Paperwork filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is suggesting that Mercedes-Benz will offer a new option in the E- and C-Class as a late-cycle update.
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Tucked away behind the list of new cars in Cadillac’s lineup like the upcoming XTS seen above, the Omega platform that could underpin a new rear-wheel drive flagship for the American luxury marque seems to be gathering steam.
Earlier this week in Tennessee, the 2013 Nissan Altima rolled off the line to an executive reception, but nestled into the release accompanying the event was confirmation of a 2013 Nissan Rogue.
If you drive a 2007-08 Acura TL and suddenly it seems harder to steer than it was before, or if smoke starts coming from under the hood, stop driving and call a tow truck because your repairs are probably free.
The mid-size family sedan segment is one of the most competitive markets in the industry and with many of its rivals recently revamped, Honda is prepping an all-new 2013 Accord.
Honda announced a technology breakthrough today capable of detecting the potential for traffic congestion by actively determining whether the driving pattern of a vehicle is likely to create bottle-necking.
Brabus established its name as the monster tuner of Mercedes-Benz engines capable of exceeding 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. But for its latest project, the company drops its earth-shaking V12 in a bold pursuit for a more eco-friendly diesel hybrid.
For years now the decline of the V8 engine in traditional passenger cars has been well documented. Even sports cars are moving away from the hulking powerplants. But could the V6 see a similar fate?
It certainly will at Mazda, confirms Robert Davis, the brand’s US boss, commenting in a recent interview that the company has no plans to build new V6 engine using the brand’s new Skyactiv engineering philosophy.
Introduced in the 2012 Mazda3, Mazda’s first Skyactiv 4-cylinder engine makes use of numerous fuel saving technologies from lighter components and lower friction surfaces, to direct injection, variable valve timing and an ultra-high compression ratio.
In the past, only the Mazda6 and CX-9 were available with a V6 powerplant. Mazda has been quiet on plans to build a turbocharged 4-cylinder, although it’s likely one is in the works. Another possibility is a hybrid 4-cylinder that could deliver V6 power with exceptional fuel economy. Plus, there’s the strong possibility that Mazda will offer a Mazda6 diesel, as previewed in the Takeri concept (above).
In addition, Davis did confirm Mazda is currently exploring the future of the Rotary powerplant, both for conventional use and also as a rang extender to help charge a battery pack for an electric motor.
[Source: Car & Driver]
Bentley of late has enjoyed double digit growths as the luxury marque rapidly expands in new markets. Moving forward with an aim to double annual sales by 2017, Bentley hopes to create a bigger impact in foreign markets by announcing a partnership with the world class St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, brands of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide company.
According to Global Brand Leader for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Paul James, “Starwood’s luxury brands continues to grow globally and so does the global nature of our guests. We are committed to providing experiences that far surpass their expectations, and this partnership with Bentley enables our discerning guests to explore must-see destinations in unparalleled style.”
Previously, St. Regis hosted a pilot bespoke Italian driving tour for Bentley model owners and guests of The St. Regis Rome and the newly opened St. Regis Florence in October, 2011. For the new partnership, the St. Regis hotels has chosen a line of Bentley Continental Flying Spur models for its house fleet of luxury travelers. The Bentley Flying Spurs will be appointed at resorts including The St. Regis Singapore, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, as well as the flagship hotel in New York.
Head of Bentely Motors customer relations Joe Ashworth is pleased with the partnership, “At Bentley, we are committed to maintaining our position as the definitive British luxury car company. It is therefore important that we partner with a pinnacle brand that underpins our own values of craftsmanship, style, and sophistication. Our current and prospective customers recognize the heritage of both brands, and with Starwood’s Luxury Brands, we aim to broaden the appeal and experience of Bentley.”
Later this month, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts and Bentley will hold an inaugural “Springtime Bentley Grand Tour” from Vienna to Salzburg, Austria. A two day event, guests will receive a grand experience of scenic Austria behind the wheel of a Bentley Continental GT W12 or a Bentley Continental GT V8. The journey will also showcase four iconic Luxury Collection Hotels including the Hotel Imperial in Vienna and the Schloss Fuschl in Salzburg.
GALLERY: Starwood Hotel and Resorts Bentley Continental
10. 2012 Mazda CX-5
Ward’s Auto has released its top 10 picks for best interior in 2012 today, though in no particular order. Here they are with brief notes on each car’s engine specs and starting price.
The 2012 Mazda CX-5 crossover is powered by 2.0-liter Skyactiv inline four cylinder that makes 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque with a starting MSRP of $20,695 with front-wheel drive.
April 14, 1927 marked the first mass-produced Volvo ÖV4 model to roll off the Volvo Lundby factory of Göteborg, Sweden. Now, 2012 marks the 85th anniversary of Volvo cars.
To celebrate the occasion, Volvo president and CEO Stefan Jacoby will join Volvo Group president and CEO Olof Persson to drive a restored ÖV4 past the Lundby factory gates once more to commemorate the company’s history.
According to Stefan Jacoby, the ÖV4 is “a fantastic car, but it’s easy to see how much has changed over the last 85 years.”
A lot has changed indeed as Volvo sold a very modest 300 vehicles on its first year of production. Last year the company sold about 450,000 cars in 120 countries with the United States as its single largest market.
Despite the commitment of many automakers to go green, consumers do not share the sentiment. According to a Polk study released today, almost two-thirds of U.S. hybrid buyers do not return to the market for another hybrid.
The only exception in the survey is from the best-selling Toyota Prius, receiving a repurchase rate of 41 percent while the repurchase rate among other hybrid buyers has fallen to 22 percent.
From surveys recorded since 2008, customer loyalty ratings for hybrids have been inconsistent. While the loyalty rate for hybrids are at 22 percent now, loyalty once reached 41.8 percent during the second quarter of 2009. By the fourth quarter of 2010, the rate had fallen to 26.4 percent, but had risen back to a total of 35 percent for 2011.
A forgettable sedan if there ever was one, over the past several years the Impala owes its success to fleet sales, not consumers.
Chevrolet is now looking to change that with a completely restyled version of its full-size front-drive sedan, adding plenty of luxury, technology and style. Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, to find out more about the 2014 Chevy Impala watch out first look video below.
GALLERY: 2014 Chevy Impala
Lexus debuted its new volume-seller midsize 2013 ES350 and ES300h hybrid cars today at the New York Auto Show featuring the same re-visited styling we’ve seen on the rest of its lineup.
“The Lexus ES brought new levels of refinement, sophistication and quality to the entry luxury segment when it entered the market in 1989 and through the years it has consistently been a sales leader for us. Now, with both gas and hybrid versions, the 2013 ES promises to lead Lexus forward once again,” said Lexus group vice president and general manager Mark Templin.
The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a trick ECT-i (Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence) six-speed automatic transmission capable of smooth shifting and optimized fuel efficiency. New low-friction engine materials also contribute to the new ES’ higher mpg rating.
With a bold new design taking inspiration from the Camaro, Chevy is hoping to inject some much-needed passion into its front-drive full sized sedan. And the Impala will need it.
Despite being the top seller in the segment, the all-new Hyundai Azera has plenty of curves and tomorrow Toyota will unveil a new version of its Avalon that company reps call “stunning.”
Ahead of a planned reveal tomorrow at the New York Auto Show, the photos of and details on the 2013 Nissan Altima have leaked on VWVortex revealing an impressively fuel efficient sedan with plenty of styling borrowed from the Maxima.
Sharper lines and a more aggressive front fascia define the new Altima, due to dealerships this Summer. For 2013, Nissan’s volume-selling sedan gets a more efficient 2.5-liter inline four cylinder engine that takes advantage of variable valve timing for improved efficiency.
A rethought continuously-variable transmission (CVT), standard in all Altimas, also contributes to the improved fuel economy for an estimated 38 mpg highway, as well as 27 mpg in the city – the best of any non-hybrid mid-size sedan, even topping the Camry’s 25/35 rating. The efficiency-minded four-cylinder also gains seven horsepower for a total 182 and an estimated 180 lb-ft of torque.
Since Renault and Nissan formed a strategic alliance in 1999, the two companies have made tremendous strides in streamlining their business, with sales performances significantly improving for both companies.
To further its efforts, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that it will establish a new company, Renault Japon Co., Ltd., to import and sell Renault vehicles in Japan.
While Nissan Trading Co. was originally responsible for Renault operations in Japan, the decision to form Renault Japon was based on the need to establish a flexible management system that is able to make quick marketing decisions. Renault Japon will operate as a subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co., working closely with Nissan’s sales strategy.
Since Saab‘s bankruptcy, multiple automakers and outfits have expressed interest in purchasing the Swedish marque albeit no deals were sealed. As for Saab Cars North America (SCNA), the distribution company continues its fight against an involuntary bankruptcy filing in Delaware by its dealers and is working to move the case to Michigan.
In the meantime, its North American imports are held in limbo, as roughly 900 new Saabs were spotted at building 263 of a Newark, New Jersey port facility. A disheartening sight, Saab 9-3 and 9-5 sedans and sport combis as far as the eye can see lie neglected under layers of grime. More still are kept inside the warehouse buildings.
According to original poster aireeca of Found Our Own Road, “It’s hard to explain what it was like to just stand there and look at these cars and think, ‘This is it. These are the last new Saabs we’ll ever see.’ It’s not like Oldsmobile or Saturn or Hummer where the parent company lives on.”
GALLERY: Saabs At New Jersey Port
[Source: Found Our Own Road]
When Opel/Vauxhall first announced that its Ampera plug-in hybrid electric vehicle would participate in the 13th International Monte Carlo Rally for alternative energy vehicles, it made a point to challenge the Tesla Roadster, which won the previous two years.
Completing the racing stages from Annecy-le-Vieux to Monte Carlo from March 22 through 25, the Opel Ampera of Bernard Darniche and Joseph Lambert finished in first place, winning the Ampera’s inaugural Monte Carlo Rally. Following the leading Ampera, three more crossed the line to finish in the top 10.
A total of 130 competitors from 30 manufacturers took part in the Monte Carlo Rally, including a total of seven Amperas, the Renault Fluence Z.E., Tesla Roadster, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Volkswagen Up!, and Peugeot Ion. A test of endurance for alternative propulsion, teams were judged based on energy usage at a steady speed via a ratio formula that accounted for vehicle weight, CO2 emission, energy density of the fuel and its consumption.
According to French rally co-pilot Joseph Lambert, “The sophisticated technology of the Ampera was always reliable and enabled our tremendous success.”
“The Ampera’s success in this versatility contest under very challenging conditions proves its impressive balance between durability and fuel efficiency. This underscores our leadership role in the field of alternative propulsion,” Vauxhall/Opel director of E-mobility Enno Fuchs said.
GALLERY: Monte Carlo Rally Opel Ampera
![Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-2[2].jpg](/gallery/gallery.php/v/main/aftermarket/brabus/album_001/Brabus-_5-W124-Mercedes-500E-2_2_.jpg.html "Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-2[2].jpg")
Offering the mighty 6.3-liter V8 AMG engine in almost every model in its current line-up, Mercedes-Benz is a master of creating powerful machines cloaked in rather inconspicuous exteriors.
A favorite for driving enthusiasts that enjoy the idea of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, Mercedes-Benz created its first sleeper sedan in 1985 when it developed the Mercedes Benz 500 E sports sedan in cooperation with Porsche.
In fact, the ultimate iteration of the mid-size W124 was hand-built to perfection over a span of 18 days each at Porsche’s Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany. Power comes from a specially tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine taken from the 500 SL roadster, delivering 322 hp and 354 lb-ft. of torque, propelling it from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds all the way to a top speed of 177 mph.
Seriously quick even by modern standards, the 500 E was known by many as the “Hammer” for its brute power and relentless delivery. Brabus decided to take it even further, enlarging the engine to become a 6.5-liter unit delivering 444 hp. Acceleration would take only 5.2 seconds to 60 mph but top speed remained the same.
Now more than 20 years old, a mint example is hard to find. Coincidentally, Brabus just so happens to be selling a virtually brand new “6.5″ right now. With only 157 miles on the odometer, this is likely the best preserved example of the cult classic in the world. However, few details on the vehicle have been provided and in fact, even the model year and price have been omitted. To learn more about the car for sale, visit the Brabus website and shoot them an email or give them a call.
GALLERY: Brabus 6.5
![Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-1[2].jpg](/gallery/gallery.php/v/main/aftermarket/brabus/album_001/Brabus-_5-W124-Mercedes-500E-1_2_.jpg.html "Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-1[2].jpg")
![Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-3[2].jpg](/gallery/gallery.php/v/main/aftermarket/brabus/album_001/Brabus-_5-W124-Mercedes-500E-3_2_.jpg.html "Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-3[2].jpg")
![Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-4[2].jpg](/gallery/gallery.php/v/main/aftermarket/brabus/album_001/Brabus-_5-W124-Mercedes-500E-4_2_.jpg.html "Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-4[2].jpg")
![Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-18[2].jpg](/gallery/gallery.php/v/main/aftermarket/brabus/album_001/Brabus-_5-W124-Mercedes-500E-18_2_.jpg.html "Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-18[2].jpg")
![Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-5[2].jpg](/gallery/gallery.php/v/main/aftermarket/brabus/album_001/Brabus-_5-W124-Mercedes-500E-5_2_.jpg.html "Brabus-^5-W124-Mercedes-500E-5[2].jpg")
Volkswagen, the German automaker whose name translates to the “People’s Car,” is creating a low-cost sub-brand that will offer products to people in emerging markets.
According to Volkswagen head of research and development, Ulrich Hackenberg, the automaker has garnered expertise in low-cost vehicles production and will create products that are tailored to these individual markets.
“In India we build the Vento and a local version of the Polo that only costs around €7,000 ($9,300). In China we’re planning a more affordably priced car in the size of a Seat Toledo,” he said.
However, taking a market segment between €5,000 and €7,000 would prove to be the real challenge. Careful considerations must be weighed to what sort of content should be taken out in order to make the package as affordable as possible. Ulrich Hackenberg adds, “Here you really have to closely look at what can be done away with, but those cars would not be sold under the name Volkswagen, more as their own brand.”
The low cost car will likely be a roomy sedan platform that can also be built in a van body style. Volkswagen has not confirmed whether the vehicle will be manufactured in China.
[Source: Automotive News]
Earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, Acura brand VP Jeff Conrad made an astounding claim, telling the assembled press that the Honda luxury division is forecasting increased sales of 45 percent in 2012. Sharing the stage with Conrad were three models, the NSX, RDX and ILX, two of which are set to make up the bulk of the brand’s growth.
“Looking at the luxury market the segments that are forecast to have the most dramatic growth over the next four years are the entry luxury sedan and SUV,” said Conrad in Detroit. “In fact they are the only two segments expecting double digit growth.”
During a press drive event held this week in Scottsdale, AZ, for the second-generation RDX and all-new ILX small premium sedan, forecasted sales provided by Acura representatives for the two vehicles will account for an increase of 55,000 units. The bulk of that will come from the ILX, Acura believes, with sales of 40,000 units.
Meanwhile, sales of the RDX are expected to hit the 30,000 mark, double that of last year, thanks to a softer and more refined vehicle that unlike the original isn’t targeted at young males, but rather at conventional luxury buyers. Acura is also counting on the well-priced and content-heavy RDX, which starts at $34,320 and includes standard features like a leather and keyless access with a push-button ignition, to win over buyers from segment benchmarks like the BMW X3 and Lexus RX.
With sales in 2011 reaching 123,299 units, a 55,000 unit boost should get Acura close to its 45% gain and projected year-end sales of 185,000. 2011 sales figures were down eight percent over the year before, due in part to limited production as a result of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as well as flooding in Thailand. With the automaker’s production capacity now back to normal, Acura is counting on the improved supply to help fill in the gap.
GALLERY: 2013 Acura ILX
The slow unveiling of the all-new Lexus LS luxury sedan has unofficially commenced when the sharp eyes of Lexus Enthusiast discovered a flash of an image of the concept within a Lexus RX crossover promo video featuring chief engineer Takayuki Katsuda.
When Katsuda started to elaborate on the new and unique “spindle-grill” corporate face of the Lexus line-up, a series of spindle grill profiles were briefly displayed to make a point. More importantly, the images are marketing easter eggs providing hints at Lexus models to come. According to Lexus Enthusiast, the 25-second mark of the video commences a series of images including a GS 450h, the CT 200h F Sport, the next-generation ES, the next-generation LS, and finally the LX luxury SUV.
Having limited information to go by, Lexus Enthusiasts points out the unique full spindle chrome treatment and an elaborate headlight formation.
See for yourself by clicking the gallery and the video after the break.