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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Senner Tuning Beefs up Mercedes-Benz ML500

After unveiling its Nissan 370Z and Audi A5 Cabriolet kits in September, German tuning firm Senner is at it again with its treatment for the Mercedes-Benz ML500. The company's engineers first turned their attention on the SUVs 5.5-liter V8 engine by optimizing the ECU module and lifting output from the factory model's 388HP and 530Nm, to 412HP and 560Nm [416 lb-ft] of torque.

Other go-fast features include suspension upgrades and a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes. A set of 22-inch aluminum wheels are also part of the package, shod in Vredestein "Wintrac Xtreme" high-performance winter sized 295/30 R22.

Prices for the complete kit start from €9,800 in Germany.

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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Loses the Heavy Cladding

Last time we showed you spy photos of Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming 2012 M-Class and ML63 AMG SUVs [confusingly, Merc uses the 'M-Class' title for the series and the 'ML' prefix for the model designation], both models were covered in heavy plastic cladding.

In these latest scoop pics of the flagship ML63 AMG, the plastic armor is gone and replaced by black tape, providing us with a more revealing look at the car's styling. The new M-Class features a 'boxier' shape and is evidently more heavily sculpted than the current model. It also gets the more angular grille up front, found on all the latest Mercedes cars.

The AMG-prepped model seen here, features some unique styling details such as the specific bumper designs, side skirts, spoilers and larger alloy wheels.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the new M-Class' chassis is shared with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models as one of the last legacies from the former Daimler-Chrysler partnerships.

Being an AMG model, this M-Class will no doubt feature several upgrades to the suspension, steering and braking systems, and most importantly, the German firm's newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine in place of the current SUV's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit.

We still don't know the output numbers on the ML63 AMG, but on other Mercedes models, the bi-turbocharged V8 kicks out 544-horsepower and 800Nm or 590lb ft in standard form, and 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft with an available performance pack upgrade.

Look for the new ML63 AMG to debut at a major international car show in 2011.

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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.

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Receives Minor Cosmetic Updates

Mercedes-Benz's 510-horsepower-strong ML63 AMG SUV has received some rather minor upgrades for the 2011 model year. The subtle changes to the exterior include a newly styled bonnet with power domes, darkened bi-xenon headlamps with active light function and smoked tail lamps incorporating a clear-lens design and LED technology. And that about covers the updates to the 2011 ML63 AMG model.

There are no interior or mechanical changes with the ML63 AMG featuring the same 6.3-litre V8 engine with 500HP and 630Nm that propels the SUV accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The updated ML 63 AMG is available to order now (at least in Europe) with first customer deliveries to take place in July 2010. In Germany, it carries a price tag of €105,077 or about US$125,500 at today's exchange rates.

SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with New Bi-Turbo V8

Even though the standard 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is still undergoing development, the company's AMG division has began testing the high-performance version of the series.

Expected to arrive shortly after the standard M-Class model, which itself, will go on sale in late 2011, the ML 63 AMG will feature the brand's newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in place of the outgoing car's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit.

AMG has said the 5,461cc bi-turbo V8, which will be used on a variety of Mercedes-Benz models, packs 544-horsepower and 800Nm or 590lb ft in standard form, while a performance pack upgrade will increase those figures to 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft, respectively.

It remains to be seen what kind of numbers the bi-turbocharged V8 will deliver on the new ML 63 AMG.

Along with the new powerhouse, the AMG version of the new ML will feature an upgraded suspension, bigger and more powerful brakes, beefier tires and alloy wheels as well as a cosmetic package for both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.