While a Mercedes-Benz is known for being luxurious, fast and expensive, the German automaker wants to draw attention to the many safety features it currently offers as well as the ones it is developing. With the launch of the new E-Class, Mercedes introduced numerous new safety programs and now it has created an Experimental Safety Vehicle called the ESF 2009, based on the upcoming S400 Hybird.

Of the dozen new safety features on the ESF 2009, five are particularly worth noting. These include the: Pre-Safe Structure, the Braking Bag, Interactive Vehicle Communication, Pre-Safe Pulse and the Spotlight lighting function.

The Pre-Safe structure is a metal structure that fits inside the doors (or other places) and is unfolded by a blast of pressurized air in the case of an accident. This would not only protect passengers, but it would allow for more compact packaging of the vehicle.

The Braking Bag is easily the most interesting feature on the ESF 2009. This air bag-type balloon is deployed under the car in an emergency braking situation. It is coated in a high-friction surface, which helps to slow the car, while at the same time helping to keep it level. In fact, the bag actually raises the front of the car, compensating for the “dive” typically experienced during such extreme braking, and ensuring that if the car does it another vehicle, the impact will be at the bumper.

Additionally, the Interactive Vehicle Communication system will let the ESF 2009 communicate with other cars on the road, relaying information about poor weather conditions or objects on the road. The Pre-Safe Pulse system works by moving the torso of an individual forward by 50 mm (by moving the seatback) in an accident to reduce the impact-force by one-third. Finally, the ESF 2009′s Spotlight lighting function works with the Mercedes Night View Assist Plus to essentially put a spotlight on an object (such as a deer or pedestrian) that has run onto the road. Using specific LED lights it would bring to a driver’s attention something that would normally be outside the range of the headlights.

“Safety is a central element of the Mercedes-Benz brand. In this respect we have been setting the pace in the market for almost 70 years. For the benefit of our customers and for road users in general. The ESF 2009 shows that we still have plenty of ideas and the absolute will, to lead the automobile industry in this field even in future,” says Mercedes CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsch.

The ESF 2009 made its world-premiere today at the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) Conference in Stuttgart, Germany.

See a video of the Braking Bag in action below.

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Official release after the jump:

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So far Kia has had a lot of success with its trendy new Soul model, receiving plenty of positive feedback on the car.  The Korean automaker isn’t about to let the favorable public relations end there either, as it is poised to launch a new special edition of the compact crossover-thingy.

The folks over at Autoblog spotted this special edition version while out reviewing the Forte and have confirmed that it will be called the Denim Soul – presumably after the blue-shade of paint and not because the interior features a Levis-esque fabric.

The only other details we have are what you can see here. It will come with a set of white stripes and also features white-painted wheels. We should expect some interior upgrades, but they will most likely come in the form of audio equipment.

The decision to start launching special edition Soul models by Kia is a smart one as people looking to purchase a unique car like this will certainly appreciate the extra-individuality offered by a limited edition car. Scion has followed a similar formula with its many “Release Series” models, which makes us wonder if this is just the first of many special edition Souls.

GALLERY: Denim Soul

[Source: Autoblog]

[Photo Credit: Drew Phillips]

Mercedes tuner Lorinser has just announced that it is now tuning Lexus vehicles and the first of the Japanese Mercs to get a German makeover is the flagship LS sedan.

While Lorinser offers more cutting-edge designs for Mercedes vehicles (compared to more traditional tuners like Brabus), it has gone the conservative route with this Lexus. The package includes a new aero kit that features a front bumper with integrated fog lights, as well as side skirts and a rear bumper. The new rear bumper also features integrated exhaust pipes, much like the ones found on the IS-F sports sedan. The final piece is a subtle trunk lid spoiler.

Lorinser will also offer wheels for Lexus vehicles, such as the light alloy RS9 models shown above.

Currently no performance upgrades are available for the LS and while that is certainly a pssibility in the future, Lorinser is really more about aesthetic modifications than power-adders.

With the popularity of Lexus vehicles its not surprising that Lorinser has chosen to abandon its “just-Mercedes” policy, especially during these economic hard-times when the company’s botton-line is sure to be hurting. Still, if any Mercedes tuner is to get into the Japanese luxury segment, the Lorinser brand (focused more on style than performance) makes the most sense.

GALLERY: Lorinser Lexus LS460

In  class normally dominated by Porsches, Ferrari showed its motorsports might at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this past weekend. Not only did Ferrari claim the top spot on the podium, it claimed all the others. As a matter of fact, Ferraris clinched nine of the top ten GT2 Class spots with position number five going to the Spkyer C8 Laviolette GT2R driven by Jarek Janis, Tom Coronel and Jeroen Bleekemolen.

The GT2 Class win went to car No. 82 F430 GT of the Risi Competizione Team driven by Jaime Melo, Mika Salo and Pierre Kaffer after completing 328 laps. This is the second year in a row a Risi Competizione car has won its class at Le Mans. The second Risi car, driven by Tracy Krohn, Nic Jonsson and Eric van de Poele finished third. Between them was the BMS Scuderia Italia’s Ferrari with Fabio Babini, Matteo Malucelli and Paolo Ruberti at the wheel. The fourth position also belonged to Ferrari with British team JMW Motorsport and drivers Robert Bell, Andrew Kirkaldy and Tim Sugden driving.

“I’m proud of this wonderful result. Four cars from Ferrari on the first four places in such a prestigious race is a great satisfaction and I want to congratulate the teams on the result; the teams have worked so hard to prepare the best way possible for this race. I especially want to thank Giuseppe Risi, who with his team has gained the second success in a row,” Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa said. “It was a tough race, especially at the beginning when the cars from Ferrari had to fight against very strong competitors like the Porsches. When night fell Risi’s car took over the lead and didn’t cede. I’m especially pleased by the fact that nine out of ten F430 GT which started into the race crossed the line; this is not only a sign of competitiveness, but also of the car’s great reliability.”

As mentioned, Ferraris then rounded out the top ten, with actor Patrick Dempsey piloting the Advanced Engineering car to a ninth-place finish with the help of co-drivers Joe Foster and Don Jr Kitch.

After the success of Ford’s 2008 Mustang Cobra Jet, the company has announced plans to bring back the factory drag racer using the new 2010 platform.

The new model will use a 425hp supercharged 5.4-liter V8 direct from the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog. Ford also plans to make another engine available, with an aluminum block and 475hp. A six-speed manual transmission (the same found in the ’08 model) will be standard equipment, however, there will be an option to upgrade to a 5-speed Liberty manual unit or a race-spec auto-box.

In addition, the Cobra Jet will get an NHRA certified roll cage and lightweight racing brakes.

“I’ve said from my first day in this job that I wanted Ford Racing to continue to be a ‘racer-friendly’ organization,” said Ford Racing boss Brian Wolfe. “That’s why we take great pride in being one of only two car companies worldwide that builds ready-to-race cars and sells them as part of our performance parts offerings.”

The 2010 Cobra Jet comes hot on the heels of the 2008 model (pictured above), which was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original.

Only 50 Cobra Jets will be built, the exact number required by the NHRA in order for the vehicles to run in the series.

Pricing is expected to be in the $75,000 range with production in the Fall for delivery early 2010.

Official release after the jump:

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Honda’s odd-looking Euro-spec Civic Type-R hatchback is about to get the Mugen treatment. With the success of the Honda Civic Mugen RR sedan, the Japanese Honda-tuner wants to take on the latest Type-R, adding power, dropping weight and making an already amazing package that much better.

Mugen isn’t releasing any hard and fast facts yet, but the car is expected to rely heavily on the Mugen RR sedan, so we should expect to see the 2.0-liter engine upped to 237hp at 8000 rpm and 160 ft-lbs of torque at a lofty 7000 rpm.

The light-weight 18-inch forged alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and amazing Recaro seats will also be a part of the package. And as for those rear seats, they’ll be tossed entirely for maximum weight savings.

The real trick will be if Mugen can design an aero kit that not only works (we have no doubt of that), but which can actually make the car look good.

EVO magazine estimates the price to be in the £35,000-range – which equates to roughly $58,000.

GALLERY: Civic Mugen RR Sedan

[Source: EVO]

Ford is reportedly working on a four-door coupe for the European market and it’s not unthinkable that this stylish sedan could make its way to the U.S.

Based on the Mondeo mid-size sedan, this new model would help build brand image – something Ford of Europe is starting to do more of as it becomes more profitable. The model will be released alongside sedan and wagon versions of the next Mondeo when it debuts in 2012.

Apparently the new Mondeo will be more of a world-car platform, much like the upcoming Focus and Fiesta, both of which will hit U.S. shores soon.

Currently the car would only have one competitor in the U.S. marketplace, the Volkswagen CC, but as brands like Acura see the potential in the four-door coupe, perhaps by 2012 Ford will have several reasons to bring over its four-door coupe Mondeo.

And even if limited sales in North America prohibited building the car here, there is still a possibility that it could be assembled in Europe and shipped to North America. The added price would then be passed on to the consumer by badging the car as a Lincoln.

[Source: CAR]

Is this the face of a race car? Subaru certainly thinks so.

The latest rumors indicate that the automaker intends to enter a version of its new 2010 Legacy model (launched at the New York Auto Show this year) into Japan’s top-level Super GT series. The car will no doubt receive numerous modifications, but engine output won’t be changed all that much. The reason for this is that Subaru will race the car in the 300 (meaning 300hp) class – rather than the highest 500 class.

A Legacy 2.5GT is the likely choice to form the basis of the race car, especially as it sports a new 2.5-liter boxer engine with 265hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque.

The move is surprising as the cash-strapped automaker pulled from the World Rally Championship (WRC) this year, citing economic reasons. Subaru teams had, however, performed poorly the past few years.

No doubt the Super GT entry will be much less expensive to run than a full WRC team and besides, it would be a shame to reassign those Subaru racing engineers to the accounting department.

[Source: Nihon Car]

While the new Lotus Evora has already launched in Europe, the official release of the car in the U.S. has yet to take place. Normally we wouldn’t have the full U.S. specifications until that time, but a three page tech sheet from Lotus has leaked out with all the juicy details.

And while so often the U.S. market gets the shaft when it comes to high performance cars, it appears as though Lotus won’t be watering down its new flagship when it makes its debut stateside.

The Evora will be powered by a Toyota V6 engine and output is rated at 276hp at 6400 rpm, while torque is 258 ft-lbs at 4700 rpm. The car will weight just over 3,000 lbs (3,047 to be exact) and thanks to a six-speed manual gearbox will be able to hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. 100 mph will come in 12.3 seconds. There is no mention of an automatic transmission, but one is expected to be offered. A sports transmission with shorter gears is an option.

Lotus also gives braking distance figures for the Evora with its four-piston AP Racing calipers at each corner with front 13.8-inch rotors and rear 13.1-inch rotors. It will stop from 60 mph in 110 feet and from 100 mph in 290 feet.

The car will come straight from the factory with a staggered wheel fitment, with 18-inch rollers up front and 19-inch wheels in the rear. A set of forged rims, which weigh 7.1 lbs less (in total), will be available as an option.

As expected ,with the fuel-efficient Toyota engine, as well as the light-weight Lotus chassis, fuel-economy is impressive with 22.8 mpg in the city and 43.5 mpg on the highway for an average of 32.5 mpg.

See the full spec sheets after the jump:

[Source: LotusEnthusiast.net]

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General Motors has made the surprising decision to sell its Saab brand to Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg. The move comes as such a shock because the two other final bidders were wealthy and mainstream American entities: the Wyoming investment group Merbanco and U.S. billionaire Ira Rennert’s Renco Group.

Koenigsegg, on the other hand, is a little-known (and unpronounceable) builder of million-dollar exotics, some of which make over 1,000hp – like the CCXR pictured above.

Swedish news reports indicate Koenigsegg and a group of Swedish investors have signed a letter of intent with General Motors.

Bloomberg is also reporting the news and according to a source familiar with the deal, Koenigsegg was chosen because of it is an auto manufacturer and because it is committed to the Swedish brand.

According to the Financial Times, the deal will see General Motors provide $500 million in both cash and assets, as well as production equipment for a new model. Saab will also get to keep the $150 million it currently has banked. Koenigsegg and the three investors will only have to pay GM back if they succeed in making Saab a profitable automaker.

The sale of Saab is the final step for General Motors in its corporate reorganization that will see the company reduced from eight brands to just four. GM recently agreed to sell its Hummer brand to Chinese industrial machine manufacturer Tengzhong and has arranged to sell its Saturn brand to the Penske Automotive Group. The Pontiac brand is scheduled to be mothballed at the end of 2010.

[Source: Automotive News]