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Formula 1: Malaysian Grand Prix Qualifying Results

Immediately after the 2012 season opener in Australia, the Formula 1 circus moved to Malaysia for the second race of the year.

In contrast to Albert Park, which uses public roads that are closed in order for the Grand Prix to take place and is a relatively easy track, the Sepang Circuit features an unusual layout, with a tight hairpin leading from the very long back straight to the pits.

In Australia, we got a first taste of each team’s pace during tge race. Apparently, the Malaysian GP qualifying session proved that the picture it painted was an accurate one.

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to get Menacing Black Series Edition

There's a new star coming to Mercedes-Benz's range, and it's none other than the Black Series Edition of the German firm's flagship sports car, the SLS AMG 'Gullwing' coupe.

We first spotted the car back in October of 2011, but our photographers scooped another set of images of a prototype model while AMG engineers were performing cold weather tests in Europe.

The Black Series nameplate is reserved for the more hardcore versions of Mercedes' AMG sports cars. For the SLS AMG model, the package will bring more power, a lighter body, a tweaked chassis and a more purposeful appearance.

You'll be able to identify the SLS AMG Black Series from its wider front and rear fenders housing larger wheels than the 265/35ZR19 front and 295/30ZR20 rear tires found on the regular model, along with a bespoke front bumper with larger air inlets and a modified rear diffuser.

Mercedes-Benz Shows Off the New SL65 AMG V12 in Motion

To keep the masses interested in its new 2013 SL65 AMG until sales start in September, Mercedes-Benz has offered up a pair of videos that walk us through its design details and show it in action on the road.

You can read all about it in our previous post here, but if you want the skinny, the flagship model of the new SL series employs the use of a tweaked 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine that's good for 621hp (630PS) and a peak torque of 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft).

Refreshed 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Makes its Video Debut

You've likely read about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK and are aware of most of the details surrounding the facelift that is mainly cosmetic, though the U.S. market model also gets a more powerful V6 and for the first time, a diesel variant.

In anticipation of its world premiere at next month's 2012 New York International Auto Show, the German firm has just released the first official video on the updated compact SUV that will be arriving in European dealerships within the next couple of months and in the U.S., this summer.

You can take a look at it right after the jump.

Brabus Selling 6.5 Sports Sedan Based on the W124 Mercedes-Benz E500 with Just 252km on the Odo

The W124 is if not the best, one of the best mid-size models ever to be produced by Mercedes-Benz. It's subtle yet timeless styling remains fresh today, almost 30 years after its presentation back in 1985, and let's not forget that this Mercedes became famous for being built like a tank.

There was even a performance version named 500 E from 1990 to 1993 and E500 from 1994 to 1995, which was developed in close cooperation with Porsche. In fact, Porsche actually hand built the cars at its Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany.

The E500 was powered by a specially tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine rated at 322hp (326PS) at 5,700 rpm and 480Nm (354 lb-ft) at 3,900 rpm, allowing for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 260km/h (162mph).

750HP Aston Martin vs 626HP Mercedes SLR McLaren vs 560HP Nissan GT-R

Here's further proof that horsepower numbers can be hugely deceiving. A completely stock Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren with 626-ponies goes up against a lightly tuned Nissan GT-R with a Stage 2 kit and 560-horses and in a separate race, an Aston Martin DBS upgraded with a supercharger by Mansory pushing out 750-horsepower.

To see how the one mile (1.6 kilometers) drag strip race went down, hit the break to watch the short video clip.

Refreshed 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Makes Surprise Appearance in GLK Photos

While checking out the photo gallery of the facelifted 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK that was unveiled earlier today, we noticed a G-Class model hiding behind the crossover in one of the images.

Upon closer inspection, it appears that this is the revised 2013 model that we've spied many times in the past but which has yet to be officially revealed.

We're not sure which version of the 5-door model this is, but we can tell you that the only changes we can see from this angle are the LED daytime running lights positioned right under the headlamps and the redesigned exterior mirrors.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Facelift gets Freshened up Looks, Diesel Version Added to U.S. Lineup

This is the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLK that will be sold as a 2013 model in the States and as a 2012 model in the rest of the world. The public will have the chance to see the updated GLK for the first time at next month's New York International Auto Show.

The short story on Mercedes' rival to the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 is that it receives a styling makeover inside and out while it also gains a revised V6 petrol and the option of a diesel engine for the North American market.

In more detail, the German automaker has discarded the different types of bumpers with specific on-road and off-road packages. Instead, the boxy-looking GLK get the same re-sculptured front and rear bumpers on all models plus revised headlights and tail lamps, a reworked front grille, new LED daytime driving lights in a chrome clasp as standard on all models, and a fresh assortment of 17-, 19- and 20-inch wheels.

Battle of the Wagons: MT Compares Cadillac CTS-V Against Mercedes E63 AMG Estate

It would be hard to believe a few years back, but today, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz make two of the wackiest high-performance family cars available in the States.

We're talking about the $64,340 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon and the even pricier $94,075 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate. Though very similar in philosophy, the two cars have their differences.

The CTS-V measures 191.3-inches (4,859mm) long and offers a cargo capacity of 25.4 cu ft. It is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that's good for 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft (746Nm) of torque. A 6-speed manual delivers power to the rear wheels while the wagon tips the scales at 4,353 pounds (1,974kg).

Mercedes-Benz Destroys Replica of the 300SL Gullwing in Germany after Winning Lawsuit

One of the most popular models amongst replica car builders is the classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL, and all for good reason as only 1,400 'Gullwing' coupes and a little over 1,800 roadsters were ever built from 1954 to 1963, which makes them both extremely rare and expensive.

Now it seems that Mercedes-Benz and its parent company Daimler are not willing to turn a blind eye anymore and are taking legal actions against unauthorized replica builds.

Mercedes to Drop R-Class from its U.S. Lineup, Officially Confirms New GL SUV for NY Show

It's official: some seven years after the presentation of the U.S.-built R-Class, Mercedes-Benz's multi-purpose crossover model will be gradually phased out in the States as there won't be a 2013 model, however, it will continue to be offered in overseas markets.

Mercedes-Benz USA spokesperson Chrisitan Bokich confirmed the news to Carscoop and added that company's three other SUV/crossover models including the GLK, M-Class and the larger GL, cover the market's needs.

"It's true that there will be no model year 2013 R-Class in the U.S. Over the years since the R-Class was introduced, we have expanded our light truck model offering significantly and these vehicles are outselling the R-Class to the extent that we can no longer make the business case for continuing to offer the R-Class," Bokich told us in an email today.

Väth Dials Out the New Mercedes-Benz SLK 350

It's been about a year since Mercedes-Benz launched the third generation of its SLK and German tuning house Väth has decided that it's time to release a new package for the compact sized hardtop roadster.

Väth's tuning kit is for the SLK 350, which in stock form, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 petrol delivering a peak output of 302hp (306PS) and a maximum torque of 370Nm (272 lb-ft).

The revised software bumps output to 326hp (330PS), with torque climbing to 390Nm (288 lb-ft). As a result, top speed is lifted to 269km/h (167mph).

New Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Sports Bi-Turbocharged V12 with 621-Horses

You would be inclined to believe that Mercedes-Benz had the top end of the market covered with its new 2013 SL63 AMG that's motivated by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 producing 530hp (537PS) in standard form and 556hp (564PS) with the optional AMG Performance Package.

Well, that's not the case as there's always a number of buyers who don't mind paying something extra to get more of everything and here's where the flagship SL65 AMG fits in.

Under the bonnet, there's an updated version of Mercedes-Benz's 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine sporting new turbochargers, manifolds and an exhaust system that's 3.2kg (7 pounds) lighter.

The twelve-cylinder engine's output is up by 18hp to 621hp (630PS) available from 4,800 to 5,400 rpm while peak torque stands at 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft) between 2,300 and 4,300 rpm.

An AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G‑TRONIC with four different driving modes including Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+) and Manual (M), transfers power to the rear wheels.

Formula 1: Australian GP Race Results

Every year FIA, the sport’s governing body, changes Formula 1’s technical regulations with the purpose of leveling out the playing field. This forces designers to work within a very strict set of parameters that make gaining an advantage a great challenge.

Despite FIA’s efforts to increase competition even more, F1 is far from becoming something akin to a one-make series. Some teams always make a better job than others do, but we have to wait until each year’s first race before drawing any conclusions.

At the 2012 Australian Grand Prix, the Saturday qualifying session showed us certain things like that the McLaren is currently the fastest car out there, while Red Bull Racing seems to have lost some of its pace due to the rule changes that affected the design of the RB8.

Spied: New Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is Ready for Production

From the moment Mercedes-Benz announced plans to produce the handsome looking CLS Shooting Brake Concept shown back in 2010, we knew that the firm's AMG performance arm would ready its own version.

With the presentation of the regular CLS Shooting Brake looming as Mercedes itself has confirmed that it will introduce the car sometime in 2012, AMG is also finishing up the development of the performance model that we will come to know as the CLS 63 AMG.

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon gets Strapped to the Dyno, Results Compared with CLS 63 AMG

The Corvette may be the quintessential American sports car, but it's not the only one to challenge established European brands.

Over the past few years, GM's Cadillac division has also churned out some pretty interesting proposals targeting Germany's finest, namely the products made by Audi Quattro GmbH, BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG.

The CTS-V in all three body styles is one them. A 6.2-liter V8 engine aided by an Eaton supercharger helps the CTS-V produce 556-horses and 551 lb-ft (746.2 Nm) of torque, matching or even beating its German opponents.

Formula 1: Carscoop’s Preview of the 2012 Season

When the red lights go out at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday (17:00 local time, 06:00 GMT), it will not only mark the start of the 28th Australian Grand Prix but of the 2012 Formula 1 season as well.

It will also mark the first time in the 62-year history of the sport that six world champions line up on the same grid: Michael Schumacher (7 titles), Fernando Alonso (2 titles), Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Kimi Raikkonen (1 title each) and, of course, the reigning champion, Sebastian Vettel, who also won the 2010 world title.

In Formula 1, things can change dramatically from one year to another. And FIA is certainly trying hard to make any advantage held by a single team evaporate: thus it made the standard ECUs even simpler, compelled all teams to use “periscope”-style exhausts eliminating their aerodynamic effect on the diffuser, made changes to the front wing’s minimal strength and height and outlawed ride-height suspension systems.

Despite all these changes, some of which were clearly aimed at Red Bull (and made most cars sport an ugly face), the 25-year old German and the all-conquering these past two seasons RBR team are starting out as the ones to beat.

Mercedes-Benz Details its European 2012/2013 AMG Driving Academy Program

Entering its sixth season this year, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Driving Academy is ready to accept participants for the 2012/2013 program in Europe.

There are various available packages with all sorts of events ranging from the pleasure-oriented 'Emotion' trips to special winter training courses in Sweden's Lapland region and even tours to race circuits such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife and the Hockenheim ring.

Mercedes-Benz Unleashes Huge Gallery of Sixth-Generation SL with 168 Photos

Overlooking the top-of-the-line, twin-turbocharged 63 AMG, it’s been nearly three months since we had any news about the brand-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.

Following its launch and subsequently, its world premiere at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, Stuttgart revealed all the secrets of its latest technological tour-de-force that include the weight-reducing aluminum bodywork, the revamped V6 and V8 engines and the new passive and active safety systems.

Scoop: New Mercedes-Benz Citan wears its Production Gear

Less than a week after we brought the first spy photos of Mercedes-Benz's engineers trying out a test mule of the German brand's upcoming Citan van, our man with the long lens was able to spot the final production version.

Whereas the previous prototype featured was essentially a slightly modified Renault Kangoo, this one is a…Renault Kangoo with a Mercedes front end featuring the firm's family grille with the star in the middle and from the little we can tell, the tail lamps as well.

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