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A good walk through of the grille evolution in Mercedes for the past 120 years. I am particularly amazed by the very forward looking grille on the 1954 300SL, which make a come back only about 60 years later. Merc's front-end has gone a long way after 12 decades 1900 - 2016 1900 - EV Era The grille is the easiest way to discern a car's make. It serves as the face of the automobile, which gives it an identity amid the sea of automotive brands on the planet. But unlike the human face, vehicle grilles go younger with time, evolving and conforming to what the car needs and what is allowed beyond the limits of functionalities. That's exactly the case with Mercedes-Benz's grille. It has immensely evolved ever since Wilhelm Maybach fitted his invention, the honeycomb radiator, to the Mercedes 35 PS in 1900. The radiator grille was designed to solve the cooling problem of internal combustion engines then, but ultimately commenced the era of vehicle grilles. In 1931, the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz 170 changed everything. For the first time, the radiator was mounted behind the grille for protection, which was part of the vehicle's hood. This gave birth to the iconic chrome grille, which not only served as a protection for the radiator but also as an identifier, together with the three-pointed star emblem. From then on, Mercedes continued evolving the chrome grille for decades. In the 1950s, Merc introduced a new standalone grille design with the 300 SL "Gullwing" and the smaller 190 SL roadster. It's known internally as the "sports car face." The horizontal slats became a hallmark among subsequent Mercedes vehicles. In 2007, Mercedes started offering grille choices to customers depending on the trim level. They can either go classic (Classic and Elegance) or sporty (Avantgarde), which was offered in both C-Class and E-Class. With the electric vehicle era peeking around the corner, Mercedes-Benz grilles are here to stay but with a different function from the protective radiator cover in the past. Without the need for a radiator, the German marque moves on to a Black Panel grille for its EQ range, which serves as a perfect surface for hidden but indispensable sensors. Here are some of the grilles from the past... And the future. So which is your favorite?

I have a hard time deciding the title for this thread, as there are many things to write about this new Mercedes-Benz model, and I actually wish it could be made available in Singapore, but I know it is mission impossible for now, since it is only available in LHD format (so PI route is out too). Now let take a quick glimpse at this model I am talking about. Does it not reassembled the larger Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (X222), especially the quart window at the C-pillar? So what is this unique model that got me so excited? Well it is the... ... Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long Wheel Base (V213), exclusive to the China market. Anyone grab the variant shown in the above photos? It is the E350L. Now that is another talking point... Under the hood, there’s an assortment of engines, and thus the choice of model variant, which shall be very different from our past understanding of Mercedes nomenclature. Starting with the entry level E280L (notice I use 'entry level'), it use the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid found in the CLS260, which produces 184ps (135KW) and 280Nm of torque. It enables the E280L to accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in 8.7 seconds (9.0 seconds for all-wheel drive). Up next, the E300L, which has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 258ps (190KW) and 370Nm of torque. This variant come standard with all-wheel drive setup, and the dash to 100km/h is reduce significantly 6.6 seconds. Finally, the top of the range E350L 4MATIC (sound / look sibeh atas right), uses an upgraded 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (instead of a 3.0L V6) which now produces 299ps (220KW) and 400Nm of torque. It allow a century sprint timing of 6.1 seconds.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS on course to face Bentley Bentayga in 2019https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-maybach-gls-course-face-bentley-bentayga-2019 Mercedes-Benz’s upmarket Maybach sub-brand is preparing to extend its line-up beyond the S-Class with a plush range-topping version of the upcoming third-generation GLS (formerly GL). Maybach is considered an important brand for Mercedes to develop given the rising demand for luxury models, particularly in the SUV sector, with rivals such as Bentley and Land Rover having notable success with their respective Bentayga and Range Rover. Mercedes has also seen strong growth from its AMG performance arm, which achieved 131,970 sales in 2017, and it would like to emulate this success with Maybach on a smaller but profitable scale. The SUV, which was reported to be on the cards by Autocar in 2016, is set to make its debut as a lightly veiled concept car at the Beijing motor show in April. It will then be revealed in production guise at theLos Angeles motor show in November. The car is tipped to be priced above £120,000 when sales begin in 2019. The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS will build on initiatives taken with the two-year-old Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (below). The new Maybach SUV will share the same basic aluminium and steel bodyshell and advanced four-wheel- drive underpinnings as less heavily specified versions of the new GLS. However, Autocar has been told its upmarket positioning will be underlined by a series of subtle exterior design tweaks and a significantly more luxurious interior than standard versions of the US-built SUV. Insiders involved in the development of the Mercedes-Maybach concept car, known internally as the Maybach 9, say it will not only preview the look of the new model, with a bold new grille among the elements aiming to provide it with added exclusivity, but will also highlight the sort of upmarket features, including autonomous driving functions, to be offered on the production version of the SUV A high-level official told Autocar: “We have been quietly surprised by the sales success of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which is proving extremely popular in many key markets. The plan now is to extend the exclusivity surrounding the Maybach name into the upper end of the SUV segment. We’re confident this new model will leave little to be desired in terms of luxury.” The basis for the new GLS is Mercedes-Benz’s MHA (Modular High Architecture) platform. A development of the existing MRA platform, it is intended to underpin a series of new models, including the new GLE and GLE Coupé. It provides a significant reduction in kerb weight, the capability to support a 48V electrical architecture and the very latest in radar, camera and sensor-supported driving functions. The Maybach-badged GLS is likely to be offered exclusively with the Mercedes-AMG-developed M177 V8 petrol engine. In the recently launched S560, this twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 produces 462bhp, setting up the possibility of the new model being called GLS 560 for production. The new engine, which features a cylinder-shutdown function for added fuel savings in city driving, will replace the twin-turbo 4.7-litre V8 used by today’s GLS 500. Also under discussion for the new Mercedes-Maybach model is the plug-in petrol-electric drivetrain recently unveiled in the S560e. It combines Mercedes’ new turbocharged and electronic supercharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, developing 362bhp, with a 121bhp electric motor. In the new GLS, it is claimed to use a lithium ion battery for a pure-electric range of up to 31 miles. With the GLS produced exclusively at Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, the luxury SUV will be the first Maybach model to be produced in the US. As well as providing stiff competition to the Bentayga, the Maybach GLS has also been conceived as a rival to the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover SVAutobiography. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Maybach is planning to launch an upgraded version of the S560 at the Geneva motor show in March. Among the changes planned for the saloon is a newly designed grille that will set the tone for all future Maybach-badged models. What the Maybach GLS must beat: Bentley Bentayga: Bentley got there first with its Bentayga, which has been a major lifeline for the brand. A 4.0-litre V8 diesel has gone down well alongside the W12 and a hybrid arrives this year. Rolls-Royce Cullinan: The Cullinan (its name has yet to be finalised) arrives this year. Rolls’ first four-wheel drive shares its architecture and 6.75-litre V12 with the new Phantom. Lamborghini Urus: The 641bhp Urus, on the roads in spring, is expected to double Lamborghini’s sales to 7000. The firm insists it is a high-performance car and achieves 0-62mph in 3.6sec.

The Maybach brand has been resurrected. Mercedes-Benz is now using it as a nameplate for the stretched S600L. Wonder how many of those can they sell in Singapore. It should do better than the old Maybach. http://www.autoblog.com/2014/11/19/mercedes-maybach-s600-official/

Why? Because they don't need to queue or make appointment for servicing at SC. Every single owner is the only buyer in 2012....song! http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltaweb/c...egn_by_make.pdf

some nice cars, have a look http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/motoring/2016-04/26/content_24841241.htm

Are you a new millionaire, a drug dealer, part of the mafia or someone who turned into an instant VIP thanks to a video you uploaded on youTube? Well it is time to get an armored car then if you value your life. Sure you will have bodyguards and all but they are good till you are outside the car, not in. Obviously this is for people whom are not residing in Singapore, because I mean, seriously.. how threatened do you feel here? Armoured cars are like vast, heavy tanks with wheels that can be driven with anyone who holds a class 3 license. They are certified to stop anything from poisoned gas to IEDs. The idea of armoured cars are simple. It's basically a normal car fitted with lots of Kevlar, titanium , thick glass, run flat tyres and stuff. Having said that do not make your own because there are established luxury automakers whom are more than capable. So lets start shall we? The Audi A8 L Security can hit 100km/h in 7s thanks to its 6.3-litre W12 engine that produces 500bhp and 624Nm of torque. The car can withstand shots from high-powered rifles and blasts from IEDs and hand grenades. The cabin can pump fresh air during the event of a chemical attack and a button has been installed to make it easier to knock out the heavily armored doors. Most armored cars are subtle but this $8 million Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB is unlike most armored cars. It can withstand blasts from grenades and bullets from AK-47s despite being covered in 120kg worth of gold. Want something a little British? How about the Jaguar XJ Sentinel, besides Land Rovers are mainly used by Mafia's anyway, we need class right? It can withstand a blast from up to 14kg of TNT in addition to offering protection from assault rifles and machine guns. Performance wise the 3.2tonne leaping cat is powered by a 385bhp 5.0-litre V8 that hits 100km/h in under 10 seconds. RENNtech decided to tune the Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard to make it easier to escape from danger. The ECU was redone; a carbon fiber airbox was added and the intercooler pump was substantially strengthened. All told the S600 Guard now has 640bhp, up from 517bhp, and 1049Nm of torque. The Maybach 62 Guard is a massive luxury sedan has been beefed up by an additional 408kg worth of steel and Kevlar reinforcements. Despite the heft, the Maybach's twin-turbo V12 can still hit 100km/h in 5.7 seconds before maxing out to an electronically limited top speed of 249km/h. Picture Credit: CarBuzz

[extract] And the mighty Maybach has fallen. After much deliberation and deep thought, the management of Daimler AG, better known for their Mercedes Benz vehicles, had decided to axe the ultra luxury car brand. Daimler AG had made the announcement at the end of November that Maybach would cease to produce cars by 2013. This is by no means a surprise as the brand was hardly making any sales anywhere. Way back in 1997 when the Maybach brand was launched (again after vehicle sales stopped in 1940) the company was ambitious. They predicted annual sales of 2,000 units globally from an ultra luxury brand that prices started at over USD$300,000. They believed that there was a market for another ultra luxury car brand in the likes of Bentley and Rolls Royce. It could be true, but no one actually wanted a tarted up Mercedes Benz S-Class with the

After months of speculation, Daimler has reportedly decided to phase out Maybach. Citing high-ranking sources, Autocar is reporting Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche will axe the brand in order to focus more attention on Mercedes. As one insider commented, "We've come to the conclusion that it is better to cut our losses with Maybach than to continue into an uncertain future with a brand that has failed to live up to original sales expectations." If everything pans out, the last Maybachs will be built in early 2013. To fill the gap, Mercedes will reportedly offer a new S600 Pullman. Source: AutoCar

[extract] It seems that Daimler AG, parent company of Mercedes Benz is getting fed up with the low sales of Maybach, the supposedly luxury brand of the group. Somehow the rich have not been snapping up Maybachs like hotcakes. The wealthy seem to prefer the traditional Rolls Royce and Bentley models rather than choose a Maybach and Daimler AG isn

The two young Britons are getting hitched on Friday, April 29th, 2011. To mark the occasion, the groom, one William Arthur Philip Louis Mountbatten-Windsor, better known as Prince William of Wales, and his bride-to-be, Kate Middleton, have been "honored" by exotic car customizer, Project Kahn. The Project Kahn Wedding Commemorative Maybach 57 (what, no Bentleys or Rolls-Royces lying around the shop, guys?) is a blatant PR grab "tribute" to the new royal couple that will have nothing at all to do with the royal wedding itself reside at Project Kahn's Bradford headquarters. The touched-up super Benz features Kahn-designed 22-inch wheels, smoked glass, an upgraded interior and darkened taillamps. It also wears the license plate, "4 HRH", which means For His Royal Highness. The ultimate commemorative vehicle to mark HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding day. Previous royal weddings have often been marked by commemorative stamps, coins and a range of memorabilia. However, Afzal Kahn has released the ultimate commemorative item to mark HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding day. The pearl white Project Kahn Maybach 57 complete with the regal-sounding number plate: 4 HRH

The LA Auto Show is once again round the corner, and with it comes the annual Design Challenge competition. This year, the competition has been extended to Japanese and German design studios, in addition to all of the manufacturer-supported studios in Southern California, making it a much more global contest. The theme for this year's Design Challenge forces designers to envision vehicles that are both kind to the environment yet stylish and exciting to drive. Each concept vehicle must weigh no more than 1,000 pounds, seat four adults, be efficient and safe and provide a rewarding driving experience. Sustainable materials, highly exotic designs and a vision of the future are judging criteria. Nine automakers in total have answered the competition's call, namely General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Smart, Toyota and Volvo. Here are some examples of the entries.. Cadillac Aera Aera's highly advanced body structure utilizes a 3D lattice, mono-formed frame. This polyhedral structure is similar to configurations found consistently in nature, e.g., inside the grouping of bubbles. The structure is formed from unique semi-solid freeform manufacturing, creating a naturally strong and extremely lightweight frame. All major body parts, including interior components, are essentially "grown" into a single part lattice structure. Its 10,000 psi composite air storage tank has ample capacity for a 1000 mile range. Nissan iV The iV is a super-lightweight sports tourer that showcases "organic synthetics," a revolutionary manufacturing technique in which automotive parts are cultivated like agriculture in a 100% sustainable, carbon-neutral process. Featuring an interwoven organic frame, iV's chassis material is synthetically grown and formed into an aerodynamic shape. Derived from fast-growing ivy and re-enforced with spider silk composite, the biopolymer frame is flexible and ultra-light, yet extremely robust. While the canopy collects solar energy, it also provides protective safety and open-air views of the outdoors. Underneath, a slim bio-battery provides stability and a near limit-less range made possible by regenerative super-capacitor technology that recoups 60% of kinetic energy spent. MAYBACH DRS - "Den-Riki-Sha" This MAYBACH is the world

Nice: http://www.mercnews.net/2010/07/maybach-2010-exterior.html http://www.mercnews.net/2010/07/maybach-20...ior-part-1.html http://www.mercnews.net/2010/07/maybach-20...ior-part-2.html

British mag Auto Express is reporting that Daimler executives have a plan in place to close the door on Maybach. The ultra-luxury brand, purchased by Daimler-Benz in 1960, was restarted as an automotive brand in 2002 following the 1997 introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept in Tokyo. Maybach was founded as a heavy-duty engine production company in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach, a former technical director at Daimler. The company's first concept car debuted in 1919, and began assembly of extravagant vehicles two years later. The company halted automotive production in 1940, when they began building engines for German tanks in World War II. Car manufacture stalled for 60 years. Sales at Maybach have flatlined since 2007, and were made worse by the global economic downturn. Further, Daimler may be looking to block Maybach from cannibalizing sales within their house brand, as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is scheduled for release in 2014. The S-Class is set to be a top-shelf car with an impressive touch screen that lets the user control most interior functions with hand gestures. As we previously reported, Maybach's short-term plans include a facelift only, and no new engines. A redesign will include LED daytime lights, new grille, freshened bumper, and a hood with a new look. The facelifted Maybach could get a debut in April at the Beijing Auto Show.

Hot on the heels of Acer's Ferrari laptop, GM omes up with its rebuttal.....(ok, I made this part up )...but here's an interesting read I came across on cnet.com: "GM drives Hummer-branded laptop General Motors is expected to announce a new laptop next week that's styled after its popular Hummer multi-terrain vehicles. The carmaker has signed an exclusive three-year licensing agreement with Spokane, Wash.- based Itronix to make a portable computer designed for people who work outdoors:policemen, firemen, claims adjusters and construction workers, forexample, as well as people who own a Hummer and are fascinated by anything related to the oversize vehicles. Itronix, which makes laptops and tablet PCs for the U.S. military, said it wanted to style a new category of "semi-ruggedized" laptop. Priced at$2,988, the laptops come with enough padding to survive six separate drops from a height of 30 inches onto two 3/4-inch sheets of plywood placed on top of concrete. Industrial-strength laptops, which are water-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures, are finding their way onto the battlefield and the oil field. Models like the Panasonic Toughbook, and Twinhead, with its Durabook line, also come with external body armor and internal shock absorbers. Itronix Senior Vice President Matt Gerber said the company's new laptops were originally designed to meet the needs of military commanders in Iraq who told Itronix they were caught between using thick and heavy laptops used by the infantry and inexpensive business-class PCs from Dell."Halfway through the development phase, we got this call from General Motors asking us if we would make a laptop that reflected the spirit of their Hummer vehicles, which also has its roots in the U.S. military," Gerber said. Itronix said it is using the same military-grade technology (vibration and temperature standards) in theHummer laptop to launch its own brand--the GoBook VR-1. That computer, priced at $3,299, has nearly all the same attributes as the Hummer-branded laptop, including a 1.86GHz Intel Centrino Pentium processor, a 12.1-inch color display,512MB of memory, a DVD/CD-R/W combination drive, 8021.11a/g/b wireless connectivity and Microsoft'sXP Professional operating system.Both computers have a flip-out LED light to illuminates the screen and helpusers work in low-light conditions. The laptops also come with four wireless radios, including an integrated GPS antenna that helps Microsoft Streetsand Trips map software locate yourposition and help you to your destination, Gerber said. The Hummer laptop has the added features of an 80GB shock-mounted removable hard-disk drive (a security benefit for multiple computer users)and a swappable radio module that allows users to switch between North American and European GPRS/EDGE wireless plans. Gerber said the company is currently discussing adding biometric readers for extra laptop security.The Hummer laptop comes in black and silver with yellow, red or pewter-gray trim. Its battery lasts a little more than four hours; a battery extender pushes that to about seven hours. The Hummer laptop will be available at car dealerships that sell Hummer products or online at the GM-approved Web site Hummerstuff.com starting Nov. 1. General Motors lost an average of$1,227 per vehicle sold in North America during the first half of 2005,the most of any U.S. automaker,according to an industry analyst report out on Tuesday." Wonder if the last point about the losses per unit sold has anything to do with this diversification move but, if anything, I doubt if HP and Dell will be sweating anytime soon.... Notice they said zilch about the weight....

Launch of Special-protection version of high-end luxury saloon From September, the exclusive Maybach saloon can also be ordered with a sophisticated, factory-integrated special-protection package. The first of these specially protected Maybach Guard vehicles will be delivered to customers in mid-2004. Based on the 6.17-metre-long Maybach 62, the Maybach Guard is able to resist not only mechanical violence and attacks involving the use of heavy implements, but also protects the occupants from handgun bullets up to .44 Magnum calibre. This means that this version of the luxury saloon meets all the requirements of the European B4 "high protection" level. Comfort and driving dynamics unimpaired Maybach Guard vehicles are based on the concept of integrated special protection. This means that the protective features