Mercedes-Benz Announces AMG-Ducati Cooperation at LA Show

At this week's Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz announced that performance division AMG, and Italian motorcycle maker Ducati will develop common marketing activities in the near future. Mercedes-AMG CEO Ola Källenius and Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio signed the agreement during a press conference held at the LA Show.

According to the deal, AMG will be the Ducati MotoGP Team's Official Car Partner in the 2011 championship and, in return, during various events held by the Germans, participants will also have the opportunity to test Ducati motorcycles and vice versa.

AMG plans these events for its Private Lounge members, numbering more than 13,000 customers worldwide. The two companies noted that other activities and strategic steps are also under consideration, but didn't disclose any further information yet.

"I am very pleased that we are able to announce our strategic cooperation with Ducati today. AMG and Ducati ideally complement each other, as both companies share the same values: racing as the driving passion, and high performance plus exclusivity as the central brand messages of both AMG and Ducati. This long-term cooperation will help us to jointly access new customer groups", said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"I am especially proud to have AMG as one of our sponsors for the MotoGP Team. I am also very pleased that our joint marketing activities are well under way. In AMG we have found a partner who perfectly reflects our brand values of high performance, motorsport, excitement and our sense of unmistakable style and design", Gabriele del Torchio, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A, added.

Both companies are highly respected in their line of work, so their cooperation sounds like a good idea, as customers have the opportunity to experiment with new ways of achieving that gratifying adrenaline-rush.

By Csaba Daradics

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Anderson Germany Crafts 670HP Mercedes CL65 AMG Black Edition

If the stock Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG doesn't offer quiet enough power or pizazz for your tastes, Anderson Germany will try to make good use of your money and turn Stuttgart's coupe into something a bit more special. Heck, they'll even pick up your car from your house and return it all zinged up - though we're assuming this offer stands for its Germany-based clients only. And by zinged up, Anderson Germany means it will upgrade both the styling and performance of the CL65 AMG.

Starting with the engine modifications, a remapped ECU along with free-flow air filters and a custom exhaust system with racing catalysts and mufflers, help push the [2010MY] V12's output to 670-horsepower, up from 612HP.

Aesthetically, the German tuner begins by applying a satin black finish that can be complemented by an optional carbon exterior package covering the mirrors, window frames, front grille, door handles, boot trim and all the air vents.

There's also a new rear lip spoiler while the car rides on gloss-black 22-inch alloy wheels with carbon edging in jet black, wrapped in Michelin performance tires size 275/25-22 up front and 295/25-22 at the back.

The interior gets some attention as well, with a new two-tone leather treatment featuring a diamond pattern, carbon fiber trim finish for numerous parts including the mirror, central console and steering wheel, an upgraded audio system and Alcantara on the roof lining and pillars.

LA Show 2010: New 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG with Bi-Turbo V8

Taking center stage at Mercedes-Benz's LA Auto Show booth is the range-topper of the new 2012 CLS series, the CLS 63 AMG sports sedan. Like the S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG, the CLS 63 AMG benefits from a new 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with direct-injection technology producing 525 hp and torque of 700 Nm. Mercedes also offers an optional AMG Performance package, which increases these figures to an even more manly 557 hp and 800 Nm.

Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a brand new AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which does away with the torque converter using a compact, wet start-up clutch instead.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.4 and 4.3 seconds for the 525HP and 557HP variants respectively, with a top speed of 155 mph [250 km/h] in the standard version and 186 mph [302 km/h] with the Performance Package, in both cases, electronically limited.

Despite the improvements in performance, Mercedes says the new CLS 63 AMG is far more fuel efficient than its predecessor, which was powered by a 507HP 6.3-liter V8. The new CLS63 AMG that also gets start/stop tech, goes 4 miles further in the city on one gallon of fuel, making it 33 percent more fuel-efficient. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg US city and 21 mpg US highway.

The upgraded AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension that allows the driver to switch between three suspension modes of "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus", steering and braking systems along with the 19-inch wheels in fitted with 255/35 R 19 tires on the front and 285/30 R 19 tires on the rear, round off the performance changes. Mercedes-Benz also offers a set of ceramic brakes on the option list.

Completing the AMG package are the interior appointments and a new bodykit that includes boot lid spoiler, side skirts, and different designs for the front and rear bumpers.

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