Category: Mercedes-Benz

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Schumacher announces second retirement

2012 European Grand Prix

Michael Schumacher has surprised nobody by announcing he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the current season. Of course, his hand was forced somewhat after Mercedes AMG decided he would have to relinquish his seat for Lewis Hamilton in 2013.

There were brief suggestions that he could continue in F1 next year. A dream reunification with Ferrari had even been mooted. But ultimately, and thankfully, sanity has prevailed.

In a team press release Michael explained his reasoning:

“I have decided to retire from Formula One at the end of the season, although I am still able to compete with the best drivers of the world. This is something that makes me proud, and this is part of why I never regretted my comeback.

“I can be happy with my performance and the fact that I was continuously raising my game during the last three years. But then, at some point it is time to say goodbye.

“I said at the end of 2009 that I want to be measured by my success, and this is why I had a lot of criticism in the past three years which partly was justified. It is without doubt that we did not achieve our goal to develop a world championship fighting car within those years.

“It is also without doubt that I cannot provide a long-term perspective to anyone. But then it is also clear that I can still be very happy about my overall achievements in Formula One.”

You can read the full statement HERE.

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Green Machines Mercedes-Benz Motor Shows

Paris 2012: Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive

Mercedes-Benz has rocked up to Paris with the spectacular looking SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive. They reckon it is the most powerful and fastest production electric sports car ever made. With 552kW and 1000Nm of torque you can see why Mercedes is so confident.

All that power comes courtesy of four electric motors, one at each wheel, which can spin at 13,000rpm. Each motor weights 45kg and can be controlled individually by the AMG Torque Dynamics system. Accordingly, with all that grip and power, the SLS Electric Drive can reach 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

You can cover some reasonable distances, too, up to 250km Mercedes claims. With a special quick-charge wall box in your garage you can recharge in 3 hours. Alas, without that optional extra fitted at your home you’ll need to allow 20 hours of charging time with a regular wall socket.

The liquid-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery weighs 548kg and benefits from Formula 1-inspired KERS technology. Interestingly we haven’t been given an overall weight for the vehicle. But with 728kg in electric motors and battery alone this might be setting benchmarks for electrically-powered vehicles but it’s not going to be lightweight in real terms.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH said: “The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is setting new standards for cars with electric drives. As the most powerful gullwing model ever, it is also representative of the enduring innovational strength of Mercedes-AMG.

“Our vision of the most dynamic electric vehicle has become a reality. With the help of our colleagues at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, we are bringing exciting advanced technology from the world of Formula 1 to the road.”

The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive goes on sale in Europe next year and is priced from €416,500 (AU$520,000).

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

How should we remember Michael?

2012 European Grand Prix

Cast aside after what could bluntly be described as a totally wasted comeback to Formula One, let’s pause and spare a thought for Michael Schumacher.

Statistically, and perhaps practically, he is the greatest driver the sport has known. The comebackâ„¢ has not played out well. So much so, if you’d never read Schumacher’s honour roll you’d be staring down Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, and simply saying: “WTF!”

It’s actually a little sad that, at this point in time, Schumacher’s last act in an F1 car was to totally cock-up his braking and drive into the back of another competitor. Just like he did on the same stage last year.

Generally speaking, we’re not fans of Michael’s. Indeed, his dominance with Ferrari drove us away from F1 for a time. Yet, we love the category and we must, in respect for the sport, acknowledge the awe of what Schumacher has achieved. He is a giant.

So, on the day he has basically been sacked for failing to deliver consistent results, let’s share a few comments from the man himself and his most recent employers.

Michael Schumacher: “I have had three nice years with the team which unfortunately did not go as well as we all would have wanted on the sporting side. I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve the success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment. I will now concentrate on the next races.”

Ross Brawn, Team Principal: “On behalf of Mercedes AMG Petronas, I would first of all like to thank Michael Schumacher for the important contribution he has made to the growth of our team over the past three seasons. His energy and commitment have never wavered, even when results have not matched our own expectations, and we are determined to finish the 2012 season together on a high. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Michael.”

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “Over the past three years, Michael has been a great driver and an exemplary ambassador for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS. His experience has been an important factor in guiding the development of our team in Brackley and we extend our sincere thanks to Michael for his loyalty, team play and commitment. We will be working very hard together in order to achieve the best possible results in the remainder of the 2012 season.”

Whatever the future holds, godspeed Michael.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Lewis Hamilton signs with Mercedes AMG

2012 Chinese Grand Prix

After the story broke earlier today it’s no surprise we’re here telling you that Lewis Hamilton has signed a three-year deal to drive for the Mercedes AMG F1 Team from 2013 onwards.

In some ways it’s a move that makes sense, inasmuch as Mercedes has a strong relationship with McLaren and therefore Hamilton. Certainly, Mercedes is making sure we’re aware of the connection in their press release below.

Also, this move is a seismic shift for the sport of F1. Not in the least because, until now, Hamilton was McLaren and McLaren was Hamilton. Remember, they signed him as a 13-year-old. Now, he is effectively ending the second coming of a seven-time world champion.

In a team statement Hamilton said: “It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share.

“Together, we can grow and rise to this new challenge. I believe that I can help steer the Silver Arrows to the top and achieve our joint ambitions of winning the world championships.”

You can read the thoughts of his new employers after the break.

We hear that Hamilton and Rosberg will start next year with equal status. Do you reckon Lewis will get on with Nico as well as he appears to get on with Jenson? Finding out will be a lot of fun!

Continue reading “Lewis Hamilton signs with Mercedes AMG”
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Formula 1 McLaren Mercedes-Benz

Schumacher out, Hamilton in

2012 Canadian Grand Prix

The F1 silly season is now in full swing with reports stating Michael Schumacher will be replaced at Mercedes by Lewis Hamilton for the 2013 season. More amazing, perhaps, Lewis will be paid £100m for his troubles, The Telegraph claims.

It’s being reported that McLaren only found out about the deal yesterday and an official announcement from Mercedes could come as early as tonight (Australian time), pending the expected sign off of the new F1 Concorde Agreement.

Michael Schumacher’s future is uncertain, but may involve an ambassadorial role with Mercedes.

Sergio Perez is now tipped to be the man to replace Hamilton at McLaren. Showing that F1 is as quick off the track as it is on, McLaren could even formalise their new signing later today as well.

[Source: The Telegraph]

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2012 Singapore Grand Prix in pictures

2012 Singapore Grand Prix

Photographers are presented a challenge under the artificial lights at the Singapore Grand Prix. But as you’ll see after the break they’ve done a great job of capturing the colour and excitement from one of the more unique races on the F1 calendar.

Many drivers took a few liberties flying across the Singapore Sling chicane and they’ve been captured for you here. There’s 106 photos in all, we trust you’ll enjoy them.

Also included below is a series of images featuring the winning design from Mark Webber’s Helmet Promo.

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2012 German Auto Display in Canberra

2012 German Auto Display, Canberra

On a nice sunny day in the nation’s capital the Treasury car park hosted the annual Shannons German Auto Display (formerly Autofest). Normally we’d be involved in the thick of it here at AUSmotive, but other events have conspired against us. In the end it turned out to be good day to check out the camera on our new iPhone 5. We hope you enjoy the pics.

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Ford Mercedes-Benz Motorsports

The feral fallout for Stone Brothers Racing

Erebus Motorsport & Stone Brothers Racing

A quick glance over at the Stone Brothers Racing facebook page gives an insight into some of the least appealing aspects of V8 Supercars. For this author anyway. Here’s a sample of the comments from the Blue oval extremists, reacting to the news Stone Brothers will partner with Erebus Motorsport in Mercedes E Class AMG bodies from 2013:

[LANGUAGE WARNING]

Wayne Williams i hope you fucks cop shit at Bathurst . and i hope FPR and DJR continue on with Ford and seriously embaress you lot next year. and realise there is no room on the Mountain for the fans who support Mercedes or Nissan. this is still our Battle Ground.

Phil Claxton Oh well, might as well unlike now…thats one flag we wont be waving at Bathurst, thanks for the heads up. At least we wont waste any money in your merch shop. Pity your drivers are in the same boat….Boatpeople eh! Bye

Paul Berryman Very disappointed as im sure alot of ford / SBR fans will are. All I can say is….. WHY? . I think V8 supercars should be just Holden and Ford and the other makes should stay in the production class. They had different manufacturers in the 80s with BMW , Volvo, Nissan and VW , where did they all go? I say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

Wayne Williams looks like DJR and FPR have gained some very loyal supporters tonite, after the bullshit that was dealt out to them today. So i guess you are right in that it is all about surviving in business, and from now on the sales of supporter gear at FPR and DJR will skyrocket making there business survive. I hope Betty Klimenko gets greedy and ends up screwing the Stones Bro. over just like the Swarzkoft/DJR fiasco.

Wayne Williams TRUST NO ONE!!!!!

Nickole Prior Loyal supporter for 15 years. Now broken tonight. 🙁
And paul they are losing $$$ as it costs to much to take a family now a days to see a race. The v8s need to stop trying to be like f1.

Tamaoho Charles Lee Christensen-Oketopa I’m a Kiwi, and a STAUNCH FORD FAN… have enjoyed watching our Top Driver and Team do so well… I really hope their is a reason to watch next year…as I will only support FORD…NO EXCEPTIONS…R.I.P SBR…

Tamaoho Charles Lee Christensen-Oketopa All I care about is that lil blue oval, it sucks when your a fan of a driver and team for years, then they switch teams….Death before Dishonour…

John Vogl at least kelly brothers give plenty of notice but you pricks just let hard working people buy your merchendise throwing there money away all year fuckin shit house

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Mercedes-Benz Video

Sideways in the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

Chris Harris drives the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 Shooting Brake

Chris Harris has celebrated the imminent arrival of Mercedes-Benz into the V8 Supercars category by power sliding his way through a review of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake.

His sub-140 character review on twitter makes for a good introduction: “AMG Shooting Brake concept perfect for a bloke with several children, a dog and a healthy addiction to velocity. Me. Want.”

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Mercedes-Benz Motorsports

Erebus & SBR to lead Mercedes V8SC assault

Bettey Klimenko, Erebus Racing and Ross Stone, SBR

The worst kept secret in V8 Supercars was confirmed yesterday when Erebus Motorsport and Stone Brothers Racing announced they would form a new team to tackle the 2013 season. The partnership paves the way for the introduction of the Mercedes brand to the V8SC category under new Con of the future rules.

The Erebus–SBR alliance will see three cars entered in the 2013 V8SC season, with the E Class body to be used as the base.

Erebus has created a name for itself in the Australian GT Championship running a superb looking Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. They were also prominent at the Bathurst 12 Hour race early this year, in another partnership formed with slick German outfit Black Falcon.

It’s important to note that it is Erebus writing the cheques on behalf of Mercedes; this is not a factory-funded entry into Australia’s most popular motorsport category. Mercedes, through their AMG arm, will of course offer support to Erebus and Stone Brothers, who are ending their 15 year association with Ford.

Erebus Motorsport CEO, Ryan Maddison, spoke at yesterday’s press conference and said: “Our entry into V8 Supercars is an entirely Erebus Motorsport funded initiative as a private race team that is accessing the Customer Sports program of AMG.

“There is a lot of work required between now and the first event next year; by no means will it be an easy road with V8 Supercars being such a highly competitive environment.”

Here at AUSmotive we’ve previously expressed distaste at the COTF direction, despite this, we wish Erebus and SBR all the best and would love nothing more than seeing them upset the Ford–Holden duopoly.

[Source: Erebus Racing | Pic: SBR]

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2012 Italian Grand Prix in pictures

2012 Italian Grand Prix

Today we bring you over 100 photos from the 2012 Italian Grand Prix, won by Lewis Hamilton. Given the alarming rate at which Sebastian Vettel has chalked up F1 victories—he currently has 22 from 94 starts—it was a bit of a surprise to learn the win in Monza is only Hamilton’s 2oth (from 103 starts).

Still, that’s 20 more than you or I will ever enjoy. Let’s hope you can enjoy these pics, at the very least!

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Has Bernie revealed Michael’s retirement plans?

2012 Belgian Grand Prix

Speaking on the BBC TV’s Belgian Grand Prix pre-race show Bernie Ecclestone may have given away Michael Schumacher’s end of season retirement plans.

Last weekend’s race was Schumacher’s 300th Grand Prix start, a mighty fine performance in its own right, and when the topic was broached on during Bernie’s interview with the BBC the F1 supremo said, “I’m sorry that he’s leaving us not being a winner, because he is a winner.”

Eddie Jordan, part of the BBC’s on-air team, sensed the big news and quickly asked,”Is he going to announce his retirement?”

Sensing he may have just let the cat out of the bag, Bernie replied, “I don’t know, I don’t know.”

It’s no secret that Schumacher has struggled at times since his return to F1 with Mercedes in 2010. He signed a three-year contract back then and you’d have to think the chances of an extension are unlikely.

[Source: Planet F1 | Pic: Mercedes AMG]