© Copyright 2008 Denver Newspaper Agency • 101 West Colfax | Denver, CO 80202

2008 Mercedes C350

C Class
The new C-Class line features three models - the C350 Sport, the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport. The C300 Sport and Luxury models will be available with a streamlined 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system mated to a 7-speed transmission. New standard equipment includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a central controller with a seven-inch display screen. After making its debut last year on the new S-Class sedan, the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is optionally available on the new-generation C300 Sport and the C300 Luxury models. The new 4MATIC system features a totally redesigned full-time all-wheel-drive system that's cleanly integrated into the 7-speed automatic transmission. Specs on the engines: C300 - 228 hp 3.0-L V6; C350 - 268 hp 3.5-L V6.

SLR McLaren Coupe
Mercedes-Benz stays in the supercar segment with its 2008 SLR McLaren Roadster. As a six-figure convertible, the SLR McLaren has few in its market segment, but competitors include offerings from Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin. The SLR features full carbon-fiber monocoque, crash structures and body panels. The roadster, Mercedes-Benz says, can hit a 206-mph top speed and go from zero to 60 in 3.8 seconds.

Hand-built by AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, the supercharged and intercooled 5.5-liter V-8 engine sits behind the front wheels in a front mid-engine position. The V-8 generates 617 horsepower and 575 pounds-feet of torque.

ML550
The ML500 gets a beefed-up engine for 2008, as well as a new name: ML550. Four trim levels in all are available in the M Class: the ML350 with a V-6 engine; the ML550 and ML63 AMG, both with V-8 power; and an ML320 diesel model. The powerful ML550 has AMG body styling with 19-inch AMG wheels. Mercedes-Benz promotes the aggressive wedge shape and sweeping front fenders of the M-Class. The grille consists of three wide louvers with pronounced air vents and is complemented by a chrome three-pointed Mercedes-Benz star.The ML550's V-8 makes 382 hp and 391 pounds-feet of torque.
Mercedes