Mercedes toConfirms New GL SUV for NY Show

It's official: some seven years after the presentation of the U.S.-built R-Class, Mercedes-Benz's multi-purpose crossover model will be gradually phased out in the States as there won't be a 2013 model, however, it will continue to be offered in overseas markets.
Mercedes-Benz USA spokesperson Chrisitan Bokich confirmed the news to Carscoop and added that company's three other SUV/crossover models including the GLK, M-Class and the larger GL, cover the market's needs.
"It's true that there will be no model year 2013 R-Class in the U.S. Over the years since the R-Class was introduced, we have expanded our light truck model offering significantly and these vehicles are outselling the R-Class to the extent that we can no longer make the business case for continuing to offer the R-Class," Bokich told us in an email today.
We also asked Bokich about Mercedes-Benz's future plans in the segment, and even though he wouldn't comment on a replacement for the R-Class, he did confirm the presentation of a new GL model at the upcoming New York Auto Show in April.
"Here in the U.S., our top-volume premium light trucks are the M-Class, GL, and GLK models (as you probably know, we're gearing up right now for the world-premiere of the new segment-leading GL at the New York Auto Show.) While we're not commenting on the future of the R-class after this generation, the car will be on sale in other markets, including its main market China and even Canada, Mexico, and other European markets - just to name a few," said Bokich.
Nevertheless, even if Mercedes decides against building a successor to the R-Class at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, the production of the next generation C-Class at the factory will more than compensate for the loss.

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Mercedes-Benz Details its European 2012/2013 AMG

Entering its sixth season this year, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Driving Academy is ready to accept participants for the 2012/2013 program in Europe. There are various available packages with all sorts of events ranging from the pleasure-oriented 'Emotion' trips to special winter training courses in Sweden's Lapland region and even tours to race circuits such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife and the Hockenheim ring.
The driving program covers five levels: Emotion, Basic, Advanced, Pro and Masters. It starts with the lifestyle-orientated 'Emotion' and advances to intensive race circuit training with the Masters level.
The vehicles that participants can drive this year include the SLS AMG, the SLK 55 AMG and the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, while there is also a thoroughbred racing car on hand for those that make it to the Master's level, in the form of the SLS AMG GT3. The team of instructors includes prominent racing drivers such as Bernd Schneider, Karl Wendlinger and Susie Wolff.
Mercedes says that a major difference to last year's AMG Driving Academy is the reduced size of groups for selected events, while the brand now also offers individual taxi trips with the SLS AMG GT3 that can now be booked at a price of €350 (US$457).
If you're interested, you can find more detailed information on the dates and the program at www.mercedes-amg.com/driving-academy or by calling the AMG Driving Academy hotline on +49 7144 302-575.

Tuning Muscles up the Facelifted Audi S5

It's been roughly two years since Senner Tuning presented its own version of the Audi S5 Coupe called the "White Beast". In the meantime, Audi presented the facelifted S5 Coupe, which received a styling makeover but more importantly, a new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 328bhp (333PS) that replaced the previous model's 349bhp (354PS) 4.0-liter V8.
In tune with Audi's current portfolio, Senner Tuning has unveiled a new package for the 2012 S5 Coupe.
The German company has massaged the S5's 3.0 V6 TFSI, lifting output from 328bhp (333PS) and 440Nm (324 lb-ft) to 371bhp (377PS) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) through a series of upgrades that include a ECU optimization, a sports air filter and a custom exhaust system.
Its other performance features include the Variant 3 Inox Line-KW coilovers with adjustable height, rebound and pressure level, and a set of 20-inch Corniche Challenge wheels wrapped in Vredestein Wintrac Extreme tires size 245/30.

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2012 Geneva Motor Show Models

When you're having a hard time choosing an opening picture for a post, this usually means one of two things: either you can't find a single photo you like or there are plenty to choose from. Let's just say that with the 82nd Geneva International Auto Show, the time we spent was worth the frustration. But don’t take our word for it, head past the break to check out a whole lot of pictures for yourself.
Remember, you can always view the pictures as a slideshow by clicking the respective function on the top right corner of the picture.

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