Jalopnik: dr.z

Mad About The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Peter Orosz — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT

You’ve seen the unveiling. You’ve read that it’s going digital. What you haven’t seen was the sheer excitement on the scene in Frankfurt when Mercedes–Benz revealed the SLS AMG.

Even though there hangs a faint air of retrograde desperation about the new Gullwing, with its signature design element a structural necessity on the 1952 racing original and a mere styling choice on the new car, it is a sight to behold in the flesh.

Yes, it may be nothing more than a sports car with a quirky door. But if you do shell out the quarter million dollars it will cost, you’ll end up with a Gullwing-ish car for half the price of a vintage 300SL.

With the added benefit of AMG’s fabulous 6.3-liter V8 and the relief of not having to care about what will soon be a 60-year-old car.

If you want to go for grungy race car looks, make sure you order yours with the matte black disguising elements seen on the leaked photos of test mules, complete with the bumps reminiscent of the skin of humpback whales.

And should you look real close at the picture on top, you will see yours truly in the Frankfurt mayhem, crammed up against the right door in a lobster red backpack, aiming a white telephoto lens at Lewis Hamilton and Dr. Z:

Hi Lewis!

Photo Credit: SASCHA SCHUERMANN/AFP/Getty Images, Mercedes-Benz, Gawid/autoscoop.biz, TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty Images

BMW, Daimler to Opel: It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog-Eat-Automaker World

Peter Orosz — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST

Opel is dying and the heads of BMW and Daimler would like the German state to keep its hands out of the process.

Libertarianism is a concept very, very alien to the average European mind. We live in overbearing, motherly states with massive taxes and social cushions but the Carpocalypse is bringing out the inner Ron Paul in Dr. Z.

The Financial Times quotes the Daimler head: “Every industry needs structural development and this is not something that should be influenced in the long term by governments.” BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer comes with the kontrapunkt: “I have an understanding when it is about banks because they are central elements of an economy. But for the rest, where do you start and…stop?”

It is entertaining to consider a version of the truth where these two car magnates are not afraid of the integrity of their own pockets, as is probably the case here. But where Doctors Z and R harbor fantasies of a pre-Bismarck Germany of independent fiefdoms, a Snow Crash wonderland of franchised cities instead of tiny kingdoms.

Where the rulers of Mstadt and AMGville watch with a stony face as the poor everymen of Rüsselsheim scatter to the winds.

Photo Credit: public.resource.org, slobug

Mercedes-Benz A-Class And B-Class Could Be Bound For America, According To Dr. Z

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:40:00 EDT

A new Mercedes compact could be in your future, according to mustache aficionado, part-time bartender and Daimler Chief Dieter Zetsche. Despite previous reports that the A-Class was too expensive and the US dollar too weak, the sudden shift in American tastes has made the Mercedes A-Class not so much of a reach. Dr. Z also indicated the rumor about a US-spec B-Class being secretly designed for North America isn't so far-fetched either.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Since the other major Mercedes-Benz profitability exercise in the US is to merely raise the price of current models and sell fewer cars, we welcome the idea of a larger market offering. All that being said, we wonder if the A-Class might not cannibalize Smart ForTwo sales, and whether the market exists for really expensive little cars.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Angry Bob Knight Yells At Volkswagen

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:15:00 EDT

Last night a Big XII team won the NCAA National Championship, but it wasn't Bobby Knight's former Texas Tech Red Raiders, who failed to get an invite to either the NCAA Tourney or the NIT. But Bobby Knight did get an invite to reprise his role as an angry, sad man in this VW commercial, which is part of the Das Auto series wherein famous people are interviewed by Max, a 1964 black Beetle that sounds suspiciously like our favorite doctor. Enjoy. [YouTube]

The Germans Won't Out-Smart Us, Demand Too High

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:15:00 EST

Dr. Tobias Zetsche, you blowhard! First you tell us to put down $99 deposits on your little Smart Fortwo. Then you tell us that the 30,000 deposits exceed production capacity. "Down payments are going far beyond the production capacity we have," said Zetsche, who refused to elaborate on what that actually meant. The bargain basement model will come in at $11,590 with the fully loaded versions coming in closer to $20,000.

The good doctor went on to point out that the costs are going to remain high as "We are not looking for customers looking for the cheapest vehicle." The hope is to emulate the success of the Apple, which makes us hope that we'll see a monochromatic Dr. Zetche dancing to Spoon in an upcoming commercial. [AFP]

The Zetsche Does Not Need Your Puny American Auto Company

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:15:00 EST

Daimler~~Chrysler~~ Chief Deiter "Tobias" Zetsche says everything is great since they dumped Chrysler. Seriously. They feel great, look great and are seeing new people. They'd have totally made a profit last quarter, but they needed time to get over the breakup (and related charges). Things are looking up for old Daimler so don't count him out. He's going to focus on the basic things, like Mercedes Benz. And he's trying new things, like fuel cells. Seriously, couldn't be better. Thanks for asking. [AP]

Hump Day Special: Caption This!

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:45:00 EDT

If we were God, the Jackal here and Dr. Z would be cast in a remake of Bosom Buddies. Get to work. – Jonny Lieberman

Related:
Caption This Photo: Ghosn Time [Internal]