Mercedes G-Class facelift first pics

The Mercedes Benz G-Class has recently received a few more design tweaks and drivetrain updates to keep it fresh. Pictures of the facelifted vehicle can be seen in the snap shots below.

The tweaks don’t fiddle too much with the G-Class’s original form in order to maintain its original character. LED daytime running lights and new door mirrors feature on all G-classes, and AMG versions are treated to a bespoke grille and front bumper with englarged air intakes. Red brake callipers hiding behind 20-inch wheels pack even more punch into the AMG’s visual arsenal.

As for the interior, the G-Class completes its transition from military-spec transport to a full luxury vehicle.  New colour displays in the centre console and between the freshened dials provide access to the G-Class’s wealth of infotainment features, via the familiar Mercedes Comand system.


The United Kingdom will receive a two-model G-Glass range with both receiving the full interior and exterior makeover. The familiar G350 BlueTec remains, with its 208bhp/398lb ft V6 diesel motor and updated seven-speed automatic transmission that’s good for 25.2 mpg. there is also a 536bhp, 560lb ft G63 AMG, featuring the new 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8.

In addition, the vehicle offers stop/start capability to contribute towards a claimed 20.4mpg.

2013 Ferrari California in action

The latest version of the Ferrari California that was launched at the Geneva Motor Show has now been filmed taking a spin out on the hills of Maranello in Italy.

This the very place where Ferrari engineers developed and test drove the new vehicle which is an updated version of the California with a more powerful engine and “new ‘Handling Speciale’ suspension package”.

The video provides a good idea of the “sound of the car’s new V-8 engine, which still displaces 4.3 litres but now develops 490 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. That’s a rise of 30 horsepower and 26 pound-feet over the previous model, courtesy of revised exhaust manifolds and ECU tuning”.
In addition the torque curve is now higher across the engine’s rev range.


In terms of speed, the new engine jumps from 0 – 60mph in just 3.8 seconds, 0.2 seconds less than the previous model’s 4.0 seconds.

Saleen S5S super car production remains a possibility

In 2008, the Saleen S5S Raptor concept car was unveiled at the new York Auto Show and despite the positive reception, there has been no production confirmations forthcoming. Hopefully, all that could be about to change if Steve Saleen gets his way. He has just reacquired the rights to use his name after a long court battle and has confirmed plans are a foot to produce a sports car similar to the S5S Raptor.

The original S5S Raptor Concept benefited from a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that produced 650hp and Nm (630 lb-ft) of torque. It was reported to have a top speed in excess of 200mph (322kph) and could accelerated from 0-60mph (0-96kph) in just 3.2 seconds.

There will be no official confirmations in the near future as the project is still in its early stages but there will be a major announcement within the next 90 days to confirm a lower-level production model. The company will continue to produce models based on the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang and they will also be joined by the long planned Chevrolet Camaro derived versions.

Saleen's 30th anniversary is approaching after the company was founded in 1984. Perhaps we can expect something special to mark the celebration.

Shareholder calls on Mercedes to quit F1

A Daimler shareholder has called on the German car giant to pull its works Mercedes team out of formula one.

Fund manager Ingo Speich, of the Daimler shareholder Union Investment, said at Daimler's annual general meeting that he is disappointed Mercedes has lost ground to road car rivals Audi and BMW.
"Mercedes is no longer the measure of all things in the premium sector," he is quoted as saying by Die Presse.

Speich referred to "a lost decade" for Daimler, and called on the company to follow BMW's recent lead and pull out of formula one.

His speech reportedly received applause from other shareholders.
Mercedes is the biggest formula one team yet to follow the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull in signing a new Concorde Agreement beyond 2012.

All new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL leaked

The first pictures of the 2013 Mercedes GL have leaked to the web, ahead of a possible unveiling at the New York Auto Show.

Looking more refined than ever before, the seven-seat crossover is based on the M-Class and features a bludging hood, LED-infused headlights and a two-bar grille. Further back, the model has an evolutionary design with an upward sweeping shoulder line and wraparound taillights. This particular vehicle is also equipped with an AMG package which has aggressive bumpers, LED fog lights and unique alloy wheels.

The cabin carries over from the M-Class and has leather seats, wood trim and metallic accents.
Engine options remain unconfirmed, but choices could include a 258 PS (190 kW / 255 hp) 3.0-liter V6 diesel and a 4.7-liter V8 petrol with 408 PS (300 kW / 402 hp). Regardless of the final details, the engines will likely be connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

Chrysler introducing wireless charging mat

Chrysler has announced that it will offer wireless charging in its new 2013 Dodge Dart.
Provided that mobile phones are fitted with a special case, the charger will work with MP3 players and iPhone, Android and BlackBerry devices.

The official press release explains that ”easy access, a seamlessly integrated power bin, measuring 8.27 inches by 9.5 inches by 3.25 inches, is installed just below the center stack and in front of the center console. The bin has a built-in charging grid that is activated when customers place in their battery-powered device. The unit begins to charge when the vehicle is started.”


The Pentastar claims that the new accessory, developed by Mopar, is the first of its kind although wireless charging has been offered as a third-party solution for some time now. However, this is the first such offering from an official branch of an OEM. Rather than a factory option, the new wireless charging hardware is offered as a dealer-installed accessory. This means that buyers will either have to pay for installation or do it themselves.

FA Porsche, designer of the 911, dead at 76

The honorary chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, died on April 5, 2012 in Salzburg at the age of 76.

Matthias Müller, CEO of Porsche AG, paid respects by saying, "We mourn the death of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. As creator of the Porsche 911 he founded a design company in our culture that shapes our sports cars today. His philosophy of good design is for us a legacy that we will continue to do with honor."

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, nicknamed Butzi, was born December 11, 1935 in Stuttgart. He is the eldest son of Dorothea and Ferry Porsche and grandson of Ferdinand Porsche.

Known for his artistic talents, FA Porsche's greatest contribution to the world is the timeless design of the Porsche 901 - known today as the 911. Penned in 1963, the overall silhouette of the iconic 911 remains today, now in its sixth generation, as one of the most prolific sports cars of our time.

Other famous FA Porsche designs include the type 804 Formula 1 race car and the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, which today is considered one of the most beautiful racing cars ever.

FA Porsche also founded the Porsche Design Studio in 1972.