The Brand New Sporty Mercedes

New generation CLS coming in 2010

When Mercedes unveiled the CLS back in 2004 it defined the phrase "four-door coupe". It was an original car that had the market all to itself, but now the Volkswagen Passat CC as well as the upcoming BMW 8-Series and Audi A7 have all caught the trend. So, to keep with times, Mercedes will need to come with a new design, more power and better technology for its CLS. This should come together in next generation CLS expected in 2010.The next CLS will likely be a simpler design. The side will have a more defined arch, the L-shaped headlamps are gone, and the front end will be given the family update to be more in line with the latest SL. The flanks are more three-dimensional, with rear power bulges, prominent character lines, and flared wheel arches. The A- and C-pillars are better integrated into the arc-shaped roofline. Regarding the line-up, customers will have to choose from: a CLS350, powered by a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 that delivers 292 hp; power output increases to 306 hp in 2012; a CLS550 powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 with 388 hp; superseded by 435-hp direct-injection twin-turbo V-8 in 2012; a CLS55 AMG powered by the 5.5-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V-8 with 570 hp; available from mid-2011 onward and a diesel version, the CLS320 CDI, 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6, 224 hp; replaced in 2011 by 313-hp CLS350 CDI.

2009 Mercedes S 400 BlueHYBRID

Mercedes announced official details on the first passenger car model equipped with a hybrid drive system. The S 400 BlueHYBRID will go on sale in the sumer of 2009. No word yet if this will be imported to the U.S.It will be powered by a combination of a modified V6 gas engine and a compact hybrid module. The engine delivers a maximum output of 279 hp, while the electric motor generates 20 hp. The result is a combined output of 299 hp and a combined maximum torque of 284 ft. lbs.The engine will be mated to a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module.The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph.Press release after the jump.> More

2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe - pricing announced

Infiniti will increase its pricing on the 2009 G37 coupe. Compared to the 2008 model year, most increases are about $1000. Pricing are as follows: the standard G37 coupe is now $35,900 (up from $34,900 in 2008), G37x AWD is $38,700, G37 coupe in Journey trim is $36,650 (up from $35,650 in 2008) and the G37S in 6MT trim is priced at $37,000 (up from $36,200).
Infiniti believes that with these increased prices there is also increased value. Highway mpg goes from 24 mpg to 26 on 2009 rear wheel drive models. A new color "Moonlight white" is added to replace ivory pearl. Also, for an extra $130, 2009 models have an optional glass breakage sensor.
So, you can go to the dealer now and get a 2008 model, or pay $1000 more and wait and for a 2009 model with better fuel economy and new options.
Thanks to David for the tips

2009 Mercedes S 600 Pullman Guard

Mercedes unveiled today the S 600 Pullman Guard, a limousine integrated Highest Protection. The car was unveiled to celebrate 80 years of manufacturing vehicles with factory-integrated special protection.The technical basis for the new Pullman limousine is provided by the S 600 Guard, the top of the Mercedes-Benz Guard range. It is powered by a superbly smooth twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a displacement of 5513 cubic centimetres and an output of 517 hp with an impressive 830 Nm of torque. As these figures suggest, the S 600 Guard Pullman can call on effortlessly superior power delivery, allowing it to get out of a danger zone rapidly, should the need arise.The S 600 Pullman Guard offers most of the technical innovations which make the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the number-one trailblazer in passenger car development and the world’s best-selling luxury saloon. These include important developments such as the new COMAND APS system.Mercedes-Benz’ night view assist system reduces the risk of accidents during the hours of darkness. This system is based on infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye and will therefore not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infrared head-lamps illuminate the road, significantly extending the driver’s range of vision when on low beam. An infrared camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen picks up the reflected image of the road ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.> More

2009 Audi S4

Audi will unveil at the Paris Auto Show the 2009 S4, both sedan and station wagon version. The two models will go on sale in March 2009.
Both models are powered by a completely redesigned engine: the 3.0 TFSI, the newest member of the Audi V-engine family. The V6 generates its power from a displacement of 2,995 cc, is equipped with a supercharger, and delivers 333 hp. The sedan sprints to100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.1 seconds, and the Avant in 5.2 seconds: they both have an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).The 3.0 TFSI delivers its maximum 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) at 2,500 rpm and maintains this constantly until 4,850 rpm. In fourth gear, the vehicle accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in just 4.4 seconds. Thanks to the extremely short gas paths, the sonorous, supercharged V6 responds spontaneously to the throttle, even more so than a naturally aspirated engine of the same displacement.Furthermore, the new 3.0 TFSI achieves exemplary fuel efficiency. On average, the sedan uses 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg), and the Avant 9.9 liters per 100 km (23.76 US mpg) – an improvement of 3.4 liters (26 percent) compared with its predecessor. Press release after the jump.> More

Porsche Panamera sketches by 9ff

Is true Panamera has not been launched yet, but in a tuner imagination the 2010 Panamera will look like this. After the first official teaser, we have to admit, Panamera will look better than everyone imagined.So, until 20 October when we’ll have the next highlights on the Panamera GT take a look at the 9ff’s work and tell us how do you think the luxury sedan will look like.

2009 Bentley Arnage Final Series

Bentley revealed the first Arnage back in 1998. After a long and successful story the model has come to an end. To celebrate the end of its life the company will unveil at the Paris Auto Show a limited edition Arnage. Called "Final Series", this special edition will be limited to only 150 units and will be produced at the Crewe facility.The engine, transmission, chassis and running gear of the Arnage Final Series are identical to those previously employed in Arnage T. In this specification, Bentley’s remarkable all-aluminium 6.75 liter V8 engine produces 500 bhp and 738lb ft of torque.Acceleration to 60 mph is accomplished in 5.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.5 secs) with 100 mph reached in 12.1 seconds. Top speed of the Final Series is 179 mph.
The six-speed ZF automatic transmission, first introduced for the 2007 model, ensures optimum flexibility, response and refinement. Three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Semi-Automatic) allow the driver to take full advantage of the powerful 500 bhp V8 engine.Press release after the jump.> More

2009 Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln unveiled the 2009 Navigator, a SUV that comes with improved fuel economy: an EPA-estimated 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway on 4X2 models. The Navigator is powered by a 5.4 liter, three-valve Triton V-8, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which generates 300 hp and 365 lbs-ft of torque.Unique software has been engineered to regulate gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off delivering considerable fuel savings with no extra effort from the driver. This complex fuel strategy is being added to many Ford products to help improve fuel economy across the board – including the new 2009 Ford F-150.For 2009 Lincoln offers three new exterior colors: Monterey Grey Clearcoat Metallic; Sangria Clearcoat Metallic and White Platinum Tri-Coat and a new package: the Monochrome Limited Edition Package for 2009 features unique badging, along with body-color exterior accents including lower grille, lower bodyside cladding, and power folding heated memory mirrors.This package is offered in four monochromatic exterior treatments: White Platinum Tri-coat, Black Clearcoat, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and Stone Green Clearcoat Metallic. Inside, the package includes unique black carpet and floor mats, Ebony wood trim, and unique Stone or Camel seats with black leather inserts and black piping.Press release after the jump.> More

2010 Audi A8 - new renderings

Audi will unveil the new A8 in the fall of 2009. At the llaunched date it will be offered with a 4.2 FSI delivering 372 hp and a 4.2 TDI with 340 hp. In 2010 the company will also add two six-cylinder (gasoline / diesel) with three liters and later a V10. The W12 could be dropped in favor of a hybrid version.
The Audi A8 will enter its fourth generation, but the company will stay focus on evolution rather than revolution. It will keep unchanged the famous "Vorsprung durch Technik" meaning aluminum space frame chassis - it saves about 150 kilos and compensated for the extra weight of four-wheel drive and sport differential.
According to AutoBild, the A8’s design will be agressive, will feature too little progress in architecture and in detail, and like the new 7-Series will take no risks.
On the other hand, the long-wheelbase version of the new A6 will have more presence and charisma than the current generation: the single-frame grill is even bigger and more powerful, the controversial style LED provide additional lighting effects to the bow and stern, the wider track emphasizes the sporty appearance.

Mercedes S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY

Mercedes unveiled today the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, a fuel-efficient large diesel sedan. The price for the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY in Germany is €70,864.50 (€78,718.50 for the long-wheelbase version). No word yet on if or when it will come to the U.S.The new S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is part of a larger strategy for Mercedes-Benz for developing environmentally sound premium models. With fuel consumption of 7.6 liters per 100 km (a reduction of 0.7 litres) and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (a reduction of 21 g), the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is possibly one of the most efficient sedans in the European luxury class.The s 320’s V6 powerplant makes 173 kW/235 hp and 540 Nm of torque. That is good for a sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.Press release after the jump.> More