VIDEO: Mika Häkkinen and Michael Schumacher Meet up in New Mercedes Ad

Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has released many TV ads featuring two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen and other renowned pilots, most ending with a funny twist. The Stuttgart-based automaker's latest commercial to hit the web, called “Sunday Driver”, follows a similar recipe. This time, Mercedes chose a hilarious way to promote its 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. To shake things up, Michael Schumacher also makes an appearance, alongside a good-looking female driver.

We’ve also included the “Third man” commercial from a few years back, in which the “New Flying Finn” trumps the younger Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. You can watch both videos after the jump.

By Csaba Daradicss

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Prior Design’s Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Black Desire

Based in Kamp-Lintfort, Germany, Prior Design presented its take on the latest generation Mercedes E-Class Coupe, called Black Desire. The tuning package is mostly about visual enhancements, however, upon request, the tuning firm also offers various engine conversions.

For the front of the car designers chose a new bumper with side vents and a prominent spoiler lip. The new parts feature sharper edges, a theme that’s continued with the side skirts. At the rear we can find a bumper extension with three fins, boot lip and roof spoiler, all available in carbon fiber as an option.

The black paintjob is complemented by metallic accents, found around the grille and custom Prior Design logo replacing the Mercedes star, on the side of the car and rear bumper. The same metal trim was used for the window surrounds.

Enormous, 20-inch Prior GT wheels, available in matte black, gloss black and silver, and a 4-tip stainless steel exhaust system round up the exterior changes.

Depending on the engine found under the bonnet, Prior offers numerous power upgrades, boosting peak output by up to 75 hp. Paired with a 35 mm lowering applied to the suspension, the performance package should make the Black Desire faster and better handling than the stock model.

According to the company, the Black Desire tuning package can also be fitted on the E-Class Convertible, while both Mercs can be ordered with a range of carbon fiber trim parts for the interior.

By Csaba Daradics

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Piecha Design Pumps up W207 Mercedes E-Class Convertible's Style with New Package

German tuner Piecha Design has unveiled a comprehensive tuning package for the W207 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible, which includes among other bits, a body kit, upgraded exhaust system and custom wheels.

The Rottweil-based specialist went for an aggressive look, combining the factory AMG aero kit with new parts, such as a front spoiler lip, three-part boot lid lip and rear diffuser with integrated 4-pipe Quadro exhaust system. The latter is available for all engines powering the coupe and convertible models, while, upon request, Piecha can modify the standard, 2-pipe exhaust as well.

Lowered side skirts boasting an LED lighting system, offered for all Mercedes-Benz cars, and 19-inch dp2 Phantom alloys surrounded by 235/35 front and 275/30 rear tires, complete the exterior package.

Tech buffs will probably enjoy the new power converter, which cuts down the powertrain’s reaction time, if needed. Using a potentiometer, owners can choose between three settings: standard, urban-driving or sports mode. The updated power converter is not an exclusive E-Class Convertible option, as it’s available for all models with electronic accelerators.

Last but not least, Piecha developed the Vario roof module that makes it possible to open or close the canvas top while driving, at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph), using the standard key.

By Csaba Daradics

Prices

Front spoiler lip € 750.00
Rear diffuser element € 785.00
Rear spoiler lip € 430.00
Side skirt LED lighting € 370.00
Comfort Vario roof € 359.00
Quadro exhaust sub-system € 1,385.00
Piecha dp2 Phantom rim set € 1,690.00
CS RC power converter € 357.00

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Fuel Filter Leak Prompts Mercedes-Benz Diesel Model Recall in the States

A total of 2,297 diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz models are being recalled in the U.S. to fix a potential problem that could lead to fuel leaks. The recall affects certain diesel versions of the 2011MY E-Class, GL-Class, R-Class and M-Class vehicle range.

Mercedes-Benz told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the problem lies in the in the o-ring, which may not have been properly lubricated in all cases and could lead to a fuel leakage.

The feds sais that their main worry is that diesel fuel may be spilled on roads making them slippery and thus increasing the potential for a crash

The German automaker said its U.S. dealers will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz for more information at 1-800-367-6372.

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VAETH Builds Barnstorming V35 Out Of Mercedes-Benz E350 Diesel

Here are the first pictures and details of VAETH's Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI-based V35 sports saloon. The German tuning house starts by tweaking the engine management software and as a result, power is lifted to 267HP and torque is boosted to an impressive 595 Nm (438 lb. ft.). Optioning the aluminum intercooler pushes those figures up to 285HP and a whopping 650 Nm (479 lb. ft.).

Buyers can further adorn their V35 with quad stainless steel tailpipes and an aerodynamics package consisting of a carbon fibre front apron, rear diffuser, badge-less radiator grille and bootlid spoiler.

The V35 rides on 9 x 20 inch front and 10.5 x 20 inch rear light alloy rims, wrapped in 245/30 ZR20 and 285/25 ZR20 Hancock rubber respectively. Coilover suspension that is adjustable for both height and ride quality is also available.

The entire pack will set you back €18,306 (US$25,222), on top of the cost for the E350 CDI base car. The German tuning firm did not say if the V35 package will be available outside of Europe.

By Tristan Hankins

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Mercedes-Benz Reprises Role in Sex and the City 2 Film [with Video]

Question for our readers: In your opinion, how do four cougar-aged women who can't keep their panties (or their brains) on after one shot of tequila and a guy named 'Mr Big' relate to Daimler's Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products/brand?

While you think about it let us tell you that, as with the first installment of the male-snoozefest that is "Sex and the City", the sequel to the movie that hits cinemas on 27 May will see most characters driving or being driven in a bunch of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach models.

If you're still here, in addition to the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID, Mr. Big (Chris North) now also drives the new E-Class Cabriolet while Samantha (portrayed by actress Kim Cattrall) ditches her GLK soft off-roader from the first film for the more masculine G-Class.

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Vorsteiner Releases V6E Kit for Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Vorsteiner has a new aero kit for the latest AMG E63, and it's called the V6E. The body kit consists of a front lip spoiler, trunk spoiler, and diffuser all made of carbon fiber.

Also part of the package are Vorsteiner's forged V-308 rims, which have an interesting claim to fame if you take Vorsteiner at their word: they're "the most concave wheel available on the market". Hey, whatever helps you stand out.

While it's certainly not as imposing as the GTRS3 kit Vorsteiner put out last month, it sure good in an understated gangster kind of way. You know, for the times you don't need to be a teenage Darth Vader.

By Phil Alex

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