It appears no one is safe from what's now officially being called a recession, as even Kim Kardashian & Co. have resorted to pawning off their pre-owned goods off via the trusty eBay auction block. In addition to a host of garments and fashion accessories that in their prior life managed to adorn one of the finest asses in existence, another item especially noteworthy is the ASMA Design Mercedes CLS Shark II owned by Kim's boyfriend and New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported a 38.2 percent decrease in November sales with 14,102 vehicles sold, bringing the company’s year-to-date volume to 206,396 new units – an 8.6 percent decrease over the year-to-date record set last year. Sales highlights for Mercedes-Benz USA include a 16.9 percent increase in C-Class sales and a 5.5 percent increase M-Class SUV sales for the year-to-date.

AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is establishing 175 new AMG Performance Centers worldwide by the end of next year thus offering a more personalized service to customers. A commitment to first-class service quality at every stage in the customer relationship is one of the key elements of the AMG brand promise of “Performance”.

At first glance, the new GLK appears to be a smaller version of the GL, but a closer look reveals a modern interpretation of the iconic G-Class. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar-sized vehicles, the striking, angular nose of the GLK sets it apart from the competition.

As you'd expect from a wide body kit, the main highlights include new front and rear aprons, widened fenders in both the front and back, new side skirts, a roof and trunk spoiler and a new vented hood. Another notable change is the presence of the always popular 20-inch wheels with performance tires, while a new stainless exhaust system completes Vitt's CL package.

At the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), taking place now through November 20th, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting driver assistance systems of the future. According to Prof. Bharat Balasubramanian, Vice President Group Research & Advanced Engineering E/E, Processes and IT at Mercedes-Benz:

Oddly enough, the first image that came to mind when I witnessed the Urban Whip was the Power Wheels Barbie Cadillac Escalade®, which is strange considering I've never seen nor heard of a Power Wheels Barbie Cadillac Escalade®. I just figured if there was one, this is probably what it would look like. For curiosity's sake, I then went to the Toys "R" Us website, and lo-and-behold...

Lewis Hamilton spoke about Mercedes' Stars & Cars day: "In 2007, I was able to celebrate together with many thousands of spectators being runner-up after only one year in Formula 1. Today, one year later, and with 72,000 visitors, we celebrate the World Championship. It’s absolutely crazy how many people came today and I hope everybody had fun – I had it, that’s for sure.

If you've ever visited SEMA, you know one of the absolutely can't miss booths is the one held by Giovanna Wheels. Their display always boasts an incredible amount of lust-inducing automotive artistry

We still love the big guy, even if the smaller GLK has garnered the bulk of our attention the past couple months. But we're not the only ones still fond of the GL. ART Tuning – purveyor of a wide assortment of aftermarket Mercedes modifications – has just announced announced a new tuning program for the SUV, and they're calling it the "GL MAMMUT."

After first unveiling their Mercedes-Benz Holiday Gift Collection, Mercedes-Benz Accessories today has unveiled a second Holiday Gift Collection, this time for the lovable little smart fortwo. According to the company, due to "their sassy details and typical smart colour contrasts, these casual yet functional fashion items, handy gadgets and practical, stylish products from the accessories range make attractive alternative Christmas gifts."

Although rumor still has it the 2010 Mercedes E-Class won't be making its debut until the International Auto Show in Frankfurt next year, that hasn't stopped Auto Bild from showcasing the model in their newest publication. In the article, the model is displayed from a number of different angles, all without the masking that up until now it's been adorned with.

Although at first glance it may appear the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, the C63 AMG, the new-generation M-Class and the B200 have little in common, today they do, as it's this diverse bunch that have a starring role in this, our newest Mercedes Review Roundup installment.

Mercedes AMG today has taken the liberty of highlighting three of the latest models to make their way out of Affalterbach – one of which you're already familiar with, and two of which you aren't. The first, as you may have already guessed, is the impeccable SL65 AMG Black Series, a finely tuned variant of the standard SL65 AMG that lacks a folding roof, has an output of 493 kW/670 hp and 1,000 Nm or torque

The aerodynamic enhancements are all back, which include a carbon fiber front apron, side skirts and rear apron; and so too are the mechanical enhancements: high performance compressors, a sports air filter and a modified engine management system. But the true appeal of the Mansory Renovatio is in its styling, which combines heavy doses of raw carbon fiber with a markedly contrasting exterior color.

As for when we can expect to see the 2010 Mercedes E-Class make its world debut, its official unveiling is still reportedly coming at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009; however, judging by the fact that photos of the model have already began surfacing, we'll likely see much more of the model well before its official launch.

Mercedes engineers have continued to perfect the idea patented by their mentor Béla Barényi – through a programme of accident research, crash tests and computer simulations. And with the new E-Class, they have created another masterpiece of passenger-car safety technology.

In total, five publications weigh in on the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, so if you're contemplating whether or not to purchase one of the 350 units scheduled for production, there should be plenty to keep you occupied. As usual, you can find excerpts from each review as well links back to the full articles immediately below.

Spy photos have emerged today showcasing the next variant of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, this time in a two-door hardtop convertible form. As may remember, Mercedes has chosen to drop the "CLK" moniker from its lineup, replacing it instead with the less confusing "E-Class Coupe"; so the model you're viewing is in essence the next version of the outgoing CLK convertible (despite being called an E-Class).

Boulevard Customs/ROBRADY design GLK Urban Whip photo gallery in its entirety (click any pic to enlarge). You can also check out a brief animation of the model as well as the numerous other ROBRADY designs

Love it or hate it, the work ASMA Design performs on Mercedes is unmistakable. The ASMA S-Class Eagle I, the ASMA CLS Shark II, the ASMA Gladiator II M-Class – all are clear testaments to this fact. Now, adding to this unique lineage, ASMA has worked their magic on a roadster, offering a complete styling package for the R230 Mercedes SL-Class.

In the first issue, DTM driver Susie Stoddart will be the guest of honor, guiding visitors through the online show. In addition to offering a much needed break from current anchorwoman Tanja Bülter, Susie will furthermore look at the subject of " sporty cars and their drivers"

You've read the reviews. You've seen the photos. By now, it's obvious that the Mercedes CL63 AMG is without question one of and quite possibly the most beautiful Mercedes in the current lineup.

Let me speak candidly for a moment when I say there are some things in life that simply are better when they're bigger. A few things that appropriately fall under this adage include flat-screen televisions (for men), diamonds (for women), and the irrefutable proof that creationism is true and a Designer does exit – the posterior of one Jennifer Lopez (for me).

For the adventurous, there's a roof box, Alustyle “Easy-Fix” basic carrier bars, an Alustyle ski and snowboard rack and a pair of bicycle racks. For the young, there's an Apple iPhone holder, an iPod interface kit, a mobile-phone holder and a Duo plus child seat.

A spectacular look, unique performance data, consistently lightweight design and the highest degree of exclusivity – these attributes sum up the new 65 AMG Black Series from Mercedes-Benz.

It's a fantastic read, as it provides a remarkable look at the many facets of the company's history. Even more exciting, however, is the fact that should you desire to read it for yourself, we've got it, available here for free download in eBook format

Mercedes models are part of the "thinking" process – cars that can see, sense and act autonomously. In addition to this, the Mercedes saloons show the way ahead when it comes to occupant protection and set new standards with their "electronic" crumple zones.

The most striking feature of the Urban Whip is what is doesn’t have - a roof. Although the original brief required the design to retain the structural integrity of the GLK, the aggressive look of the custom-made wide-body kit - which was developed in cooperation with RoBrady Design - made the roadster temptation difficult to resist.

Several photos of the 2008 C-Class, click them all to enlarge