trumpet1

One more thing you should never do is let the dealership see what kind of condominium you live in. If I had shown them that I live at the top of this neighborhood, they'd taken me to the cleaners. My maid lives in the one with the orange stripe and the guy that gave me the idea of using a Sharpie market to hide the paint chip lives in the bottom house.


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jerseyMLdriver

Very nice mansion! What would it go for if you sold it? I bet you would bring in the big bucks!

JohnH4260

Mercedes-Benz February 2008 Sales Jump 7.2%

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported its highest sales volume for any February in the company's history with sales of 18,564 new vehicles, an increase of 7.3 percent over last February. This brings MBUSA's year-to-date total to 36,839 new vehicles sold, an increase of 7.2 percent over the same period in 2007.

Dema

It looks like you may expect IRS audit...

JohnH4260

Warranty Information for Luxury, Ultra Luxury and Exotic Cars

JohnH4260

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), tracks per-car theft losses and reports loss results in relative terms. A car with an HLDI theft loss score of 100 has average theft losses. Anything above 100 is higher than average. The HLDI theft loss scores for six of the seven most stolen luxury cars on our list range from 209 to 431 — and the HLDI says each of these cars has "substantially worse than average" theft loss results.

Most Stolen Luxury Vehicles
#1: Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup
Base price: $55,045
Theft loss results: 1,728

#2: BMW 7 Series long-wheelbase sedan
Base price: $78,900
Theft loss results: 431

#3: Land Rover Range Rover SUV (tie)
Base price: $77,250
Theft loss results: 351

#3: Lincoln Navigator SUV (tie)
Base price: $46,575
Theft loss results: 351

#4: Lexus GS sedan
Base price: $44,150
Theft loss results: 243

#5: Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan
Base price: $86,525
Theft loss results: 227

#6: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class convertible
Base price: $95,575
Theft loss results: 209

Every 25.5 seconds, a vehicle is stolen in the U.S., according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Vehicle theft is the costliest property crime in America, costing consumers more than $8.6 billion annually.

JohnH4260

AMG developed a worldwide reputation for developing modifications to engines, suspensions, aerodynamics and cosmetic pieces for Mercedes cars. When Mercedes could no longer ignore the appeal of its cars modified with AMG components, its first "official cooperation" with AMG came in 1990. Mercedes got majority ownership in 1999 and 100 percent ownership in 2004.

AMG buyers are in an elite crowd. The average Mercedes buyer has a $154,401 household income, but the AMG buyer's household income is $348,854. Some 86 percent of AMG models are bought by males with a median age of 52, while a standard Mercedes buyer is 53. About 60 percent of AMG model buyers are men.

JohnH4260

Mercedes-Benz Turns In-House Tuner AMG Into New Brand

AMG is the world's largest purveyor of $100,000 automobiles. Daimler says the average Mercedes AMG buyer has an annual household income of $348,854… Mercedes-Benz has decided to transform its in-house tuner AMG into a semi-separate automotive demi-brand. The spin-off is an attempt to raise the profile of AMG as a super-premium performance brand. Starting in the second quarter of this year, seven pilot AMG Performance Centers will begin offering sales and service for the blistering-fast, mondo depreciating uber-Benzs. The goal: 30 such centers in the U.S. by year's end. The new dealer network– attached to the existing dealer network– will offer a number of marketing features aimed at luring buyers away from BMW's M, Lexus' F, and Cadillac's V-line. We're talking a traveling roadshow, a new website and an ad campaign. While the seriously rich are still… seriously rich, Daimler is launching the AMG demi-brand straight into the teeth of the worst automotive market for over a decade. Good luck with that.

JohnH4260

Mercedes Engineers Develop Oil Monitoring System
March 12, 2008

Mercedes-Benz engineers have developed a special monitoring sensor that measures the oil quality inside the engine. They were able to extend the oil change intervals by around 25% by monitoring the oil quality and alerting the driver to change the oil at the right moment. The system will let the driver monitor the oil quality directly on board a vehicle, helping to reduce operating costs, especially in commercial vehicles.

This is certainly one of those technologies that will appear in the S-Class first, and slowly be implemented in all Mercedes vehicles.

trumpet1

I thought this technology had been in use by several carmakers for over a decade now.

JohnH4260

Mercedes-Benz Voted Best Prestige Brand by Kelley Blue Book 2008 Brand Image Awards

Influential auto resource Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and its marketing research team have compiled a list of vehicles based its consumer perception data. Researchers look at carmaker’s achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that consumers look for when buying a new car, and is one of the best indicators of how certain brands are perceived by the public.

The winners were announced during a media event at this week’s New York Auto Show and include top picks for ‘Best Interior Design’ and ‘Best Exterior Design.’ Remember that the cars are not judged on any particular criteria but are picked depending on consumer perception, arguably the most important indicator.

The winners are as follows:
Best Overall Prestige Brand: Mercedes-Benz
Best Overall Interior Design: Toyota
Best Overall Exterior Design: BMW

Best Interior Design — Non-Luxury Sedan/Coupe/Hatchback: Toyota
Best Interior Design — Luxury Sedan/Coupe/Hatchback: Lexus
Best Interior Design — Sports Car/Convertible: Mercedes-Benz
Best Interior Design — Truck: Chevrolet
Best Interior Design — Non-Luxury SUV: Toyota
Best Interior Design — Luxury SUV: Lexus
Best Interior Design — Minivan: Honda

Best Exterior Design — Non-Luxury Sedan/Coupe/Hatchback: Chrysler
Best Exterior Design — Luxury Sedan/Coupe/Hatchback: BMW
Best Exterior Design — Sports Car/Convertible: Porsche
Best Exterior Design — Truck: Chevrolet
Best Exterior Design — Non-Luxury SUV: Ford
Best Exterior Design — Luxury SUV: Mercedes-Benz
Best Exterior Design — Minivan: Toyota

JohnH4260

Learn high performance driving skills from top professional race car drivers. You'll experience the twists and turns of a first-class race track driving a range of Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles including the CLK63 Cabriolet, E55, CL63, CLS63, E63, and the SLK55. And you'll power through esses with the SL55, CL63 AMG and thunder down the high-speed stretches with the all new C63 AMG.

It will be a full day packed with excitement including:
On-track driving clinics
Timed competition on an autocross track
Performance driving exercises highlighting car positioning, steering method, throttle control, racing line theory and much more
Open lapping on the main track
Hot laps with top-name professional drivers
At the conclusion of the event, there will be a celebratory champagne toast and awards presentation

It all adds up to an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. The event admission fee is $1,295. If you haven’t registered yet, sign up now. These limited spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

Location Date
Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV April 21
Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV April 22
Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV April 23
Pocono Raceway - Long Pond, PA September 16
Pocono Raceway - Long Pond, PA September 17
Homestead Miami Speedway - Homestead, FL Fall 2008
Thunderhill Raceway Park - Willows, CA November 12
Thunderhill Raceway Park - Willows, CA November 13

More at: https://www.mbevents.com/overview.htm

JohnH4260

Least Fuel Efficient Luxury Cars We Would Love to Own

1. (tie) BMW M5
Starting price: $82,900
Engine: 5.0-liter V10
Curb weight: 4,012 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.5 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.08 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 11/17 mpg
The M5 sedan uses the same engine that powers BMW's two-door M6. Both earn the same fuel-economy rating and accelerate at the same rate. But as a four door that stands almost four inches higher, the M5 is far more passenger-friendly.

1. (tie) BMW M6
Starting price: $99,300
Engine: 5.0-liter V10
Curb weight: 3,909 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.5 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.08 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 11/17 mpg
BMW sells coupe and convertible versions of the M6, with the convertible packing on about 500 more pounds. Accordingly, it loses a tenth of a second in the zero-to-60 sprint, at 4.6 seconds compared to 4.5 seconds for the coupe. Both versions return the same fuel economy.

1. (tie) Mercedes-Benz CL600
Starting price: $147,400
Engine: 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12
Curb weight: 4,894 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.5 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.08 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 11/17 mpg
The CL600 is outfitted for sumptuous luxury instead of hair-raising speed. Pampering features increase its weight by 300 pounds over the CL65. The CL600 earns the same fuel-economy rating as CL65 even though its engine puts out less power.

1. (tie) Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG
Starting price: $197,500
Engine: 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12
Curb weight: 4,599 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.2 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.08 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 11/17 mpg
The super-high-performance engine in the CL65 AMG makes three appearances here, also propelling the S65 AMG and SL65 AMG. The CL65 AMG is a large coupe based on the S-Class. All three models leap from zero to 60 in 4.2 seconds.

1. (tie) Mercedes-Benz S600
Starting price: $144,200
Engine: 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12
Curb weight: 4,960 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.5 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.08 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 11/17 mpg
The S600 carries just about every luxury feature Mercedes can squeeze into a car, but it still weighs 75 pounds less than sibling S65 AMG, because it lacks the high-performance gear of the AMG model. Both variants have the same fuel-economy rating.

1. (tie) Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
Starting price: $127,000
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
Curb weight: 4,665 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.5 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.08 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 11/17 mpg
Although the S63 AMG uses the same V8 engine as the third-place CL63 AMG and CLS63 AMG, the S63 is heavier. It is also both wider and taller than those cars, meaning it must work harder to slice through the air, consuming more fuel.

1. (tie) Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
Starting price: $194,000
Engine: 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12
Curb weight: 5,035 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.2 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.08 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 11/17 mpg
The S65 AMG is powered by the same engine inside the two-seat SL65 AMG, ranked number two in this list. But as a big, 5,035-pound sedan, the S65 uses more fuel. It matches the SL65 AMG in zero-to-60 time, clocking 4.2 seconds, according to Mercedes.

2. (tie) Mercedes-Benz SL600
Starting price: $133,200
Engine: 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12
Curb weight: 4,429 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.4 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.33 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 11/18 mpg
The SL600 lacks the AMG-designed suspension and brakes of its SL65 AMG sibling, but it gives up little in speed. Mercedes puts the SL600 zero-to-60 time at 4.4 seconds, just two-tenths of a second slower than the AMG model. Both burn fuel at the same rate.

2. (tie) Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
Starting price: $187,200
Engine: 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12
Curb weight: 4,555 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.2 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.33 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 11/18 mpg
Two turbochargers boost the SL65's engine output to 604 horsepower, but this stratospheric thrust isn't the only culprit for its fuel usage. At more than two-and-a-quarter tons, the SL65 AMG is the heaviest model among Mercedes two-seaters.

3. (tie) Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG
Starting price: $137,500
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
Curb weight: 4,599 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.5 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.72 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 12/18 mpg
The CL63 AMG two-door coupe is based on the S-Class sedan, while the smaller CLS63 AMG is built on the E-Class foundation. Although larger, heavier, and slower, the CL63 earns the same fuel-economy rating as the CLS63.

3. (tie) Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
Starting price: $93,200
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
Curb weight: 4,210 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.3 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.72 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 12/18 mpg
The four-door CLS63 AMG uses the same engine as the two-door CL63 AMG, but the CLS is 400 pounds lighter. However, both earn the same fuel-economy rating. The CL is a tick slower, with a zero-to-60 time of 4.5 seconds, compared to 4.3 seconds for the more svelte CLS.

4. Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
Starting price: $129,300
Engine: 5.4-liter supercharged V8
Curb weight: 4,280 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.4 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 13.83 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 12/17 mpg
One of three SL-Class roadsters in this top 10, the SL55 AMG has least amount of torque, giving it slightly better fuel economy in city driving. But being 90 pounds lighter, the SL55 ties the SL600 in zero-to-60 time, at 4.4 seconds. The SL65 bests them both with a time of 4.2 seconds.

5. (tie) Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG
Starting price: $89,500
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
Curb weight: 3,960 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.5 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 14.25 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 12/18 mpg
Mercedes offers coupe and convertible versions of the CLK63 AMG. With better aerodynamics, the hardtop — a higher-priced, anniversary edition called the Black Series — improves highway fuel economy by one mile per gallon, while its zero-to-60 time jumps to 4.1 seconds, compared to 4.5 seconds for the cabriolet.

5. (tie) Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
Starting price: $85,300
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
Curb weight: 4,035 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.3 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 14.25 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 12/18 mpg
Mercedes sells sedan and wagon versions of its E63 AMG. The wagon weighs 355 pounds more and is less aerodynamic, making it less fuel efficient. Both versions are still staggeringly quick, with zero-to-60 mph times in the mid-4-second range.

6. Audi RS 4
Starting price: $66,910
Engine: 4.2-liter V8
Curb weight: 3,957 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.6 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 14.90 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 12/19 mpg
The sedan and convertible versions of Audi's race-tuned RS 4 share engine, transmission, steering, braking, and suspension components. But the roof mechanism and extra structural bracing of the convertible add about 100 pounds, dropping fuel consumption by one more mpg for the cabriolet model.

7. (tie) Audi A8L W12
Starting price: $120,100
Engine: 6.0-liter W12
Curb weight: 4,729 pounds
0-60 mph time: 5.0 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 15.15 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 13/19 mpg
Audi packs a massive 12-cylinder engine into the long wheelbase version of A8 to give it more pulling power. The W12 engine puts out over 400 pound-feet of torque, which is necessary to get the big car, which weighs 400 pounds more than the standard A8, up to speed.

7. (tie) Audi S8
Starting price: $93,300
Engine: 5.2-liter V10
Curb weight: 4,586 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.9 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 15.15 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 13/19 mpg
As the most athletic member of Audi's top level sedan family, the S8 swallows fuel to attain better acceleration than its more sedate siblings. Audi puts its zero-to-60 time at 4.9 seconds, making it one second faster than standard A8s.

7. (tie) Cadillac STS-V
Starting price: $78,215
Engine: 4.4-liter supercharged V8
Curb weight: 4,294 pounds
0-60 mph time: 4.8 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 15.15 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 13/19 mpg
The speedy V incarnation of Cadillac's flagship STS sedan is one of the few General Motors models subject to a gas-guzzler tax. It's no wonder that the STS-V gulps fuel, with a supercharger boosting engine output to 469 horsepower. GM advertises the luxury sedan's zero-to-60 acceleration time as 4.8 seconds.

8. BMW 760Li
Starting price: $122,600
Engine: 6.0-liter V12
Curb weight: 4,905 pounds
0-60 mph time: 5.4 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 15.43 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 13/20 mpg
Although it's not a performance-tuned M-version, the BMW 760Li makes our list due to its massive engine and sheer mass — this long-wheelbase version weighs nearly two-and-a-half tons. But with a 438-horsepower engine, it's also the fastest 7 Series.

9. Audi S6
Starting price: $72,350
Engine: 5.2-liter V10
Curb weight: 4,486 pounds
0-60 mph time: 5.1 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 15.88 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 14/19 mpg
With two more cylinders, the Audi 435-hp S6 has nearly 30 percent more horsepower than the 340-hp S4. That translates to a half-second improvement in zero-to-60 time, with a modest increase in fuel consumption.

10. Audi S4
Starting price: $48,610
Engine: 4.2-liter V8
Curb weight: 3,869 pounds
0-60 mph time: 5.3 seconds
Combined fuel-economy rating: 15.90 mpg
City/highway fuel-economy rating: 14/20 mpg
A sticker price under $50,000 makes Audi's S4 the most affordable car on this list of rapid-running gas burners. Fuel consumption is approximately the same for the S4's three body styles: sedan, convertible, and station wagon, but the six-speed automatic transmission delivers about one-mile-per-gallon better fuel economy the six-speed manual.

JohnH4260

Gorden Wagener to Become New Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz

From mid-2008 onwards, Gorden Wagener is to head the globally active design division of Mercedes-Benz. Wagener, aged 39, is to succeed Professor Peter Pfeiffer, who will be retiring after 40 years of service with the company. Currently, Wagener heads the Strategic Advanced Design department and as such acts as director of the Mercedes design studios in California and Japan.

In 1999, Wagener became head of the Exterior / Interior Styling department, designing the models of the GL-, M- and R-Class with his team. In 2002, Wagener was responsible for the design of the models making up the A-, B-, C-, E-, CLK- and CLS-Class. Since 2006, the diploma’ed designer has been directing the Advanced Design department and acted as director of the Mercedes design studios in California and Japan.

JohnH4260

Top 10 Most Extreme Luxury Sedans

1. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
Power-to-weight ratio: 7.96 lbs/hp
Because the conventional E-Class sedan is about 175 pounds lighter than its CLS twin, supplying both cars with the same AMG 507-hp V8 should give the E63 slightly better acceleration, though Mercedes claims identical zero-to-60-mph times of 4.3 seconds. Choosing the arguably less stylish E63 saves $7,600, however, and provides the most conservative-looking luxury performance sedan on the market.

2. BMW M5
Power-to-weight ratio: 8.02 lbs/hp
BMW claims that the M5's 5.0-liter, 500-hp V10 uses Formula One technology, and certainly among our 10 extreme sedans, the M5 is the most race-worthy: It's more about high-speed performance and dynamics than sheer torque in a straight line; lap times rather than zero-to-60-mph times. The M5 can be ordered with a sequential-manual transmission or a conventional manual, both six speeds; the latter is far smoother.

3. Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
Power-to-weight ratio: 8.25 lbs/hp
At $182,275, it's easily the most expensive car on our list, and for that you get a twin-turbo V12 producing 603 hp and a stunning 738 pound-feet of torque, a tsunami of force equaled only by the far more expensive — and far heavier — Bentley Arnage and Maybach 57S. The S-Class sedans are currently the best all-around big luxury four-doors in the world, and the S65 AMG is also the quickest.

4. Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
Power-to-weight ratio: 8.3 lbs/hp
Mercedes calls this car a "four-door coupe," but we call it a sedan, albeit with less rear-seat space and headroom than the E-Class, whose platform it borrows. Its hand-built engine is a 6.2-liter, 507-hp V8 with superb torque characteristics — not a hot-rodded Mercedes engine, as previous AMG powerplants have been, but AMG's first original design.

5. Cadillac CTS-V
Power-to-weight ratio: 8.77 lbs/hp
A true enthusiast's Caddy, the CTS-V has a 400-hp Corvette V8 with a six-speed 'Vette manual transmission — and an honorable reputation as a race car, albeit in highly modified form. BMW has long been the benchmark in the performance-sedan category, and though the CTS-V hasn't quite stolen the Munich maker's crown, its styling and panache exceed those of the more conservative German sedans.

6. Audi RS 4
Power-to-weight ratio: 8.94 lbs/hp
A base Audi A4 has a 2.0-liter, 197-hp four-cylinder; the RS 4 more than doubles all those numbers with a 4.2-liter, 414-hp V8. It's one of the most extreme sedans on the list. Extensive use of aluminum components and body panels help to balance out weight distribution and give the all-wheel-drive RS 4 superb handling, also thanks to a substantially wider track front and rear that is reflected in its strongly bulged fenders.

7. Cadillac STS-V
Power-to-weight ratio: 9.03 lbs/hp
With a supercharged, 469-hp version of Cadillac's dual-overhead-cam Northstar V8, this is the most powerful production Cadillac ever. But it costs nearly twice as much as the excellent 320-hp STS V8 and doesn't bring any significant benefits beyond the extra power. Performance is impressive, but it can't compete with the Brits and Germans in interior amenities. An STS with a supercharger doesn't merit a $77,485 price tag.

8. Chrysler 300C SRT8
Power-to-weight ratio: 9.79 lbs/hp
For just above $40,000, this is by far the best bargain among super sedans. It is less luxurious and has a rougher ride than the competition, but the comparative harshness adds to its sporty character. At 425 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque its 6.1-liter V8 is the biggest and strongest Hemi engine Chrysler offers. It's mated to a sophisticated, Mercedes-developed five-speed automatic transmission.

9. Jaguar XJR
Power-to-weight ratio: 9.9 lbs/hp
Jaguar's big sedans have distinctive and delightful ride and handling qualities but more snug interiors than some of the competition. The "R" version of the XJ line continues with last year's 400-hp supercharged V8 and six-speed automatic, but we're eager for Jaguar to fit the new 420-hp version and sequential-shift transmission from the all-new XKR sports car.

10. Audi S8
Power-to-weight ratio: 10.19 lbs/hp
A superb balance of luxury, comfort and high performance, this joins the BMW M5 as one of two 10-cylinder cars on our list. It doesn't feel as extreme as some of the sedans and rewards delicate steering, throttle and braking input with precise handling and performance. Its 450-hp engine is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10 block but is thoroughly reworked. Audi's Multi-Media Interface is more effective than competing menu-screen controllers.

JohnH4260

Mercedes-Benz USA Reports Highest First Quarter on Record Despite Marginal Decrease for the Month (March 2008 Sales Down 3.7%)

MONTVALE, N.J. -- While experiencing a marginal 3.7% decrease in its sales for the month of March (20,808 vs. 21,612), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a 3% increase for the first quarter of 2008 (57,647 vs. 55,985) bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company's history.

Highlights for the month include growth in various segments of Mercedes' diverse product portfolio.

The volume-leading entry-level C-Class model line demonstrated a significant increase with a 49.6 percent gain (6,713 vs. 4,486 units). On the other end of the portfolio, sales of the high-end luxury CL coupes were slightly above last March with nearly a 1 percent increase (297 vs. 295 units). The popularity of the sleek CLS-Class grew from 803 units last March to 935 units this March, an increase of 16.4 percent. In the SUV segment, M-Class sales jumped 21.8 percent (3,189 vs. 2,619 units).

For the first quarter of 2008, the biggest increases in Mercedes-Benz sales were posted for the C-Class model line with 39.6 percent gains (17,141 vs. 12,282 units) and the M-Class model line which rose 28.5 percent (9,507 vs. 7,401 units).

JohnH4260

Japan Sales Figures

For the record, here are the total sales volume for the German big three in 2007.
1. Mercedes-Benz 49,713
2. BMW 49,014
3. Lexus 31,097
4. Audi 15,018

And here are the YTD sales for the 2008 so far.
1. Mercedes-Benz 5,560
2. Lexus 5,552
3. BMW 4,568
4. Audi 1,840

JohnH4260

Hottest Convertibles of 2008

2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe
Price: $410,000
The new Drophead (that's "convertible" to us Americans) version of the posh and powerful Phantom sedan oozes exclusivity. While still a massive piece of machinery, it's 10 inches shorter than the sedan, yet packs the same 6.75-liter V12 engine for scintillating performance. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe has a waterproof, leather-trimmed interior modeled after the fittings of luxury yachts. A teak tonneau cover is another nautical touch. The well-insulated power-operated top is lined with cashmere.

2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
Price: $136,500
The 911 Turbo Cabriolet does everything well: Its handling is sharp and unflappable, yet the ride isn't punishing. Between the trunk up front and the rear seats, it has lots of storage for a sports car. The three-layer fabric top lowers in about 20 seconds. When in place, it keeps the interior snug and quiet. And everything is backed by Porsche's bullet-proof quality and reliability.

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
Price: $497,750
A new convertible version of Mercedes' hand-built super coupe lets you race the sun, moon, and stars — provided you have a half-million dollars on hand. Both the SLR McLaren Roadster and the Coupe, which is no longer sold in the U.S., were jointly developed with Mercedes' Formula One racing partner McLaren. The Roadster's 617-horsepower 5.5-liter supercharged V8 engine enables it to reach 60 mph in less than four seconds. A power-operated insulated fabric top lowers in about 10 seconds, and the cabin remains settled enough for open-air conversations up to 120 mph. Top speed exceeds 200 mph.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Price: Around $50,000
The smallest and most affordable roadster in the Mercedes stable has been restyled to look more like the larger SL-Class and SLR McLaren Roadster. The platform carries over from the previous SLK, including the stellar retractable hardtop. The SLK350 uses an improved 3.5-liter V6 engine to produce 305 horsepower, while the SLK55 AMG sprints ahead courtesy of a 360-hp, 5.5-liter V8. New steering geometry promises sharper handling, and a revised interior is rife with gadgets.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Price: Around $100,000 for the SL550
Mercedes' top-of-the-line roadsters get a subtle facelift and a new range of engines for the 2009 model year. The mainstay SL500 has a 388-horsepower V8 engine, the SL600 features a V12 (good for 517 hp), and the SL63 AMG uses a 6.2-liter V8 to put out 525 hp. The entry-level SL350 will once again be available in the U.S. with a 3.5-liter V6 making 316 hp. The slick, two-piece retractable hard top remains. Neck-height air vents called "Airscarf" make dropping the top bearable on a chilly day.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster
Price: $87,040
The vicious Viper SRT10 Roadster is reborn for 2008 with a beefed-up V10 engine that produces 600 horsepower. That translates to a zero-to-60 mph time of less than 4 seconds. It's further enhanced by a new six-speed manual transmission and speed-sensing limited-slip differential to increase grip through turns, along with upgraded brakes and functional air scoops on the hood. The Viper is one of the least-accommodating convertibles on the list, built for speed rather than comfort.

2009 BMW M3 Convertible
Price: $66,000
The high-performance BMW M3 Convertible returns for 2008 with a 414-horsepower V8 engine and competes with the Audi RS 4 Cabriolet. The M3 Convertible is closely related to the standard 3 Series Convertible but has a host of upgrades, including an all-aluminum suspension and the MDrive control system that lets the driver fine-tune performance and handling characteristics.

2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible
Price: $33,100
As if the 3 Series weren't enough, BMW distills the automobile even further to produce the smaller, faster, and nimbler new 1 Series Convertible, which also comes as a fixed-roof coupe in the U.S. The car is well positioned to appeal to both Generation-Y buyers and older enthusiasts with its reasonably affordable price and the customarily excellent BMW driving dynamics. It includes a canvas top and offers a choice of two six-cylinder engines, one of which is twin turbocharged to produce 300 horsepower.

2008 Audi TT Roadster
Price: $36,800
The Audi TT Roadster is all-new for 2008. It's larger and features sleeker bodywork, 69 percent of which is now lightweight aluminum. A new turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower; the available 3.2-liter V6 kicks out 250 hp. The TT Roadster has a decently sized trunk that even includes a pass-through to the cabin for carting skis. A retractable mesh wind screen behind the seats raises and lowers at the push of a button to quell turbulence.

2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
Price: $81,900
The Audi RS 4 is a pumped-up version of the regular A4. The sedan version has been on sale for some time, but the RS 4 Cabriolet is new for 2008. It packs the same 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8 engine as the sedan and sounds just as mean. Audi holds fast to the traditional canvas convertible tops because they're lighter and allow for a lower center of gravity. They're so well insulated that the interior remains quiet with the top up.

JohnH4260

Convertibles: Most Male Buyers

Model (Percent Male Buyers)
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (80.17)
Porsche Boxster (68.82)
Lexus SC 430 (68.81)

Convertibles: Most Female Buyers

Model (Percent Female Buyers)
BMW Z4 Roadster (61.18)
Mazda MX-5 Miata (56.78)
Honda S2000 (56.72)

Source: CNW Marketing Research, 2007 data

JohnH4260

2008 First Quarter Sales Results: Players and Posers

JohnH4260

March 2008 Luxury Car Sales - Winners & Losers

Brand: Total Sales
Lexus: 24,939
BMW: 23,115
Mercedes-Benz: 20,808
Cadillac: 17,453
Infiniti: 13,821
Acura: 13,288
Audi: 7,987
Jaguar: 1,752

Entry Level
BMW 3-Series: 11,226
Infiniti G: 8,269
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: 6,713
Cadillac CTS: 6,045
Lexus ES: 6,019
Lexus IS: 4,798
Acura TL: 4,269
Audi A4: 4,061
Jaguar X-Type: 46

Mid Level
BMW 5-Series: 3,667
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 3,039
Infiniti M: 1,753
Lexus GS: 1,668
Cadillac STS: 1,486
Jaguar XF: 1,161
Audi A6: 898
Acura RL: 548
Jaguar S-Type: 80

Flagship
Lexus LS: 2,125
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 1,622
BMW 7-Series: 1,467
Audi A8: 249
Jaguar XJ: 218

JohnH4260

The World's Fastest, Ultra-luxury Sedan
German automotive performance specialist Brabus has achieved 205.2 mph in a Maybach 57

German automotive performance specialist Brabus has added to its long list of automotive records by achieving 330.6 km/h (205.2 mph) in a Maybach 57 at the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy. Labeled the world's fastest and most exclusive ultra-luxury sedan, the high-perfomance Maybach 57 is powered by a 6.3-liter, 730-hp/ 537-kW BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine originally developed for the BRABUS ROCKET, the record breaking four-door car based on the Mercedes CLS series which set a speed record for street-legal sedans of a head-spinning 365.7 km/h (227.2 mph) back in October 2006.

The previous record for the Maybach 57 was set in 2005 at 314 km/h (195 mph) with a 640hp version of the SV12 Biturbo engine. The additional grunt has been added to the turbocharged 12-cylinder engine by increasing engine displacement and developing a crankshaft with longer stroke, precision-balanced piston rods and larger pistons to accommodate the increased bore. The engine has also received modified cylinder heads and special camshafts with two larger turbochargers, more efficient intercoolers and a stainless-steel exhaust system with metal catalysts also added to boost performance.

Everything is kept ticking-over by a custom-programmed engine electronics package that also keeps the engine in-line with EURO IV emission limits and limits peak torque to 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) is limited by the engine electronics to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). Not surprisingly the standard 250-km/h (155 mph) speed limit has been removed.

Underneath, BRABUS suspension engineers added an air-suspension module that lowers the ride height by some 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) and also developed forged 21-inch BRABUS Monoblock VI light-alloy wheels specifically for the Maybach that are shod with 275/40 R 21 tires in front and 315/35 R 21 tires on the rear axle.

JohnH4260

World's Worst Gas-Guzzling Cars

Two-Seater (Tie): Bugatti Veyron
Base Price: $1.5 million
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: $5,025
Engine: 8.0-liter V16
MPG Rating: 8 city/14 highway

Two-Seater (Tie): Lamborghini Murcielago
Base Price: $313,600
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: $5,025
Engine: 6.5-liter V12
MPG Rating: 8 city/13 highway

Mini Compact: Aton Martin DB9
Base Price: $162,050
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,011
Engine: 5.9-liter V12
MPG Rating: 10 city/ 16 highway

Subcompact: Bentley Continental GTC
Base Price: $193,990
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,186
Engine: 6.0-liter V12
MPG Rating: 10 city/ 17 highway

Compact Car: Bentley Azure
Base Price: $329,000
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: $4,568
Engine: 6.7-liter V8
MPG Rating: 9 city/15 highway

Small Station Wagon: Audi S4 Avant
Base Price: $48,610
Annual Fuel Cost: $3,352
Engine: 4.2-liter V8
MPG Rating: 13 city/ 20 highway

Midsize Station Wagon: Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
Base Price: $88,050
Annual Fuel Cost: $3,438
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
MPG Rating: 9 city/ 14 highway

Midsize Car: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Base Price: $263,519
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost: $4,377
Engine: 4.7-liter V8
MPG Rating: 9 city/15 highway

Large Car: Maybach 57/62
Base Price: $335,500
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,186
Engine: 6.0-liter V12
MPG Rating: 10 city/16 highway

SUV (tie): Mercedes Benz G55 AMG
Base Price: $111,900
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,186
Engine: 5.4-liter V8
MPG Rating : 11 city/ 13 highway

SUV (tie): Mercedes Benz ML 63 AMG
Base Price: $87,000
Annual Fuel Cost: $4,186
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
MPG Rating:11 city/ 14 highway

AustinGuy

JohnH4260 - I don't get the point of this thread......

The title is "Profile of an S-class buyer".... and the daily updates seem to deal with automotive headlines of some sort.

It's like you are maintaining a personal blog or something

JohnH4260

Yeah, it has evolved away from the original subject to posts about topics with an Mercedes-Benz bias obtained from other sites. Some readers seem to find it interesting, others maybe not so much.