We think most of you will agree with us when we say that, for the same reasons the Cadillac Escalade is extremely profitable, it also doesn't quite fit the brand's current image being sort of a throwback to the glory days of the classic American cruiserships.
But this didn't stop General Motors from raising the ante in yet another provocative commercial for Cadillac that follows the CTS-V spot featuring the Ferrari 458 Italia.
This time, the General took the Escalade and pointed its ammo towards Mercedes-Benz and its C-Class sedan. The video spot shows the big Caddy V8 beating the C300 on a straight line duel, and then…hauling back the Merc.
We're not going to say that we didn't enjoy the video nor that we don't get Cadillac's point, but it's somewhat an unfair comparo when the Escalade starts at $63,200, or about $25k more than the C300. Heck, even the almighty C63 AMG with is 451HP V8 is $5k cheaper than the basic Escalade…
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Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus has a thing about building insanely fast cars. Now, half a decade after the presentation of what was then billed as the fastest saloon in the world, the limited run Brabus Rocket based on the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the German company returns to Frankfurt with a vengeance presenting a new ludicrous proposal.The successor to the original Rocket is built around the second generation of the CLS sports saloon with power coming from a heavily modified Mercedes-Benz-sourced V12 bi-turbocharged engine.
The German firm's engineers increased the displacement from 5.5-liters to 6.3-liters and made a host of other upgrades including, but not limited to, a reworked intake, newly configured on-board electronics system and redesigned high-performance turbochargers.
As a result, output is lifted to 800-horses at 5,500 rpm and an enormous peak torque of 1,420Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from just 2,100 rpm, but limited electronically in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
A modified seven-speed quick-shift automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles along with a limited slip differential handle the transfer of power to the rear wheels.
Brabus says that the Rocket 800 can reach speeds in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph), making it the world’s fastest street-legal sedan.
And if that's not enough to impress you, the Rocket 800 goes from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.8 seconds and 300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.8 seconds!
The German company also extensively modified the car's aerodynamic properties, suspension and brakes.
On the outside, the CLS gains a wide-body aero kit that includes carbon-fiber fender flares on the rear axle that add 40 millimeters (1.6-in.) to the car's width, front and rear spoilers, a diffuser and more.
The Rocket 800 rides on 19-inch one-piece BRABUS Monoblock F wheels wrapped around tires in size 255/35 ZR19 up front and 285/30 ZR 19 in the rear.
Finally, interior improvements include a bespoke steering wheel, aluminum trim, custom upholstery and a revised instrument panel with a 400km/h (250mph) speedometer.
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Birthdays are special occasions – even more so if it's your 125th. For most people, reaching such an age is unlikely, but for Mercedes-Benz it is a fact this year and to celebrate the event, the German automaker unveiled a gullwing concept named -not too imaginatively- F 125! at the Frankfurt Motor Show.The F 125! is a plug-in hybrid that demonstrates Mercedes’ vision for a large luxury coupe of the not-so-far future. The company claims that while its previous research vehicles have “looked ahead” by one model generation or approximately seven to eight years, the F 125! concept“looks” much further, by more than two generations, beyond 2025.“With the F 125! we want to show that large, comfortable and safe saloons have an excellent future, partly because they are able to operate with no emissions" says Mercedes’ head of Research and Development, Thomas Weber. "The legend is that the S-Class will continue into the future thanks to intelligent solutions.”The F 125! utilizes a lithium-sulphur high-voltage and high energy density (350 Wh per kg at cell level) battery that powers four individual electric motors, one for each wheel, creating an all-wheel drive system that Mercedes names e4MATIC.The car's hydrogen tank is integrated into the floor assembly and has a capacity of 7.5 kg. It can withstand pressure of up to 700 bars and offers a driving range of 1,000 km (622 miles).According to Mercedes, the F 125! doesn’t sacrifice performance either, as it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).The bodywork is made of a mix of fibre-reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, aluminium and high-strength steel, resulting in great rigidity but with a significant weight reduction compared to a regular vehicle of this size.Inside, Mercedes-Benz's designers wanted to create a cabin with which the driver will be able to interact intuitively. Tech highlights include 3D displays, projector-beam technology, next-generation networked telematics system with social media integration and remote control of vehicle functions., and of course, a semi-autonomous driving via the Advanced Driving System.PHOTO GALLERY
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We think most of you will agree with us when we say that, for the same reasons the Cadillac Escalade is extremely profitable, it also doesn't quite fit the brand's current image being sort of a throwback to the glory days of the classic American cruisers
Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus has a thing about building insanely fast cars. Now, half a decade after the presentation of what was then billed as the fastest saloon in the world, the limited run Brabus Rocket based on the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the German company returns to Frankfurt with a vengeance presenting a new ludicrous proposal.
Birthdays are special occasions – even more so if it's your 125th. For most people, reaching such an age is unlikely, but for Mercedes-Benz it is a fact this year and to celebrate the event, the German automaker unveiled a gullwing concept named -not too imaginatively- F 125! at 
