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  • Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

    Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class September 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

     

    As the world's automakers go back to the drawing board on what they need to compete in today's market, both structurally and in terms of product, parts sharing and efficiency are increasingly becoming key concepts. The next-generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class SUV could embrace both concepts with a much closer link to the next G-Class and R-Class (or their successors) as well as more forward-looking powertrains.

    Due in the middle of 2011, the next-gen ML is still largely a matter of speculation. Spy shots of an early prototype reveal a smaller body than the current ML, though the wheelbase appears unchanged. We also have for the first...

      As the world's automakers go back to the drawing board on what they need to compete in today's market, both structurally and in terms of product, parts sharing and efficiency are increasingly becoming key concepts. The next-generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class SUV could embrace both concepts with a much closer link to the next G-Class and R-Class (or their successors) as well as more forward-looking powertrains. Due in the middle of 2011, the next-gen ML is still largely a matter of speculation. Spy shots of an early prototype reveal a smaller body than the current ML, though the wheelbase appears unchanged. We also have for the first time new shots of the interior as well. A few reports have suggested that a diesel-electric hybrid ML-Class is in the works, although a gasoline-electric hybrid like that in the upcoming ML450 Hybrid is almost certain. A plug-in variant of the ML hybrid is even possible, featuring an 80-horsepower electric motor paired with a twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 and capable of travelling up to 18-miles on electric power alone is also thought to be in the works. That plug-in hybrid system will draw on elements from the other hybrid programs within Mercedes, including the S400 powertrain. But other elements, including parts and underpinnings, will be shared more closely across the R-Class successor and G-Class vehicles to help achieve economies of scale while still maintaining separate identities. The chassis underpinning the new SUV is also the same design found in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of the lasting legacies from the now defunct DaimlerChrysler. The ML’s dominant position as the consumer 4x4 of choice within Mercedes' lineup won't change, though the focus will increasingly be on efficiency rather than performance. Accordingly, European models will likely get a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine rated at 204-horsepower. A V-6 diesel rated at 225-horsepower and a 333-horsepower V-6 gasoline engine is also thought to be in the plans. The V-8 engine will gain direct-injection and twin-turbochargers for the AMG model, which is expected to deliver at least 570-horsepower. Read More

  • Tesla Reaffirms Plans for Model S-Based Crossover, Minivan

    Tesla Reaffirms Plans for Model S-Based Crossover, Minivan September 29th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 29th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Tesla Reaffirms Plans for Model S-Based Crossover, Minivan

    Thirteen months ago we brought you news that Tesla was planning more models based on the Model S sedan platform, including a crossover SUV, and today Tesla has reaffirmed those plans, and also mentioned a minivan and a utility van as being on the list of upcoming EVs.

    In an announcement explaining their recent $465 million DOE loan for the construction of a new plant and a drivetrain engineering facility, Tesla vice president of business development said, "The Model S platform will also be used for derivatives including a minivan, cross-over utility vehicle and a utility van for fleets and other industrial or civic uses."

    Another vehicle...

    Thirteen months ago we brought you news that Tesla was planning more models based on the Model S sedan platform, including a crossover SUV, and today Tesla has reaffirmed those plans, and also mentioned a minivan and a utility van as being on the list of upcoming EVs. In an announcement explaining their recent $465 million DOE loan for the construction of a new plant and a drivetrain engineering facility, Tesla vice president of business development said, "The Model S platform will also be used for derivatives including a minivan, cross-over utility vehicle and a utility van for fleets and other industrial or civic uses." Another vehicle also known to be in the works at Tesla is the Bluestar project. Designed to be affordable at around $30,000 and cost-competitive with fossil-fuel vehicles, the Bluestar coupe-sedan  will use the Model S underpinnings, too, though it will likely cut corners in the features and interior department to save costs. The Bluestar platform had previously been pegged as the basis for the minivan, coupe and possibly even a light truck, but the latest announcement hints that all of the projects may be merged onto a single, modular platform. Tesla hopes to have the Model S on the road by late 2011 now that it has the funding necessary to build its full-scale production plant. The other platform mates to the Model S aren't expected to arrive before 2015. Read More

  • Report: Hummer Buyers Feel Morally Justified

    Report: Hummer Buyers Feel Morally Justified September 25th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 25th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 2 Comments

    Report: Hummer Buyers Feel Morally Justified

    Whether you're a fan or a foe, chances are you feel strongly about the Hummer range of vehicles. Ever since Arnold Schwarzenegger popularized the military vehicle for civilian use, environmentalists have decried its impropriety. But just as vehemently, buyers of the vehicle feel they are acting morally, the Hummer a mobile statement of their belief systems.

    It might seem like a weird thing to the general public, but any enthusiast is familiar with the feeling one gets when faced with a vehicle they love--or hate. And Hummer owners are no different.

    Far from oblivious, unmotivated buyers that simply flock to the largest thing on the lot, the...

    Whether you're a fan or a foe, chances are you feel strongly about the Hummer range of vehicles. Ever since Arnold Schwarzenegger popularized the military vehicle for civilian use, environmentalists have decried its impropriety. But just as vehemently, buyers of the vehicle feel they are acting morally, the Hummer a mobile statement of their belief systems. It might seem like a weird thing to the general public, but any enthusiast is familiar with the feeling one gets when faced with a vehicle they love--or hate. And Hummer owners are no different. Far from oblivious, unmotivated buyers that simply flock to the largest thing on the lot, the typical Hummer buyer in a Journal of Consumer Research survey made their decision on ideological and moral grounds. Those grounds? The defense of American national ideals. No, seriously. As backwards as that may seem given America's dependence on foreign (largely South American) oil, that very critique is what makes the Hummer buyer's mindset uniquely American, according to the study. Being "under siege" by those who would criticize them is "an historically established feature of being an American." As Wired points out, and as is the nature of any such study, there are a few problems with the Journal's treatment of the issue. They only interviewed 20 buyers, so the sample may not be sufficiently representative for generalization. On the other hand, that small sample size gives a depth of analysis that's not obtainable in a 10,000-person multiple-choice survey. Regardless of where you come down on the issue, it's an interesting look inside the underlying motivators for car purchases, and reminds us all that as much as we may pride ourselves on being logical, rational beings, we also frequently act emotionally, especially when dealing with such important aspects of our lives as the vehicles we drive. [Via Wired] Read More

  • Spy Shots: 2010 BMW X5 Facelift

    Spy Shots: 2010 BMW X5 Facelift September 24th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 24th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2010 BMW X5 Facelift

    We have seen photos of the facelifted version of the BMW X5 before, but now we can show the vehicle almost completely undisguised ahead of its expected debut by the end of this year. The second-generation E70 X5 model was introduced in late 2006 so a facelift around the end of the decade is right on cue for the SUV’s mid-cycle update, coming in time for the 2010 model year.

    Changes to the X5’s styling will be subtle, with new bumpers added both front and rear as revealed by these latest spy shots. Larger air intakes in the front fascia are the primary change. Slight styling revisions inside, such as the addition as BMW’s...

    We have seen photos of the facelifted version of the BMW X5 before, but now we can show the vehicle almost completely undisguised ahead of its expected debut by the end of this year. The second-generation E70 X5 model was introduced in late 2006 so a facelift around the end of the decade is right on cue for the SUV’s mid-cycle update, coming in time for the 2010 model year. Changes to the X5’s styling will be subtle, with new bumpers added both front and rear as revealed by these latest spy shots. Larger air intakes in the front fascia are the primary change. Slight styling revisions inside, such as the addition as BMW’s second-generation iDrive system, and new alloy wheel designs should also make the cut. The current lineup of engines will carry over largely unchanged but there will be the new hybrid model and U.S. customers will be able to opt for BMW’s brilliant 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine as well. Another new addition will be the xDrive 50i from the X6. So, when will the facelifted BMW X5 be unveiled? The most likely point would be next year’s Detroit auto show in January but an earlier reveal at this year’s Los Angeles auto show in November cannot be discounted. Read More

  • Goldman Sachs Investment Strengthens Geely's Volvo Bid

    Goldman Sachs Investment Strengthens Geely's Volvo Bid September 23rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 23rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Goldman Sachs Investment Strengthens Geely's Volvo Bid

    Earlier this month Geely Automobile Holdings announced its intent to purchase Volvo, which is expected to be offered for sale by current owner Ford Motor Company in the near future. Though it is so far the only formally interested bidder for the Swedish auto brand, its chances of successfully purchasing Volvo haven't been rated highly. That may have changed with today's investment of $334 million in Geely by Goldman Sachs.

    Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking and securities firm, and its investment in the company, worth a 15.1% stake in Geely, indicates the firm's belief that Geely is a sound company with future growth potential.

    ...

    Earlier this month Geely Automobile Holdings announced its intent to purchase Volvo, which is expected to be offered for sale by current owner Ford Motor Company in the near future. Though it is so far the only formally interested bidder for the Swedish auto brand, its chances of successfully purchasing Volvo haven't been rated highly. That may have changed with today's investment of $334 million in Geely by Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking and securities firm, and its investment in the company, worth a 15.1% stake in Geely, indicates the firm's belief that Geely is a sound company with future growth potential. That, in turn, could strengthen Geely's position at the bargaining table with Ford, as the Chinese company's credibility in an uncertain marketplace has taken strides forward. Other benefits from Goldman's involvement include potential improvements in efficiency and new business opportunities. Geely is working hard to build its manufacturing capacity in its competition against rival Chinese automakers Chery and SAIC. Acquiring Volvo could be a major competitive advantage for the company, helping it to quickly gain much-needed engineering, design and manufacturing expertise. If Geely does secure the purchase of Volvo, it is expected to pump as much as $10 billion into development of the Volvo brand around the world, including a new factory in the Guangdong province in China. The first model to be fully developed under Geely's ownership could be the next-generation XC90, which is expected to arrive in 2011. [Reuters] Read More

  • Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, GLK Won't See U.S. Production

    Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, GLK Won't See U.S. Production September 23rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 23rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, GLK Won't See U.S. Production

    Earlier today reports emerged of Daimler officials speaking with a German newspaper about Mercedes-Benz considering production of the C-Class sedan in the U.S., confirming a similar report from July of last year at the launch of the GLK crossover. But further digging by the High Gear Media team has uncovered a source from within Mercedes that says the Vance, Alabama plant up for C-Class production didn't get the bid.

    No explanation was given for the decision, and it's still not yet official, but don't expect to see GLKs or C-Class sedans rolling out of the Vance production line any time soon.

    Both the GLK and C-Class are built on the same...

    Earlier today reports emerged of Daimler officials speaking with a German newspaper about Mercedes-Benz considering production of the C-Class sedan in the U.S., confirming a similar report from July of last year at the launch of the GLK crossover. But further digging by the High Gear Media team has uncovered a source from within Mercedes that says the Vance, Alabama plant up for C-Class production didn't get the bid. No explanation was given for the decision, and it's still not yet official, but don't expect to see GLKs or C-Class sedans rolling out of the Vance production line any time soon. Both the GLK and C-Class are built on the same platform, so building one would have opened the door to building the other. Mercedes' SUV production and sales have historically been huge in the U.S., with the M-Class and GL-Class (as well as the slow-selling R-Class) being built here, so it would have made good logistical sense as well. And that's exactly why it was being considered. According to the German paper Stuttgarter Zeitung, the savings in moving some C-Class production Stateside would total about $95 million at 80,000 cars per year thanks to the 20 euros per hour savings in labor costs over European workers. Further, if the factory at Vance were tasked with building 80,000 cars, at least some of them would be due for export, as even before this year's nosedive, Mercedes sold only 50,593 C-Class sedans in the U.S., according to Automotive News' Data Center. Regardless of where the cars are built, the U.S.-market C-Class and GLK could both get a four-cylinder turbodiesel in the near future. In July of last year, Mercedes confirmed that both would be arriving by sometime in 2010, though the economic downturn has likely delayed that even further. The engine could be a 2.2-liter turbodiesel rated at 170 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, or one of two new variants found in the 250 CDI and 250 CGI, both rated at 204 horsepower but with the 2.2-liter 250 CDI scoring 369 pound-feet of torque and the 1.8-liter 250 CGI version making a somewhat more tame 229 pound-feet. Fuel efficiency of the three engines ranges from 33 to 49 mpg. A supercharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine is also rumored to be on the table for U.S. sale. We'll keep you abreast of the latest as it breaks. Read More

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