Superdome Eye Candy: Which Benz Beauty Will Steal the Show At The Big Game?

Mercedes-Benz has been creating a lot of buzz about the new 2014 CLA-Class four-door sedan. The luxury sedan is to be revealed in a much-anticipated Super Bowl XLVII ad featuring William Defoe, Kate Upton and Usher, it will be the talk of the big day. The splash of A-list film and music stars is intended to support the carmaker’s investment in a niche project in U.S. markets; the outcome will determine the future of German engineering here in the States.

A lot is being asked of the CLA-Class, the company’s new coupe-like executive sedan with the slashed price tag. Mercedes is counting on Kate Upton to showcase the virtues of an affordable Benz that is stylish and powerful. The commercial is clever and well choreographed so it is sure to be a media spot winner during the Big Game. The head-turner Mercedes-Benz expects the ad to be a fitting way to introduce the new beauty that goes on sale in April 2013.

What’s special about the new CLA-Class? Reporters got a closer look during the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this month. The hawkish, studded front grille provides a signature accent for an automobile that comes across as both classy and aggressive. The car is not meant to be huge, however, it aspires to have coupe-like dimensions. Its lingering frontal lines contrast with a cleanly docked rump that nevertheless accommodates four, full-size doors. If buyers choose the optional Sport Package, he/she will receive a full range of sports car features, which include yawning inlets and a rear diffuser.

The CLA-Class is technically well equipped with the latest anti-collision and attention-assist mechanisms to ensure safety standards are up to par with efficiency. The company’s innovative “mbrace2″ software provides remote and on-site security as well as full Internet syncing from car to cloud.

The coolest thing about the new CLA-Class is reported to be the best aerodynamic vehicle on the market “worthy of a supercar,” according to Germans creators. The previous holder of that record was also a Mercedes-Benz, the 2011 C-Class Coupe. Automakers are continuing to flaunt their superior with wind-friendly physics. As suggested to be the most aerodynamic and greenest of the CLA-Class models, 180 CDI Blue Efficiency will be released with the other models in April this year.

However, by the end of 2013, the full range of CLA-Class models will be available. Each model will tailor whatever a driver desires such as, both six and seven-speed transmissions, either manual or automatic.  All of the CLA-Class models are equipped with efficient four-cylinder engines. Some models are marked for optimum energy consumption, traction and four-wheel drive, and of course, turbocharged sports appeal with speed-sensitive steering. Also included but not forgotten is a firm grip of the wheel and napped suede.

The new CLA-Class intends to provide a luxury experience, complete with sporty bells and whistles to entice performance-leaning drivers. Surprisingly, the 2014 CLA-Class is wildly affordable by Mercedes-Benz standards for a cool, cost effective $29,900.

Mercedes’ Super Bowl commercial will sell the weighty reputation of a Benz to a younger generation with less disposable income but have the universal appetite for beauty, modern technology and the finer points of automobile engineering. German engineers are planning ahead by test-driving the CLA-Class in a smaller American market to see if newly affordable luxury catches on.

It’s a good touchdown for Mercedes’ flashy Super Bowl commercial preview that seems to confirm it. Why sell your soul to the devil to get close to fame, fortune and Kate Upton, when there’s a Benz “and everything that comes with it” available for under $30,000? Mercedes-Benz will be answering that question before a wide audience during the 47th Super Bowl, and Park Place Dealerships will be giving away a 1 year lease to a lucky Facebook Fan though their Fan Sweepstakes.

Tags: CLA-Class, Mercedes-Benz, Super Bowl

Mercedes-Benz To Offer AMG Version Of GL Crossover SUV

There is a lot to be excited about when it comes to 2013 models and Mercedes-Benz. Some of then are making their debuts now (like the popular SL550 Roadster) and others have already started to grace our showrooms. (Such as the all-new ML-Class SUV and the SLK Roadster) Certainly, the excitement never ends in our industry, and when it comes to the popular Mercedes-Benz GL Crossover SUV, we’re hearing news that there is something extra special to ignite attentions: An AMG model – the GL63 AMG, due to arrive early next year.

The GL63 AMG does it with a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that puts out 550 horsepower, coupled with a seven-speed transmission. It also is said to sport a fuel-efficient ‘start-stop’ system that shuts the engine off at stoplights to conserve fuel. (and pennies at the pump) The model includes the signature AMG stainless-steel running boards, floor mats “sports pedals” and steering wheel.

Tags: AMG, GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz SUV

Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 Brings Popular Apps and Technology To The Cabin Of Your Car

Mercedes-Benz is known for innovation and technology, and now, with mbrace2, it’s truly at your fingertips. With mbrace2, an array of apps and usable tools are built right in the interior design, utilizing the latest internet access capabilities.  You’ll now be able to access navigation tools from Google Local Search app, connect with your social networks, and even find and review entertainment with Yelp.

Tags: mbrace, mbrace2, Mercedes-Benz, Social Media, Technology

Mercedes-Benz Compact Concept Style Coupe Debuts At Beijing

The Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe (CSC) is making a splash at the Beijing Auto Show this year, with it’s new sporty, sexy design and even somewhat masculine look and feel. Rumor has it that new model is a preview of the upcoming CLA 250 compact sedan, which was confirmed for production at the show by Mercedes-Benz CEO  Dieter Zetsche.

Inspired by the highly successful CLS model, “It is the avant-garde sibling that strives to be bold and different, to establish a strong non-conformist identity and to even show a bit of attitude,” revealed Zetsche. “The Concept Style Coupé is expressive and powerful in its design. We are staking our claim very clearly here. This is the model against which sporty vehicles in the executive segment will have to measure themselves in future.”

From Mercedes-Benz Club of America:

Billed as a junior CLS, the CLA will sit below the C-Class on price and features in the future line-up. Using the CSC’s dimensions as reference, the new entry-level sedan will be about 2 inches longer, almost 5 inches wider and close to 2 inches lower than current the C-class. The CSC is 182.5 inches long, 74.4 inches wide and 55 inches tall. Based on Mercedes’ new MFA platform (Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture) FWD, it has a 106.25 inch wheelbase — 2 inches shorter than the C-class but the same as the A-class.

Read more from Mercedes-Benz Club of America Writer and Park Place Motorcars Dallas Member Joe Quenet

Tags: Beijin Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Mercedes-Benz Concept

A Preview Of The All-New Mercedes-Benz 2013 SL-550

The sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is getting rave reviews across the internet, and is a perfect addition to the iconic SL-Class lineup. Details such as the lightweight-body (300 pounds lighter than it’s immediate predecessor), aluminum body shell, the 429 horsepower bi-turbo V-8 engine, and an eco ‘start-stop’ feature to help make the design and functionality a bit ‘greener’ – have been carefully thought out and executed in this all-new SL-550. Learn more from Mercedes-Benz SL-Class product manager Dave Larsen, as he offers an intricate explanation of it’s new features and technology, styling and performance specifications.

Tags: 2013 SL-550, Mercedes-Benz, New Models

Mercedes-Benz Furniture Collection

Mercedes-Benz is making its mark on the interior design industry with a new line of home furnishings. In partnership with Italian furniture manufacturer Formitalia, Mercedes-Benz plans to debut this new designer furnishing line at the upcoming Milan Furniture Fair.

The collection will consist of a sofa, a chaise lounge, a dining room table, a sideboard, assorted chairs, a home theater system stand, a chest of drawers and a bed. Each piece promises to offer “dynamic yet timelessly elegant design,” including wooden chair backrest shells inspired by the seat shells in Mercedes’ latest research vehicles.  Each piece will wear a subtle Mercedes-Benz Style logo.

Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz Style said of the collection, “The various pieces of furniture reflect the progressive, dynamic design idiom of our current show cars and concept vehicles, offering an exclusive, emotional experience outside our vehicles as well.”  While Mercedes-Benz is new to furniture, other high-end auto makers have strayed from vehicle design into other luxury goods markets. Maserati recently partnered with ultra-luxury designer Fendi on an exclusive line of travel gear. 

The true Mercedes-Benz enthusiast can furnish their space with pieces from this new collection starting in October. The furniture will be available through high-end furniture stores, studios and interior designer showrooms.

Tags: Accessories, Furniture, Mercedes-Benz

Kidd Kraddick Visits Park Place Motorcars Ft. Worth And Checks Out 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

Kidd Kraddick, the frenetically energetic host of the Kidd Kraddick morning show on KISS FM, kicked off his third year as Park Place endorser with a visit to Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth.

Kidd met with General Manager George Johnson and Sales Manager Herb Lockhart and enjoyed a tour of the dealership and overview of the latest Mercedes-Benz models. Kidd, who was a Park Place client himself before taking on the endorsement, is a strong believer in the extraordinary level of service you find at all of the Park Place dealerships. “I get frequent calls and emails from my listeners thanking me for suggesting Park Place’ said Kidd. ‘They all report on what a great experience they had buying a car – how easy it was and how well they were treated.”

Kidd was particularly impressed with the laid-back atmosphere of the Fort Worth dealership. He noted that it had a “definite Fort Worth vibe.” While there, Kidd picked up a shiny new 2012 E350 Coupe which he will be driving for the next few months.

Tags: Kidd Kraddick, Kiss 106 FM, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz Ft. Worth

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML donated by Park Place Motorcars in the Jewel Charity Ball

Virginia Dorman was the winner of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class donated by Park Place Motorcars in the Jewel Charity Ball raffle, benefiting Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth.

Photo by Rhiannon Lee. RLP072 – Left-to-right: Debbie Reynolds, 2012 Jewel Charity Auction Co-Chairman; raffle winner Virginia Dorman; Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth General Manager George Johnson; and Valerie Mallick, 2011 Jewel Charity Vehicle Prize Chairman

Tags: Charity, Community, Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth Tx, Jewel Charity Ball, Mercedes-Benz, Park Place Motorcars

John Travolta’s Vintage 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL Discovered In Pieces

John Travolta has finally received some closure on the theft of his vintage 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL.

Last week, the car was discovered, in pieces, in a California ‘chop-shop’ belonging to an automotive theft ring when police detectives shut it down.

Suspects were arrested, and some sources are reporting that they might just owe Travolta a restitution (to the tune of $50000) for the loss.

Travolta’s car was stolen in Santa Monica last September when he parked and went inside a Jaguar dealership.

Tags: John Travolta, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz SL, Vintage Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes Benz C250 Review and Test Drive – Car Pro

Car Pro Show Host Jerry Reynolds reviews the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250.  The new C-Class sports aggressive performance and distinctive style.  For more reviews and info on all things automotive, visit the Car Pro Show online.

Tags: Car Show Pro, Jerry Reynolds, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz C250, Mercedes-Benz C250 Review, Mercedes-Benz Dallas