When Janis Joplin penned the words "Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz," she was probably not expecting it to become an actual advertising campaign for the luxury brand. Now more than 40 years after the folk singer's death, Mercedes-Benz used her song as the focal point of a flashmob-style song and dance performance at the New York International Auto Show when it unveiled a new 2012 C63 AMG Coupe and A-Class Concept car.
The New 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 Coupe
When the new high-performance coupe enters U.S. showrooms in September 2011, it will round out the C63 AMG family of luxury cars, which already includes the CLS63 AMG and the CL63 AMG. Under the hood, the AMG is powered by a 6.3-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 451 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The engine is mated to a SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission that provides different driving modes via rotary knob, from "C" for comfortable upshifts and maximum fuel economy to three sport modes for increased agility and acceleration.
Visually, the C63 AMG coupe shares a confident, athletic presence familiar from its high-performance SL63 AMG roadster sibling. The C63 AMG Coupe has a sinister low profile, powerful shoulderline, and a narrow C-pillar, combined with short overhangs, long hood, steeply raked windshield and a long, sloping roof.
A number of driving assistance systems --ranging from Attention Assist drowsiness detection to Blind Spot Assist -- utilize radar, camera, and sensor technology to help monitor and prevent accidents.
The C63 AMG Coupe also features new telematics technology with larger displays, convenient phone book transfer, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a USB interface. The optional COMAND system features Sirius radio, a well as a navigation system with new 3D display with city views, the ability to record and retrace a specific route. Also, specific personal destinations can be saved or imported via an SD card, and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them an economical variation.
2012 Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class
As gasoline prices rise, new car shoppers desire smaller, more fuel-efficient cars that do not sacrifice the luxury and features found in larger premium vehicles. Mercedes-Benz promises its Concept A-Class signals the beginning of a new generation of smaller vehicles in the premium small-car segment thanks to its expressive design, luxury features, and efficient engine.
The front-wheel-drive Concept A-Class is expected to feature a transverse-mounted 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injected and turbocharged engine capable of producing 210 horsepower while still promising excellent fuel economy. A seven-speed automatic dual clutch transmission promises sporty shifting.
The A-Class Concept might be small in size, but it is not short on features. Loaded with the same luxury and technology as the larger C-Class coupe also introduced at the New York International Auto Show, the tiny car promises to integrate smartphones with infotainment, by providing access to internet radio, email and social networks such as Twitter or Facebook, via 7-inch display and operated by the rotary/push control. It's also big on style, thanks to large panorama roof, translucent dashboard design, luxurious leather, and brushed aluminum trim.
Safety Is Big In This Small Car
The Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class will feature LED high-performance headlamps, and the same radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist found in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. A first in the premium small car segment, this system provides a visual and audible warning to an inattentive driver and primes the brakes for immediate braking as soon as the driver presses the pedal.
When Mercedes ultimately commits its Concept A-Class into a production model it will be a lively competitor in the premium small-car segment. To find out more about Mercedes-Benz models currently available, check out TrueCar.com.
