SLK55 AMG - Customer Testimonial

While shopping for a luxury/sports car, I looked at most all of the manufacturers. When I finally got around to testing the Mercedes, My SLK 55 AMG won out hands down. German engineering and construction shows itself well on the Mercedes, but how they blend it all together is what makes the SLK 55 AMG a powerhouse in the bang for the buck category. I met Jesse at Atlanta Classic Cars and took it out for a spin. The car far exceeded my expectations. The SLK 55 AMG is the best mix of being pampered in a small sports car, and brute, raw force. It will throw you back in the seat. It also looks so good doing it. Best of all, it oozes Mercedes craftsmanship. You really get the feeling that the car is not delicate and is made to be driven beyond normal car endurance. You can stick our foot in the firewall and not feel like you are going to hurt it. NICE!

It was such a pleasure to go on a test ride with someone who knows the product. Too many times I would ask somebody about the car I was test driving and I would get answers like " I just started working here " or " I don't know." That is not the case with Jesse, she simply had all the answers. It is such a pleasure to work with a real professional. I felt confident with the car after she explained all the things I had to know about it.

I just had my first service with the car...painless. You are assigned a person who looks over you needs and they are a fist class outfit at ACC. Rick Casanova and especially Christy Hicks took care of me. What impressed me the most was the fact that you can see how very busy they were, but Christy made me feel that my car and my needs were her only concern. It's not merely good training they receive for customer care, they hire well. It doesn't get any better than that. Atlanta Classic Cars is clearly the very best in all around sales and service. I can't say enough about them, and Jesse is the best in the business.

--
Rick Caceres MCPOUSN(RET)
Mansfeild, GA

Atlanta Classic Cars - Available C63 AMG

For the first time since they were released I have a 2009 C63 AMG available for sale! In fact, I have 3! White, Black and Silver all with black interior. Each has Premium 2, Full Leather, MultiMedia and ipod. 2 have the tele-aid system. These cars are currently being shown and test driven. If you are interested please get in touch fast! No shippers or brokers please.

Atlanta Classic Cars SLK55 Owners Meetup

Atlanta Classic Cars hosted a meeting for some of our fastest owners this weekend. SLK55 AMG owners from the Atlanta area were invited to the dealership to meet up. They compared accessories and talked upgrades before heading up to Chateau Elan for lunch.

It was great to see such an impressive collection of vehicles and talk to such an enthusiastic bunch of owners! Three of my own clients were able to make it. I am glad that Shelton, Rick and Joe are satisfied buyers! Thanks for coming and I hope you'll visit again soon!

Mercedes-Benz Master Guild Trip to Germany

It's official! I just booked my flight for the Master Guild trip from September 26th through October 3rd! There were 40 dealership employees from around the US invited on the trip.

The highlights include:

• A day in Luzern and Zurich Switzerland
  
• AMG factory in Affalterbach
  
• Production plant in Sindelfingen
  
• Fuel Cell Development Center in Kirchheim
  
• The Test Track at Unterturkheim
  
• The New Mercedes-Benz Museum in Untertuerkheim
  
• Engine Development in Cannstatt
  
• Tour of the Heidelberg Castle

I can hardly wait!

Mercedes Updates Audio AUX Input Options - SD Card, iPod & USB

Mercedes just released these photos without any other details to explain the functionality, release date, or model avaliablity of this update. I'm making some assumptions here so please don't take this as fact.





These first two images are taken in a GLK. You can see that in addition to the currently avaliable iPod and audio input jacks a new USB connection will be avaliable along with a 12 volt power outlet in the glovebox. The big question is what devices will be able to interface through this USB connection.



This photo was taken in a C-Class and shows a similar box with the addition of an SD card slot. Since most 2009 models will have an SD card slot on ther radio this may be a retrofit for older models or just for the 2009 models that don't already have an SD card slot. We would have to assume that the devices shown are all intended to work with this system so at the least the USB connection should be able to read music files off of a thumb drive. It would be great if this connection could be used to read files from smartphones or other phones with a usb connection. I'll be sure to post more information on this as it's released.

Red Bull Air Race

I know it's off topic because Mercedes isn't involved, but if you love Formula 1 you should really check out Red Bull Air Racing. The races are aired a few months behind when they happen so I avoid the rebbullairrace.com site to prevent spoiling it. They've really stepped up the production value this year so check it out. On Dish Network set your DVR for Fox Sports channel 420 at 6pm et every Sunday. I just watched the second race of the nine race 2008 season so there is plenty left.

Lewis Hamilton Wins at Hockenheim and Retakes Championship Lead

After Lewis Hamilton's commanding win in the rain at the British Grand Prix, he came to this weekend's race in Germany in a three way tie for the Driver's Championship with Ferrai's Felipe Massa and BMW's Robert Kubica. Lewis started on pole with Heikki behind him in third. Lewis had a great start and by the end of the first lap he had opened a 1.8 second gap back to Massa in second place.


Similar to last weeks race where he won by almost a lap over second place, Lewis immediately pulled away from the field until an accident on lap 37 brought out the safety car eliminating his lead. When the pit lane reopened, almost all of the field pitted for tires and fuel to finish the race. Strangely, Lewis didn't pit. This meant that after the safety car pulled in he needed to open up a gap of about 20 seconds so that he could pit and remain in the lead. Lewis couldn't get that done and he rejoined the field after his stop in fifth behind his teammate. Amazingly, Lewis was able to make up a huge amount of time in just 10 laps and retake the lead. With this win Lewis has retaken the championship lead by 4 points over Massa who finished in third!

2009 MSRP Pricing for Mercedes ML, GL, R, C, E, CL, S, SL & SLK

The 2009 MSRP's have just been released! If you combine these numbers with the options pricing, you'll know how much a 2009 will cost. I don't see any dramatic changes from the 2008 MSRP's. If you are ready to place your order please do let me know!

2009 C-Class	Release Date	MSRP
C300 SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$32,100/$33,850
C300 SPORT/LUXURY 4MATIC	July 16	$35,400/$35,650
C350 SPORT	July 16	$38,200
C63 AMG	July 16	$55,100
2009 CL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CL550 4MATIC	July 16	$105,100
CL600	July 16	$148,900
CL63 AMG	July 16	$139,700
CL65 AMG	July 16	$199,700
2009 CLK-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CLK350 COUPE	July 16	$46,800
CLK350 CABRIOLET	July 16	$54,800
CLK550 COUPE	July 16	$55,500
CLK550 CABRIOLET	July 16	$63,500
2009 CLS-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CLS550	May 15	$68,950
CLS63 AMG	May 15	$94,550
2009 E-Class	Release Date	MSRP
E320 BlueTEC	July 16	$52,900
E350 SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$51,900/$51,900
E350 4MATIC SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$53,400/$51,900
E350 WAGON 4MATIC	July 16	$55,950
E550	July 16	$60,400
E550 4MATIC	July 16	$61,900
E63 AMG	July 16	$86,000
E63 AMG WAGON	July 16	$86,800
2009 G-Class	Release Date	MSRP
G550 4MATIC	October 10	TBD
G55 AMG 4MATIC	October 10	TBD
2009 GL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
GL320 BlueTEC	October 01	$56,750
GL450 4MATIC	July 22	$57,750
GL550 4MATIC	July 22	$79,500
2009 M-Class	Release Date	MSRP
ML320 BlueTEC	October 01	$47,250
ML350 4MATIC	July 22	$45,750
ML550 4MATIC	July 22	$54,450
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	July 22	$88,350
2009 R-Class	Release Date	MSRP
R320 BlueTEC	October 01	$47,950
R350 4MATIC	July 22	$46,450
2009 S-Class	Release Date	MSRP
S550	July 16	$86,950
S550 4MATIC	July 16	$89,950
S600	July 16	$144,450
S63 AMG	July 16	$128,350
S65 AMG	July 16	$194,950
2009 SL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
SL550	April 28	$95,900
SL600	April 28	$136,100
SL63 AMG	April 28	$132,000
SL65 AMG	April 28	$190,700
2009 SLK-Class	Release Date	MSRP
SLK300	May 01	$44,950
SLK350	May 01	$49,950
SLK55 AMG	May 01	$64,300

Mercedes 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series

Mercedes newest addition to the exclusive AMG Black Series will be based on the V12 biturbo SL65. Modeled after the current Formula 1 pace car, only 200 of these 661 hp race ready SLs will be sold in the US for the 2009 model year.

Though this car is based on the 2009 SL, the Black Series will have a non-retractable carbon-fiber roof, widened front and rear carbon-fiber fenders, and a carbon-fiber hood and trunk lid making it 550lbs lighter than the standard SL65. The widened rear fenders will allow for the widest rear tires ever used on an AMG at 325/30ZR20 which should work out to about 12.5 inches wide. The information from Mercedes doesn't mention any details about the movable rear spoiler shown in the photos above but I would assume it will raise and lower based on speed. With 661 hp and 738 lb-ft 60 mph will come up in 3.6 seconds on the way to the limited top speed of 199 mph.

Production will start in August of this year with deliveries starting in December. These cars will be very exclusive and only large dealers like ours will be able to get them for you. If you're interested in ordering one contact me now.

Future Mercedes Timeline - Rumors, Predictions and Hybrids!

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz models are just around the corner and we are starting to get a little information for the following model years. This information is preliminary and by no means is it set in stone. It is the best information I have available at this time.

August 2008 - Facelifted 2009 ML - Photo - Options

October 2008 - BlueTEC SUV's with 50-State emissions

January 2009 - 2010 GLK arrives in the 300 and 350 gasoline V-6's

January 2009 - SL63 Black - Only 200 for the US! 600 hp and 722 lb/ft torque

June 2009 - All new CLK Coupe

June 2009 - Facelifted GL

August 2009 - All new 2010 E-Class

Mid 2009 - ML450 Gas/Electric Hybrid

Mid 2009 - S400 Gas/Electric Hybrid

Late 2009 - Facelifted S-Class

Late 2009 - G550 MY2010

Mid 2010 - All new CLK Cabriolet

2010 - E320 Bluetec in new body style

2010 - C-Class diesel...maybe the C250

2010 - GLK diesel (maybe a diesel hybrid)

2011 - S-Class diesel

If you're interested in one of these vehicles, and plan to purchase from Atlanta Classic Cars, please let me know and I will notify you as more information becomes available.

Option Pricing for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC, ML350, ML550 and ML63

The Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2009 ML has been released! All of this information is still subject to change before launch. The ML350, 550 and 63 are scheduled for release in "July 08."

Metallic Paint $720
Full Leather Seating Package $1995
Leather upholstery
Wood/leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
Burl Walnut wood trim
Interior Premium Lighting Package
Lighting Package $950
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
Headlamp washing system
Corner-illuminating fog lamps
LED tail lamps
P01 Package $3850
Rear view camera
COMAND system with hard-drive navigation
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
HD Digital Radio®
iPod/MP3 media interface cable
Harman/Kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system with Dolby digital 5.1
40GB hard-drive with GPS navigation
4GB hard-drive with Music Register for download of MP3 files
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone, and navigation
Gracenote® media database
Power liftgate
115V AC power outlet
(MSRP value of options if available separately: $4,510)
P02 Package $6600
All components of P01 plus
Parktronic
Power memory passenger seat with power lumbar support
Auto-dimming mirrors
Power driver seat with memory package
Power steering column
Power folding mirrors
Keyless-Go (includes chrome door handles)
(MSRP value of options if available separately: $8,130)
Heating Package $1390
Heated leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
Heated rear seats
Heated front seats
Air Suspension with adaptive damping system (ADS II)$1,600
Trailer Hitch (class III) $530
3-Zone automatic Climate Control $770
21" AMG 5-Spoke Wheel $1,550 (ML63 only)
Stainless Steel Running Boards with rubber studs $650
Rear Seat Entertainment system $1,850
All new rear seat entertainment with dual source DVD, larger video screens, wireless headphones and 2 remote controls.
Heated Front Seats $720

Many of these options are standard on the ML63. This pricing is mostly for the ML350, ML550 and the ML320 BlueTEC.

Model Year 2009 ML-Class Standard Features:
ML350 - Standard Equipment
19" 5-spoke alloy wheels
New front bumper design with new grille
New rear bumper design with integrated rear reflectors
New headlamp design
4-way power lumbar support in driver seat
New redesigned multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Wood storage tray located below climate control (formerly standard with Burl Walnut
Pre-safe®
Rear door child safety locks
New standard COMAND unit includes:
6.5-inch color display
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
Auxiliary input jack (in glovebox)
In-dash SD memory card reader
DVD video/audio player
AM/FM/WB radio CD player - MP3 capable
Rain sensor
Larger exterior mirrors
New seat pattern and new interior door panel design
Stainless steel skid plate
ML320 BlueTEC - Standard Equipment

All standard equipment on the ML350
19" 5-spoke alloy wheels with run-flat tires - (no spare tire see: AdBlue tank)
50-state available BlueTEC clean diesel





ML550 - Standard Equipment
All standard equipment on the ML350
19" AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels
Stainless steel running boards with rubber studs
New brushed aluminum roof rails and chrome beltline molding
New unique front and rear styling


ML63 AMG - Standard Equipment

All standard equipment on the ML350
P02 Package
Lighting Package
Air suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS II)
20" AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels
AMG premium leather with Burl Walnut trim
AMG premium leather dashboard
Redesigned AMG sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles
Multicontour front seats
Heated and active ventilated front seats
New brushed aluminum roof rails
New unique front and rear styling

Despite a downturn in the SUV market in the last few months, ML sales have actually been up year over year. This vehicle is a great balance of SUV capablilty with a reasonable size and luxury. The 2009 will just improve on an already popular vehicle.

Release date and final pricing for the 09's is not yet available but I will let you know when it is.

Option Pricing for the 2009 Mercedes C300, C350 and C63 AMG

Being a brand new vehicle for 2008, there are not many changes to the C-Class for 2009. There are a couple of tweaks that make it an even better value. Release is scheduled for "2008" according to my guide. As we are just about sold out of 2008's I am assuming they will arrive soon!

Metallic Paint $720
Leather $1670
P01 Package C300/C350 $2150
Garage door opener
Auto-dimming mirrors
Memory seat with power steering column (driver only)
Rain sensor
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Heated front seats
Rear view mirror with integrated compass
P02 Package C300 $3600 / C350 $1350 / C63 $1100
All components of P01 plus
Split folding rear seats
Rear sunshade
Headlamp washing system
Bi-Xenon headlights
Corner-illuminating fog lamps
LED tail lamps
Multimedia Package $2980
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
COMAND system with hard-drive navigation
In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
harman/kardon LOGI C7® surround-sound system with Dolby digital 5.1
6GB hard-drive with Music Register for audio-CD ripping
Gracenote® media database
AMG Performance Package $3900( C63 AMG Only)
AMG limited slip differential
AMG compound braking system
AMG track-calibrated suspension system
AMG leather/alcantara performance steering wheel
Top speed raised to 174 mph
iPod Integration Kit $375
Tele Aid $650
Panorama sunroof $1,050 (Not avaliable on C63)
7-Speed Automatic Transmission $1,460
In-dash 6-disc cd changer $460
Burl Walnut Wood Trim C300: $310
18" AMG Twin 5-spoke wheels $1010

Key changes for 2009 C-Classes:
Driver's side memory with power steering column and tilt-down reverse passenger mirror added to Premium 1 Package (standard C350)
Integrated compass in rear view mirror replaces power-folding mirrors in Premium 1 Package(standard C350)
Burl Walnut wood trim option now also available for Sport Sedans
Almond/Mocha interior replaces Cashmere/Savanna now also available on sport models

Option Pricing for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350, E550, E320 BlueTEC and E63AMG

The Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2009 E-Class is out! All of this information is still subject to change before launch. All versions are listed with a release date of "July 08."

Metallic Paint $720 (included on E550 and E63)
Leather $1670 (included on E550 and E63)
Carbon Fiber Trim $2500 (E63 Only)
P01 Package E320/E350 $2700 / E550 $3160 / E63 $1880
iPod/MP3 media interface
Heated front seats (heated and active ventilated front seats for E550 and E63 AMG)
Power rear sunshade
COMAND system with hard-drive navigation
Zagat® survey restaurant guide
SIRIUS Satellite Radio® with SIRIUS real time traffic
HD Digital Radio®
Gracenote® media database
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
4GB Music Register for download of MP3 files
(MSRP value of options if available separately for E320 BlueTec/E350: $3,750)
(MSRP value of options if available separately for E550: $3,760)
P02 Package E30/E350 $4630 / E550 $5080 / E63 $3810
All components of P01 plus
Headlamp washing system
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
Keyless-Go
(MSRP value of options if available separately for E320 BlueTec/E350: $6,050)
(MSRP value of options if available separately for E550: $6,060)
Sport Package - No Charge(E350/E550 Only)

18" AMG 5-spoke wheels
Sport front air dam and rear bumper with dual chrome exhaust
Sport leather steering wheel with black shift paddles




AMG Performance Package $8590(E63 Only)

18" AMG 5-spoke multi-piece light-alloy wheels
AMG track-calibrated AIRMATIC suspension system
AMG limited slip rear differential
AMG leather/alcantara performance steering wheel
Carbon Fiber trim
Top speed raised to 186 mph
Illuminated Door sills $700
Parktronic $1,140
Split Folding Rear Seats $420
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel $570
Rear Side-Window Blinds $360
Panorama Sunroof $1,050
Electronic Trunk Closer $540

I just bought an E-Class myself! I wish I could have waited for the 2009, but I couldn't pass up the great deal!

Option Pricing for 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC, GL450 and GL550

The Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2009 GL has been released! All of this information is still subject to change before launch.

Metallic Paint $720
Full Leather Seating Package $2130
Leather upholstery (1st, 2nd & 3rd-row seats)
Wood/leather multifunction steering wheel
Burl Walnut wood trim
Interior Premium Lighting Package
P01 Package $6600
Rear view camera
Parktronic
Power memory passenger seat with power lumbar support
Auto-dimming mirrors
Power driver seat with memory package
Power steering column
Power folding mirrors
GPS navigation w/40GB hard-drive
6.5-inch high-resolution color display
4GB hard-drive with Music Register for download of MP3 files
iPod/MP3 media interface (in glovebox)
harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system with Dolby digital 5.1
Gracenote® media database
SIRIUS Satellite Radio & HD Digital Radio®
SIRIUS real-time traffic
Zagat® restaurant guide
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
Keyless-Go
Power liftgate
115v AC power outlet
iPod/MP3 media interface cable
P02 Package $8650
All components of P01 plus
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
Corner-illuminating fog lamps in chrome
Headlamp washing system
3-zone automatic climate control
Rear air conditioning
Heating Package $820
Heated leather multifunction steering wheel
Heated rear seats
GL Appearance Package $1200 for GL320 / $1950 for GL450
20" 5-spoke alloy wheels with all-season run-flat tires
Stainless steel skid plates (front & rear) in chrome
Stainless steel roof rails in chrome
Brushed aluminum belt-line moldings
Brushed aluminum running boards with rubber studs
Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) $750
Trailer Hitch 7,500 lbs. (Class IV) $530
3-zone automatic climate control and
rear air conditioning $1,400
Brushed aluminum Running Boards with Rubber Studs $650
Rear Seat Entertainment system $1,850
Rear Seat Entertainment Pre-Wiring $150

Many of these options are standard on the GL550. This pricing is mostly for the GL450 and GL320 BlueTEC.

Model Year 2009 GL-Class Standard Features:
GL450 - Standard Equipment
19" Twin 5-Spoke wheels
glass sunroof
power rear quarter windows and double sunvisors
rear door child safety locks
PRE-SAFE® with active front head restraints
4-way power lumbar controls for driver
COMAND system with:
6.5-inch high-resolution display
In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
Auxilary input jack (in glovebox)
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
In-dash SD memory card reader
DVD video/audio player
Enhanced sound system with 610 watt amplifier
driver side knee airbag for 11-way protection with nine airbags
New larger exterior rear view mirrors
New redesigned multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
GL320 BlueTEC - Standard Equipment
All of the Standard Equipment on the GL450
20" 5-spoke alloy wheels with run-flat tires - (no spare tire see: AdBlue tank)
50 state legal BlueTEC diesel
GL550 - Standard Equipment
All of the Standard Equipment on the GL450
Keyless-Go
infrared reflecting glass
P02 Package
Full Leather Package
Heating Package
3-zone automatic climate control with rear seat controls & sun sensor
8-way power-adjustable multicontour front seats with memory
Stainless steel skid plates and running boards
GL550 Only - Options
Ventilated front seats - (price not avaliable at this time)
Premium leather - $1350
Light Birch wood trim available (no cost)

The 2009 should answer a lot of concerns that people have had with the 2007 and 2008. The most common complaint I heard about the GL was the small side-view mirrors, which has been corrected. I also think the new navigation is going to be great. I have posted about this system previously if you want the details.

Release date and final pricing for the 09's is not yet available but I will let you know when it is.

2009 SLK350 Wins Hearts at Automobile Magazine!

Automobile Magazine reviewed the 2009 SLK350 this week and thoroughly enjoyed it!

"Let me just say right off the bat that I love the new SLK350."

"And the best parts of the SLK were things that I never expected: the engine and the steering."

"Turn the key, and the SLK350's 3.5-liter V-6 will surprise you with its throaty exhaust note. Stomp on the gas, and you'll be positively shocked. This is one of the best-sounding V-6 engines on sale today, if not the best."

"The suspension is taut but gives a surprisingly smooth ride at highway speeds. Handling is fairly neutral, and grip is prodigious. Brake feel is excellent, and cross-drilled rotors stay quiet all the time. The chassis is remarkably solid and free of scuttle shake."

You can read the full article here

Forbes.com - Hardest-To-Get Cars

...the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the more modestly priced Benz ($33,675), with an average 29 days' supply of cars. While the supply is higher than that of other cars on the list, this model sells very quickly, with a turn rate of only 26 days, meaning that, on average, the C-Class is sold faster than it's produced.

Forbes.com - Hardest-To-Get Cars