2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK

After seeing the two GLK Concepts at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes will finally reveal the production version of the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class at Auto China in Beijing this Sunday.

Power for the 2010 GLK350 comes from a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 268-hp, giving it the ability to do 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. The compact-SUV returns a fuel-economy of 23mpg on the highway.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK will arrive in U.S. showrooms in January 2009 as a 2010 model. Production will take place at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

Mercedes-Benz M-class

The current-generation Mercedes-Benz M-class has been on sale for three years, so a face-lift was in order. Its arrival coincides with the introduction of the ML's new, Bluetec powertrain, which finally provides diesel performance that's clean enough to be sold in all fifty states, even emissions-finicky California. (Bluetec also hits the R-class minivan and the GL-class large SUV this fall.)

The ML's face-lift itself is the usual fare: a new, three-louver, bigger grille; a larger three-pointed star; new side mirrors; new roof rails; and bolder headlights and taillights. (Like all automakers, Mercedes is maximizing LED and projector-beam lighting technology to create new and interesting shapes for its headlights and taillights. During a sneak preview of the new ML last December at a styling studio in Stuttgart, Germany, Mercedes operatives dimmed the room lights so that we could see the new headlights in action on the face-lifted ML, CLS four-door coupe, and SLroadster.)

Inside, the ML is available with richer materials, including full leather stitching for the dash. There's a new steering wheel, a new seat design, and, more important, the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz's telematics system, including the logical Comand interface that

debuted on the S-class. Hurray for that. The usual array of revised wheels will be offered, and the PreSafe accident-anticipation-and-avoidance system is now standard.

Naturally, the ML's face-lift extends not only to its V-6 and V-8 gasoline models and the ML320 Bluetec but also to the ML63 AMG. Next year, look for an ML equipped with the two-mode hybrid powertrain that GM developed with assistance from Mercedes and BMW.

BRABUS Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is one of the world's most fascinating sports cars. Following their credo that the best is just good enough for BRABUS the engineers and designers at BRABUS have developed an exclusive sport program for the two-seater. It lets owners of the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models further individualize their vehicles.

BRABUS equips the SLR with a special self-locking differential. Its 40 percent locking rate further optimizes the super sports car's traction and thus further improves acceleration.

In BRABUS Racing version with performance-improving fuel cooling, custom camshafts and an open racing exhausts system maximum power output of the supercharged V8 engine increases to 660 hp / 486 kW at 6,500 rpm. The exhaust system is not certified for use on public roads. Thus equipped the SLR storms to 100 km/h from rest in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 340 km/h.

BRABUS further offers professional modifications to body, suspension and interior that further amplify the sports talents of the SLR.

For further improved directional stability at high speeds the BRABUS designers developed a new spoiler for the front air dam. The exposed-carbon aerodynamic-enhancement part reduces lift on the front axle and adds another shot of racing looks. The rear diffuser is also made from exposed carbon.

The multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock VI 20-inch light-alloy wheels with six double spokes command immediate attention. The fully polished wheels in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11.5Jx20 on the rear axle fill out the available space below the wheel arches perfectly.

BRABUS chose high-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 20 and 305/25 ZR 20 as the optimal solution. The conversion to the BRABUS 20-inch tire/wheel combination gives the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren even more dynamic handling prowess.

BRABUS also adds new sporty and exclusive highlights in the interior. The company-own upholstery shop created a BRABUS interior from an exclusive black and red combination of leather and Alcantara, perfectly crafted down to the last detail. The waffle-design stitching of the SLR leather floor is especially elaborate and it alone uses 7,800 meters of the finest thread.

For easier entering and exiting BRABUS manufactured a custom BRABUS sport steering wheel with an ergonomically shaped rim that is flat on the bottom. For manual shifting of the SLR's automatic transmission the BRABUS steering wheel features buttons integrated into the spokes.

The BRABUS interior designers developed precise-fit applications for dashboard, center console and door panels, all made from exposed carbon. They extend the BRABUS exterior carbon look into the interior.

The BRABUS super sports car sells for 600,000 Euros. Included in the price is the SLR's airfreight shipment to anywhere in the world.