2010 Lexus HS 250h Most of the auto publications are reporting these days that Lexus is currently working on a competitor model for BMW’s 1 Series. Even though we reported these news rumors in 2007, we decided to give it another go. So what’s the latest? Well, Lexus is clearly interested in competing on the entry-level car luxury market and their strategy seems to align with BMW’s: focus on smaller, more efficient cars and higher return. The entry-level Lexus will be a compact hatch and still on a front-wheel drive transmission. It will be available with a hybrid, diesel or gasoline engine, clearly an indication on how it plans to overtake the BMW EfficientDynamics vehicles. The first model showcased will be an European-only hybrid version based on the 2010 Toyota Prius and it will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Are they too late to the game? We’ll find out soon enough… You might also like: Lexus to launch a BMW 1-series competitor Rumor: BMW X5 to use the first Tri-Turbo Diesel engine Rumor or not? BMW Z2 based on the 1 Series Coupe Lexus going after BMW’s Rolls-Royce luxury brand? Rumor: BMW 335i wagon won’t be coming to the U.S Continued here: Rumor: BMW 1-Series competitor coming from Lexus

BMW North America hosted today the BMW Z4 Roadster Media Launch through a Webcast, live from the DesignworksUSA studio in Newbury Park, California. As always, we took the time to attend the live presentation ready to learn more about BMW’s current financial situation, the launch of a new products or general things that we don’t get to hear every day directly from BMW executives. Since we’re all about Web 2.0 and leveraging new technologies in bringing real-time information and news, we decided for the first time to Twitter the conference, covering the most important things discussed. For an hour, our Twitter account was filled with live updates and the feedback received from our followers was encouraging. With that being said, we decided to show the “twits” from this morning’s conference, in a raw format and show you how big words can be said in 14o characters. We’re still improving our Twitting language, but we’ll get better at it. BMW has also released all the videos onto their website and I invite you to see them, well worth it and it filled with many useful info. Watch BMW Z4 Webcast This news-packed, hour-long Webcast features plenty of information on the all-new Z4 Roadster from a panel of experts, along with Q&A from the media. BMW Z4 Webcast on our Twitter Account Is BMW feeling pressure from competitors? “We always feel pressure.The only place we lost some ground was the Z4 and maybe the 7 Series” “There is always been a place of premium cars..we are very focused on bringing new innovation to the market place…” “Other than being an engineering focused company, why would consumer really be interested in the news of BMW and products?” “We’re always going to be pushing the envelope…we are the largest export car company from the U.S…dealers invested 2 billion dollars” The Z4 conference starts Martin Birkmann from the Motorsport Dividion talking about the Z4 How relevant are roadsters now in the marketplace? Birkman:”These cars are very emotional, people enjoy the top-down experience” How this new Z4 will set itself apart from competitors and predecessors? Our definition of a roadster: is not a convertible, it has...

The official key visual for the upcoming Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Spring/Summer 2010 presents the new E-Class Coupé. International star photographer Peter Lindbergh has created an impressive work of art that perfectly expresses the attraction of beauty and elegance, you’ll be able to see some of the work in our gallery below. The leading role in the key visual is played by the international Mercedes-Benz fashion brand-ambassador Julia Stegner and the new E-Class Coupé. They are both surrounded by five additional women who seem to be fascinated by the design of the new E-Class Coupé. The key visual also serves as an entry to an interactive webspecial on the E-Class Coupé. Head over to www.mercedes-benz.com/e-class-coupe to experience the new Coupé from a variety of perspectives Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it. “Elegance and style – that is the connection between Mercedes-Benz design and top-class fashion design. Since sporty Coupés embody a particularly elegant and expressive design, in our key visual we have shot the new E-Class Coupé together with top model Julia Stegner and additional protagonists”, saysAnders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The key visual will be further used in a webspecial, which also focuses on the attractive design of the E-Class Coupé, and is thus a component of our integrated marketing campaign.” The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé, which will be launched on May 9, 2009, sets new standards in design and efficiency within its market segment. With significantly reduced fuel consumption and an athletic and powerful design, the Coupé combines driving pleasure, comfort and emotionality. The key visual reflects the scenery of a classic fashion shooting, with Julia Stegner and the E-Class Coupé cast in the limelight. They are admired by five women who have slipped into the roles of assistants on the set. “I drive a Mercedes myself, so it was a great experience for me to shoot this car with the models so that the whole thing took on a unique character, an emotional completeness full of attraction,” says star photographer Peter Lindbergh. Julia Stegner is also thrilled with the idea of integrating...

For the first time since the official unveiling of the BMW 5 Series GT Concept , the final production model was spotted carrying very little camouflage during a testing session in Munich. These are the first high-quality up close photos of the 5er GT which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. As we mentioned many times before, the BMW 5 Series GT will be a vehicle appealing to those that are looking for luxury, space and performance, but are not willing to spend money on a full 7 Series nor like the SAV models. BMW 5 Series GT has the same leg room and rear space as the new 2009 BMW 7 Series , combined with a higher seating position. The exterior was “penned” by the young designer Christopher Weil and it includes the body surfacing and design elements which will be seen in the next-generation 5 Series due out in 2010. Some minor design cues were imported from the CS Concept into the 5GT, as seen by the shape of the headlamps and the very aggressive front-end in the concept version. The front-grill is smaller than the one found on the new 7, but far more sportier. At the rear, the styling appears to be similar to the X6, with a “coupeish” roofline, but quite significant higher which gives more headroom in back. The biggest exterior design innovation is the two-mode hatch opening mechanism. The initial BMW 5 Series GT will be powered by six cylinder engines, the 272 horsepower naturally aspirated motor or the 326 horsepower updated 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine from the 7 Series. Later in its life, the 5 GT will include diesel and hybrid engines. Our sources indicate that the first official photos and pricing of the production model will be released this summer. [Source: 5Post ] If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it’s missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe. You might also like: Spy Photos: BMW 5 Series GT production model New Spy Shots: BMW 5 Series GT Review: BMW 5 Series GT BMW X6 M – almost ready New video: BMW 5 Series GT Here is the original post: BMW 5 Series GT Production model almost ready

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and awarded it the agency’s Top Safety Pick rating for 2009. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class did extremely well in the front impact test, scoring a “Good” rating. In the side impact test, the R-Class scored another “Good” rating, making it ranked as one of the highest in it’s class. These tests apply to the models built after September 2008 with the standard side airbags. Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it. Related Posts Mercedes-Benz M-Class at top of US safety test The prestigious US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the Mercedes-Benz M-Cla… Top award for Mercedes safety expert Dr. Rodolfo Schöneburg The NHTSA, the US transport safety authority, has awarded the U.S. Government Award for Safety Eng… The Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets top safety marks from IIHS The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States has named the Mercedes-Benz… European Safety Award for the development of Mercedes-Benz Active Brake Assist The Mercedes-Benz SL is Europe’s most popular roadster See more here:  Mercedes-Benz R-Class gets IIHS top safety award

All-new body elements and an upgraded interior will make the Mercedes-Benz GL even more appealing. In its new model year, the world’s top-class luxury SUV will consume up to 8 percent less fuel (preliminary value) and be even more environmentally compatible. Other outstanding features of the GL-Class will include excellent handling both on road and off road, exceptional roominess and the comfort of a luxury saloon. Beginning in Fall 2009, Mercedes-Benz will also offer the world’s most extensive range of SUV models equipped with especially efficient SCR exhaust gas treatment technology. Besides the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, customers will also have the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC models to choose from. The fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly trio of models already created a stir during their first sales year in the USA and they are sure to also boost the appeal of this vehicle class in Europe. Check out the entire gallery Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it. The GL-Class is becoming even more appealing The GL-Class from Mercedes-Benz continues to hold the top position in the market segment of luxurious sports utility vehicles, but that’s not all: the latest model updates have made the premium off-roader even more attractive. In addition to introducing various technical modifications and innovations that particularly boost the fuel efficiency and environmental compatibility of the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and the GL 350 CDI 4MATIC featuring the BlueEFFICIENCY technology, the designers have made the vehicle’s striking body even more appealing. The GL-Class’ expressive presence is further accentuated by modernised bumpers, redesigned chrome underbody protection at the front and the rear, a new radiator grille and fog lights/daytime driving lamps connected by a chrome bar. Other new features include light-alloy wheels measuring between 18 and 21 inches and reworked chrome tailpipes. The range of colours is supplemented by two new metallic paintjobs: “Tenorite Grey” and “Palladium Silver”. The tow bar is now hidden behind the rear apron and is swung out when needed. The premium off-roader also offers the very best in safety. The safety features encompass a variety of assistance...

The new 2010 E-Class won’t just have an attractive design, but it will also have an irresistible price. Mercedes-Benz has set the price of the E350 at $49.475, which almost $5000 cheaper than the outgoing model. Mercedes also set the price of the V8 E550 at $57,175, the 4MATIC versions of the E350 and E550 will cost an additional $2500. The new E-class coupe will also be cheaper than the current CLK, although the difference is only $50. The E350 coupe will start at $48,925 and the E550 coupe will start at $55,525. The E-Class coupe and rear-wheel-drive E-Class sedan will go on sale late next month. The 4MATIC sedans will be available in September, and the 518 hp E63 AMG monster will show up in dealerships in November. We’ll have to wait until March 2010 for the 50-state legal diesel-powered E350 Bluetec. The E350 4Matic station wagon will follow in June and an E-class-based convertible is expected sometime next spring. Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it. Related Posts Mercedes-Benz to release C-Class convertible – the CLR Autobild is reporting that Mercedes-Benz is working on releasing a C-Class convertible, named the … Facelifted 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG on German streets Our friends over at GlobalMotors.net have spotted a facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class on the roads … Dieter Zetsche Confirms Electric Mercedes in 2010 – We were right!! We usually don’t like to brag here at BenzInsider, but this time we just can’t resist. If you’ve b… Smart Fortwo price revealed 2010 Pagani Zonda F See the original post here: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class price reduced by nearly $5k

Brabus Monoblock light-alloy wheels are amongst the most popular aftermarket wheels for owners of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach. Not only do they differentiate themselves with exclusive designs and top quality, but with a series of new Monoblocks, they give customers a variety of options to customize their favorite Benz. The Brabus Monoblock F, G and Q Wheels are not just visually appealing, but are built with quality material and state-of-the-art technology. Monoblock F – the name stands for the new sporty Brabus platinum edition forged wheels with a diameter of 21 inches. The design features offset cross spokes that extend all the way to the outer flange of the rim, making them appear even larger than they already are. Another new forged wheel in the Brabus program is the Brabus Monoblock G wheel. Five striking double-spokes that extend all the way to the outer flange and a novel finish in a combination of titanium-look matte anthracite-colored paint and polished surfaces. State-of-the-art casting technology and four coats of paint in OEM quality characterize the new Brabus Monoblock Q wheels, available in diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. Check out the entire gallery Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it. BRABUS Monoblock F BRABUS Monoblock F – the name stands for the new sporty BRABUS PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels with a diameter of 21 inches. The design features offset cross spokes that extend all the way to the outer flange of the rim, making them appear even larger than they already are. The brushed surface adds a special flair as do the two signets cut into the flange that rear ‘BRABUS’ and ‘GESCHMIEDET’ (German for: forged). By using high-tech forging technology BRABUS ensures that Monoblock F wheels are especially light and yet extremely strong. Compared to a cast wheel of the same size they are up to 15 percent lighter. The Monoblock F wheels in sizes 9Jx21 and 10.5Jx21 can be mounted on the Mercedes CL-, GL-, GLK-, M-, R- and S-Class models. BRABUS Monoblock G Another new forged wheel in the BRABUS program is the BRABUS Monoblock G wheel. Five striking double-spokes that extend all the way to the outer flange and a novel finish in a combination of titanium-look matte anthracite-colored paint...