In the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is planning a full attack this year starting with the launch of the second-generation CLS sports saloon in June. Today, the Stuttgart-based premium carmaker released a list outlining the arrival dates and the changes for its 2012 model year cars and SUVs in the States. Follow the jump to check it out in detail.
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Flash forward to 2011. At the Essen Motor Show in December of last year, European specialist coachbuilder Binz announced the Xtend E-Class estate, and now the car has entered production. By slotting in an extra 861 mm between the rear doors and rear axle, Binz have extended the estate’s cargo volume to a whopping 2620 litres. That’s better than some vans.
Weight is up to a heavy two tonnes while everything else, including the tires and choice of engines, remains standard E-Class fare. Oh, and the hearse-like styling should come as no surprise. Apart from the 6-door E-Class limousine, Binz is also a builder of several Mercedes-Benz derived hearses including one based on the swoopy CLS.
Imagine the sort of nightmares you’ll give your dachshund when it realizes it’s riding in the back of a hearse or the looks on your kid’s faces when you drop them off at school in something even Herman Munster would be embarrassed to be seen in. In my opinion, Binz should stick to building limousines. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
By Tristan Hankins
Source: Binz via Benzinsider
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We’ve also included the “Third man” commercial from a few years back, in which the “New Flying Finn” trumps the younger Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. You can watch both videos after the jump.
By Csaba Daradicss
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We’ve also included the “Third man” commercial from a few years back, in which the “New Flying Finn” trumps the younger Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. You can watch both videos after the jump.
By Csaba Daradicss
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For the front of the car designers chose a new bumper with side vents and a prominent spoiler lip. The new parts feature sharper edges, a theme that’s continued with the side skirts. At the rear we can find a bumper extension with three fins, boot lip and roof spoiler, all available in carbon fiber as an option.
The black paintjob is complemented by metallic accents, found around the grille and custom Prior Design logo replacing the Mercedes star, on the side of the car and rear bumper. The same metal trim was used for the window surrounds.
Enormous, 20-inch Prior GT wheels, available in matte black, gloss black and silver, and a 4-tip stainless steel exhaust system round up the exterior changes.
Depending on the engine found under the bonnet, Prior offers numerous power upgrades, boosting peak output by up to 75 hp. Paired with a 35 mm lowering applied to the suspension, the performance package should make the Black Desire faster and better handling than the stock model.
According to the company, the Black Desire tuning package can also be fitted on the E-Class Convertible, while both Mercs can be ordered with a range of carbon fiber trim parts for the interior.
By Csaba Daradics
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For the front of the car designers chose a new bumper with side vents and a prominent spoiler lip. The new parts feature sharper edges, a theme that’s continued with the side skirts. At the rear we can find a bumper extension with three fins, boot lip and roof spoiler, all available in carbon fiber as an option.
The black paintjob is complemented by metallic accents, found around the grille and custom Prior Design logo replacing the Mercedes star, on the side of the car and rear bumper. The same metal trim was used for the window surrounds.
Enormous, 20-inch Prior GT wheels, available in matte black, gloss black and silver, and a 4-tip stainless steel exhaust system round up the exterior changes.
Depending on the engine found under the bonnet, Prior offers numerous power upgrades, boosting peak output by up to 75 hp. Paired with a 35 mm lowering applied to the suspension, the performance package should make the Black Desire faster and better handling than the stock model.
According to the company, the Black Desire tuning package can also be fitted on the E-Class Convertible, while both Mercs can be ordered with a range of carbon fiber trim parts for the interior.
By Csaba Daradics
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The Rottweil-based specialist went for an aggressive look, combining the factory AMG aero kit with new parts, such as a front spoiler lip, three-part boot lid lip and rear diffuser with integrated 4-pipe Quadro exhaust system. The latter is available for all engines powering the coupe and convertible models, while, upon request, Piecha can modify the standard, 2-pipe exhaust as well.
Lowered side skirts boasting an LED lighting system, offered for all Mercedes-Benz cars, and 19-inch dp2 Phantom alloys surrounded by 235/35 front and 275/30 rear tires, complete the exterior package.
Tech buffs will probably enjoy the new power converter, which cuts down the powertrain’s reaction time, if needed. Using a potentiometer, owners can choose between three settings: standard, urban-driving or sports mode. The updated power converter is not an exclusive E-Class Convertible option, as it’s available for all models with electronic accelerators.
Last but not least, Piecha developed the Vario roof module that makes it possible to open or close the canvas top while driving, at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph), using the standard key.
By Csaba Daradics
Prices
Front spoiler lip € 750.00
Rear diffuser element € 785.00
Rear spoiler lip € 430.00
Side skirt LED lighting € 370.00
Comfort Vario roof € 359.00
Quadro exhaust sub-system € 1,385.00
Piecha dp2 Phantom rim set € 1,690.00
CS RC power converter € 357.00
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The Rottweil-based specialist went for an aggressive look, combining the factory AMG aero kit with new parts, such as a front spoiler lip, three-part boot lid lip and rear diffuser with integrated 4-pipe Quadro exhaust system. The latter is available for all engines powering the coupe and convertible models, while, upon request, Piecha can modify the standard, 2-pipe exhaust as well.
Lowered side skirts boasting an LED lighting system, offered for all Mercedes-Benz cars, and 19-inch dp2 Phantom alloys surrounded by 235/35 front and 275/30 rear tires, complete the exterior package.
Tech buffs will probably enjoy the new power converter, which cuts down the powertrain’s reaction time, if needed. Using a potentiometer, owners can choose between three settings: standard, urban-driving or sports mode. The updated power converter is not an exclusive E-Class Convertible option, as it’s available for all models with electronic accelerators.
Last but not least, Piecha developed the Vario roof module that makes it possible to open or close the canvas top while driving, at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph), using the standard key.
By Csaba Daradics
Prices
Front spoiler lip € 750.00
Rear diffuser element € 785.00
Rear spoiler lip € 430.00
Side skirt LED lighting € 370.00
Comfort Vario roof € 359.00
Quadro exhaust sub-system € 1,385.00
Piecha dp2 Phantom rim set € 1,690.00
CS RC power converter € 357.00
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