USA | Automotive Luxury

Driver Down: Tomorrow’s New Cars Won’t Need You

2011-08-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

The depressing reality of the new car biz? Most buyers aren’t that interested in driving. For every one of us who savors the sheer joy of running a fast car through the gears, there are 10,000 others who couldn’t care less. To most people, driving is a chore. They’d much rather be guzzling a soda, snarfing a burger, texting their buddies, and watching TV — preferably all at once — instead of enjoying the interaction with a finely tuned piece of machinery while getting from A to B.

It’s because of all these non-drivers that today’s cars are heavier, less efficient, and more expensive than they need be. If more people actually thought about what they were doing behind the wheel, there’d be way fewer crashes, and so we probably wouldn’t need so much complex and costly safety hardware.

We enthusiasts like to think we set the agenda when it comes to all things automotive. We don’t. Vehicle design, road design, traffic laws, transport policy: All are calibrated to the non-driver. There are more of them than us. And in America, where everyone loves freedom and a good lawyer can absolve you from the responsibility that comes with it, the common denominator doesn’t get much lower. This is the nation that once mandated automatic seatbelts in an attempt to protect people too stupid or lazy to buckle up themselves, and whose most recent contribution to automotive design has been the invention of the cupholder.

To compensate for dumb drivers, cars are getting smarter. So smart that soon they won’t actually need anyone to drive them. Cars that drive themselves have been on the R&D radar for automakers since the 1950s. For decades, it was assumed that a smart infrastructure-roads with in-built guidance and control systems-would be a basic requirement for a viable autonomous car; this has always been the stumbling block, as infrastructure is expensive and inflexible. But stunning advances in computer power over the past half-century mean today’s autonomous cars don’t need clever roads; they can figure it out all by themselves. And they can talk to other smart cars to help avoid collisions, use less gas on the freeways, and reduce gridlock during rush hour.

Unlike most drivers, autonomous cars are always paying attention when they are on the road, which is why they are a politician’s dream. A reduction in road crashes would help reduce health care costs. Cops and firefighters could spend more time solving crimes and preventing fires instead of catching speeders and cleaning up crash scenes. The existing freeway network could be used more efficiently, as smart cars could run inches apart nose-to-tail, improving fuel economy and dramatically increasing traffic density. Traffic congestion in cities could be better managed, and best of all, the consumer would pay the cost of all the enabling technologies when they buy their smart car. The government wouldn’t have to spend a dime. All it would have to do is mandate automakers build smart cars.

Selling the idea of smart cars to that overwhelming majority of car buyers who aren’t interested in driving won’t be that hard. I can eat breakfast and do my e-mail in clean, air-conditioned comfort with my favorite tunes banging on the sound system while I’m heading to the office? I can send the car to pick up the kids from soccer practice while I make dinner? I can stretch out and sleep while my car takes me to Chicago overnight? Where do I sign?

This seductive new world of the automobile is a lot closer than we think. Seven autonomous Toyota Prius cars built by Google have already covered more than 140,000 miles in testing. And it all sounds wonderful. Unless, of course, you actually like driving…

About Time Machine: Prius v Takes Me Past and Present Read more: http://blogs.motortrend.com/about-time-machine-prius-v-takes-me-past-and-present-165

2011-08-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

Toyota introduced the original 2001 Prius to the U.S. in Y2K, nearly a dozen years ago. Since then, Japan’s behemoth automaker has sold a cool two million of its shovel-nose gas-electric, with half that tally being consumed in the United States. In Los Angeles, the Prius is conspicuously common and comprehensibly cool-about as ubiquitous as a Hollywood wannabe yet as special as a Hollywood star. That it took Toyota well over a decade to give its haute hybrid a sibling brings one thought to mind: What took so long?

I spent a weekend with the Prius’ new big little brother, the Prius v, and came away trying to convince my wife she needs one. Toyota says the v stands for versatile, although van seems more apropos. At 181.7 inches long, 69.9 wide, and 63.0 tall, the v is slightly smaller than the original 1995 Honda Odyssey, a vehicle that, while not a huge sales success, set Honda down the path of minivan greatness.

Both the Prius v and Gen 1 Odyssey have four conventional doors (slide this, modern haulers) and share comparable anteater profiles. The v is 17 years the Odyssey’s junior, and although its style is reminiscent of the Honda’s, its performance is a remarkable sign of progress. Consider the following: The 3500-pound Odyssey had a 2.2-liter four-cylinder and four-speed auto good for 140 horsepower, could get from 0 to 60 in 10.3 seconds, and ran the quarter mile in 18.3 at 76.9 mph. The 3400-pound Prius v, in contrast, uses a 1.8-liter four (plus electric motors) paired to a CVT to dispatch 134 horses, to go from 0 to 60 in 10.2, and run the quarter mile in 17.6 at 78.2. I know what you’re thinking: Those are such similar stats, so where’s the progress? In a single word: Efficiency.

In 17 years’ time, Toyota has figured out how to build a vehicle of Odyssey mass and speed that is 115 percent more fuel-efficient. Think about that: For every 10 gallons of gas the Odyssey drinks, the Prius v sips just 4.7. That equates not only to significantly less fuel usage on the front end, but also a monumental emissions reduction on the back end. Over a 15,000-mile period, the Prius v would burn through about 356 gallons of gas (at a cost of roughly $1300) and emit around 3.45 tons of CO2. The Odyssey? Make that 765 gallons (around $2800) and 7.43 tons.

Even compared with a modern mini minivan such as the 2012 Mazda5, the Prius v deserves LEED certification. At 42 mpg combined, the Toyota flips the Mazda’s combo of 24, essentially doubling efficiency and halving emissions. Ford’s upcoming C-Max van was going to come stateside with a standard gas-only engine. But with the Prius v’s arrival, Ford is switching to solely gas-electric.

And the C-Max better be fun to drive, because the v is-something I never expected to say about an oversized Prius. Thanks to Toyota’s Pitch and Bounce Control technology, which uses electric-motor torque to neutralize unwanted vehicle behavior, not to mention available W-rated tires capable of another 65 mph on top of the v’s 103-mph top speed, the plump Prius stays surprisingly flat through aggressive cornering and feels-dare I say?- sporty. The v is proof that quick and powerful aren’t prerequisites for fun to drive.

Since the original Prius, Toyota has clearly been onto something special. Over three generations, the Prius’ technology and MO have been envied and imitated, always to less success. The v’s arrival might be a bit tardy, but better late than never, although I doubt the competition feels that way.

Is 54.5 mpg CAFE a Magic Number? Hardly

2011-08-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

Turns out 54.5 mpg is the magic number for the EPA’s 2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard. The Obama administration Friday announced the new standard, to ramp up beginning in 2017 from the 2016 35.5-mpg CAFE. The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plan to co-write details for the new standard by the end of September. Together, they’ll tackle such issues as what kinds of sport/utilities should be counted as trucks.

Such uncertainty may have played into reports of Toyota’s hesitation in supporting the 54.5 mpg standard as late as Thursday. Toyota, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Chrysler Group, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo all joined Obama for his announcement July 29. I have to single out Hyundai, whose North American chief, John Krafcik, said at the Chicago auto show more than two years ago his company would accept any new fuel economy or emissions standard without protest. Krafcik said a stiff standard would not necessarily cause Hyundai to stop production of its rear drive Genesis, because those cars would always account for a small portion of the brand’s sales.

The administration first floated a 56.2 mpg proposal for 2017-25. Environmentalists wanted 62 mpg. The new standard, the White House says, will save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump and $8,200 in new vehicle fuel costs compared with a 2010 model, while saving 12 billion barrels of oil.

Of course, these numbers are pure bunk.

Same with any environmental group’s estimate of fuel cost savings, or, say, the Center for Automotive Research’s (CAR) carefully calculated estimate, released well before Obama’s announcement, that the 56.2 mpg standard, would add an average of $6,714 to the price of a new car or truck.

On that last point, I plead guilty of reporting CAR’s estimate in the September issue of Motor Trend, and at this website. As analyst Jim Hall says, “all these projections are B.S. They assume today’s costs of the technology we’ll be using in 15 years.”

Technology progresses independent of government regulation, but just like the way the Motion Picture Production Code produced some of the smartest, snappiest double-entendres in American cinema from 1930 to 1967, the CAFE standards coincide with more than 30 years of some pretty interesting breakthroughs. Cars, or at least, interesting cars, were supposed to be over with when I got my driver’s license in 1974, months before the first CAFE standards.

Thirty-seven years later, we’re enjoying the greatest performance renaissance in the history of the automobile. Many four-cylinder engines make better horsepower than the average V-8 built during the Ford and Carter administrations.

“Nobody can tell me what the incremental cost of electronic engine control technology will be in 2020,” Hall says. New technologies with different goals can offset each other, or aid each other, he notes. An autonomous car doesn’t need heavy 5 mph bumpers.

Even though we’re stuck with CAFE instead of the gas tax that most fans of the car prefer, there is a market demand for better fuel economy. Whether you believe in Peak Oil and global warming or not, the demand for whatever finite resources we have is growing quickly. China, the country that saved Buick, already has driven up oil prices. India is next.

That’s largely why automakers “caved” to the 54.5 mpg standard, which sounds sky high right now. Remember that 54.5 mpg is not, literally, 54.5 mpg, that each automaker will have its own standard to achieve. The 35.5 mpg standard for 2016 uses the arcane “S” curve to ensures that fuel economy improvements for Honda Civics, for example, are roughly the same proportion as improvements for Chrysler 300s.

The “S” curve is why we’ll see more large German sedans with six-cylinder engines and diesels instead of V-8s, why fewer midsize cars will come with V-6 options, why we’ll see more sub-2.0-liter fours and full-size pickups with turbocharged V-6s. The larger, RWD cars won’t have to go away.

It’s why GM is betting heavily on the Voltec platform. As engineers improve the Chevy Volt’s powertrain, the first goal is reduced cost. It’s why Ford engineers who work exclusively on EcoBoost or hybrid technology can count on good job security for the next 14+ years.

With most major automakers working on electrified powertrains, there’s an opportunity for the industry to shift the onus of oil independence and CO2 reduction to the electric power industry and government. The cars and trucks are on the way; now we need better infrastructure and alternatives to coal-fired powerplants, which are dirty whether we use them to power our cars or our laptops.

The aluminum industry sees opportunity, too. In his July 11 remarks on Alcoa’s second quarter earnings, chairman and CEO, Klaus Kleinfeld, was optimistic.

“So we’re talking about doubling off of fuel efficiency into 2025,” Kleinfeld said. “Now that’s a discussion that’s going on, but it clearly shows things are pointing in the right direction, and aluminum is the material of choice, light-weighting is the name of the game here.”

I don’t buy a press release I just received from Ceres, a “national coalition of investors and public-interest organizations,” that the new standard will create 484,000 jobs by 2030. How can Ceres account for 2030’s levels of job efficiency today?

So when someone tells you these stringent 2025 CAFE standards are designed to put an end to the automobile as we know it, don’t believe him. Don’t believe the dollar amounts, either, whether they come from environmentalists, automotive analysts or the White House. We simply don’t know.

And if such government intervention gets you mad, redirect your anger toward the people who want to foist autonomous, automatic pilot-controlled cars on us by the end of the decade. You can start with Google.

Toyota Back in Third as New Car Sales Increase Despite Economic Doldrums

2011-08-09T02:54:00.000-07:00

Economic growth has stalled. Congress barely lifted the debt limit in time for a stated deadline, leading to a 266-point drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Averages, as automakers expressed confidence that sales will pick up again later in the year.

Analysts for General Motors and Ford Motor say they’re sticking with predictions that Americans will buy 13 million to 13.5 million cars and light trucks in this calendar year, though GM allowed that the number would probably be closer to 13 than 13-1/2. Toyota Motors, struggling with parts shortages as a result of the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan, said it’s sticking with a 12.5-million prediction.

The three estimated that July sales ran at a 12.2-million Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate, up slightly from June. Retail sales accounted for about 9.7- 9.8 million of that.

Wall Street Analysts slammed Ford for not meeting their sales expectations, and the company’s stock dropped 50 cents, to $11.85 per share. GM was off $1.02, to $27.05 per share.

GM and Ford say they can’t keep up with demand for such models as the Chevy Cruze and Equinox, GMC Terrain, and Ford Fiesta and Focus.

Perhaps. Two models from those companies stand out for their July sales numbers. Chevrolet sold more than 24,000 Cruzes, making it the second-bestselling sedan in the U.S. last month, and bestseller among compacts. Ford sold more than 24,000 of its soon-to-be-replaced Escapes.

GM says 19 percent of retail Chevy Cruze sales are the high fuel mileage Eco models, while 25 percent of Cruze sales are to fleets. Ford does not break out fleet sales per model, but allows that there are good deals – high incentives – helping move the aged Escape.

GM also further explained its high inventories of full-size trucks. It’s building up inventory to lost production from moving Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 production to Flint, Michigan next summer, for the GMT900’s replacement, the K2XX. Like Ford’s EcoBoost-powered F-150, the K2XX is expected to launch as a 2013 model with much improved fuel efficiency.

GMT900 inventory, which had a 130-day supply just last month, is now down to about 115 days according to Chevy sales chief Alan Batey.

So, will we get to 13 million sales by the end of the year? Even with consumer confidence dropping and unemployment unable to move below 9 percent, automakers expect more showroom traffic as the Japanese brands get their inventories back up by the fall. Having fallen so far in 2008 and ’09, the auto industry has come back at a better rate than the rest of the economy, and there are a lot of new models coming out by the end of the year that will be advertised more heavily than existing models. In short, I think the industry is going to do better than the rest of the economy, but I’d put money on Toyota’s 12.5-million estimate, plus maybe 100k or two.

Buick Regal

2011-07-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

With the abrupt demise in 2009 of half of GM’s divisions (in my opinion, a deeply logical and long overdue move—albeit a painful one—for which GM’s government overseers get zero credit), Buick suddenly had room to expand its footprint a bit. This is a good thing because a medium and a large sedan plus an SUV does not a healthy lineup make. So, the addition of a smaller, sportier sedan like the Regal strikes me as an entirely positive move. I also support the notion of an all-four-cylinder engine lineup—normally aspirated, turbo, high-output turbo—which helps draw a distinction with the LaCrosse and also strikes a note of efficiency and modernity (as it does for the Audi A4 and the Hyundai Sonata). Speaking of the A4, that car has long been a favorite of mine, as was the original Acura TSX, both of which laid out a template that this Buick now follows, in that they were but smaller and more expensive than their mainstream competition.

So this car should be right up my alley. But after spending a week with a normally aspirated Regal CXL, I find that it leaves me a little cold. A car like the Regal needs to make a case for itself on the intangibles, and there isn’t enough here that is special. The styling—purely subjective, granted—I find generically attractive, but it doesn’t really stand out in any way. The interior, with standard leather, has no glaring missteps (the logic of the optional multi-function screen is a little odd, but one gets used to it) but the overall impression isn’t any more upscale than the mainstream mid-size sedans’ upper trim levels.

It’s the same with the dynamics. The 2.4-liter, direct-injected four makes an impressive 182 hp, which is enough to move this midsize along. (This engine is far better suited to this car than it is in the larger LaCrosse.) It also gets pretty good gas mileage, at 30 mpg highway. However, I do wish it sounded happier in its work. This is not an engine that goads the driver into wringing out every last rpm. Similarly, the chassis is very capable, but you’re not really encouraged to discover its abilities, mostly because the steering is rather lifeless and disconnected.

The overall feeling that I get from this car is a little too Saturn Aura—which was to be its role originally (at least in the USA; it’s first iteration was as the Opel Insignia).

There is, however, more to the Regal than just this CXL. The CXL turbo, with 220 hp and an optional six-speed manual, is just coming out now (the manual a bit later). Then there’s the GS, with 255 hp, 295 pound-feet of torque and a six-speed stick exclusively, which is on tap for 2012. The GS, though, was also supposed to have all-wheel drive, which would have nicely capped off that drivetrain, but that’s now been dropped. Oh, and also for 2012 a cheaper base model below the CXL is planned, which seems like entirely the wrong way to go.

The Caddy that rocks

2011-07-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Back in 1997, GM introduced the Cadillac Catera, a mid-sized, rear-wheel-drive offering that was essentially a rebadged Opel Omega. This being GM’s utterly clueless Ron Zarella era, the company marketed the car—whose best characteristic was its competent, European handling (it was a European car, after all)—with the tagline: “The Caddy That Zigs.” A cartoon duck also featured prominently in the advertising. Not surprisingly, this high-concept campaign did little to boost sales of the otherwise deeply mediocre Catera, and the car stumbled along in the marketplace until 2001, when it was, mercifully, replaced by the CTS.

Now in its second generation, the CTS is really feeling its mojo. The past year has seen the Cadillac flesh out the lineup with the surprising CTS wagon (surprising by its very existence, given how much our market seems to hate wagons) and the dramatic CTS coupe. Both new body styles now also can be had in V-series trim, with a 556-hp supercharged V-8 and the attendant mechanical and appearance upgrades.

While the CTS-V wagon earns kudos for its rare and unlikely combo of searing performance and (modest) utility, the CTS-V coupe puts its muscle-car cajones in an absolutely standout shape.

Granted, the styling may not be universally loved, but you have to admire the coupe’s radical angles and uncompromised details, which hark back to the days when Design was king at General Motors. Items like the hidden door handles, the nearly horizontal backlight, and pointed CHMSL that also functions as a rear spoiler are not the products of committee-driven compromise.

It’s all the better wrapped around a mechanical package that delivers Nurburgring-worthy performance. With its tire-smoking torque, available six-speed stick, beautifully calibrated stability control, and form-fitting Recaro seats, the CTS-V should earn the respect of even the most hard-core gearhead. And yet, the car’s generally polished demeanor—excepting some supercharger whine and the manual’s less-than-perfect shift action—make it a highly livable everyday supercar.

This is most bad-ass Caddy since—well—ever. Much more so than even the old, Corvette-based XLR-V, the CTS-V coupe is the brand’s unfettered hot-rod. Far better than a Caddy that zigs, the CTS-V coupe is the Caddy that rocks.

2009 New York: First Drive 2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 Hybrid

2011-07-24T09:59:00.001-07:00

We took a half-hour drive in Manhattan’s traffic-choked streets in the new Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, which goes on sale this fall in the and Canada. Our tour guide was Volker Scheinhuette, a Mercedes-Benz engineer who has been living in the Detroit area for the past three years working on the Mercedes/GM/Chrysler/BMW two-mode-hybrid joint project in Troy, Michigan. To be built in Alabama, the ML450 Hybrid shares the same two-mode hybrid system already available in the GMC Sierra & Yukon, Chevy Silverado and Tahoe, and Cadillac Escalade Hybrids (all built on the same GMT900 platform). The Mercedes system differs in that it has a silent start-up, a more compact transmission, and a smaller electric motor.

Easing away from the Javits Center on Eleventh Avenue, the ML450 is indeed very quiet, as it’s running solely on the electric motor, at least until about 12 mph, when the 3.5-liter V-6 kicks in unobtrusively. You see what’s happening in the powertrain via a graphic interface in the navigation screen; once the picture of the engine goes from gray to white, you know that the gasoline engine is in operation. There’s also a gauge in the center cluster that indicates the charging mode.

We burst out onto the West Side Highway, and the ML450 felt pretty much like a standard M-class. Unlike some hybrids, including a Cadillac Escalade two-mode hybrid that we drove recently, the ML450 has a natural-feeling brake pedal, with little to no sponginess and predictable response. Steering feel seems normal. Acceleration is very brisk, and the interplay between the gasoline engine and the electric motor is virtually undetectable. In short, this hybrid SUV drives pretty much like its non-hybrid sibling.

There’s a button on the center console labeled “E/S” that allows you to toggle between Eco and Sport modes. In Eco, the ML450 Hybrid is using the 2-mode CVT (continuously variable transmission), and the powertrain achieves 3 percent better fuel economy than in Sport mode. In Sport, the powertrain is using a conventional eight-speed automatic with fixed gear ratios. We tried both settings, although our drive route was so clogged with traffic, it was difficult to discern any meaningful differences.

The ML450 Hybrid has not yet been priced, but one would assume that will cost more than the $48,600 ML320 BlueTec diesel and of course the $44,600 ML350.

In terms of performance, the ML450 Hybrid provides a total of 340 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque from its powertrain, enough for a reported 0-to-60-mph time of 7.8 seconds. This compares with 8.0 seconds for the stock V-6 model and 5.7 seconds for the V-8 M-class, according to Mercedes-Benz.

In terms of fuel economy, the ML450 Hybrid should get about 30% better overall than the ML350 and some 47% better combined than the ML550. The improvement over the V-8 ML550 is especially good in the city, where it’s 63% higher.

It will be interesting to see the sales results between the ML320 BlueTec diesel and the ML450 Hybrid once both models are on sale here.

2011 New York: Kia Design Chief Confirms new Amanti

2011-07-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

The KND-5 Concept from the Seoul Motor Show is, for all intents and purposes, the next Kia Amanti for the U.S. market. Thank God. With a grin and a tone of relief, Kia’s worldwide design chief, Peter Schreyer, confirmed today that the KND-5 concept currently on display at the Seoul Motor Show is indeed the car we’ll see here in the States as the replacement for the long-serving, and long-ugly, Kia Amanti. Speaking on the Kia stand at the New York Auto Show, Schreyer told Automobile Magazine that the KND-5 is, essentially, in its final production form.

The sleek KND-5, which takes its numerical designation from the fact that it’s the fifth vehicle in a series done at the same Kia design studio in Seoul, is a 180-degree relief from the Amanti, a rental-fleet special that is a horrifying pastiche of stolen design cues. The KND-5 is shown at the Seoul show with fabulous 20-inch wheels and the Kia/Hyundai corporate 3.5-liter V-6 under its hood.

Although the KND-5 will debut by the end of this year in Korea, we won’t see the production version until a year from now, at the 2010 New York Auto Show, and it will go on sale here in fall 2010 as a 2011 model. Yep, that means we’re stuck with the Amanti for another 14 to 16 months. No word yet on whether the new car will retain the Amanti name, but since Kia is dumping the Spectra nameplate in favor of the new Forte badge, we’d bet that the Amanti badge will also end up in the Kia history book.

Acura ZDX to Sebring: Adaptive Cruise Control Done Right

2011-07-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

There’s a lot of I-75 between Michigan and Florida, so the ZDX’s cruise control has been on for hundreds of miles. Since our ZDX is an Advance trim, it’s equipped with radar-based adaptive cruise control that will automatically slow the vehicle as it comes up on another car. We’ve been critical of such systems in the past, but Acura’s execution is so good that we actually enjoy using it. Here’s why: It follows at a reasonable distance. On the highway, the ZDX will follow at about three to four car lengths when set to maintain the smallest possible gap. That’s not enough to keep anyone from cutting in between your train, but it feels like both a safe and natural distance. Some other automakers keep the follow distance so large, that you get the feeling you’re making traffic less efficient. It’s aggravating.

It is smooth and confident. The Acura does use the brakes in some situations where a human driver would simply stand off the gas pedal, but when the ZDX brakes, it tips in gently and gradually builds effort. When another car changes lanes into your path, the ZDX doesn’t panic. It acts on the speed differential between the two vehicles rather than the distance, reacting in a much smarter manner.

It isn’t hesitant to accelerate. Just as the ZDX is judicious with the brake pedal, it is well trained in how to accelerate. When following another car, the ZDX flexes the gas pedal perfectly to maintain an even distance. When the road opens up, so too does the throttle. It’s always enough to provide satisfying acceleration but rarely calls for a downshift, keeping the cabin relaxed.

It can be switched off. Our biggest gripe with many other adaptive cruise control systems is that they can’t be used like a traditional cruise control. In the ZDX, you simply hold the distance control button to switch between adaptive and standard cruise modes.

Toyota Chief Designer on the Lexus LF-Gh concept: ‘The degree of realism is very high’

2011-07-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Simon Humphries, a Brit who has been in Japan for 21 years, 17 of them with Toyota, is General Manager of Global Design, for both Toyota and Lexus. I spoke with him about the Lexus LF-Gh concept that debuted at the 2011 New York Auto Show. On the general design theme: “The LF-Gh was designed in [our Lexus studio in Japan]. The current state of the auto market is that everything is becoming complex and overstyled. With the LF-Gh, we wanted to make something that was fundamentally simple and strong.”

On the already-controversial grille:
“The lower aperture of the grille, we’ve found, is a much better place for air intake, much more efficient, than higher up. From the CT model onwards, the upper grille has lost its functionality. It’s now symbolism. This front face identity will definitely be carried forward into all vehicles, including the next LS.”

On the LF-Gh’s readiness for production:
“This car is a pure concept. Is it producible? Yes. We tried very hard to make sure the proportions and details [were ready for production]. Even our aerodynamic performance has been taken into consideration, and we’ve kept the rear roofline high enough for the rear headroom that’s required in a mid-size luxury sedan like the GS. The degree of realism is very high.”

Please describe the Lexus LF-Gh in three words:
“Bold. Simple. Dynamic. If I’m allowed a fourth word, I’d add intriguing. Some of the elements are very artistic.”

Acura ZDX to Sebring: trip report

2011-07-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

The trip was well worth it, albeit extremely long and tiresome. Departing Ann Arbor, MI at 1pm on Thursday, we rolled into Sebring, FL at 8pm on Friday. Our trip south to the 12 hours of Sebring took us 19 hours one-way and totaled 1261 miles; the ZDX averaged just 20.5 mpg, which is somewhat disappointing since the EPA rating is 23-mpg highway. Along our journey we saw 45 police cars, one BMW X6 in Florida, one BMW M3 E36 pulling a small fishing boat in Ohio, (couldn’t get the camera out in time), and ZERO ZDXs. We spent St. Patrick’s Day night at a bar in Knoxville, TN drinking green beer and watching March Madness, and every other waking moment driving.

After spending nearly two straight days in the funky crossover, we found a couple neat things that we never noticed before and the ZDX proved to be a pretty good road trip car. For example, the small cubbies on either side of the center tunnel by your knee are perfectly sized for cell phones or wallets. That’s great for long trips as it doesn’t clutter up the center console area. And past the skinny openings, the door pockets are extremely deep for all kinds of items like water bottles or trash; the leather seats proved to be supportive without being hard and uncomfortable, and although the fuel mileage was less than advertised, the largish gas tank kept our stops few and far between. Finally, I absolutely love the joystick navigation system, it’s so much easier to use than finicky touch-screen units.

Skoda Octavia: Replacement

2011-06-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

Remember the bright yellow "charged" hatchback Seat Leon Cupra? Causing appearance, fine motor, hazard controllability, tenacious brakes - this drayversky car, which was supposed to stay in our garage until the end of September. But, apparently, not destiny. "Cuprite" in urgent need of representation. And for good ...

"Seatovskoe" place in the garage it was decided to take a more practical car, which is not such a manic passion devours gasoline, in whose cabin noise is not as if the factory forgot to install noise insulation, and where you do not feel every pavement cracks. On the replacement of "Cupra" came the updated sedan Skoda Octavia, which is produced in the company of the group Volkswagen in Kaluga.

So, we received the "Octavia" light beige, with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine capacity of 122 horse power and six-speed manual gearbox. Complete set - basic. It includes air conditioning, MP3-sound, light and rain sensors, on-board computer, electric mirrors with heating, as well as electric front-glass-lifts.

In our machine added options like rear parktronika, stabilization system, fog lamps, lit turns, front armrest, tire pressure sensor, 16-inch rims, and so on. At the base of this machine is 695 thousand rubles, and any "навороты" increased the price of the Octavia at almost 100 thousand rubles.

First impressions? Silence. At idle the engine in the passenger does not hear in the first few minutes of acquaintance, after setting up the mirrors and seat, the hand is drawn to key in the ignition to start the motor again. Stopped the tachometer needle that are suspended just below a thousand revolutions per minute, indicating that the engine does work.

But if the "static" in the cabin is quiet, then disperse from under the bonnet is distributed growl, as if there is not a normal engine with the "average" 122 force, but something much more "evil". In addition to that on rough asphalt begin to plague too loud tires, even though it is, in principle, the only extraneous noise penetrating into the car. And the creaking of any irregularities on the back of the right stanchion padding begins frankly annoying ...

But this pain in the neck "cricket" the only thing that I do not like in the cabin "Octavio". Otherwise, the procedure is complete: perfect ergonomics, space, as if this is not a golf class at all, a nice soft plastic center console, good visibility. Comfortable, quiet, but dullish ... No designer sophistications.

After some time, drew attention to the fact that the Tape recorders, even though the "basic" car, a very good sound, but when switching to the next station or the track on the disk volume is slightly priglushaetsya.

Exterior updated Skoda Octavia in comparison with the predecessor has changed too much: There are new headlights head light with "inlaid" model, other bumpers and fenders, as well as a slightly modified rear lights, in which the central strip has become transparent and not red, as earlier. That's all. Changes little, so far to distinguish the updated version of the previous car is quite difficult.

As the car behaves on the road and how to communicate with him every day, we will soon explain. "Octavia" is in our garage a month. Time to get enough.

Skoda plans to collect the Yeti in India

2011-06-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

The company Skoda, which was not so long ago, reported the launch of a new production of SUV Yeti, on this occasion said that the car will be collected on a CKD plant in Aurangabad. Skoda Yeti in Europe will be on sale in September this year, while sales in India scheduled from January 2010, after the auto show in New Delhi.

«On startup Skoda Yeti into production, we will announce later this year, after a feasibility study on the feasibility of manufacturing and assembly of SUV in India» - said the head of department of the company Skoda.

India - a developing market in the first half of the year, Skoda sold there for more than 6 500 vehicles and is expected cho, this figure will only grow. At present, India has already produced Octavia, Superb and Laura. In addition hatchback Fabia, also produced in India in Chakan, only at the factory Volkswagen.

«The Indian market is very attractive for Skoda, and we will only increase the number of its missions in that country. By 2010, their number should amount to 75 instead of 61 »- said the company Skoda.

In all, Skoda Yeti is proposed with five engine options, two petrol and three diesel issuing of 103 hp up to 167 hp (77 ... 125 kW). 1.2-liter TSI with front-wheel drive - the smallest unit dippazona proposed. The peak, which is a Full-power 2.0-liter TDI CR DPF, power, right, 167 «horses».

Skoda Superb will be touring the body

2011-06-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

Photographers and film-spies to test almost ready for serial production prototype Skoda Superb in the body estate. Novelty called Superb Kombi debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, while sales in Europe will be in the first months of 2010. From "Parental Concern Volkswagen station wagon receive the broad range of engines including 1.4-liter TSI in versions from 125 to 170 hp and a number of turbo-diesel engines, developing from 105 to 170 hp They will be equipped with five-or six-speed transmission.

Skoda Fabia Scout

2011-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Trying to satisfy the most compact car market, Skoda starts to repeat. In fact, production of a new universal Fabia Scout is no justification, it would be enough Fabia Combi, because the difference between them is minimal. The first thing you will notice - plastic edging the bottom of the car and painted «aluminum» bottom of the rear bumper.

Do not expect that the Skoda Fabia Scout system was full of drive, so, despite the similarity in the processing of car Audi Allroad, Czech novelty only for urban roads. Another «difference» of conventional universal steel 16-inch wheels, Arktos, created specifically for this model. If you prefer, you can even install the 17-inch wheels. Interior Skoda Fabia Scout also does not offer anything original, to distinguish him from another salon Fabia can be embroidered logos Scout and steel pedals with rubber pads anti.

The new Skoda Fabia Scout universal four engines are available - two petrol and two diesel. 1.4 liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 86 hp on average spends 6.5 litres/100 km, and 1.6 liter (105 hp) - 6,9 l/100 km. The most economical are still diesel units: 1.4 liters (80 hp) consumes an average of 4.6 litres/100 km, and 1.9 liter (105 hp) - 4,9 l/100 km. Both diesel engine can be equipped with micro-filter.

Volkswagen is preparing a car for 5 thousand euro

2011-06-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

German automaker Volkswagen plans to produce low-budget model of the car. It is expected that the novelty will be sold on the market under the brand name of a subsidiary of the group - the brand Skoda.

The main advantage of new items will be price. Volkswagen is planning to not go beyond 5 thousand euro. The new Skoda model would be established based on the concept Volkswagen Up! At the moment, aware, even the future of the best seller - Joyster. However, whether it will continue in the future, yet difficult to say.

Starting the production of new affordable foreign cars is tentatively scheduled for 2010-2011 - as soon as the assembly begins bantam Up! However, as the representative of a Czech company, no concrete decisions to launch production of new models has not been accepted. Name Joyster been used by us to the concept-square, which we released a few years ago ", - told the British representative Autocar Skoda.

The third company is a subsidiary of Volkswagen - Seat - also are likely to get a piece of cake. In developing the concept Up! assumed that their version of the new city will be retribution for all three brands. Develop a common platform for different brands can substantially reduce the production costs, and hence the final cost of the car.

Recall that Volkswagen is planning to market a whole family of cars based on this bantam, which will include a minimum of three-and five-door hatchback. The new models will be produced at the refinery in Bratislava, since 2011. Prototypes of these vehicles have already appeared in public in 2007. At the motor show in Frankfurt, Volkswagen showed the audience three options for a compact model with an unusual name Up! The length of the car 3,45 m, width - 1,63 meters. A design of new items was developed by a famous car designer Walter de Silva.

British Skoda prepares an extreme version of the Fabia RS

2011-06-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

The British subsidiary of Skoda plans to launch the UK extreme modification of the charged hatchback Fabia RS. It will be created in the style of the concept car Fabia RS, which was first presented in May this year at the annual meeting of lovers, "Volkswagen". Website reports Pistonheads.
NEW receive more aggressive appearance with elements of false weight of the body, which were first shown in concept car. They will include a black grille, spoiler on front bumper, new rear diffuser, and probably mnogospitsevye rims made in the style of rally car category, S2000, and a hood with large air slots. In addition, such a machine will be offered new color options for painting the roof and wheels, and in the cabin will sport seats Recaro.

Technical filling the car with the exception of the upgraded suspension, did not undergo any changes. "Charged" hatchback will continue to be equipped with 180-horsepower 1.4-liter engine with dual supercharged (turbine and a mechanical supercharger) and seven-step "robot" DSG dual-clutch.
Date of new items on sale is not yet known. At the same time, journalists Pistonheads not exclude that if Skoda can not withdraw more aggressive Fabia on the market, the elements of an aerodynamic body kit and various technical refinement may appear at dealers as an accessory that can be set to the normal RS.

Skoda serious preparations for the Moscow Motor Show

2011-06-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

It seems, Skoda serious preparations for the Moscow show. In autoshow Czech company will present a number of new machines, among them: "charged" Fabia RS, wagon Superb Combi, Fabia Scout, rally version Fabia S2000, the updated all-wheel drive Yeti and Roomster with a 2-liter diesel engine and automatic gearbox DSG.

As Fabia RS, then the machine is equipped with a gasoline 1.4-liter engine with dual supercharged issuing entire 180 l.sil. Maximum printing speed of 224 km / h, and up to hundreds RS accelerates for 7.3 seconds. This car consumes just 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers. The main distinguishing feature of the Fabia - System XDS (electronic differential lock front wheels), which automatically retarding the domestic front wheel to increase traction on the outer wheel during cornering. However, RS Skoda will update the Fabia Super 2000 rally, which throughout the season holds the leadership in a series of IRC.

Universal Superb Combi, which also show at MIAS-2010 will be presented to the Russian market with a 200-horsepower 2.0 TSI and 6-speed DSG.

In addition Superb Combi and Fabia RS, Skoda for the first time in Russia will present a model Fabia Scout. From the outside the car an aggressive environment protect plastic moldings. Russian car buyers will be offered with a turbocharged petrol engines 1.2 TSI (105 hp) and 5-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed automatic gearbox DSG.

Reinventing the family Roomster from the past was marked with the front part of the new bumper and headlights. The machine will be delivered to Russia with 1,4 - and 1,6-liter engine with 86 and 105 hp respectively.

Well, the latest novelty - all-wheel drive version of the crossover Yeti with a new diesel engine 2.0 TDI (140 hp) with direct fuel injection and a 6-speed gearbox DSG.

Skoda revealed in Geneva a new logo and a new style

2011-06-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

Skoda Company on the eve of the Geneva motor show has officially unveiled its new logo and a concept car Vision D, which should give an idea of the direction in which to develop the design of the Czech car brand in the coming years.
Logo "Skoda" after "rebranding" was simple: the brand name has moved from the interior of the circle logo, its limits, and inner part of the logo was bigger. In addition, the logo disappeared inscription "auto". Logo on the cars will be used in monochrome - no green color.
Prototype Skoda Vision D, which also was submitted on 28 February in Geneva, is the bearer of a new corporate brand identity, developed under the leadership of chief designer brand Joseph Cabana - this is his first proper job since joining the company in 2007. Key features of the concept car - the traditional two-volume body "hatchback" c compact rear overhang, a small elongated headlights, massive wheel arches and big grille.

According to some assumptions, this car may already be a forerunner of a new budget model, which is a Skoda to develop markets in China, India and Russia.

Seat Leon Cupra 2010 attributed to the category of the most powerful car Seat

2011-06-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

New Seat Leon Cupra equipped with a large trapezoidal air intakes, at which place the logo Cupra. Also, the front «bay» of the entire width of the bumper provides the optimum clamping force charged Seat Leon. In addition, the company's designers have modernized Cupra 2010 black moldings on the bottom of the bumper, and oval exhaust pipes of polished steel.
In the car, all made of leather in black: black leather steering wheel with aluminum inserts and logo Cupra, skinned leather grip gears, aluminum pedals and sports seats in the present form of buckets.
Under the hood of Seat Leon Cupra 2010 is 2,0 TSI engine capacity 240 hp The first one hundred new Cupra gets over 6.4 seconds, maximum speed - 247 km / h, while at the same time, average fuel consumption will be 8.3 liters per 100 kilometers.

In the basic configuration Seat Leon Cupra will be equipped with a system of XDS, ABS and TCS, ESP with emergency brake EBA, system warning of low pressure in the tires, airbags for driver and passenger, side and head airbags, climate control and fog lamps side.

Featured «lighter» of SEAT: auto emotions in Spanish

2011-06-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

Started are still in the airplane when the captain greeted passengers and submit ... Fernando Alonso. Here is the number! Fortunately (or unfortunately?), Drove a 320-m «Airbus» than double world champion Formula 1, and his fellow-namesake. But the mood was set even before the arrival in Barcelona, because we had to get acquainted with the «hot» versions of SEAT Ibiza.

On view - and really hot. Lights! Typical Ibiza perfectly fit the young Spaniard to go from college in the confectionery after siesta. Appearance, created under the leadership of Lucas Donkervolke had to love the girls - now this is really clubbing Ibiza, which can not be said of the predecessor, in which the grandmother went to church. But ask a hot Caballero, if he sits behind the wheel of this? The answer is unambiguous - no. And if this is CUPRA? With pleasure!

Especially when it comes to «design» update Bocanegra. Featured Concept Spaniards showed at last year's Motor Show in Geneva, already hinted, will look like the fastest SEAT Ibiza. As a result Bocanegra and reached up to the conveyor. Of course, only with «filling» of versions or FR CUPRA.

Do not resist me. First, I invited a «a dance» white SEAT Ibiza SC CUPRA Bocanegra - tempted to contrast the black «mordashku» and glass roof. By the way, Bocanegra of the Spanish and translated - the black mouth. And this historical reverence in distant 70's - then a similar decision, the front of the swank «charged» SEAT 1200 Sport and 1430 Sport.

Interestingly, these two cars home, not only black «lipstick». Indeed, under the hood CUPRA Bocanegra - petrol engine volume 1.4 liters, like the 1430 Sport. But if 20 years ago inspirer could boast only 77 «horse», then the modern besom has herd of 180 «head».

Motor itself is not new - Concern Volkswagen puts it on a dozen of their models, but the figure in box 180 power «hammered» by Ibiza CUPRA. This is the most powerful version of him! To «blow out» as «horse», had to equip a small block and mechanical blowers and turbo.

The first works from the bottom up to 2400 revolutions, and then in the range 2400-3500 the compressor and turbine «sing» duo and more «snail» and does not need any assistants. It is a pity that the character of the engine which received far too boring. He confidently pulling up to 6.5 thousand, without any picked up, and more ... gearbox shifts to step higher.

Yes, and perhaps most important shocking news for any fan «hot-hatch» - SEAT Ibiza CUPRA, and FR, are equipped with extremely robotic seven boxes DSG. Disclaimer «mechanics» explained easily - they say, and in Formula 1, and higher body-division races and the World Rally Championship has long been used to speed Sequential PPC management podrulevymi again.

Thus, it is true. Here are just racing the box more often than not leave the choice of transmission for the pilot. A DSG samovolnichaet! So while the driver decides that it is also time to switch up, and as a result, instead of, say, podtykaet third quarter. It always comes back and does not want to jump on the two steps down by double-clicking the left «trigger».

Surprising and too «cost» PPC Setup mode D - on the seventh, it goes very quickly, and if the speed drops to 60 km / h, it is not in a hurry to change the step, waiting until the engine is about to scores of convulsions at low revs. Sport mode that is, of course, deprived and always keeps the engine in the «tone». But then Ibiza too nervously reacts to fuel. But the box peregazovki trained to do when you move to a low and very ably with this handle.

So DSG though not without shortcomings, but with the active drive in sport mode and it works very well. However, for most buyers of this CPR - a real gift, because it avoids the manipulation of clutch, and the «automatic» standards work very well. As for the abrupt switching is due to «dry» clutch, instead of «wet» friction discs with its six «relatives». Spoiled us is a box that may say ...

Bright and stylish appearance, but boring, and motor nerve-box? And it is SEAT? Black clouds leave the motorway and impinges on the Serpentine. Change in normal CUPRA. We are there! My God, what a track! Up, down, right, left, closed curves. But around the edges of cliffs. There is not enough only to mate voice in the headphones. The third right, down, do not cut!

Is not surprising that Spain has given birth to and raised a lot of fast drivers in the various disciplines. And immediately felt that SEAT came to tuning the chassis with the knowledge of the case. Here's where you have to go to Ibiza CUPRA! It has already spit and not very expressive sound of the engine and its smooth character turns to the benefit - no need to monitor the tachometer.

And rulitsya CUPRA «tasty». Quickly, accurately and with the lights react to the actions of a convenient driving. Of course, under the supervision of «collar» ESP. But there are a couple of nuances. The first shall tire, which peregrelis a 33-degree heat and asked for mercy after the second passage of serpentine. Indeed, instead of Bridgestone Potenza RE050A, which stood at Bocanegra, is a «civil» Pirelli P7. Strange choice for «hot-hatch», capable of recruiting «hundred» of 7.2 seconds and go 225 km / h, the tires start to slip too soon. And «perestavke» saddens sharp jump on the steering wheel - with the rapid rotation of its «snack».

After the third call capitulated, and the brakes. Moreover, optional, with 4-piston AP Racing slide with logos SEAT Sport and the 312-mm discs, instead of 288 mm in the «base». But fairness, it must be noted, that got them a lot. And if you do without fanaticism, and not to shock the local traffic, amain cut curves, the efficiency will not result in any claims. Is that like a little more tenacity at the beginning of the course - have to pedal prodavlivat deeper.

Aggressive and stylish Bocanegra - like essence, absorbed all the best from Ibiza. As if such an original design and have seen Ibiza. However, attention will have to pay. Worth Bocanegra at 860 euros more expensive Ibiza FR and much more Ibiza CUPRA. And pokrasovatsya this summer it will not be possible - the sale will begin in September. Moreover, the planned annual production - not more than 1000 machines!

However, on the famous «Gold Coast», 200-kilometer zone of beautiful beaches of Costa Daurada, the winter and is not expected. So if you are in the region by diverting at least a day of sun beds and Mojito, get out and SEAT Ibiza Makhnev the next Serpentine. And will this FR, CUPRA or Bocanegra - does not matter. Excitement and emotions guaranteed. Not in vain because the motto chosen slogan SEAT Auto Emocion.

Immediately, four models of the best Seat

2011-06-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

The new Exeo ST - with awards of "Company Car 2009" in Germany
- Seat Exeo in the body 'universal' - an absolute winner in its category
- Seat Altea XL, took second place in the category of compact minivans
- Seat Ibiza and León augment the success of SEAT

At least four models of SEAT are on the ground Rank Award "Company Car 2009", compiled by an estimated 150 managers of industry publication "Firmenauto" and experts of DEKRA AG. The new Exeo ST won a brilliant victory in its category, receiving the third place in the general classification. At least decent results and other models showed the Spanish brand: Altea XL - the second place in the category of compact minivans, Ibiza - the second largest category of imported compact cars, León - third place in the category of compact cars.

This award is a first for the Exeo ST since the appearance on the market. Prestigious performance, excellent fuel economy figures, high quality assessment by consumers and subtle sportiness provide a new model SEAT strong advantage over competitors. It is indeed a serious alternative, which is worth thinking about the buyer in a rising competition in the automotive market.

Innovative Design Seat Altea XL, its spacious interior and an impressive list of equipment, of course, could not leave indifferent judges. Second place in the category model compact minivans perfectly complements the first place in the SEAT Altea record company DEKRA 2009, which examines the technical condition of vehicles at certain stages of mileage (compact minivans to choose the range of 50000 to 100000 km).

Line of economical and environmentally friendly engines, as well as an expanded set list that includes the functions of ABS, ESP, TCS + EBA, driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and a vehicle control function to the ski run - these are the main criteria for allowing the second SEAT Ibiza in its category. This once again underlines the clear position of the Spanish model in its segment - the position of leader.

And the last winner - León 2009. His style of an updated, modern engines, bright sportiness and functionality of 5-door body played a decisive role in awarding a model of honorable third place in the category of compact cars that provide a fantastic result and SEAT in the prestigious German prize Company Car 2009.

JE Design Seat Leon FR lead and Exeo ST

2011-06-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

JE Design prepared to present this weekend of fine-tuning the new Seat Leon FR and Seat Exeo ST. What changes have come motors, garage does not disclose, he did not divulge anything, but thanks to a couple of photos you can make some assumptions. For example, that the Exeo will be almost completely new front bumper and moldings on the threshold, in addition, the rim of tire painted discs, it seems, the 19 th the size. In the crown, suspension may be deleted.

Similar surprises waiting for Leon, but the Golf is a sport modified mirrors and radiator grille, headlamps and the ridge except xenon.

In fact, by how the two cars left, one can imagine that they were preparing to body series, you never know, you never know .

Spanish SEAT willing to buy all

2011-06-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

In July, sales SEAT in Spain increased by 34%, while the national automobile market podtyanulsya 16%. Thus, realized 10.987 cars, one of the success stories of Volkswagen has become the absolute leader in the domestic auto market, and only from the brand in Spain with a market share of more than 10%.

Following seven months of this year, with the result of over 50 thousand cars sold, SEAT remains inaccessible to competitors. A key role in the development of the company's business model played Ibiza and Leon, who, thanks to technological excellence and high quality are very popular in Spain and abroad. The new model Exeo SEAT has become a successful debut in the segment of B, by sales volume occupies third position in the Spanish market.

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class has become a leader in its market segment

2011-06-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

Sales of new Mercedes-Benz E-Class successfully launched throughout the world since their beginning in spring 2009, customers were handed over more than 40 000 vehicles. Mercedes-Benz expects further sales growth in the coming months in connection with the start of sales in key markets including the United States and China.

Mercedes-Benz Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars said: "The new E-Class sedan has become the market leader, demonstrating how he was received positively by our customers. The new coupe is also very popular thanks to a dynamic design and a new generation of efficient engines. We are very pleased to positive response to the new model, as well as the E-Class has always been particularly important for Mercedes-Benz. He embodies the characteristic of the brand safety, comfort and quality. The new E-Class sets standards in the economy segment of the business class. "

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class models have demonstrated unsurpassed fuel economy. Four-and six-cylinder engine, mounted on the sedan, equipped with a system of direct injection and consume much less fuel than their predecessors. E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY with direct injection has a capacity of 135 hp kVt/184 and consumes only 7.2 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. Four engines mounted on the E-class coupe also consume significantly less fuel, while having greater power, coupled with high torque. Thus, the diesel engine in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY consumes just 5.1 liters of fuel per 100 km, while CO2 emissions amount to only 135 g / km, making it one of the most economical and environmentally friendly cars in its class.

Mercedes-Benz New Mercedes-Benz E-Class - the successor of one of the most popular and successful models of Mercedes-Benz in the world. Approximately 1.5 million sedans and universals previous E-Class model family of W 211 have been sold worldwide since its release to the market six years ago. Over the past 60 years, eight generations Sedan E-Class admired brand among customers - about 10 million people have become owners of the most successful business sedan in the world.