Mercedes-AMG reveals GLC 43 4MATIC

Mercedes-AMG has added a sporty GLC 43 4MATIC to its mid-size SUV range.

Offering an AMG model in the mid-size SUV segment for the first time, the 367hp, 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is mated to an automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC with shortened shift times for 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is especially matched to the demands of the GLC 43 4MATIC with model-specific software to reduce the shift times. The multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience.

The ‘precise’ AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the 4MATIC rear-biased torque distribution of 31 percent at the front axle to 69 percent at the rear, offer ’substantial contribution’ to the agile driving experience. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive damping adjustment is available in three levels, with the mode selectable via a button.

The design has been enhanced with silver chrome coloured and high-gloss black features. It builds on the AMG Exterior line with a diamond radiator grille featuring chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black with inserts in high-gloss chrome and the AMG lettering. The sportily air intakes in the AMG front apron feature fins in silver chrome. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

High-gloss black-painted, high-sheen 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels dominate the side view. There are also high-gloss black door mirror caps and the silver-coloured “BITURBO 4MATIC” lettering on the front wings. At the rear, two four-pipe chromed tailpipe trims and AMG-specific rear apron sports trim in silver chrome have been added.

The interior includes numerous specially designed details while the multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching. The driver and front passenger find a secure position in the sports seats even when driving at speed, thanks to the improved lateral support. The upholstery in black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre boasts its own seat upholstery layout plus red topstitching.

With two large round dials and central colour multifunction 5.5-inch display, the AMG instrument cluster places all the important information in the driver’s field of vision. The ECO display supports a fuel-saving driving style. Dials in a chequered-flag look and the distinctive typography lend the large displays an especially sporty touch.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC will be revealed at the New York International Auto Show, and goes on sale 4 April.

Mercedes facelifts CLA for 2016

The Mercedes CLA and CLA Shooting Brake has been facelifted for 2016.

The interior has also received numerous enhancements, among them new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls. Some items that were previously options on the CLA 45 4MATIC, such as the LED High Performance headlamps, now come as standard.

All models now have a diamond radiator grille in black as standard, plus a new front bumper with a silver, black or chrome trim strip. The rear bumper is optionally available with a panel incorporating a trim strip in chrome or black (Night package) between the tailpipes. The tailpipe trim panels themselves are now integrated flush into the bumper.

There is a new paintwork shade, cavansite blue metallic and the range of available wheels has also been extended. There is now a choice of five 18-inch light-alloy wheels including a new 5-twin-spoke design in conjunction with the AMG Line. This is available in two colours (painted black or titanium grey, with a high-sheen finish).

As well as the seat covers and chrome-plated controls, a slimmer-looking freestanding 20.3 cm (8-inch) media display with a new-style glass cover is available as an option for the Audio 20 USB and Audio 20 CD systems. The new-style dials and red needles in the instrument cluster make it easier to read the instruments.

New trim elements in ‘sail-look’ finish, matt black ash wood (in conjunction with Exclusive package), black Dinamica microfibre (optional in conjunction with AMG Line) or aluminium with honeycomb grain ‘liven up the interior’ says Mercedes.

The design of the AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid is new, while further new exterior features of the facelifted AMG model include a new front apron in a new A-wing design with front splitter inserts in matt titanium grey and high-gloss black flics. The latter also help to improve the flow of cooling air. New at the rear is the design of the diffuser insert, with four vertical fins. An AMG Aerodynamics package is now available as an optional extra. This comprises a larger front splitter, additional flics, a black AMG spoiler lip at the rear plus spoiler lips over the simulated air outlets on either side at the back.

New to the range of engines for the CLA Shooting Brake is the ‘efficiency champion’ 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, with an output of 109 hp and CO2 emissions from 89 g/km.

With a peak performance of 381 hp and maximum torque of 475 Nm, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC Coupe and Shooting Brake are among the most powerful vehicles in their segment, accelerating from rest to 62mph in 4.2 or (4.3 seconds for the Shooting Brake). At the same time, fuel consumption comes in a 40.9mpg (NEDC combined).

The facelifted CLA Coupe will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show (25 March to 3 April 2016), while the modified CLA Shooting Brake will be launched to the public at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin on 17/18 April 2016.

Both models will be available to order from April with pricing yet to be announced.

Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC revealed

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the E 43 4MATIC saloon.

The most powerful variant of the executive saloon is driven by a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine with two new turbochargers. The supercharged six-cylinder engine delivers 401 bhp for a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. A 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is specially matched to the requirements of the new E 43 4MATIC with paddles on the steering wheel. A double-declutching function in "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an a ‘even more emotional driving experience’. 

'Defined ignition intervention' additionally enables faster gear shifting than in "Eco" and "Comfort" modes, while "Manual" mode can be selected using a separate button in the centre console. Meanwhile, the retuned sports suspension based on the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension and the more direct steering ratio also provide a ‘signature’ AMG Driving Performance. The Adaptive Damping System sports suspension features in a model-specific configuration and offers a choice of three modes - "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus".

The standard-spec AMG Performance 4MATIC four-wheel drive combines ‘optimum traction with high agility’ thanks to rear-biased torque distribution.

AMG styling includes three large openings in the front apron to ensure an optimum flow of air to the coolers while the diamond grille with chromed pins, a louvre in high-gloss black and the AMG lettering represent further hallmarks of the AMG 43 models. The side view is dominated by high-sheen 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black while at the rear, two chrome-plated quad-flow exhaust tailpipes conveying a sporty aesthetic. The rear diffusor comes in silver chrome, while the standard-spec spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the body colour.

Inside, a secure position in the sports seats even when driving at speed features improved lateral support. The upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black (optionally: nappa leather) features red topstitching. To match the seat design, the door centre panels and the dashboard are finished in ARTICO man-made leather with red topstitching. Exclusive pedals, a black roof lining and red seat belts add further sporty highlights.

The multifunction sports steering wheel in black nappa leather with red contrasting topstitching and featuring a flattened bottom section is matched by the AMG instrument cluster - delivering all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout, optimised for a dynamic driving style. Two tube-style round dials, the multifunction colour display, the RACETIMER and the 280 km/h scale in chequered-flag design conjure up a sports car feel.

The new Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC will debut at the New York Auto Show in March 2016, before hitting showrooms in September 2016.

Mercedes-AMG reveals C 43 4MATIC Coupe

Mercedes-AMG has added a new new C 43 4MATIC Coupe to its C-Class family.

The 367hp, 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine is mated to a new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission that, together with the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the model-specific chassis technology, provides ‘high agility and exhilarating lateral dynamics’. The 0-62mph time takes 4.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

With model-specific software application, AMG says it has managed to ‘substantially’ reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. Multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for ‘an even more emotive driving experience’. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can now change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel.

"The extension of the C-Class family to include the new C 43 4MATIC Coupe is another component in our growth strategy. It not only enriches the wide line-up of the C-Class family, but also starts the introduction of a whole series of new ‘43’ models this year," says Mercedes-AMG GmbH chairman Tobias Moers. "The ‘43’ models boast the characteristic AMG genes, which are also included in our GT and ‘63’ vehicles, and thus consistently interpret our brand essence of 'Driving Performance' in their segment."

In order to increase efficiency, the ECO start/stop function and the 'sailing' function reduce fuel consumption in "Eco" mode: when the driver releases the accelerator the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

Characteristic sporty features includes distinctive AMG styling such as the front apron with sporty distinctive air intakes, diamond meshes, silver chrome trim, as well as the rear apron with matt iridium silver diffuser insert. The diamond radiator grille features chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black and the AMG lettering. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

Additional highlights include the black exterior mirror housings, the high-gloss black waistline trim strip and window frame, as well as the two chrome-plated tailpipes with centre divider. AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish round off the design visually.

Inside, the driver finds a secure position in the sports seat even driving at speed thanks to 'improved lateral support', while the AMG instrument cluster delivers all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout optimised for a dynamic driving style. An authentic sports car look and feel is provided by two tube-shaped round dials, 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) multifunction colour display, RACETIMER and 280 km/h scale in chequered-flag design.

BBC Sport ends F1 TV deal early

BBC Sport is to end its Formula 1 television contract three years early, with Channel 4 taking over from next season.

The beeb described how it has to 'reluctantly' cancel the remaining three years of its contract as part of savings across the corporation. Barbara Slater, BBC's director of sport said: "The current financial position of the BBC means some tough and unwanted choices have to be made. A significant chunk of BBC Sport's savings target will be delivered through the immediate termination of our TV rights agreement for Formula 1.”

BBC Sport broadcasted 10 live races of Lewis Hamilton's world championship-winning season in 2015 with a one-hour build-up to each grand prix. It also offered highlights of the nine other races. As part of a £150m gap in the corporation's finances from next year, BBC Sport was asked to deliver £35m of savings.

BBC Sport regained F1 rights from ITV in 2009 but - in another cost-saving move - had been sharing the broadcast rights with Sky Sports since the 2012 season.

Channel 4 and Formula One agreed the new three-year deal for 2016-2018, and immediately confirmed the live races to be broadcast without advertising breaks. Channel 4 will broadcast 10 races per season live – with highlights of all 21 races, including practice and qualifying sessions, in each of the three FIA Formula One World Championship seasons from 2016 to 2018. It will also broadcast highlights of all 21 Grands Prix and qualifying sessions – including those shown live by Sky Sports F1. All of the live coverage and highlights will be broadcast free-to-air and in high definition.

Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive Officer of the Formula One group said: “I am sorry that the BBC could not comply with their contract but I am happy that we now have a broadcaster that can broadcast Formula 1 events without commercial intervals during the race. I am confident that Channel 4 will achieve not only how the BBC carried out the broadcast in the past but also with a new approach as the World and Formula 1 have moved on.”

David Abraham, Channel 4 Chief Executive said: “Formula One is one of the world’s biggest sporting events with huge appeal to British audiences. I’m delighted to have agreed this exciting new partnership with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the sport on free-to-air television.”

Details of the 2016 races broadcast live by Channel 4 will be agreed in early-2016. Further details of Channel 4’s production and presenting teams will also be announced in due course.