Why Mercedes-Benz Needs An E63 Coupe...

There is something supernatural about an inanimate object that has character; an entity that has no soul or life, but manages to create a connection with us.

It is not unusual to hear of a child who becomes attached to their beloved stuffed animal. But, when an adult becomes attached to a telephone or a vehicle and personifies the object, there are two things that spring to mind: one, the individual is mad. Two, the item is that good.

In regards to Mercedes-Benz’s C63 AMG, it is that good.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Media

This neatly brings us to why I am writing this. Back in late April, Mercedes hosted a press event for their all-new 2010 E-class. While showcasing the new E-class sedan and coupe variants, Benz happened to give us a peak at the all-new 2010 E63 AMG. Not only did its aggressive front valence and squared off, quad-tipped exhaust look appealing, but the sound that resonated from the 63’s 518-horsepower and 465 lb-ft V8 shook the room. I was caught behind the exhaust on one of the higher revs and literally jumped from the sound.

Following the up close and personal look at the 2010 E63, the next morning, Mercedes officials announced that there would not be a 2010 E63 Coupe.

What? After two previous generations of CLK AMG’s now they kill it? I could understand if the AMG program was being cut back on a larger scale but when I see ML63s, G55s and S/CL 63/65s being produced, it makes me wonder: why NOT an E63 Coupe? If anything, an AMG coupe would be right up its alley and could give some competition to the BMW M3 and upcoming Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. And, I do not even want to hear the E63 Coupe would be “too niche,” because that did not stop production of the CL63 and CL65.

Source: rp

It is not that the E550 Coupe was a bad driver. In fact, it was quite good. Equipped with a solid motor, it launches off the line with haste, the 550 Coupe corners with limited body roll and it is suave – props to the elimination of the B-pillar. The bigger problem lies within its personality; it is soft. And the AMGs of the world are anything but.

An AMG is the equivalent of a snarling bank robber strolling into a bank, blowing up the vault and rushing out the door with a big bag of cash. Mind you, the whole time the thief wears an Armani suit.

The point is, an AMG is meant to be a rawer version of a well-mannered Benz, which is exactly what the E550 Coupe is. Why not inject some personality into it?

That is what made the C63 endearing. It is loud, unrefined and it wants to put you into the seat. The C63 AMG is unbelievably brutal. Who is not a fan of the loud guy at the party?

Call me crazy but there is a connection between man and cars. If you have driven an AMG, you would believe it too. Just do not check me into the insane asylum.



This just about sums it up.

~nz

rp

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The Spies Want To Know: Which Would You Have? Audi Q5, Lexus RX, MB GLK?

With the release of plenty of new, small SUV models, it seems the battle of small, femme fighters is relatively hot with three luxury brands churning market share..

Source: Mercedes-Benz North America

Mercedes-Benz’s GLK-class is doing extremely well year-to-date with sales, as of May, hitting 9,444 units. Known for its angular design, inside and out, the GLK seems to be a relatively adaptable design, which can be made more manly with wise options and packaging. Seemingly a direct X3 competitor, it is arguably the most interesting new offering brought to this market.

Source: rp

The perennial safe bet and favorite in the small SUV realm is the Lexus RX. Although it has been revamped inside and out, the average consumer will not be able to tell the difference from a 2009 on the road. YTD sales, for 2010 models, have tacked on an impressive 6,997 units slotting just under Benz’s. While you gain reliability and easy-to-use ergonomics, you lose some soul.

Source: Audi of America

Audi’s sporty and squat Q5 is the latest newcomer to the game. After battling the competition with brutal advertising that hammers away at Lexus’ RX, it has made some progress. YTD sales for the newbie registered in at a respectable 4,377 units. Taking a surprising first place in Car and Driver’s battle, it is clear the Q5 has brought its “A” game.

Looking around the New York City metro area, it has become evident that the Q5 is beginning to make a strong presence. I nearly see a new, dealer temp tag Q5 daily.

So, my question is which would you have? Discuss.

rp

NYIAS: Photo Gallery

Looking for some of the best photos of the show? Look no further, AutoSpies has it covered.

The show was not quite as spectacular as one would hope for in this rather downtrodden economic environment. With sales in the can, you would expect for the manufacturers to be turning out exciting concepts or products.

Easily, the best three vehicles of the show are in this order: Fisker Sunset, Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTec, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Source: AutoSpies.com

For some reason, I found myself exceedingly attracted to the Fiskers, specifically the Sunset.

Source: AutoSpies.com

I came back to their stand more times out of any manufacturer and everytime I arrived, I felt like a little kid at a candy store. What a gracious design.

Source: AutoSpies.com

The Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTec is just fantastic piece of engineering.

Source: AutoSpies.com

This car is a nice rebuttal against hybrid technology.

Source: AutoSpies.com

The 2011 Jeep is what the company should have been building all along.

Source: AutoSpies.com

Based on many Mercedes-Benz ML components, this nice, utilitarian looking vehicle actually has a well-designed interior that makes the Porsche Cayenne jealous. Yeah, I said it.

I hope the company does not fold, therefore making this car a joke in Fantasyland.

rp

Cadillac CTS-V: The Next American Classic?

It's not every day you find a car that offers 556 horsepower and 551 foot-pounds of torque, especially one that's a four-door sedan.

Source: Caroline D'angola

General Motors' 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is taking on rival models by BMW and Daimler, and winning. That's no small feat considering the contenders are the bratwurst-fed, 500-horsepower BMW M5 and the muscular, 507-horsepower Mercedes-Benz E63 from Daimler.

Read more here.

Source: Caroline D'angola

rp

Vintage Diesels Could Rack Up One Million Miles

A fantastic feature I came across in The New York Times detailed a chap, who actually lives relatively close to me, who owns several 1970s and 1980s 300-series Mercedes-Benz diesels.

"IF Detroit sold a car that could withstand 30 years of hard driving and cost less than $7,000, its main industry would be in a better place than it is today.

But while a new-model car with such credentials does not exist, Tom Cucciniello may have found the next best thing.

Cucciniello, co-owner of a linen supply company here, is the proud proprietor of three beautiful old Mercedes Benz diesels: a 1979 300D, a 1983 300SD and a 1985 300D. The cars have already logged an average of 170,000 miles apiece, and Mr. Cucciniello reckons that together they have a million more to go"

Read more here.

rp