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.

2013 Subaru BRZ pricing announced

Subaru has announced the 2013 BRZ will be priced from $25,495 in the United States.

Costing $1,295 more than the Scion FR-S, the entry-level model is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that develops 200 hp (149 kW / 203 PS) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque. The car also features HID headlights, aluminum pedals and a navigation system with iPod/Bluetooth/USB/AUX connectivity.

The Limited variant is priced from $27,495 and includes the aforementioned equipment as well as leather / Alcantara seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a body-color rear spoiler.
The Subaru BRZ will start arriving at dealerships this spring and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional for an additional $1,100.

Becker JetVan Mercedes-Benz Sprinter debuts in New York

 

A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter full-size van specially outfitted by Becker Automotive Design was revealed today at the New York Auto Show.

With clientele such as Jennifer Lopez, Jerry Seinfeld, Will Smith, Tiger Woods, Bruce Springsteen and Denzel Washington, just to name a few, Becker's JetVan Sprinter features Townsend leather interior finished in Golden Birdseye Maple trim, a 1,300-watt audio system with Creston 7.1 surround-sound digital processors and MacIntosh multi-channel amplifiers, 40-inch Runco high-definition LCD flat screen and a 500-gigabyte on-board computer that works with a 4G wireless system.

All the AV systems, lighting, blinds, side entry door, center dividers, seat adjustments and computer functions are controlled through dual six-inch Creston touch panels, accessible from fully reclining 1st-class airline-type seats that include electrically adjustable leg extensions, lumbar supports, seat heating and massage system and fold-out aviation-type writing tables.

2013 Audi R8 Spy Shots

Motor Authority has released some spy shots taken of the new 2013 Audi R8 coupe which reveal more never before seen details of the supercar.

The new face-lifted R8 both in a coupe and convertible version is expected to be unveiled later this year, most likely at the Paris Auto Show in September. This means it is likely to hit all showrooms at the end of 2012, making it a 2013 model.

With a completely brand new model due out in a couple of years, Audi is keeping the changes to the current R8 at a minimum. Designers have appeared to have made only minor tweaks to the exterior of the car which is expected for the interior as well.

2014 Mazda6 to debut in Paris - market launch Q1 2013

Mazda Takeri Concept in New York

Coming as no surprise, Mazda announced today at the New York Auto Show the all-new 2014 Mazda6 will be released for sale during the first quarter of 2013 following its public unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in late September.

Mazda confirms the Takeri Concept, which debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, is a strong preview of the 2014 Mazda6. Following the all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5, the new Mazda6 represents the second of Mazda's next-generation vehicles to receive the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies. Mazda is targeting best-in-class fuel economy just like the CX-5.

"With SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, Mazda has showcased that improving engine and vehicle efficiencies can still produce a dynamic-performing driving machine, as evidenced by the 2012 Mazda3 and 2013 CX-5," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "The all-new 2014 Mazda6 will be the latest Mazda to break out of its segment's monotonous mold and be fiercely competitive versus the current sales leaders."

For North America the 2014 Mazda6 will feature a SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. No mention if the Skyactiv-D diesel engine would be available, but it seems to be a strong possibility, especially if it makes it to the CX-5.

Fisker Atlantic hybrid sedan revealed in NYC

Fisker recently revealed its new Atlantic at the New York auto show, a plug-in hybrid sedan that with its good looks sets a new high for hybrids.

Although Fisker hasn’t been very vocal about all-electric range, cost or an estimated delivery date, for now the car speaks for itself.  It’s a ‘mid-sized sports sedan’, about the size of an Audi A5 Sportback, with a long bonnet that’s slightly uptilted in classic American style, an ultra-short rear deck and hidden rear door handles.

One thing executive chairman Henrik Fisker was very happy to talk about was that the Atlantic is a car that will be built and will go into production. It is “a promise we are going to deliver,” he said.
When it does eventually arrive, the Atlantic is likely to look very similar to the vehicle revealed with Fisker stating in his presentation that the company does not do concepts making reference to the little change seen in the Karma from auto show reveal to showroom.

BMW i8 Concept Spyder officially unveiled BMW has officially unveiled the i8 Concept Spyder.

Essentially a convertible version of last year's coupe, the spyder rides on a shortened wheelbase and has laser headlights, a semi-transparent hood and a rakish windscreen with an integrated spoiler. Out back, there's a rear diffuser, "three-dimensional air outlets" and U-shaped taillights.

The cabin is elegantly appointed with leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim and piano black accents. There's also a digital instrument cluster and a three-dimensional iDrive display.

Motivation is provided by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that features a 131 PS (96 kW / 129 hp) electric motor and a 223 PS (164 kW / 220 hp) three-cylinder petrol engine. The electric motor powers the front wheels, while the petrol engine powers the rear wheels. This setup gives the car an all-wheel drive system as well as a combined output of 354 PS (260 kW / 349 hp) and 550 Nm (406 Nm) of torque. It enables the roadster to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

More importantly, the concept's lithium-ion batteries enable the model to travel up to 30 kilometers (19 miles) on electricity alone.  This helps to give the car a combined fuel consumption rating of 3 L/100 km (94.1 mpg UK / 78.4 mpg US).

Aston Martin opens new W-One Showroom in London

Luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin has recently opened a brand new showroom in London’s swanky Park Lane district.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, welcomed guests to the official opening of the showroom. The brand new experience centre, dubbed the W-One, is described as a ”high profile destination for aficionados of both design and bespoke sports cars” with the new space having been “designed to convey ambience similar to that of a luxury boutique.”

W-One will also host a number of events and functions to boost Aston Martin’s profile among London’s elite and beyond.

In addition to offering prospective buyers the luxury vehicle of their choice, the location will also promote the brand’s Q-customization service as well as offer products from other high end brands.


The website states that “Aston Martin’s Brand Partners will be invited to continue the well established tradition of high-profile collaboration working with names like Jaeger LeCoultre, Bang & Olufsen, Louis Roederer and newly announced luxury shoe makers; John Lobb.”