See all of the details on the American Express site. You can also apply for the card while applying for a automobile loan with Mercedes-Benz Financial. Ask your salesperson for those details.   

Now is your chance! Mercedes-Benz is giving away a trip for you and 3 guests to attend the AMG Driving Academy in Laguna Seca before the end of the year! All you have to do is visit the MBUSA AMG Driving Academy Facebook Page, Like them and register to win! Make sure to share this with your Facebook friends…they can take you if they win! (and I would be happy to go again if you need a fourth!)

Enter now through September 15th. The winner wil be announced on September 21st and will receive:

• Attendance for for paticipants at the AMG Driving Academy Basic Course in Laguna Seca
• Round-Trip airfare for four from the nearest major airport
• Two nights of hotel accommodations
• Transportation from the hotel and airport
• $500 check

The fine print says you can only enter once, must be 21 years of age or older and US residents to win. Good Luck!

For great videos about what you’ll learn at the Academy, take a look at the Tommy Kendall series at the MBUSA YouTube channel!

Mercedes-Benz has just announced the Edition 1 version of the C63 Sedan and Coupe. Only 100 coupes and 60 sedans will be produced for the US market. They are expected to arrive in the fall.

2012 C63 AMG Edition 1 Coupe

• Estimated MSRP $77,740
• designo Magno Matte Night Black Paint
• Premium Black Nappa Leather with Red Contrast Stitching
• Premium 1 Package
• AMG Development Pacakge
• Lighting Package
• Rearview Camera
• Power Passenger Seat with Memory
• Voice Control
• COMAND with hard drive Navigation
• Aluminum Trim
• 19″ matte Black Multispoke Wheel
• Keyless Go

2012 C63 Edition 1 Sedan

• Estimated MSRP $69,790
• designo Magno Matte Alanite Paint
• Premium Black Nappa Leather with Red Contrast Stitching
• Premium 1 Package
• Power Driver and passenger Seat with Memory
• Voice Control
• COMAND with hard drive Naviagation
• Aluminum Trim
• 19″ Matte Black Multispoke Wheel
• Keyless Go

The 2012 ML350 4matic, 2012 C250 Coupe and 2012 C250 Sedan stopped by the dealership yesterday for salesperson training. It was great to see the cars in person and get some hands-on experience! Thanks to Curtis, Dennis and team for spending the day with us!

The 2012 ML350 4matic looks fantastic. It is still an M-Class – it has just about the same overall size a capabilities – but it is certainly new and improved! The lines look very moden and all of the lights are bright and distinctive. The interior is fantastic. It might just be worth springing for the Full-Leather Package to get the contrast stitching and piping. This particular vehicle is a pre-production model so there may be some slight changes to what you see on the car when it arrives at the dealership.

The 2012 C250s looked great too! The coupe is stylish and loaded with tons of standard equipment. None of our competitors have standard split folding rear seats or the panoramic roof! The new interior on the sedan is a big improvement. The new NTG 4.5 on all of these vehicles (that is the nav system) is awesome! When I have one handy I’ll post a video of some of the new features.

When we finished with our training they packed the whole set-up into the back of the ML350! That is about 30 folding chairs, 4 big totes and a folding table. Great cargo capacity!

The 2012 SLK55 AMG has been announced for January of 2012!

Highlights from the official press release:
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its new AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine featuring cylinder shutoff combines the ultimate in performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption. With a peak output of 415 hp and maximum torque of 398 lb-ft, the 2012 SLK55 AMG is poised to outperform all of its direct competitors. High-performance driving is ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system. The 2012 SLK55 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms in early 2012.

The SLK55 AMG accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).

Key figures at a glance
2012 SLK55 AMG
Displacement 5,461 cc
Bore x stroke 3.86 in x 3.56 in
Compression ratio 12.6 : 1
Output 415 hp at 6,800 rpm
Max. torque 398 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm
Engine weight (dry) 412 lbs
Acceleration 0 – 60 mph 4.5 s
Top speed 155 mph**
* provisional figures; ** electronically limited

In line with its “AMG Performance 2015″ strategy, the new V8 engine continues to reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models over the next few years – while reaching new heights with the central brand claim of “Driving Performance”. At the same time, AMG is also demonstrating its social responsibility with the M152 engine.

Numerous design features are identical, such as the displacement, bore/stroke, distance between cylinders, ECO stop/start system and direct gasoline injection technology. Distinguishing features versus the M157 include the new intake air ducting, new cylinder heads, the modified valve drive, an adapted oil supply system and an optimized crankcase.

The AMG Cylinder Management cylinder shut-off system – developed completely by Mercedes-AMG – significantly improves efficiency: cylinders two, three, five and eight are cut off under partial load, which lowers fuel consumption considerably. In similar form, this technology is also used in the 750-hp V8 engines used in Formula 1. As efficiency also plays a major role at the pinnacle of motor racing, two or four of the eight cylinders are cut off e.g. when cornering at slow speed, during Safety Car laps or for pit stops.

Other measures to optimize efficiency:

weight-optimized cast aluminum pistons with special piston skirt coating
special ventilation holes in the crankcase
oil pump with electrically controlled pressure stage
separate oil pump for cylinder shut-off as a controllable, low-friction vane cell pump
engine cooling using especially efficient cross-flow principle
electronically controlled fuel pressure, fully variable and demand-related between 1,450 and 2,900 psi

The Controlled Efficiency stop/start function further contributes to the low fuel consumption. This system is standard equipment on the SLK55 AMG and active in the fuel economy transmission mode “C”. Once the driver brakes to a stop e.g. at a red traffic light, the V8 engine is automatically switched off. Once the brake pedal is released or the accelerator is depressed, the engine is immediately restarted and the car is able to move off quickly.

AMG is premiering a new sports exhaust system featuring an exhaust flap on each side. This technology resolves the trade off between an emotional exhaust note during spirited driving and a more discreet engine sound in the partial load range. The main focus of the sound design was to achieve a perfect synthesis of perceptible performance and the long-distance comfort that is a hallmark of Mercedes.

The AMG sports suspension with Torque Vectoring Brakes and AMG Direct- Steer system provides both impressive lateral dynamics as well as agile handling. Looking for a highly aggressive driving style or comfortable cruising? The new SLK55 AMG is able to offer both. Independent suspension struts with stiffer spring/damper tuning, torque strut bearings on the front axle featuring higher rigidity, stiffer stabilizers at all four corners as well as a more negative camber on the rear axle result in high cornering speeds and low body roll in fast S-shaped bends.

The optionally available AMG Handling Package enhances the vehicle’s sportiness even further. It comprises an AMG Performance suspension with stiffer tuning, an AMG rear axle differential lock, two-piece brake discs at the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel finished in premium leather with Alcantara® inserts in the grip areas.

Classic roadster proportions with typical AMG design characteristics as well as a hint of the SLS AMG -are striking visual highlights of the 2012 SLK55 AMG. The AMG designers have complemented the exciting basic forms of the long hood, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and crisp rear section with typical AMG styling at the front, sides and rear. The new AMG front apron has large air inlets and AMG-specific LED daytime running lights. Inspired by the SLS AMG super sports car, the wide radiator grill features a large, centrally-positioned Mercedes star. In the case of the SLK55 AMG, the slats in the front apron and the lower cross strut are painted in a high-gloss black finish. Darkened clear-lens headlamps and darkened bicolor tail lamps also come as standard exclusively on the top-of-the-range V8 model. Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination are also available as an optional extra.

The vent grilles with chrome-plated fins in the front fenders are not only reminiscent of the SLS AMG, but also evoke memories of the famous Mercedes- Benz 300 SL Roadster from the 1950s. The “V8 AMG” lettering beneath the grilles highlight the top-of-the-range eight-cylinder model from the rest of the SLK model series.

Functional, stylish, high-quality: the interior design of the SLK55 AMG is also reminiscent of its bigger brother, the SLS AMG Roadster. Associations with the super sports car are evoked courtesy of the four air vents in the style of jet engines, as well as the center console finished in brushed aluminum. Placed in the center of the dashboard is an AMG-specific analog clock featuring an IWC design.

The AMG sports seats feature optimized lateral support and premium leather upholstery with AMG badges in the backrests and standard AIRSCARF necklevel heating system.

The 2012 SLK55 AMG sets new standards when it comes to safety: a whole host of the latest assistance systems support the driver and help secure the new AMG Roadster’s exceptional position in its segment. Standard equipment includes new, fiber-reinforced roll-over bar, two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, headbags, thorax airbags, knee airbags, seat belt tensioner with belt force limiters, NECK-PRO crash-active head restraints, three-stage ESP® and also ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection.

Several 2012 Mercedes-Benz models were released today!

• C300 4matic
• GL450
• GL550
• S550
• S400 Hybrid
• CL-Class
• R-Class
• CLS550 4Matic

Check with your local dealership for availability.

This gorgeous 2012 CLS550 in Cuprite Brown with Almond Leather was sold before I could post about it! Hopefully these pictures do it justice. It is a medium/dark brown with copper metallic. I would say it reads a little red in certain lights. Almost like a very brown Barolo Red. Enjoy!

It is an exctiting time for Mercedes-Benz! We have lots of new engines, technology and vehicles for the 2012 model year. Here is a quick rundown.

2012 C-Class Sedan – C350/C300/C63 August/C250 October

• Facelifted – more than 2000 new parts!
• C250 with 1.8L inline 4-cylinder direct injected, turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower
• C350 with 3.5L direct injected V6 with 302 horsepower
• New standard equipment including automatic transmission, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming mirrors, garage door opener, compass, HD radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, ATTENTION ASSIST amd adaptive brakes with HOLD function
• New paint and upholstery options
• Parktronic available
• New Lane tracking Package
• LED daytime running lights standard fro both sport and luxury models
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Updated version of 7-speed transmission which provides better fuel economy

2012 C-Class Coupe – C350/C63 September/C250 October

• Same redesigned interior and improved standard features as the C-Class Sedan
• Standard Panoramic Sunroof
• Steering Wheel Shift Paddles
• 10-way power driver seat with memory
• Split folding rear seats
• Unique wheel 

2012 CL-Class – August

• New colors – Lunar Blue and Andorite Grey
• New 19″ AMG triple 5-spoke wheel

2012 CLS-Class – CLS550/CLS63 June/ CLS550 4matic August

• All-New bi-turbo engines with direct injection 402 or 518 hp
• World’s first fully-active all LED headlamps
• Electromechanical steering system
• Standard sport body styling
• Standard Navigation, Pemium sound and SiriusXM

2012 E-Class Sedan – October

• New direct injected engines – V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• New wheels and steering wheels for some models
• Wood/Leather steering wheel now availabel for both sport and luxury models
• New Lane Tracking package
• LED running lights for both sport and luxury
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Updated version of 7-speed transmission which provides better fuel economy

2012 E-Class Wagon – October

• The E63 AMG wagon is coming!

2012 E-Class Coupe – E350 July/E550 October

• New direct injected engines – V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• LED daytime running lights standard
• New wheel for E350
• New interior colors – Red/Black and Natural Beige/Black leathers
• New Lane Tracking Package
• Standard shift paddles
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Electromechanical steering on V8

2012 E-Class Cabriolet – E350 July/E550 October

• New direct injected engines – V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• LED daytime running lights standard
• New wheel for E350
• New interior colors – Red/Black and Natural Beige/Black leathers
• New Lane Tracking Package
• Standard shift paddles
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Electromechanical steering on V8
• New Red soft top option

2012 GL-Class – GL450/GL 550 August/ GL350 October

• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• New ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)
• New paint colors – Dakota Brown & Pearl Beige
• New rear chrome trim for rear control panels

2012 GLK-Class – July

• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• new ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)
• Media Interfact port moves to center console
• New 20″ 5-spoke wheel with Appearance Package
• New Colors – Lunar Blue, Sapphire Grey, Diamond White & Cuprite Brown
• Keyless-Go is reduced to $640 

2012 ML-Class – ML350s September/ ML550/ML63 2012

• All New! Same Price! See previous posts for details

2012 R-Class – R350 gas August/R350 Bluetec October

• New direct injected V6 with 302 hp
• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• new ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)

2012 G-Class – October

• Edition Select Package available. See previous post for details

2012 S-Class – July/S350 September

• New direct injected V8 with 402 hp means no Gas Guzzler tax
• The S350 Bluetec arrives with an estimated 20 city/ 31 highway MPG
• New colors – Lunar Blue and Andorite Grey
• The Sport Package gets a new 19″ AMG triple 5-spoke wheel

2012 SL-Class – July

• Premium 1 Package now standard
• Limited production in anticipation for the all-new 2013

2012 SLK-Class – SLK350 July/SLK250 2012

• All new for 2012
• New direct injected V6 with 302 hp
• Updated NTG 4.5 is amazing technology for nav and music
• See previous posts for more details

2012 AMG

• C63 AMG coupe arrives
• E63 returnes with 5.5 litre biturbo with 518 hp and 25% better fuel economy
• CLS63 AMG debuted in the spring
• SLS AMG roadster arrives

This is a great time to be a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast!

Just a few weeks ago I was sure that the Steel Grey SLK350 with Red Leather was the best looking SLK-Class we could build! Now we have such a selection of SLK350s I have a new favorite! This is a new color for 2012 – Silver Mist! It’s blue. I know the color would imply that it is silver, but that is not the case. It is more blue than Diamond Silver, less bright than Quartz Blue. Maybe a slate blue kind of color? It is so hard to describe…but I loved it immediately. Come by and take a look at Silver Mist or any of the eight 2012 SLK350s I have in inventory!

 For those of you who are waiting eagerly for more details about the 2012 ML350, due to arrive this fall, you might want to check out the Interactive Owner’s Manual on the Mercedes-Benz International site. These are European specification images, options and descriptions. What we get in the US might be slightly (or drastically) different. Enjoy!

Thanks for the tip Lloyd!