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.

The document shows entries for a 3.5-liter V6 E300, E300 4Matic and C300. That raises the question of which engine might be put in with those cars. At the moment, Mercedes already sells its E300 4Matic in Canada with a detuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 found in the E350. The Canadian E300′s engine only makes 248 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque compared to the more powerful version’s 302 hp and 273 lb-ft.

While paperwork filed with NHTSA doesn’t guarantee a new model, releasing something like this in the U.S. would make sense for Mercedes. Currently, it doesn’t offer a car to compete with BMW’s base level 528i or Audi’s 2.0T-powered A6. Offering a less-expensive version of the mid-range luxury sedan could make it more competitive in the American market with the current top two luxury brands.

What’s more, adding the same engine to its C300 could offer an update to the aging and unimpressive car, which is now too close to the entry-level C250. Given that Mercedes already sells an E300 in North America, it would be an easy transition to take it from the Canadian market to the U.S. Similarly, it seems like an easy step to improve the C300 with an updated engine to make it a relevant purchase.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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.

While details have been hazy about the new platform, and in some senses still are, our friends at GM Inside News, have learned that the company is sourcing parts for the structure.  While that doesn’t necessarily mean the project is green lit completely, it’s bigger news toward an actual product than has otherwise surfaced.

Still, a car built on the Omega architecture isn’t likely until 2015 at the earliest. It takes about four years to develop a new platform and car simultaneously. That said, if such a does end up on the assembly line, it will mean a mega sedan.

[Source: GM Inside News]

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. 

With little more than a name drop, the company’s release confirmed that next year’s model will, in fact, also come as the next generation. Reviewing the Nissan concept cars we’ve seen over the last few auto shows, the Hi-Cross concept seems as if it could be a likely candidate.

Though the concept debuted as replacement for the boxy X-Trail, the Hi-Cross could make a good update to the Rogue given that it uses the same inline four-cylinder engine, though it will also probably be offered with a hybrid powertrain as well.

While the seven-passenger concept would be a departure from the previous five-passenger vehicle, it would fit into Nissan’s promise for five new vehicles over the next 15 months (including the 2013 Altima). In the same release, the automaker also confirmed a new Leaf, Pathfinder, Xterra and Maxima.

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.

Now that the obvious is out of the way, here’s what’s going on: the automaker is recalling 52,615 of its TL sedans because a power steering hose might burst and cause, well, the steering it powers to be less responsive. The smoke and fire, scary as it certainly would be for most drivers, would most likely be less dangerous than it initially could seem.

That’s because it wouldn’t be from catastrophic engine failure — just some fluid burning and making a mess.

There haven’t been any reported injuries as a result of the defect, but the company is issuing a voluntary recall that will start in mid June. Owners can expect to be notified by mail, but can look for more information by clicking here.

It’s been a while since we heard anything about the Porsche Pajun, a smaller version of the Panamera that would compete with the Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series, but information is starting to crop up again. 

Previous reports suggested that the car would come around in 2016, but that date seems to have been pushed back to 2017 for now. The latest information also suggests that a range of V6 gasoline engines reaching from 320, 420 and 520 hp will be available alongside a diesel with 313 hp. It will also be built on Audi’s MLB platform.

There wasn’t any mention of a hybrid drivetrain, as was reported last year, but given the demand for efficient vehicles (even in the luxury segmgent) it seems reasonable that something along those lines could be coming too. Then again, the diesel engine in conjunction with Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission could probably offer the fuel efficiency those clients would want.

Still, it’s hard to think that the company is really going to deliver in five years. Last year it was 2016, now it’s been pushed again and the word from Stuttgart seems to be grim for new vehicles. The company hasn’t been shy about emphasizing its preference to focus on cash cows, but then again that’s exactly what this could be with the right price tag.

[Source: Autobild]

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.

While we know that the upcoming 2013 Accord is going to be very similar in appearance to the outgoing model, we’ve now found some more information about the car’s deeper changes. Most interesting are the new trim packages: Sport and Touring.

The new Accord Sport package is likely a direct response to the Toyota Camry SE, which is in high-demand. The Camry SE comes equipped with all sorts of sportier options that you wouldn’t expect in the usual Camry, like larger wheels and a retuned suspension, as well as paddle shifters and a transmission that actually rev-matches on down-shifts.

It’s not clear if the Accord Sport will pack any additional performance items and when contacted Honda representatives had no comment.

The 2013 Accord will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a brand new continuously variable transmission for the 4-cylinder models. With the V6 model, a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission will be offered.

Expect the new 2013 Accord to hit dealers around September of this year.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

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.

Unlike GPS systems that actively reroute drivers to avoid roads suffering from heavy traffic, Honda’s system passively reacts to congestion situations, monitoring the acceleration and deceleration patterns from the driver to determine whether the car will negatively impact traffic flow. Based on its decision, the system can then guide drivers with the appropriate information for optimal throttle control from devices including on-board color-coded displays.

Working with University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Honda carried a series of experiments in order to refine its traffic congestion monitoring system. Ultimately, the tests resulted in significant gains in congestion simulation, improving the average speeds of leading vehicles to improve by 23 percent with trailing vehicles also benefiting from an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy.

Honda didn’t end testing there. By applying Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and combining the system with on-board terminals to cloud servers, Honda experimented with a network of communicating vehicles that can synchronize driving patterns in a wider scale. According to Honda, this resulted in a further 16 percent increase in the average speed of trailing vehicles and an additional 5 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the results recorded when not using ACC and cloud technology.

Rather than focusing on hybrids and alternative energy as the only solution to emissions reduction, Honda found that solutions to driving behavior can curb traffic congestion and minimize its tendency to cause a higher potential of rear-end collisions, delay arrival times, and increase CO2 emissions.

Honda intends to introduce its technology into the market soon but will first conduct real-world testing in Italy and Indonesia during May and July.

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.

The Brabus Technology Project Hybrid E-Class features a tiny 2.2-liter clean diesel engine combined with two in-wheel electric motors from Protean Electric. According to Protean, each in-wheel motor is capable of producing 110 hp at 590 lb.-ft. of torque. When combined with the diesel, the package is capable of propelling the sedan from 0 to 62 mph in a claimed 7.4 seconds.

Rather than creating a powerplant for outright performance, Brabus and Protean Electric claim that the application of the Protean Drive system can improve fuel economy by as much as 30 percent.

“We’re pleased to work with Brabus to demonstrate what Protean’s in-wheel electric drive can deliver to the world. Our in-wheel motors not only provide significant performance improvement, but do so in a very responsible way,” Protean CEO Bob Purcell said.

Unfortunately, full spec details on the car’s system aren’t available so we can’t report the size and added weight of the complete electric system or determine specific fuel economy gains.

Protean Electric and Brabus aren’t the only folks developing a high-performance hybrid — earlier this month, Ferrari announced its development of both a front- and mid-engine V12 HY-KERS system for a future line of hybrid road cars.

CLick though the gallery below for a closer look at the latest Brabus Technology Project Hybrid.

GALLERY: Brabus Technology Project 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]

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

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.