Global, local firms jostle for position
Five months after Beijing's auto gala, the world's top carmakers are back for the 12th Shanghai International Automobile Manufacturing & Technology Exhibition, or Auto Shanghai 2007, which opens to the public on Sunday..Click here for full story.
Mercedes-Benz SL gets a facelift - major overhaul in 2013
While it won’t be until 2013 until the Mercedes-Benz SL receives a major overhaul, this new spy shot of the Mercedes-Benz SL shows that it will get a facelift to the front fascia in the upcoming model year. The facelift of the next Mercedes-Benz SL will take design cues from the Mercedes-Benz CLS as Mercedes deviates from its dual-circular headlamps look.
Mercedes-Benz has already changed the dual-circular headlamps look on the 2008 C-Class and photo renderings show the same for the next E-Class
Benz Utes Get Bigger V-8s
Mercedes-Benz had a trio of Teutonic news for the Big Apple, including the launch of the all-new CL65 AMG (spotlighted in another story on TheCarConnection.com), and the addition of the ML550 and GL550 SUVs...for more click here
COMING TO AMERICA Audi S5, a powerful new coupe based on the next-generation A4.
By LAWRENCE ULRICH
Published: April 8, 2007
JUST as automakers prepared to parade their signature V-8 models with 300, 400 and even 500-plus horsepower last week at the opening of the New York International Auto Show, a landmark Supreme Court ruling on greenhouse gas emissions wafted a message to the petrol-fueled party in Manhattan: enjoy the fun while it lasts. Click here for more.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Is it real?
By JEREMY W. PETERS
Published: April 5, 2007
Introduced on Wednesday: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, sport and luxury models.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Is it real? Yes. In fact, this was the second time Mercedes has unveiled the new C-Class at an auto show. The first time was at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year.
What's the point? The C-Class, the closest thing Mercedes has to a sedan for the masses, hasn't been significantly redesigned since 2000. Mercedes needed a fresh look for its top-selling vehicle worldwide, which has to compete with recently redesigned models of the BMW 3 Series and the Lexus IS.
What they said: "The battle for market share in the entry class remains fierce," said Ernst Lieb, president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz USA.
What they didn't say: The C-Class is Mercedes's bridge vehicle. It's the vehicle they hope to use to attract buyers who will eventually move on to bigger, more expensive models.
What makes it tick? Mercedes will offer two V-6 engines, a 3.0-liter 228-horsepower version for the C300; and a 3.5-liter 268-horsepower version for the C350.
How much, how soon? As the entry-level Mercedes, the C-Class is on par with models from Audi, BMW and Lexus in its segment. Prices will start at around $32,000 and reach up near $40,000. It will be available in the United States in August.
How's it look? Mercedes has essentially made two separate cars with its new C-Class. It will sell sport and luxury versions of the vehicle, two styles that are quite distinct and aimed at two very different demographic groups. The sport version is, well, sportier. It lacks the signature three-point Mercedes hood ornament and has the grille of a coupe. The luxury version looks a bit more like a classic sedan, hood ornament included.
Germany's DAX Index Advances; Lufthansa, SAP, BMW Lead the Gain
By Henrietta Rumberger
April 4 (Bloomberg) -- Germany's benchmark DAX Index rose for a fifth day. Deutsche Lufthansa AG paced gains after a trade group said airlines worldwide will post 52 percent more profit in 2007 than previously estimated.
Shares of SAP AG advanced after the company said co-founder Klaus Tschira will leave its supervisory board.
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG climbed as the world's biggest luxury carmaker said it sold more cars in the U.S. last month. DaimlerChrysler AG slid after the world's fifth-largest carmaker said Mercedes Car Group sales fell 8.2 percent in March .....for more click here
April 4 (Bloomberg) -- Germany's benchmark DAX Index rose for a fifth day. Deutsche Lufthansa AG paced gains after a trade group said airlines worldwide will post 52 percent more profit in 2007 than previously estimated.
Shares of SAP AG advanced after the company said co-founder Klaus Tschira will leave its supervisory board.
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG climbed as the world's biggest luxury carmaker said it sold more cars in the U.S. last month. DaimlerChrysler AG slid after the world's fifth-largest carmaker said Mercedes Car Group sales fell 8.2 percent in March .....for more click here
The New Mercedes Benz C Class
Just when we though the day was over Mercedes-Benz decided to unveil the 2008 C-Class for the United States which will make its debut at the New York Auto Show in two days. For the U.S. market, Mercedes will launch the C-Class this fall with three V6 models including the C350 Sport (AMG inspired), the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport. The C300 models will have a 3.0 liter V6 engine that produces 228 horsepower while the C350 model will have a 3.5 liter engine that produces 268 horsepower.
In addition, the C300 Sport and Luxury models will be available with an all new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system mated to a seven-speed transmission.
Standard equipment includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a central controller with a seven-inch display screen.
Photo Galleries
2007 BMW X5BMW has added a third row of seats to its X5 as well as a range of kid friendly features including increased side visibility. Take a closer look inside and out. (9 images) The Drive Team (22/03/2007).
Infiniti G37 Coupe
Nissan’s luxury brand might one day feature down-under, for now take a look at the Infiniti G37 Coupe in these pictures. (4 images) The Drive Team (29/03/2007).
Nissan’s luxury brand might one day feature down-under, for now take a look at the Infiniti G37 Coupe in these pictures. (4 images) The Drive Team (29/03/2007).
Way, Way Off Broadway, New York Auto Show Will Go On
THE cars and the styles may change and the fortunes of automakers may rise and fall. But one tradition remains sacrosanct at the New York International Auto Show: out-of-towners cracking jokes about how the only cars that matter to the locals are yellow taxicabs or black Town Cars.
This year’s show, which opens to the public on Friday after two days of media previews, will feature the latest in DIY designs — that is, drive-it-yourself — in a city better known for back-seat and below-ground transportation. Click here for more.
Going green? Consider new style diesels
Terry Jackson
With average gasoline prices nationwide inching closer to the $3 per gallon mark -- and already past that mark in some places -- savvy new-car buyers may well ask themselves once more, "what fuel-efficient alternatives are out there?"
While gas-electric hybrids have received a lot of attention, what may loom larger in our automotive landscape in coming years are diesel-powered cars.
Diesels are wildly popular elsewhere in the world -- they account for about 50 percent of all new cars in Europe -- but they have never really stirred the souls of U.S. buyers.
Including trucks, diesels account for less than 2 percent of the U.S. new-vehicle fleet, despite fuel mileage levels that can run 40 percent higher than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
When most Americans think of diesels, the words that come to mind include slow, noisy and soot-belching. Those who remember the horrible efforts by General Motors to sell diesel-powered sedans in the 1980s may also associate diesels with major repair issues.
That could change with the arrival of a new generation of diesels that are cleaner, quieter and more powerful than previous efforts. A drive in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec diesel sedan shows this new technology delivers a seamless luxury sedan experience along with a 37 mpg federal rating.
For now, the Bluetec is available in 45 states, since it doesn't meet the more-stringent emission standards for California, New York, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont. But starting with 2008 models, Mercedes-Benz will add a new injection system that will make the three-liter diesel engine legal in all 50 states.
The Bluetec engine will be transplanted into a Jeep Grand Cherokee model, and Mercedes-Benz plans to expand the diesel technology to other Benz models, including an upcoming entry-level C-Class sedan.
Volkswagen, Audi and BMW also are planning on licensing the Bluetec technology for some of their U.S.-bound 2008 models.
U.S.-based manufacturers so far have not announced plans for diesel sedans, though DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler division is planning a diesel version of its minivan.
Most Japan-based manufacturers offer diesel versions of their sedans in other markets, but so far have shown interest only in bringing diesel trucks to the U.S. market.
Aside from the increased fuel economy, diesel vehicles carry a price premium of about $1,000 to $2,000, which is far less than the premium on most gas-electric hybrids.
Add in the greater durability of a diesel engine compared to a gasoline engine -- 200,000 miles between major overhauls are not uncommon with diesels -- and it could make economic sense to give a diesel a spin.
With average gasoline prices nationwide inching closer to the $3 per gallon mark -- and already past that mark in some places -- savvy new-car buyers may well ask themselves once more, "what fuel-efficient alternatives are out there?"
While gas-electric hybrids have received a lot of attention, what may loom larger in our automotive landscape in coming years are diesel-powered cars.
Diesels are wildly popular elsewhere in the world -- they account for about 50 percent of all new cars in Europe -- but they have never really stirred the souls of U.S. buyers.
Including trucks, diesels account for less than 2 percent of the U.S. new-vehicle fleet, despite fuel mileage levels that can run 40 percent higher than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
When most Americans think of diesels, the words that come to mind include slow, noisy and soot-belching. Those who remember the horrible efforts by General Motors to sell diesel-powered sedans in the 1980s may also associate diesels with major repair issues.
That could change with the arrival of a new generation of diesels that are cleaner, quieter and more powerful than previous efforts. A drive in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec diesel sedan shows this new technology delivers a seamless luxury sedan experience along with a 37 mpg federal rating.
For now, the Bluetec is available in 45 states, since it doesn't meet the more-stringent emission standards for California, New York, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont. But starting with 2008 models, Mercedes-Benz will add a new injection system that will make the three-liter diesel engine legal in all 50 states.
The Bluetec engine will be transplanted into a Jeep Grand Cherokee model, and Mercedes-Benz plans to expand the diesel technology to other Benz models, including an upcoming entry-level C-Class sedan.
Volkswagen, Audi and BMW also are planning on licensing the Bluetec technology for some of their U.S.-bound 2008 models.
U.S.-based manufacturers so far have not announced plans for diesel sedans, though DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler division is planning a diesel version of its minivan.
Most Japan-based manufacturers offer diesel versions of their sedans in other markets, but so far have shown interest only in bringing diesel trucks to the U.S. market.
Aside from the increased fuel economy, diesel vehicles carry a price premium of about $1,000 to $2,000, which is far less than the premium on most gas-electric hybrids.
Add in the greater durability of a diesel engine compared to a gasoline engine -- 200,000 miles between major overhauls are not uncommon with diesels -- and it could make economic sense to give a diesel a spin.
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