F-CELL Roadster Concept of Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster is a new concept study created by more than 150 trainees and dual education system students who worked on the project for about a year. The most eye-catching element of the study is without doubt, its large spoked wheels that supposedly pay homage to the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car. We think that they look totally out of place, but we're neither trainees or design students, so don't take our word for it.

The F-CELL Roadster incorporates an array of stylistic features from various eras of automotive history, such as the carbon-fiber bucket seats with hand-stitched leather covers and the fiberglass front section based on the component from the Formula One racing bolides.

The two-seater is powered by an emission-free fuel cell system located at the rear that develops an output of 1.2 kW allowing the lightweight concept to reach a top speed of 25 km/h or 16mph with an operating range of up to 350 km or 218 miles. The concept is controlled with drive-by-wire technology, and a joystick takes the place of the conventional steering wheel.

"This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training," said Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig. "I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project."

Mercedes-Benz expected to expand Alabama plant

Daimler is upping its investment in the state of Michigan, coming to terms with the city of Ann Arbor to build a new hybrid and electric R&D facility. Now, Automotive News is reporting that the automaker is expected to actually expand its Vance, Alabama production plant.

If the rumors are true, the Mercedes-Benz plant (which currently builds GL, M, and R class vehicles) will benefit from a $290 million investment that is to begin within 60 days. The news evidently leaked out after company officials contacted the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority about property and sales tax breaks (which it apparently received).

The expansion news comes at an odd time, as not only has the automaker's sales been flagging in the U.S. (down 20 percent in February year-over-year, admittedly much better than the market plunge of 41.4 percent), but sales of Vance-built SUVs in particular have fallen off, with Benz responding by reducing the plant's workforce.

Automotive News says the expansion effort won't be completed until 2011, but word yet on how much capacity this will give the plant (and what it will be used for) is not yet known.

Officially reveal of 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 'upskirt' photo of the sport sedan

While Mercedes-Benz has yet to officially reveal the new E63 AMG, German car magazine Sport Auto took the liberty to publish an 'upskirt' photo of the sport sedan as a teaser for its new competition that will see one lucky reader winning the car. As Mercedes has already informed us, the new E63 AMG that could be unveiled as soon as next month's New York International Auto Show will be powered a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 producing a hefty 525-horspower.

The teaser photo gives us a glimpse of the E63 AMG's front end that gets a new fascia with a more aggressively styled bumper as well as of the newly designen five-spoke alloy wheels.

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Rumored to Debut in Frankfurt

According to the grapevine, Mercedes-Benz will lift the covers on the convertible version of the new E-Class Coupe (click here for photos and details) at this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. Though not confirmed, it has been said that the E-Class Convertible will retain the current CLK's soft-top configuration and four-seat layout. Merc's BMW 3-Series and Audi A5 Convertible rival will be offered with the same engine range as the Coupe variant including a 204HP 1.8-liter turbocharged four-pot and a 388HP 5.5-liter V8.

Source:carscoop

Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse: Specially Tuned Mercedes GL500

German tuning firm Carlsson and luxury leather brand Etienne Aigner have joined forces for the third time to create a special edition version of the Mercedes-Benz GL500. Called Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse - talk about awkward names, the modified GL500 that makes its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Salon will be produced in a limited edition of 20 cars.

Finished in the typical two-tone burgundy-back paintwork of the Carlsson Aigner range, the CK55 RS Rascasse features a full body styling kit consisting of wider wheel arches, a new bonnet carrying larger power domes, a new larger front grill and sub-grilles, front and rear aprons, side skirts and massive 23-inch alloy wheels shod in 305/30ZR23 tires.

Though Carlsson has yet to release pictures of the interior, the company said that the SUV's cabin has been dressed in high-quality red leather and alcantara which covers the seats, dashtop, door panels and centre console. Furthermore, Carlsson and Aigner decided that the GL500's seven-seater configuration should be ditched in favor of just two individual rear seats.

In terms of mechanical upgrades, the GL's 5.5-liter, 48-valve, V8 motor which in factory trim delivers 388-horsepower and 530Nm has been modified to produce an output of 45-horsepower with 640Nm of torque. Thus endowed, the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds compared to the standard model's 6.5 sec.

Other mods include the Carlsson electronic lowering kit, C-Tronic Suspension that drops the ride height of the Airmatic suspension by 40mm.

The Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse is offered at a basic price of €228,500 which comes to around $287,700 U.S. with the current exchange rates.