Down the Road: Owners rank the quality of their new cars and trucks
BY CHERYL JENSEN motor matters The answer to a question often depends on the way the question is asked. That's one lesson drawn from two separate studies that measure vehicle quality. J.D. Power and Associates published its Initial Quality Study while rival Strategic Vision...
Tags: car, Chevrolet, Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co., Lexus..., MARKETING, Mercedes-Benz, survey, Toyota Motor Corp., vision
Research articles 2008-07-16
Slower Economy Pushes Auto Dealers 2007 Sales Down
Despite a 4% drop in sales, Fletcher Jones Motorcars again kept its top spot on the Business Journal's list of biggest automobile dealers in Orange County. Crevier BMW took back the No. 2 spot after a stint at No. 3 in 2006. The list ranks OC's 25 largest auto dealers...
Tags: car, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, SALES, Toyota Motor Corp.
Research articles 2008-03-03
Sport utilities lead boom in sales of luxury vehicles.
MICHELLE KREBS The tumbling stock market hasn't deterred consumers from buying big-ticket cars and trucks. Sales of expensive luxury vehicles are booming this year. Vehicle manufacturers - particularly BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, which speci MICHELLE KREBS ...
Tags: BMW AG, car, Chrysler LLC, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz..., minivan, sales
Research articles 1998-10-26
Additional Resources
Porsche® Named Top Prestigious Luxury Automobile Brand for 2008 by Luxury Institute — Again!
ATLANTA -- For the fourth year running, America's most affluent consumers have declared Porsche the most prestigious car available today. The Luxury Institute's 2008 independent nationwide survey of luxury auto brands rated Porsche tops against eleven of the world's most prestigious car brands. Lexus and Mercedes ranked second and third,...
Tags: brand, Porsche AG
Research articles 2008-05-15
Upscale Cars Available at South Florida Payless Car Rental
Business Editors ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--BUSINESS WIRE--Nov. 1, 2001 The Payless Car Rental System, Inc. franchise locations in South Florida offer a selection of autos you might not expect from a national car rental company. Not only do they offer traditional rental vehicles, Payless features an impressive range of...
Tags: Miami International Airport
Research articles 2001-11-01
Hometown Auto Retailers Adds Pre-Owned Luxury Car Unit to Wellesley, Mass. Lincoln Mercury Dealership
Business Editors/Automotive Writers WATERTOWN, Conn.--BUSINESS WIRE--Nov. 20, 2000 Hometown Auto Retailers (Nasdaq NM: HCAR) has acquired the assets of Massachusetts-based International Auto, which will be incorporated into Hometown's Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Wellesley, Mass. International Auto, operated by Chadsam Inc., specializes in pre-owned luxury car sales, including Audi,...
Tags: Hometown Auto Retailers Inc.
Research articles 2000-11-20
Cadillac Catera, Aimed at Younger Buyers, Debuts to High Expectations.(Originated from Detroit Free Press)
Dec. 7--Not since Saturn has a General Motors car carried such lofty expectations as the Cadillac Catera. The German-engineered and built luxury car is supposed to lure baby boom buyers, and especially female boomers, away from BMW, Lexus and Mercedes and into their first Caddy. ...
Tags: BMW AG, Cadillac, car, General Motors Corp., SALES..., women
Research articles 1995-12-07
General Motors Luxury Unit Unveils Redesigned Escalade at Car Show.(Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News)
Aug. 18--After a misstep with its original model, Cadillac hopes its redesigned Escalade can play in the luxury sport-utility sandbox with the bullies from Lincoln, Lexus, Mercedes and BMW. General Motors Corp.'s luxury division Thursday unveiled the 2002 Escalade at the Concours d'Elegance classic...
Tags: Cadillac, car, General Motors Corp., SALES
Research articles 2000-08-17
Rear View Mirror: HARD LUX
HONDA LEGEND & NISSAN INFINITI DO we really need any more luxury cars? Is there a niche left in the crowded posh saloon market for yet another luxobarge? With Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Lexus raising the benchmark of luxury car excellence on a daily...
Tags: Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
Research articles 2004-04-25
Motors: Hard lux..
DO we really need any more luxury cars? Is there a niche left in the crowded posh saloon market for yet another luxobarge? With Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Lexus raising the benchmark of luxury car excellence on a daily basis, you wouldn't think so. In fact, if...
Tags: Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
Research articles 2004-04-18
CARS: Over $35,000
Lexus LS 430 With styling lessons from the Mercedes S-class, the Lexus sports a new, muscular 4.3-liter engine and new safety technology. COST | Bottom line * Price as equipped: $58,440 * To buy: $1,498 a month ($11,688 down/9.5%/36 months) * To lease: $1,105 a...
Tags: Audi AG, BMW AG, Continental, Lexus, Lincoln..., Porsche AG, Saab, Volvo
Research articles 2000-12-01
GOOD news for Audi
GOOD news for Audi. Their massive product offensive over the last 12 months has paid off, with two of their cars scooping gongs at the 2007 World Car of the Year in New York. The new TT took Design of the Year, while the thunderously quick RS4 bagged World Performance...
Tags: Audi AG, car
Research articles 2007-04-08
Cell Phone Carriers May Not Fence in Users for Long
Cell Phone Carriers May Not Fence in Users for LongRE: Cell Phone Carriers May Not Fence in Users for LongThe "termination fee" is really not a real "fee" that cell phone providers want to charge. It mainly is a deterrent to prevent you or us clients from "phone hopping" from...
Tags: cell phone, cell phone carrier, cell phone company, Consumerism, telephone carrier..., telephone company
Discussion threads 2008-07-09
Porsche Named Top Prestigious Luxury Automobile Brand for 2007 by Luxury Institute for Third Consecutive Year
ATLANTA -- For the third year running, America's most affluent consumers have declared Porsche the top luxury car available today. The Luxury Institute's 2007 independent, nationwide survey of luxury auto brands rated Porsche against 13 of the world's most prestigious car brands, including Acura, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover,...
Tags: brand, Porsche AG
Research articles 2007-04-12
Rear View Mirror: At your service
ROY Harding, from Warwickshire, has been lusting after a really special sports car all his life, and has managed to save pounds 60,000. Now he's reached this milestone, he doesn't know what to buy. Roy thinks there are too many Mercedes SLs around, so has gone off them. He still...
Tags: BMW AG, car, Porsche AG
Research articles 2005-08-14
Car Bows Used by BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Cadillac and General Motors
King Size Bows Chosen to Gift Wrap Cars
Tags: BMW AG, General Motors Corp.
Research articles 2006-10-24
Cadillac Previews New Product for Crossover Class.
By Lawrence Ulrich, Detroit Free Press Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News May 8--Preparing to dive into a crossover class ruled by imports, Cadillac on Tuesday previewed the 2004 SRX, the latest entry in its arsenal of new products. Drawing styling...
Tags: BMW AG, Cadillac, General Motors Corp., SALES, sedan
Research articles 2002-05-08
Chicago Tribune Jim Mateja Column.
By Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Feb. 25--CHICAGO--Only a few years ago Cadillac was holding on by its thumbs. In 2000, the one-time king of the luxury-car segment languished in the No. 5 sales spot behind Lexus,...
Tags: Cadillac, car, Chicago, General Motors Corp., SALES..., sedan, Strategy
Research articles 2004-02-25
XF will impress buyers
THE XF replaces the now ageing S-Type and will compete against the likes of the Audi 6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes C-Class and the Lexus GS saloons. The Jaguar will feature a choice of four engines and three trim levels priced from pounds 33,900 for the 2.7-litre diesel to...
Tags: Audi AG, BMW AG, car, Jaguar
Research articles 2007-12-14
THE INVESTMENT COLUMN: Impressive Inchcape stays in the driving seat
INCHCAPE, THE car dealership group with a turnover close to pounds 2bn and operations dotted around the globe, seems to be firing on all cylinders. Inchcape specialises in upmarket brands, including Lexus, Mercedes, BMW and Ferrari, which it retails and services. Only its Sars-hit Hong Kong division...
Tags: Inchcape Plc.
Research articles 2003-08-05
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Friday, May 16, 2008
2008 mercedes benz
2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
A gateway to the luxury AMG brand
Arv Voss
Friday, May 2, 2008
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"My Ride" — send an email to cars@sfchronicle.com
Imagine a 6.3-liter, 32-valve, free-revving V8 engine that delivers 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque with a 7200 rpm redline, in a C-Class sedan that rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.35 seconds. Doesn't make any sense, you say? Well, initially, it didn't make sense to me either, since the C-Class is in essence the entry-level vehicle for the prestigious German marque. In that context, it probably doesn't make sense to the majority of auto enthusiasts, but looking at the scenario in a somewhat different light, it seems to make perfect sense. The Mercedes-Benz C63 sedan for 2008 just happens to be an AMG model, and since AMG has now officially become its own brand within the ranks of Mercedes-Benz, the C63 five-passenger sedan is the perfect gateway car for the AMG brand, raising it to a position significantly higher than simply an entry-level C-Class sedan. An integral part of the Mercedes-Benz organization, Mercedes-AMG has become synonymous with factory-developed high-performance vehicles.
The C63 isn't simply a C-Series sedan with a big engine and "go-fast" attributes. It is a different car altogether. It sports a longer wheelbase and is more than 6 inches longer overall than the regular C-Series models. The new front axle has a 1.4-inch wider track - visible by the more widely flared wheel arches, ensuring lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering. The big 6.3-liter mill adheres to the basic AMG philosophy of "One Man, One Engine" wherein each engine is hand-assembled one at a time by a single expert technician at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, and is bench-tested to ensure maximum performance. The 6.3-liter V8 connects to the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed automatic transmission, which includes a new double de-clutching feature on downshifts that maintains vehicle balance during cornering, while delivering shift times up to 50 percent faster than before. Equipped with the AMG steering-wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission allows for a sporty, comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver's preference. The various modes - "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed. Designed exclusively by AMG, the engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines.
The C63 AMG's exterior differs from other C-Class models with a unique power domed hood, widened front fenders and a special front fascia as well as other body components not shared with any C-Class model. The AMG spoiler on the trunk reduces lift and ensures greater handling stability at high speeds. The C63 AMG rides on new, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design, painted high-sheen titanium gray. While the power delivery from the 6.3-liter V8 is impressive, the braking power for the C63 AMG is no less impressive with the large, internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes.
The new C63 AMG is the first AMG model to feature the new three-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with a Sport function. The ESP button in the center console allows the driver to choose between three ESP modes: "ESP ON," "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF."
The purposeful performance theme of the C63 AMG isn't confined to the exterior styling; it continues in the interior, which provides special AMG sport seats with integrated head restraints for the first time. The seats feature a new design and adaptive backrests with adjustments for the side bolsters and lumbar support. Perfect handling control is assured with the new AMG performance flat-bottom steering wheel in a three-spoke design. The side sections of the wheel are covered in perforated leather and two silver AMG shift paddles.
The signature AMG instrument cluster features newly styled dials, AMG-specific lettering, the "6.3 V8" logo in the tachometer and a new night-time illumination design. The AMG main menu in the central display allows numerous settings, with "Warm Up," "Set Up" and "Race" modes activated via buttons on the steering wheel.
The C63 AMG will become available in U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealerships in May, and will be priced at $54,625, which includes the $825 destination fee.
My test Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG came with a base price of $53,800, which with the destination charge of $825 totaled $54,625. The standard equipment inventory includes: a power glass sun roof, the AMG Speedshift 7-speed transmission, heated seats, Comand controller, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius satellite radio and split folding rear seat backs. Other available features and equipment include: Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated headlamp washers, a navigation system with 7-inch power retractable display, six-disc CD/DVD changer, leather upholstery and memory seats. With all of the available features and equipment, the final price would top $63,000. In 2009 the AMG Performance Package becomes available for another $3,900.
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG makes perfect sense as a gateway vehicle to the AMG brand, rather than a hot-rod C-Class entry-level ride, while representing an outstanding value in the process. The performance is phenomenal on all levels, which was aptly demonstrated during spirited exercises on the road course at Arizona's Firebird International Raceway. There were no casualties, only challenging maneuvers in trying to keep up with professional driver/instructors piloting CLK 63 AMG Black Series lead cars.
The C63 AMG is at home on the road or on the track. It can be a comfortable cruiser, or a worthy competitor on the track. Is it worth the price? Well, when one adds the sound emanating from this engine's exhaust note, the special resonance warrants a yes.
A gateway to the luxury AMG brand
Arv Voss
Friday, May 2, 2008
Printable Version
Email This Article
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fark Fark
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google Google Bookmarks
(1)
Georgia (default)
Verdana
Times New Roman
Arial
* Find a new or used car.
* Research makes and
models.
* Sell your car.
* Read the latest
automotive news.
* Submit your own story about your first car for
"My Ride" — send an email to cars@sfchronicle.com
Imagine a 6.3-liter, 32-valve, free-revving V8 engine that delivers 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque with a 7200 rpm redline, in a C-Class sedan that rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.35 seconds. Doesn't make any sense, you say? Well, initially, it didn't make sense to me either, since the C-Class is in essence the entry-level vehicle for the prestigious German marque. In that context, it probably doesn't make sense to the majority of auto enthusiasts, but looking at the scenario in a somewhat different light, it seems to make perfect sense. The Mercedes-Benz C63 sedan for 2008 just happens to be an AMG model, and since AMG has now officially become its own brand within the ranks of Mercedes-Benz, the C63 five-passenger sedan is the perfect gateway car for the AMG brand, raising it to a position significantly higher than simply an entry-level C-Class sedan. An integral part of the Mercedes-Benz organization, Mercedes-AMG has become synonymous with factory-developed high-performance vehicles.
The C63 isn't simply a C-Series sedan with a big engine and "go-fast" attributes. It is a different car altogether. It sports a longer wheelbase and is more than 6 inches longer overall than the regular C-Series models. The new front axle has a 1.4-inch wider track - visible by the more widely flared wheel arches, ensuring lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering. The big 6.3-liter mill adheres to the basic AMG philosophy of "One Man, One Engine" wherein each engine is hand-assembled one at a time by a single expert technician at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, and is bench-tested to ensure maximum performance. The 6.3-liter V8 connects to the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed automatic transmission, which includes a new double de-clutching feature on downshifts that maintains vehicle balance during cornering, while delivering shift times up to 50 percent faster than before. Equipped with the AMG steering-wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission allows for a sporty, comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver's preference. The various modes - "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed. Designed exclusively by AMG, the engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines.
The C63 AMG's exterior differs from other C-Class models with a unique power domed hood, widened front fenders and a special front fascia as well as other body components not shared with any C-Class model. The AMG spoiler on the trunk reduces lift and ensures greater handling stability at high speeds. The C63 AMG rides on new, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design, painted high-sheen titanium gray. While the power delivery from the 6.3-liter V8 is impressive, the braking power for the C63 AMG is no less impressive with the large, internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes.
The new C63 AMG is the first AMG model to feature the new three-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with a Sport function. The ESP button in the center console allows the driver to choose between three ESP modes: "ESP ON," "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF."
The purposeful performance theme of the C63 AMG isn't confined to the exterior styling; it continues in the interior, which provides special AMG sport seats with integrated head restraints for the first time. The seats feature a new design and adaptive backrests with adjustments for the side bolsters and lumbar support. Perfect handling control is assured with the new AMG performance flat-bottom steering wheel in a three-spoke design. The side sections of the wheel are covered in perforated leather and two silver AMG shift paddles.
The signature AMG instrument cluster features newly styled dials, AMG-specific lettering, the "6.3 V8" logo in the tachometer and a new night-time illumination design. The AMG main menu in the central display allows numerous settings, with "Warm Up," "Set Up" and "Race" modes activated via buttons on the steering wheel.
The C63 AMG will become available in U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealerships in May, and will be priced at $54,625, which includes the $825 destination fee.
My test Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG came with a base price of $53,800, which with the destination charge of $825 totaled $54,625. The standard equipment inventory includes: a power glass sun roof, the AMG Speedshift 7-speed transmission, heated seats, Comand controller, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius satellite radio and split folding rear seat backs. Other available features and equipment include: Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated headlamp washers, a navigation system with 7-inch power retractable display, six-disc CD/DVD changer, leather upholstery and memory seats. With all of the available features and equipment, the final price would top $63,000. In 2009 the AMG Performance Package becomes available for another $3,900.
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG makes perfect sense as a gateway vehicle to the AMG brand, rather than a hot-rod C-Class entry-level ride, while representing an outstanding value in the process. The performance is phenomenal on all levels, which was aptly demonstrated during spirited exercises on the road course at Arizona's Firebird International Raceway. There were no casualties, only challenging maneuvers in trying to keep up with professional driver/instructors piloting CLK 63 AMG Black Series lead cars.
The C63 AMG is at home on the road or on the track. It can be a comfortable cruiser, or a worthy competitor on the track. Is it worth the price? Well, when one adds the sound emanating from this engine's exhaust note, the special resonance warrants a yes.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
new mercedes benz cars
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