North American International Auto Show

Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

Mercedes Benz is among the German luxe cars that loves clean diesel, but it is also getting serious about electric sports cars as well.

At this week's North American International Auto show, the Stuttgart-based Mercedes showed the SLS AMG E-Cell, which is powered by four synchronous electric motors at each wheel. Those motors produce 525 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque.

Though Mercedes is mum about some of the performance numbers, we hear that the SLS AMG E-Cell can do 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The energy comes from Lithium-ion batteries, and regenerative braking helps keep the cells from draining too fast. There is a the temperature management system to make sure that charging and discharging occurs in the best environment possible.

Expected range was not part of the announcement, nor would the good folks at Mercedes commit to putting the car into production. But there is desire by Mercedes to offer it next year.

Mercedes is a share holder in Tesla Motors, the California company known for its electric roadster. Tesla has been sorting out the electrification of smart cars (Mercedes owns smart) but we venture a guess that the intellectual property sharing goes to sports cars, and specifically this baby, as well.

Tags: Electric car, Mercedes benz, North American International Auto Show, Tesla, tesla motors

Maserati Plans SUV Made In Detroit With Ferrari Engine

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

How is this for a mixed pedigree? Chrysler, which is managed by Fiat executives these days, plans to build a Maserati SUV in Detroit at an assembly plant that kicks out Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos, which are built on an engineering platform developed with Mercedes-Benz for its M Class SUV stemming from when Chrysler was owned by Daimler.

Now comes word that the forthcoming Maserati SUV will be fitted with a Ferrari engine. Fiat also owns Ferrari, which has supplied engines to Fiat's Lancia, Alfa-Romeo, Maserati cars, as well as Formula One teams.

"It will be a rock and roll engine," said Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. It may come in both a V-8 and a V-12 version, said the CEO in a roundtable interview at the North American International Auto Show that included Luxist.com

The SUV should be ready for Maserati showrooms worldwide in 2012.

Tags: Ferrari, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Maserati SUV, North American International Auto Show, Sergio Marchionne

Auto Show: MINI Paceman Cuts Two Doors Off Countrymen

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It's not usual to think of a car priced between $23,000 and $32,000 with options as a luxe car, but MINI changes the rules a little for defining what premium means.

The British brand owned by BMW last year launched the Countryman, a four door design related to the iconic MINI Cooper. At this year's North American Auto Show, the company is showing a "concept" car for a two-door version of the car called the Paceman.

"MINI is certainly premium, if not luxury," says independent marketing consultant Dennis Keene. "What I find so fascinating about MINI as a brand is the way it remains aspirational and legitimate for the person for whom $20,000 or $25,000 is what they can afford, as well as for the Mercedes or BMW owner who just loves the design."

The Paceman, besides having just two doors to the Countryman's four has a gradually sloping roofline. It gives the bigger MINI a sportier look. Power for the Paceman concept comes from Mini's John Cooper Works: a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine that puts out 211 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque (207 with the "overboost.") It has MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive system mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

MINI's next vehicles, the Coupe and Roadster, ill debt in 2012. The Paceman, assuming it gets brought to market would likely come after that.

Tags: Countryman, detroit auto show 2011, MINI, MINI Cooper, North American International Auto Show, Paceman

Detroit Auto Show: Maybach on the Bubble

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said this week that the company will decide by year-end the fate of its super-luxury Maybach division.

The line of cars, meant to compete against the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce, has seen its business wither during the economic downturn. "The success or failure of Maybach hardly shows up on our results, but it is something I want to have a decision on by year-end. And everything is on the table," said Zetsche. "Killing it off? "Everything is on the table," Zetsche repeated.

The Financial Times recently reported that Daimler was in talks with British automaker Aston Martin about developing future Maybachs. Such ventures are also among the possibilities.

Maybachs, which start at $366,000, according to Edmunds.com, have been popular with some pro athletes and hip hop moguls. Jay-Z and Russell Simmons are among owners. Jay Leno owns one as well. Golfing great Nick Faldo has been among the brand pitchmen.

The current lineup of Maybachs includes the Maybach 57 and 57S, Maybach 62 and 62S, and the Landaulet.
The Maybach name first hit the boulevards in 1919, but was discontinued when World War Two broke out. Daimler-Benz ought what was left of the company in 1960.

The current-day Maybach made its debut at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show at the height of the dot-com economy, and went on sale globally shortly thereafter.

Last year, Maybach sold 63 cars in the U.S.

Tags: detroit auto show 2011, Dieter Zetsche, maybach, North American International Auto Show

Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz 2012 S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Coming

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Mercedes-Benz 2012 S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Coming

For those who know the pleasures and fuel economy advantages of driving clean-diesel powered cars, Mercedes-Benz is showing a version of its flagship S-Class that will go on sale later this year.

The S350 Bluetec Class is powered by the same 3.5 liter Bluetec V6 engine that is found in the diesel versions of the E Class, ML and GL vehicles.

Merceds has not yet released the specifications, pricing and fuel economy ratings of this new addition to its diesel lineup, but expect it to get around 20 mpg city/30 mpg hwy.

Diesel offerings have the advantage of offering drivers lots of power at low rpms, compared with gas engines, as well as fuel economy that generally runs 20% to 35% better than gas versions. Some people are not keen on diesels, thinking that it is hard to find. But diesel pumps are commonly found at gas stations these days alongside regular gas pus these days.

There are Smartphone apps that make it easy to find the best diesel pumps wherever you are.

Tags: BlueTec, detroit auto show 2011, diesel, Mercedes Benz, North American International Auto Show

Detroit Auto Show: An all new 2012 Audi A6

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

If Audi is going to achieve the lofty sales goals of its parent company, Volkswagen AG, especially in the U.S., the new redesigned 2012 A6 sedan, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show this week, had better surpass the popularity of the outgoing model.

Looking very much like a slightly diminutive Audi A8, unveiled a year ago, the A6 sports the big toothy Audi signature grille, and a pretty tailored look that is almost throwback in its simplicity.

Audi has a target of selling 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. by 2018, which would be up sharply from the 101,629 it sold in 2010.

The A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only (no Quattro system) hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The A6 hybrid will achieve an average fuel consumption of only 6.2 liters per 100 km (37.94 US mpg. The 2.0 liter TDI (clean diesel), in conjunction with a manual transmission, achieves 48 mpg (U.S).

Stay-tuned for pricing and precise launch date for the U.S. But we suspect the stickers to b close to the current A6, which ranges from $45,200 to $59,150.

Gallery: 2012 Audi A6

Tags: Audi A6, Audi A6 TDI, Audi Hybrid, detroit auto show, detroit auto show 2011, North American International Auto Show

Lamborghini Planning Special Edition Gallardos

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

The Gallardo has proven a runaway success for Lamborghini. But before it is replaced in a couple years' time, the Italian automaker is reportedly planning a couple of special editions.

First up is the Bicolore edition, featuring a two-tone paint scheme like the Gallardo SE from 2006, but based on the newer and faster LP560-4 version. Word has it the special edition will debut at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show next month.

Following the Bicolore edition, rumor has it that a Tricolore edition will debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show. But instead of simply one-upping the aforementioned Tricolore with a three-tone paint scheme, reports suggest that the special Gallardo will feature the red, white and green of the Italian flag to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the country's unification.

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Chrysler Unveils New 300 Flagship Sedan

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Limo drivers may think of Cadillac and Lincoln as the two American luxury marques, but we wouldn't could Chrysler out of the running just yet. The company is making a comeback, and has just revealed its new top-of-the-line model.

Like the model it replaces, it's called the Chrysler 300. A slew of improvements have been made over the outgoing model, including a restyled exterior with LED headlamps and even more chrome than before for a classier look.

The car will be officially unveiled next month at the Detroit Auto Show, after which sales will open with a choice of Pentastar V6 or Hemi V8 engines driving the rear wheels or all four.

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Tags: 2011 chrysler 300, 2011 detroit auto show, 2011 naias, 2011 north american international auto show, 300, chrysler, chrysler 300, detroit auto show, naias, North American International Auto Show

Mini Releases the Paceman Concept

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

The company that jump-started the premium hatchback market is unrelenting in its expansion, transforming its original model into a growing range. This is the latest.

Although billed as a concept car, the Mini Paceman could very well make it to production if demand proves sufficient. It's essentially a coupe version of the Countryman crossover model, and is set to debut at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Aside from chopping a couple of doors off the crossover, Mini has also given the Paceman a number of intriguing design touches, like leather pulls on the doors and gas cap, a wooden trim piece on the front fender and a rearward sloping roof.

Gallery: Mini Paceman concept

Tags: 2011 detroit auto show, detroit, detroit auto show, mini, Mini Paceman, MINI Paceman Concept, naias, north american international auto show, paceman

BMW Debuts Top-of-the-Line Z4 sDrive3.5is Roadster in Detroit

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Enthusiasts have been waiting patiently for an M version of BMW's latest Z4 roadster, and that day has finally arrived, in everything but name. The new – if awkwardly named – Z4 sDrive3.5is is the top-of-the-line roadster from the Bavarian automaker. Unveiled this week at the Detroit auto show, it packs the company's highly-rated 3-liter twin-turbo inline-six with 340 horsepower. 0-60? 4.8 seconds. And to bring it closer to M Roadster territory, there's an M-sport appearance package available, together with a revised suspension and bigger brakes.

Gallery: BMW Z4 sDrive3.5is

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Tags: 2010 naias, bmw, bmw m power, bmw m sport, bmw z4, bmw Z4 sDrive35is, BmwMPower, BmwMSport, BmwZ4, BmwZ4Sdrive35is, detroit, detroit 2010, detroit auto show, naias, north american international auto show, z4

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Debuts at Detroit Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Between the SL, SLK and CLK, Mercedes-Benz offers no shortage of convertible options. But the latter is on its way out, and here's its replacement: the all-new for 2010 E-Class Cabriolet. Following in line with the recently released E-Class sedan, wagon and coupe, the convertible benefits from all the latest developments Daimler has to offer, and then some. As a convertible, the E-Class gets a new system called AirCap, designed to minimize wind buffeting in the cabin at speed, and another called Airscarf that keeps occupants warm to enable top-down motoring in all sorts of weather. Like the rest of the range, the E-Class convertible will be available in E350 and E550 guises, with a 268hp V6 and a 382hp V8 respectively. And, of course, room for four sun-worshipping passengers.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Tags: 2010 naias, detroit, detroit 2010, detroit auto show, mercedes, mercedes-benz, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio, mercedes-benz e-class cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible, Mercedes-benzE-class, Mercedes-benzE-classCabrio, Mercedes-benzE-classCabriolet, Mercedes-benzE-classConvertible, naias, north american international auto show

Chrysler Presents Upgraded 300 S in Detroit

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

While waiting on a new generation of shared platforms with its new corporate partners at Fiat, Chrysler is holding on with a series of special packages for some of its most popular Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler-brand products. Among them, at the top of the line, sits the new Chrysler 300 S, unveiled at this year's Detroit auto show.

The new trim is mostly an appearance package, available in both S6 (with the 250hp 3.5-liter V6) and S8 (340hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8) guises. Both get a new grille, darkened headlamp bezels, sleeker door panels, side mirror housings and polished 20" wheels. Inside there are new leather sport seats, carbon-fiber trim, red top-stitching and 300 S logos stitched into various surfaces. The new package should help the five-year-old 300, based on the old Mercedes E-Class platform, carry on a few more years until its replacement arrives.

Gallery: Chrysler 300 S8

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Tags: 2010 naias, 300, 300 c, 300 s, 300 s6, 300 s8, 300C, 300S, 300S6, 300S8, chrysler, chrysler 300, chrysler 300 c, chrysler 300 s, chrysler 300 s6, chrysler 300 s8, Chrysler300, Chrysler300C, Chrysler300S, Chrysler300S6, Chrysler300S8, detroit, detroit 2010, detroit auto show, naias, north american international auto show

Mercedes-Benz Sculpture Previews Next CLS

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Automakers are always looking for intriguing new ways to preview what they're working on next, and this is what Mercedes brought to Detroit this year: a sculpture that's tipped to preview the next-generation CLS. Pioneering the "four door coupe" segment, the CLS has been a popular vehicle for Benz, so the new model will have big, svelte shoes to fill. And from the looks of things, it should be up to the task.

Looking like a show car draped in a sheet, the sculpture shows an SLS-inspired grille, with a sleek roofline, long hood and bulging wheel arches. That's all we have to go on for now until Mercedes pulls off the iron curtain, so have a closer look in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Design Sculpture

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Tags: 2010 naias, cls, cls-class, detroit, detroit 2010, detroit auto show, mercedes, mercedes cls, mercedes cls-class, mercedes-benz, Mercedes-Benz CLS, mercedes-benz cls-class, mercedes-benz design, Mercedes-benzCls, Mercedes-benzCls-class, Mercedes-benzDesign, MercedesCls, MercedesCls-class, naias, north american international auto show

Mini Shows Quirky Beachcomber Concept at Detroit Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

The Mini line-up is getting bigger. While the original came as a diminutive hatchback, the Mini has since been joined by convertible, wagon, coupe, roadster and soon a sport-utility version. But BMW's premium compact division isn't about to stop there, and to that end unveiled the Beachcomber Concept you see here at the Detroit auto show.

The Beachcomber gives another preview at what we can expect the upcoming Crossover to look like, only with some decidedly fantastical (and impractical) modifications. The roof and doors, for one, have been removed, replaced by removable fabric ones, placing this concept somewhere in between the Mini Cooper and a Jeep Wrangler. For better or worse, this strictly remains a concept car for the time being, but you can check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mini Beachcomber Concept

Tags: 2010 naias, detroit, detroit 2010, detroit auto show, mini, mini beachcomber, mini beachcomber concept, mini concept, mini crossman, mini crossover, MiniBeachcomber, MiniBeachcomberConcept, MiniConcept, MiniCrossman, MiniCrossover, naias, north american international auto show

Dodge Viper Bids Farewell in Detroit with ACR 1:33 Edition

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It's been a good run for the Dodge Viper. The all-American supercar gave Chrysler its reputation for putting its show-stopping show-cars into production back in 1992. Unfortunately those days are behind the troubled automaker, and that means the Viper is going the way of the do-do. But not before it's racked up some serious accomplishments, the most recent of which was claiming the fastest lap time at the venerable Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, one of the most challenging circuits in the world.

After setting a record 1 minute, 33 second lap time around Laguna Seca, Dodge announced it would create a special-edition American Club Racer, and that ultimate Viper just debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition gets a special paint scheme, revised aerodynamics and revised gearing, making this a fitting tribute to the sportscar that put Dodge on the map. Unfortunately only 10 examples will be produced, all of which have undoubtedly been spoken for by now. But you can see more in the gallery below.

Gallery: Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition