Resurrected in 2002 as a way for Mercedes to take on rival BMW’s newly acquired Rolls-Royce brand, Maybach has been a sales flop and now Mercedes appears ready to finally admit as much. According to a report by AutoExpress, Mercedes will give the Maybach models a slight update (set to be revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show) this year before winding the brand down towards 2014.

Why 2014? Well, that just happens to be the year that the next-generation S-Class is due out, meaning that Mercedes will then look to take some S-Class models further up-market. The 2014 S-Class should also get some impressive technology and AutoExpress claims it will be one of the most technologically sophisticated machines ever built. The rather tabloid-like outlet is also reporting that Mercedes has even approved the Human Machine Interface (HMI) as seen on the F800 Style concept. The HMI system works somewhat like something you might have seen in the Tom Cruise film Minority Report, using a screen and a camera to turn hand movements into actions, such as zooming in on a map with just a gesture of the hand.

Sound a little too futuristic? Well, 2014 is still a long way off.

[Source: AutoExpress]

With some big changes coming to the Australian V8 Supercars series, Mercedes-Benz may be looking to get in on the action. Starting in 2012, the Australian NASCAR-meets-Touring Car series will follow after the U.S. stock car series by introducing a Car of the Future platform, essentially making the championship more of a spec series.

The new cars would trade the out-dated live-axle setup for a fully-independent one, while DOHC engines would replace the current pushrod ones – both updates that are more consistent with Mercedes’ high-tech engineering capability. A series dominated by Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores, the fan following has done great things for the domestic Australian automakers, who have seen a rise in sales of high-performance FPCs and HSVs. Mercedes, quite reasonably, isn’t prepared to sit back and watch other automakers take over the market for big V8-powered rear-drive sedans.

Adding to the speculation is word that Mercedes has commissioned the renowned Brock Engineering team to build a C63 AMG-based track taxi to take VIP guests around for hot laps ahead of this year’s races – no doubt drumming up interest and testing the waters.

The rule change doesn’t take place until the 2012 season, so there won’t be an Mercs competing in V8 Supercars until then, but when an if Mercedes does arrive they might not be alone. Reportedly both Nissan and Hyundai are examining the possibility of getting involved as well.

[Source: CarPoint.com.au]

Mercedes has just announced the dates and locations for its AMG Driving Academy, which returns with more vehicles and high-level courses, after last year’s successful inaugural run. Events will be held at both Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca, with a new three-day Pro Level course added at Road Atlanta. Just one Pro Level course will be available from June 28-30, which culminates in open lapping on one of the most technical tracks in America. Pricing for that course is $3,995, while a two-day Advanced class is $3,295 and a one-day Basic class costs $1,795.

Like last year, the courses include the use of the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63AMG and SLK55 AMG. Plus, new for 2010 is the new SLS AMG gullwing, with a more powerful version of the 6.2-liter V8 making 563-hp.

For more info, see the full release below, or contact the academy at www.AMGacademy.com or by phone at 1-800-217-6916.

GALLERY: AMG Driving Academy

Official release after the jump:

Mercedes performance division AMG has just announced its new biturbo V8 engine, making 536-hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque (563-hp and 664 ft-lbs of torque with the AMG Performance Package). Designed to replace the 6.2-liter AMG mill, the M157 engine will first appear in the 2011 S63, where it will also make a decent 22.4 mpg and carry the luxurious beast to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed for the new S63 will be rated at 186 mph when equipped with the AMG performance package. After, Mercedes will begin to use the engine in all of its AMG 63 models, including in the SLS, where it is expected to get even more power.

In the S63, the new V8 Biturbo will use Mercedes’ AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which first debuted on the SL63. In “M” Manual mode, it will not automatically downshift or upshift, even at redline, to give the drive optimum control.

Torque for the new engine is available at very low revs, with 494 ft-lbs on ta at just 1500 rpm, while 590 ft-lbs are delivered at 2400 rpm. As for the AMG Performance Package models, 645 ft-lbs comes on at 2000 rpm, while 664 ft-lbs starts at 2500 rpm.

Engine highlights include direct-injection with piezo electric injectors and the use of a start/stop system to conserve fuel while the car isn’t in motion in a new Controlled Efficiency mode.

To help showcase the new engine Mercedes has commissioned a special S63 AMG showcar, designed after the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, which took a class victory and second place overall at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps in 1971.

GALLERY: AMG Biturbo V8 and the 2011 S63 AMG

Official release after the jump:

Mercedes-Benz will introduce a new B-Class platform in Europe in 2011, with many different variants – several of which are destined for the U.S. According to a recent report by Automotive News, Mercedes will bring up to three B-Class models to the U.S., including a hatchback, sedan and a small crossover. The move comes as little surprise if Mercedes it to compete with premium level hatchbacks like the Audi A3 and Lexus CT200h, as well as crossovers like the upcoming BMW X1. (Mercedes BLK anyone?)

There’s no word on engines yet, but the report suggests an alternative energy (electric, hybrid or fuel cell) model is in the plans. In addition, AMG is reportedly planning to deliver a rear-drive high-performance model based on the new B-Class.

As excited as we are about these new Benzes, don’t expect to see any of them in the U.S. until at least 2012 – although we’ll be sure to keep a close eye on the European models coming next year.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

Debuting for the first time at the Geneva Auto Show is a line line of OEM accessories from Mercedes-Benz. Titled, MercedesSport, the individualization program includes parts and accessories, both aesthetic and performance-oriented. With Mercedes already offering AMG packages for many models, this expands a new line of parts to more models and allows Benz owners to shop a la carte, rather than have to purchase the whole, pricey AMG package.

Available for the new E-Class sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible are a line of MercedesSport products, including aero kits, spoilers and 18-inch wheels (offered in gloss black or chrome). In addition, some performance enhancing options are also available, like upgraded brakes and suspension components. Special trim items will also be offered. After the launch of the new line of products for the E-Class, Mercedes plans to offer MercedesSport packages for other models in the near future.

GALLERY: MercedesSport Equipped E-Class Sedan

Read more on the MercedesSport individualization line after the jump:

Announced just before the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, we expected to catch up with the latest special edition Merc there, but it took a trip to Switzerland for the Geneva Auto Show before we were able to gaze on this black beauty.

The latest in a string of limited edition Mercedes-Benz SL models, the SL550 Nigh Edition is clearly distinguished by it’s sinister matte-black “designo magno black ” paint scheme. Additional exterior highlights include special 19-inch AMG wheels as well as dark-tinted headlights and taillights. Inside, the cockpit of the SL Night Edition gets dark black leather contrasted with plenty of chrome. Newly designed seats are also a art of the package and feature arrow-shaped seams with silver contrasted features.

No modifications have been made to the 5.5-liter V8 engine, which continues to deliver a robust 382-hp.

Just 100 SL550 Night Edition models will be offered in the U.S. starting in early 2010.

GALLERY: Mercedes SL500 Night Edition

What’s the one car Michael Schumacher cannot pass? The official Formula One Safety Car, of course! That’s the riddle Mercedes-Benz’ Dr. Dieter Zetsche asked before introducing the SLS AMG F1 Safety Car at the Geneva Auto Show.

The SLS AMG Safety Car then drove to the stage and its gullwing doors opened up to reveal the driver, Michael Schumacher and his passenger, Grand Prix teammate Nico Rosberg.

The SLS AMG at every round of the 2010 F1 season, ready to deploy whenever accidents or bad weather make it too dangerous to race.

The official safety car needs to be fast enough to lead the F1 grid at a high enough speed to prevent the race cars’ tires and brakes from cooling down or their engines from overheating. With a 6.3L v8 engine claiming 571 hp and 479.4 ft-lb. of torque, the SLS AMG should be up to the task.

As impressive as the standard-production SLS AMG is, the Safety Car receives a number of updates to fit its role. Apart from the F1 logos and integrated television camera, the Safety Car is distinguishable by its carbon-fiber mirrors and a new carbon-fiber hood. The rear aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 93 mph, and together with the rear diffuser, provides added downforce.

Inside, the Safety Car is equipped with monitors and a radio system to help driver Bernd Maylander and co-driver Pete Tibbetts see and hear what’s going on in the race. A second interior mirror is installed so Tibbetts can keep an eye on the F1 cars following the Safety Car. The central display on the instrument cluster and on the glove compartment provide the same marshalling signals the F1 drivers see in their cockpits.

The SLS AMG Safety Car will be joined by another Mercedes-Benz at F1 races. The C63 AMG Estate returns in 2010 as the official F1 Medical Car, ready to respond to race emergencies.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Formula One Safety Car

The E300 BlueTEC Hybrid is set to be Europe’s first diesel hybrid when it goes on sale at the end of next year as a 2011. Powered by the E250 CDI’s 2.2-liter diesel with 204-hp, it gets an additional 15 kW (20-hp) electric motor and lithium-ion battery that assist in powering the car, charging up through a regenerative braking process. As a full-hybrid, the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid can also operate on just electric power  for short distances at speeds of up to 35 km/h (22 mph). The diesel engine also shuts off when slowing down at speeds below 80 km/h (50 mph) to reduce consumption.

Total output for the hybrid powertrain is rated at 224-hp and 428 ft-lbs of torque.

Mercedes will bring both a sedan and wagon (estate) version of the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid to market late in 2011.

GALLERY: Mercedes E300 BlueTEC Hybrid

For more on the E300 BlueTEC Hyrbid see the full press release after the jump:

Mercedes-Benz unveiled its F800 Style concept, representing what the German car maker calls the future of premium cars.

The F800 concept has two variants, a plug-in hybrid with a 272 hp V6 direct injection engine paired with a 109 hp lithium-ion battery powered motor, and a fuel cell-powered 136 hp electric model that produces water vapor as its only emission.

The front end features a variation of the radiator grille with the familiar Mercedes-Benz star centrally positioned. curved air intake openings, curved louvres, wide grille  and LED headlamps foreshadow what we may see in future Mercedes-Benz models.

The front doors open in a conventional manner but the rear doors slide backward, suspended from an interior swivel arm to allow easier access in tight parking spaces (which would be particularly useful in the cramped parking lot here at the Geneva Palexpo.)

Other features include some new technology such as Distronic Plus Traffic Jam Assistant, which essentially takes active cruise control to a new level by steering the car at speeds below 25 mph. There’s also an advanced Pre-Safe 360-degree system that works to detect rear-impacts and prevent a rear-impact from pushing you into another car in front.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F800 Style