Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz USA has a new accessory that lets drivers retrofit their Mercedes to play and control Pandora (as well as other streaming audio) from their smartphone, using the vehicle's audio system. The Media Interface Plus (MIP) is a plug-and-play device and requires no installation. Simply connect MIP to the existing Media Interface outlet (in the glove compartment or center armrest) of the vehicle to enjoy the new features.

The MIP provides an easy-to-use interface with the Pandora app running on an iPhone 3G, 3GS or iPhone 4. For BlackBerry devices, the MIP enables Bluetooth audio streaming of Pandora. Bluetooth is also used to stream and control audio tracks from iPod, iPhone or any other consumer electronics devices supporting Bluetooth audio streaming.

Also, when connected using a special video cable, the Media Interface Plus allows customers to play iPod or iPhone video content on the vehicle display when the vehicle is at a standstill.

The Media Interface Plus is available now for $298 at Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers.

From the pictures you can see the LED daytime running lights, also note that door-mounted side mirrors stand out further on thinner stands and it looks like the hood will be a little bit longer than previous versions.

The rumored powertrains for this new generation SLK include the 2.2L four-cylinder diesel found in the current C250 CDI, with a rating of 204hp (152kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm) in its C-Class application. There is also the possibility of a twin-turbo 3.5L V6, generating over 470hp (350kW), for an AMG version.Read more

German tuner, MKB, is basing its new package on the twin-turbocharged CL65 AMG Coupe; however, most of the modifications can be applied to any model in the CL lineup including the base CL500/550. Called the MKB 65/12 BT, the new package adds several subtle styling mods as well as a range of engine, wheel and tire upgrades.

The most powerful engine package will push the 517hp (385kW) CL65 to a grin-inducing 750hp (560kW) with 922lb-ft (1,250Nm) of torque.

Other upgrades will include a high-performance rear axle equipped with a differential lock and a modified transmission control module.

Also, featured are handcrafted 20in MKB Alpha III wheels, wrapped with 255mm tires up front and 295mm tires in the rear. The car's suspension has also been lowered by 25mm and has been beefed up with stiffer springs and dampers. MKG has also added many exterior upgrades including a modified grill and integrated rear diffuser.

This beast boasts a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed in excess of 350km/h (217mph). MKB has not released any info on prices or the availability of the packages, yet.

Is your AMG-prepped Mercedes Benz G55 SUV not insane enough? German tuners, Hamann, can probably help. They have just created a performance package for the AMG G55 that will rocket the SUV to 600hp (441kW) and 576lb-ft (782Nm) of torque.

Fitted with Hamann's high performance HM600 power kit, the Typhoon G-Class will do 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 162mph.

The modifications in this package include a new ECU, an uprated belt pulley set, a revised transmission with a separate oil-cooler, 24in light-alloy wheels, Yokohama tires, custom suspension, uprated brakes, LED daytime running lights, and a roof-mounted spoiler. Read more

The 2010 Mercedes E-Class coupe was just released, and BRABUS has already made a name with it. The most notable enhancement in BRABUS' package is their 6.1L displacement engine. The rated power output of this engine is 462hp (456bhp) / 340kW, which should propel the E550 (E500 in the UK) to an exciting top speed of 196mph (315km/h).

Other upgrades include Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 17, 18, 19 and 20 inches, modest aero modifications, custom interior modifications to match the buyer’s taste, custom suspension, and high performance brakes - six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 360-mm (14.2 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle, four-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axel.

For the full press release, click here.