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People keep telling us the horsepower war between German automakers is a thing of the past. How, then, will they explain the new 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63, which is more powerful than ever? This mighty offroader now packs an insane 585 horsepower from a 4.0 liter V8.  Based on the new generation of the G-Wagen with its cute new lights and fancy interior, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 is also the most capable iteration of this car ever built. Zero to 100 km/h takes only 4.5 seconds. That alone is mind-boggling in a car this size. The limited maximum speed of 220 km/h, or 240 km/h with the AMG Driver‘s package, is the other astonishing figure, no less than the titanic 850 Nm of torque the engine generates. Not that anyone cares, but the combined fuel consumption is 13.2 l/100 km, and the combined CO2 emissions 299 g/km,mainly thanks to cylinder deactivation system. [embedded content] The running gear in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 consists of AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a 95 SPEEDSHIFT transmission. Add to that the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension and adaptive adjustable damping, AMG speed-sensitive steering, and AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, and you have a speed machine that, ...ادامه مطلب

In an effort to keep the disceing customers of their Maybach series happy, Mercedes has come up with a number of visual upgrades for the 2018 version of the luxury saloon. In this treatment the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class gets even more exquisite interior color combos, optional two-tone paint jobs, and a new radiator grille.  If we cut to the chase, the two-tone paint works available for the 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class include armagnac brown/black and savanna beige/black. There will be nine color combinations available in total, complete with double clear coat which creates a brilliant surface finish with a piano lacquer effect that gives the paint job a special depth. These should improve the aesthetics of the Maybach, especially when teamed up with new luxury 20-inch multi-spoke wheels. on the whole three exclusive 20-inch wheels are available for the Maybach, including a 20-hole design from the Mercedes-Maybach S-Cabriolet. As for the interior, black Maybach Exclusive nappa leather upholstery appointments can also be ordered with a choice of copper-, gold- or platinum-coloured contrasting topstitching. There is also trim inserts in designo flowing lines Magnolia for those w, ...ادامه مطلب

The highly anticipated 2018 VW Up! GTI is now available to order in the UK, all set to take the hot hatch market by storm. Granted, it is a supermini and not a hatchback. But the Up! GTI is so good at what it does, and at £13,750 it is so well-priced, it renders all those expensive, over-powered hot hatches out there silly.  I mean, if space is not really an issue for you, 2018 VW Up! GTI is a much better proposition than its own big brother, Golf GTI. And we know full well that the Golf is the king of all hot hatches. With the Up! GTI it is not about how much power you have. It’s the whole package. Yes, it only has a 999cc turbo engine with 115 PS and 200 Nm of torque. But on the upside it does 58.9 mpg and emits no more than to 110 g/km of CO2. And as for performance, 0 to 62 mph is dealt with in 8.8 seconds with a top speed of 122 mph. [embedded content] 2018 VW Up! GTI is all about the joy of driving, and a big part of that is the price. Yes, it is kind of expensive for a supermini, but it’s a bargain for what it offers. And because it is cheap, you can beat on it every day, drive it fast and hard, and not worry about breaking the bank. It is not in vain that Volkswagen com, ...ادامه مطلب

No, really. Whatever your trade is, chances are there is a version of the new 2019 Mercedes Sprinter that fits your needs. The Mercedes of vans was unveiled minutes ago with three main body styles of panel van, tourer, and construction truck, and more than 1700 different configurations!  It is fairly pointless to talk about the deign of a new van, even though the 2019 Mercedes Sprinter does look quite good and fancy. So let’s begin with the technology and see what makes the new Sprinter special. The new model comes with Mercedes PRO connect combined with the  MBUX multimedia systems. This makes managing a fleet a lot more convenient as you can connect the vehicles and use services such as Vehicle Supervision, Vehicle Operations, Fleet Communication, Maintenance Management and a digital Driver’s Logbook. [embedded content] As for the practicality, the new model has a lower load sill and 50 kg more load capacity (up to17 m3 with tonnages up to 5.5 tonnes). There is also new front setup for the all-wheel-drive system, two newly developed transmissions for front-wheel drive including a 6-speed manual and a nine-speed automatic. Other highlights of the 2019 Mercedes Sprinter equipme, ...ادامه مطلب

The days in which SUVs were symbols of high fuel consumption and air pollution are long gone thanks to cars such as 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid. These offer the same practicality and performance of a regular SUV, but with a frugal-ish engine. Of course, this much goodness is going to cost you.  2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is priced from $52,100 MSRP to which you will have to add a $995 destination and handling fee. Still, considering the badge and how much kit you receive in retu for your cash, that sounds like good value. The biggest highlight of this model is the three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system which is basically the same powertrain they use in the NSX supercar. Here it generates 321 hp and 289 lb.-ft. of torque. The EPA rating for this system is 26 / 27 / 27 mpg City/Highway/Combined. Now, that doesn’t sound particularly brilliant, but you have to realize it’s 45 percent better than a non-hybrid MDX. [embedded content] Features-wise, 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is as luxurious and well-equipped as any Acura. You can choose between Technology Package ($53,095) and Advance Package ($59,145) trims, with both model benefiting from unique interior, ...ادامه مطلب

The official U.S. pricing for the all-new 2018 Hyundai Kona crossover has been announced, and as you would expect the value-for-money element is strong. This quirky little sport utility starts at just $19,500 for the base model, rising up to $28,700 for the fully-loaded model.  In America the 2018 Hyundai Kona is available with two engines and transmission choices. There is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo (Limited and Ultimate trims only) with a seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission offering 175 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines can be had with all-wheel-drive system. A well-chosen trim will also get you such advanced safety systems as Lane-Keeping Assist system, Blind-Spot Collision Waing, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Waing, Lane Change Assist, Parking Distance Waing and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection. [embedded content] 2018 Hyundai Kona MSRP & Trims: Model Engine Transmission Drivetrain MSRP SE 2.0L 4-cyl. 6-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC® FWD $19,500 SE 2.0L 4-cyl. 6-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC® AWD $20, ...ادامه مطلب

German tuner IMSA is known to those who have know a thing or two about the world of high-end tuning as the firm with some of the craziest body kits ever. With their latest project, however, they have gone sensible and focused mainly on performance. The result is this IMSA Mercedes-AMG S63 which they have re-badged the S720.  And there’s a clue as to the kind of power you can expect from this luxurious and classy monster. Don’t get us wrong. IMSA Mercedes-AMG S63 does come with a number of new body components. But these are very subtle and understated compared what we usually expect from this tuner, and their main purpose it to enhance the performance and make the car faster. They do so through a combination of weight saving and aerodynamic efficiency. The carbon parts tailored for the S720 include a pair of side sills, special air intakes, and rear diffuser with new tailpipes. The aero components are complemented with a set of CR2 alloy wheels based on the customer’s request, shod with 9×21 with tires in 255-35/21 on the front axle and 10,5×21 with 295-30/21 at the rear axle. Again the wheels are mainly there for performance reasons and the cool look they result in is an added, ...ادامه مطلب

The trendiest trend in the auto world in 2018 seems to be artificial intelligent. Car makers are scrambling to get ahead in this field, and Mercedes-Benz just made a huge leap with their new infotainment system. Unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is an infotainment system infused with AI.  You still get all the traditional features of a good in-car entertainment and connectivity system, only with the MBUX they are better. You get high-resolution Widescreen Cockpit with touchscreen operation, navigation and voice recognition. But these in the Mercedes-Benz User Experience are complemented with augmented reality technology plus intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition. Think of this system as a big in-car smartphone. “Hey Mercedes” is the phrase that activates the thing. [embedded content] But the coolest feature of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is its artificial intelligent. You have to be an advanced AI yourself to figure out how it works, but basically this AI can be individualised and adapts to suit the user. Mercedes says it creates an “emotional” connection between the car and the users, which sounds like hyper, ...ادامه مطلب

Americans love their SUVs plush, and so Mercedes announced the launch of a more ‘Grand’ version of their GLS for the US market. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS Grand Edition comes with exclusive interior and exterior elements that set it apart from the standard version. The cost of this extra luxuriousness will be announced after the debut of Mercedes-Benz GLS Grand Edition at the Detroit Auto Show and before it reaches the dealerships in mid-2018. It will be available on both GLS450 4MATIC and GLS550 4MATIC, so if you only want to look top-of-the-line but don’t big power to go with it you can get the smaller, cheaper one and still enjoy the looks and amenities. As for what makes the Mercedes-Benz GLS Grand Edition special, on the outside we have exclusive badges and fancy new wheels. But here is a giveaway as to which version of the Grand you are driving. The GLS450 4MATIC features 20-inch 10-spoke two-tone wheels and an advanced LED Intelligent Light System. The GLS550 4MATIC is as standard equipped with 21-inch wheels and Active LED headlamps. So keep that in mind. The interior of the Grand GLS is more lavishly equipped, with the highlights including Porcelain / Espresso Brown , ...ادامه مطلب

After giving us a taste of the new 2019 Mercedes G-Class interior, Daimler has now released the first photos of the legendary SUV flexing its muscles on an offroad course. Granted, it’s a heavily camo’d prototype, but it does reveal pretty much all that is new about this model. Nobody, of course, expects the 2019 Mercedes G-Class to come with a radical new design. It is going to maintain the iconic boxy shape of its predecessor. The new stuff are mainly trivial details such as rounder headlights, slimmer taillights, new bumper design, and a more prominent grille. And that’s alright. We don’t our beloved G-Wagen to look any different. The interior changes have been more substantial, giving the big G a more refined and luxurious feel inside the cabin. As for the technical specs, while the performance figures of the 2019 Mercedes G-Class are yet to be released, we have some initial details to drool over. The characteristic features of the G-Wgen, i.e. ladder- type frame, three 100-percent differential locks and LOW RANGE off-road ratio are still there. These are complemented with independent suspension with double-wishbone front axle and rigid rear axle. So you can expect not jus, ...ادامه مطلب

90 grand is a lot of money for what’s, in its essence, a BMW 5 Series saloon. But then this is no ordinary saloon car. The new 2018 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo is, in the tuner’s own words, the most affordable 200 mph production car in the UK. Now that is some good justification! We have to point out the £89,000 is for the 2018 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo sedan. The Estate version kicks off at £91,000. But as you may have already guessed, it is the fastest wagon out there. Powering both of these German monsters is a 608 horsepower Alpina-tuned BMW V8. This engine is altogether sweeter and more civilized than the one you get in BMW’s own M5. It is also capable of generating 670 Nm (494 lbft) of torque, swelling to an astonishing 800 Nm (590 lbft) from 3,000 – 5,000 rpm. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission also improved for this car. As a result the B5 Bi-turbo Saloon will hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, with the Touring just 0.1 seconds behind, before clocking 205 mph flat out. Other performance highlight of the 2018 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo include Active Rear Steering, active roll stabilisation (Dynamic Drive), ALPINA light-weight 20” forged alloy wheels and ‘ALP’ labelled Pirelli P-Zero, ...ادامه مطلب

Mercedes-Benz UK announced the official pricing of the new 2018 Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet family. It may seem like odd timing giving the weather right now, but you see they are not taking orders for these bad boys in preparation for the spring 2018 launch. So it’ll all work out. The new S-Cabrio comes out just the weather becomes suitable for alfresco motoring.  So let’s see how much the privilege of enjoying the new 2018 Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet will cost you. The minimum you have to pay to get into one of these is £115,910. That is the price of the “entry-level” S560 model which replaces the S500 and brings with it a new 4.0-litre biturbo V8 petrol engine. You get 469 hp and 700 Nm of torque, a nine-speed automatic gearbox, and 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. Not that it matters, but average fuel consumption is 31.4 mpg with 204 g/km of CO2. [embedded content] Next up we have the magnificent 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 UK-spec. 612 hp and 900 Nm is the power you get from the 4.0 liter biturbo V8 in this one, via the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G-Tronic nine-speed gearbox which makes possible 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds. Prices for the S63 start at £140,610. If you’re still not satisfied, ...ادامه مطلب

Don’t like the new 2019 Mercedes CLS? Want to see it butchered in by Photoshop? Well then you’ve come to the right place! Maybe butchered is not a fair word to use here, seeing as the shooting brake and coupe variants are looking pretty good. But you will agree the CLS pickup and that CLS 63 AMG depicted here are kind of horrendous.  This is not to say that artist has done a bad job. Not at all. Technically, these renderings are top works. It’s just the idea of a Mercedes CLS pickup truck that is revolting and doesn’t make any sense. The same goes for the CLS 63 AMG which, as you may know, is not going to happen. Anf hallelujah to that, if it were going to look like this. The next AMG CLS will be called CLS 53 and it’s a hybrid. So chances are AMG designer will steer clear of their usual tricks and come up with some new elements. Now for the eye candies… Let’s begin with the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake which is a nice thing to look at on account of its sexy sloping roof. Granted, the front-end is still controversial, but at least with the Shooting Brake one does not have to look at the hideous back end featured on the standard CLS. As for the two-door and convertible model, ...ادامه مطلب

With the world premiere of the all-new 2019 Mercedes G-Class set for the Detroit Auto Show in January, the German automaker is giving us a Christmas treat. They have released a bunch of photos completely revealing the SUV’s interior design. And it’s a fine blend of old and new, incorporating the current design themes of Mercedes-Benz into the unique shape of the G-Wagen‘s upright dashboard.  To be honest an upgrade to the big G’s cabin was long overdue. They did give it a new steering or a fancy screen now and then, but the overhaul that comes with the 2019 Mercedes G-Class is a real improvement in terms of design and ergonomics. There is more space in the new cabin, more luxury and comfort features, and fewer sharp edges that could seriously hurt you in the event of an accident. The main highlights include a new dashboard, instrument panel and center console in line with other Mercedes products of this era, plus new steering wheel, infotainment screen and seats. The iconic features, such as the grab handle in front of the passenger or the chrome-highlighted switches for the differential locks have been preserved. The driving position is also pure G-Wagen, giving you a co, ...ادامه مطلب

Finally, the new, mode-day Alpine is ready to hit the roads, going on sale in five days. We’ve waited a long time for this thing, but all the evidence suggest 2018 Alpine A110 is well worth the wait. I’m afraid, however, the privilege of enjoying one is a bit costly, as the sports car starts at €58,500. The good news is though, that is the base price for the limited edition 2018 Alpine A110 Premiere Edition. Regular models will be less expensive. But the launch model is the really irresistible one, if just for the fact that they are making only 1,955 units of it. That is a tribute to the year Alpine was founded. The A110 Première Edition come as standard with lightweight 18-inch O, ...ادامه مطلب