RENNtech Tunes The AMG C63

40 years ago, the hottest, fastest sedan you could buy was Mercedes-Benz' 300SEL 6.3. By placing its largest engine in a mid-sized car, Mercedes' engineers created a luxurious sedan capable of out-performing some of the quickest sportscars of its day. The 6.3 remains a landmark sports sedan that continues to influence Mercedes' design direction. Nowhere is the influence of the 6.3 more evident than in AMG's current line of sports sedans. AMG's newest cars carry the first purpose-built, "all-AMG" engine design in the company's history, and the "63" designation they wear (S63, E63, etc.) is a direct reference to the 6.3.

Last year, Mercedes revisited the "bigger engine, smaller car" formula and introduced the C63 AMG. Powered by the same 6.2 liter V8 as its bigger, more expensive S and E class siblings, the C63 promised heart-stopping performance at a bargain price ... but, somewhere between concept and production, something happened: the C63 put out a "mere" 451 hp.

While the C63 is certainly no slouch, it didn't make the same 507 or 518 horsepower that its E and S class siblings made. Some of the power difference can legitimately be blamed on more restrictive intake and exhaust paths - after all, the big V8 is a tight fit in the smaller C class, but this fails to explain how the same engine, when found under the hood of a CLK63 AMG Cabrio, makes 475 hp.

Where did that 24 hp go?

"Mercedes restricted the car," explains Hartmut Feyhl. "So, our first step in extracting more power from the C63 is to de-restrict the car." Of course, in this modern age of software encryption and electronic obstacles, that kind of "de-restricting" is easier said than done - which is why Feyhl is exactly the man you want to talk to when it's time to take your C63 to the next level.

Hartmut Feyhl was technical director at AMG North America before forming his own company, RENNtech, in 1989. Since then, Feyhl built a reputation as one of the world's premier tuners and America's foremost authority on Mercedes-Benz high performance.

It should come as no surprise, then, that RENNtech's first offering for the C63 was an effective ECU software upgrade (ECU1) to unleash the same "factory" 475 hp and 465 lb-ft (up from 451 and 443) as the CLK.

It should also come as no surprise, then, that RENNtech didn't leave it at that! "In a sense, the C63 is a return to the roots for Mercedes, and for AMG, and also for RENNtech," says Feyhl. "It is a very special car, as the C class has grown to about the same size as the 6.3 and the W124 Hammer, but with much more power. We want to see how far we can go with this car."

With that in mind, RENNtech has introduced a comprehensive line of performance products to turn the AMG C63s of the world into more focused trackday performers, starting with the car you see here.

To get the most from the C63, RENNtech began with the ECU2 high-performance software. Much more than a (relatively) simple de-restriction, this flavor of RENNtech's software optimizes every aspect of engine performance, building massive amounts of torque across the low-to-mid rpm range and boosting the C63's top speed to 187 mph. When combined with RENNtech's stainless-steel long-tube headers and new, track-oriented sound/performance pipes, the RENNtech software produces 548 peak horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

RENNtech sharpens the C63's handling reflexes with a fully adjustable sport suspension and adjustable front and rear camber bushings that allow customers to "dial-in" ride height and shock damping while the camber bushings help maintain proper camber and alignment for maximum grip (RENNtech considers these camber bushings a must-have item for serious performance drivers).

To rein in the C63's newfound horsepower, RENNtech offers maximum stopping power in the form 15.2" 2 PC rotors clamped by RENNtech calipers. Along with stainless steel braided lines front and rear, these brakes improve overall feel and driver confidence at speed. Additional cooling from RENNtech's carbon-fiber brake ducts further reduce fade - another must-have upgrade for competitive driving styles.

In the past, few would have considered a car like the C63 a truly capable trackday ride, but with the success of track events like the AMG Challenge and SLR.Club Trophy, it is clear that there are a growing AMG drivers who want to experience their car on the track. "We are all racers," says Feyhl, "and when we find ourselves on a track, we want to be competitive."

With almost 100 hp over the stock C63, RENNtech-tuned C63s will probably be competitive enough for most people - but keep in mind that this is RENNtech (birthplace of the "real" 722 SLR, where a 900 lb-ft twin-turbo V12 sedan is a daily occurrence) and that 2009 marks RENNtech's 20th anniversary ... does Herr Feyhl have some kind of "birthday party" in mind for RENNtech that involves the C63 and ties all this rich history and tradition together?

Probably!

[Source: RENNtech]

How much did this car cost new? $55,300, or 107 grand in today's dollars. That's $3,600 less than a Porsche 928. The Porsche gave you 316 horsepower versus 238 for the Benz, but which one would most impress your co-conspirators at a collapsing S&L? Exactly.


This one's not in what you'd call pristine shape, but it looks pretty good and gets driven. I know of a pretty solid W113 not far from this car, so we'll be seeing a pagoda roof pretty soon.

Well, we just had the peoples curse, and this time there was a twist. The team who got cursed was team Stugots LeMons, driving an 80’s vintage Mercedes 300 TurboDiesel, that in the words of Jay was a pig on the track. So, instead of crushing said car, it was decided to take the car, remove the oil cap, run the engine at WOT, while the other team captains dropped items into the engine. Things that were put into the poor engine included New England Clam Chowder, milk-o-magnesia, fabric softener, Heiniken Beer, a loose bolt, cleanser, and other things. You know what, the engine did not seized. And there was chanting in the pits “let ‘em race, let ‘em race, let ‘em race”. And so they did.

Do you want MC Hammer… or do you want The Hammer Party? We thought so.

Only 350 of the 2009 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series supercars will ever be made, but that hasn't stopped one from appearing at the Pebble Beach Concours. The $320,000 Benz has a staggering 661 HP, but that's topped by the 6.0-liter V12's 738 lb.-ft of torque.


(Thanks to J.F. Musial for the tip!)

West observed these chauffeured Rolls Royces, Bentleys and other formerly British-owned brands are unable to find parking, forced to endlessly circle the block until their masters return, robes silkily flowing behind them. West points to one Bentley Continental GT he saw sitting idle for four hours while its rich owners shopped inside the upscale Knightsbridge department store, emitting the same carbon as a Nissan Micra driven 170 miles.

West also saw "more than fifty tycoons — including sheiks" in Maybachs, Rolls Royce Phantoms and Mercedes S500s destroying the environment that rightfully belongs to native Brits and not "filthy rich oil millionaires" outside the store. Although West believes strongly that the environment is UK-only, he appears to have no issues with Harrod's foreign ownership (although we hear Mohamed al Fayed would really like to become British). Perhaps West would be less upset if these super-rich Arab oilmen paid the British government for the rights to the environment? Of course this is the same paper that earlier railed against a "Sheikh" who flew his Lamborghini to England for an oil change. Jeez, we'd think that makes for a helluva commercial on English wrenching skills, but what do we know?

Anyway, we eagerly await The Sun's next series of investigations into the amount of pollution generated by Ryan Air as it flies lager louts to Ibiza for their holidays, the carbon footprint of Stella distributors in Essex and the toxic runoff from a flag of a St. George novelty memorabilia factory. [The Sun]

So who actually won? That would be Lewis Hamilton they're thinking of. The McLaren Mercedes driver may be a household name in his native Britain, but apparently not so much in Hungary. Some things just get lost in translation apparently. [GridCrasher via Low Gearing]

We were treated not only to the BAT concept reveal, but also to several other fabulous historic cars that were in attendance. Chief among them was a 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL, fresh from a 100-point concours-quality restoration at Legendary Motorcar Company, making its worldwide debut. If you watch Dream Car Garage this car will look familiar, as it's been their resto project for 13 episodes. The car is actually owned by Southfield-based BASF, so naturally it's wearing a fresh coat of color-correct BASF paint. Damn impressive car — we'd say it's probably better now than it ever was.

And lets not forget another car in the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage, the 1948 Tucker Torpedo. This one is owned by RM auctions, which will be holding a preview event on Friday at Meadow Brook and an auction on Saturdayi. There's a lot on the blocks at this event, including the entrance to the old Packard Plant here in Detroit.

Things actually get rolling on Thursday, with the Second Annual Hangar Party. An event held at the Oakland County Airport, the Hangar Party puts a dozen vintage planes and historical cars together with liquid lubrication and tasty edibles. If you want to get to that one, you better move fast, as we'd bet tickets for the 'oo-la-la' event are getting scarce.

On the list of 'new and improved' for this year is the first-annual "Destination D'Elegance." The full-day event on Saturday before the Concours features free entry, a huge variety of modern supercars, demonstrations on restoration and collecting, a bevy of the worlds most heady modern superbikes and much more. Also notable: If you want to know how the Hyundai Genesis feels from the passenger or driver's seat, Hyundai will be having on-site ride-and-drives of the new kimchi-scented luxo-barge all day. This will be the one the plebes go to, as it's free, and the actual Concours has a steep $25 entry fee. We really want to get there and cover the Pabst-soaked yard-dart contests, but we'll see.

Oh yeah, then there's the actual Meadow Brook Concours D'Elegance set for Sunday. If you pay your ducats you can expect to see 225 of the finest motor cars in history. Like we mentioned, on hand will be the Mormon Meteor; a supercharged, inline-8-packing, Duesenberg Model SSJ (you'll see us licking it), a 1932 Helicron (give it a Google, it'll be fun), the only '56 Taylor Aerocar still in flying condition, 16 different V16 powered cars — with their engines displayed, and rarely seen Bill Mitchell styling concepts from GM's "Studio X" (sounds porny). Of course, that's far from everything. This year they've got a field of groundbreaking and historical Ferraris, so, you know, that should be pretty boring, as well as vintage motorcycles with sidecars. A little something for everybody.

Yes indeed folks, if you've never been out to the Meadow Brook Concours D'Elegance, this year wouldn't be a bad time to start coming. We'll be there as much as possible, bringing you fresh, wallpaper-quality images and car-induced, delirium-saturated prose. For details on events, times and locations, visit Meadow Brook Concours Online.

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]

RENNTECH REMOTE-CONTROLLED DLM

RENNTECH has updated its multi-processor digital lowering module to make installation and adjustment quicker and easier, with a unique, full-featured remote control.

"This lowering module was all-new in February already," says Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director at AMG North America. "As always, the module is 100% digital and fully adjustable, with the same microprocessors to communicate with the car's electronics. With the remote control, we have added functions like speed control settings, and the display has made fine adjustments easier."

RENNTCH's digital lowering module continues to offer individual adjustment for each of the car's four wheels, along with updated processors and the ability to set different heights for different speeds, a check for the latest hardware and firmware versions, and more - with an easy-to-use graphic user interface that works like your favorite MP3 player.

The new, remote-ready digital lowering module is available for all Mercedes-Benz and AMG models with ABC or Airmatic air suspension. Contact RENNTECH for more.

[Source: RENNTECH]

Eventually, the rarity of the early-80s coupes in North America sold me; back in the early 80s, what self-respecting wealthy car buyer craved the sportiness of a big Benz coupe, yet was willing to put up with the 120 horsepower of a rattly, smoky diesel? OK, the OM617 was actually quiet, didn't smoke, and was probably the most reliable automobile engine ever made, but Americans who look for stolid reliability tend to want four doors.


I'm not sure this is actually an '82; it could be as recent as 1985. The feds didn't change bumper requirements or any other obvious stuff during that period, and I'm not willing to piss off car owners by trying to read the VIN on the dash. What I do know is that the W123 coupe is so much better-looking than the sedan that the Reagan Administration should have passed a law outlawing the sedan version from our shores.


The list price on one of these babies ran pretty close to 35 grand back in the day. A couple thousand more and you could have had a brand-new, gasoline-burning BMW 633CSi. Say it's the early-to-mid 1980s, you're a crooked S&L functionary or importer of certain Colombian delicacies, and you're shopping for your Teutonic dream coupe. Which one would you buy?

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These are various cars found by the Coalition in downtown Baghdad. An accounting office from DoD was sent in to 'inventory' these and I was invited along as a resident gear head. They were reported to us by an 'informant' who detailed where they were. Several levels under ground, they had been there for some time and not used at all in years. Several of the newer ones were wrecked. We could never figure out why several were even notable enough to keep around. See how many you recognize!

Lots of Rolls and Caddy's. A few Benzes. One ESPECIALLY interesting one- near as I can tell, its some 1936 MB 500 K or some sort. The sign in front was in Arabic, and couldn't tell if it really went to this car or not. All I could find out is that something like 3 were built, all wheels were fully enclosed/skirted, it was dirty but otherwise in great shape, given the environment it has withstood. I doubt it had been moved in over a decade. Also surprising was there was no sign of rat-infestation on most of these. It was chilling to look at.

Had I had half a chance to get one thing outta there, this would have been my first choice.

Ok, these were parked outside the CPIC (coalition press info center) just inside the green zone. not sure if they were Aussie- or Brit-held vehicles; both groups drove Rovers (although from the flag on some, Brit is a first guess). All I know is, I've NEVER seen the little LR with a snorkel before, and never an armored version like these. I've ridden several times in a SLIGHTLY armored version; that was far different from our Hummers. These must have been like ovens. The armored version I was in was SLOW- these must have had speedo's measuring tenths of a mile per hour... but they were built like vaults.

Now, if i could only find the pics of the Norton that was buzzing around the green zone- it was old and gorgeous. VERY well kept.

The McLaren SLR Speedster, scheduled for a July 30th debut, will be 440 lb lighter than the hardtop and be limited to just 75 units. Expect the blow-out special SLR Speedster to outperform the SLR with a near 220mph top speed, but also expect the SLC to blow that figure out of the water courtesy of an impossibly powerful supercharged engine. Video of the Speedster testing on the ring below.

[via Bridge to Gantry]

BMW management board member for development and evil names, Klaus Draeger, told Auto Motor und Sport an announcement will only be made if "concrete results" had been achieved, possibly coinciding with the LA Auto Show in November. What an industry news nerd of a bomb shell that would be, eh? [Auto Motor und Sport via Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

The next-generation 2009 Mercedes E-Class was spotted by the intrepid folks of CarEnthusiast.com while testing on a motorway leading to Valencia. Here's what they've got to say:

"Wearing just a thin disguise, it's possible to make out the complete shape of the new car. With bold feature lines along its flanks the new E-Class echoes the styling of its C-Class relative. Around the rear the taillights spread over onto the bootlid, unlike those on the current car.

The nose is where the E-Class is most radical though; its headlamp shape is similar to that of its CLS and SL relatives, the bonnet closing over the top of the front wings. It's thought that Mercedes has been working hard to ensure that the next generation E-Class doesn't tip the scales any heavier than the existing model. Power will come from a revised range of engines based on those already available in the Mercedes line-up, including an AMG model with its 6.2-litre V8 engine. Expected to be officially revealed later this year, the next generation E-Class should be in UK showrooms some time in 2009."

Now that is one spicy German monster of a meatball.

For starters, we've set up some ground rules:

1) Measurements are taken across the major axis of the badge vertically or horizontally, none of that diagonal baloney.

2) Script logos where not considered. Spreading letters out is too easy. So sorry Hummer, Jeep, GMC, Land Rover and others with the name spelled out in long-hand, get a real badge.

3) Only vehicles on the dealer lot of the Troy Motor Mall in Troy, MI where considered. Thus, this field study was subject to dealer availability. However, we did find ourselves some of the fattest, juiciest dealers in all the land, so not much was left out.

Test Case: The Cadillac Escalade didn't even register on the list of the ten biggest sizes. The 'sclade sported a puny five-and-a-half-inch rear badge (by far the most prevalent size) and a six-inch diameter front badge. Surprising, right? Then we thought about the big Caddy's target market: Eight-foot-tall professional basketball players. And the new Cadillac CTS designed for investment banking weenies? An Escalade-besting 6.125" badge on its snout. So, even in this test case, maybe we're on to something. Anyway, here's the resulting badge-o-meter as proof of our contention that size matters — and an explanation of each below:

10) Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9
As predicted, the nearly twin Mazda SUV's did indeed have some massive badges on them. Coming in at an impressive 7.125 inches horizontally, the big ol' badges didn't make us think "Zoom Zoom" any more than the tiny ones on the Miata. However, a male Miata driver generally needs to have pretty strong self-confidence given the public's general lack of awareness of its track performance potential — so maybe it means he's got nothing to worry about in his self-confidence in other areas.

9) Mercedes Benz R-Class
The minivan wagon Sport Activity Vehicle from Mercedes came in with a pretty substantial 7.25 inch diameter three-pointed star. The target buyer's a rather emasculated member of the male gender — the successful dad who doesn't want to seem like he's driving a minivan after he drops his kids off at school. Poor man.

8) Lincoln MKS

The Lincoln MKS has a pretty strong upper hand in this challenge — being one of the newest cars on the lot, it knows just how far the big-badge arms race has gone. With a target market of old men on Cialis, the 7.625 inch vertical badge snags an eighth place finish, making a statement that screams "Viva Viagra!"

7) Lincoln MKX
Sure, the MKX is a bigger vehicle than the MKS, so obviously it has to have a bigger logo, right? That's how the logic goes. True to form, the Lincoln MKS scores with 7.875 vertical inches of logo love. And considering the average buyer may very well be limited to bespectacled marketing metrosexuals, it makes sense they'd be even less endowed than their Viagra-popping pops driving the MKS.

6) TIE: Infiniti QX56 and Mercedes Benz C-Class
Both of these luxury rollers offer up some whopping chrome accentuation in the form of an 8.75 inch badge on both the Infiniti QX56 and Mercedes Benz C-Class. Sounds about right since they're pretty much both wheels for the white tennis playing country club types. We've been told by our female friends they truly need all the help they can get.

5) Almost Everything Ford Makes
What do we expect from a brand who uses a country crooner who uses his guitar as a phallic extension of his self? Anything bigger than a Focus in the Ford brand beloved-by-Toby Keith wears the same 7.875 inch big blue oval. Because if you're a Ford truck man, self-confidence is only as big as your truck with the big blue ovaled badge.

4) TIE: Chevrolet Tahoe and Lincoln Mark LT
Chevy's rolling tribute to the suburban lifestyle sports a hefty 9.75 inch bowtie mounted right on its nose. While it's a good way to tell you're not driving a GMC SUV, you'd need to somehow explain what the nine-and-three-quarters-inch sized badge means about what you've got in your pants. Same's true we guess of Lincoln's luxury truck.

3) TIE: Chevrolet Silverado and Lincoln Navigator
Our third place goes to two vehicles on the same platforms as the fourth place holders, each sporting a humongous 10.25 inch ornament to a lack-of-johnson size are the Chevrolet Silverado pickup and the Lincoln Navigator SUV. Sounds about right to us.

2) Chevrolet Express
This one was a shocker for us, we were really pulling for the even-bigger Silverado HD models, but they sport the same plate as the regular trucks. On a whim, we ran the ruler across the nose of the Express and lo and behold, a stupendous 10.5 inches of bowtie bone-compensation. Who said van owners can't hang high with the smallest of em?

1) Audi Products
We'd always known Germans were into some seriously freaky stuff. Something about issues of sexual repression. But we never knew the levels to which they were over-compensating. Every single member of the Audi family — with the exception of the TT — sport the same impossibly large 10.75 inch Audi badge. Maybe now it is the time on Sprockets when they dance and show off flat-as-the-world-is-round pants bulges.

So what did we learn from all this? In reality, badge size probably does not correspond to bulge size. Especially considering I own a nearly ten-year-old Audi with the same sized badge as its new breathren, and I was confident enough to put together this list. So go figure. (Hat tip to Mackenzie!

That's because we're told to only expect a limited run of 350 over a 12-month period. Luckily, 200 of them are slotted to hit U.S. shores, so there's at least a shot of seeing one of these amazing monsters of Deutschland on the streets.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: Although we totally dig the styling, and those horsepower numbers are through the roof, at that pricepoint, we'd rather wait for the 2011 Mercedes SLC gullwing supercar. Of course, if we had the money to play in this price range, we'd probably just buy 'em both. You know, to have one for the missus. [via Edmunds]

The cost for one of the 75 McSupercars? Around $1.2 million is the current estimate, reflecting the extreme nature of the car and the extreme weakness of the dollar. The new McLaren could come out as soon as the end of the month. McShhhh! Don't tell SLR Guy. [The Car Enthusiast]

Not surprisingly, technologies not readily available in the U.S. didn't fare well on the study. For example, clean diesel engines barely registered a blip, in large part because they're just entering the market. Said Mike Marshall, director of the study: "The mere fact that they'll be in the marketplace is going to raise the awareness level of clean diesel, and I think that will begin to crack some of these wrong perceptions of what diesel is today."

While clean diesel is already chosen by a majority of European buyers, it remains to be seen whether economies of scale allow it to be implemented in the States at a lower price premium than that found on hybrids; new offerings from VW, Mercedes, and even Honda in the next 12 months should provide some insight into diesel pricing strategy. Additionally, as hybrid sales numbers rise, the same economies of scale should allow prices to fall. But, for either to happen, first some folks have to pony up the premium. Chicken, meet egg.
[Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

RENNTECH 740 hp SLR Performance PKG2

When Mercedes-Benz introduced its SLR McLaren 722, there was a bit of confusion about the special-edition's name. Many believed the car would offer a fire-breathing, 722 hp supercharged V8, but it doesn't (it makes 650 hp). Some believed that "722" meant there would be 722 of the cars made ... but that was wrong, too. In the end, the 722 badge actually referred to 7:22AM - the starting time of Sterling Moss' epic 1955 Mille Miglia run in a then-new Mercedes SLR.

SO, 722 = 7:22AM, not 722 hp.

While the automotive enthusiasts of the world uttered a collective (and skeptical) "um ... OK", Hartmut Feyhl took one look and announced: "this car should have 722 hp". When most enthusiasts say things like that, they can be easily ignored - but when Feyhl says something like this - it happens.

Hartmut is the owner and chief engineer of RENNTECH, the South Florida-based tuning firm best known for producing incredibly powerful Mercedes-Benz automobiles that often redefine what highly-tuned exotic cars should and should not be capable of.

Last year, RENNTECH introduced their own "722" option: RENNTECH SLR Performance PKG1. RENNTECH's PKG1 upgrades included upgraded intercoolers, a larger crankshaft pulley, and custom ECU software that delivered the full 722 hp SLR customers expected (along with more than 700 lb-ft of torque!). RENNTECH announced the package in an April '07 press release titled "Here in Florida, 722 Means What You Think it Means", and SLR customers responded by sending their cars to Feyhl's Florida garage from across the Western hemisphere ...

... of course, after driving their new 722 hp rocketship for a few months, some of Feyhl's customers started asking for more, which brings us to RENNTECH's latest batch of SLR tuning options: SLR Performance PKG2 and new RENNTECH Signature 10-spoke, 3 pc. performance wheels.

Available for both the "standard" SLR and 722 models, PKG2 builds on RENNTECH's previous upgrades by adding a less restrictive, motorsports-style exhaust system and re-mapped ECU software to boost the already powerful SLR engine to over 740 hp at 6400 rpm.

To give the SLR more visual impact, RENNTECH now offers its Signature 10 spoke wheels in SLR offsets and 3 finishes (chrome, satin-ceramic, and sniper gray). Pricing for RENNTECH's SLR performance upgrades are set at 12990US for PKG1 and 26990US for PKG2. RENNTECH 20" wheels are 1950US (ea.). Big Brake upgrades also available - contact RENNTECH for more.

[Source: RENNtech]

Mercedes-Benz Celebrates a World Premiere: Launch of the New Zetros

STUTTGART/PARIS —-Daimler AG proudly presents its new off-road truck, the Mercedes-Benz Zetros, at this year's International Defence Exhibition Eurosatory 2008 in Paris from 16 to 20 June.

Zetros will be offered in a three-axle cab-behind-engine truck version (Zetros 2733 A 6x6) and a two-axle version (Zetros 1833 A 4x4). The three-axle model offers payloads from 7 tonnes to 10 tonnes, while the two-axle model has payloads of 4 tonnes to 6 tonnes.

The extreme off-road capability of the Zetros all-wheel-drive truck is unique in this segment, including especially its tactical and strategic mobility (air and rail transportability). The novel approach of a cab-behind-engine truck with its low design height and its centre of gravity behind the front axle provides an ideal platform for armoured versions capable of withstanding mines and ballistic attack.

Where safe roads are few and far between - on disaster relief assignments or military operations, such as peacekeeping missions - the Zetros is sure to have the answer. The all-wheel-drive cab-behind-engine truck masters all missions. Demands on crew and vehicle have risen continuously over recent years. The new Mercedes-Benz Zetros follows the path of conventional-type vehicles that enjoy legendary status worldwide. It offers everything that is needed to meet today's extreme operational conditions. Its conceptual low design height makes it ideal for rail or air transport. And it gives the crew much greater feeling of safety, whatever the situation may be.

Daimler's concept for its new off-road, all-wheel-drive truck series offers a number of key advantages over comparable vehicles currently available on the market. The new vehicle concept is primarily based on standard production line, all-wheel-drive components from the Axor/Actros series that have proven themselves on assignments worldwide and have been modified for off-road use, combined with an innovative cab module. This draws on the "Global Cockpit" and steering system of the MB Axor.

These measures and components made it possible to transfer the generally recognised excellent ergonomic features of a logistic distribution truck to an off-road vehicle. At the same time, this make it possible to standardise the vehicle's dashboard and controls across the fleet and so significantly reduces vehicle damage caused by operating errors, while simultaneously cutting the amount of operator training needed. The new all-wheel-drive truck series stands out particularly with its high strategic and tactical mobility and its robust nature, plus the highest standards of reliability and economy expected from Mercedes-Benz.

The ideal seating position behind the front axle delivers intuitive car-like handling and, together with the standard production line control elements, helps drivers master the Zetros quickly and confidently. A key factor in the training of drivers is that all the control elements are identical, no matter whether in a two-axle or three-axle truck. This contributes to the truck's operating safety. Its comfortable drive and excellent handling additionally make long assignments possible, without tiredness or loss of concentration, so drivers can fully exploit all the technical features that the Zetros has to offer.

The vehicles in this series come with a standardised cab that meets the highest standards in terms of safety and ergonomic design. Besides three single seats, the cab offers ample storage space for equipment like radio communication, SatNavs, or personal belongings.

Advantages of the conventional cab design, especially for military vehicles

The all-in-one concept (chassis, cab and vehicle bodies) meets all the requirements associated with highly-mobile, on-road and off-road vehicles. The forward tilting bonnet in this series facilitates fast and easy servicing. The cab does not need to be tilted to service the vehicle, which is technically much harder with armoured cab-over-engine trucks. This means that some of the crew can stay in the cab for communications or protection tasks. Compared with cab-over-engine versions, the lower front axle load of cab-behind-engine design opens up additional options for adding accessories to make the conventional trucks even more universal in their application.

The cab-behind-engine design reduces the workload on the crew and delivers that unique feeling of safety known from the Unimogs with an concept that reduces driver fatigue and simultaneously enhances driver performance. It provides a practically ideal weight distribution with payload reserves on the front axle. The all-wheel chassis with cab-behind-engine provides a much more comfortable ride than cab-over-engine trucks, and so enhances the vehicle's operating safety. It also contributes to the truck's exceptional off-road capability, including in extreme terrain.

The integrated design of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros includes a level cab floor with a comfortable seating position for the 2nd co-driver and easy through-cab access. In addition, the low cab design enables the 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles to be air-lifted in transport aircraft such as the Hercules C 130 or the Transall C 160 with a minimum of preparation. Rail transportability is also assured as the vehicle conforms with the international loading gauge.

Armoured versions of the new Mercedes-Benz Zetros all-wheel-drive truck family ready to meet every contingency. On operations in crisis areas, being able to rely on the vehicle whatever the situation is key. The new Zetros meets these demands. The balanced axle load distribution of a cab-behind-engine truck guarantees safe handling regardless of load condition. The load distribution across the axles opens up opportunities for cab versions that can be upgraded to provide state-of-the-art ballistic and mine protection, enhancing crew safety, without losing the outstanding off-road driving characteristics.

The low cab-behind-engine design of the new Mercedes-Benz all-wheel-drive truck series makes it easy to modify the vehicle to provide ballistic protection for personnel. Fitted as standard, the flat cab, a 7 mm-thick steel cab underfloor combined with an integrated spall liner (optional) offers the occupants sufficient protection against AP mines without overloading the front axle. Parallel to the new truck concept, an extensive ballistic protection concept has been developed.

The use of identical drivetrains in the two- and three-axle trucks streamlines the supply of many identical parts for the vehicles. The Zetros Series draws on proven components and engines from the standard production line trucks built by the Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Division. Besides engines from the 900 series (also in service in military Unimogs), gear boxes and transfer boxes from the MB Modular System, axles from the planetary hub reduction axles series 7 are also used, components that have proven themselves millions of times over, not least in the toughest of assignments all around the world.

The proven drive concept offers permanent all-wheel drive and differential locks in the transfer boxes as well as in all axles that can comfortably be engaged or disengaged from the driver's seat. This means that proven planetary hub reduction axles with their ample ground clearance ensure that the truck gets through safely, whatever the terrain. For even tougher conditions, such as sand, a central tyre inflation system can be ordered as an optional extra. This specific technology - in combination with the Daimler "Star Diagnose" - makes it possible to keep operating costs down while simultaneously minimising the time spent training the maintenance staff.

Worldwide Service at each Mercedes-Benz Service Centre

Like all commercial vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Zetros builds on a concept that has been fully developed by Daimler engineers and harmonised with the vehicle's key features. The use of chassis units and engines that closely resemble their standard production-line counterparts as well as a cab with an interior also largely made up of parts from the standard production line ensures that our customers can be sure to get lifecycle support and service worldwide. We have nearly 5,000 service centres in 160 countries worldwide ready to supply replacement parts quickly, coupled with workshop support.

Second Runner Up

Why not put SLR Guy into a commercial for herpes medication? What a genius choice Mike, something about the expression of our hero makes this seem like such a more realistic ad. For your efforts, there are three Ford Racing beverage cozies with your name on 'em.

Runner Up

Molotov, sometimes your little chops of genius are under appreciated, but we like em. This one took an entirely different direction from all the other entries. Where's SLR Guy, totally brilliant. You get a gold star Ford Racing ball cap.

First Place

When it popped up in the second of our SLR Guy posts, Dr Danger's "SLR Jones and the Temple of Douche" was practically made for the win. It was skillful, it was funny and it was creative. Very well done sir. You are the winner of the prize Ford Mustang FR500C model.

Thanks for all the entries that came in, even though some of them were disturbing and might haunt our nightmares. We really enjoyed this one and we'll be looking for more opportunities for you crazies to display your chops in the future. You winners out there shoot me an email at ben@jalopnik.com with your address so we can get those prizes out to you.

Mercedes-Benz makes in-car iPhone® connection even easier

Stuttgart - Whether it be a quick call to a business colleague for an important discussion, listening to favourite music tracks or checking home and office e-mails whilst on the move - the Apple iPhone® is a leading-edge business tool with multimedia capability, available in Germany and other markets. Now Mercedes-Benz allows the iPhone® connection to be fully integrated into the vehicle architecture for the first time - once again pointing the way ahead for the automotive industry. The new Apple iPhone® cradle allows simple switching between the telephone and audio functions. What's more, thanks to the location of the cradle in the centre console, the iPhone® is within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger. For ease of use, the iPhone® is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel, while the vehicle display is used to indicate the phone status or music functions and information such as the track title and artist.

Over 100,000 people in Germany have already purchased an iPhone® - made by US electronics giant Apple - since its launch in November 2007. By introducing the new cradle for the Apple iPhone®, Mercedes-Benz has made it even easier to enjoy the special benefits of this trend-setting multimedia application, even when on the move in the car. This fully integrated solution - the first of its kind - enables either the phone functions or the audio functions on the iPhone® to be activated. As ever, the device is easy to use thanks to the controls on the multi-function steering wheel, all of which enhances road safety, as the driver's hands remain on the steering wheel, leaving them free to concentrate on the traffic and the other controls in the cockpit.

Perfect reception is assured as the iPhone® connects to the vehicle aerial automatically when inserted into the cradle. A further advantage is the automatic recharging of the iPhone® battery whilst the phone is sitting in the cradle.

The brilliance or this is the combination of the also hilarious "Enzo Dude" and the horrifyingly famous scene from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off".

Any time Jar-Jar "Douche" Binks shows up in a 'shop contest, it's practically a shoo-in for funny, we liked it because it tells you all need to know about the character in one expression.

We actually think George Lucas and Stev