Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Official Photos of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Courtesy of Mercedes Insider
There have been a lot of reports about the 2012 Mercedes A-Class but nothing has ever been as official as this one. After publishing renderings and spy photos, it is no doubt that everyone wants the real thing.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Enjoy an Evening of Wine at Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield
Here are the fantastic wines that Alpha Omega will be pouring:
2009 Chardonnay
This is an unfiltered Chardonnay coming from a trio of vineyards in Carneros, Coombsville, and Jameson
Canyon – three of the coolest climates in Napa Valley. Twenty-two months in French oak gives it a full-body and rich texture. Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of fruit from some of the most notable and historic vineyards in Napa Valley including To Kalon, Missouri Hopper, Stagecoach, and Newton. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, this wine spends 24 months in French oak, yielding dense, soft tannins on the palate. Please RSVP if you plan on attending at the contact information below. RSVP: Receptionist@mercedesfairfield.com or call us at 707-430-0101
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Schedule your service appointment with us online today!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Inside Mercedes-Benz’s American Dream Factory
Courtesy of Wired When I was little, my grandmother had a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5 sedan. She bought it new, drove it about 100,000 miles, then parked it in a small barn behind her house. I'm not sure why. Dad remembers transmission trouble, but my grandmother always said she wanted something new but couldn't bear to part with the Mercedes. Funny how that works. 
Almost two decades after parking the car, gram hauled it out and sent it to a restoration shop. They refreshed it and repainted if for roughly what you'd spend on a used C-Class. The result was a nearly new old car. I've driven it. It's a neat experience, one with pomp and circumstance coupled with the hewn-from-solid-confidence feeling that comes only in an old Mercedes. But part of me wishes it was sitting in that barn, because the possibility — a sleeping giant, a dust-covered relic — was exciting.
I was reminded of that car, and of that promise, at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California. It is where sleeping giants are awakened and dust-covered relics restored.
The Classics Center is Mercedes' restoration and classic-car service in America, and it occupies about 28,000 square feet near the intersection of Interstates 5 and 405. It's a magical place where history meets talent and what must be the world's deepest parts catalog.
The Center features a showroom (shown above), where many of the cars are for sale and all of them appear brand new. When I was there not too long ago, a silver 300 SL "Gullwing" was for sale and another was being reassembled in the back shop.
On its own, this is not unique. It happens in restoration shops the world over. But there is only one place in America where Mercedes-Benz will rebuild your car to the exact specifications and condition it was when it left the factory.
Let's step inside.
This is the window sticker of the silver 1956 300 SL that was for sale. The SL is sublime. I drove one a few years ago. It was amazing. For just $750,000, this piece of impossible German art could be yours. It once belonged to NBC orchestra leader Don Ricardo. It rode to Europe aboard the Queen Elizabeth. It is amazing and gorgeous and fast and gifted with beautiful upswung doors and a hundred thousand sins' worth of excellent.
Given all that, $750,000 seems pretty cheap, no?
Mercedes-Benz being German, everything at the Center is ruthlessly efficient. For example, platform lifts allow maximum storage in the two-story showroom. Here we have a 1964 220 SE sedan alongside a 1954 220 cabriolet. Many of the cars in this room are for sale, which means this might be the coolest Mercedes-Benz dealer on the planet.
In addition to vehicles, the Center keeps historical records, a small collection of artifacts and an extensive selection of frequently needed parts. This engine is the legendary M100, the monster V8 that propelled the 600 limousine, the 300 SEL 6.3 and the 450 SEL 6.9 of 1975 to 1981. The latter was known simply as "The 6.9" because no other mass-production Mercedes has featured a V8 approaching 7.0 liters. Big-block German oomph meets world, world says, "Oh, yes, that's right. That's what the fist of Angry Math God looks like."
This engine was cut open for display, presumably for auto show or training purposes. Note the multiple accessories and enormous fan. There's a V8 in there somewhere. Don't make it mad.
The Classic Center is one of just two such factory-sponsored Mercedes facilities worldwide. The other, located in Fellbach, Germany, performs similar work but with the added advantage of having the corporate mothership within spitting distance.
The Center's main showroom prominently displays a Penske PC-23. The racer used Mercedes-Benz power and was part of the firm's infamous "stock-block" assault on the Indianapolis 500.
This 300 SL "Gullwing" is getting what appears to be final finish work. Note the painted steel wheels in the foreground. Note the protective masking tape on the wheel arches and the blankets on the leather-covered door sills. Note the general air of 1950s space-ship awesomeness.
Much of the Center's work can be accomplished using off-the-shelf factory parts, but some items can't be had, even for the factory. One of the Center's more ambitious projects was the recent revival of a 1910 Mercedes-Benz Simplex originally owned by a founder of R.H. Macy & Co. The work involved fabricating a new water pump and radiator, as neither were available. Here, a technician works on a 280SE 3.5 W111 cabriolet.
A vintage "Pagoda" W113 SL (below) awaits reassembly following restoration work. Note the spotless floors. Note also the wire-cage parts carts in the background; each car gets a cart or series of carts devoted to it, and those carts follow the vehicle from project start to completion.
This is the Center's state-of-the-art paint booth, just past its main service and restoration bays. As is typical with workshops of this caliber, you could eat off the floor. Or the car that just popped out of (or is about to go into) the booth.
Fender covers, towels, protection everywhere. The attention to detail, and the care with which even routine procedures are carried out, is amazing.
A six-cylinder engine, beautifully restored. From the period-correct reproduction warning label to the correct yellow-cadmium plating on the various brackets, the worksmanship achieves a general air of perfection. It isn't overdone, but neither is careless.
Everywhere you look at the Center, you see history small and large. Small, as in an overhead-cam four-cylinder mounted on its subframe and front suspension. The drum brakes give away the age.
More interesting is the 600 "Grand" limousine behind the engine. The 600 was famously the car of dictators, kings, and legends. It is just slightly more complicated, and expensive, to repair than 100 space shuttles. Case in point: The windows, like just about everything else, are hydraulically operated. The switches cost $11,200. Each. Be that as it may, a 600 is the first thing any sane person should buy after making his first $5 million.
The Center also performs regular maintenance and repairs, which means you can drive your 50-year-old Mercedes to the people who made it and have them bring it up to snuff. The Center prides itself for its access to factory resources — chiefly, a Mercedes production data archive second to none — and using them to keep customer cars in tip-top condition.
Plus, there's a boutique. Clothing! Mercedes swag! Who doesn't love that?
This 300 SL roadster belongs to a person with unique tastes. In addition to being fitted with a rare hardtop, much of the trim and nearly everything in the engine bay was chromed after delivery from the factory.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Mercedes-Benz Reveals More Details Of SLS AMG E-Cell Electric
Mercedes-Benz will be producing a limited run of the all-electric SLS AMG E-Cell supercar, and it has now detailed just what kinds of electrons will be powering it.
The SLS AMG E-Cell will be an all-wheel-drive vehicle, thanks to the use of four compact electric motors. (two in front, two in back). The system’s net output is in the neighborhood of 526 hp and a massive 629 lb-ft of torque. The motors draw power from a 48-kWh high-voltage, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack is made up of 864 individual cells and was originally developed for use with the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) employed in Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 cars.
Thanks to extensive lightweight construction – the transmission tunnel and battery monocoque is carbon fiber and the body panels are aluminum – the SLS AMG E-Cell can make the dash from 0 to 62 mph in a scant four seconds flat. That is just 0.2 second slower than the gas-powered SLS AMG, which is powered by a 571-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine. During our first drive of the SLS AMG E-Cell prototype, the car felt mind-bogglingly fast. Power for the SLS AMG E-Cell is routed through two transmissions (one for each axle) and 100 percent of torque is available from standstill thanks to the electric motors. Since each wheel can be driven independently, torque can be infinitely varied depending on brake force, acceleration, and cornering grip to best keep the E-Cell planted and moving through corners.
Mercedes utilizes a trio of cooling systems to keep the E-Cell up and moving, as well – the battery pack is liquid-cooled, and there are two separate low-voltage cooling system for each of the motors on the front and rear axles. To bring everything to a stop, the SLS AMG E-Cell with AMG’s high-performance, carbon fiber-strengthened ceramic composite brakes, roughly 16 inches in diameter in the front and 14 in the rear.
Mercedes-Benz has also overhauled the front suspension of the SLS for E-Cell duty. The redesign was forced by the new front-wheel drive unit, and does away with the gas-powered SLS’ vertically-arranged struts in favor of an F1-inspired independent multi-link suspension with pushrod damper struts. The automaker says that this was not only a necessary revision, but one that will also improve handling.
The Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell is slated to hit the market at the beginning of next year; while pricing has yet to be announced, expect it to carry a fairly big premium over the current SLS AMG’s $192,175 base price with destination. It looks like the future of supercars could be here sooner than we think.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
We would like to thank Steve for taking the time to share his experience with us!
"D Mo was wonderful, he was very polite and did a fantastic job on detailing my car and making it look like new!!! Inside and out!!!" - Steve C.
Click HERE to read more reviews.
A special thank you to Fred & Vicky for their great feedback!
"What a great experience! From the time we first set foot in the dealership, to the time Janica Villarde handed us our new Mercedes keys, we were treated great. Janica was very knowledgeable and friendly to work with. Not one time did my wife and I feel pressured. We worked with Steve with our trade in and felt it was quite fair. We worked with Dion with our financing and were quite pleased. He was able to beat our Credit Unions rate. The entire staff was very knowledgeable and patient with us. We would highly recommend this dealership and staff to our friends and family." - Fred & Vicky M
Click HERE to read more reviews.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Set to Debut at 2012 NYC Auto Show
Fears that the car may have been phased out for good arose when Mercedes-Benz quietly dropped the SL65 AMG model from the previous SL lineup last July, though continued to sell its V-8-powered SL63.
However, Car and Driver is reporting that a new SL65 AMG based on the sixth-generation ‘R231’ SL Class is planned and will join its more modest siblings in showrooms later this year.
No mention of what engine will power the new SL65 AMG but we would expect something more than the last-generation’s 604 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. A brand new engine is unlikely given the limited volume of V-12 models sold today, though applications in other models including the new S Class may justify the expense somewhat.
Another possibility is an updated version of the current model’s twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12, which develops up to 621 horsepower in other applications such as the most recent versions of the S65 and CL65 models from AMG.
On issue is the fact that a more powerful SL65 AMG will start encroaching on SLS AMG Roadster territory. With pricing kicking in at over $200,000, Mercedes would be stuck with two offerings in what is already a limited segment.
Expect styling to be similar to the latest SL63 AMG pictured above.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
2012 SLK250 Roadster
Sculpted to slice through the wind. And carve through corners. Get your 2012 SLK250 Roadster for $499/month for 33 months with $4,493 due at signing. See Dealer for details.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Mercedes-Benz "CLC" Coming to New York Auto Show
Courtesy of Washington Post
With one of its new front-drive models--its B-Class MPV--already in production, Mercedes today took the covers off the sleek A-Class five-door hatchback, the second from the new range of compact cars. The A-Class emerged at this week's 2012 Geneva Motor Show almost unchanged from its concept form, which was unveiled just last fall.
But while it goes on sale this year in Europe, the A Class hatchback won't arrive in U.S. showrooms until 2013 at the earliest, after another compact car--a coupe-like sedan unofficially dubbed the CLC--makes the rounds on the auto-show circuit and goes into production.
American tastes are dictating the launch of the sedan before two other members of the small-car lineup, which will eventually include the sedan; a crossover vehicle; the A Class; the B Class MPV; and a final model that may be shown at April's Shanghai auto show.
It's a rapid, almost dizzying launch pace, with distinctive vehicles aimed at distinct markets--all by design, says Daimler AG chairman Dieter Zetsche.
On hand for the Geneva show and the A Class launch, Zetsche reaffirmed that three of Mercedes' new compact family will eventually be sold in the U.S.
The new small cars will help Mercedes' overall fuel economy figures for its lineup in the U.S. Even so, with turbocharged four-cylinders and hints of AMG versions in the pipeline, the new small cars likely won't be small in terms of performance.
They'll have a large impact on Mercedes' footprint in the U.S. as well. Zetsche thinks the lineup could eventually take 30 percent of Mercedes' U.S. sales, which would put it alongside the E Class and C Class as the brand's top sellers.
Too, the new compact family is a way to recast the more traditional Mercedes reputation with vehicles that put connectivity on par with performance. The A Class and CLC and their kin will have standard features like USB ports and Bluetooth, even the ability to access the Internet, tap Google Maps for directions, or update Facebook status while on the go.
Can small cars work?
Daimler's previous efforts at lower-priced vehicles in North America haven't met with great success. In 1998, Daimler bought Chrysler Corporation for $36 billion to strengthen its global portfolio and fill the middle ground between Mercedes-Benz and Smart; in 2007, it sold Chrysler to Cerberus at a huge loss after struggling with its purchase for almost a decade.
In the 1990s, it also launched its city car, the Smart fortwo. After more than a decade, Smart has yet to turn a profit, but Zetsche sees it as an early effort in a market segment just now getting traction. Smart gives Daimler the means to explore mobility and electrification in a way Mercedes-branded vehicles cannot, he suggests.
"If we wouldn't have invented it ten years ago," he says, "we would have had to today."
Mercedes also sold a hatchback C Class in the U.S. beginning in 2002, but discontinued it after the 2004 model year due to slow sales.
This time, Zetsche insists Mercedes has the right products for America--not station wagons, and not MPVs, perhaps, but the sedans, coupes, and crossovers American buyers strongly prefer.
Germany gets notice
Though the new Mercedes small-car family is now being shown to the public, it will not go on sale in the U.S. until late 2013. As of yet, it's not certain which Daimler plants will assemble U.S.-market cars, either.
Daimler's new agreement to build an assembly plant in Mexico, near that of its new alliance partner Nissan-Renault, would allow it to build the small-car family there. A Daimler spokesman says, while it's an option, no North American small-car production has been confirmed.
The Renault-Nissan deal will also bring Infiniti a version of the new small-car family: a long-rumored hatchback spun off from the A Class family for Nissan's luxury brand "most likely will go ahead," Zetsche says.
What will not go ahead, Zetsche says, is additional capacity in Daimler's home market. "Further capacity [addition] will not be in Germany," he says firmly. Instead, his company will expand where it sees the potential for new customers.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thank you so much for this awesome feedback!
"This was my first time buying a gently, pre-owned C230 Mercedes and the guys, Deon, Dearic and David, were very polite, professional and friendly. They worked diligently to make sure everything was in perfect order before I left the dealership. The overall atmosphere was very inviting. Even received a tour of their state-of-the-art building that included the cleanest service department I've ever seen. I even spoke with a customer who was having service work done and they, too, loved the dealership and the way their service department was on top of their needs. I'm loving my car and the experience of being a Mercedes owner thanks to all three D's and their awesome customer service." - Lynn C.
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