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Here’s the NASCAR-Inspired Mercedes-Benz G-Class with Louis Vuitton Touch

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 04:53:04 GMT

What happens when Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener and Louis Vuitton Chief Creative Director Virgil Abloh clash and they choose the G-Class as the canvass of their artistic talents?

The result is a unique creation called “Project Gelandewagen”.

Project Gelandewagen is simply a 1:3-scale resin model of a modified white Mercedes-Benz G-Class. It strips the sport utility vehicle of most of its exterior accessories, including its side mirrors and bumper bars, leaving only its basic parts intact. Then the vehicle is given wider fenders and its ride height is lowered giving it an aerodynamics design inspired by NASCAR cars.

The interior of the model is also laid bare and it goes back to the basics with old-school analog speedometer and fuel gauges. It also receives race car modifications such as 5-point seat belts with blue and red highlights, a small fire extinguisher tank, a safety frame, knobs, switches, buttons, and a racing steering wheel.

The small 1:3 scale G-Wagen concept is only a one-off deal. It is expected to get between $60,000 and $80,000 at Sotheby’s, and its proceeds are intended “to support international creative communities to continue their education in the arts” according to Mercedes-Benz Marketing Chief Bettina Fetzer.

It should be reminded though that the amount can already buy you a second-hand G-Class or a brand new Mercedes-AMG E 53.

The G-Class concept from Abloh is certainly making a lot of noise online with mixed reviews. “There’s a history to the brand [Mercedes-Benz] and the effects it has had on culture that just can’t be denied,” said Abloh.

However, his work has also been criticized for taking away the things that made the G-Class such an iconic SUV when he removed its signature emotional elements from Mercedes. It’s a lot like the slammed down Mercedes-AMG G 63 we saw at the 2019 SEMA that completely ruined the unique functions of the G-Class.

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Mercedes-Benz EQV Electric Van Boasts a 418 KM Range

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 02:48:54 GMT

The first premium electric multi-purpose vehicle of the three-pointed star brand, the Mercedes-Benz EQV, is out. The official specs of the auto revealed that its 90 kWh battery has an electric range of 418 km at full charge.

Before going further, Mercedes reminded us that the EQV is not a part of the 10 EQ luxury cars in its road map to 2022 since it belongs to another division. The EQV is the product of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division.

The EQV combines the EQ electric technology of Mercedes with the V-Class platform. However, the company replaced the conventional engine of the van with an electric motor powered by a water-cooled lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 100 kWh and a net capacity of 90 kWh.

The electric motor produces a peak output of 204 hp and continuous power of 95 hp while its max torque is at 362 Nm. The battery uses a CCS European standard for charging, and it can be juiced up from 10% to 80% at a fast-charging DC station in 45 minutes or under 10 hours in AC stations with up to 11 kW.

The EQV is offered in long and extra-long versions measuring 3,200 mm and 3,430 mm in wheelbase, respectively. It can ferry up to eight people in its passenger van configuration. The front-wheel-drive system of the vehicle can be paired with the optional Airmatic suspension for optimal ride comfort.

The van also gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen with EQ-specific graphics. It comes with the MBUX infotainment system, which is now standard in new Mercedes luxury cars and SUVs.

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Hunter Sport Homes Turns the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Into a Motorhome

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:31:25 GMT

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is indeed a versatile van. It can be optimized as a passenger vehicle and it can serve as a full-size cargo van. The auto is also a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts because it can be turned into a recreational vehicle.

Recently, a British company called Hunter Sport Homes converted the long-wheelbase version of the Sprinter into a home-away-from-home with its own sleeping area, couch, cooking space, shower, toilet, storage room, and mini-garage.

The van houses a small sleeping area for a couple at the rear, and the living area of the van houses an L-shaped leather couch that can be transformed into another bed for two. The company managed to squeeze the dinette, cooktop, oven, and 50-liter fridge in the living area too. Then a small room leads to the shower room and toilet with their water provided by the auto’s 100-liter water tanks with a heating system. All the appliances in the vehicle, including the air conditioning units, are powered by a 100W solar panel.

Going around the back reveals a mini-garage for two-wheel vehicles. A small door leading to the living room is placed there as well for added access inside the van aside from the main doors.

Engine

The firm uses the unmodified version of the 3500XD Sprinter’s power unit. Its 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine produces 188 hp at 3,800 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 1,400 rpm. The output is distributed via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Price

The modified Sprinter starts at £19,495 or around $25,000 based on prevailing exchange rates.

Photos

Check out the photos of the new Hunter Sport Homes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter RV in the gallery below:

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Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Gets 789 HP From Brabus

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 09:50:41 GMT

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is one of the most powerful saloons or four-door coupes in the world. One of its most amazing feats by far is the 7:25.41 lap time held by its Mercedes-AMG 63 S 4-Door model at the Nurburgring Nordschleife track. Recently, Brabus mechanics once again dipped their hands on the car, and the result was a huge power boost plus enhanced visuals for it.

Using the Brabus 800 tuning kit that includes new turbochargers and ECU modification, the company was able to bump the output of the AMG GT 63 S 4-Door from its original 630 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque to a whopping 789 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. The new setup cuts the 0-62 mph sprint time of the vehicle by 0.3 seconds bringing it to only 2.9 seconds. Meanwhile, its top speed is electronically-capped at 196 mph.

Complementing the power-ups are the new front apron with lip spoiler, huge air intakes, tailpipes, and rear diffuser in carbon-fiber that can be ordered in high-gloss or matte. The exterior is topped off with 21-inch front wheels wrapped in 275/35 tires, and 22-inch rear wheels in 335/25 tires. The wheels can be fitted with Pirelli, Continental, or Yokohama tires.

Inside, Brabus gives the AMG GT 4-Door a new steering wheel as well as new Alcantara covers for the upholstery adorned with special stitching, and stainless steel highlights.

Of course, Brabus logos replace the three-pointed star symbol on the front grille and trunk. The tuners logo can also be found all over the interior upholstery.

California Fines Mercedes-Benz $1.5 Billion for Emission Scandal

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 03:57:52 GMT

The aftermath of the controversial emission scandal involving Volkswagen, which is also known as “Dieselgate”, resulted in government regulators probing into other automakers for potential violations. On Monday, it was found out that Mercedes-Benz was using cheating software to manipulate emission figures too, and was subsequently fined $1.5 billion by the U.S. government and California State.

According to CBS News, the US Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, and the California attorney general’s office found out that Daimler used a “defeat device software” to skirt around the emissions testing from 2009 to 2016. It was estimated that the company sold 250,000 cars and vans bearing the three-pointed star logo that didn’t comply with state and federal regulations during those periods.

Aside from the mentioned monetary sanctions, civil penalties are still pending in Washington state court. It requires Daimler to fix the vehicles affected by the emission scandal.

The justice department said that the parent of Mercedes should repair at least 85% of the affected cars within two years and at least 85% of the affected vans within three years. I should provide extended warranties on certain vehicle parts and conduct emissions tests on the fixed vehicles annually for the next five years on the affected autos as well.

In addition, Daimler is mixed up in a $700 million civil settlement in a class suit for emissions allegations. However, the company stated that the settlement of the case does not mean admitting to the liability arising from the accusations, and it does not require the carmaker to buy back the vehicles in question.

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Mercedes-Benz X-Class Gets a Dark Military Look

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:01:39 GMT

Despite the three-pointed star brand’s decision to ax the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, tuners are still not giving up on it. Recently, Kahn Automobiles released a modified version of the auto with a dark military-inspired design.

Currently, Kahn Automobiles offers plenty of accessories for those who want to customize the appearance of the X-Class. However, this particular setup for the right-hand-drive variant of the X350d model is getting plenty of attention because of its very sinister aura.

The whole upgrade costs £63,999 or $84,552 based on prevailing exchange rates. It features a tubular metal brush bar and front grille with vertical slats similar to the design of AMG vehicles. The pickup possesses a set of five twin-spoke wheels with vented rims too.

Furthermore, the exterior comes in 3D texture black military paint with a satin finish. Except for the three-pointed star logo at the door of the pickup bed, everything including the chrome highlights of the vehicle is painted black. Kahn Automobiles also offers an optional bullet-resistant glass for the auto.

Meanwhile, the interior receives a quilted high-quality leather in black with red accents and diamond stitching. The company offers added customization options for the cabin of the X-Class upon request of the customer.

The upgrades are merely limited to the aesthetics of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class. Thus, its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel engine remains untouched. As a recap, the unit produces 255 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All that power is distributed via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

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