Mercedes-Benz Launches Special Edition C-Class Models

A new special edition model has just been added to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range. Available as a saloon and an estate with all the C-Class engines, the Special Edition models feature unique exterior and interior styling elements while Merc has also upped the car's standard equipment list. On the outside, key traits include the darkened headlights, shoulderline trim strips in polished aluminium and front grille finished in silver matt with chrome highlights.

The Special Edition C-Class models also get front fog lamps with a chrome ring and chromed twin louvres, chrome highlights in the bumper, rub strip and boot lid plus the B-pillar trim painted glossy black. The car's exterior looks are rounded off by a set of 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with mixed-size tires (235/60 R 17 at the front, 255/55 R 17 at the rear), though customers can opt for 16-inch 7-spoke alloys and 205/55 R17-size tires all round.

Color options for the Special Edition C-Class range are limited to a new indium grey paintwork along with 'obsidian black', 'palladium silver', 'iridium silver' and 'calcite white'.

Based on the AVANTGARDE design and equipment line, the interior of the Special Edition gets unique tow-tone seats made from black ARTICO leather and fabric in como beige, trim parts in brushed aluminium and specific floor mats. There's also contrasting stitching embellishing the seats, center armrest and door center panel.

Among other things, the Special Edition's standard equipment includes a multifunction leather steering wheel, Intelligent Light System featuring bi-xenon headlamps with variable light distribution and a Parktronic system.

Prices depend on which engine is ordered, but Mercedes said that the additional charge on the respective Avantgarde models is between €2,689.40 and €3,879.40 with the leather/fabric seats and €4,629.10 and €5819.10 with a full leather upholstery.

Lorinser Readies Mercedes C-Class Based LV8 to Compete at Tuner Grand Prix

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Lorinser, has announced that it will participate in the 2009 Tuner Gran Prix that takes place in Hockenheim in Germany from June 26 to 27, with a specially modified Mercedes-Benz C-Class dubbed LV8. The tuner did not release any details on the car -though we're suspecting that the LV8 means it will be equipped with a V8 engine- but the firm's managing director stated that aside from the special tires, the LV8 will be totally street legal and that it will be offered for sale by Lorinser at a later date.

New Direct-Injection Engines for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

A trio of newly developed direct injection engines have been made available for Merc's C-Class sedan and Estate models. Already offered on the new E-Class Sedan and Coupe, the new range consists of the two diesels and one gasoline engine. The 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline unit in the C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY produces 204HP and 310Nm or 229-lb/ft of torque launching the sedan from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.2 seconds while the combined consumption amounts to 7.2lt/100km or 32.7mpg US.

The new 2.1-liter turbo diesel is available in two guises. In the C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY it generates 170 hp and a torque of 400Nm (295-lb/ft). This accelerates the saloon from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, while the combined fuel consumption is 4.8lt/100km or 49mpg.

In the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY the 2.1L diesel delivers an output of 204HP and an impressive torque of 500Nm (369-lb/ft) launching the saloon to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds. This model returns an average fuel consumption of 5.1lt/100km or 46.2mpg.

VATH V63RS: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate with 585HP V8 and Carbon-Fiber Kit

If you want to get a bit more oomph out of the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate, then you may want to take a look at Vath's new performance package as the noted German tuning firm has readied a bunch of goodies with the enthusiast in mind. A series of engine tweaks pump the output of the 6.3-liter V8 engine from the factory 457HP and 600Nm to 585HP and 690Nm of torque. No word on how fast the V63RS sprints from zero to 100km/h (62mph) but the German tuning house does reveal that the modified Estate now reaches a top speed of 325km/h or 202mph.

A new limited slip differential with a 60 percent locking rate, a sport suspension and a high-performance brake system and 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 245/30 tires up front and 285/25 at the back complete the list of performance mods.

The V63RS also features a new hood, front apron and a rear diffuser all made out of lightweight carbon fiber. Buyers can also upgrade the C63 AMG Estate's interior with an array of accessories including carbon-fiber trim, a high-end audio system and a DVD/TV unit.