Providing infotainment, safety and comfort, the new Mercedes-Benz SL-Class shows its perfect balance of sportiness, performance and experience.

Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to innovative developments since the 1960s SL featured a safety body based on Bela Barenyi’s principle and the latest SL-Class models are no exception.

Night-time driving has been the focus of the latest improvements with the new bi-xenon headlamps which offer more power and increased energy-efficiency when compared to normal LED headlamps.

An Intelligent Light System is also available providing drivers with five different light functions for driving in different conditions and increasing the brightness of the lamps as the speed increases.

Inside the car the occupants are afforded every comfort including two new leather types to choose from as well as five different aluminium of fine-wood trims and five colour combinations.

The AIRSCARF also allows drivers to travel in comfort with the neck area being warmed through the head restraints meaning open-air driving pleasure can continue in colder temperatures.

A new instrument cluster that glows red when the ignition is switched on accompanies a new three-spoke steering wheel to give the driver a sporty feel.

Meanwhile the infotainment system gives drivers a car radio tuner, a CD/DVD changer and a slot for SD memory cards to fulfil all their multimedia needs.

A voice control system allows drivers to operate navigation and telephone systems without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.

The new Mercedes-Benz SL-Class not only combines timeless design to make it look like a sports car but it also drives like one.

In the SL 350, the engineers have developed a V6 powerplant that brings the sporting qualities to the forefront of the driving experience.

Drivers will find an instant response from the engine when they push the accelerator pedal and revs of up to 7200rpm make full use of its power - which has been boosted by 16 per cent.

Delivering 316hp and a peak torque of 360Nm the SL 350 can accelerate from zero to 60mph in only 6.2 seconds.

Sound is also a big part of the sporty experience and the standard-fit seven-speed automatic transmission enables multiple downshifts while accelerating as well as a double-declutching function in manual downshifts.

These technologies give the new SL-Class models even more harmonious gear changes and a notable reduction in load-change reactions.

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch the new SL-Class sports car in 2008 and the new model features a new design with an emphasis on athletic performance.

The new SL-Class has a striking front-end that is reminiscent of the earlier models of the SL Roadster.

Two powerdomes on the bonnet and the air outlets on the grill in the front wings are a further reference to the hallmarks of the 300 SL from 1954 with a modern twist for the new Roadster.

Drawn from five decades of roadster tradition, the design features the V-shape front section and the headlamps deep in the flanks give the car a sporty look and make it something of a trendsetter.

A diffuser-look bumper adds a touch of motorsport to complete the models design at the rear along with new and powerful exhaust pipes.

But the SL-Class does not just look good, as the new model’s offer a driving experience second to none.

Direct-steer technology is installed in the new models meaning that drivers do not have to move the steering wheel much when cornering and giving a more sporty and responsive feel.

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team have continued their preparations for the 2008 season by starting their testing session in Valencia.

Heikki Kovalainen and Pedro de la Rosa completed 218 laps of the Ricardo Tormo circuit in warm sunshine.

Getting some miles on the clock was the main aim for the team as the drivers get to grips with the MP4-23.

Particular focus was given to the development of the gearboxes as new rules state that gearboxes must now last for four races during the 2008 season.

Kovalainen’s best lap came in at 1m13.026 as the new driver continues his first pre-season period with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes while Pedro de la Rosa registered 1m13.163.

A large selection of Formula One drivers were testing at the Spanish track and Kovalainen and de la Rosa were fourth and fifth fastest on the day.

Lewis Hamilton, who has his sights firmly set on success with the team after signing a new deal, returns to testing today and is also scheduled to drive on the final day on Thursday.

Mercedes-Benz continued its prestigious reputation in the world of fashion by welcoming Naomi Campbell to the press conference.

The British supermodel is in Berlin to attend some of the events connected with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and she attended a press conference to give her views on the world of fashion.

Campbell focused mainly on the importance of supporting young and upcoming designers in the modelling industry and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin is well-known as a centre for up-and-coming design talent.

Eva Padberg, who modelled alongside the Mercedes-Benz CLC, also talked at the conference about her role as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz.

Her appearance at the Mercedes-Benz fashion week follows Naomi Campbell’s interview with Lewis Hamilton for GQ UK magazine in the close season.

The interview is set to feature in the March edition of the magazine and was conducted after the pair attended the Prince’s Trust Future Investment Charity gala.

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team begin their final test in Valencia this week and Lewis Hamilton believes the new MP4-23 is looking good.

Speaking after day one of the test, the Formula One ace was coy about what areas the car had improved most but did say that he was impressed with the "very strong" reliability.

"When I first tested it in Jerez, straightaway I realised that this is better. It is an evolution of last year’s car so it’s very similar," Hamilton said.

The 23-year-old said he was relaxed about the new season and feels the team is on course for really good start.

"It is just important that we keep going on this road and we don’t get distracted," he said.

As well as praising the new car, Hamilton said he would definitely be looking to challenge for the driver’s championship this season.

"I want to win, I want to work harder than ever and I want to do whatever I can to win for sure," the British driver said.

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This January, the second Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin takes place, combining the style and luxury of Mercedes-Benz with some of fashion’s top names.

Despite being in only its second year, the event has established itself as one of the most important events on the fashion calendar.

Dr Kristina Hammer, director of global marketing communications at Mercedes-Benz, said: "Design and style have always been defining aspects of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Our involvement in fashion is an expression of our brand identity."

The fashion week began on Sunday and runs until Thursday and is the stage for the launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLC sports coupe.

Advertised with top fashion model, Eva Padberg, the Mercedes-Benz CLC is aimed at young, fashion and technology conscious customers with its stylish design and desirable infotainment functions.

As well as sponsoring its own Fashion Week in Berlin, Mercedes-Benz also sponsors other international catwalk events including the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York which follows the shows in Berlin from February 1st to the 8th.

Both Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen will be pushing for the driver’s championship during 2008.

Following his move to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes in the close season, Kovalainen believes he can win the championship for his new team.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, the Finnish driver said he was ready to step up to the challenge.

"My goal is to win the World Championship. I believe I can beat Lewis. The team guarantees me the same car, so I have a chance. I just need to make it work," he said.

"I need to make my own mark. If I win the Championship then this time next year people will be more interested in me," he explained.

Kovalainen said his secret to success would be to keep his head down and work on the track to make sure his performances put him in a position to challenge for the title.

"I drive the car as fast as I can and try to beat everybody. If I can’t do that I’ll work with my engineers to be stronger. I like to keep things simple," he said.

Find out more about Mercedes-Benz motorsport.

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a stand-alone model series in the guise of the new CLC.

The sports coupe will attract young drivers looking for an athletic car with an involving drive while delivering the reputation and quality of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Over 1,100 components have been introduced to the new model including a new direct-steer system for agile cornering and infotainment system featuring a colour display with a DVD or hard-disc navigation and media interface.

Fuel consumption has also been reduced along with an upgraded four-cylinder engine that now develops 184bhp.

Exclusive extras such as 18-inch light-alloy wheels and wide-base tyres along with headlamps and black inner surrounds, the new CLC has an undeniable sporty feel.

For younger drivers looking to make the most out of their car’s infotainment, the Mercedes-Benz CLC has all the up-to-date technologies including colour displayer, speed sensitive volume control and a Bluetooth mobile phone interface.

An iPod or USB stick can be connected to the system to give drivers their own soundtrack and see the track information displayed on the instrument cluster and the colour screen.

Buttons on the multifunction steering wheel allow drivers to change track safely and conveniently.

Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen continue to clock up the miles in the new MP4-23 as the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team completed a testing session in Valencia.

Set-up work and systems durability formed much of the focus of the test and Hamilton’s car stopped on the track an hour before the end of his test as the engine succumbed to a planned reliability test at the end of a two week session.

The team pushed it well beyond the limits of a two race weekend and Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes chief operating officer, said: "With clear weather on all three days this week we have been able to accumulate more miles on the two MP4-23s, which is crucially important at this stage of the development with the focus very much on endurance and reliability."

He said that the drivers were doing a "great job" and the feedback was proving to be very useful.

Next week, the team moves to Barcelona to continue the testing before the season begins in March.

"We are on target with our programme and looking forward to seeing how the car will handle round the Barcelona circuit next week," Mr Whitmarsh added.