New 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new 2010 E-Class Convertible that will trade the outgoing CLK drop-top and compete with the BMW 3-Series and Audi A5 cabriolets. The the four-seater E-Class convertible will be launched in March 2010.

Basing on the new E-Class Coupe, the convertible form gets an electrically operated fabric roof instead of a retractable hardtop while other changes over its tin-top sibling involve the redesigned rear wings and stalk lid. One of the sole features of the 2010 E-Class Convertible is a ground-breech retractable snake spoiler located on top of the front windshield. Calling ‘Aircap’, the method factory with a rear deflector to helps to lead bend over the passenger compartment.

Not surprisingly, the plunge-top E-Class shares the same technology under the skin with the Coupe sculpt with the primary engine listings in Europe composing of three diesel and four gasoline units.

The diesel breadth includes the 170HP E220 CDI, the 204HP 250 CDI and 231HP E350 CDI while the petrol lineup, the 184HP E200 CGI, the 204HP E250 CGI, the 292HP E350 CGI and the top-of-the line E 500 with a 388HP V8 engine.

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New All-Electric BMW 1-Series Coupe

The new BMW 1-Series Coupe all-electric car that willbe revealed as BMW Concept ActiveE at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show and will go into production within the next two two years.

While retaining the 1-Series Coupe’s rear-wheel drive model, BMW solitary the pattern shape’s internal-combustion engine adding a new synchronous electric motor expressly urban for this vehicle that’s integrated in the rear axis. The motor produces a crop of 125kW or 170hp and highest torque of 250Nm or 184 lb-ft.

The electrical energy that powers the motor is stored in a twosome of lithium-ion sequence packs developed jointly by BMW and SB LiMotive. The array packs concern the place that would routinely be taken up by the conventional drivetrain and fuel cistern in vehicles powered by a combustion engine.

The new Concept ActiveE tips the scales at a hefty 1,800 kg or about 3,970 pounds. BMW predicts that the all-thrilling 1-Series can accelerate from nought to 60km/h (37mph) in fewer than 4.5 seconds and from zilch to 100km/h (62mph) in less than 9 seconds, while the car’s maximum velocity is electronically limited to about 145 km/h or 90 mph.

BMW says that the frank-world scale is likely to be around 160 kilometers or 100 miles on a solitary payment, depending on conditions. The car’s lithium-ion batteries can be revived by a conventional clout shop at civic charging stations or at an exclusive block box. On the European grid, BMW says that the battery fill can be insincere thrilling at a high-current authority channel (50 ampere) in as little as three hours, while in North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continual) residential divider box, the care time is estimated to be around 4.5 hours.

The all-electric 1-Series Coupe rest a four-seater, however, the car’s gumboot power has been condensed to 200 liters due to the electric tidbits.

The Concept ActiveE is distinguished by the Liquid White hard ending as well as the special logos and lifelike basics derived from printed circuits in Electric Blue on the covering, doors, roof and coffer lid. The auto also gets exclusive light-alloy veer wheels, a specially trimmed interior and revised instrument panel and main parade that have been enhanced to contain flaunt substance point to electric steer.

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Tuning: VÄTH Performance Mercedes CL 65 AMG

German tuner VÄTH have released the new package for the Mercedes CL65 AMG that increases power and gives the luxury coupe a more aggressive look. Ander the hood the standard Mercedes-Benz’s 612-horsepower twin-turbo V12 engine, but it wasn’t enough, Väth’s engine kit lifts output to 745HP and a spectacular 1,150Nm or 848 lb-ft of torque.

The VÄTH claims that with this package, the CL65 AMG can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 4.0 seconds and reach speeds of up to 340 km/h or 211 mph. Even more impressive is the price of the kit that will cost you as much as a new C-Class at a hefty €36,890 or about US$53,100, including installation.

Other available performance mods include a sports braking system with 6 piston fixed calipers and 405 mm disks priced at €8,082 (US$11,600), 20-inch alloy wheels with Vredestein tires for speeds up to 270km/h or 168mph at €7,378 (US$10,600) and a lowering module for the airmatic suspension priced at €1,952 (US$2,800).

Adding the 20-inch alloys with Vredestein high-performance winter tires for speeds up to 270km/h or 168mph at €7,378 (US$10,600), while 6-piston caliper brakes with 405 mm disks adds a much higher pricetag. The calipers, disks, and steel-flex tubes with racing fluid go for €8,082. And a lowering module for the airmatic suspension priced at €1,952 (US$2,800).

External enhancements are limited to a subtle body kit with a carbon fiber front apron and rear diffuser fins, and boot lid and roof spoilers, which cost together €3,188 or about US$4,600.

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New 2011 Audi A1

The first photos of the new 2011 Audi A1 has posted on Facebook page. On this photo Justin Timberlake walking in front of the production side of the Audi A1 supermini.

And if you’re wondering what’s the connection between Timberlake and the German automaker’s answer for BMW’s MINI, Audi announced on Wednesday that it has struck a trade with the pop soloist to play the principal role in an Audi A1 Internet promotion that will be launched in the bounce of 2010.

“As a star he appeals to a litter board interview that we’re particularly intent on exciting about the compact and helpful A1, which is superlatively well fitting for city traffic,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Marketing and Sales

And now that we’ve done informing you about the promotional aspects of the A1, let us prompt you that the new premium supermini from Audi will make its world entrance at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show next March with European sales following brusquely after.

There have been hearsay on the media claiming that the A1 will not make it to North America, but we haven’t heard something certified from Audi yet.

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Audi A1

Audi's plans of premium segment domination necessitate entering segments previously unoccupied at Ingolstadt. Most upper segments have been taken up with cars like the A8, A6 and the R8. The lowest segment is currently ruled by the new MINI.

With the upcoming A1, Audi aims to set things straight and expand its global reach. The A1 will go on sale from late summer 2010 in Europe after its Geneva Motor Show public debut. Reports say its styling will be quite similar to the Metroproject Quattro Concept of Tokyo 2007 with its curved roof and short overhangs. The platform and drivetrain are to be shared with the VW Polo, a decision said to anger some Audi executives but one that's necessary for cost-cutting exercises.

Expected engines include a 1.2 TFSI producing 63kW (86PS) and 160Nm, a 1.4 TFSI producing 90kW (122PS) and 200Nm, and a 1.6 TDI worth 77kW (105PS) and 250Nm. Of course the MINI has performance derivatives which need to be targeted as well. So an S1 will be created with about 132kW (180PS) being driven by a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission. The S1 would be launched in February 2011.

Following that an A1 Sportback would come to market and thereafter soft-top cabriolet versions in 2012. Depending on A1 market sales, a peppery RS 1 could be introduced. The Q1 SUV derivative is set for production but it's not clear where exactly it would fall. Would it be a rival for the BMW X1 or the smaller MINI Crossman?

Lastly, there is some talk of an A2 range which falls between the A1 and A3 and is entirely focused on clean energies.

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New Audi Q7 as a luxury SUV

Isn’t it a little difficult to get into,” remarked a colleague as we climbed into the cavernous insides of Audi’s new Q7. He had scraped his
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
head against the edge of the roof of Audi’s monster truck while trying to get into the driver’s seat, and looked at me disapprovingly.

It was late in the evening and the temptation of a short drive was too much to handle. The intent of branding the new Q7 as a luxury SUV was clear as brushed aluminium inlays glowed in the soft streetlight that filtered in through the large low windows.

The chocolate brown vehicle that we were sitting in came with an S line equipment package that translated into better aesthetics, on the inside as well as the outside. I didn’t mind.

The 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 TDI engine was quiet, though not as quiet as the one that comes with Mercedes-Benz’s M-Class. But this baby could pull... 240 hp coupled with 550 Nm of torque gave us near neck snapping acceleration. But the bull charge was soothingly smooth. We tried unsettling its almost 2,500-kg frame by throwing it into tight corners but the quattro (Audi’s 4-wheel drive system) sparred with us tenaciously. So, this bull could dance as well, I smirked.

The short drive in Lutyen’s Delhi was over in a jiffy. But I had bigger plans for the vehicle that Audi calls the best selling performance luxury SUV in India.

Early next morning, while snuggling into the beautiful front seat of the Q7 I noticed the speakers. A Q7 buyer has two options — a 10-channel Bose sound system and a 14-channel Bang & Olufsen system. I didn’t have an option because my Q7 came with the higher-spec 1000-watts B&O! Like I said earlier, I didn’t mind at all. It looked great and sounded better. John Lee Hooker and highway fog go well together I thought, and pushed in the CD.

As Hooker strummed and plucked the sun started cutting through the fog on NH8. Life felt good at 120 kph. Broad roads have this habit of making you feel that you are going slow. Or was it the car? Or both? Or was it Hooker?
Rhythms apart, the Q7 handles well despite its size. It’s not as taut as a BMW but feels more sublime and supple. And an X5 can never pamper you the way the Q7 can. But at the same time, I felt that in choc-a-bloc traffic it’s easier to sneak in through with the M-Class. But then again, I wouldn’t choose the Merc to power me through a super highway.

But the NH8 is not a super highway. Somehow it has lost its charm. The tarmac doesn’t feel fresh anymore and it’s way too crowded at anytime during the day. But I powered on, sometimes off roading through the edge of the road. The Q7, true to its genes, showed fantastic passing prowess. The top whack levels off at somewhere near the 210-kph mark.

And then I did something great. I saw an opening for a back road and quietly slid into it. Dirty dhabas were immediately replaced with high grass on both sides and the little road snaked through quaint villages. People stared as I tried to steer through nervous hens and arrogant goats. At one point, I even had to get down from the car to look for a goat that ran under the Q7’s huge bonnet. The point that I am trying to make here is that the SUVs from BMW have fantastic driver seats at the right height. But I had never thought that it would take a young goat for me to find that out!

On the road, the Q7 is great. Good power, class-leading luxury. But off the beaten path, I still have my reservations. It rolls way too much on bad roads and the ground clearance leaves a few stones unturned, quite literally.

But when compared to its immediate peers such as the BMW X5 and the Mercedes M-Class, it turns quite a few heads, offers far more space since it comes with a six-seater option, has more frills than necessary and drives, well, almost like a performance sedan. But I still wonder, why we have to call it an SUV.

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New Audi A6 launched in India

German luxury car maker Audi Thursday launched a new variant of its existing sedan Audi A6 in the Indian market.

The car will be available in the market in May first week with a price tag starting from Rs.38.57 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).

“The new Audi A6 with its thrilling design, powerful engines and its combination of dynamic performance and lower fuel consumption will be one of the key players in the Indian luxury car market,” Audi India managing director Benoit Tiers said.

The new variant has been priced some Rs.2 lakh below the existing A6 model.

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Mercedes Benz Relesed E-Class Sedan

Such well-known automobile maker as Mercedes Benz in India launched a diesel version of its E-Class sedan. It is available for Rs 48.08 lakh.

According to the company E-Class sedan is equipped with a 2,987 cc 6-cylinder engine and with the help of E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY it will be possible to diminish fuel input.

The company believes that due to the launch of the advanced version of its E-Class sedan it will receive good profit from next year.

It was estimated that the company had sold 3,625 cars in India for the last year. In August it introduced a special edition of its C-Class sedan.

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