Lorinser tunes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Lorinser is one of the first tuners to get its hands on the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class that goes by the internal code W204. There’s no English press release out yet but we did managed to download a pdf file from the German tuner so we’ve got some initial facts. Design-wise, Lorinser has dressed the 2008 C-Class with 18’’ or 19’’ alloys and a stylish, yet dynamic bodykit that doesn’t go overboard. The most notable change of course is the side air-vents.

Lorinser sort of lost its taste though when it came to the interior with its bright-red and black coloured trim and the quilt-type seat dressings. As for mechanics, from what we where able to make out, Lorinser offers tuned versions of the 3.0 V6 diesel and 3.5 V7 petrol engines that deliver 261 and 305 Hp respectively (from 224 & 272 Hp). The Lorinser C 320 CDI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7,1 sec (stock: 7,7 sec) achieving a (governed) top speed of 250 km/h (155mph).

PRESS RELEASE

Get close to the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class and you will believe you can sense pounding of an athlete’s heart, and the tensing of muscles. Never before has Mercedes-Benz released a sedan this dynamic.

Just like a great tailored suit, the tuning options offered by Lorinser bring out the best qualities of its wearer. Precision artisanship and a sense for the right line forge the dynamic ensemble. Especially notable are the large air intakes in the fenders, which like the nostrils of a thoroughbred breathe pure performance. The characteristic styling accents make this vehicle an unmistakable member of the Lorinser collection. Underlining the muscular appearance of this youthful and dynamic style are the technical lines of the side skirts, which highlight the clear contours of the vehicle.

A focus point are the 6 gill-like air-vents. The side skirts are the optical link between the turbine style Lorinser type RS8 light alloy wheels. Alternatively a large range of other wheel designs is available from Lorinser. When viewed from the front, most impressive is the Lorinser front bumper spoiler for the C-Class. However most will likely be seeing the rear of the vehicle thanks to the performance gains provided by the Lorinser Diesel Module, which adds considerable power.

The large air intake in the center, covered by a webbed grille, is reminiscent of motor sports. To the left and right, large fog lights form optical focus points highlighting the horizontal nature of the front bumper spoiler, and create a face for the vehicle. A sporty grille, perpendicular in design to the front is the stile accent at the rear. Hear it forms a perfect contour element for the fully integrated Lorinser sport exhaust, which sounds just as great as it looks. Formally the tip design is found in the sail shape of high performance boats, reflecting the synthesis of dynamics and luxury. And just like a yacht in water, the C-Class appears to meld into tarmac, thanks to the lowering kit.

Mercedes-Benz SLR "722 Edition"

This seems to be the “Special Edition” week as yet another manufacture previews a slightly modified version of a top range model. This time, it’s Mercedes-Benz and specifically, the SLR “722 Edition” which is refined in numerous respects, having higher output (650 Hp), a tailor-made suspension configuration and a “decidedly” sporty interior. The car will go on sale on July 11.

Performance: The supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine in the “722 Edition”, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 478 kW/650 hp. The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound. The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the “722 Edition” accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The maximum speed (337 km/h) is above the 334 km/h previously achieved by the SLR.

Chassis: Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and a ten-millimetre-lower body. Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance.

Visual modifications: The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing. At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolises the practicality of these technical features. Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.

Exclusive “SLR Club”: Before the sales release date, customers and selected guests will have the advance opportunity to appraise the new SLR “722 Edition”. This is to mark the foundation of the worldwide “SLR. Club” at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France. As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the “SLR Club” provides an attractive platform for outstanding events related to the SLR, as well as numerous other benefits. Another exciting feature is the club’s SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars. David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer are among the highly skilled and well-known instructors.

Benz, James Benz: Rumors resurface of Aston/Mercedes tie-up

Reports are surfacing once again hinting at possible future collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. Earlier reports had forecast that the two firms could share engines and even platforms, the aborted Lagonda crossover concept reportedly having been based on the Mercedes GL-Class.

Additional reports had further suggested that Daimler was looking at buying stake in Aston, however neither bit of gossip has materialized into anything tangible as of yet.

That could change, however, according to Britain’s weekly Autocar magazine, in speaking with Mercedes chief Dieter Zetsche. The affable Dr. Z hinted at possibly sharing technology – the kind of stuff which a small company like Aston couldn’t develop on their own – with AML in the future. 

That could include, of course, anything from airbags and spark plugs to engines and platforms, leaving the door wide open for speculation, so we’ll just have to wait and see.