2010 VATH Mercedes CL65 AMG

Some cars are impressive, others are fascinating. And there are also cars that sink deep into your heart – for example CL 65 AMG tuned by VÄTH Automobiltechnik.

The recent tuning success of VÄTH masters from Hösbach/Germany is represented by a combination of luxury and power. VÄTH increases the power of CL 65 AMG up to spectacular 745 hp and 1,150 Nm. Engine tuning consists in new programming of engine electronics, inlet optimization with an air collector, an enhanced engine and gear cooling system, a first-grade boosting system as well as the exhaust system with 76 mm diameter pipe equipped with the high-grade steel made cats. All this makes the luxurious car accelerate up to 100 km/h within some 4 seconds. The maximum speed reaches 340 km/h, the exhaust emission standard does not change. The price for the engine tuning incl. installation and optimization is 36,890 Euro.

Large wheel arches have enough space for alloy rim wheels in 20” (7,378 Euro) – completed by winter proof high performance Vredestein tyres of 255/35R20 or 295/30R20 allowing speeds up to 270 km/h. The sports braking system with 6 piston fixed calipers and 405 mm braking disks guarantee absolutely super brake deceleration. The braking system including steel flex tubes and racing brake fluid is available for 8,082 Euro. In order to increase road holding capacity of the vehicle VÄTH Automobiltechnik offers an airmatic lowering (1,952 Euro) of about 40 mm (1.5”).

In addition, VÄTH offers a fine aero kit. Up front end VÄTH has installed a carbon front lip (for 1,536 Euro). The rear end has carbon fins (1,012 Euro) that simply substitute the serial diffusor. Thereto a rear trunk and a roof spoiler (295 or 345 Euro) give the necessary negative lift – what else do you want!?

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

This weekend Mercedes will be unveiling the production GLK sans Kim Cattrall at the Beijing Motor Show, a.k.a. the Auto China in Bejing. We’ve also learned that the GLK will have only one engine available when it goes sale in the U.S. next January as a 2010 model. The sole motor will be a 268-horsepower 3.5L V6, which can be paired with a two-wheel-drive or 4MATIC all-wheel-drive platform, the latter being able to hit 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds while also returning 23 mpg on the highway. The design of the GLK, meanwhile, apes other CUVs that want to look tough despite their decidedly non-SUV underpinnings, hence all the angularity and sharp edges. Its standard ten-spoke wheels will be unusually large at 19 inches, and 20-inchers will be optional. The GLK 350 will be a true Mercedes with all the trappings of digital technology inside and a plethora of safety features, and MB is planning five option packages and nine standalone options. It’ll be built at the automaker’s plant in Bremen, Germany and join the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G-Class as the fifth “SUV” in the Mercedes lineup. No word yet on pricing, though.