Author: yoann besnard

Spyshots: redesigned Mercedes SL

Here are some spyshots of the redesigned SL-Class, which provide some further insights into the Mercedes roadster. Thanks to these spyshots, we now know more about the back end of the car. Do not expect any major changes other than modified headlights at the back, however. The main changes have been made to the front end. The SL-Class will be given a new grille, new headlights that look like the CLS model’s headlights, and new fenders. Unfortunately, these new features are hidden on the current pictures.
Click here to see all pictures
Source: Worldcarfans
July 17, 2007
Toyota/Lexus LF-A: Nürburgring video

Here is another video of the Toyota/Lexus supercar, due to be launched at the next Tokyo motor show. It will be available with a choice of a V8 5.0-litre hybrid engine producing 400bhp or a V10 5.0 litre petrol producing 500 bhp. In the video, it seems to be the V10 engine that we can hear.

July 17, 2007
Mercedes ML Edition 10

For Mercedes, 1997 was the year when it entered the SUV market by launching the M Class. To mark the 10th anniversary, the German carmaker recently unveiled a limited edition version dubbed Edition 10, with the label ‘Edition 10’ mounted on the car’s fenders. The package includes a mix of a white paint, black grille, darkened headlamps and black tinted windows. It also comes with 20-inch wheels and bi-xenon headlights. On the inside, it features a two-tone interior with cream leather seats.

More than the SUV itself, this 10th anniversary also celebrates ten years of operation at the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama. Mercedes-Benz’ first passenger vehicle plant outside of Germany, the construction of the site was not without its problems. The main difficulty was in finding an educated workforce that could assemble the cars. Several times Mercedes Benz considered abandoning the project due to the poor qualifications of applicants. Finally, however, the first M-Class went into production and since then the plant has created more than 22,000 jobs.

July 14, 2007
Renault Megane III

Discovering the full design of the new Renault Laguna was tough. In complete contrast, the future Megane III has been unveiled – unnofficially and apparently unintentionally – in the latest issue of the French weekly car magazine Auto Plus. Rather than the usual artist’s interpretation, put together using insider information and guesswork, the magazine has surprised observers by publishing a real photograph of the car.
The iconic French car will replace its distinctive back end with high bumpers and muscular lines. The wheel arches are emphasised and the back doors are narrower, giving the car a sportier look.
According the magazine, the car will be 3 inches longer than the current model, at 169 inches. Concerning the engine, do not expect significant changes or increased engine size, despite the appealing look.
July 14, 2007
Jim Press lives in a dream world
I do not know what the Toyota’s North American president, Jim Press, smokes but it must be high quality for it to lead him to declare that “everything will be a hybrid” in the future and to liken the Toyota Prius to the Model T.

Obviously, the Toyota Prius is a big step for the Automotive Industry, but European market does not embrace hybrid cars, by far favouring diesel cars. The latter offer better mileage than a hybrid car, so it is highly unlikely that hybrid cars will ever reign supreme here.
Concerning the Model T comparison, we are still waiting for a hybrid Toyota Yaris in order to prove that the hybrid concept can be extended to all models. Likewise, we are yet to see a hybrid K-car. Considering that K-cars make up almost 50% of the Japanese market, the creation of a hybrid version is essential for any dreams Press may harbour.
July 13, 2007
20,000 pre-ordered Smart ForTwo
Could the U.S. market save Smart? According to Detroit News, the answer to this question could be a yes. Despite a price of around £5,900/€8,700/$12,000 for the entry model, more than 20,000 reservations have been made in total across the U.S. for the upcoming city car.
The future buyers have each put down a deposit of $99 on the car, which is set to create the city car segment in the U.S. If it proves to be successful, the Smart will have revolutionised the American market. It could potentially open up the market for Japanese car makers to start shipping over their K-cars. Imagine a Los Angeles filled with hundreds of thousands of Suzuki Wagon R!
To avoid any embarrassment for Smart’s parent company Mercedes, the compact cars will not be sold through traditional Mercedes car dealers. Instead, the Smart ForTwo will be sold mainly through a network of dealers under Roger Penske’s United Auto Group.
July 13, 2007
Calibra to be reborn?
When Opel unveiled the GTC concept coupe at the last Geneva motor show, everybody thought that it was a preview of a future coupé. Opel denied considering to build one derived from the next Vectra/Insignia Saloon due to belaunched next year. But the GTC was so acclaimed that Opel has altered its position. The German carmaker is now looking at a possible production version.
The car would offer a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, both in four and six cylinder units. Some have quickly dubbed it the reborn Calibra. The Calibra was famous for its aerodynamic shape resulting in an incredibly low CX value of 0.26. Even the smallest engine allowed the coupé to reach 130mph. Aswith all Opels of that time, the car suffered from a erratic front drivetrain that could not withstand a speed of more than 115 bhp. The Calibra formed the basis for Opel’s DTM efforts in the nineties.
July 13, 2007
Range Rover gets its own studio director
Land Rover would like to build a brand under the Range Rover badge in the future. There have even been rumours that the Freelander LR2 could drop its Land Rover badge in favour of the Range Rover badge. Until recently it was pure speculation, but the nomination of Phil Simmons as studio director of the iconic Range Rover model is being seen as possible confirmation of the rumours. This is the first time the Land Rover has employed a studio director specifically dedicated to the Range Rover model.
Phil Simmons is not a stranger at Land Rover, where he spent 10 years of his career. He participated in designing the exterior of the Range Rover which is currently on sale. He subsequently moved to Ford Motor Company in the US, where he was responsible for Ford’s family of mid-size vehicles such as the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ. He was appointed Chief Designer for Ford of Europe in September 1999.
The current Land Rover Design’s studio director, Dave Saddington, keeps his position and will focus on the Land Rover products Defender and Discovery. Both men will report to Land Rover’s Design Director, Gerry McGovern.

July 13, 2007
Mercedes launches its own WebTV channel
At at time when more or less anybody can have his own TV Channel or at least put a video on YouTube, carmakers are starting to launch their own TV channels. Following in Audi’s footsteps, Mercedes-Benz is today launching today the website Mercedes-Benz.tv.

The program is initially expected to be 20 minutes long and as well as providing the obvious content about the Mercedes brand it will also include a sports program thanks to sponsorship. The web TV will be available in English and German only.
On the first day, the 20 minute show will feature the new McLaren stars Lewis Hamilton, a variety of historical Mercedes models and live broadcasting from the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show in Berlin.
July 13, 2007
100,000th 911 997 built
Last week Porsche built the one hundred thousandth 911 997 model. Launched in April 2004, the 997 is the first Porsche 911 to be produced so quickly since the first generation sold in 1963.
The hundred thousandth 911 is a red Carrera S with manual gearbox. It will to be delivered to a customer in the Frankfurt/Main area of Germany within the next few days.
By the end of the 2006/2007 fiscal year, Porsche will have sold around 36,000 911 units in the world, another record for the Porsche legend.
July 13, 2007