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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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV

Despite the rising importance of green issues in the auto industry, carmakers continue the development of full-size SUVs / 4x4s such as the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Our scoop photographers snagged some of the very first pictures of the next generation Mercedes SUV while undergoing testing in Germany.

Although details are scarce, we do know that the new GL will make use of a stretched version of the next ML's platform, which is also shared with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Dodge Durango. The same goes for the powertrains options that will mirror those of the new ML and include V6 and V8 engine options.

Sources suggest that a next-generation hybrid powertrain with plug-in capability may also be available from launch.

The SUV's lines are heavily disguised in these early test photos, but like its ML sibling, the new GL is expected to feature a boxier shape with more hard angles and new details.

The next generation of the GL-Class is due to arrive in the market in 2012.

Mercedes Launches New GL-Class, ML-Class and R-Class BlueTEC Diesel Models in Europe

Beginning in autumn 2009, Mercedes-Benz will offer its trio of crossover models in Europe with its 'clean' V6 diesel engine featuring BlueTEC technology. Besides the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, European customers will have the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC models to choose from. Already available in the U.S., all three models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing 211HP at 3,000 rpm and 540Nm of peak torque from 1,600 to 3,400 rpm.

Mercedes-Benz developed the BlueTEC technology that focuses particularly on nitrogen oxides in order to reduce the emissions of diesel vehicles. The tech involves injecting a non-toxic aqueous carbamide solution called "AdBlueÓ" into the exhaust gas flow that then releases ammonia. In the downstream SCRcatalyst system the ammonia then converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into the harmless products nitrogen and water.

According to the German automaker, the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC already fulfill the emissions limits of the EU 6 standard, which won't go into effect until 2014.

As for the BlueTEC models' combined fuel consumption, the ML-Class and R-Class variants both return an average of 8.7 lt/100km (27mpg US) while the larger and heavier GL-Class has been rated at 9.0lt / 100km (26.1mpg US).

NY Show: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Receives Subtle Makeover

Mercedes is showing off its updated 2010 GL-Class SUV for the first time at the New York motorshow. On the outside, the seven-seater SUV's looks have been refreshed with new bumpers, new chrome underguards at the front and rear, restyled chrome tailpipes, a new-look grille and a new pairing of the fog lamps and daytime running lights linked with chrome inserts. The exterior updates are rounded off with newly designed 18 to 21-inch alloy wheels.

Inside there's new instrumentation and a restyled multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO luxury head restraints for the driver and front passenger.

Another new feature of the facelifted GL-Class is the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring system, which checks the individual pressures of all four tires and provides the driver with a graphic read-out.

Mercedes to Reveal facelifted GL-Class and production ML450 Hybrid in New York

The 2009 New York International Auto Show that will be open to the public April 10-19, will host the world debut of three new Mercedes-Benz models. Aside from the E63 AMG uber sports sedan that you can check out here, the German automaker will also premiere the restyled 2010 GL-Class SUV and the production version of the ML450 HYBRID. Also on show will be the 2010 model year E-Class Sedan and Coupe, both of which are making their debut in North America.

Though Mercedes has not released any photos of the 2010 model year GL-Class, the German automaker did reveal that the renamed GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are distinguished by their restyled grille, bumpers, wheels and new lights, including LED taillights. As for the GL350 BlueTEC which replace the current GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Merc said that it boast lower exhaust emissions as well as 20-30 percent better fuel economy.

The production version of Mercedes' ML450 HYBRID combines an electric motor with a 3.5-liter V6 engine for a total output of 335HP offering improved fuel efficiency over the full-size ML550. Like the Prius, the ML450 HYBRID can operate -at low speeds- as a zero-emission vehicle when powered by its electric drive alone.

Aston Martin Revives Lagonda with a controversial Concept in Geneva

Marking the Lagonda brand's 100th anniversary, Aston Martin announced the return of the marque in Geneva with the unveiling of a new concept study that is bound to cause controversy and spur conversations over its styling. In what could be seen as some as futuristic, high-end of the London cab (...), the four-door, four-wheel drive crossover is based on the underpinnings of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV and is powered by a V12 engine.

"The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future," said Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, "a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials."

Aston Martin did not reveal any specific details on the Lagonda Concept but it did note that the revival of the brand with this vehicle will help the company expand its presence from 30 countries into more than 100 worldwide including Russia and emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China.

Furthermore, Aston Martin said that the revival of the Lagonda brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. Lagonda/

"An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car," said Dr Ulrich Bez, "but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets. Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style into a single, formidable package. An Aston Martin demands to be driven. A Lagonda demands a destination."