Mercedes S-Class Coupe AMG - first spy shot

Mercedes is working on an update to the S-Class, and where the sedan goes, the its CL-Class sibling will follow. Only this time its rumored that Mercedes may drop the CL name its been using for over a decade in favor of calling the cars "S-Class coupes".

The spy shot is of the AMG version, and will likely share many of the upgrades expected on the S-Class sedan. This includes a new front bumper treatment, new side mirrors, LED daylights, quad exhaust pipes and cross-drilled brakes

Mercedes SLK V58K by Vath

Often times in their quest to transform a production car from stock, tuning companies end up overdoing it and produce cars that are just expensively ugly. There are times however when an example or two come away from a tuner without the appearance of trying too hard. One such example is the Väth V58K, an extreme interpretation of the Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG.

The German tuners deemed the 5.4-liter naturally aspirated engine found in the SLK 55 AMG to be insufficient for their needs. So they increased displacement to 5.8-liters and added a supercharger raising power from 360hp (269kW) to 560hp (421kW) and raising torque from 377lb-ft (510Nm) to 569lb-ft (770Nm). All this added power is enough to enable the car to sprint from 0-60 MPH (0-100km/h) in around 4 seconds. Only one second behind the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, and down from the 4.9 seconds that it takes the stock SLK 55 AMG. The car is now capable of achieving a maximum speed of 186mph (300km/h) an improvement over the electronically limited 155 MPH that comes from the factory.

Ferrari recalls 1,900 F430 Spiders at risk of going up in flames

We’ve seen a number of cases of Ferrari supercars going up in flames over the past couple of years but usually these are one off occurrences and the reasons behind the fiery end usually goes by unreported. In the latest twist of the ongoing Ferrari fire saga, the Italian supercar manufacturer has decided to issue a recall on its F430 Spider model.

According to Ferrari, the fire hazard involves the hydraulic hoses for the convertible roof. These hoses are located inside of the engine compartment and are susceptible to hair-line cracks from excessive engine heat. A fire can result from the hydraulic fluid leaking on the engine and combusting.

The recall is targeting 2005 to 2007 model year F430 Spiders, affecting more than 1,950 cars. The recall is being conducted together with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and will require owners to take their cars to dealers to receive a modification for the engine bay. The service will be performance free of charge and currently available for F430 Spider owners.

No other models have been announced as part of the recall, which means the latest Scuderia Spider 16M model is likely to be unaffected.

White House: GM, Chrysler to get another $7 billion today

Detroit's carmakers are due to submit their latest viability plans to the government later today, but already a White House source has leaked that General Motors and Chrysler will both be getting new loan funds. GM's $4 billion loan and Chrysler's $3 billion will bring the total amount handed out so far to $20.4 billion, $3 billion more than the $17.4 billion approved by Former President Bush last year.

GM already received $9.4 billion in two payments since December, with Chrysler receiving just one payment of $4 billion. The new loan funds, leaked to the AP by an anonymous White House official, are still only seen as temporary bandages, not adequate to stanch the bleeding at either company.

For its part, GM is cutting costs even further with $1 billion to be trimmed from its labor budget, reports Automotive News. The labor cuts are expected to be revealed in the viability plan filed at 4 p.m. EST. The savings are thought to come from more plant closings and job cuts.

The plans submitted later today are also expected to detail exactly how GM and Chrysler will repay their loans over the coming years.

Nissan to release compact electric car in U.S. by late 2010

romises about electric vehicles are a dime a dozen, and so far no one - not even Tesla - has managed to deliver a real daily-driving production car in volume. That's not stopping Nissan's product planning director Mark Perry from confirming a 2010 U.S. launch for a five-seat electric car.


Not even the terrible economy has put a damper on the plans - in part because Nissan is pitching the EV as a way to save cash. Between maintenance costs that Perry told the Chattanooga Free Times Press will be $1,350 lower annually and a $7,500 tax credit that the car will be eligible for, the $28,000-$30,000 EV could be a way to stretch budgets.

To get the cars on the road Nissan is working with its several planned launch locations to help build a charging network. That network is there to help combat what Perry calls "range anxiety", though with the 100mi (160km) range expected of the car, city drivers shouldn't be too worried about not making it home on a charge.

Nissan hasn't released any details on the car, but piecing together claims made over the last several years, we expect the car to feature a leased battery pack to help keep initial prices down and make replacement easier. Fragments of the plan were revealed last November when launch markets in Sonoma, CA and Portland, WA revealed their involvement. Chattanooga, TN is also one of the launch locations since it's the company's U.S. HQ.

The Mixim electric concept, pictured, was shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and could preview the general design direction of the EV. Styling cues that at the time looked somewhat out of place in Nissan's line now echo the 370Z and GT-R as well as the Denki Cube concept EV, though the tiny size of the Mixim is likely a bit smaller than the production EV's footprint. The Denki Cube itself isn't expected to be the basis for the production vehicle, in part since the conventional gasoline-powered Cube has now been introduced to the U.S. market.

The NuVu concept is a mobile testbed for the EV's underlying technology, however. For more details on that car, read our original story here.

Gallery: Nissan Denki Cube EV Concept

Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe

One of the hottest cars set to grace the stands at next month’s Geneva Motor Show has been revealed today in the form of the all-new 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe. The svelte two-door is the hotly anticipated replacement for the aging CLK Coupe, which has been falling behind against newer competition such as the Audi A5 and E92 BMW 3-series Coupe, and on initial inspection it looks like the latest E-Class Coupe has the competition nailed in the styling department.

The Coupe’s styling is based heavily on the new 2010 E-Class Sedan, unveiled at last month’s Detroit Auto Show, and it shares most of its engines and its interior with the four-door as well. Thankfully, the new E-Class Coupe also retains the pillar-less glasshouse design and fully retractable side windows of the previous generation CLK.


Coupe interior has been lifted straight out of the recently revealed E-Class Sedan
At the same time the most aerodynamic variant of these achieves an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.24Cd – a figure that is comparable with cars like the Toyota Prius and upcoming Chevrolet Volt.

The range of engines available for the new E-Class Coupe comprises four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 150kW/200hp to 285kW/382hp - the top end model being the E500/550. Expect to see an AMG version, however, debut with at least 500hp (373kW) later in the year. The four-cylinder engines are newly developed direct-injection units, which develop a higher output and torque than the comparable V6-engines of the preceding series despite a smaller displacement.

Kicking off the lineup is the E250 CDI four-cylinder diesel, which has an output of 200hp (150kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm) of torque. It is the most fuel-efficient engine in the lineup and is rated at 44mpg (5.3L/100km). This is joined by a 200hp (150kW) four-petrol with 229lb-ft (310Nm) of torque.

Moving up the ladder is the E350 CDI, which sports a 228hp (170kW) and 398lb-ft (540Nm) V6 diesel, and a E350 CGI petrol V6 with 288hp (215kW) and 270lb-ft (365Nm) of torque. Finally, there is the E500/550 flagship with a 5.5L petrol V8 churning out 382hp (285kW) and 390lb-ft (530Nm) of torque.

Also fitted to the E-Class Coupe is Mercedes’ Agility Control active suspension set-up. This automatically adjusts the firmness of the suspension given the driving conditions and works together with a user-controllable selective damper setting called Dynamic Driving. Other technologies include drowsiness detection warning systems, a pop-up bonnet, road sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive self-dimming headlights.

Inside, the car picks up newly developed sport seats with electric adjustment for seat height and backrest angle as standard. In conjunction with electric seat adjustment with memory (an optional extra), the front seats are also equipped with electro-pneumatically adjustable four-way lumbar supports. For the rear seats, Mercedes has included a folding function to increase storage.

The new E-Class Coupe will first hit European showrooms this May and should be on sale in the U.S. by the third-quarter of the year. Expect pricing and availability details to be revealed following the car’s debut at the upcoming Geneva event.

NAIAS 2009 The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class

With the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the pacemaker when it comes to safety, comfort and environmental compatibility in this market segment. With more than 20 new or further technical developments, this saloon further consolidates the leading position of Mercedes-Benz in the luxury class. They include trailblazing innovations for safe driving that are available from no other manufacturer worldwide in this combination. Examples include the standard Attention Assist, Adaptive Main Beam Assist and automatic emergency braking, which is activated when there is acute danger of a collision.

Mercedes-Benz has improved the already exemplary long-distance comfort of the E-Class even further in the new saloon, including intelligent bodyshell technology with up to 30 percent greater rigidity, further improved seats and a newly developed suspension whose shock absorbers automatically adjust to the current driving situation. The optional air suspension now works together with an electronic damping system.

The outstanding safety and comfort of the E-Class are matched by its environmental compatibility and economy: the four- and six-cylinder engines are direct-injection units, and consume up to 23 percent less fuel than before. The combined NEDC consumption of the new four-cylinder diesel engines is just 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre. All the engines for the new E-Cass meet the EU5 emission standard, and in the case of the E 350 BlueTEC the emissions are already below the EU6 limits planned for 2014 .

Apart from the engines, the BlueEFFICIENCY package for the E-Class is in large part responsible for a considerable fuel saving. Engineers from every development department have worked together to optimise assemblies and components, to save fuel by means of reduced weight, a new form, improved functioning or efficient energy management.

The work done in the wind tunnel was particularly successful, for with a drag coefficient of only 0.25, the new E-Class is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient luxury saloon. It betters the already good Cd figure of the preceding model by another four percent, which represents a fuel saving of around 0.25 litres per 100 kilometres when driving at a motorway speed of 130 km/h. The aerodynamics are for example improved by variable fan louvres, which control the airflow to the engine compartment in line with requirements.

Other BlueEFFICIENCY measures include newly developed tyres with up to 17 percent lower rolling resistance, energy-saving control of the generator, fuel pump, air conditioning compressor and power steering, and the ECO start/stop functionwhich switches the engine of the new E 200 CGIoff when idling. Displays in the speedometer inform the driver how much fuel is being consumed (per 100 kilometres), and when he should shift to the next higher gear in the interests of an economical and environmentally conscious style of driving.

The range of engines available for the new E-Class comprises four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 100 kW/136 hp to 386 kW/525 hp. The four-cylinder engines are newly developed direct-injection units, which develop a higher output and torque than the comparable V6-engines of the preceding series despite a smaller displacement. The strategy is to replace to replace large, naturally aspirated engines with turbocharged units which excel with advantages such as lower weight, reduced internal friction and more economical operating characteristics.

Engines: new CDI-four-cylinder units with a fuel consumption of just 5.3 litres and 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre

With three completely newly developed four-cylinder engines, the E-Class also remains one generation ahead where diesel technology is concerned. These engines feature latest-generation common-rail direct injection, fast piezo-electric injectors, improved exhaust gas recirculation and an innovative twin turbocharger, making for fast responsiveness and good performance characteristics. To express this in figures, the E 250 CDI with 150 kW/204 hp and 500 newton metres develops a 25 percent higher torque than the previous V6 diesel engine, but uses around 23 percent less fuel at only 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption). This corresponds to 139 grams of CO2per kilometre.

The new four-cylinder diesel engine also powers the E 220 CDI with 125 kW/ 170 hp and the E 200 CDI with 100 kW/136 hp, also with a fuel consumption of only 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The top model in the new E-Class diesel range is the six-cylinder E 350 CDI with an output of 170 kW/231 hp, which uses 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres less fuel than the previous E 320 CDI. From autumn 2009 the V6 diesel will also be available as a BlueTEC model with the world’s best emission control technology. The E 350 BlueTEC develops 155 kW/211 hp and meets the EU6 exhaust emission standards planned for 2014. All the other engine variants in the new E-Class meet the EU5 limits.

Petrol engines: 20 percent fuel saving thanks to direct injection

The E 200 CGIand E 250 CGIare equipped with the newly developed four-cylinder direct-injection engine with a displacement of 1.8 litres, turbocharging and variable intake and exhaust camshafts. The E 200 CGI(135 kW/184 hp) is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and the ECOstart/stop function as standard, and consumes only 6.8 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption, provisional figure). This equates to 159 grams of CO2per kilometre.

In the E 250 CGI(150 kW/204 hp), which has a five-speed automatic transmission as standard, maximum torque is now 310 newton metres, which represents an increase of more than 26 percent over the previous V6-engine. At the same time the NEDC fuel consumption is reduced by over 20 percent to 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres, equating to 175 grams of CO2per kilometre (provisional figures).

As before, the E 350 CGI with direct petrol injection (215 kW/292 hp) and the top-of-the-line E 500 (285 kW/388 hp) are included in the range of engine variants in the new E-Class. Detailed improvements have reduced the fuel consumption of these V6/V8 models by up to 0.6 litres per 100 kilometres. As a product from Mercedes-AMG, the new high-performance E 63 AMG develops 386 kW/525 hp.

The V6 and V8-models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and steering wheel selector lever as standard.

On request the V6 models E 350 CDIand E 350, as well as the eight-cylinder E 500, are available with latest-generation Mercedes all-wheel drive. This system distinguishes itself from previous all-wheel drive technology with greater efficiency, lower weight and more compact construction. These advantages produce noticeably better traction and fuel savings.

Safety: ”Intelligent” partner thanks to unique combination of assistance and protection systems

For more than 50 years, the saloons in the E-Class and their predecessors have been acknowledged as trendsetters in the safety field. The new saloon continues this tradition with an unrivalled combination of the very latest assistance and protection system whose concept and development are based on what actually happens during accidents. These technologies make the E-Class an "intelligent partner"who can see, feel, react reflexively in critical situations and if necessary act independently to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences. With this concept the new Mercedes model not only protects its own occupants, but also contributes decisively to the greater safety of other road users.

The new E-Class is the first automobile in the world whose headlamps adapt to the traffic situation and respond automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers. The optional Adaptive Main Beam Assist uses a camera on the windscreen to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles moving ahead, and controls the headlamps so that their beams do not reach the other vehicle. This achieves the best possible road illumination in a given situation. The range of the dipped headlamp beams can be extended from 65 to up to 300 metres. If the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam.

Mercedes-Benz offers this new system as a light & sight package that includes bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime driving lights.

The Lane Safety package for the new E-Class includes Blind Spot Assist familiar from the S-Class, and as a new development, Lane Keeping Assist which seeks to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road unintentionally. When the system recognises that the car is drifting from its lane, the driver is prompted to take countersteering action by brief but unmistakable vibrations of the steering wheel. The images from the windscreen camera are also used by the new, optionally available Speed Limit Assist , which recognises speed limit signs as the car passes them, then displays the relevant speed limit in the speedometer.

Night View Assist from the S-Class is now also available as an optional extra for the new E-Class. Mercedes-Benz has improved this system with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as Night View Assist Plus recognises pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted in the onboard display to provide a greatly enhanced warning effect.

Detection of drowsiness based on 70 parameters as standard

Thanks to an innovative technology, the new E-Class has developed a highly sensitive means of monitoring its driver’s attention level, and warns him of drowsiness in good time. This new ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, which is standard equipment, is equipped with highly sensitive sensors that continuously monitor more than 70 different parameters. Observing the driver’s steering behaviour has proved to be a particularly strong indicator: several years of practical research by Mercedes engineers have shown that drowsy drivers make minor steering errors that can often be rapidly corrected in characteristic ways. These corrections are recognised by a highly sensitive steering angle sensor.

Automatic emergency braking when a collision is imminent

The well-proven, radar based assistance systems from the S-Class are now also optionally available to E-Class customers. A further development of the long-range radar sensor now has a range of 200 metres (previously 150 metres), and is able to monitor the mid-distance so that dynamic events such as a vehicle ahead suddenly pulling out to overtake can be detected even more effectively. The two wide-angle short-range radar sensors, which have a range of around 30 metres, continue to be included in the system.

The radar-supported systems are able to assist the driver with emergency braking. Their sensors are linked to the Brake Assist PLUS system, which automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situations. The driver is given an acoustic and visual warning at the same time. When the brake pedal is depressed, the system immediately activates the calculated level of braking assistance.

If the driver fails to respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates partial braking action. As a second stage, if there is still no driver response and a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated. This can considerably lessen the severity of an accident, i.e. the system acts as something like an "electronic crumple zone".

Active bonnet, seven airbags and PRE-SAFE® as standard

During the course of its development, the new E-Class was subjected to more than 150 high-speed crash tests and a total of more than 17,000 realistic crash simulations. The crumple zone principle invented by the Mercedes safety pioneer Bela Barenyi has been continuously improved by the engineers in Sindelfingen. The front-end deformation zone of the E-Class acts on four independent levels, and is even more effective than before. The increased use of highest-strength steel alloys also helps to ensure that the bodyshell is able to withstand high impact forces. Around 72 percent of all the body panels are made from these high-tech steels – yet another unrivalled figure in passenger car development.

With seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash-responsive head restraints and ISOFIX child seat attachments, the new E-Class has even more extensive safety features than the preceding model. Another new feature is the active bonnet, which is a continuation of many years of commitment to pedestrian protection on the part of Mercedes-Benz. It is standard equipment in the new E-Class. In the event of an impact, a system of springs raises the rear section of the bonnet by 50 millimetres within fractions of a second, thereby increasing the available deformation space. Thanks to the cleverly conceived mechanism, the driver is able to reset the active bonnet to its normal position himself, without visiting a workshop.

Another standard feature is the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. In potentially hazardous situations this reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, so that the seat belts and airbags are able to fulfil their protective function to the full during an impact.

Comfort: Further progresses with adaptive shock absorbers and improved air suspension

As in the safety field, the E-Class has been setting the standards for long-distance comfort in this vehicle class for several decades. Bettering the already high level of the preceding series, Mercedes engineers have achieved further advances with the new saloon – especially where ride, seating and climatic comfort are concerned.

Standard equipment includes a further improved suspension with adaptive shock absorbers. These automatically adapt to the current driving situation by reducing the damping forces when driving normally, thereby noticeably improving ride comfort. When taking bends at speed or during rapid evasive action, the system switches to the maximum damping effect so that the saloon is stabilised to best effect.

A version with dynamic damping characteristics and a lowered suspension is available as an optional alternative to the standard suspension (standard for the AVANTGARDE line).

The air suspension system optionally available for the V6 models (standard in the E 500/E 500 4MATIC) has for the first time been combined with an electronically controlled damping system, which processes various sensor signals and controls each wheel independently. In this way Mercedes specialists have achieved significantly better ride comfort while improving handling safety and agility at the same time. The driver is able to select either comfort or sport mode at the touch of a button.

Well-proven seat technology with a new design

Where seat development is concerned, Mercedes-Benz had added a new quality to a well established Mercedes concept, namely padded seat piping – a sophisticated and demanding upholstery technique that is only used by Mercedes-Benz. This involves the insertion of an additional foam filling under the fabric or leather cover, and gives an immediate feeling of comfort and wellbeing when sitting in the car. There are different versions of this padded seat piping: in the basic model and AVANTGARDE line the upholstery is transversely contoured, while the ELEGANCE line has longitudinal piping and is reminiscent of the well-known and highly effective Mercedes seat design from the 1960s and 70s.

Active multicontour seats with massage function from the S-Class

The active multicontour seat package (optional) includes newly developed multicontour seats with comfort head restraints and a two-stage massage function in the backrest that has proven highly successful in the S-Class. Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed, fast-acting piezo-electric valves on the air chambers in the backrests vary their pressure and volume to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support.

On request the E-Class is also available with a rear seat unit consisting of two comfortable, single seats. This rear-seat comfort package includes seat heating, leather upholstery, a centre console, comfort head restraints, roller blinds in the rear doors, an electrically operated roller blind for the rear window, comfort sun visors and a through-loading facility to the boot.

Individual climatisation modes at the touch of a button

Mercedes-Benz has developed a climate control system for the E-Class which not only allows individual temperatures to be set in three zones – for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers – but also offers different "climatisation modes". If this optional THERMOTRONIC system is specified, the occupants of the new E?Class are able to select "Diffuse", "Medium" or "Focus" at the touch of a button, and adapt the air volume and distribution to their personal preferences without sacrificing the convenience of automatic mode. In standard trim the new E-Class is equipped with the two-zone THERMATIC automatic climate control system.

Design: Distinctive lines flow as an expression of effortless grace and status

In 1995 the E-Class was the first Mercedes model to appear with the highly acclaimed twin-headlamp face – a highly symbolic design feature that still characterises the identity of the E-Class. Nonetheless, the design idiom has remained fluent even for this characteristic styling feature, and has been adapted to suit the self-assured, masculine overall appearance of the saloon. The designers have now reinterpreted these four "eyes" as rectangles, with a direct reference to the interesting geometrical shapes found in cubism. They have the effect of precious gems that have been precisely set into the wings. In the same way, the radiator grille with its three-dimensional chromed surround, dynamic arrow-shape and more upright position underlines the status of the car as the epitome of a business saloon.

A sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces is one of the hallmarks of today’s Mercedes design. Large concave or convex surface areas are structured by taut, clearly defined lines. This design concept has been perfected down to the last detail in the new E-Class. The flank contours become connecting features that influence the entire body design, i.e. not just the side aspects but also the front and rear-end styling.

At the rear this harmonious flow culminates in a new feature, namely a graceful line that follows the rear wheel arches and lends a clear shape to the imposing, muscular contours of the rear wings. Here Mercedes aficionados will recognise styling features reminiscent of the famous "Ponton Mercedes" introduced in 1953, which already emphasised its sovereign character with these striking

contours at the time -- a symbolic feature, and at the same time a hallmark of the E-Class that well illustrates how tradition is made to harmonise with the future in this model series.

With typical Mercedes attention to detail, the designers have also given great attention to the interior of the new E-Class, ensuring that every feature appeals in both emotional and functional terms with its form, colour or material. The result is a harmonious whole – an atmosphere in which the car’s occupants immediately feel safe and protected, and long journeys can be taken without any feeling of effort or stress. In short: Typically E-Class, welcome home.

Model range: High level of standard appointments and individual variants

Individuality and variety have always been two of the outstanding attributes of the E-Class. The new saloon not only provides Mercedes customers with a choice of ten engines and three suspension variants, but also two design and equipment lines, 12 wheel/tyre combinations in 16, 17, 18 or 19-inch size, twelve exterior paint finishes and six different seat upholstery materials in up to five colour combinations to suit their individual preferences. The choice of interior trim has been doubled versus the preceding series, with the range now including high-gloss exotic wood, open-pored wood and aluminium trim.

Standard specifications already include 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a nine-spoke design, eucalyptus or embossed aluminium trim (optional) and a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel lined in fine nappa leather with chrome inserts. Also included in the standard equipment is the Audio 20 CD infotainment system with a twin receiver, CD-player, eight loudspeakers and a Bluetooth interface for a mobile phone. The colour display in the centre of the dashboard can be operated by the driver or front passenger, using the Controller on the centre console.

The individualisation programme for the E-Class is based on two design and equipment lines. The ELEGANCE line lives up to its name with a decidedly elegant, classic appearance. This is in part due to additional features such as a chrome-plated radiator grille with four silver-painted louvres, 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a ten twin-spoke design, burr walnut trim and stylish ambient lighting with fibre optics that frame the dashboard and door panels.

In contrast the AVANTGARDE line shows the E-Class in a decidedly modern and innovative light. This is ensured by additional standard features such as bi-xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime driving lights, LED technology for all the rear lights, 17-inch light-alloy wheels in a five twin-spoke design, a special, lowered suspension setup, ambient lighting and the instrument cluster in a sporty tubular design. This model variant is also distinguishable by its different bumper design and a chrome-plated radiator grille with three glossy, black louvres.

Equipment packages: extras for the discerning customer

In addition to the design and equipment lines, the AMGsports package and the Exclusive package offer more scope for equipping the new E-Class to personal taste. These packages contain high-quality features that are mostly not available in isolation.

In the AMG sports packagethey include bumpers and side skirts in an AMGdesign, sport seats with enhanced lateral support, contrasting decorative seams in the seats and armrests, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with shift paddles, a black roof lining, a lowered sports suspension , perforated disc brakes with the Mercedes logo and 18-inch light-alloy wheels in an AMGdesign.

The Exclusive package includes a wood/leather steering wheel, the roof lining, pillar claddings and sun visors in Alcantara, the seat upholstery, armrest and door panels in nappa leather, an attractively lined dashboard with decorative seams and velours floor mats.

Market position: With ten million models since 60 years the world’s most successful business saloon

The new E-Class saloon is the successor to a Mercedes model that has been successful throughout the world, and of which more than 1.3 million examples have been sold since 2002. In Germany more than 40 percent of all saloons in this market segment have an "E" in their model plate, and in many western European countries this Mercedes model series is the number one in the luxury class.Since 1947, when the Model 170 V was introduced as the direct ancestor to the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has produced more than ten million saloons belonging to this series. This makes the E-Class easily the world’s most successful business saloon.

The new E-Class will appear in the showrooms of the European Mercedes sales and service outlets and dealerships in March 2009.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wallpaper

1600x1074

1600x1074

1600x1074

Porsche upgrades factory racing 911 GT3 RSR

Porsche has updated one of its three factory racing 911s, the GT3 RSR, for the new model year with a number of enhancements designed to ensure it continues a successful GT2 series run.

On the outside Porsche made significant changes to the bodywork to ensure the GT3 RSR is more aerodynamic and has more even downforce front and rear. The changes include new air outlet slots to allow for an optional air-conditioning system and more adjustment on the rear wing to modify the handling for the conditions. Also improved is a “weight optimised” brake system and the installation of lighter wiring harness compared to the previous model.

Underneath the hood are more improvements, with the legendary six-cylinder Porsche boxer engine getting a capacity upgrade from 3.8 to 4.0L. Due to a reduction in the size of air restrictors for the 2009 season, the new RSR produces 450hp (compared to 465hp for last year’s model) and a maximum torque of 430Nm. Despite the lower horsepower figures, Porsche claims the 2009 model is easier to drive because the engine produces a higher output at lower rev levels throughout the range and a better torque curve.

Inside the racing cockpit is a new display that tells drivers when the best time is to change gears. Although Porsche did not go in to specifics about this, it looks similar to the system used in the Ferrari F430 and 599GTB supercars. As you can see from this gallery picture, the interior is completely stripped bare compared to a standard 911 and comes with the usual assortment of race-specific buttons.

The cost for a racing 911 is mind-boggling when compared to a standard 911. The RSR, for example, costs €380,000, which is around US$500,000 at today’s exchange rates, well above the price of a 911 GT2 at $200,000.

2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Wallpaper

Ferrari-Hayabusa trike

A Suzuki Hayabusa, first converted into a trike and then painted in Ferrari F1 racing colours? Well, yeah, why not. Created by Trike Japan, this Ferrari-Hayabusa looks pretty cool to us. And according to the details available on its official website, the trike weighs 520kg, retains the stock Hayabusa engine (1,340cc inline-four that makes 196bhp@9,800rpm) and will seat two people. Prices are not mentioned, though we suppose this three-wheeled wonder may be a bit less expensive than a new California Coupe…

A Ferrari-Hayabusa three-wheeler? Well, at least it looks pretty cool...

GMI launches automatic variant of the Chevrolet Captiva SUV

eneral Motors India has launched a new variant of its SUV, the Chevrolet Captiva. The vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox and is priced at Rs 20.30 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. With its 150bhp, 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine and automatic all-wheel-drive (AWD), the new Captiva will take on SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Ford Endeavour and the Mitsubishi Outlander. GMI sold around 2,500 units of the Captiva last year and hopes to better than number in 2009.

The Chevrolet Captiva is now available with automatic transmission

On a greener note, GMI is also preparing to launch more LPG / CNG powered variants of some of its vehicles, the first of which is expected to be out in the market in the first half of this year.

Honda Insight Hybrid More details revealed

Honda has released more details on the Insight Hybrid, a five-door family hatchback that looks all set to take on the Toyota Prius on its own turf. Fitted with Honda’s petrol-electric Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, the Insight is supposed to be one of the most affordable hybrids on the market, with low emissions and great fuel economy in real world driving conditions. The Honda Insight 1.3 IMA SE also proves that hybrids don’t have to be dull. With 87bhp from its 1.3-litre petrol engine and 14bhp from its electric motor, and 121Nm of torque from the engine and 79Nm of torque from the electric motor, the Insight is certainly not short on motive power. Fitted with a very efficient CVT transmission, the car will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180km/h.

The all-new Honda Insight Hybrid. For the first time ever, the Toyota Prius is going to have some serious competition to deal with...!

Honda has not released pricing details for the new Insight, but the car is expected to be at least 20% cheaper than the Prius, prices for which start at the equivalent of about Rs 14.5 lakh in Europe. Official prices will be announced in April this year, when the car goes on sale.

Honda aims to sell around 200,000 units of the Insight globally, per year. Along with the new Jazz Hybrid, Civic Hybrid and a sporty new hybrid based on the CR-Z, Honda is targeting sales of up to 500,000 hybrids globally, per year.

To begin with, the Insight will be produced at Honda’s factory in Suzuka, in Japan. Technologically, it will be significantly more advanced than, say, the Honda Civic Hybrid, which was also sold in India last year. The Insight will have cutting edge technologies like Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which will automatically sense the amount of power/torque needed in any given driving situation, and will switch off the petrol engine when it’s not needed, running the car on electric power alone.

The Insight’s electric motor will be powered by a new-generation nickel-metal hydride battery, which has been optimised for power delivery and reduced charging time. The car also comes with Eco Assist and has a super economy driving mode, both of which help a driver get the best fuel efficiency from the car.

There’s an almost endless list of safety features which Honda has fitted to the Insight, but we won’t get into that. You know most of those anyway – anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, fancy seatbelts and a dozen airbags. No, what this car is all about is being on the cutting edge of affordable green technology, and that’s where the Insight Hybrid will excel.

We expect Honda to offer a limited number of Insight Hybrids in the Indian market, perhaps priced at around Rs 18-20 lakh. If it is indeed launched here, the Insight should be a very big hit for Honda. Stay tuned for news on this one!

2010 Jaguar XFR

Manufacturer Technical Specifications

General
Country Of Origin		England
Year Of Introduction		2010
Base Price When New		£59,900
Miles Per Gallon		N.A
Body Type		Coupe
Curb Weight		N.A
Powertrain Layout		N.A
Transmission		N.A
Engine
Configuration		AJ-V8 Gen III Supercharged
Displacement		5.0 liters
Power		510 bhp
Torque		461 lb-ft. (625 Nm)
BHP / Liter		N.A
BHP / Weight		N.A
Redline		N.A
Performance
Top Speed		155 mph
0 - 62 mph		4.7 seconds
0 - 100 mph		N.A
0 - 250 mile		N.A
Front Brakes		N.A
Front Brake Size		N.A
Rear Brake Size		N.A

JAGUAR REVEALS NEW XKR AND XFR AT DETROIT AUTO SHOW 2009

Jaguar has revealed the new XKR and XFR at the Detroit Auto Show 2009 – two cars that are true to the heritage of Jaguar's legendary performance, delivering a superb balance of high performance, dynamic ability and refinement.

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars said: "We've started 2009 with the introduction of advanced new generation petrol and diesel engines that set new benchmarks in terms of performance, economy and efficiency, including a new diesel for the XF that offers a marked improvement in CO2 and fuel economy. Our cars meet the challenges of the modern world and the needs of today's consumers – and they're also true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating beautiful fast cars."

XF and XFR 2010 MY

The XF has already secured 'Car of the Year' awards from two major UK automotive magazines and more than 30 other commendations worldwide, so the new XFR, a new high performance diesel and a host of changes for the 2010 Model Year, including the launch of the new luxurious 'Portfolio' model, will make the XF an even more attractive proposition.

Featuring all-new AJ-V8 Gen III petrol engines and new AJ-V6D Gen III diesel engines, the XF now delivers more power and more performance with comparable or better fuel economy and emissions than the engines they supersede.

The XFR is powered by the all-new supercharged 510PS (510bhp SAE) V8 with acceleration from 0-60mph in just 4.7 seconds making it the ultimate Jaguar sport saloon. A naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, producing 385PS, powers other V8 XF models.

Distinguished by unique exterior and interior design features, the XFR includes revised bumpers and lower front air intakes, sill extensions, bonnet louvres and grilles, four tailpipes, a boot-lid spoiler, unique seats and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The new XF 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesel features a twin sequential turbocharged engine available as the 275PS/600Nm S or a 240PS/500Nm version. Both offer exceptional efficiency and refinement and in the case of the Diesel S accelerates from 0-60 in just 5.9 seconds.

With 275PS, the new XF 3.0-litre diesel S is 33 percent more powerful than the acclaimed 2.7-litre TDV6 it replaces. Torque peaks at a substantial 600Nm, with 61 percent more torque available from 1500rpm.

Every new engine for the XF range has highly competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures. Both diesel versions deliver combined average fuel consumption of 42.0mpg – an improvement on the acclaimed 2.7-litre engine of nearly 12 percent – and a CO2 of 179g/km.

In the UK, pricing of the new XF range starts at £32,900 for the 3.0-litre petrol. The 3.0-litre diesel model is available from £33,900 while the new 3.0-litre Diesel S starts at £36,900. The XFR is priced at £59,900.* These models are available from late March.
XK and XKR 2010 MY

The new generation of XK and XKR coupe and convertibles, with all-new V8 engines, deliver more power and performance with greater efficiency for 2010 Model Year. With interior enhancements, advanced lightweight aluminium body structure and a wider range of models, plus the new luxurious 'Portfolio' model, the new XK and XKR build on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.

The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines are the most advanced and efficient petrol engines Jaguar has ever produced.

The XKR features a 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 510PS (510bhp, SAE), 625Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The XK features a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 385PS (385bhp SAE), 515Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Both models have improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions which meet the forthcoming EU5 emissions legislation.
Exterior changes for the XK and XKR include a distinctive and purposeful new front end design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. Inside the cabin, both the XK and XKR feature the exciting, user-friendly JaguarDrive Selector™ that was first seen on the XF to further enhance the XK's luxury sporting character.

There are now three models in the range: XK, XK Portfolio and XKR. The XK is priced from £59,900 for the coupe and £65,900 for the convertible and the XKR starts from £72,400 for the coupe and £78,400 for the convertible.** These models are available from late March.

2010 Jaguar XFR Wallpaper Gallery