AMG 6.2 liter V-8 Wins "International Engine of the Year Awards 2010"

AMG M156 6.2 liter V-8 has for the second year in a row, earned the coveted Best High Performance Engine Award

Mercedes-AMG builds the best sports engine


Stuttgart/Affalterbach – The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine took away two top accolades as part of the coveted "International Engine of the Year Awards 2010": the high-revving naturally aspirated engine developing up to 386 kW/525 hp comfortably took top spot in the "Best Performance Engine" and "Above 4 litres" categories. This is the second year running that the eight-cylinder engine from AMG has beaten off the competition.

Bearing the internal designation M 156, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with its displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres produces between 336 kW (457 hp) and 386 kW (525 hp), develops up to 630 Nm of torque and features in various AMG models, including the C 63 AMG, the E 63 AMG and the SL 63 AMG. The basis for the agile power delivery is the consistent technology transfer from motorsport, which has been an inseparable part of the company philosophy at Mercedes-AMG for over four decades. The verdict of juror Jason Cammisa from Automobile Magazine (USA): "The absolute epitome of a German hot rod V8 engine!" Carl Cunanan, editor of C! Magazine (USA): For its fantastic engine sound alone it deserved first place!"

The great potential of the award-winning AMG V8 is also reflected in its character-packed, powerful evolution: the engine – dubbed the M 159 – for the SLS AMG super sports car is based on the M 156; in the gullwing the AMG high-revving naturally aspirated engine develops 420 kW (571 hp) and delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm. Another outstanding vehicle is the C 63 AMG with Performance Package Plus and maximum output of 358 kW (487 hp). The overhauled features inside the engine are responsible for the increase in output: the forged pistons adopted from the SLS AMG together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft make the engine three kilograms lighter. The reduced inertia enhances the agility of the eight-cylinder unit, which offers even more exhilarating responsiveness.

Mercedes-AMG beats off established rivals

The "International Engine of the Year Awards" rank among the most prestigious honours in the automotive sector and have been organised by specialist UK publisher, UKIP Media & Events, since 1999. An independent jury of 65 renowned motor journalists from 32 countries chooses the best engines of the year. Follow-ing on from the success in 2009, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine also managed to beat off prestigious rivals from Germany, Italy, the UK, USA and Japan this year, enabling Mercedes-AMG to demonstrate once again its consummate expertise in developing and producing exhilarating high-performance engines.

Friedrich Eichler, Head of Engine & Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG:

"Our renewed success this year in the two categories is testimony to the out-and-out positive test results for the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in all the media. The top spots also reflect the great enthusiasm of our customers."

To find your AMG vehicle, click HERE

Mercedes-Benz Continues Move Up the Charts With #3 Ranking in J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study

The following is a exerpt of a report released June 17, 2010 by J.D. Power regarding Initial Quality Survey. You may click link at bottom of page to see entire article.

The Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better vehicles and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions. Initial quality has been shown over the years to be an excellent predictor of long-term vehicle durability, which directly impacts consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories—design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.

Mercedes-Benz USA Chief Executive Officer speaks about just released J.D. Power ranking HERE.

2010 IQS Ranking Highlights

Porsche leads the overall nameplate rankings, averaging 83 PP100. Following in the rankings are, respectively, Acura (which moves from 14th rank position in 2009 to second in 2010), Mercedes-Benz (which improves from sixth rank position in 2009 to third in 2010), Lexus and Ford (which moves into the top five for the first time since the inception of the study). MINI posts the largest improvement in 2010, reducing problems by 32 PP100 from 2009. Toyota's problem count increases by 16 PP100, moving it from sixth rank position in 2009 to 21st in 2010. "Clearly, Toyota has endured a difficult year," said Sargent. "Recent consumer concerns regarding Toyota's quality are reflected in the nameplate's performance in the 2010 study. That said, Toyota's success was built on a well-deserved reputation for quality, and there is little doubt that they will do everything possible to regain that reputation."
Ford and Lexus each garner three segment awards. Ford captures awards for the Focus, Mustang and Taurus, while Lexus receives awards for the GS, GX and LS models. The Lexus LS has the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 55 PP100.
Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota receive two awards each. Chevrolet models earning awards are the Avalanche (in a tie) and the Tahoe. Honda receives awards for the Accord and the Accord Crosstour, while Toyota receives awards for the FJ Cruiser and Sienna.
Also receiving segment awards are: Acura RDX, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Sierra LD (in a tie), Hyundai Accent, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Nissan Frontier, Scion xB and Volvo C70.
The 2010 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 82,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2010 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identification of problems and to drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2010. Visit the J.D. Power Business Center for additional information on J.D. Power's automotive research.

2010 Nameplate IQS Ranking
Problems per 100 Vehicles
Porsche 83
Acura 86
Mercedes-Benz 87
Lexus 88
Ford 93
Honda 95
Hyundai 102
Lincoln 106
Infiniti 107
Volvo 109
Industry Average 109
Ram 110
Audi 111
Cadillac 111
Chevrolet 111
Nissan 111
BMW 113
Mercury 113
Buick 114
Mazda 114
Scion 114
Toyota 117
Subaru 121
Chrysler 122
Suzuki 122
GMC 126
Kia 126
Jeep 129
Dodge 130
Jaguar 130
MINI 133
Volkswagen 135
Mitsubishi 146
Land Rover 170

See Complete Report HERE

Hendrick Motors of Charlotte

It’s Back! The Annual Hendrick Luxury Tent Event

Looking for an Incredible value on a New, Certified Pre-Owned, or top-quality luxury vehicle? The Hendrick Luxury Tent Event is for you.

Exceptional Pricing during this Spectacular Sales Event!

• New and Pre-Owned vehicles specially marked with Red-Tag prices

• Interest rates as low as 1.99% APR* on some models plus special lease incentives on many new vehicles

• Over 300 vehicles available and all are on SALE

• 90% of Pre-Owned Vehicles - CARFAX one-owner

Look for the HUGE Tent in front of the dealership and under it you’ll find the season’s best deals. If you've been waiting for the Right Time, the Right Luxury Vehicle, and the Right Deal you must take advantage of this special event.


Click Here to view our entire pre-owned inventory.

AMG Mercedes Teams Score First Win of Season in German Touring Car Series

It couldn't have gone any better for the AMG Mercedes Teams at the opening race of the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) at Hockenheim this weekend. AMG Mercedes Teams scored the first win in the championship opening race since 2006 in style.

HWA-AMG Salzgitter C-Class driver Gary Paffett qualified on the pole and romped to his third victory at the circuit followed by Daimler Bank HWA AMG driver Bruno Spengler in second, Junge Stern Persson Motorsport AMG driver Jamie Green third, and AMG Driving Academy HWA driver Paul Di-Resta fourth. The highest finishing Audi was fifth.

AMG Mercedes Deutsche Bank Mucke Motorsport driver David Coulthard opened his DTM history with a solid 12th place finish.

The rules for the series have been frozen with no new cars being constructed for the 2010 season ahead of a new rules package for 2011.

AMG-HWA and Audi Abt Sportline Teams run 2009 spec cars all other Teams run 2008 spec cars.

The next race is May 2nd in Oscherslaben, Germany

1. Gary Paffett- Salzgitter HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
2. Bruno Spengler - Daimler Bank HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
3. Jamie Green- Junge Stern Persson Motorsport AMG Mercedes C-Class
4.Paul Di Resta -AMG Driving Academy HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
5.Mike Rockenfeller- Audi Sport Team Phoenix Audi A4
6.Mattias Ekstrom- Audi Sport Team Abt Sportline Audi A4
7.Tim Scheider -Audi Sport Team Abt Sportline Audi A4
8. Miguel Molina- Audi Sport Team Abt Rookie Audi A4
9. Ralf Schumacher- Laureus HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
10, Alexander Premat -Audi Sport Team Phoenix Audi A4

HENDRICK MOTORS OF CHARLOTTE

We Are Pleased To Announce The 2010 AMG Driving Academy

As a true performance driving school, the AMG Driving Academy offers participants custom-designed, hands-on lessons in dynamic, high-performance driving by world-class professional driving and racing instructors. Unlike competitive manufacturers’ programs, the AMG Driving Academy is the only program offered coast-to-coast at two of the nation’s premier race tracks: Road Atlanta in Georgia and Laguna Seca Raceway in California.

The AMG Driving Academy will offer three distinct programs this year, pushing participants to the limits of the performance envelope in select AMG vehicles, including the 2011 SLS AMG, the most-advanced AMG vehicle ever built.

Course descriptions are as follows:

Basic ($1,795): Intense, one-day track program focuses on performance driving dynamics. In the morning, participants learn the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises. Once participants perfect car control and handling, they progress in the afternoon to a set of high-speed exercises that make use of the entire track.

Advanced ($3,295): Two-day program picks up where Basic leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction. Onboard diagnostics and data capture enable detailed computer analysis and evaluation. Advanced is offered to drivers who have completed either Basic, AMG Challenge, European Driving Academy program or equivalent courses.

Pro ($3,995): The pinnacle of the AMG Driving Academy curriculum, the Pro program offers increased instruction while challenging and improving capabilities and skills to a much greater degree. During the three-day program, participants will train on the legendary Road Atlanta circuit. As speeds increase and skills improve, open lapping provides the maximum challenge and thrill. With an intense curriculum, AMG experienced instructors prepare participants to confidently welcome the challenges of Road Atlanta.

Should you wish to learn more about the AMG Driving Academy, please visit http://www.amgacademy.com/.

Hendrick Motors of Charlotte Website

David Coulthard Joins Mercedes-Benz Touring Car Championship Team

As the 2010 season of the DTM (German Touring Car Championship) gets closer there's some big news to report.

The AMG Mercedes C-Class driver squad for 2010 will be joined by yet another former winner from Formula One- Scotsman David Coulthard.

The very popular and charismatic former McLaren Mercedes and Williams F1 driver won 13 Grand Prix in 246 starts, 12 of those wins in Mercedes powered McLarens, so it is a return to the family of sorts. He finished second in the World Driving Championship during his McLaren years. Coulthard retired from F1 in 2007 while still competitive in the Red Bull F1 Team. After a couple of years in the commentary booth he tried an AMG C-Class DTM in testing and was immediately comfortable. In the interim he has been a Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador driving historic Mercedes racers at various events around the world.
He joins returning ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher in the AMG Mercedes DTM line-up, which also includes current F1 Test Drivers Paul Di Resta (Force India) and Gary Paffett (McLaren). Other AMG Mercedes DTM drivers for 2010 should include Bruno Spengler, Susie Stoddard and Jamie Green.
The DTM season kicks off on April 25th at Hockenheim and can be followed at http://www.dtm.com/ or www,autosport.com. The televised races are usually carried by SPEED Channel later in the year check local listings.
Hendrick Motors of Charlotte Website

2011 SLS AMG Price Released

Relase from MBUSA

April 7, 2010

We are pleased to inform you that the base price of the 2011 SLS AMG was officially announced during last week's Mercedes-Benz press conference at the New York International Auto Show.

2011 SLS AMG MSRP: $183,000*

This price point represents an extremely aggressive position in our endeavor to compete directly with the competitive models from Ferrari and Lamborghini. While the wonderful press reports on the SLS AMG have almost universally estimated a price around $225k, we feel that this sub-$200k price point represents incredible value in this competitive segment.
Proven by its performance statistics, the SLS AMG enters the super sports car segment not just to participate, but to win. What is most impressive is that our new Gullwing flagship delivers this stratospheric level of performance without compromising the refinement, comfort and technology expected of a Mercedes-Benz. It is the everyday supercar.
Launch of the 2011 SLS AMG is still scheduled for early May, 2010.

* price does not include transportation, taxes, dealer prep charges or license fees.

CLICK HERE for Hendrick Motors of Charlotte Website