By 2020, Mercedes-Benz aims to be again at the forefront of the global market for premium cars. One way to achieve this goal is to constantly innovate and open new segments within the premium segment. At the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, the Stuttgart-based automaker introduces the Mercedes-Benz CLA, an in-house alternative to the C-Class on the market. With a market launch set for 2013, the avant garde CLA concept car is build atop the design idea behind the more mature CLS model. Unlike the CLS, the CLA will be front- or all-wheel drive, based on the Mercedes Front Architecture (MFA) platform used for the A-Class and B-Class. The four-door coupe design has a steep rear roofline and short overhangs along with 20-inch wheels that make the car look relatively squat. The CLA is  182.5 inches long and 74.4 inches wide. The windows are frameless and missing the B-pillar. From behind, the design resembles the CLS with  tapering taillights, twin exhaust pipes and the diffuser with an unique design. At the front, the CLA brings out a bold and large grille filled with a pattern of concentric dots. The concept car revealed is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 208 horsepower. A seven-speed dual-clutch and 4Matic all-wheel drive are the transmission choices. BMW is also expected to  unveil a front-wheel drive vehicle in the near future and one of the models introduced is rumored to have a design that resembles a smaller, compact four-dour coupe. The first four-door coupe to come to market is the high-end 6 Series Gran Coupe which goes on sale this year. View post:  Mercedes CLA aims at the compact four-door coupe segment

Picking a car in the full-size luxury segment would be a hard choice. There are so many impressive vehicles: Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, to a name a few. We love each of the aforementioned cars. If it were our money though, we’d probably have to pick “none of the above” by opting for the Jaguar XJ. It oozes style and class, and is more exclusive than each of those cars. Particularly sumptuous and uniquely British interior has us won over. It is so luxurious. Now the XJ has just gotten even more so, thanks to the Ultimate Edition, which is being launched in Beijing. Ultimate Edition is one of the components of a push by Jaguar at the upper reaches of its model range. We’ve told you the Chinese are all about their chauffeur-driven luxury sedans, and as such, the XJ Ultimate Edition is all about the back seat. What an interior! The Ultimate Edition ditches the traditional rear seat bench for two “individually-tailored” rear seats covered in semi-aniline leather. They include all the control and comfort you could ask for, with power adjustment and recline, lumbar support, a massage function (!) and climate controls. In between the passengers is a prominent center console covered in leather and featuring phosphor blue LED accent lighting. The experience is tailored for the on-the-go business customer. There is a button-activated business table made from solid aluminum and piano black trim. In the seat backs for each passenger are iPads with keyboards and dedicated leather-trimmed charging docks. Of course, there is also rear seat screens and wireless headphones. Machined aluminum, Herringbone wood veneer and special blue LED lighting round out changes to the interior. On the outside, “discreet” badging and 20-inch “Maroa” wheels are the only differentiators. Under the skin, Jaguar has reconfigured the suspension to “optimize rear ride comfort.” The XJ Ultimate Edition is powered by the British brand’s 5.0-liter V-8 making 510 horsepower. 30 examples are destined for the U.S, all finished in Black Amethyst and priced from $155,000. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Original post: 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate Edition Priced From $155,000

Picking a car in the full-size luxury segment would be a hard choice. There are so many impressive vehicles: Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, to a name a few. We love each of the aforementioned cars. If it were our money though, we’d probably have to pick “none of the above” by opting for the Jaguar XJ. It oozes style and class, and is more exclusive than each of those cars. Particularly sumptuous and uniquely British interior has us won over. It is so luxurious. Now the XJ has just gotten even more so, thanks to the Ultimate Edition, which is being launched in Beijing. Ultimate Edition is one of the components of a push by Jaguar at the upper reaches of its model range. We’ve told you the Chinese are all about their chauffeur-driven luxury sedans, and as such, the XJ Ultimate Edition is all about the back seat. What an interior! The Ultimate Edition ditches the traditional rear seat bench for two “individually-tailored” rear seats covered in semi-aniline leather. They include all the control and comfort you could ask for, with power adjustment and recline, lumbar support, a massage function (!) and climate controls. In between the passengers is a prominent center console covered in leather and featuring phosphor blue LED accent lighting. The experience is tailored for the on-the-go business customer. There is a button-activated business table made from solid aluminum and piano black trim. In the seat backs for each passenger are iPads with keyboards and dedicated leather-trimmed charging docks. Of course, there is also rear seat screens and wireless headphones. Machined aluminum, Herringbone wood veneer and special blue LED lighting round out changes to the interior. On the outside, “discreet” badging and 20-inch “Maroa” wheels are the only differentiators. Under the skin, Jaguar has reconfigured the suspension to “optimize rear ride comfort.” The XJ Ultimate Edition is powered by the British brand’s 5.0-liter V-8 making 510 horsepower. 30 examples are destined for the U.S, all finished in Black Amethyst and priced from $155,000. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Continued here: 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate Edition Priced From $155,000

Most people forget that the Nissan Altima is the second-best selling passenger vehicle in the United States, behind the Toyota Camry. For 2013, the Altima is being redesigned significantly in hopes of taking the top spot. While the Altima is a key player in the mid-size segment, the automaker’s entry below it are regarded as lackluster. Particularly the Versa, but also the Sentra. It has been far surpassed by competitors like the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. It’s time for Nissan to do something about this. In Beijing, Nissan is showing off the Sylphy, which is a dead ringer for the redesigned Sentra we’ll be getting. They just put out a teaser, but we know what it will look like thanks to the Chinese launch. The good news is it’s way better. Very competitive, even. Nissan’s new sedan styling language, which was first shown off on the Maxima, is on clear display here. There are some awkward angles, but it definitely is an improvement over the current Sentra. The current car looks too small for the segment, while the Sylphy seems a size up. LED daytime running lights help give off a premium appearance – we’ll have to see if that carries over to the Sentra in the U.S. We think strong sales increases are definitely in the future for this sedan, especially with Nissan’s expertise on squeezing out impressive fuel economy numbers. The Altima checks in at an impressive 38 mpg, using existing engines to save on development dollars. The next-generation Sentra is going to stick with this strategy, pairing a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with a next-generation continuously variable transmission. Nissan’s next-generation CVT’s are apparently very efficient. Inside, the Sylphy has a mature design, with an upright and uncluttered center stack. It is aimed at a broad section of the market. The result is far better than segment stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. The 2013 Nissan Sentra will launch later this year, with a likely debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View original post here:  2012 Nissan Sylphy Previews 2013 Sentra

The Mercedes S-Class has long been a leader in the car world, introducing new features that eventually trickle down to the ordinary, affordable family cars we buy. There’s a problem with this system. More » Continued here: COTD: Sonderklasse Edition [Commenter Of The Day] More here: COTD: Sonderklasse Edition [Commenter Of The Day]

Today at High Gear Media, Jaguar introduced its most luxurious cat yet and Ferrari previewed the Enzo successor’s hybrid powertrain. Mercedes might bring more diesels to the U.S. and black box data recorders may be in your next new car. All this and more in today’s car news, right here on The Car Connection. We reviewed the 2013 Infiniti JX and… Original post: 2013 Infiniti JX Reviewed, Lamborghini Urus, Black Boxes: Car News Headlines

The Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Diamond offers luxurious appointments for business or relaxing travel Read more:  Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Diamond Premieres in Beijing

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS driver’s Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher finished the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in 5th and 10th place More here: Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher Score Points in Bahrain Grand Prix

Here’s something to look for in this year’s Beijing Auto Show – the Mercedes-Benz Viano VISION DIAMOND. This luxurious version of the Viano will surely turn heads with its host of extravagant visual cues both inside and out. Chrome grille louvers, a two-tone paintjob and a blacked out radiator grille easily makes the VISION DIAMOND stand out, especially with a gold shimmering line running along the body to separate black and diamond white color tones. It is said that the devil lies in the details. The painted diamond adorning the B-pillar is proof of this along with two-tone rims on the five-spoke wheels and the brake discs featureing the brand name in an impressive gold. The interior totally spells out luxury. Mercedes-Benz’s MAGIC SKY CONTROL system is featured on the rear window as well as the glass window separating the chaffeur and the passenger area. The MAGIC SKY CONTROL system magically tints the glass by activating a liquid in the panels via an electric current, highlighting luxury in terms of privacy and comfort. The seats and door panels are covered in nappa leather, which works its way up the instrument panel, steering wheel, gearshift as well as A and B panels, a perfect combination with the porcelain white carpet, seats, seatbelts and ceiling. What’s most impressive for me? Champagne glass holders to complement an automatic Champagne bottle cooling unit. Ahhhh — the finer things in life. What’s more to be said except you should check out this baby in the show, or click away in the gallery below. Source: 4-traders.com See more here: Viano VISION DIAMOND to grace Beijing

The Avant/Garde Diaries festival called “Transmission LA: AV Club” at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Los Angeles started in April 21 until May 6. Mike D of Beastie Boys curated the event. The festival features different designs, music, food and film from artists from Jim Drain, Benjamin Jones, Peter Coffin, Will Fowler, Ton Sachs and Takeshi Murata. Food is served at an outdoor pop-up resto with a bar designed by Robert McKinley, foods are from Chef Roy Choi. The highlight of the event is the Concept Style Coupe, Mike D of Beastie Boys was caught boasting about the CSC, the highlight of the event. He said, “what you are seeing is: The Mercedes-Benz A.K.A Benzo Concept Style Coupé, will be bathed not unlike a young infant in an installation of light and sound. We were inspired by our visit to the Design Center and to Mercedes-Benz’s climate tunnel. We have used the car to create an installation that uses light triggered by sound to startling effect translating the car’s dynamics into real movement.” The Trasmission LA: AV Club in Los Angeles is a sequel to the festivals by Mercedes-Benz curated by Raf Simons in Berlin, Germany. Its aim is to gather artists and trend-setters to present and showcase their vision of the world’s future to the public. The schedule of the Transmission LA: AV Club are as follows: Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm Monday: noon to 6 pm Tuesday: closed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: noon to 10 pm Saturday: 11 am to 10 pm For more information on the event visit: theavantgardediaries.com . See original here:  Transmission LA: AV Club Now Starting

With last week’s Chinese Grand Prix victory, Mercedes AMG Petronas was finally able to get a win—and it did so with a perfect race from driver Nico Rosberg, proving that the quality Mercedes car parts used in the W03 are reliable and that the car is ready to contend—something it plans to do in Bahrain. While Nico Rosberg was excellent in the practice sessions and managed to take P5 in qualifying, tire overheating might be a problem for the team during the race itself. Tire manufacturer Pirelli, who provides the rubber for Mercedes and the other teams on the grid, have downplayed these concerns. The manufacturer stated that all teams were experiencing the tire difficulties, with the overheating “quite normal” given that the track was slippery and the rubber temperature was at a 47 degrees. Mercedes AMG Petronas will count on the solid showing from its Pirelli tires once again to help it build on the great Chinese GP win last week. While main driver Michael Schumacher will have a tough challenge ahead of him as he starts at the 17th position on the grid. He actually qualified at 18th, but Williams’ Pastor Maldonado got a 5-place penalty for a gearbox change. View original here: Bahrain: Nico Rosberg starting out in position 5

If you look closely at the Mercedes-Benz brand’s history, you’ll notice that their naming system is actually a mixture of their new and old systems. However, lately it has become quite confusing to say the least. What used to be something as simple as “sportiest and lightest” as referring to the SL now just isn’t quite as easy to decode. According to our pals at Automobile Magazine, there won’t be any immediate changes made to the C, E, S, SL, SLK and SLS models. There will, however, be changes to the brand’s naming convention and it will be beased on bodystyles and platforms. And quite appropriate, we’d like to say. Let’s take for example the brand’s coupe models. Soon, they will all carry the CL mark, and the baby 4-door coupe will be aptly named the CLA, being the least in size. The C-Class meanwhile will have a CLC model with two doors, while the E-Class coupe will soon become the CLE. Even more bizarre is the S-Class which in the future will have an SLC, referring to the CL’s replacement. Confused? Well, so are we. We guess we’ll just have to wait for future developments. Source: autoevolution.com More: How well do you know the Mercedes-Benz brand?

Would you mind switching to diesel? Apparently, luxury car companies don’t mind at all, especially with the big names such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. BMW’s new 3-Series models are now running on diesel, while Mercedes-Benz’s C250 cars now running with an 1800cc turbocharged 4-cylinder under their hoods. Another model which will soon be sporting a diesel powerplant is the 2013 GLK. Potential owners will have the option to drive with a 2.1-liter turbodiesel engine for the GLK. Future C-Class, E-Class and SLK models may also be given the diesel option, according to Mercedes-Benz SL roadster project manager Gunter Fischer. Perhaps one of the biggest underlying reasons that the brand is switching to diesels is the high volume of diesel-powered vehicles being sold, roughly 50-percent, in Europe. And of course, there’s the better fuel mileage as compared to gasoline engines. But would you make the switch? Tell us in your comments. Source: motorauthority.com Original post: More diesel engine options for future models

To find out which German turbocharged 4-cylinder sports sedan sits at the top in their segment, U.S. magazine Road and Track tests the BMW 328i against the Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport. With the new generation F30 328i, BMW moved away from the six-cylinder engine and into the era of four-cylinder turbocharged units. Initially the move was received with skepticism by consumers and BMW fans, but recent tests have proven that the four-banger is a phenomenal unit. The 2.0 liter inline-4 makes 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, compared with 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque found in the previous E90 328i. Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport comes fitted with a 1.8-liter powerplant rated at 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. As for transmissions, the 7-speed 7G-tronic Plus automatic is the only one offered for the C250 Sport, while BMW offers the 328i with either a ZF 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual as standard option. As tested, the 2012 BMW 328i costs $50,870 and the C250 Sport comes in at $41,880. A full review and verdict, can be found in the video below and at Road & Track . The rest is here: Video: Road & Track – BMW 328i Sedan vs. Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport

In the 1991 comedy What About Bob? , Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) is a fear-stricken adult bouncing from psychiatrist to psychiatrist. His newest doctor, Leo Marvin (Richard “I was in Jaws” Dreyfuss), gives Bob his newest book entitled Baby Steps . Wiley takes this seriously; hilarity ensues. Baby steps are exactly what the automotive community is experiencing when it comes to fully automated cars. It started with cruise control in the early twentieth century and each baby step taken gets us closer and closer to fully autonomous motoring. The newest baby step, though still in its infancy, is what GM calls Super Cruise (don’t confuse it with sustained, supersonic-level flight without afterburners). As expected, Super Cruise will make freeway driving autonomous. This makes sense because the controlled environment of a restricted-access road limits the variables: the cars are (hopefully) going the same direction and relative speeds between them are fairly similar. Super Cruise utilizes all the current safety systems (like lane-departure warning, collision prevention, blind-spot monitoring, and stability control) for real-time data. Other data collectors include cameras, GPS, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. Comparison Test: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2010 Jaguar XFR, 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Instrumented Test: 2012 Cadillac CTS 3.6 Sedan First Drive: 2012 Cadillac SRX A myriad of sensors with 360 degrees of detection helped GM overcome what it says was the biggest hurdle: keeping a Super Cruise–equipped car in the middle of its lane. For example, GPS data can communicate upcoming curves in its path. Cameras and other sensors will spot people, lane markings, and pinpoint the relative location of other cars on the road. Like Sex Panther, Super Cruise will work 100 percent of the time, some of the time. Rain and snow, for example, reduce the usefulness of some sensors to nil. If that is the case, the driver will have to take the helm. We’re not sure how the car will cope with switching from autonomous mode to driver-controlled, but we would suggest a warning that could not be ignored. The hope is to have Super Cruise in production by the middle of this decade. A betting man would say this technology will roll out on the Cadillac XTS or a possible future Cadillac flagship,...