Mercedes Brings Sexy to the Compact Segment with New Concept A-Class, will be Revealed in Shanghai

Mercedes-Benz plans to show up at this month’s Shanghai Auto Show with a brand new concept for a spectacular looking A-Class model. While the Concept A-Class is just what its name says it is – a prototype study - it’s also a very good indication of where the company plans to take its BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 rival with the presentation of the next generation model that is scheduled to go on sale in 2012.

For starters, Mercedes is giving up the minivan-like silhouette of the current A-Class for a more dramatic and sporty looking two-box profile with a long bonnet and a low roof-line. The concept’s exterior design details are heavily influenced by Stuttgart’s most recent prototypes such as the CLS Shooting Brake and especially the F800.

Aside from the new nose with a prominent Mercedes grille, the three-door Concept A-Class also features concave surfaces with sweeping lines throughout the body.

Even though it is certain that next year’s production model will drop many of the striking details (just how many remains to be seen) and lose the aggressive proportions of the concept car, the general shape will be maintained.

Inside, the Concept A-Class has individual seating for four and an overly futuristic styling, which of course, will not pass into production. However, certain design elements such as the shape of the air-vents, steering wheel and instruments will inspire the road-going model, which will most likely be offered with a five-seat layout.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the Concept A-Class rides on a new front-wheel drive platform codenamed MFA, which is believed to stand for “Mercedes Front-wheel-drive Architecture”. The prototype is powered by a four-cylinder gasoline unit from Mercedes’ new M270 engine series and combines both direct-injection and turbocharging technology. The Concept A-Class is equipped with the 2.0-litre variant of the new engine, developing 210 hp, with power being transferred to the front wheels through Mercedes-Benz' new dual clutch transmission.

Other technical highlights include a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist and the daytime running lamps that consist of 90 optical fibres with aluminum sleeves, and are arranged in a wing-shape within the headlamp.

Along with the three-door hatchback previewed by this here concept, Mercedes-Benz officials recently said that the company is planning at least three more variants based on the A-Class' MFA architecture.

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Mercedes-Benz Issues Recall on Select 2011MY E-Class Sedans and Estates

Daimler AG is conducting a voluntary recall campaign on certain 2011MY Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans (chassis code W212) and Estates (chassis code S212) to inspect, and if necessary, replace a potentially defective auto part. The recall will include approximately 41 E-Class models in the States manufactured from July 8, 2010, through July 12, 2010.

The German automaker said that inadequate adhesive between the vibration damper and its inner mass damper ring could cause a sudden separation of the inner mass damper ring from the vibration damper. As a result, if someone is working in the engine compartment during engine operation, the damper ring could strike and injure the person repairing the vehicle or a even bystander.

Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and replace parts as necessary free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during April 2011.

This latest announcement comes only a few days after Mercedes-Benz issued a recall on some 136,000 ML SUVs over a glitch related to the cruise control system (read more here).

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Mercedes Recalling More than 136,000 M-Class SUVs Because Cruise Control May Not Disengage by Braking

A defect associated with the cruise control system has prompted a U.S. recall of 136,751 units of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and M-Class AMG SUVs from the 2000-2004MY. In a filing to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], Mercedes-Benz said it has determined that under certain circumstances, use of the brake pedal may not automatically disengage the cruise control system.

More specifically, the German automaker stated that when the driver pumps the brakes instead of applying consistent pedal force, the level of force required to disengage the cruise control might be unusually high. The NHTSA noted that difficulty or delay in disengaging the cruise control system can increase the risk of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz said that drivers should be able to deactivate the system using the cruise control stalk on the steering wheel.

Oddly enough, the recall campaign won’t begin before September 2011. Owners of the affected vehicles may contact Mercedes-Benz for more information at 1-800-367-6372.

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Mercedes-Benz Sends Off G-Class SWB with Special Edition Version

It won’t be long before Mercedes stops production of the short wheelbase version (SWB) of its iconic G-Class series, but before that happens, the German company is launching a limited production model, fittingly called the “BA3 Final Edition” as a last hurrah. It is joined by a special version of the long-wheelbase model (LWB) called the “Edition Select”, based on the G500.

The G-Class BA3 Final Edition is available with two engine variants (G 350 BlueTEC and G 500) and sports several AMG elements such as the flared wheel arches painted in the same color as the rest of the vehicle, radiator grille with chrome highlights, 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, stainless-steel running boards and spare wheel cover. Other features include an electric sunroof, metallic paintwork, parking radar and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Inside, limited edition SWB model boasts ventilated and heated front seats covered in black leather, burr walnut wood trim and chrome highlights on the gearshift lever, seat adjustment controls and loudspeakers in the front doors. Standard features include a mobile phone package, rubber floor mats and a load compartment cover with additional stowage boxes.

In Germany, the 211HP G 350 BlueTEC “BA3 Final Edition” is priced at €90,511 ($134,500), while the 388HP G 500 version costs €100,686 ($149,600).

Moving onto Merc’s second special G-Class, the long-wheelbase “Edition Select” package is offered exclusively on the V8-powered G500. It comes in a two-tone paintwork, with the bumpers, AMG side flaps and exterior mirrors finished in obsidian black metallic. The stainless-steel running boards and spare wheel cover, together with the black 18-inch alloy-wheels add further contrast to the rugged 4x4’s body. Other exterior elements include the carbon-fiber inserts on the protective strips, underbody protection and an AMG sports exhaust system.

The two-tone theme continues in the cabin, where porcelain and black designo leather create a stylish atmosphere. The car carries the Chrome package from the “BA3 Final Edition” and also gets designo piano black wood trim. The dashboard, armrest, door handles and brake lever are lined in black leather, while the inner door panels are lined with gathered leather. A 12-speaker, 450-watt Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, the crash-responsive Neck-Pro head restraints and stainless steel door sill panels also come as standard.

The “Edition Select” package adds €6,735 ($10,000) to the price of LWB G-Class models in Germany.

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