Mercedes-Benz

We Get Smart in 2008 Smart GmbH and United Auto Group Inc. said Thursday they will bring the two-seat smart fortwo to the U.S. in early 2008. Boeblingen-based Smart, part of DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes Car Group, said President Ulrich Walker had signed a general distributor agreement with United Auto Chairman Roger Penske on Wednesday. "This is absolutely the right car in the right place at the right time. It embodies the unique combination of a lifestyle and design-oriented vehicle that is ecologically appealing," Walker said. "Smart is uniquely designed, offers the lowest cost of ownership and is very fun to drive." The Detroit News

An interesting take on the Minivan segment by Mercedes-Benz as the VLE is much like any other name of Mercedes autos with the VLE not actually standing for anything but implied by the auto company as V - Van, L - Luxury, E - Electric drive train. MPV being Multi-Purpose Vehicle and with that we introduce you to the 2027 Mercedes-Benz VLE MPV electric van. Mercedes says this blends limousine-like ride comfort with refined MPV versatility. The VLE MPV has Mercedes ALL-NEW 800V technology and high-performance charging along with their latest MB.OS or Mercedes-Benz Operating System — the same AI-powered platform debuting in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. 10 Reasons…

TRY NOT TO LOOK AT THE LICENCE PLATES PLS. YOU'RE GONNA DO IT ANYWAYS. EXHIBIT A: EXHIBIT B: EXHIBIT C:

You could say the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is patient zero in the European Van invasion we are currently experiencing in the U.S. When it was introduced as the Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter back in the early 2000s, the vans became popular as they offered impressive space and fuel economy. Now with competitors such as the new Ram Promaster and upcoming Ford Transit featuring the recipe, Mercedes-Benz knows they have to be one step ahead. "The Sprinter is the benchmark and the norm of the Euro-style vans. There is a revolution happening in the segment and big changes coming that were caused by the Sprinter -- vans with a smaller footprint but big cargo volume," said Bernie Gla…

Following the Concept EQV at the Geneva Auto Show back in March, Mercedes-Benz has pulled the wraps off the production version ahead of the Frankfurt Auto Show coming up in September. The Mercedes says that the EQV will have a range of about 250 miles and rapid charging from 10 percent to 80 percent of the 100 kWh battery in less than one hour. Interior space is not compromised as the battery is stored under the floor of the vehicle. Drivers can control the recuperation levels with paddles behind the steering wheel, with the strongest setting being akin to braking allowing single pedal operation. The drive unit is a 204 horsepower / 267 lb-ft of torque motor that d…

The other day we shared a story about the final edition of the SLC Roadster, but buried in a press release for the Mercedes Benz GLC Shooting Brake being released in Geneva is an ominous line for lovers of big cylinder count engines. We can't say we weren't warned. Mercedes-Benz told us last year that the V12 would be gradually phased out... a process that has already started in the G and SL class. So with this announcement of a final edition for the S65 sedan, it is likely only a matter of time before the coupe and convertible follow. AMG has said they will keep building the V12 for other sub-brands. In this case, that likely means Maybach. This comes on…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 14, 2012 Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for the 2013 E400 Hybrid. For $55,800* (excluding $905 destination charge), you get a a 3.0L DI V6 engine good for 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine is supplemented by an electric motor which is rated at 27 HP and 207 lb-ft of torque. EPA hasn't revealed official mileage numbers for the E400 Hybrid, but Mercedes-Benz expects it to get 24 City/32 Highway/27 Combined. Source: Mercedes-Benz William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.…

We are still a few years out before Mercedes-Benz launches their new midsize truck, but new details have come out about the model. CarAdvice got some information from an insider at a recent design forum in Australia. First, Mercedes will be calling the truck either X-Class or Z-Class. It seems the automaker is leaning towards X since it brings up images of ruggedness. The truck will only be offered in a crew-cab variation which allows Mercedes not to spend a lot of time developing a regular or extended cab variations. It also gives Mercedes the ability to distance their truck from the Nissan Navara - the model which Mercedes is using as a base for their truck. …

Back in June, we reported in the rumorpile that Mercedes-AMG was planning to launch a new lineup of models with the 53 designation. These models would set themselves apart due to them being equipped with a mild-hybrid setup. The redesigned CLS-Class would be the first model to debut the 53. Speaking to Automotive News, Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed the existence of the 53 and that the CLS would be the first. All 53 models would be powered by a higher-output variant of the new turbocharged 3.0L inline-six paired up with a 48-Volt electrical system. Moers wouldn't say how much power the 53 series will produce but hinted that the AMG variant of the inline-six…

Mercedes-Benz is in the process of bringing out the new S-Class Coupe and working on a S-Class Plug-In Hybrid. But is there room for a pure electric S-Class? According to Dr Uwe Ernstberger, the head of Mercedes-Benz's large cars, it could happen. Ernstberger told Top Gear that a fully electric S-Class isn't a good fit for the time being, "a complete electric car will be done in the future." The big hurdle for this? The batteries. "We have to work on the capacities of the batteries to get a better package in the car. Because you do not want to lose all the comfort features of an S-Class for transporting a battery only," Ernstberger said. For now, those who want a bit …

Mercedes-Benz Close To A Decision With Maybach William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 14, 2011 It's no secret that Maybach, Daimler AG's upper luxury brand has been a loser for the company. Originally, Maybach was projected to sell 1,500 units per year. Last year , the brand only sold 157 vehicles worldwide. Now, Daimler has set a date of July 1st on which a decision will be made on Maybach's future. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said at recent press event that "there is a higher likelihood to come to a positive decision" if a partner was to come along and help out. Who could partner up with Maybach? The only automaker that has been in t…

Revealed: Maybach 62 Landaulet Link to Original Article @ Motor Authority Maybach’s newest model has been revealed ahead of its world debut at the upcoming Dubai Motor Show in a couple of week’s time. The car is a new semi-convertible version of the 62 saloon that officials will be calling a concept, but a limited production run of just 20 examples is all but confirmed for early next year. The new model is based on the current Maybach 62 but adopts a sliding roof over the rear compartment. The Landaulet design was made popular in the early part of the century and is basically a regular sedan with a fabric roof-center that can be folded away. The car also gets a revis…

B-Class for America Baby Benz headed for our shores By EVAN MCCAUSLAND | Link to Original Article @ AutoWeek | Published 07/26/07, 10:22 am et Mercedes-Benz’s U.S. portfolio is about to grow—by adding a small car. According to Bloomberg, the next version of the B-Class compact crossover is being designed for sale in the U.S. Available in Europe since 2005, the B-Class is due for a makeover in 2011 or 2012. Previous attempts to alter the current car for U.S. sale were nixed for cost reasons, but the new car is being designed for global sale from day one. This process lowers cost, allowing the B-Class to build a better business case. “At least we have the door open,…

Mercedes' Green Thumb Stop-start technology slated for entire lineup By TONY LEWIN | Link to Original Article @ AutoWeek | Published 07/24/07, 12:44 pm et LONDON - After watching rival BMW dominate the headlines at the Geneva auto show in March with the introduction of carbon dioxide-reducing stop-start versions of the 1 series, Mercedes-Benz will fight back. "We will catch up and get ahead," said Thomas Weber, head of R&D at Mercedes parent DaimlerChrysler. Mercedes-Benz will launch stop-start technology across its entire lineup, beginning with the A- and B-class entry-premium cars in September, Weber said at a press event here. All carmakers are looking for…

A new report from Autocar says that Mercedes-AMG is proposing a new entry-level sports car to take on the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman. The model is being presented as a indirect replacement to the slow selling SLC to Mercedes-Benz’s board of management. According to sources, the model is in the "conceptual stage" and needs approval from the board. But it is clear that AMG has given some thought if this project is given the green light. The design is said to have clear links to the upcoming Project One hypercar, and come in a coupe and convertible. For power, Autocar says the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that will be used in both the new A35 and A45 hot hatches.…

Earlier this year, we reported that Mercedes-Benz was going forward on a midsize truck for certain markets towards the end of decade. We also reported that the U.S. arm wants the truck. "We said to Stuttgart, 'We are open, and let us assess the market.' If that leads to us saying 'green light,' then we will bring it," said Steve Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. So has a decision been made for the U.S. getting a midsize truck from Mercedes? According to Cannon, that decision has been pushed back by eight to ten months. The decision was expected to come down at the end of this year. "The product is still very fluid. We've got time to make this decision, so we'r…

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a37917666/2022-mercedes-benz-eqs450-drive/ "After you've driven nearly every car for sale over the last 20 years, it's natural for the cars of the past to enter into your thoughts when driving something new. Humans compare experiences to gain perspective, which explains why we were daydreaming about Rolls-Royces while driving Mercedes-Benz's new electric luxury four-door, the EQS450+. Like a Rolls-Royce Phantom, the EQS is a capsule of luxury and silence that pours itself down the road with unerring grace. Unlike a hard-to-swallow Rolls, the EQS looks like an Advil Liqui-Gel. It's a lozenge of a car with what Mercedes …

G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - CheersandGears.com November 16th, 2012 Every year, the Los Angeles Auto Show hosts a challenge among automotive designers to concoct far-flung ideas about the future of transportation. This year's theme asked what the law enforcement rides of 2025 might look like, and the sketchers at Mercedes-Benz were so enamored with their design they built a life-size version, creating a Gelandewagon for the end of the world. http://autos.yahoo.c...-160342336.html View full article

Linkity Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe Debut for Geneva Highlights: 4 to 8 cylinder engines making 136hp to 382 hp. Coefficient of Drag of 0.24. Uses technologies seen in the bigger brother - SL Class like road sign recognition, emergency breaking etc. One of the hottest cars set to grace the stands at next month's Geneva Motor Show has been revealed today in the form of the all-new 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe. The svelte two-door is the hotly anticipated replacement for the aging CLK Coupe, which has been falling behind against newer competition such as the Audi A5 and E92 BMW 3-series Coupe, and on initial inspection it looks like the la…

I was at Barnes and Noble tonight...yes, I'm a geek, I know, looking up good cheap restaurants in Europe and looking at car mags...so what else is new? I was looking at Consumer Reports. After about 3 or 4 years, a lot of Mercedes products, like the C-class and the M-class, start racking up a lot of "black dots" (more problems that what is typical) and in some critical categories to boot. I was wondering: "Why the hell would someone pay that kind of money to drive one of these when it isn't it "red dot" land like a Toyota, Honda and now even some GM cars"? I was kind of surprised and it would certainly keep me out of a German car (eat your heart out, Irma Bunt), esp…

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the AMG GLE 53. The new GLE 53 features a 3.0 liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine with a 48-volt "EQ Boost" mild hybrid. The engine is equipped with both a standard turbocharger that runs off of exhaust gases and also has an electrically driven auxiliary compressor to activate boost at low RPM before the standard turbocharger kicks in. Additionally, Mercedes has equipped the engine with an EQ Boost starter-generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission. The EQ Boost can temporarily boost powertrain output by 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. When EQ Boost is not being used, it feeds the 48v battery. EQ B…

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 7, 2013 One vehicle that some of us thought would make its debut and didn't was the next-generation S-Class. But we now know when Mercedes-Benz is planning to show it. Diamler Chairman Dieter Zetsche told Autocar that the next S-Class will be shown in May in Hamburg, Germany. "The S-class is the most important car of all to us. Its success makes us stronger going forward," said Zetsche. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

We don't know why BMW created the X6, let alone introduced a redesigned model since they really don't sell that many. In November, the company only moved 421 units. But that isn't stopping the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Audi from joining the fun. Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2016 GLE Coupe. GLE is the first Mercedes-Benz model to follow the company's new nomenclature for SUVs and will be the sister model to the upcoming GLE (known currently as the ML-Class). The overall design is very much Mercedes' take on X6's design with similar roofline profile, high beltline, and taillights. There are elements of the CLA in the front-end with a tall, upright grille and large head…

Back in June, Mercedes introduced the Mercedes-Benz GLB crossover. That car came configured with 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 8-speed automatic transmission. Now AMG is getting their hands on the GLB and making some performance improvements. First up is the engine, still a 2.0 liter transversely mounted turbo-charge unit, but it now produces 302 horspower and 295 lb-ft from 3,000 - 4,000 rpm. The engine block is made from a lightweight die-cast aluminum to reduce overall weight. AMG also swapped out the standard 8-speed automatic for an 8-speed dual clutch transmission. During upshifts, partial ignition interruption produces a sporty sound experie…

Mercedes-Benz is trying something new with the debut of the GLA. Rather than holding an event, they are doing an online reveal of the new GLA class. We got a preview of the new GLA in the form of a sketch released from Mercedes. Ignore the ridiculous sized wheels and you'll get a good view of what it will look like. The new GLA rides on a new platform, the same that underpins the new A-Class, CLA, and GLB. That means, yes, it is a front-wheel drive model, but expect 4matic to be available as well. The overall size of the car will be reduced very slightly, but the wheelbase has been increased. This should increase legroom for passengers, but we don't have any of …

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 19, 2012 Mercedes-Benz's performance arm, AMG is looking to using AWD in more of their vehicles. "We will not only have all-wheel-drive in the SUVs and the compact cars, we will also have that in the performance sedans," said Friedrich Eichlers, AMG's of engines and powertrains. The reasoning with going towards AWD is due to the amount of power the current crop of AMG vehicles is overwhelming the rear wheels. "If you want to be a member of the club with cars that have 0-100km/h times of around 3.0 seconds, then you need to have all-wheel-drive for your sports cars. The traction is a little bit of a problem for…

Last April, then Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve Cannon said they wanted the truck that was announced for other markets and said a decision would be reached towards the end of the year. A few months later, Cannon said the decision had been pushed back to sometime in 2016. Now, Cannon's successor says there isn't a timeframe as to a final decision. "It's whenever. I don't think we do ourselves a favor to come up with a defined timetable. It's more important that we get it right," said Dietmar Exler, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA to Automotive News. Exler explained the previous timeframe announcements dealt if they wanted to get the new truck around the same time as other ma…

The EU and China get a version of the A-Class that we don't get here in the states, the A200 hatchback. The A200 is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 158 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Coming in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Mercedes will be unveiling a plug-in hybrid version of the car dubbed the A250e. The A250e will sport the same 1.3 liter engine, but will have an electric motor built into the 8-speed transmission that provides 101 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Power for the electric motor comes from a 15 kWh battery stored under the luggage area floor and a reconfigured rear suspension. In the European cycle, the car is said to b…

Automakers are having a tough time trying to keep their new cars under wraps till the day they're ready to announce. Such is the case of Mercedes-Benz which had their latest SL leak onto the internet. The pictures are suspected to be from a brochure and show the SL from the front and rear, along with the top up and down. The overall shape comes from the SLS AMG supercar and SLK roadster. We also see a shot of the interior as well, decked out in various shades of black and white. We know the next SL will lose a bit of weight thanks to the extensive use of aluminum in the body. No one knows what will lie under the hood of the SL, but expect a V8 and V12. UPDATE: Earlier …

Mercedes-Benz went the unconventional route and debuted their new GLA SUV completely online this morning. The new GLA comes on a new platform and changes up the dimensions a bit to improve interior space. Overall length is down 0.6 inches, but height has increased 4.1 inches, and wheelbase is up 1.1 inches while width is up 1.2 inches. This translates to some minor improvements in most, but not all, interior dimensions. (Dimensions chart on Page 2) The GLA initially will come in three forms, the GLA 250, GLA 250 4Matic, and AMG GLA 35. The 250 and 250 4matic some with the same powertrain, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 …

Car Magazine has some new intel on the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class, expected to go on sale in 2016. They report the next-generation model will use the MRA (modular rear-wheel drive architecture) which currently underpins the current S-Class. The next E-Class will also use much more aluminum which Car reports cuts around 70 to 150 kg (about 154 to 330 lbs) from the total weight. But the big story is a return of the inline-six. The report says Mercedes-Benz is going with this design due to how inexpensive they are to build and how closely they are related to Mercedes' family of four-cylinders. The first inline-six is expected to be a twin-turbo 2.9L diesel six with 313 …

Drew Dowdell - November 14, 2011 - CheersandGears.com Mercedes Benz has updated the AMG performance version their mid-size crossover for 2012. Along with receiving the same 7 speed automatic transmission that all M-Class models get for this year, the AMG model now has a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 producing 550 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque with stop-start technology. Fuel economy is rated at 16mpg combined city highway. With all that power in a tall vehicle, Mercedes also introduces Active Curve System for active roll stabilization. The system improves safety as well as the comfort of the occupants. The Mercedes Benz press release is on page 2. Efficiency and ou…

Mercedes-Benz has never sold the A-Class in the U.S. as it wasn't sure consumers would buy a luxury hatchback. But Mercedes will be finally bringing over the next-generation A-Class, but as a sedan. "We truly believe that now with the body style we have the right answer for the market," said Britta Seeger, Mercedes-Benz's global sales chief to Automotive News. When the model launches next fall in U.S., the A-Class sedan will become the brand's entry-level model. Mercedes is aiming the model at younger buyers that are new to the brand. "It's a very attractive car for younger people. But not only for younger people — it can have a broad audience because it's…

Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class is the world’s best-selling luxury sedan for very good reasons; it’s unmatched in safety, drivetrain, and infotainment techology. However, the S-Class is under siege with Audi, BMW, Jaguar, and even Hyundai release their new flagship sedans to take the crown. With those cars in the hunt, Mercedes knows the next S-Class has to be the best. Autocar has learned some new information about the next S-Class due out sometime in late 2012. The next S-Class will use a version of Mercedes’ modular rear-wheel drive architecture, which is currently used on the current E-Class. The S-Class will also use more aluminum in the body panels and suspension for weig…

See if you can follow this logic: Mercedes-Benz creates an ultra-luxury brand called Maybach to compete with the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The company really doesn't do much with the brand aside from introducing a number of special editions, showing off the Exelero concept, and having Jay-Z and Kayne West cut one up in a music in a music video. After ten years, Mercedes decides to kill of the brand due to lackluster sales. In its place will be a super S-Class wearing the Maybach nameplate?! According to Autoweek, this could happen. The new super S-Class could be wearing the Maybach nameplate when it is shown sometime this year. The model will be stretched out a f…

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 11, 2013 Mercedes-Benz has set forth an ambitious goal for its AMG arm: 30,000 vehicles sold by 2017, a 50% increase from the 20,000 vehicles sold annually. How are they planning to pull this off? By adding more models. Ola Kallenius, head of AMG told Autocar that they plan to have thirty models on sale by 2017. The new A45 AMG shown at the Geneva Motor Show is the first model as part of this plan. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Mercedes has informed dealers that there will be another sedan heading their way for 2018. Mercedes-Benz has decided the US is finally ready for the A-Class. Mercedes has previously shown the 2011 A-class concept in the U.S., but did not send that model over. Currently, the smallest and least expensive Mercedes sold in the U.S. is the Mercedes-Benz CLA, a 4-door fastback sedan that Benz calls a 4-door coupe. When the CLA originally debuted in the U.S. in 2013, it started at $29,900 before delivery charge. It has since crept up to $32,700. This new A-Class is expected to start below the $30k mark. Previously, the A-Class was only sold as a hatchback (2017 A-Cl…

Edmunds STUTTGART, Germany — The soon-to-be-launched and much-hyped Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec has reportedly failed to meet emissions criteria in the important states of California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. Mercedes said its E320 CDI was "the cleanest diesel vehicle in the world," but apparently not clean enough for U.S. regulators. Despite their popularity in Europe, diesels have never been commonplace in the United States and have a reputation as a technology for big rigs only. But there's a more ecological explanation for the lukewarm reception. Diesel is actually more harmful to the environment than gasoline because it generates more nitrogen ox…

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Chinese Smart Car Copy Outrages DaimlerChrysler Chinese company CMEC has begun production of a new two-seat city car that appears for all the world like DaimlerChrysler offshoot Smart's six-year-old Fortwo. And its appearance has DaimlerChrysler executives hopping mad. Even the name of the Chinese car is daringly close to that of the original: Electric City Smart. Smart's original two-seater was christened the City Coupe before adopting the name Fortwo in 2004. Aesthetically, there's not much separating the two cars. Only the door handles, exterior mirrors and fuel tank of the CMEC-produced car display any discernible change from the original Smart design.

Audi has S and BMW has M Performance. According to Autocar, Mercedes-Benz is working on its own performance sub-brand. Named AMG Sport, this sub-brand will offer improved gas and diesel engines, suspensions, wider tracks, reprogrammed electronics, and more. “We have identified growing demand for our more overtly sporting models, both in petrol and diesel guises. We intend to extend our range with a new line of models developed in partnership with AMG,” said a source. The first model from this sub-brand is the C450 AMG Sport which takes the standard C400's turbocharged 3.0L V6 and increases power from 329 to 367 horsepower. Other AMG Sport models from the A to the S-Cla…

Rumor has it that the next AMG C63 will be the first of a number of models to ditch their V8 in favor of 4-cylinder hybrid power. According to Autocar, the C63 could also lose a rear-wheel drive option, going instead with standard all-wheel drive. The engine would be an electrified version of the new M139 turbocharged 2.0-liter. In it's most powerful current form, it is the most powerful 4-cylinder in production anywhere putting out 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and that's without any electric boosting. The engine was engineered to be mounted transversely or longitudinally and also with an eye on hybridization. For the C63, the M139 engine would ado…

New European carbon emissions rules are coming into effect soon and that will have a negative effect on models from a number of manufacturers. Mercedes-AMG is known for its high-output vehicles, but that also generally makes them more polluting as well. Mercedes wants to cut its CO2 emissions from the current 138 grams per kilometer to 100 grams per kilometer. This would hit its most powerful models the hardest. In the overall European market, 35 percent of new vehicles sold are sport utility vehicles which generally have higher emissions than cars. Customers' appetite for SUVs could force Mercedes to cut their AMG variants offered by up to 75%. AMG will attempt…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 27, 2013 Since the departure of Maybach, there has been a number of questions and rumors concerning if the next-generation S-Class would take on the role of being the ultra luxury vehicle. In a interview with Autocar, Diamler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said Mercedes-Benz has a plan. “We will continue in the market segment above €200,000. It is important that Mercedes-Benz is represented. We have tradition at this level. said Zetsche. “We see a chance to extend our leadership at the top end of the luxury car market. We plan to extend the number of models, and a Pullman is included in those plans.” Autocar speculates th…

Mercedes-AMG says that it will be moving to an all all-wheel drive lineup in the near future and engine downsizing as Mercedes moves towards an all electrified lineup. Autocar spoke to AMG boss Tobia Moers who said "Customers have given us the answer, and most want four-wheel drive. Back in the days when we had an AMG E-Class as rear-wheel drive and with four-wheel drive as an option, over 90% chose four-wheel drive." Even the AMG's flagship, the AMG GT will move to all-wheel drive in the near future. The current E63 AMG has an all-wheel drive system that uses clutches to send 100% of torque to whichever axle needs it, including a drift mode that will complete…

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/...mercedes/1.html I wonder when M-B is really going to break out of this styling rut they are in?

Smart Fortwo is lovable, but not the wisest choice By Dan Neil |Los Angeles Times Link to Original Article @ DetNews "Know then thyself, presume not God to scan; The proper study of mankind is Man." -- Alexander Pope Want to know thyself better? Gauge your reaction to this car, the Smart Fortwo, a four-wheeled flea built by Smart -- a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler -- to be imported to the United States in the first quarter of 2008. Measuring 106.1 inches long and weighing just under 1,650 pounds, the Fortwo soon will be, by an astonishing margin, the smallest gas-powered car on the market: nearly 40 inches shorter than the BMW Mini, a whopping four feet shorter than…