Mercedes-Benz released a thank you video a few weeks ago for its fans, but it wasn’t enough to whet our appetites for the tuned up German cars, and so the company has re-released the video with all of the footage that was cut from the original. 

The fans were skeptical of a few things, especially the drift of the infamous corkscrew turn at Laguna Seca, as the footage in the first video is cut together in such a way that makes it look like movie magic. This new video is careful to display the drift as one continuous shot, quelling all claims that the move wasn’t real.

The footage is strictly aerial footage taken from a helicopter camera, and give a great birds eye view of the car and the track.

Watch the video below to see the C63 flawlessly drifting around Laguna Seca.

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Paperwork filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is suggesting that Mercedes-Benz will offer a new option in the E- and C-Class as a late-cycle update.

The document shows entries for a 3.5-liter V6 E300, E300 4Matic and C300. That raises the question of which engine might be put in with those cars. At the moment, Mercedes already sells its E300 4Matic in Canada with a detuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 found in the E350. The Canadian E300′s engine only makes 248 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque compared to the more powerful version’s 302 hp and 273 lb-ft.

While paperwork filed with NHTSA doesn’t guarantee a new model, releasing something like this in the U.S. would make sense for Mercedes. Currently, it doesn’t offer a car to compete with BMW’s base level 528i or Audi’s 2.0T-powered A6. Offering a less-expensive version of the mid-range luxury sedan could make it more competitive in the American market with the current top two luxury brands.

What’s more, adding the same engine to its C300 could offer an update to the aging and unimpressive car, which is now too close to the entry-level C250. Given that Mercedes already sells an E300 in North America, it would be an easy transition to take it from the Canadian market to the U.S. Similarly, it seems like an easy step to improve the C300 with an updated engine to make it a relevant purchase.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Providing the best look yet at the baby CLS, our photographers have snapped these spy photos of the upcoming Mercedes CLA.

First referred to as the CLC, the coupe-styled sedan is actually based on the new A-Class architecture that will find its way to North America. With a Mercedes hatchback an odd proposition for our shores, expect the CLA to make up the bulk of sales, especially with the dramatic styling that’s becoming more clear in the photos.

Expected to be available in both front and all-wheel drive versions, the CLA is likely to come standard with the new 201 hp turbocharged 1.8-liter found in the current C-Class. Transmission choices could include a 6-speed manual (a rarity for Mercedes) as well as the brand’s new 7-speed dual clutch automatic.

There’s also the strong likelihood of a CLA 25 AMG model making over 300 hp.

GALLERY: Mercedes CLA Spy Photos

GALLERY: Mercedes A25 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class bowed at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show with a refreshed modern style, only this time in a small package. The interior of the A-Class follows in line with other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and looks to capture comfort and a high-level of class and sophistication. In the video, interior designer Jan Kaul says that the look was very much modeled after aviation, as well as a keep it simple approach.

The car featured in the video is the A25 AMG variant, so the interior is loaded with full infotainment center, and yet it still looks relatively uncluttered.

The new A-Class marks the first time that such a small Mercedes-Benz car will be sold here in the States. Watch the video below to see the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz A class explained.

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This year, at the Cannes International Film Festival in France, the 65th Palme d’Or (Golden Palm) will be awarded. Mercedes-Benz decided to pay tribute to the celebration of the coveted award by providing a fleet of shuttle limos and SUVs completely wrapped in bright, flashy gold.

As you can tell by the photo, the German automaker is providing stretched S-Class models, CLS-Class models, E-Class models, and ML-Class models. Some of those are AMG variants ensuring stars and guests of this year’s film festival can travel in style. AMG is also offering daily test drives throughout the festival dates (May 16 – May 27) so that visitors can test out the luxury brand’s current line up.

It’s pretty flashy to wrap a fleet of transportation cars in shiny gold finish, but when it comes to the Cannes International Film Festival – nothing is considered too outrageous. As it says on the side of one of its cars, “Star inside. Star outside.”

[Source: Carscoop]

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is getting a mid-cycle refresh that will rid the car of its iconic quad-headlight setup, and add new style to the front, rear and side body panels. 

Captured in our spy photos, the E-Class we see is a prototype wagon, but still shows off the new front end lines of the car. Covered in heavy plastic cladding, the front end update is concealed very well. Still, we see that the quad headlights have been integrated into one another, and are now a more standard two light setup. The LED daytime running lights have also been moved, out of the bumper and into the bottom portion of the headlight.

The new E-Class will also lose its full car length belt-line, otherwise known as Pontoon styling. The line that runs the length of the car will stop around three-quarters of the way to the back, where a new line will start underneath. The overall look of the new E-Class is aiming to be more luxurious, to separate it further from the sportier C-Class.

Technology will not be in short supply, as the new E-Class is destined to get improved night assistant, dynamic light assistant, intelligent lane assistant, intelligent brake assistant, congestion assistant, magic ride control and heads-up display.

Watch for the 2014 E-Class to bow at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Every car, whether it has a big V8 engine or an electric motor powering the wheels, is being equipped with fuel saving technologies.

Recall variable-valve timing. Introduced on the Acura NSX, and at one time a revolutionary technology, now practically all cars have some form of VVT. Now more technologies are being introduced as innovations for saving fuel. Let’s take a look at some of the more important and popular features being introduced on new models; many of which will soon be as prevalent as variable valve timing.

1. Start-Stop systems:

You might think that an idling car isn’t too big of a deal, especially when it’s just for a stop-light, but all those seconds add up. After making a big splash with hybrid vehicles, idle start-stop systems are starting to show up everywhere.

There are a few different kinds of start-stop systems, and for different kinds of vehicles. In mild hybrids, start-stop systems consist of a gas engine, an electric starter/generator and a beefy battery. When the car is braking, regenerative brakes store the energy from the deceleration of the car in the battery. When the car is stopped, the generator shuts off the gas engine. When you need to get moving again, the car uses the energy stored in the battery from the regenerative brakes to work the electric starter and start the engine. Items like your car radio still work thanks to the stronger battery used in this system. If the stop is prolonged, however, the gasoline engine may come on.

In some vehicles, there isn’t a need for all that complicated technology. Rather than requiring heavy and expensive electrical components Mazda uses a start-stop technology called i-stop that puts a piston in the best position to restart the fastest when the engine turns off. That piston would already have air and fuel ready to be ignited, so that when the car needs to start again, it doesn’t require much time or power. This allows the car to start in as quick as 0.35 of a second. Other car companies like Mercedes-Benz are using technology like this in its big cars too. Mazda states that its start-stop system results in about 10% better fuel economy and while no Mazda vehicle is available with the feature in North America, look for it to arrive soon.

Currently government fuel economy testing methods don’t take into account start-stop systems, so for cars that do come equipped with them, like the 2012 Kia Rio, real world fuel economy numbers could be better than advertised. If and when government testing does take into account the benefits of start-stop systems, look for this new feature to go mainstream.

2. Variable Displacement/Active Cylinder Deactivation:

Another way to help improve fuel economy is to shut off unnecessary cylinders. Mercedes-Benz uses a cylinder deactivation system that deactivates half the cylinders in its V8 and V12 engines, essentially turning them into more frugal 4, or 6 cylinder engines. GM has a system that’s present in quite a few of its trucks that shuts off half the cylinders in the engine when cruising. This is also present in sportier cars like the automatic transmission equipped Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Chrysler’s version of cylinder deactivation is present on its HEMI V8s. In Chrysler products the system will shut off half the cylinders at speeds above 18 mph during moderate rpm. Chrysler says that thanks to cylinder deactivation technology its vehicles have 10-20% better fuel economy.

Honda also offers a cylinder deactivation technology called variable cylinder management (VCM) that shuts off two or three cylinders in V6 models like the Accord, Pilot and Odyssey.

3. Direct Injection:

Fuel efficiency might mean frugalness to some people, but it also means getting the most out of your engine. Direct-Injection means that the gasoline is injected right into the cylinder chamber of each cylinder in the engine, and at such a high pressure that the liquid gas is actually a gaseous gas, mixing better with the air and improving combustion. This improved combustion means more power is being generated, and as a result fewer emissions remain.

James hope, Kia Product Communications Manager explained that due to direct-injection, along with other key technologies, the Kia Optima is able to achieve best-in-class highway fuel consumption with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder model, and tons of power from its relatively small 2.0-liter turbo.

4. Smart Alternator:

Hyundai has been boasting its smart alternator technology, which is in all of its U.S. Models. The major function of this alternator is that it chooses the best time to recharge the car’s battery. For example, when you’re decelerating, the system will kick in to charge the battery, as opposed to when you’re accelerating, and likely want all of the cars available power. “It allows us to cut the alternator drag,” said Derek Joyce from Hyundai Public Relations. “It basically recoups energy that would probably be wasted anyways.” Joyce also said that the technology helps improve fuel economy by around 1.5 to 2 per cent.

5. Electric Power Steering:

Furthermore, many companies are switching to electric power steering instead of conventional hydraulic steering systems. Rather than powering a hydraulic pump and keeping up system pressure at all times, the electric system only needs to engage when steering is required. Not only does the system save fuel by not being a drag on the engine at all times, it also helps cut weight by removing all the hydraulic components. The new Chevrolet Malibu Eco features this electric power steering and Chevy says it can help improve fuel economy by up to 2.5%.

Mark Meyers, General Motors global vehicle performance manager said “Electric power assist steering is just one example of how a system improvement can deliver not one but several benefits for customers.” He added that “By the end of the 2013 model year, more than half of all Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles will have electric power steering.” Electric power steering is also making its way into BMW models, as well, as part of its EfficientDynamics philosophy and can be found on everything from Ford and Dodges to Hondas and Hyundais.

6. Eco Button:

Your next car may also feature a little button somewhere on the dash that helps get your more miles per gallon. “When activated, ECON mode alters the Drive-by-Wire throttle system response curve in the range from about 10 percent of pedal movement to 80 percent,” said Chris Martin, from Honda Public relations, about what the ECON mode button does in the new 2012 Honda CR-V.

He added that “With less gain, the throttle opening in this range increases more gradually to reduce a potentially excessive peak input for better fuel efficiency.” He explained that ECON Mode affects more than just your throttle though. “ECON mode also alters the operation of the cruise control system and the air conditioning system, allowing for slightly increased variances with the set speed or the set temperature in order to conserve fuel whenever possible.”

Many other automakers, from Chevrolet to Hyundai use an “eco mode” that puts the transmission on a short leash, making the vehicle shift sooner into higher gears when accelerating to reduce engine rpm and save gas.

7. Low Rolling Resistance Tires:

Finally, more and more companies are including low rolling resistance tires on their vehicles. Martin says “[Honda] has had great success working with the tire manufacturers to develop all-season tires that provide handling expected and appropriate for each vehicle while significantly reducing rolling resistance.”

Low rolling resistance tires minimize energy wasted from friction between the tire and the road. Traditionally used only on hybrids, these tires are now being used on a wide variety of models. Mazda recently started including low rolling resistance tires on its Skyactiv Mazda3. These can result in pretty significant fuel savings, up to five per cent. However, there are certain compromises when having low rolling resistance tires. They tend to not be as grippy as traditional tires, and can even be less comfortable.

With automakers still wanting to offer a wide range of vehicles by combining several of these seven new fuel-saving technologies it’s possible to make a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, without having to make due with a smaller engine or switch to a hybrid powerplant.

Getting the most out of a high performance car like an AMG takes skill, training, and practice.That’s why Mercedes hosts the AMG driving academy to teach owners how to squeeze every bit of performance out of their vehicles. 

Released this week, the video below shows highlights from the latest sessions held in Sweden. While sliding around on ice isn’t hard, being in control of the slide can be especially tricky, more so when there’s 500 hp behind the gas pedal.

Filled with slow-motion drifts and smiling faces, the AMG winter driving academy offers enthusiasts a chance to let loose and feel the potential behind an AMG badge.

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AMG is launching a campaign called ‘Which AMG is it?’, to test fans and enthusiasts knowledge of the Mercedes-Benz tuning company.

The first edition features AMG asking if viewers can recognize which of its vehicles is on the other end of a blank screen, strictly be hearing the exhaust note. They gave one subtle hint to complement the video of the engine sound, saying that it’s a naturally aspirated powerplant. There’s no doubt in our minds it’s probably one of AMG’s naturally aspirated V8 engines, but the exhaust does sound awfully throaty for a street car. What do you think it is?

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We knew that Nissan was working on an Infiniti compact, but we just didn’t know when it would reach production. It’s all cleared up today as the Japanese automaker has confirmed that its Infiniti Compact will enter production in 2014.

“This new vehicle represents a significant opportunity for the Infiniti brand to reach new consumers and grow in key markets such as Western Europe,” said Andy Palmer, Nissan executive vice president.

The news comes straight from the company today, as it inked a tentative deal with Magna Steyr, a division of Canadian automotive parts supplier Magna. This would be Magna Steyr’s first vehicle assembly agreement.

The new vehicle is slated to be based on the Infiniti Ethera Concept, and will be built in Austria by Magna Steyr. This new entry-level vehicle by Infiniti will be priced and sized under the current Infiniti G sports sedan.

This vehicle also represents another element of Nissans partnership with Mercedes, as this new compact will be based on the German automaker’s MFA platform, which is used in Mercedes-Benz’s A- and B-class vehicles.

There are a lot of car stereotypes out there, like that Toyota builds dull appliances. While true on many fronts, the Japanese automaker does also make exciting sporty cars like the Scion FR-S, and Lexus LFA, both praised for their exhilarating rides, edgy styling and pulse-raising performance. But there’s another stereotype that needs to be dealt with.

Likely you’ve heard the phrase “German engineering” more than a few times in your life and there’s a popular misconception that it equals good reliability. German cars are well engineered, sometimes to be amazing performance machines and sometimes to be incredibly high-tech (and often both) but, Porsche aside, German cars don’t have the best track record for reliability.

A REPUTATION EARNED

Part of the reason for the misconception about German engineering is that German automakers did, at one time, earn it. When Consumer Reports started its Long-Term Reliability Tests and Initial Quality Index tests way back in 1972, German brands like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz came out on top. The initial quality of even the lowly VW Beetle topped many domestic vehicles from Ford, Jeep, Pontiac and Mercury.

For a while afterwards, Mercedes and VW managed to stay near the top in reliability rankings. But their Japanese rivals weren’t sitting idly-by. In the 1980s and 90s the most reliable models ended up coming from Honda, Toyota, Acura, Infiniti and Lexus.

“Back then, the cars like the Beetle were pretty simple. But then came stronger competition, the Japanese [automakers], especially Toyota and Honda got their problems per 100, down to a science,” Said Gabriel Shenhar, an automotive engineer at Consumer Reports.

A REPUTATION LOST

In the late ‘90s Mercedes had released the dismally unreliable M-Class SUV (left) and the brand’s initial quality scores have plummeted since. Other German brands had similar experiences. Even though they stayed at the forefront of new technology and engineering practices, their new gizmos were prone to failing.

“They’re quick to adapt new technologies but rely on suppliers that supply these technologies and in a lot of cases what we see is problems with the electrical systems, the entertainment systems and other interface,” said Schenhar

According to Consumer Reports, Mercedes boosted its reliability a bit in 2011, but is still inconsistent. The same can be said for Mercedes’ German competitors, Audi and BMW. In Consumer Reports last five annual reports, the last time these German brands have been above average in reliability was back in 2007. Since then, they’ve all slumped below the average in the industry.

Consumer Reports’ Long-Term Reliability test documents a car’s reliability over the course of three years, while the Initial Quality Index is based on consumer feedback from the first few months of a new cars ownership.

Consumer Reports also has a report card that ranks automakers based on their average car score, reliability score and the percentage of recommended vehicles. The average score for these carmaker report cards over the past five years (when they started the report cards) of the German brands doesn’t crack 68/100, below the industry average and the competition from the top Japanese automakers.

These results are reflected in numbers released by J.D. Power & Associates as well. In the both of the latest J.D. Power Surveys, the German brands can’t match up to their luxury peers. In the most recent vehicle dependability survey, Mercedes-Benz only gets a four out of five, which is “Better than most” rating, while Audi and BMW get 3/5 or “About Average.” Volkswagen falls below average with 2/5, what J.D. Power describes as “The Rest.” Porsche is also ranked “Better than most” in J.D. Power’s dependability survey, which give Mercedes-Benz some nice company. It’s important to note that only one car maker had a score of 5/5, and that’s Lexus.

Nothing changes in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality rankings. Mercedes and Porsche have 4/5 ratings, BMW and Audi get just 3/5 and VW only achieves 2/5. Lexus tops that ranking as well with a 5/5.

The J.D. Power ratings are based on consumer surveys. Initial Quality is measured after 90 days of a new car’s purchase. Vehicle Dependability Ratings are surveys based on the past 12 months of original owners of three-year old cars.

POOR RANKING NOT JUST ABOUT QUALITY

Some of the reasons why German cars struggle in J.D. Power’s rankings in the past are entirely trivial and are not related to actual vehicle quality at all says Karl Brauer from Total Car Score.

“German cars didn’t offer cup holders for years, and while this isn’t a mechanical failure it was often noted as a dissatisfaction point for buyers on J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys, and this drove down their scores” said Brauer. “Most German cars (even Porsches) now have cup-holders because the manufacturers realized they were suffering in terms of owner satisfaction scores by not having them,” he added. The same thing could be said about some of the complicated technologies and infotainment systems like BMW’s first generation iDrive system (pictured right).

SACRIFICE FOR PERFORMANCE

Along with these more trivial complaints and technology issues, Shenhar of Consumer Reports tells us that German automakers, by their own admission, sometimes come up short because of their singular focus on performance. When and if they cut costs, the likely areas that will get cheaper quality parts will be with some of the stuff the customer might not notice.

“They are susceptible to cost-cutting and anywhere they can, in the hopes that the customer won’t know, they use suppliers that will deliver and sometimes won’t,” says Shenhar.

While the phrase “German Engineering” has become synonymous with reliability, Shenhar suggests it should more accurately be a reference to performance. And in regards to performance, there’s little doubt they have some high standards. In fact, looking away from initial quality and reliability, German vehicles rank quite well.

GERMAN CARS STILL APEAL-ING

In J.D. Power’s Automotive Performance, Execution & Layout (APEAL) study, which looks at how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations, Porsche comes out on top, as the only automaker to get 5/5. Audi, BMW Mercedes and VW all achieve a 4/5 in this survey as well, showing that these cars are no slouch when it comes to performance and execution.

With its new 3-series, BMW has set the bar even higher for sport sedans, and the new Porsche 911 has again solidified the automakers place in automotive history for making the best sports car in the business. It’s no surprise then that both cars were in the running as finalists for the 2012 World Car of the Year Award.

Neither won, however, but that accolade did still go to a German car: the VW up! In fact, it’s VW’s fourth win in the past five years. Winners are selected based on overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance.

It’s clear then that there are plenty of reasons to buy a car from automakers like BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen, but if reliability is your top concern, don’t be fooled by the myth of “German engineering”.

What is it about European wagons that gets us glowing? Even if you’re not normally a fan, you have to stop and stare at what Mercedes-Benz is flaunting with its CLS Shooting Brake that our spy photographer captured.

This wagon is much less camo’d up than we’ve ever seen before, and that gives us a chance to appreciate the detail that Mercedes-Benz has gone into making this car really flow into its wagon look.

The car we see before us isn’t sporting the same quad-exhaust pipes that we saw last time, so that must mean we’re looking at a non-AMG version of the CLS.

This car is supposed to be available sometime near the end of this year, and you can expect it to come with the same engine and drive-train options as the regular CLS.

The original Mercedes-Benz Shooting Brake Concept debuted back in 2010 at the Bejing Auto Show. The model we see in our photos look very similar to the original concept, so its clear Mercedes’ designers have been hard at work.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake spy photos