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Wonder how vans came about? Mercedes thinks it has the answer
chitchatboy posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
It seems that the people at Mercedes-benz Europe are pretty creative when it comes to producing the company's latest commercial for their new van, the Vito. Cunningly titled Dirty Driving, the video stars its recently released 577bhp, 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo S63 AMG Coupe and its Actros semi truck. The pair is seen checking each other out and eventually makes out after some very 'intimate' moments. Don't worry, while the whole clip is very much safe for work (and for kids) to watch, I must say it is pretty suggestive and clear about what the ad is trying to get across. For those of you who can't get enough of the ad, there is even a censored and a bondage version. Hmmmm..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTIfjxNHEPw -
Late night shopping, another car with an Impreza scoop and the Mercedes Benz W124
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Last saturday night I was out and about in the fair City of Singapore. I ended up in the area around Mustafa at about 11.00 at night. Little India is one of the places to go if you want to endure traffic jams at night. Usually, people will find it hard to even wake up in the morning and dread facing the morning rush hour traffic but when things are cheap at a certain place, people are willing to suffer things they do not want to suffer. But tell this to people who love shopping and they will say that shopping is different. It is always worth suffering if you want to do some shopping when all the other stores are closed and it is different as it isn't work therefore it's alright to suffer a little. Anyway, some you you readers out there would realize that I have a certain fascination about cars other than a Subaru utilizing a Subaru Impreza bonnet scoop. I managed to find one more right in front of Mustafa's. This time the scoop resides on a Toyota. Yes. I suppose since Toyota now owns some shares it must be okay for this Toyota to use the scoop. Wait, I have mentioned it before. And now before some of you out there say -
check out this merc c180 who just cut in front of my son (unprovoked) and started dangerously hogging all the lanes. singapore really has some of the best drivers out there. fast forward 22sec. i added the whole video to show that it was unprovoked and the SKC 8838 B driver was just being a bully for no reason. View My Video http://tinypic.com/r/ajxevm/8
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Hey forumers, MyCarForum (MCF) and Mercedes-Benz (Merc) are collaborating for perhaps, our biggest event yet. 50 MCF members and their partners are invited to Bunch and test-drive the Merc GLA, A-Class, CLA-Class and B-Class. The event is on Saturday, the 12th of July at Roundhouse, Grandstand (Turf City), 200 Turf Club Road, from 10:30am to 2:00pm. The highlights of the event include: An opportunity to test drive the GLA, A-Class, CLA-Class and B-Class. A rare chance to have a ‘taxi experience’ in one of the hottest of hot hatches available right now: The A 45 AMG. Brunch at Roundhouse, Roundhouse - Pizza, Bar & Grill, a family-style restaurant serving modern european cuisine. Hear from Julian Kho, Associate Editor of sgCarMart and Jonathan Chu, Product Specialist at Merc about the Merc GLA. Take part in the trivia and win exclusive Mercedes-Benz premiums Requirements: - 21 years and above at the point of test drive - Minimum 2 year of driving experience REGISTRATION CLOSED Only successful registrants will be notified by email. While the event is free for all, a $15 refundable deposit would be collected.
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Mercedes's S 63 AMG Coupe looking stunning in its spot
chitchatboy posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
While we love the way Mercedes-Benz gives its latest S 63 AMG Coupe a black, sinister feel with its new online spot, we can't help but think they borrowed some ideas from Jaguar's 'Good to be Bad' campaign. That said, it is no bad thing considering how well its suits the S 63 AMG Coupe when it bellows in anger! http://dai.ly/x1xurbq_s-63-amg-coupe-performance-art_auto -
Mercedes-Benz taunts at cat lovers with new advertisement (VIDEO)
Nic_low posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFNwdi2-BGg More recently, Mercedes-Benz has released a number of innovative advertisements, such as celebrating Christmas in the SLS and the use of a hen to demonstrate its clever 'Magic Body Control'. Now it seems that it has found another animal to star to showcase just one of the CLA's many capabilities. -
http://dai.ly/x1mqm3t In its latest advertising effort, Lexus is asking buyers to 'wake up from the hypnotism' and seriously consider before making their purchases. What it is trying to hint at is that people, in general, think that German cars are better. Unsurprisingly, rivals such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW are roped into the commercial as the 'main culprits'. http://dai.ly/x1mqm6f While most of us would think that the pendulums are work of computer graphics, Lexus has also shown us how the interesting ad is made, with a 'behind-the-scenes' footage. Now jump to the video to catch the craftsmen at work.
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The new S 63 AMG Coupe expands the Mercedes-AMG model range
Akram_saheed posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG Coupe will have its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April 2014, as the most powerful member of the BlueDIRECT engine family. The 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine boasts an output of 585bhp and 900Nm of torque - linked to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission. This allows the performance Gran Tourer to accelerate from nought to 100km/h under 4.3 seconds, and on to reach a governed top speed of 250km/h. With a combined figure of 10.1L/100km - the two-door model is the most fuel-efficient model in its competitive segment. The S 63 AMG Coupe is lighter by 65kg - thanks to a lighter lithium-ion battery, forged light-alloy wheels and a weight-optimised braking system. Furthermore, the entire outer skin and the front end of the body are made of aluminium. There are two variants of the S 63 AMG Coupe - with rear-wheel drive or with AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive. With the 4MATIC system, 67 percent of the power is sent to the rear axle and the rest to the front. For the suspension - the rear-wheel drive AMG Coupe is equipped with MAGIC BODY CONTROL, while the all-wheel drive variant features the AIRMATIC system with the adaptive damping system ADS PLUS. Inside the car, high-quality materials and fine workmanship are combined with a sporty, exclusive design idiom. The newly developed AMG sports seats offer the driver and front passenger optimum lateral support. One particularly exclusive model in the range is the S 63 AMG Coupe 'Edition 1', which will be available a year after market launch. Swarovski crystals in the LED headlamps (not the one above) lend the car an irresistible look, while the cabin is trimmed in exclusive nappa leather with contrast topstitching. The roof liner and the sun screens are in DINAMICA microfibre. Further features include AMG Exclusive floor mats, door sill panels with illuminated AMG lettering and a high-gloss black poplar wood trim. Also included is an 'Edition 1' branding on the sports steering wheel. -
Mercedes-AMG (Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach) GmbH has reported 2013 to be its most-successful year with up to 32,200 AMG models sold. The German firm recorded strong demand in its three biggest markets U.S., Germany and U.K., last year driven by new products and the extension of its distribution network. Among the factors driving this growth was the broad introduction of the 4MATIC, all-wheel drive system, and the introduction of the facelifted E 63 and CLS 63 AMGs. There was also increasing demand for AMG’s SUV models and the new compact cars - the A 45 and CLA 45 AMG. The product offensive is rounded off by the recently introduced S 63 AMG. Through the introduction of the CLA 45 AMG Mercedes-AMG was able to steadily increase its sales in the USA market, with a growth of around 20 percent. AMG’s two main European markets, Germany and the U.K. posted strong sales, despite the overall market weakness in the EU, and exceeded their 2013 sales targets. The dynamic growth has been made possible by the expansion of the product range and entering attractive new segments. With the sporty A 45 AMG, the CLA 45 AMG and the GLA 45 AMG, Mercedes-AMG is offering three new entry-level models to reach out to new target groups. All three models are equipped with 4MATIC technology and the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine. Later this year, AMG plans to enter a new segment with a sports car it has fully developed itself. Founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, today, the former two man company employs a workforce of more than 1,200 at its plant in Affalterbach, and over the past 47 years has become the technological spearhead and a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG.
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A 45 AMG 4MATIC PETRONAS Green Edition debuts in Japan
chitchatboy posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Mercedes-Benz Japan recently revealed a new special limited edition of its A-Class premium hatchback. Called the 'A 45 AMG 4MATIC PETRONAS Green Edition', it features special exterior/interior designs available under the customisation program from the AMG Performance Studio. Available only in Calcite white, only 30 of these limited edition cars will be produced for the Japanese market. Differences to the normal A 45 AMG are mainly cosmetic. Its front-end areas, exterior mirrors, rear spoiler, headlamp units, wheel hub caps, and other details are painted in PETRONAS green - the special shade normally reserved for the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS FORMULA ONE® car. Inside, AMG Performance Studio gave its steering wheel, dashboard, instrument panel, and climate control air vents the green treatment while the steering wheel, door panels, arm rest, and floor mats get matching green stitching too. The lucky Japanese will also be the first in the world to get carbon fibre material for the interior. Mechanically, the car remains the same, which is no bad thing considering it has the most powerful four-cylinder turbo engine in the world. And with 360bhp channeled to all four wheels, you bet it will be a riot to drive. -
All new C-Class loses weight and gains upmarket treatment from Mercedes-Benz
Akram_saheed posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
According to Mercedes-Benz, the new C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotional design and its elegant interior. And I can't really deny. The all new C-Class seems to be a major departure from its forefathers. It looks serious yet more focused, modern and rich. The C-Class is the biggest selling model series from the German marque and launch models will initially comprise the C180, the C200 and the C220 BlueTEC. The all new C-Class now measures 4,686mm long and sits 1,810mm wide with a 2,840mm wheelbase. In profile view, a long bonnet, a passenger compartment set well back and short overhangs define the C-Class's classic, well balanced Mercedes-Benz sedan proportions. Large wheels emphasise the rear and communicate a stylishly sporty character. There is a choice of two different faces. A sporty fascia with a centrally positioned star or the classic sedan radiator grille featuring the Mercedes star on the bonnet – limited to the Exclusive line. While halogen headlamps are standard, two energy-saving LED variants are available - a static system and a dynamic version with ‘LED Intelligent Light System’. The light signature will no doubt mesmerise onlookers and fellow commuters on the road. The Mercedes-Benz designers have styled the interior on a level with the carefully chosen high-class materials and their pleasant touch and feel as well as the precision of the finely crafted details The driver and front passenger enjoy plenty of space and luxury while Mercedes claims settling into one’s seat in the C-Class is akin to the uplifting feeling of being upgraded from economy to business class on a commercial jetliner - although that probably depends on which airline you are talking about doesn't it? A free-standing 7-inch wide central display dominates the centre console while a larger 8.4-inch wide screen is installed when specified with the COMAND Online system. Five round metallic air vents lend the dashboard a sporty touch and adds contrast to the warm look of the other materials – such as the wood in the centre console or the leather on the dashboard. The innovative touchpad in the handrest over the Controller and a head-up display are new additions to the C-Class range. Thanks to intelligent and innovative lightweight construction, the aluminium hybrid body is around 70kg lighter and aids in reducing the vehicle's overall weight by around 100kg. The lightweight construction cuts fuel consumption by up to 20 percent without any loss of performance, while at the same time enabling a lower centre of gravity, for a noticeably sporty and agile handling. Three engine variants are available at the market launch – a diesel in the guise of the C220BlueTEC and the two petrol models, C180 and C200. Five four-cylinder petrol engines rated from 156bhp to 238bhp will be available, including the special C180 ECO Edition. A six-cylinder petrol engine rated at 333bhp will follow in due course. The diesel engines will cover an output range from 115bhp to 204bhp. The C220 BlueTEC will also be optionally available with an output of 170bhp as the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. A new small diesel engine with a displacement of 1.6-litre will also be added to the range. Depending on its configuration, the supercharged four-cylinder engine generates 115bhp or 136bhp of power and delivers 280Nm or 320Nm of torque. The new C-Class is also the only vehicle in the segment to offer tunnel detection via satellite navigation. It uses the map information from the navigation system and the GPS location data to close the air recirculation flap automatically when the vehicle enters a tunnel, subsequently re-opening it when the vehicle emerges from the tunnel. The new C-Class is also equipped with a unique avant-garde acoustic system while a Burmester surround sound system is optionally available. -
Well well what do we have here? CLA-Class Shooting Brake?!
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One of PlayStation’s popular titles, Gran Turismo, will launch a sixth version on the eve of its 15th anniversary next month with a smattering of spectacular new rides. Mercedes-Benz is one of the manufacturers to have fully engaged its marketing engine for the launch and is helping to kick-off the virtual exercise with a spectacular 585bhp virtual concept named the AMG Vision Gran Turismo. The project reportedly started because of a challenge put forward by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi. He asked design studios from all across the globe to come up with a concept using the theme “Vision Gran Turismo”. A handful of these, including the AMG Vision Gran Turismo, were selected to be transferred to the virtual world where they will be available in Gran Turismo 6 through online updates. But for Mercedes, the challenge was also an opportunity to explore future design. For the German automaker, future design looks to contain extreme proportions, sensual contours and a high-tech quality. Signature styling elements for the brand are also present, including a long hood, compact greenhouse and broad shoulders. Like the recent Mercedes-Benz SLS and the 300SL from the ’50s, the Vision Gran Turismo comes complete will gullwing doors. Players will be able to drive the new supercar when Gran Turismo 6 launches in December.
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With its S500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE research vehicle, Mercedes-Benz has become the world's first automobile manufacturer to demonstrate that autonomous driving in rural and urban traffic is possible. In dense 21st-century traffic, the autonomously driving S-Class is required to successfully cope with some highly complex situations involving traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrians, cyclists and trams. What makes this ground-breaking achievement even more special is that it is realised not through the application of extremely expensive special technology, but by means of production-based technology of the kind already available today in new E and S-Class vehicles. The project thus marks a milestone on the way from the self-moving (automobile) to the self-driving (autonomous) car. The main advantages of autonomous driving are plain to see - it allows motorists to reach their destination quickly, safely and in a more relaxed frame of mind. Above all on routine journeys, in traffic jams, on crowded motorways with speed restrictions and at accident blackspots, an autonomous vehicle is capable of assisting the driver and relieving them of tedious routine tasks. One question remains. Are we really gonna allow cars to drive us in future? Watch the video below to see the autonomous S-Class work its magic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKqJccK_EkM
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Ferrari 458 Italia kills man and crashes into another car!
RchLuvSlly posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Not so long ago, I tried to remind you to keep away from a country such as Russia. Thing is, the people - well mostly - seem really reckless there, especially while driving. It isn't that hard at all to find videos to prove this theory. Now, another incident - a tragic one too - has taken place in which I believe quite a number of people wonder how the country actually functions. While it may seem just like another car crash, this one is a lot more awful. In the video, we can see a Ferrari 458 Italia rear ending a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Judging from the fact that the rear bumper of the Mercedes was entirely ripped apart, I believe you have a good idea regarding the speed the Ferrari driver must have been driving at the moment. Amazingly, though, neither the Ferrari driver nor the Mercedes driver got seriously hurt. Yet, what was really tragic was the fact that the Italian supercar had actually knocked over a pedestrian, Nariman Gaynulov, 62, before crashing into the said Mercedes. As it turned out, the man driving the Ferrari 458 Italia is Larion Vuokila, 23, son of Alexander Zajonc, a Russian billionaire. Despite not getting seriously hurt, Vuokila was taken to the hospital soon after the incident. However, he tried to escape but has now been arrested by the police. I am not really sure what actually happened to Vuokila seconds before the crash. Was it that he tried to beat the red light? Or, was the crash triggered by Vuokila losing control of his supercar? Well, it seems like we -
Angry Chinese father crashes into his son's Z4 in an S-Class!
RchLuvSlly posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
For boys, it's only natural that they play bumper cars with their father at some point in their lives. Well, there's nothing to worry about if it's just a game, however it isn't the case in the video below. The Chinese father in the video wasn't playing bumper cars with his son at all. Instead, he was really crashing into his son's BMW Z4 in his Mercedes-Benz S-Class! It's pretty obvious that the father must have been really mad at his son there. You see, even after the crash, he went on chasing his son, this time on foot! However, it seems that age really does matter. As his son was way younger than him, there was no doubt that the young man was way more capable of going from "0 to 100 km/h" on foot than his father was. Yet, no matter how fast any of them could run, it didn't take long for the local police to take both into custody. This seemingly one-of-a-kind incident took place in Ma'anshan City, Anhui, China, and it was said that the incident was triggered by family problems between the old man and his son. Now, besides hefty repair bills, both men are likely to face penalties as well, due to their reckless driving on a public road. So, next time if you're about to argue with your old man, I suggest that you think again as things would have been better if one of those men in the video tried to give in to the other. -
Bugatti Veyron It seems that Dubai is one of the richest cities that exist on Planet Earth. Not only is the city pretty, but it's potentially the safest one in this world as well. Well, if you don't really want to buy what I'm saying, you may want to have a look at the fleet of police cars the city has in store instead. Lamborghini Aventador Not so long ago, the Dubai Police Department already secured quite a few supercars such as the Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Lamborghini Aventador, Aston Martin One-77, and the Ferrari FF. Additionally, they also have the Chevrolet Camaro SS. Still, it seems that the local police now think that they shouldn
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15th May 2013 was the world premiere of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Mercedes unveiled its new luxury sedan at the Airbus A380 Delivery Centre located in Hamburg, Germany. However, what attracts me besides the debut of the luxury German sedan itself is the odds that the German automaker is set to launch the coupe version soon. On its official Facebook page, Mercedes Germany has released a sketch of its new model. To me, the sketch looks like the 2014 S-Class coupe, well, although Mercedes-Benz didn't necessarily mention the term 'coupe', and the new model seems kind of wider than the previous generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe. Furthermore, it's known that the 2014 S-Class will also come in a convertible and coupe version. In addition to that, no matter how I look at it, the styling cues portrayed in the sketch don't seem to match those of the actual sedan being launched at the home country of Mercedes-Benz today. So, in short, I think it's safe to say that we should be getting ready to behold the launch of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe which will seemingly take place in the near future. Otherwise, I don't think the German automaker will be revealing the design of its new model in such detail.
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Mercedes Benz unveiled its Style label furniture collection
FaezClutchless posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
If you were to ask someone what mass produced auto brand symbolizes the word luxury and you're most likely to hear Mercedes-Benz. Not surprising because when it comes to luxury design in the automotive industry, Mercedes is undeniably one of the best. From the cabin space right up to the exterior styling, a Mercedes just exhumes touches of luxury. Mercedes knows that well too and their design department has brought their unmistakable styling and high quality standards to the Milan Furniture Fair with a collection of designer furniture. Mercedes Benz has collaborated with Formitalia Luxury Group, a leading Italian furniture manufacturer to create a collection of furniture under the Mercedes Benz Style label. According to Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes Benz, both Formitalia and Mercedes Benz stand for top quality and exquisite workmanship which embodies luxury and passion. The company is pleased to work with Formitalia in creating the first Mercedes Benz Style furniture collection. The furniture collection, which was developed with Formitalia -
Mercedes reveals the GLA Concept before Shanghai Auto Show
RchLuvSlly posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Although the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show won't take place until 20th April 2013, the premium German automaker Mercedes-Benz seems impatient to reveal its latest compact crossover concept. Mercedes calls it the GLA Concept. Looking like a taller A-Class, the concept is based on the German automaker's new MFA platform. With that being said, it's likely that Mercedes will price the car close to the price of the B-Class. Besides, it will go below the GLK lineups. The interior of the German compact crossover concept is dominated by brown-silver colour combination. The designs of the dashboard and centre console are quite futuristic, too, with some blue illumination. The GLA Concept will have a total power output of 211bhp, with a probable AMG version. The AMG version is expected to feature a total power output of up to 354bhp, thanks to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This latest compact crossover concept from Mercedes-Benz will come with an FWD drivetrain and will be available with either a diesel or a petrol engine. Unfortunately, though, it seems that you won't be able to buy this car at least until the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as the production version isn't due until September. -
Acura, the luxury division under the Japanese automaker Honda, has released an image of a new concept vehicle prior to the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. From the image released, the concept vehicle is seemingly a crossover. Acura had mentioned that the concept will debut for the first time in the world at the automotive exhibition that will take place later this month in Shanghai, China. Unfortunately, apart from that and the image, the automaker has yet to reveal any other details, such as engine specifications and interior features. The concept is likely to create a new market segment, considering Acura has recently launched the 2013 all new RDX and the 2014 MDX. Judging from the tyre sizes in proportion to the car's body in the image, it seems that this new concept vehicle from Acura will be a compact crossover. If so, it'll potentially compete against the BMW X1, the Audi Q3, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and the Lincoln MKC, the latter two of which are going into production soon. It seems that Acura won't be the only one previewing a new concept vehicle as Honda will also do the same thing. The model that Honda will likely preview is a redesign of the Honda Odyssey. Yes, although the North American version (redesigned) of the model had just recently been revealed in the 2013 New York Auto Show, Honda has actually been selling the global version since 2008. Therefore, it seems wise for the model to see a redesign of its global version soon.
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Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster transformed into a retro ride
FaezClutchless posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] It is hard to imagine the car you see here was actually a Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster. This -
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is a rather rare choice for Luxury SUV buyers in Singapore, sgCarMart takes the car out for a quick spin to find out why. The G-Wagen is definitely a head turner, even with the subtle black paintwork. We drove the car around Singapore, finding places to shoot for our review, from urban areas, to muddy grounds. It's really stunning to look at, but though we've spotted a few G55 AMGs from time to time, this car is hardly seen on our roads. Here's a sneak peek of some photos we got for our test drive. Look out for the review of the G350 coming up real soon.
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I have something against the Start-stop or Stop-start System in cars these days. As most of us are aware, this system automatically shuts down and restarts a vehicle's engine when it idles longer than a specific period of time. This allows the car to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. According to car manufacturers this sort of system is advantageous for vehicles that spend significant amounts of time waiting at traffic lights or frequently come to a stop in traffic jams. While this is a supposedly a good thing for the environment and to one's fuel bill I actually despise it. I am quite familiar in cars with this function and I do not hate it because it may eat up battery life or the starter motor of the car. I hate it for something else. I recently test drove a Honda Insight, a Honda CRZ and a BlueEfficiency Mercedes Benz C-class. I find them equally irritating when you drive with the system operating in rush hour traffic. Less irritating in the Mercedes but then again, the Mercedes is a whole lot more refined than the other cars mentioned. In traffic jams that are long, tiresome and located in tropical countries like where we live we love air-conditioning in our cars. This is because the weather is hot and extremely humid most of the time and I personally use air-conditioning 99% of the time. The only time I do not run air-conditioning is when I am in Fraser's Hill. I keep the air-conditioning on even if I am in Genting or Cameron Highlands as it isn't that cold these days. And if any of you have driven cars with Stop-start systems, you'd notice that most of the time the system shuts down the air-conditioning compressor and only the blowers are running. Not very nice in our climate. Even for a few seconds. I am sorry, but I am one of those truly spoiled people who enjoy the comforts of an air-condition compressor running when it needs to and not when the car feels that it needs to save some fuel. I also do not like the fact that when a car restarts and then stops after a short period of time. It is actually quite irritating. When a car restarts itself things vibrate a whole lot more than when it is idling with its engine running. In a Honda Insight, which probably has some normal rubber mounted engine mounts it is felt quite a bit. In a Mercedes C-class, which most probably has fluid filled engine mounts it is less irritating but still takes away some refinement. Imagine if the engine mounts are worn out is a car which is more than a few years old. It would be extremely irritating. This is why every time I end up in a BlueEfficiency Mercedes I end up switching off the Stop-start system in the car everytime I start driving it. I suppose the only reason most car manufacturers have such a feature in their car is that the car in question may emit slightly less carbon emissions on paper. This is so that they can sell the car in a lower tax bracket in countries that base their road taxes on carbon emissions. Call it a necessity and not something truly environmentally friendly. Of course, like the electrically assisted power steering which has basically taken over from hydraulic systems in order to gain that extra 3% fuel savings, Stop-start Systems are here to stay. But that doesn't mean that I like it. I don't.
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Most of Mercedes-Benz's cars come with their 4Matic all wheel drive system except for their compact models, the A-Class and the B-Class, which are front wheel driven. But in the near future, one of their upcoming compact models, the CLA Class sedan will feature a new version of the 4Matic system which is specially designed for cars with transversely mounted engines. The upcoming CLA Class is based on the same platform that the A-Class and B-Class is on but it will be featured with an all wheel drive system which Mercedes-Benz has never done before on their compact models. Therefore, a new system has to be developed for it. This new system integrates the rear axle driveshaft with the transmission and in this case, a seven speed dual clutch gearbox. Another feature of the system is an electro-hydraulic controlled multi disc clutch at the rear which allows full variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear axles. Normally, when the multi disc clutch is open, the car is driven by the front axle. When it is closed, the rear axle comes into action. The drive torque can be distributed between the front and rear axles according to the situation. The company's 4Matic system based on rear wheel drive is different. There is a 45:55 torque split between the front and rear axles during normal driving conditions and seventy percent of that torque can be directed to either axle when required. The torque variability of the new system allows for different driving modes which can be operated through a button on the dashboard. There are three modes; Eco, Sports and Manual. In Eco mode, less torque is directed to the rear which results in better handling and lower revs. In Sport and Manual, more torque is distributed to the rear axle. On the AMG versions, more torque is distributed to the rear axle to give the car a more rear-biased feel. The system is also linked to AMG's three stage electronically stability control system. The CLA Class is said to debut in early 2013 and will go on sale in the middle of next year as a 2014 model.
