Auto News - Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake leaks out

Auto News - Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake leaks out. Someone is in a lot of trouble over at Mercedes-Benz. The automaker accidentally put up a few images and details about the upcoming CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake on its German consumer site, and our friends at Car and Driver gleaned what they could before all the information disappeared again.

Word has it the longroof will make use of the same twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 found behind the headlights of the four-door variant. That means buyers will get to enjoy 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Should those numbers be to skinny, Mercedes-Benz will also offer a performance pack that nudges the figures toward 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed Speedshift automatic transmission will handle gear swapping duties, though the traditional torque converter has been scrapped in favor of a computer-controlled clutch.

As magical as all that sounds, there's still little chance we'll see the machine on our shores. Mercedes-Benz has made it clear the standard CLS Shooting Brake is not meant for U.S. buyers, so it follows the CLS63 AMG will remain similarly forbidden. What a shame. You can check out the full details over at the manufacturer's site, at least until they pull the page.

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Auto News - Fortune offers 10 reasons why German cars rule

Auto News - Fortune offers 10 reasons why German cars rule. What is it about German cars that compels many of us to lust after Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche models? Fortune asked that question and came up with 10 well-thought reasons:

1. First and foremost, the Germans have been practicing this automotive thing a bit longer than most countries. After all, it was Karl Benz who, in 1879, first patented the internal combustion engine and then in 1886 received a patent for his first automobile.

2. Fortune argues, the Germans have a storied racing history where their machines were pushed to their limits and reputations were forged. And then there's the infamous Green Hell – The Nürburgring – where legends are made.

3. Fortune' third reason is related to the second. Any country with 8,000 miles of public roads that allow almost unlimited speed is destined to turn out cars capable of thriving in that environment. The German Autobahn is as uniquely German as the cars the country produces.

Find the other seven factors that Fortune says make German cars great by scrolling below, then let us know if you have any other suggestions or want to lodge any disagreements by sounding off in Comments.

4. Fortune cites the German automakers' brand strength, specifically their "clarity, commitment, authenticity and relevance." Think about BMW's target goal of building every vehicle with a 50-50 weight distribution.

5. Technology. Fortune notes that "Engineers occupy a high pedestal in a country that prizes technology and craftsmanship." When engineers are given permission to do their thing, they can produce some seriously impressive machinery.

6. Fortune sums it up from The Economist: "It's quite simple, really – Germany makes things which people in countries with growing economies want to buy."

7. Arrogance with a purpose – Mercedes' ads claim "The Best Or Nothing." BMW says they build the "Ultimate Driving Machine."

8. Price is very nearly the object – Closely related to No. 7, Fortune says "Sometimes, how much you pay for something – as opposed to its function – is the point of the exercise." An extra $330 charge for a Porsche logo on the center console lid of a 911, for example.

9. Exclusive and super-exclusive – Anyone upper class with $50k can buy a 5 Series, but it takes an even larger bank account to afford an M5.

10. Everybody else is in second place – The tenth reason given for German car dominance arguably only repeats No. 7: Fortune says Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche are generally thought of as top marques because, well, they say they are. And, despite great efforts by brands like Cadillac and Lexus, they remain on top of the heap.

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Auto News - Vilner breathes new life into classic Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda

Auto News - Vilner breathes new life into classic Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda. Now that we're familiar with Bulgarian tuner Vilner Studio, we shouldn't be surprised by the generous application of quilted leather in its latest project, the Mercedes-Benz W113 Gentle Pagoda.

A comprehensive luxification of a Pagoda-roofed SL, two-tone leather in cafe and latte hues are cross-stitched throughout the cabin, and set off with chrome, aluminum and a mahogany-rimmed steering wheel. Incredibly, the nicest part of the car could be the trunk, which is so well turned out you'd need to think about which valuables are worthy of putting in it. Take a closer look at it in the photo gallery above.

PRESS RELEASE

Gentle Pagoda by Vilner Studio

To be born in 1963. In the times when the cars were only for the chosen ones. When they were produced only for the chosen ones. When the speed was not the same as nowadays and when the fashion was different. In the times when 300 SL (W 198) and 190 SL (W121 BII) were modern, but not yet legendary.

Getting on in years like a real man, in order to turn into a classic – deserving attention and admiration. Based on Studio Vilner's novel – with Mercedes-Benz W113 Pagoda as the protagonist.

Typically for Vilner's style: the legendary automobile got some light exterior interventions und complete renewing of the interior. The colors are warm and vintage – café and latte.

Every element and small detail has been taken care of. The workmanship is precise; the material is high-quality leather in two colors with a plenty of decorative and light seams. The dashboard is upholstered; the chromed elements and mahogany steering wheel are renewed. Even the trunk is now luxuriously made like a boutique jewellry box. The eponymous hard car roof of "Pagoda" – as a part of the interior – received the necessary dosage luxury and stile.

Tenderly embroidered Gentle Pagoda labels adorn the car interior, and are also present in the cabin. Those are also engraved on the door ledges – in aluminum and artificially made to look older.

Studio Vilner touches the classic and revives it – with the necessary attention and endeavor!

Like in the old times... when the cars were only for the chosen ones.

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