Back in November we brought you the German tuner MEC Design’s first take on the all new Mercedes SLS AMG. The tuned SLS was a bit much for some enthusiasts to handle, perhaps because MEC sprinkled a bit too much rice onto the new super car and made it into a JDM inspired big mouth front bumper design filled with a front mount intercooler. Having seen the flaws in their original creation, MEC has just come up with a new rendering that is more Classic Gullwing meets 21st century tuner car.

Although the rims have remained the same, MEC Design has changed their color choice to white and done away with the squared off edges in favor of a much rounder front bumper filled with LEDs, driving lights, air ducts and a blacked out grill opening. MEC has also incorporated a pair of much more flowing side skirts and what looks like a wide body kit in the back to house the wider rubber. This new design is definitely worlds apart form the first drawing, but the question that remains to be asked is if it really is better than the original?

Pole position for the new E 63 AMG Estate: the high-performance estate develops 386 kW/525 hp, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, offers a maximum luggage compartment capacity of 1950 litres – all with a relatively low fuel consumption of 12.8 litres per 100 km (combined, provisional figures). With these dream figures, the new E 63 AMG Estate adds up to an extraordinary combination of driving dynamics, high utility value and superb efficiency.

The top-of-the-line E-Class not only features its distinctive styling but also the all-new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension including electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle. A composite ceramic braking system is available for the first time for the E 63 AMG Estate. The unrivalled combination of groundbreaking driver assistance systems raises the bar in terms of active and passive safety in this vehicle class.

Shortly after the successful market launch of the S 400 HYBRID, currently the most fuel-efficient luxury-segment saloon with a petrol engine, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the first “three-litre car” in the premium class – the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID – at the 63rd IAA in Frankfurt. The technology vehicle will display the future of Mercedes-Benz’ modular set of hybrid systems. The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID can drive for up to 30 kilometres solely on electricity and therefore without producing any local emissions. The efficient drive system combined with the CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode enables the vehicle to achieve a certified consumption of only 3.2 litres of petrol per 100 kilometers. With CO2 emissions of only 74 grams per kilometre in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), the experimental vehicle developed in Sindelfingen demonstrates the long-term viability of future S‑Class generations. The outstanding values are made possible by the combination of a plug-in hybrid with the efficiency-boosting BlueEFFICIENCY measures. At the same time, the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID has all of the strengths that are typical of the S‑Class: top comfort, outstanding safety and masterful performance. The drive system in the concept car consists of three main components: a powerful V6 petrol engine with a next-generation direct injection system, a 44 kW/60 hp hybrid module and a lithium-ion battery with more than 10 kWh of storage capacity that can be recharged at charging stations. The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which is about to celebrate its world premiere on 15 September 2009 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, embodies a blend of consummate automotive fascination and high tech. The super sports car delivers a compelling mix of purist styling, consistent lightweight design and superior driving dynamics. At the same time, the SLS fully lives up to all the expectations of hallmark Mercedes everyday practicality and optimum safety. In essence, the new ’Gullwing’ offers the ideal synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.

The near-series Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS electric car combines environment-friendly electric mobility in the city with unrestricted suitability for long-distance driving. This is made possible by the combination of the battery-electric drive with a combustion engine. The range extender gives the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS a total range of up to 600 kilometres, with 100 kilometres thereof solely under electric power and thus free of local emissions.

While one car boasts outstanding driving performance and high fuel efficiency, the other offers high fuel efficiency and good handling. What is the difference between the two? The sporty handling dynamics set the tone in the all-wheel drive GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: The modern, four-cylinder diesel with 150 kW (204 hp) and an impressive 500 Nm of torque guarantees top acceleration and flexibility. In fact, this model has the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. The rear-wheel drive GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the familiar 125 kW (170 hp) diesel engine, on the other hand, impresses with even better fuel economy (consumption as low as 6.0 l/100 km) while at the
same time delivering great performance.