The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Superior safety, comfort and agility

Safety,rncomfort, agility: these are the outstanding attributes of the newrnC-Class. The Saloon excels with a many-faceted product concept whichrnmeets the expectations of various customer target groups. With thernAVANTGARDE, ELEGANCE and CLASSIC lines, Mercedes-Benz offers threernindividual models whose emphasis is on either comfort or agility. Allrnmodel variants share the latest, state-of-the-art technology. Thisrnincludes the newly developed AGILITY CONTROL package withrnsituation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent LightrnSystem with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE®rnpreventive occupant protection system. There is a choice of four andrnsix-cylinder engines with up to 13 percent more output than thernpreceding model, accompanied by up an to six percent lower fuelrnconsumption.

With a length of 4581 millimetres, the Saloon is 55rnmillimetres longer than its predecessor. The body width has increasedrnby 42 mm to 1770 millimetres, and the wheelbase by 45 mm to 2760rnmillimetres. These dimensions create the conditions for a generouslyrnsized interior, and therefore more comfort. The front shoulder room hasrnincreased by 40 millimetres, for example.

In the ELEGANCErnmodel Mercedes-Benz employs a three-dimensional, louvred radiatorrngrille with a high-gloss paint finish to accentuate other brand-typicalrnattributes such as comfort and luxury. The CLASSIC model in the newrnC-Class is intentionally more restrained and traditional, but offersrnthe same technical innovations as the other two model variants.

Thisrn"product-in-product" concept enables Mercedes customers to accentuaternindividual choices, and configure the C-Class to suit their personalrntaste and lifestyle even more emphatically than before. All the modelsrnoffer the same, extraordinary driving experience that the Saloonrnprovides by virtue of further technical improvements. Both by itsrnoutstanding long-distance comfort and its dynamic handling, the C-Classrnsets new standards in this market segment.

Shock absorbers automatically adapt to the driving situation

AGILITYrnCONTROL - this is the term used by Mercedes-Benz for all new andrnfurther developments that improve both comfort and agility in equalrnmeasure. This standard package includes the AGILITY CONTROL suspension,rnwhich controls the shock absorber forces according to the drivingrnsituation: when driving normally with low shock absorber impulses, therndamping forces are automatically reduced for a noticeable improvementrnin ride comfort - but without any compromise in handling safety. Whenrndriving more dynamically, the maximum damping forces are set and therncar is effectively stabilised. The AGILITY CONTROL steering of the newrnC-Class has a ratio of 14.5, and is therefore six percent more directrnthan the steering of the preceding model. The likewise included AGILITYrnCONTROL gearshift reflects the sporty character of the C-Class with arnshort travel and precise shifts.

Mercedes-Benz has also developedrnthe ADVANCED AGILITY package with a sporty driving mode, which willrnbecome optionally available from autumn 2007. This offers the driver arnchoice of two gearshift programmes: Sport and Comfort. Within thesernprogrammes the shock absorber for each wheel has infinitely variablernelectronic control. A newly developed speed-sensitive steering with arnmore direct ratio, variable centring and adaptation of the acceleratorrncharacteristics and automatic transmission shift points is alsornincluded in the package.

ADAPTIVE BRAKE is another newrndevelopment in the area of running gear technology. This is based onrnthe technology of the S-Class and provides additional support functionsrnfor even more safety and comfort. Examples include Start-Off Assist forrnuphill gradients, priming the braking system in critical situations andrnlight contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions.

Output of the supercharged four-cylinder engines increased by up to 13 percent

Withrna remarkable boost in output by up to 13 percent and an increase ofrnaround 18 percent in torque, the engines also do more than their bit torncreate the lively nature of the new C-Class. The four and six-cylinderrnunits not only excel with powerful responsiveness, but also contributernto the excellent ride comfort of the Saloon with their improvedrnsmoothness.

Mercedes-Benz has paid particular attention tornfurther development of the four-cylinder engines. In the petrol range,rnthe output of the entry-level C 180 KOMPRESSOR has increased from thernprevious 105 kW/143 hp to 115 kW/156 hp, with maximum torque improvedrnby 4.5 percent from 220 to 230 newton metres, while the C 200rnKOMPRESSOR develops 15 kW/20 hp more than before. It has an output ofrn135 kW/184 hp and generates its maximum torque of 250 newton metresrnfrom 2800 rpm. These modified engines considerably improve thernperformance and fuel consumption of the four-cylinder models. Whenrnaccelerating from standstill to 100 km/h, the C 200 KOMPRESSOR is 0.5rnseconds faster than its predecessor. Improvements in fuel consumptionrnare equally impressive: the C 180 KOMPRESSOR consumes 0.3 litres perrn100 kilometres less than before, while the combined fuel consumption ofrnthe C 200 KOMPRESSOR has been reduced by 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Fuel consumption of the four-cylinder CDI engines reduced by 0.3 litres

Furtherrndevelopment of the four-cylinder units was also the main focus for therndiesel engines. The engineers in Stuttgart have made furtherrnimprovements to the engine, turbocharger and common-rail directrninjection, modifying more than 90 components. As a result of thesernmeasures the new C 200 CDI has eleven percent more output than thernpreceding model, with 100 kW/136 hp versus the previous 90 kW/122 hp.rnThe C 220 CDI develops a peak output of 125 kW/170 hp (previously 110rnkW/150 hp), and generates a torque of 400 newton metres from 2000 rpm -rnaround 18 percent more than before. Fuel consumption has been reducedrnby up to 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres: in the New European DrivingrnCycle (NEDC), the C 200 CDI and C 220 CDI are able to travel 100rnkilometres on just 6.1 litres of fuel.

The modern V6-engines inrnthe C-Class range remain unchanged, with a choice of three petrol unitsrndeveloping 150 kW/204 hp, 170 kW/231 hp and 200 kW/272 hp. Thernsix-cylinder of the new C 320 CDI has an output of 165 kW/224 hp. Withrnthe exception of the C 350, all models in the new C-Class are equippedrnwith a six-speed transmission featuring AGILITY CONTROL gearshift asrnstandard. The top-of-the-range C 350 has 7G-TRONIC, the world's onlyrnseven-speed automatic transmission, as standard equipment. This is alsornavailable for the other six-cylinder C-Class models on request.

The latest Mercedes inventions ensure maximum safety

Duringrnthe course of its development, the new C-Class successfully passed morernthan 100 crash tests, including the particularly demanding, in-housernimpact tests of which some go well beyond the legal requirements.rnPassing these is a precondition for the highest accolade in automobilernsafety: the Mercedes star. Occupant protection is based on anrnintelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists ofrnhigh-strength and ultra high-strength steel. Compared to the previousrnseries, Mercedes-Benz has enlarged the deformation zones even furtherrnand improved energy flows. The front-end structure of the new C-Classrnhas four independently acting impact levels, which enable forces to berndistributed over a wide area while bypassing the passenger cell.

Thernsafety technology in the interior has been complemented with the veryrnlatest protection systems. Seven airbags are included as standardrnequipment: two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, arnkneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front seat backrests andrntwo large windowbags which extend from the A to the C-pillar during arnside impact. The driver, front passenger and the passengers on thernouter rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt forcernlimiters as standard. The standard head restraints operate on the NECKrnPRO principle: during a rear-end collision the padded surfaces arernpushed forward within milliseconds to support the heads of the driverrnand front passenger at an early stage. This significantly reduces thernrisk of a whiplash injury.

Mercedes-Benz has developed flashingrnbrake lights as a major help in reducing rear-end collisions, and thesernare also standard equipment in the new C-Class. If the driver needs tornbrake hard at speeds in excess of 50 km/h, the brake lights flashrnrapidly to warn drivers following behind.

PRE-SAFE® is anotherrnspecial feature of the new Mercedes Saloon. This preventive occupantrnprotection system (optional) is linked to active safety systems such asrnESP® and Brake Assist, and is able to recognise critical drivingrnmanoeuvres at a very early stage. If the C-Class is in danger ofrncrashing as a result of heavy under or oversteering, or if the driverrnneeds to brake very heavily in a dangerous situation, PRE-SAFE®rnactivates certain systems as a precaution to prepare the vehicle andrnits occupants for an impending accident. Accordingly the passive safetyrnphase does not begin when the impact has already occurred, but beforernan impending collision.

The Intelligent Light System developed byrnMercedes-Benz is also available in this vehicle class for the firstrntime. Powerful bi-xenon headlamps provide five different lightingrnfunctions suited to typical driving and weather conditions: countryrnmode, motorway mode, enhanced foglamps, the Active Light System andrncornering lights. Yet another important contribution by Mercedes-Benzrnto safer driving in poor visibility.

Interior design "cast from a single mould"

Whenrndeveloping the cockpit, Mercedes designers took their lead from thernsporty sector and included clearly laid-out dial instruments such asrnmay be found in roadsters or coupés. Silver-coloured bezels, black dialrnfaces, white markings and glowing orange needles perfectly combine formrnwith function for a high value impression and easy legibility.

Equallyrnclearly laid out and well-arranged, the two-tone dashboard and centrernconsole of the new C-Class form a harmonious unit in line with thern"design cast from a single mould" principle. The same applies to thernintegration of the colour display at the upper centre of the dashboard.rnThis is perfectly positioned within the driver's line of vision, butrncan also be covered or folded away as required, without switching offrnthe radio, navigation system or other units linked to the display. Ifrnthe pivoting cover of the display aperture is closed, the infotainmentrnunits continue to operate.

New control concept for clarity and comfort

Therncentral colour display is part of the new control and display conceptrnwhich the new C-Class has adopted from the luxury-class Mercedesrnmodels. Its major advantage is rapid access to frequently usedrnfunctions, which means that the driver does not need to relearn, isrnable to maintain familiar habits and feels at home immediately. All therncontrol and display elements necessary and important during a journeyrnare located in the cockpit, i.e. in immediate proximity to the driver.

Inrnthe same way, linking the standard multifunction steering wheel withrnthe instrument cluster is an important precondition for rapid access torna wide range of information and functions in the driver's direct linernof vision. Other functions such as infotainment are shown by therndisplay at the centre of the dashboard. The driver and front passengerrnare able to control the radio, navigation system or telephone by usingrna controller on the centre console, or access the main menus usingrndirect selection keys.

COMAND provides voice operation, a music server and DVD navigation

ThernAudio 20, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS systems are a range of newlyrndeveloped, optional infotainment units for C-Class passengers. They allrnfeature a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies,rnas well as a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects the mobilernphone to the hands-free system. In the Audio 50 APS, the route guidancerninformation - some of it as a visually attractive automatic junctionrnzoom display - is shown by means of arrows on the fixed colour displayrn(4.9-inch) in the dashboard. An integral 6-CD changer and thernLINGUATRONIC voice control system are available on request.

Thernmultimedia system COMAND APS offers even more functions than before inrnthe new C-Class. One new feature is a Europe-wide navigation systemrnwhose data are stored on a hard disc (30 gigabytes). Thernhigh-resolution maps are shown on a colour display (7-inch) whichrnpivots away and disappears beneath a cover at the touch of a button.rnOther functions of COMAND APS include a music server with arnfour-gigabyte memory, a DVD-player for video and audio, and thernLINGUATRONIC voice control system, which Mercedes-Benz has likewisernimproved further: the driver no longer needs to spell out the names ofrncountries, towns or roads, but is able to speak them as whole words.rnThe voice control system is just as convenient when selecting radiornstations or entries in the telephone directory.

The C-Class is the bestseller in the Mercedes lineup

Thernnew C-Class Salon replaces a model series of which more than 1.4rnmillion units have been sold since spring 2000. All in all,rnMercedes-Benz has delivered more than two million of the Saloon, Estaternand Sports Coupé models in the previous C-Class to customers all overrnthe world. This makes the C-Class the bestseller in the Mercedes-Benzrnpassenger car range. Germany is the largest market for the C-Class,rnaccounting for around 30 percent of worldwide sales.

Just a few months following the market debut of the saloon,rnMercedes-Benz is now unveilling the estate version of the new C-Class.rnThe estate takes the trademark strengths of the saloon, such as safety,rnagility and comfort, and combines them with a significant increase inrnspaciousness and versatility. Quite apart from being able to hold arnmaximum of 1500 litres, giving it a larger load capacity than any otherrnpremium-class estate in this market segment, the new C-Class Estaternalso offers a host of handy features for easy loading and saferntransportation -a tailgate which opens and closes automatically at thernpush of a button, for example. Compared to the outgoing model, the newrnMercedes estate burns as much as twelve per cent less fuel. With anrnofficial NEDC consumption of 6.0 litres/100 km, the new C 200 CDI canrnmake a single tank of fuel (66 litres) last for over 1000 kilometres.rnJust like the saloon, the estate version of the new C-Class has alsornbeen awarded an Environmental Certificate, which attests to thernenvironmentally oriented development process as conforming with therninternational ISO standard. In terms of safety, the new estate blazes arntrail with innovations of the likes of PRE-SAFE® and the IntelligentrnLight System, and distinguishes itself as the safest car in thisrnvehicle class. Seven airbags, belt tensioners and belt force limiters,rnas well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints all make up partrnof the standard specification.

New benchmark figure: maximum load capacity of 1500 litres

Duringrnthe concept phase for the new estate, the designers and engineers atrnMercedes took the expectations of the brand's customers as theirrnyardstick. Consequently, spaciousness, versatility and functionalityrnwere given top priority. Compared to its predecessor, the rear of thernnew estate is slanted far more steeply, a crucial factor for enlargingrnthe vehicle's load volume. This now varies between 485 and 1500 litresrn(VDA measuring method), depending on the position of the 1/3 : 2/3rnsplit-folding rear seat -- more than any of the model's rivals in thisrnclass of premium estate car are able to offer. Measured against thernoutgoing C-Class Estate, load capacity has been increased by as much asrn146 litres.

This makes the estate a thoroughly practical vehiclernin every respect. It is able to accommodate, for example, four golfrnbags including trolleys, nine large packing cases or a total of 44rndrinks crates each containing six 1-litre juice bottles. The largestrnpossible cuboid that fits into the load compartment now has a volume ofrn827 litres - that is an increase of 66 litres compared to the previousrnmodel and between 50 and 100 litres more than other premium estaternmodels in this class are able to handle. The maximum utilisablerninterior length is a whole 2.82 metres, as measured between therntailgate and the front passenger footwell - 17 centimetres more thanrnpreviously.

Convenient loading: EASY-PACK tailgate and load-securing kit

Thanksrnto a host of practical details, the new Mercedes estate can be loadedrnmore easily, more conveniently and more safely. For instance, two bagrnhooks and four rings for anchoring loads are included in the loadrncompartment as standard.

Stowage compartments with net coversrnand a collapsible shopping crate can likewise be found in all models,rnas can the combined luggage cover and retaining net. The new EASY-PACKrntailgate opens and closes as the push of a button, representing a firstrnin this segment. Finally, the optional EASY-PACK load-securing kitrnpresents drivers with even more possibilities for both partitioning thernload compartment -- that measures around 1.80 metres long and up torn1.20 metres wide -- and for securing the load being carried.

Thernnew C-Class Estate also makes a perfectly good towing vehicle and,rnindeed, offers a class-beating towing capacity of as much as 1800rnkilograms. The self-levelling suspension that is optionally availablernkeeps the vehicle at a constant ride height regardless of the load itrnis carrying.

Accredited environmental protection: a twelve per cent cut in fuel consumption

Environmentalrnconsiderations played a key role in the development of thernMercedes-Benz C-Class from the very start. This is corroborated by thernEnvironmental Certificate that was awarded by the TÜV TechnicalrnInspection Authority in Germany. Mercedes-Benz is the only automotivernbrand in the world to have obtained a certificate under the terms ofrnISO standard 14062 for environmentally acceptable product development.

Withrnbrand new or redeveloped engines under the bonnet offering greaterrnpower and torque, the C-Class Estate consumes up to twelve per centrnless fuel than previously. The four-cylinder power units were the focusrnof the development work: in the case of the C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200rnKOMPRESSOR petrol models Mercedes-Benz modified the engine managementrnand fitted a more dynamic supercharger and improved pistons to boostrnoutput by 10 kW/13 hp and 15 kW/20 hp respectively. At the same time,rnthe fuel consumption figures for the two models could be cut by as muchrnas 10.3 per cent to 7.7 and 7.8 litres/100 kilometres.

Mercedes-Benzrnalso gave the four-cylinder diesel engines a thorough overhaul too,rnmaking improvements not only to the injection system, the turbochargerrnand the intercooler but to more than 90 other components too. Thernupshot is engines delivering more power and higher torque, combinedrnwith fuel consumption that is around twelve per cent lower. The new Crn220 CDI now has an output of 125 kW/170 hp (previously: 110 kW/150 hp)rnand musters up 400 Newton metres of peak torque (previously: 340 Newtonrnmetres) from 2000 rpm. Fuel consumption on the NEDC driving cycle comesrnin at just 6.1 litres for every 100 kilometres (previously: 6.9 l/100rnkm).

In the new C 200 CDI, power has been upped by eleven perrncent (100 kW/136 hp instead of 90 kW/122 hp before) and fuelrnconsumption is 6.0 litres/100 kilometres (previously 6.8 l/100 km).Asrnfor the six-cylinder engine range, there is a choice of three petrolrnunits developing 150 kW/204 hp, 170 kW/231 hp and 200 kW/272 hp, asrnwell as the new C 320 CDI with an output of 165 kW/224 hp. With thernexception of the C 350, all engine variants are coupled to a six-speedrnmanual transmission. The C 350 is partnered by the 7G-TRONICrnseven-speed automatic transmission.

Sporty agility: shock absorbers that change with the driving situation

Thernunique blend of agility and comfort that forms one of the exceptionalrnstrengths of the new C-Class is basically down to the standard-fitrnAGILITY CONTROL package. This features shock absorbers whichrnautomatically adapt to the current driving situation for a noticeablernimprovement in ride comfort when driving normally. As soon as a morerndynamic driving style is adopted, on the other hand, the maximumrndamping forces are set to stabilise the estate effectively .

Arnsteering system that is six per cent more direct and a short-throwrnsix-speed manual transmission also form part of the AGILITY CONTROLrnpackage.

The dynamic handling package that is available as anrnoption bestows the new C-Class Estate with a degree of agility worthyrnof out-and-out sports cars. The driver is able to choose from two drivernmodes which determine the fundamental suspension characteristic:rnComfort and Sport.

Within these modes, the shock absorbers atrneach wheel are regulated by means of an infinitely variable electronicrncontrol. What's more, the body is lowered by 15 millimetres and thernsuspension equipped with shorter springs and thicker torsion bars. Therndynamic handling package also encompasses the new speed-sensitive powerrnsteering with a more direct ratio and variable centring.

The bodyrnindex devised by engineers at Mercedes clearly illustrates just howrnagilely the new C-Class Estate performs out on the road. This index isrncalculated from the readings for various driving manoeuvres, therebyrnforming a new composite formula for a vehicle's dynamic handlingrnabilities. The larger the body index, the better the suspension isrnlinked to the body and the firmer the suspension's tuning. The standardrnAGILITY CONTROL suspension gives the C-Class a body index of 1.91 torn2.01 hertz, while the new model attains sports-car-like values of up torn2.46 hertz with the dynamic handling package fitted.

Kitting outrnthe new estate with the AMG sports package adds a sports suspensionrnwith shorter springs and firmer shock absorbers to the specification,rnalong with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. The body is also dropped by 15rnmillimetres.

Hallmark Mercedes quality: the safest car in its class

ThernC-Class Estate has come through an exhaustive programme of testing,rnduring which it demonstrated its typical Mercedes-like levels of safetyrnin over 100 crash tests in all. The occupant protection concept isrnunderpinned by an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of whichrnconsists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel. Thernfront-end structure comprises four impact levels which actrnindependently of one another and enable forces to be distributed over arnwide area while bypassing the passenger cell. The occupants arernprotected by a total of seven airbags as standard. The driver, frontrnpassenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit fromrnbelt tensioners and belt force limiters.

The NECK-PRO headrnrestraints in the front have a crash-responsive design, meaning thatrnthey move to cushion the heads of the driver and front passenger at anrnearly stage in a rear-end collision to guard against the risk ofrnwhiplash. The integrated child seats, which fold out of the rear benchrnseat have undergone further development and are now also fitted with arnwraparound head restraint.

Standard features such as the flashingrnbrake lights, Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program make vitalrncontributions to accident prevention. The ESP® system now incorporatesrnadditional functions: not only does it monitor the tyre pressure itrnalso helps to enhance safety when towing a trailer with an automaticrntrailer stabilisation function.

The anticipatory occupantrnprotection system PRE-SAFE® gives the new estate the edge over otherrnmodels in this segment. This optional system makes use of the timernbefore an imminent accident to prepare the vehicle and its occupantsrnfor a collision. The result is a considerable reduction in the loadsrnexerted on the passengers upon impact. The Intelligent Light System isrnanother technical innovation borrowed from the higher-end models in thernMercedes range and is the only system of its kind in this marketrnsegment at the current time. The system's five different lightingrnfunctions are each suited to various typical driving and weatherrnconditions.

Excellent comfort on long journeys: newly developed seats and air conditioning system

Inside,rnthe attractively styled dashboard, the high-class materials andrnappealing colour schemes create a homely atmosphere. For the firstrntime, the colour concept has been extended to the load compartment too.rnOn CLASSIC and ELEGANCE models, the customer's selected appointmentsrncolour is used for both the carpeting and the side trim. On thernAVANTGARDE line, the rear compartment is carpeted in black too. Newlyrndeveloped seats, which can be specified with a multicontour function asrnan option, as well as a powerful air conditioning system add to thernestate's excellent comfort on long journeys.

The new estaternfrom Mercedes-Benz is the first model in this class to offer the optionrnof individually adjustable three-zone climate control. And thernexpansive panoramic sliding sunroof can be found on the list ofrnoptional extras for an estate car for the first time too.

Therncolour display in the centre of the dashboard is linked up to therncontroller on the tunnel console. This is where the driver can operaternthe audio and navigation systems or the telephone. A clear menu controlrnstructure makes it simple to access all of these functions and morernbesides. Alternatively, there are the direct selection keys in therncentre console: the car radio, CD/ DVD player, navigation system orrntelephone can be switched on at the push of a button. Subsequentrnoperating steps are performed using the controller in unison with therncolour display in the dashboard.

State-of-the-art technology: voice-controlled infotainment devices

Mercedes-Benzrndeveloped three new infotainment units for the C-Class: Audio 20, Audiorn50 APS and COMAND APS. They all feature a keypad for entering telephonernnumbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface whichrnallows mobile phones to be connected wirelessly to the hands-freernsystem. The Audio 50 APS system also comprises pan-European DVDrnnavigation using arrow symbols for route guidance. With the COMAND APSrnmultimedia system, the navigation data is stored on a hard disc. Arnhigh-resolution map which can be viewed from different perspectivesrnappears on the tilting colour display. The COMAND APS also comprises arnDVD player, along with a music server for storing up to 1000 tracks.

ThernLINGUATRONIC voice control system is automatically included on C-ClassrnEstate models equipped with the Audio 50 APS plus the six-disc DVDrnchanger or with the COMAND APS system. For the first time, the newrnimproved system is now able to recognise whole-word commands whenrnentering a destination, selecting a radio station or calling up a namernfrom the telephone directory. The driver no longer needs to spell outrnthe names of countries, towns or roads, for example, but is able tornspeak them as whole words instead.

Following its public premierernat the International Motor Show in Frankfurt/Main, motorists will bernable to place their orders for the new C-Class Estate withrnMercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships from Septemberrn2007.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG - AMG high-performance car with 336 kW/457 hp

Inrnthe German Touring Car Championships (DTM) the new AMG C-Class ensuresrnexciting motor racing at the highest level, and now its roadgoingrnsister model is celebrating its debut: the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.rnIts AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine develops a peak output of 336 kW/457 hp andrna maximum torque of 600 newton metres - unrivalled figures in thisrnsegment. Accordingly the C63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h inrn4.5 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.rnIn conjunction with an all-new front axle, speed-sensitive AMG sportsrnsteering and the new, 3-stage ESP, the AMG sports suspension ensuresrnboth outstanding driving enjoyment and exemplary handling dynamics. Arncombination of expressive design, a decidedly sporty interior and arnhigh level of everyday practicality makes the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG arnunique high-performance car. The market launch will commence in earlyrn2008.

With the new C63 AMG, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is making arnconfident statement to mark the 40th birthday of the company. The newrnV8 flagship model is now the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class, whosernfamily tree goes back to the C 36 AMG of 1993 - the very first vehiclerndeveloped as a cooperative venture between Daimler-Benz and AMG.

The torque developed by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine needrnfear no comparison either. The maximum of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpmrnis unrivalled in this class, and the torque curve is equallyrnimpressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 500rnnewton metres on tap - ideal for powerful acceleration in any enginernspeed range.

V8 with thoroughbred racing technology and a designer exhaust note

Introducedrnin 2005, the V8 engine is installed in numerous AMG high-performancerncars and excels with its thoroughbred motor sports technology.

Perfectrncylinder charging is guaranteed by the vertical arrangement of thernintake and exhaust ducts, as well as the magnesium variable intakernmanifold with two integral throttle flaps. Other high-tech featuresrninclude variable camshaft adjustment, four-valve technology withrnbucket-type tappets, a particularly rigid aluminium crankcase ofrnclosed-deck design and the low-friction TWAS coating on the cylinderrncontact surfaces.

Among the particular strengths of the AMG V8rnengine are outstanding responsiveness and enormous pulling power - byrnvirtue of its large displacement, it develops over 30 percent morerntorque than comparable engines in this performance class.rnElectronically controlled fuel delivery is another reason for thernoutstanding agility and responsiveness to movements of the accelerator.rnWith its sporty AMG sound, which was designed-in during a series ofrnsophisticated trials, this eight-cylinder powerpack from Affalterbachrnoffers the unique excitement of a fast-revving, naturally aspiratedrnengine - an audible and immediate experience whether at low, medium orrnhigh engine speeds.

In the interests of optimal reliability, thernMercedes-Benz C63 AMG has a particularly efficient water cooling systemrnand large engine and transmission oil coolers. Located behind the largernapertures in the AMG front apron, these coolers ensure non-criticalrnoperating temperatures at all times - even under the extreme stress ofrnthe racetrack.

Like all AMG high-performance engines, the AMGrn6.3-litre V8 is built in the AMG engine shop on the traditional "onernman, one engine" principle. This means that one technician isrnresponsible for hand-assembling a complete V8 engine to the highestrnquality standards - which is attested to by his signature on the AMGrnengine plate.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC with blipping function

Thisrnhigh-performance eight-cylinder engine has the perfect partner in thernform of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. Equipped withrnAMG steering wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, thernseven-speed automatic transmission allows a decidedly sporty or morerncomfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver's preference.rnThe different modes - "S" (Sport), " C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual)rndiffer in their shift characteristics and speed: gearshifts in "S" modernare around 30 percent faster than in "C", and no less than around 50rnpercent faster in "M" mode. Pressing a button is sufficient to activaternthe desired driving programme.

The new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG isrnthe very first AMG car to feature an automatic throttle-blippingrnfunction during downshifts. This not only enhances the driver'srnemotional experience - the almost completely jolt-free downshiftingrnprocess also reduces the load-change responses and has a particularlyrnpositive effect when braking before bends on the racetrack.

Redesigned front axle with 35-millimetre wider track

ThernMercedes-Benz C63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMGrnsports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. Thernstiff configuration of the springs and gas-pressure shock absorbersrnensures optimal road contact and low body movements when negotiatingrnserpentine bends at speed. The new front axle has a 35-millimetre widerrntrack - visible by the more widely flared wheel arches - and thereforernensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering. A number of featuresrnmake for substantially more stability and precision in all drivingrnsituations: the redesigned wheel location at the front axle is 100rnpercent more rigid, leading to a considerable improvement in steeringrnprecision. Another benefit makes itself felt when braking, as the newrnwheel location ensures an immediate response even under high dynamicrnstresses.

In combination with completely newly configuredrnelasto-kinematics, the new wheel location provides greatly improvedrnlateral dynamics and allows the driver of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG tornbenefit from significantly higher cornering speeds. A larger torsionrnbar stabiliser, new head bearings and dampers with rebound bufferrnsprings further enhance this stability and precision. Steering feedbackrnis also improved by the new kinematics. The speed-sensitive AMG sportsrnsteering has a ratio of 13.5:1, but feels more direct as a result ofrnmoving what is termed the instant centre of motion at the front axle. Arnmore rigid Hardy disc in the steering column, as well as modifiedrnsteering characteristics, make a further contribution to increasedrnprecision.

The multi-link independent rear suspension has alsornbeen thoroughly re-engineered, with a twelve-millimetre wider track andrnmore camber leading to improved cornering performance. Reinforced drivernshafts and drive joints increase fatigue strength and round off thernimprovements to the rear suspension of the C63 AMG.

Therncompletely newly developed AMG sports suspension combines outstandingrnhandling dynamics with the long-distance comfort to be expected of arnMercedes - which also means that the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has therncharacteristic virtues of a genuine AMG.

18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, 19-inch wheel/tyre combination on request

ThernC63 AMG is appropriately fitted with new, 18-inch AMG light-alloyrnwheels in a five-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey, thesernhigh-sheen wheels in size 8.0 x 18 and 8.5 x 18 are shod with wide-baserntyres in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear). Even morerndynamic handling is made possible by the optionally available 19-inchrnAMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. The front wheels are inrnsize 8.0 x 19 with 235/35 tyres, with 9.0 x 19 wheels and 255/30 R 19rntyres at the rear.

Generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system

Internallyrnventilated and perforated disc brakes all-round reside behind thernspokes of the AMG wheels. The front brakes have size 360 xrn36-millimetre discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while decelerationrnat the rear is by 330 x 26-millimetre discs with four-piston fixedrncallipers. The AMG high-performance braking system is characterised byrngreat sensitivity and high fade-resistance.

More distinctive exterior design than ever before

Itrnis not only in technological but also in visual terms that the newrnMercedes-Benz C63 AMG is more distinctively different from the standardrnC-Class than ever before. The front end is dominated by the new bonnetrnwith its two pronounced power domes, as well as the trademark AMGrnradiator grille with a central star and two louvres with chromerninserts. The honeycomb pattern of the grille is also reflected in thernlarge air dams of the new, athletically contoured front apron whichrnforms part of the AMG-specific bodystyling. The fog lamps with chromernsurrounds are spaced well apart, acting together with the flared frontrnwheel arches to accentuate the width of the car - with the strikingrntransition from the front apron to the wings leaving a particularlyrnstrong impression. The side air vents in the front apron serve to expelrnthe hot air from the oil coolers. If the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG isrnspecified with the optional bi-xenon headlamps or the Intelligent LightrnSystem, the headlamps are also dark-tinted.

Eye-catching featuresrnwhen viewed from the side include the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels,rnthe harmoniously integrated "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wing andrnthe AMG side skirts. At the rear the standard LED rear lights, the AMGrnrear apron with its black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuserrnfins, as well as the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome twinrntailpipes, provide further visual highlights that are hallmarks of thernbrand. The AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift and ensuresrngreater handling stability at high speeds.

AMG interior with new sports seats and performance steering wheel

Thisrndecidedly sporty theme is continued in the interior of thernMercedes-Benz C63 AMG, which now has special AMG sports seats withrnintegral head restraints for the first time. The seats not only featurerna new design with cross-piping and AMG lettering, but also an adaptivernbackrest with adjustments for the side bolsters and lumbar support. Thernstandard upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/AMG fabric is availablernin a choice of black or reef grey - or as an option the interior can bernfurther enhanced with particularly high-grade leather in black, reefrngrey or black/sahara beige. Perfect handling control is assured withrnthe new AMG performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design, whichrnhas a rim diameter of 365 millimetres and a flattened lower section.rnThe upper section is covered in perforated leather, and two silver AMGrnshift paddles enable the gears to be shifted manually.

Like the road car, the 2007 AMG-Mercedes C-Class also represents thernthird generation of this model. With 54 victories out of 106 races inrnwhich it has been entered until the end of 2006 (in 1994 and 1995 andrnsince 2004 in the DTM and also in the 1996 ITC which had been derivedrnfrom the DTM), the C-Class is not only the most successfulrnMercedes-Benz in the championship, but the most successful car in thernhistory of the DTM.

Development, design and construction beganrnin March 2006 when the technicians and engineers headed by GerhardrnUngar, technical director of HWA, received the CAD data for the newrnmodel. About ten months later - on January 24, 2007 - the new C-Classrnfor the DTM made its debut on the race track. At the roll-out andrninitial testing in Estoril, Portugal, Bernd Schneider and BrunornSpengler took turns behind the wheel; the two drivers who had finishedrnthe 2006 championship in first and second positions respectively.

Ungarrnand his colleagues started with a 1:2 scale wind tunnel model, becausernaerodynamic development played an important role. Parts such as doors,rnfront screen and bonnet had to be designed and manufactured completelyrnnew to match the car's new silhouette. The V8 engine with a cylinderrnangle of 90 degrees, a capacity of four litres and four valves perrncylinder has been further optimised, particularly with respect torndriveability. Equipped with two air restrictors, each with a diameterrnof 28 millimetres, as stipulated in the regulations, the engine nowrndevelops 350 kW/approx. 476 hp at 7500 rpm and delivers a peak torquernof 500 Nm. The engineers also worked on the suspension where the toe-inrnand camber angles offer great scope for further improving both handlingrnand driving dynamics.

Mercedes-Benz unveils Vision C 220 BLUETEC in Geneva

Mercedes-Benzrnis unveiling its highly environmentally-compatible BLUETECrnemission-control technology in combination with a consumption-optimizedrnfour-cylinder engine for the first time at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.rnIn terms of ensuring compliance with the even stricter EURO 6 emissionrnstandard, applicable to all new vehicles Europe-wide from 2015, thernVision C 220 BLUETEC shows the way ahead. Boasting an output of 125 kWrn(170 hp) and a peak torque of 400 Nm, the Vision C 220 BLUETEC nowrnrequires 5.5 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers, thanks largely tornmodified diesel engine technology and an intelligent system of energyrnmanagement.

"The sophisticated four-cylinder diesel engine withrnBLUETEC emission control is a prime example of leading-edge,rnfuture-compatible technology," explains Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman ofrnthe Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the MercedesrnCar Group. "Our diesel strategy is an effective answer to the questionrnof how to save fuel and, therefore, CO2, to further reduce all exhaustrnemissions including NOx and yet still ensure effortlessly superiorrndriving enjoyment. In this respect, we believe our state-of-the-artrndiesel concept is currently the best and most efficient solutionrnavailable."

BLUETEC - High-Tech For The Cleanest Diesels In The World

BLUETECrnis a DaimlerChrysler-developed technology designed to reduce dieselrnvehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxides - the only exhaust-gasrnconstituents that are still higher in today's diesel engines than theyrnare in their petrol counterparts due to the principle involved.rnMercedes-Benz is working intensively to optimize its engines and theirrncombustion processes so as to minimize the nitrogen oxides before theyrnare actually produced. In terms of "hardware", the sophisticatedrnfour-cylinder powerplant in the Vision C 220 BLUETEC, like thernstandard-production engines, includes four valves per cylinder,rnthird-generation common-rail direct injection, a turbocharger with arnvariable nozzle turbine and exhaust gas recirculation. A highlyrnsensitive electronic engine management unit reacts precisely to anrnextremely wide range of operating conditions and, in so doing,rnoptimizes the combustion processes.

The BLUETEC technology in thernVision C 220 BLUETEC still includes an oxidizing catalytic converter,rnwhich reduces emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnedrnhydrocarbons (HC), as well as a particulate filter. A modified NOxrnstorage catalytic converter with a substantially extended service life,rnincluding patented on-board ammonia generation, is combined with anrnadditional SCR catalytic converter to minimize nitrogen oxides. Thisrnprocess of exhaust-gas after treatment requires no additives.

Vision C 220 BLUETEC Combines Environmental Awareness, Driving Enjoyment And Comfort

Thernresults are impressive whichever way you look at them: on the one hand,rnthe concept car equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission consumesrnjust 5.5 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers (NEDC); on the otherrnhand, it delivers the same impressive output and torque figures whilernproviding a unique combination of efficiency and driving enjoyment. ThernVision C 220 BLUETEC is prepared for future emission standards, evenrnthe considerably more stringent limits imposed by EURO 6, which willrnapply to all new vehicles from September 1, 2015. For instance,rnparticulate emissions must be reduced by a factor of five by the timernthe EURO 5 standard comes into force on January 1, 2011 whilst EURO 6rnstipulates nitrogen oxide limits that are only around 30 percent of therncurrent limits. All Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles with a particulaternfilter fitted as standard already undercut the particulate limits thatrnwill apply from 2011 onwards.

New C-Class: CO2 Emissions Already Reduced By 15 Percent

Thernstandard-production version of the new C-Class, which celebrates itsrnpremiere at the Geneva Motor Show, is testament to the successful workrnperformed by Mercedes-Benz in its quest to consistently reduce bothrnfuel consumption and emissions. A lifecycle assessment carried out onrnthe new Saloon, certified by the German technical inspectionrnauthorities (TÜV), confirms that the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions forrnwhat is now the fourth generation C-Class have been reduced by 15rnpercent.

By way of example, the experts who performed thernlifecycle assessment calculated that the total energy requirement ofrnthe new C-Class is 125 gigajoules lower than that of the previousrnmodel, equivalent to around 3800 liters of fuel. Since the year 2000,rnthe carbon dioxide emissions have fallen by nine tons (15 percent) perrnvehicle. The reduction in exhaust-gas emissions is equally impressive:rncompared to the previous model produced in the year 2000, thernsophisticated technology at the heart of the new C-Class cuts nitrogenrnoxide emissions by around 20 percent and hydrocarbons by twelvernpercent, according to the lifecycle assessment. Mean-while, particulaternemissions from the diesel models have fallen by over 90 percent thanksrnto the fitting of a maintenance-free particulate filter as standard.

Thernnew C-Class is the only car in the world in this market segment to havernbeen awarded the Environment Certificate, thus underlining the Saloon'srnenvironmentally compatible product development.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203

Thernsecond generation C-Class was introduced in 2000, with an even sportierrnlook than the previous generations, with a steeper frontend and shorterrnrearend. The sedan debuted with a range of straight-four and V6 petrolrnengines and straight-four and straight-five Diesels. The V6s werernversions of the previous model with increased displacement, to 2.6 Lrnand 3.2 L, this one with 218 PS (160 kW/215 hp). The Diesels nowrnfeatured common rail direct injection and variable geometryrnturbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for nearlyrnthe entire range (except the C 320 and C 270 CDI). For the first time,rnthe number designations were no longer equivalent to the enginerndisplacement, more specifically in the C 180 (2.0 L), C 240 (2.6 L) andrnC 200 CDI (2.2 L).

In 2001, Mercedes increased the range, withrnthe introduction of the new T-Modell (station wagon) and Sportcoupérnbodyworks. The Sportcoupé was actually a three-door hatchback made torncounter the BMW Compact, but like its competitor, it proved unpopularrnwith the younger buyers it was targeted towards, due to high pricesrncompared to the lower entry-level models it was competing against, arncramped cabin, and handling problems when compared to the sedan. It wasrnremoved from the US lineup in 2005 and is unlikely to be replaced forrnthe third generation C-Class. A new family of supercharged fourrncylinder engines, dubbed M271, also debuted. All of them used the samern1.8 L engine, with different designations according to horsepowerrnlevels, including a version powered by natural gas. The 193 PS (142rnkW/190 hp) C 230K was initially available only in the Sportcoupé.rn4MATIC four wheel drive versions were also offered for the C 240 and Crn320.

ThernC-Class was refreshed in early 2004. In this year, the interior stylingrnwas changed in all three body styles. Different taillights were addedrnto the Sportcoupé and several all-new M272 and OM642 V6 engines werernintroduced later in the year. These were available in both petrol andrnDiesel configuration, ranging between 2.5 L and 3.5 L, and thernthree-valve twin spark design was replaced by the more standardrnfour-valve design, now with variable valve timing. The C 350 could nowrnreach 272 PS (200 kW/268 hp), while the C 320 CDI was good for 224 PSrn(165 kW/221 hp). In addition, these engines also received the newrnseven-speed 7G-TRONIC semi-automatic gearbox as optional, the Dieselrnfour cylinder's power was slightly increased, and a more economicrnnaturally-aspirated 1.8 L (C 160) was added to the Sportcoupé lineup.

ThernC 32 AMG was also replaced, giving way to a new 5.5 Lrnnaturally-aspirated V8-powered C 55 AMG. This was an evolution of thernV8 engine found in the previous E-Class, with power raised to 367 PSrn(270 kW/362 hp) at 5750 rpm and torque climbing to 510 Nm (376 ft.lbf)rnat 4000 rpm. Unlike the less-powerful V6s and V8s in the rest of thernMercedes-Benz lineup, it continues to use Speedshift five-speedrnautomatic. Maximum speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), butrnthe car can now reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in a claimed 5.2 seconds.

ThernC-Class is arguably one of the most popular automobiles in its class inrnmany of the European markets. The second generation was for a long timernafter its release the second most popular new car in the German market,rnright after the Volkswagen Golf, and in 2002 it achieved success in thernfield of safety by scoring the maximum five stars in a EuroNCAP crashrntest. In the United States, the C-Class automobiles are the leastrnexpensive of the Mercedes-Benz lineup.