“Today’s groundbreaking marks the latest move in our collaboration with Daimler to localize production capacity and enhance our competitiveness in the global market,” said  Mark Swenson, Vice President of Production Engineering and Component Facilities for Nissan Americas.  The facility itself will be built alongside the already working Nissan Powertrain Assembly Complex and will be the first round of Mercedes-Benz engines built-in the  North America Free Trade region.  Production of the high efficiency four will start in 2014 with annual capacity hitting around 250,000 units.  To make sure the engines are pieced together just right, Nissan and Daimler will hire up to 400 new workers who will eventually send of their finished products to the Tuscaloosa, Alabama Mercedes plant.  Official word as to which Infiniti model will get the engine has yet to be released.

Source: Nissan

After the carnage was surveyed, the fiberglass replica body was given a “confirmation of scrappage” stamp on all official paperwork.

In today’s age of laser accuracy and internet knowledge it makes sense that Daimler would want to keep fake SLs out of circulation so not as to muddle the waters of the real cars for sale, but it still brings a tear to the eye to see such a creation, one that someone obviously put time and love into, be destroyed.

While this old replica may be destroyed, Mercedes has also been making plenty of the new 2012 SL-Class roadster, which can be viewed in our gallery below.

This year, however, Mercedes is again gracing the SL with a V12 powerplant in the form of the SL65 AMG. The 65 designation is mildly deceiving as the new car is actually powered by a 6.0-liter engine, but regardless s of the naming conventions this engine is a beast. The new V12 is rated for 621 horsepower and 738 pounds-feet of torque, thanks to a pair of turbochargers. All this power helps propel the new Mercedes to 60 mph in a scant 3.9 seconds.

Of course a new upper-echelon SL isn’t complete with just more power. To make sure everyone else on the road understands that your roadster is more special than the next, there are AMG specific LED daytime running lights, a new lower diffuser and high-polished chrome. There is also a new spoiler lip and rear skirt inlay specific to this model.

No pricing has been announced at this time, but with the base model SL550 starting a bit over 100 grand, expect a price somewhere between, “oh my goodness” and “WHAT?!”.

Keep your eyes on AutoTalk to see our gallery of live shots from the floor of New York in a few weeks time.

The family hauler still has a decent demand in areas such as Canada, Mexico and China so its life will live on for the time being.  Even though it will be manufactured in Alabama, there simply isn’t enough justification to build extra for the U.S. market.  According to Yahoo Auto’s Motoramic, Mercedes-Benz spokesman Chrisitan Bokich said that the American R-Class will stop at a 2012.  Sales of the wagon have fallen and fast as less than 300 units have been moved through March.  “We can no longer make the business case for continuing to offer the R-Class,” said Bokich.

Source: YahooAutos

The design features the standard “gull-wing” front doors on the current SLS, but include a smaller set of reverse-opening (suicide-style) doors for back occupants. Autoblog reports that Mercedes would neither confirm nor deny these patent drawings instead replying with the industry standard “No Comment”. There is no mention of possible drive train configurations, but smart bet is a transplant of the current car’s 6.2-liter V8 with all 571 horsepower being sent rearward.

Perhaps Mercedes is preparing a competitor for the fast and sexy Aston Martin Rapide. If this car does exist, don’t expect a reveal before the 2013 Frankfurt Auto show.

The event got its original start in 2007 and has taken place each year since.  Traveling from race track to race track, the 2012 edition will take place at five facilities around the United States.  Starting on Apirl 12 at the Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Florida, the first five-day event will ensure that each AMG model on hand gets a proper testing.  Both owners and fans are invited to attend the instructional event and will be offered the opportunity to drive some truly amazing cars.  Professional drivers will guide attendees behind the wheel of such AMGs like the C63 Coupe, E63 Sedan, SL63, SLK55 and even the SLS.  Three levels of training will be available – Basic, Advanced and Pro – with the top tier costing $3,695.  But with that, drivers are given three days worth of intense training and the ability to experience fully what a 600 plus horsepower, naturally aspirated V8 can do the rear wheels. 

The AMG Driving Academy will travel to Lime Rock Park, Texas Motor Speedway, Laguna Seca Raceway and the Auto Club Speedway.  The last event will take place in late October 2012.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Two years ago, Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner joined forces to create Daimler Vans USA and its combined network.  In its second year of operation, the outfit unloaded 16,577 in the U.S. alone which is very impressive considering the vehicle’s extreme specialty nature.  Even though it has been working in America since 2001, the Sprinter was never offered in Mercedes-Benz dealers until 2010.  With its efficient but torque filled 3.0 liter BlueTEC diesel V6, the Sprinter has what it takes to get things done.  Offered in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, a van can be configured for just about anything including hauling items over six feet tall.  “Our strong, diverse network of 185 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner commercial van dealers spread across the U.S. has enjoyed a banner year of Sprinter van sales. From large fleet operators to small construction businesses and mom-and-pop food trucks, American consumers are discovering the incredible benefits of Sprinter vans,” said Claus Tritt, General Manager of Commercial Vans for Mercedes-Benz USA.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Powering the rear wheel drive luxury sled is a 2.1 liter turbocharged common rail diesel inline four cylinder combined with a lithium-ion battery pack and high-torque electric motor.  The internal combustion engine itself only puts out 201 horsepower but a remarkable 369 lb-ft of torque.  Combine that figure with the hybrid system’s instantly electric 184 lb-ft of torque and the E300 BlueTec Hybrid could do some serious damage to the pavement.  What it won’t do damage to is a driver’s fuel budget as 56 mpg can be averaged.  Impressive as that is, it becomes even more impressive once one remembers how big and heavy the E-Class is. 

There is serious doubt that Mercedes-Benz would ever even consider sending the E300 BlueTec Hybrid to the states, but they will be giving us a gas/electric version of the E-Class. Named the E400 Hybrid, it will be powered by the direct injected 3.5 liter V6 and hybrid assist.  It may put out more than 100 extra ponies compared to the diesel, but its torque figure isn’t as substantial.  And as impressive as its fuel economy will surely be, it will never be as cool as a diesel/electric hybrid.

Source: Car & Driver

According to Car & Driver Magazine, the reasoning behind using a Mercedes-Benz chassis is for the purpose of luxury.  Even though Nissan and Renault have years upon years of small car experience, they have yet to enter into the truly upscale market.  Infiniti has but never on a scale this size which leaves the time-tested A-Class.  In an interview, Nissan’s Executive Vice President Andy Palmer explained that a luxury car must meet a level of refinement that mass brands usually never play with.  “A luxury brand will need much better torsional rigidity, much better NVH than you would put into a mass brand.” 

Source: Car & Driver

As of now, there are a total of 6,872 Mercedes-Benz vehicles potentially being affected.  The E, GL, ML and R Class equipped with the BlueTecs could be at risk, all of which are 2011 model years.  The 2012 S Class is also affected.  Notification is expected to begin in November and Mercedes-Benz will inspect and replace the fuel filter free of charge.

Source: NHTSA