MERCEDES-BENZ W204 C-CLASS SPECIAL (Auto Motor und Sport)
Here is this months AMS and the scans. They had a detailed little review about the new C-Class and what to expect.
The Scans
http://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=w20402sf5.jpg http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=w20403vw4.jpg
The Scans: Translations
The third generation C-Class will be bigger, more elegant and more high quality. At the same time, it will still be targeted at existing C-Class customers and their desires as well as the new powerful younger buyers segment. This is one reason why the
Avantgarde models will get their own unique front face.
The small C-Class has gained in size in almost every proportion. The wheelbase was extended by 4.5 cm's, which means more leg space for the rear passengers, especially for their knee's. And because, in Germany, the C-Class counts, after the BMW 3-Series, to one of the most desired cars for customers aged 60+, the entry into the car was simplified for convenience and comfort. The luggage compartment gains 20 liters for a total of 475 liters.
Clear is, the growth in size was for more interior space and a slightly higher sitting position. Amazingly, the new C-Class hardly gained weight with these major changes, also in part through the use of high-tense steel and aluminum and newly advanced "laser metal welding" technology. The body shell of the W204 weighs 8 kg less than the body shell of the W203.
Thomas Weber, cheif of the C-Class development programs says:
"It is our company goal to reduce the weight of the next generation model over the car it replaces."
Mercedes-Benz design chief,
Peter Pfeiffer on the other hand wants to strengthen the presence of the C-Class through design. "
The new C-Class has grown in width by 40 mm and appears more aggressive and solid on the road," Pfeiffer claims. The wider and bigger grille and curvy rectangular headlights also play their part in creating this wider look. Even the higher engine hood - a must because of the EU's new pedestrian safety laws" - and the CL style rear bring fresh air into this segment.
The interior was newly designed with ergonomics, safety and overall ease-of-use being top priority. A stow-away COMAND screen is in the top of the center console. Also new, an S-Class type COMAND operating system.
Carried over from the E and S-Classes are Linguatronic II - which will also allow the navigation system to be used, Three-Zone-Climate-Control, Keyless-Go and a Panorama roof option. Buyers will have the choice of adding wood or brushed aluminum to their cockpit. Also optional are Multicontourseats.
Not only in terms of reliability, but also safety does Mercedes want to up the ante in this class. The new C-Class will now be available with PRE-SAFE and Xenon lights with ILS (Intelligent Light Systems) features (headlights move in the direction the steering wheel is steered).
The new C-Class will attempt to be class-leader in comfort, despite the allure of the sporty competition in this class. Carried over from the e-E-Class is the suspension, which the C-Class now gets. Also available as options are an adaptive gas-controlled system for the suspension and a "sport steering setup", which means more direct steering control in combination with a sportier suspension (which will follow shortly after launch). 4Matic models will follow with the optional 7Gtronic 7-speed automatic transmission as well as diesel variants - both a first in the C-Class range.
The 7Gtronic is standard on higher-end gasoline C-Classes (C350 and C63 AMG) while a revised 6-speed manual gearbox is standard on all other models. The C-Class will use existing engines although the the C180 Kompressor and C200 Kompressor as well as both the smaller diesels (C200 CDI and C220 CDI) will get a power boost while at the same time using less fuel.
Direct-injection will be postponed - after the disastrous experience with the flop called C200 CGI. A potential C350 CGI will remain what it is: a potential. Currently, the only Mercedes with direct-injection is the CLS350 CGI. However, Mercedes claims it is "seriously thinking" about using the benefits and advantages of CGI engines in the future.
Currently, the W204 is available from the C180 Kompressor to the beastly C63 AMG. The AMG C-Class is available only with the 7Gtronic and as a sedan or estate. The diesels currently feature a particulate filter, but will soon be equipped with BLUETEC.
Sales of the C-Class will start end of March (sedan) and September (estate). The expectations are high, as this is Mercedes best-selling sedan. Since the W203 was introduced in 2000, over 2 million of them have been sold worldwide: 1.4 million of these were sedans, the rest were estates and a small portion sportcoupes.
Mercedes, through the avoidance of internal redundancy and parts sharing with other models, has managed to cut production costs for the new W204 C-Class. This means that the price of the car doesn't rise drastically. A new C180 Kompressor will start slightly above 29,116 Euros (the price of the C180K W203). Still expensive, but what we have here is a better car.
Grille Types
Classic and
Elegance models will get the traditional grille with star on the hood.
Avantgarde models will get a large integrated grille star.
Startup Engine Lineup
Interview with Klaus Maier, Marketing Manager for Brand Image @ Mercedes-Benz
http://img240.imageshack.us/my.php?image=w204kminterviewbc1.jpg
I started with the W204 C-Class information. Not as detailed as I'd hoped. I also just translated the interesting stuff. 
AMS: The new C-Class shows some S-Class design cues. Is this association wanted?
K. Maier: As our youngest model, we aim to have the C-Class represent the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The new W221 S-Class has set the standards for our future design, and so the C-Class follows this new tradition. Yes, we wanted the C-Class to be associated with the S-Class and Mercedes-Benz. Despite this, we also wanted the C-Class to have its own independant design.
AMS: What kind of customers are you targeting with the new C-Class?
K. Maier: First off, we want to target our current loyal customers with the new C-Class. On the other side, we want to target, especially in America and Europe, customers who want a more agile car.
AMS: Was the recall of the A and B-Classes a slap in the face in terms of quality?
K. Maier: A detailed mistake in a component of a car can happen, it has nothing to do with measured quality. Look at the current S-Class, it is an example of how reliable a complex car can be.
AMS: Which model is in terms of quality your biggest worry? The E-Classes built before 2005?
K. Maier: We have a clear vision, to improve our customer satisfaction and quality beyond their expectations. Worldwide, the E-Class has a very good standing, quality-wise. The fact that things go wrong can happen, but we're working on the issue and we're optimistic.
http://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=w20402sf5.jpg http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=w20403vw4.jpg 
and they've ruined a nice look.
