 30 mph. It can be transferred to either the front or the rear of the vehicle and has a hand throttle for tow speed adjustment.

It's one thing to use a vehicle for towing a boarder, it's quite another to integrate the vehicle into the boarding experience. The Rock Crawler also features a detachable ramp system, side and roof-mounted grinding rails and a custom push bar.

Chief Engineer on the project is Ken Stewart, whose specialty is building race cars for Legendary. 'We set out to make the Rock Crawler do something that vehicles were never intended to do,' he explains. 'And the GLK was perfectly suited to the task. It's not too large and has great interior space for mounting the kind of equipment we needed. It also has this young, active image and the grinding rails work really well with its aggressive styling.'

Source : www.conceptcarz.com

Brabus smart fortwo Ultimate High Voltage

Auto Car | Brabus smart fortwo Ultimate High Voltage | Brabus shows what happens when performance tuners tackle underpowered urban cars.  The Brabus Ultimate R is a turbocharged, 112 horsepower version of the Smart ForTwo.

The three-cylinder OEM engine that comes on the car is also tuned to push out up to 150 Nm of torque, which helps the car reach a new 0-100 km/h in a more respectable 9.5 seconds.  Top speed is now limited to 170 km/h (106 mph), but the thought of driving a Smart Car at that speed is frightening, to say the least.  Other performance upgrades include a new sport suspension, which lowers the car by 30 mm, and more rigid shocks.

Making the Smart look more, well, smart, Brabus added carbon fiber elements inside and out, while giving the vehicle a gun metal gray paint job.  Blacked-out double-spoke wheels are wider in back than in the front, and wrapped in high performance tires.  An aluminum-tipped stainless-steel dual-exhaust from Brabus is also included.  Alcantara-lined sport seats are an interesting addition to a car that is supposed to be for the budget conscious.

Currently on display in Frankfurt, the Brabus Ultimate R has an automatic transmission that also allows a degree of input through the paddle shifters mounted to the new racing wheel.  Sitting inside, you will also find a navigation system, radio, and climate control.
The two-seater will be sold as either a coupe or convertible.  The question is, "Is this something people will buy?"  Have your say in the comments section below.

Source : www.worldcarfans.com

Brabus smart fortwo

Auto Car | Brabus smart fortwo | Ultimate RThe ULTIMATE R delivers the kind of performance that its racing looks promise: The tuned smart engine produces 112 hp (110 bhp) / 82.4 kW at 5,750 rpm. Just as impressive is the peak torque of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft), available on a plateau between 3,300 and 3,900 rpm. Shift times of the transmission in the BRABUS special model are shorter than in the production car. Gears can be shifted either automatically or with Formula One-type shift paddles on the ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel with a diameter of just 32 centimeters (12.6 inches).

The performance figures of the little speedster promise tons of driving fun: The ULTIMATE R zooms from rest to 60 km/h (37 mph) in just 3.9 seconds and reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) after just 9.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 170 km/h (106 mph).
The stainless-steel BRABUS sport exhaust system with dual cast aluminum tailpipe optimizes power yield and gives the two-seater a very sporty exhaust note.
The appearance of the two-seater can best be described as unadulterated racing looks. Clear-coated carbon-fiber is a striking complement to the special metallic paint. The high-tech material can be found on the lower part of the B-pillar, the front spoiler with its additional flaps, on the rocker panels and the rear diffuser.

Wider fenders offer space for a tire/wheel combination that must be considered generously dimensioned for a smart. Black-painted BRABUS Monoblock VI double-spoke wheels are mounted on the front axle in size 7Jx18 with size 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires. On the rear axle size 8.5Jx18 wheels with size 235/30 R 18 tires provide maximum traction.
The height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over sport suspension lowers the ride height of the ULTIMATE R by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). Firmer gas-pressure shocks further contribute to the car’s agile handling with great safety reserves.

The interior of the high-end subcompact car also exudes racing ambiance. Strongly contoured sport seats upholstered with nonslip grey Alcantara provide plenty lateral support during fast cornering. The beautiful material is delicately finished by the BRABUS upholsterers with shining red seams and can also be found on the dashboard and both doors.
Carbon fiber applications add further sporty highlights. The high-tech material is used on the speedometer, tach, clock, instrument bezels, turn-signal stalk and door handles. Stainless-steel pedals with rubber pads and aluminum shifter and emergency brake lever are the perfect complements.

Source : www.seriouswheels.com

Carlsson smart

Auto Car | Carlsson smart | Carlsson, the highly acclaimed Mercedes-Benz tuner, is pleased to announce a comprehensive personalization programme for the second generation Smart Fortwo, the smallest car in the Daimler AG vehicle range.

The highest quality in component design and manufacturing techniques transforms the popular Smart Fortwo into an even more sporty and individual runabout.
All tuning starts with a set of distinctive alloy wheels. Apart from looking good, an alloy wheel should be light and strong, qualities that complement the agile handling of the Smart Fortwo.

Carlsson designed the 1/11 Evo BE as its signature wheel for the Smart Fortwo. It is their first stop on the road to making this diminutive city car stand out from the crowd.
Sold as a set of four with 7.0J x 16-inch and 7.5J x 17-inch sizes front and rear, the shimmering, polished then high-gloss varnish coated surface of the 1/11 Evo BE alloy wheel catches the eye whether the car is stationary or on the move. Carlsson recommend 195/45R16 tyres in front and either 215/35R17 or 205/40R17 tyres at the rear.
Sport springs lower the ride height by around 25mm, and in combination with the larger wheels and tyres, the car takes on a more rugged, foursquare stance. The lower centre of gravity and wider tracks result in crisper steering response, lower roll and significantly enhanced cornering ability. The increasing mechanical grip is particularly beneficial at the front axle as the standard car is prone to understeer when pushed hard into tight bends.

The Carlsson aerodynamic styling additions give the Smart Fortwo a significantly more purposeful look all round. The polyurethane front spoiler, which attaches to the standard bumper, is complemented by an electro-polished, stainless-steel grill insert and fog lights with chrome surrounds.
At the rear, a new valance, also moulded from OEM quality polyurethane, incorporates a diffuser. Carlsson offer this in combination with a stainless-steel rear silencer with four polished exit pipes for the 84hp turbocharged motor, and as an end-pipe only system for the 61 and 71bhp versions. Only available for petrol-engined Fortwo variants, this exhaust upgrade looks good and delivers a deeper, more sporting note.

Carlsson are renowned for their bespoke interior trim work on Mercedes cars, but while special leathers and fabrics are available on request for individual customers, Carlsson’s Smart Fortwo interior programme at this time consists of an aluminum pedal set and handbrake grip.

Source : www.carlsson.de

smart fortwo edition greystyle

Auto Car | smart fortwo edition greystyle | The premium compact car builder Smart has added a new special edition version of the ForTwo called the Edition Greystyle. Specially designed for the spring to allow owners to enjoy the sun on their skin and the smell of fresh flowers after the long cold winter, it will be available in both coupe and cabrio variants and features an exclusive matte dark gray finish with bright yellow mirror caps to break up the monochromatic paint scheme that continues onto the six spoke alloys. The accent theme continues on the inside with trim pieces finished in gleaming yellow and matte chrome to highlight the leather wrapped surfaces like the seats and steering wheel, while the first are covered in top quality Nappa leather, just like on upscale Mercedes Benz models.

As far as power is concerned, the Smart Fortwo Edition Greystyle can be ordered with either a small displacement three cylinder with micro hybrid drive technology producing a total of 71 HP or a slightly more powerful 84 HP version. Adding a bit of speed and style to the traditional Smart car offering, the ForTwo Edition Greystyle will go on sale in the European market starting at €16,135.

The smart brand is continuing its series of exciting special models with the smart fortwo edition greystyle. Striking and yet stylish accents lend the new spring edition 2010 from smart a modern and dynamic appearance. The interior boasts an expressive look thanks to sporty contrasts and fine materials with a first class fit and finish. The exclusive matt dark grey finish and yellow mirror caps bearing the edition lettering are striking exterior features of the new smart fortwo edition greystyle. 6‑spoke alloy wheels painted in the same colour as the bodypanels add to the sporty look of the new special model. The smart fortwo edition greystyle is available as a coupé or a cabrio with a 52 kW (71 hp) engine with micro hybrid drive technology or a 62 kW (84 hp) engine. This special edition of the smart fortwo with its familiar environmentally friendly smart technology and sporty ambitions also demonstrates that ecological sensitivity, a discerning individual style and joie de vivre are no contradiction.

Source : www.topspeed.com

smart fortwo edition highstyle

Auto Car | smart fortwo edition highstyle | smart is welcoming the autumn with a particularly stylish special model that is characterised by high quality equipment, fine materials and an unusual appearance. The new smart fortwo edition highstyle features exclusive paintwork in trendy chocolate brown metallic and elegant 12 spoke 15" alloy wheels. The exclusive interior of the special model boasts a harmonious mix of fabric and leather. The smart fortwo edition highstyle is available with a 52 kW/71 hp or a 62 kW/84 hp petrol engine.
The 52 kW variant is fitted with a comfortable automatic start/stop system as standard which shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stationary, noticeably reducing fuel consumption. Style, savoir vivre and zest for life go hand in hand with environmentally friendly technology.

The new smart fortwo edition highstyle continues the series of unusual and successful special models from the trendsetter for urban mobility. The unconventional car manufacturer questions the status quo and takes fresh and unusual approaches. The new special model from the environmentally friendly lifestyle brand combines cutting edge environmental technology and functionality with a discerning sense of style. In the smart fortwo edition highstyle joie de vivre and classy elegance are combined in perfect harmony.
Even at first glance the new special model demonstrates its high standards of style and elegance with its classy chocolate brown metallic finish. 15 inch alloy wheels in an elegant 12-spoke design and edition highstyle logos in aluminium look are further highlights that round off the exterior appearance to perfection.

The classy design of the interior also demonstrates a young spirit, an open, new way of thinking and a confident style. Exclusive, gleaming metallic leather on the seats and in the doors contrasts with the light and dark fabric ensemble reserved for this special edition. Decorative brown seams are a subtle reference to the exterior. The kneepad and instrument panel have a leather look. The 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift is covered with leather, as is the gear knob. Trim parts that shimmer in matt silver round off the high quality yet dynamic impression of the interior.
The new smart fortwo edition highstyle is based on the coupé passion. Among other features this equipment line comes with softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, and a panoramic roof with sunblind. The standard equipment of the "edition highstyle" also includes dashboard instruments and the radio 9. Electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment and the smart sound system with a smart MP3 interface are optionally available.

The new special model also demonstrates the smart fortwo style when it comes to environmental friendliness. Not only does it fulfil the strict exhaust gas standard EU 5, the 52 kW variant is moreover fitted with micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology as standard.
This clever and comfortable automatic start/stop system shuts down the engine as soon as the driver brakes and the vehicle's speed falls below 8 km/h – for example when approaching traffic lights. The engine starts again in the fraction of a second when the driver releases the brake pedal. The system is fully automatic – the driver does not need to do anything. In urban traffic with frequent stop and go situations, fuel savings of almost 20 percent are possible with mhd.

Source : green.autoblog.com

Brabus smart fortwo

Auto Car | Brabus smart fortwo | Brabus will sell you a variety of 600-plus-hp twin-turbo V-12s wrapped in virtually any Mercedes-Benz product, including the G-class military-grade SUV and the Rocket, a CLS that's electronically limited to 217 mph.
Or Brabus will sell you an itty-bitty Smart Fortwo packing a whopping 98 horsepower that will go nowhere near 217 mph unless you shoot it out of a big cannon, which its shape suggests it might be good for. No, the Brabus Smart Fortwo will instead be limited to 96 mph, a loosening of the leash to the tune of 6 mph over the base Fortwo. Zero-to-60 mph should take about 9.9 seconds, the time it takes a Brabus Rocket to reach double that speed.

Inside and out, the Brabus Fortwo is changed little from the original Smart design. Wider rear wheel arches that house unique wheels, a sport exhaust—to really let that 1.0-liter inline three-cylinder rip—foglights, and a 15mm-lower suspension are it for the exterior; a specialized shift knob, hand-brake lever, and pedals round out the interior alterations.
Buyers opting for the Brabus Fortwo Xclusive get an additional front spoiler and tinted headlights, and they will sit in heated leather seats amid a tiny sea—perhaps pond is a better word—of fake leather trim on the door panels and dash, protected by the standard head-and-thorax side-impact airbags that are an option on lesser Fortwos. Checking the Xclusive box on that order sheet will limit color choices to all black or all silver, instead of the Fortwo's usual body-panel and exoskeleton two-tone paint.

Like the base Smart Fortwo, these Brabus Smarts will probably make their way stateside shortly after appearing in Europe this fall. Pricing will be announced this summer.

Source : www.caranddriver.com

smart fortwo

Auto Car | smart fortwo | The new generation smart fortwo will be launched in the autumn of 2010 with a fresh interior look, an upgraded exterior and even more environmentally friendly engines. The range of colours available for the exterior now includes a trendy matt finish. Furthermore, the tridion safety cell is optionally available in white and the new colours red and blue expand the choice of colours available for the cabrio soft top. LED daytime driving lights and new alloy wheels offer even more opportunities for customisation. Fresh fabrics and colours and a new cockpit design determine the high quality interior ambience. The communication and entertainment systems feature cutting edge technology. The vehicles are powered by state-of-the-art petrol engines that have been further refined with the 45 and 52 kW versions emitting less than 100 g/km CO2 – a new benchmark. smart is celebrating the arrival of the new generation with a limited welcome model boasting high-class equipment.

The new generation of the innovative two-seater smart fortwo is even more attractive and environmentally friendly. Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director smart brand says “We continue to work hard to make our smart models even better and more desirable in every respect. The new generation smart fortwo is perfect for our times. It is attractive and has style. It also boasts high quality materials, visible attention to detail, even more comfort and enhanced functionality. And don’t forget that smart drivers often have an unconventional way of thinking and look for alternatives. The new generation smart fortwo with its wide range of engines and opportunities for customisation meets their requirements.”

Fresh ideas for the exterior
A wider range of colours is available for the new generation smart fortwo for an even more striking appearance. Customers can now choose from seven exterior colours instead of the previous six ““ including a trendy matt finish. In addition to the new colour matt light green, light blue metallic will replace the previous blue metallic. In addition, the front spoiler, side skirts and the rear apron can be painted in the body colour on request. The fuel filler cap will be painted in the same colour as the body in future.
smart is further extending the choice of colours available for the smart fortwo with the new cabrio soft top colours red and blue and the tridion safety cell available in a brilliant white. In conjunction with the white tridion safety cell the door mirror surrounds and the radiator grille are painted white. These combination possibilities and modern colour constellations give the smart fortwo a completely new face.

The optional LED daytime driving lights are a special eye-catching detail. Three new 15 inch alloy wheels also bring fresh ideas to the area of design and styling.
Harmonious interior with a fresh feel-good atmosphere
The interior of the new generation smart fortwo has been redesigned and has a fresh and spacious feel-good atmosphere. The full fabric-covered instrument panel featuring new styling and new fabric designs contribute to this.

Further equipment features underline the attention to detail. These include new dials with a contrasting dark central disc in the instrument cluster and dashboard instruments, and an optional fabric-covered folding centre armrest. A 3-spoke leather steering wheel with cruise control function and a trip computer are available as options. Furthermore, customers can opt for new ambient lighting with dimmable LEDs to create a pleasant lighting atmosphere.
The new style is complemented by a whole host of clever stowage facilities and practical details. For example, a large stowage box is available as an option for the lower section of the centre console. The optional glove compartment includes a clip function for holding notes, for example, and seat pockets on the sides of the seats that come as standard offer additional practical stowage space. The new one-hand operation of the tailgate is a further practical detail that enhances comfort.

Source : www.egmcartech.com

smart fortwo electric drive

Auto Car | smart fortwo electric drive | Hertz Corporation and Smart USA announced today that they will bring the Smart ForTwo electric drive vehicles to Connect by Hertz car sharing program and Hertz Rent A Car locations in New York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco.
“Hertz’s partnership with smart USA is another strategic element of our long term plan to provide consumers with electric vehicle access on a global scale,” said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With its worldwide recognition, smart was a logical choice for our program and we’re excited to begin offering the smart electric drive to our customers later this month.”
The Smar ForTwo electric drive will be available for rent through Connect by Hertz car sharing in New York City beginning December 15. smart USA is strategically deploying a fleet of 2011 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles across the United States.

The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ) and smart USA, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG), today announced a joint partnership to bring smart fortwo electric drive vehicles to Connect by Hertz car sharing and Hertz Rent A Car locations in New York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. The vehicle placements are part of the Hertz Global EV program, which will offer a variety of 100 percent electric and plug-in hybrids to car sharing and rental customers worldwide. The smart fortwo electric drive will be available for rent through Connect by Hertz car sharing in New York City beginning December 15.
“The smart fortwo electric drive is the ultimate statement on conservation, from materials to space to natural resources, and further defines the independent spirit of smart,” said Jill Lajdziak, president of smart USA. “We are thrilled to place vehicles with Hertz and offer consumers the opportunity to experience the joy of driving a smart fortwo while showcasing the benefits of electric technology.”

As announced in September, Hertz Global EV is championing an electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle mobility ecosystem, incorporating transportation options and a charging station grid for ease of use. Hertz Global EV will be the first company to provide a range of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and charging stations on a car sharing and rental basis at global scale. The smart fortwo electric drive joins EVs from other manufacturers as part of Hertz Global EV’s diverse fleet. The smart fortwo electric drive vehicle is engineered to package advanced technology while maintaining the car’s design history. It is powered by a 30 kW drive magneto-electric motor and 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Using a 220V outlet, it takes only three and a half hours to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent of its capacity and less than eight hours to fully charge it.

Hertz is uniquely positioned to introduce multiple groups of consumers — urban drivers, university students, travelers and corporations — to all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. As part of its Global EV strategy, Hertz is forming partnerships with manufacturers, charging station providers, municipalities, NGO’s, corporations and other stakeholders. To-date, the company has ordered vehicles from CODA, Nissan, and smart USA, and has signed an agreement with NRG Energy Inc. to support development of a charging infrastructure and services for electric vehicles (EV) in Texas.

smart USA is strategically deploying a fleet of 2011 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles across the United States. Vehicle placement is nationwide, targeting early adopters of electric drive technology who are helping define new alternatives in transportation for the United States and interested in making a passionate statement on conservation and environmental awareness. Series production begins in 2012 for sale through smart USA’s dealer network.
During the next several months, Hertz Global EV will leverage the company’s car sharing and rental locations as bases for vehicles and charging stations, and tap into its technology — including sophisticated fleet management tools and the consumer-facing NeverLost GPS system — to help form an EV grid.

Source : www.egmcartech.com

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Auto Car | Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION | Mercedes-Benz builds the world’s most desirable coupes – a claim which the Stuttgart-based car maker is underlining at the 2008 Paris Motor Show with its Concept FASCINATION design study. This unique vehicle, whose innovative
and unconventional proportions interpret the emotional appeal of a coupe in a new way, represents an exciting and intelligent combination of sporty and elegant design with stylish practicality. Wood, aluminium and smoked glass give a particularly exclusive look and feel to the luggage compartment which incorporates a refrigerated compartment and a humidor as well as offering a large load space. These attributes embody the two objectives of Concept FASCINATION – to provide a high level of practical usability and to create a coupe which appeals to the heart with fast, thrilling lines. In developing this design study, Mercedes-Benz has given fresh impetus to the long-established (although now rarely seen) “shooting brake”, a vehicle category with its own distinctive charisma. Freed from the constraints of a specifications book, the designers have created an automotive sculpture with great aesthetic appeal which once again demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s high level of design expertise.
Concept FASCINATION is a unique jewel of compelling automotive design which is distinguished by its irresistibly dynamic lines yet still offers the benefits of a large luggage compartment. A particularly notable feature of the design is that the practical load space develops organically from the exciting and elegant lines of this lifestyle coupe, giving it its special charisma. Inside, the tone is set by fine, exceptional materials hand-crafted to the highest standard. Absolute perfection and attention to detail make this design study an incomparable gem which conveys at one and the same time a sense of sporty forward movement and elegance, savoir-vivre and exclusivity of the highest level.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, commented: “This design study continues the long tradition of exciting coupes from Mercedes-Benz in impressive style. With its emotionally appealing lines, Concept FASCINATION offers a completely new interpretation of the coupe with a highly practical dimension, too. Its aesthetic, dynamic looks and painstakingly crafted details ensure that this study meets the highest design standards.”

Taut, sharply contoured lines and finely sculpted surfaces
The design study’s elongated body is dominated by the dynamic front-to-rear sweep of its lines which gives it a dynamically charged look, evoking movement even when the vehicle is stationary. This impression is emphasised by the long, frameless, side-window line which describes a continuous arc from front to rear, uninterrupted by a B-pillar. The continuous line of the side windows, which is embellished by a discreet chrome surround, makes the car seem poised for a leap forward.
As a result, the large load space in the rear is integrated in the vehicle body cohesively and harmoniously while also increasing the impression of length and creating a remarkable sense of lightness. The side windows can be lowered completely – one of the fundamental genetic markers of every Mercedes-Benz coupe – to provide an uninterrupted view of the stylish way in which fine materials have been used inside the vehicle.
A sense of forward-flowing energy is created by the wedge-shaped profile of the design study whose sides are structured by taut, clearly defined lines which grow out of the surfaces organically and disappear back into them in the same subtle way. The undercut character line echoes the curve of the bonnet edge, which continues this arched contour further forward. Sensitively sculpted surfaces, alternately concave and convex, are defined by the shoulder line, undercut feature line and an additional line to form a gentle, yet pronounced linear flow complemented by an intriguing interplay of light effects. In short, flowing surfaces and arching structures create compelling forms.

The wheel arches are powerfully sculpted. In the rear wings in particular, the rounded treatment of the flared wheel arches is characterised by a degree of almost sensual exuberance – a classic Mercedes-Benz design element of the past – which is taken to an elegant conclusion in the lines of the rear. In order to maintain the flow of the surfaces and edges, the door handles are visually extended rearward of the doors into the sides of the vehicle. They rise out electrically at the touch of a button.
The design study is shod with 20-inch light-alloy wheels in an interesting and youthful multi-spoke design (tire width 245 at the front and 275 at the rear).

Source : www.benzinsider.com

Mercedes-Benz GLK Urban Whip

Auto Car | Mercedes-Benz GLK Urban Whip | the GLK Urban Whip from Boulevard Customs. It's no less impeccably crafted, but it couldn't be more different than the Brabus-starting with its bold white paint. And then there's the absolutely enormous, Escalade-size chrome mesh grille. And the wheels-they're twenty-six inch Asanti forged wheels that are so enormous the fifteen-inch rotors behind them look tiny. In fact, they're so huge that the truck looks like a cartoon car-a cartoon Escalade with a Mercedes badge.

Oh, I forgot to mention one thing-the Urban Whip doesn't have a roof. Boulevard cut it off and chopped the windshield down six inches. A 5700-watt (that's not a typo) stereo system ensures that the entire neighborhood (or state, presumably) can enjoy whatever radio station the GLK's driver prefers.

5700 watts. That's 7.6 horsepower. Yeah, it would take more than three of your lawnmowers to produce enough power to run just the stereo. The stock alternator in the 3.5-liter 268-hp V-6 hp will have no chance keeping up. The GLK's door handles have been shaved; to open the front door, you simply touch the side mirror. A motorized hood behind the rear seats lifts to expose the stereo's amplifiers. There are thirteen-inch subwoofers in the doors. The suspension's been lowered by two and a half inches, the body widened by three inches, and the GLK's street presence multiplied by a factor of ten.

See the difference yet? Given a clean sheet of paper, the Germans made a street legal, environmentally friendly, bat-out-of-hell GLK that will no doubt run circles around the stock Mercedes. The Americans made a GLK that couldn't even run a single circle around a stationary stock GLK (its wheels are so big that it can barely turn), but it's the one that everyone will notice. It's huge style, little substance. And it's the GLK that everyone will take pictures of.

Source : www.germancarforum.com

Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 GT

Auto Car | Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 GT | While Mercedes' ultra-exclusive SLR McLaren 722 GT track car has been making rounds in the motoring press for several weeks now, a few key questions remained unanswered - including "How much?" and "Where can I get one?"

We can answer the "How much?" question rather easily (795,000 €, or about 1.2 million USD), it's the "Where can I get one?" question that's more interesting.

As of Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT will be made available to the North American market exclusively through RENNtech, the Florida-based MB tuning house owned and operated by super-tuner Hartmut Feyhl, who also lists "technical director, AMG North America" on his resume. "It's been a very exciting project to be involved in," explains Feyhl.

Similar in concept to Ferrari's Enzo FXX program, the 722 GT is built specifically for track use by renowned British motorsports specialists at the RML Group to be the fastest possible on a track. The SLR 722 GT offers impressive power and cornering and delivers exactly the kind of motorsports experience one would expect from a competition car - and, with only 21 examples of the hyper-exclusive track cars being offered for sale, driving one is sure be a special occasion.

RENNtech will be organizing several on-track events (to be announced) throughout the US, beginning in 2008.

The SLR 722 GT trackcars will be set-up and maintained by RENNtech, which will have specially trained technicians and engineers on hand at each of the planned on-track events, which will follow a format similar to the SLR.Club SAFETY & SPEED ACADEMY track weekends in Europe. Participating customers will receive a mix of on and off-track instruction by trained instructors and professional drivers (including Jochen Mass, David Coulthard, and others), as well as some track time in RENNtech's Aixro SLR.Karts - to get a good feel for each track before going out in their SLRs.

Feyhl explained that the concept is to deliver to SLR McLaren customers a true and authentic motorsports experience in a competitive and reasonably safe environment.

If it is RENNtech and Mercedes' goal to deliver "an authentic experience", the SLR McLaren 722 GT is a great place to start - compared to the road-going SLR, the 722 GT gets the full FIA GT treatment from RML: more than 400 redesigned components, FIA spec. safety equipment, fully adjustable suspension, full-on competition brake hardware, a no-nonsense interior, and a track-only exhaust system that bumps the 722 GT's output to well over 670 hp. The real game-changers, however, are the 722 GT's towering rear wing and drastically reduced weight. At 1390 kg, the 722 GT weighs some six-hundred pounds less (!) than the stock 722, and the rear wing (in conjunction with the car's front splitter) provide more than enough aerodynamic downforce to tackle the fastest turns with confidence.

Source : patlabourblogblog.blogspot.com