Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey

Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG Convertible - Click above for a high-res gallery

With the Frankfurt Motor Show right around the corner, Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on its 565-hp, 6.3-liter AMG SLC supercar. A North American media event is likely scheduled for next month, and lo-and-behold, when we stepped out of the Intercontinental Hotel in Monterey, CA yesterday morning, four mildly camouflaged SLS prototypes were waiting outside.

According to one of our insiders, the M-B crew will be holding a press event in and around the Monterey peninsula (undoubtedly with track time at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca), and the engineers on hand were scouting roads and drive routes ahead of the September shindig.

Although we've seen countless spy shots of the SLS over the last year, this was our first opportunity to see Merc's newest supercar up close, along with the upcoming convertible variant that's likely to be revealed along with the coupe in Germany, or shortly thereafter.

In person, the SLS' dimensions are nearly perfect, with its elongated hood and squat rear end coming off as far more subdued that its McMerc predecessor. Two things to note in the gallery below: first, the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there's no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS' strong beltline. Secondly, the convertible variant features a cloth top, although the vinyl camo appears to have a non-functioning zipper that follows the line of the gullwing coupe's doors. We're assuming the camouflage was just adapted to fit the convertible or perhaps it was a bit of visual trickery employed to throw off would-be spy photogs, but it still struck us as strange. Regardless, enjoy the images below and check out the massive carbon ceramic brakes complete with gold Brembo calipers.

Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern

2009 Toyota Matrix -Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has begun working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 95,700 vehicles with a brake issue that could lead to poor stopping at low temperatures. The recall involves 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models and 2008-2009 Scion xD models with the 1.8-liter engine, and only customers in 19 cold weather states are eligible for the recall.

Toyota says the problem may arise when condensed moisture from the positive crankcase ventilation port seeps into the brake system vacuum port and freezes. As ice accumulates, the brake vacuum port could plug up and "power assist to the brakes would gradually decrease and lead to lengthened vehicle stopping distances." That doesn't sound good. Owners of affected vehicles will soon receive a notice from Toyota, followed by instructions to take the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for no-cost repairs. Dealer technicians will install a newly designed intake air connector that relocates the brake system vacuum port, a one-hour procedure.

While it's definitely a good thing that Toyota caught this issue as soon as it did, we have a bit of an issue with the fact that the recall is only for cold weather states. It's not like a Corolla or Matrix can't cross state lines during winter, and nobody deserves to be met with brakesicles when they try to stop. Hit the jump to pour over Toyota's press release.

Edmunds praises Volvo XC60, pans Cadillac SRX in new entry-lux CUV comparo

2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo's new XC60 sits at the top of the pack when it battles head-to-head against the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK350, and Cadillac SRX, says Edmunds in its latest four-way comparison. The entrants, each new members of the expanding Compact Luxury Crossover segment, were all selected for the battle based on size and their less-than-$40,000 starting prices. Veterans such as the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Infiniti EX35 were left home as they aren't rookies to the field.

With a resolutely last place finish, the Cadillac SRX was clobbered over its outward visibility, weight, lack of overall space (despite being the largest of the bunch), and cramped second-row seating. The fact that the Edmund's test car was a base FWD model didn't help either.

Tied for second place were the GLK350 and Q5, both praised for their power, ride, and handling. The Mercedes came up short in overall utility, while the Audi took some hits for its electric power steering.

According to the testers, the XC60 "won by a hair" thanks to its generous cargo capacity, second-row comfort, and "safety features galore." While the Swede offered plenty of power, it suffered from poor fuel economy and less-than-satisfying handling. So, how did a not-fun-to-drive Volvo CUV climb to the top of the comparison (one that Edmunds says, "none of our editors would personally choose")? You'll have to read their story to find out.

Hughes Telematics and Chrysler relationship looks to be over

Back in 2008 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, we got to spend some time in a Jeep Grand Cherokee outfitted with a bunch of technogoodies from Hughes Telematics. And again at this year's CES, Hughes let us play with even cooler stuff in a Dodge Journey. They bragged of downloadable apps for your Chrysler-branded vehicle and super-cool, futuristic travel guides from your in-dash nav system. Stuff that might convince someone to actually purchase a Journey.

But, alas, since then, Chrysler went bankrupt and it seems the company's relationship with Hughes soured. In an official statement Hughes tells Autoblog:

New Chrysler introduced additional business terms that were not part of either the prior business discussions or the original arrangement. As a result, we reached an impasse in the negotiations and are ceasing our work with new Chrysler to deploy our hardware and launch our services with them in the fourth quarter of 2009, as was previously planned.

That's okay, Hughes says, because they still have Mercedes-Benz as a customer, and they don't need Chrysler anymore. We're not financial experts by any means, but as we stumbled through the SEC report, it was obvious Hughes had invested a lot of time, money and emotions into making things work with Chrysler and that it might take a while to get over losing the bond they once cherished.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CL Class Overview

An understated exterior may be a disappointment to some, but the interior of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is sure to impress.

According to Edmunds, minimal external differences separate the different CL models other than the AMG versions that come with "unique exterior enhancements" and "20-inch wheels.” Otherwise, they share a "sporty" appearance highlighted by a roofline that "sweeps smoothly from windshield to rear window without the interruption of a B-pillar." Cars.com calls that roofline "one of the CL550's best attributes" and goes on to say that "in the world of high-dollar coupes, the CL550's styling is rather restrained," though "its long profile, low-slung stance and big three-pointed star on the grille say 'I'm expensive.'"

Reviewers at ForbesAutos comment that this 2009 Mercedes-Benz "looks shapely from some angles," but it also "appears a bit fussed-over from other angles," and overall, it simply "didn't provoke public swooning in the manner of the BMW M6 or Jaguar XKR." Kelley Blue Book calls it “neither showy nor obviously exotic.”

Kelley Blue Book praises the interior of this 2009 Mercedes-Benz, as do most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, for the luxury that "abounds door-to-door, floor-to-roof" and is enhanced by a "leather-trimmed aviation-style cockpit." ForbesAutos goes on to say that "nearly everything about the design" of the Mercedes-Benz 2009 CL-Class interior "announces that this is a genuine luxury article." ConsumerGuide mentions "most major controls are logically placed and easy to reach." Cars.com is impressed by the way that the "CL550's cabin manages to elegantly fuse modern technology with old-world sophistication," thanks to its "orange ambient lighting with classic burled walnut trim and a full-leather interior."

EDO competition tunes Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG

Experiencing this exceptional vehicle on the road even surpasses what it promises on paper. The latest generation of the AMG C-Class offers a perfect blend of unrivalled performance and expressive styling.

Remarkable comfort, sporty manners and long distance capability are not mutually exclusive qualities for this car.

Power in abundance and unbridled V8 goodness are provided by edo competition.

The verdict was unanimous: 457 horsepower and 600 Nm (442 ft-lb) are not enough. A newly developed high-performance exhaust system, exhaust headers, high-flow catalytic converters, new air filters and a recalibrated ECU (including top speed governor removal) boost these numbers to an impressive 555 horsepower and 680 Nm (501 ft-lb). As a matter of principle, all recalibrations done by edo competition are verified on the dynamometer to document the true power output.

The facts about the exceptional edo C 63: 6.3 liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine, 408 kW (555 hp), 680 Nm (501 ft-lb) of torque, 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds, top speed: 199 mph – there’s no better way to sum up the capabilities of the edo C 63!

The high-performance exhaust featuring butterfly valves is as aurally impressive as it is advanced, monitoring the exhaust backpressure in real-time. The accompanying controller is programmable and the integrated 70 mm exhaust flaps open at a predetermined level of backpressure. The advantage of this system is that it provides a good amount of torque at low revs without restricting the maximum power at the top end. The high-flow exhaust system is made from 100% stainless steel and the stock-like dual exhaust tips underscore the expressive styling.

To provide superior levels of grip, edo competition offers exclusive wheel/tire combinations. Using a new wheel design the C 63 was equipped with a set of ultra-lightweight 19 in. sport wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. Front: 235/35 19, Rear: 265/30 19

As with all edo competition models, we set no limit to our customers’ imaginations. Special interiors or lavish leather upholstery, individual requests are accommodated and executed with quality.

All modifications are carried out exclusively at edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen.

Video: 2012 Mercedes SLK Spy Video

The future Mercedes Benz SLK has been caught on video. Set to be revealed in 2012, the new SLK will feature the usual naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines, but also a turbo diesel engine. The AMG version will get a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 470hp.