Chrysler 300, PT Cruiser, Town & Country Updated for 2010
Chrysler’s 2010 lineup may not be as extensively overhauled as Dodge’s portfolio, but the division will introduce a few new trim levels for the 2010 model year.The rear-wheel-drive 300 gains two new special edition models, both with Audi-esque names. The 300 S6 and S8 are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 respectively, and help dress up Chrysler’s largest offering. Both cars receive new 20-inch wheels with painted pockets, darkened headlamp bezels, and blacked-out grilles with a chrome outline. Although the powertrain

is left stock, Chrysler has fitted the cars with upgraded suspension parts to improve handling.
Inside, 300 S6 and S8 models receive suede seat inserts, and red accents on the steering wheel and seats. Brushed aluminum accents help dress up the aging interior, while a 13-speaker, 322-watt audio system (complete with a 100-watt subwoofer) entertain those seated within. 300 S6 and S8 cars also come equipped with Sirius satellite radio and remote start, and should arrive at dealers in the spring.For 2010, the Town & Country will once again be offered as a Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series model, and will be dressed up for the occasion. The black paint and chrome wheels carry a luxurious look, but it’s what inside that counts. Macassar Range wood trim is unique to this model, as are the two-tone leather seats. Stow ‘n’ Go, a 30-gigabyte hard drive, a dual-screen DVD entertainment system, and heated seats in the first and second rows are also standard equipment. Pricing begins at $33,365 (including $820 of destination fees), and should be on sale in the first quarter of 2010.Special edition PT Cruisers are nothing new, but the two-tone paint on the new PT Cruiser Couture Edition is rather attractive. Couture cars also receive a red pinstripe, along with polished multispoke 16-inch wheels. Seats can be trimmed in either a vibrant red hue or available gray leather. Look for the Couture Cruiser to arrive in showrooms in a few months, carrying a base price of $19,995

A self-made man, some say he was unhappy with the treatment he received from the producers of GT cars, others that he was motivated to produce, in his own words, "the perfect car". Whatever his reasons, he progressed from being a successful manufacturer of tractors and air-conditioning equipment to create the world's most exotic cars.


The various superb Diablo models drove Lamborghini onwards to the 21st century and both the Murciélago and Gallardo are continuing the bloodline and are, like the great cars of the past, lauded with high praise for the sheer power and intensity of the driving experience they offer.

Automobili Lamborghini has had a turbulent and eventful history. Sometimes events seem to conspire to give the impression that soon these great cars would be no more... now, that raging bull that is the badge every Lamborghini carries still roars in mighty defiance!

350 GTV

Original show car for Lamborghini in 1963
Engine: front mounted 3,463cc, DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: 6 Weber 36 IDLI twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed ZF box rear wheel drive
Performance: (estimated only!) 360bhp@8,000rpm 174mph / 280kmh
Production: only 1 car built!

350 GT

First production Lamborghini in 1964
Engine: front mounted 3,463cc, DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: 6 Weber 40 DCOE twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed ZF box rear wheel drive
Performance: 320bhp@7,000rpm 155mph / 250kmh
Production: 120 cars built

400 GT

2 seat and 2+2 (pictured) seat versions built (performance figures considered identical)
Engine: front mounted 3,929cc, DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: 6 Weber 40 DCOE twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 320bhp@6,500rpm 155mph / 250kmh
Production: 273 built, both types

MIURA

First of the Lamborghini mid-engined cars,
3 versions of production cars were built: 400, 400S, 400SV (pictured)(SV figures shown below)
Engine: mid mounted 3,929cc, DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: 4 Weber 40 IDL triple choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 385bhp@7,850rpm 186mph / 300kmh
Production: 754 built, all types

ISLERO

2 versions built: GT (pictured) and GTS (GTS figures shown below)
Engine: front mounted 3,929cc, DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: 6 Weber 40 DCOE twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 350bhp@7,700rpm 162mph / 260kmh
Production: 225 built, both types

ESPADA

3 versions built: Series I, II (pictured) and III (Series III figures shown below)
Engine: front mounted 3,929cc, DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: 6 Weber 40 DCOE twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 350bhp@7,500rpm 155mph / 250kmh
Production: 1,217 built, all types

JARAMA

2 versions built: GT and GTS (pictured) (GTS figures shown)
Engine: front mounted 3,929cc, DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: 6 Weber 40 DCOE twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 365bhp@7,500rpm 162mph / 260kmh
Production: 327 built, both types

URRACO

4 versions built: 200, 250, 250S (pictured) and 300 (300 figures shown)
Engine: mid mounted 2,996cc, DOHC, 90° v8
Fuel system: 4 Weber 40 DCNF twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 260bhp@7,000rpm 162mph / 260kmh
Production: 776 built, all types

COUNTACH

5 versions built: 400, 400S, 5000S, 5000 Quattrovalvole and 25° Anniversario (prototype car pictured!)(5000 Quattrovalvole figures shown)
Engine: mid mounted 5,167cc, 48 valve DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: 6 Weber 44 DCNF twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 455bhp@7,000rpm 184mph / 297kmh
Production: 1,983 built, all types

SILHOUETTE

Only one version built, based on Urraco 300
Engine: mid mounted 2,996cc, DOHC, 90° v8
Fuel system: 4 Weber 40 DCNF twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 260bhp@7,000rpm 162mph / 260kmh
Production: only 54 built

JALPA

Only one version of the Jalpa was built
Engine: mid mounted 3,480cc, DOHC, 90° v8
Fuel system: 4 Weber 42 DCNF twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 255bhp@7,000rpm 154mph / 248kmh
Production: 421 built

LM 002

This car was first developed for military use: ‘Lamborghini Militare’, hence LM 002
Engine: front mounted 5,167cc, DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: 6 Weber 44 DCNF twin choke carburettors
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box 4 wheel drive
Performance: 450bhp@7,000rpm 130mph / 210kmh
Production: 301 built

DIABLO

11 versions of the Diablo were built: the original Diablo was followed by the VT, the SE30, the Roadster, the SV, the SV Roadster, the SVR, the GT, the GTR the 6.0 litre (pictured) and the 6.0 SE (SE30 figures shown)
Engine: mid mounted 5,707cc, 48 valve DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Gears and drive: 5 speed Lamborghini box rear wheel drive
Performance: 540bhp@7,100rpm 207mph / 335kmh
Production: 2,634 built, all types

MURCIÉLAGO

2 versions of the Murciélago have been built to date with a third, higher power car due in 2006: the original Murciélago (pictured) was joined by the Murciélago Roadster in 2003 (Murciélago figures shown)
Engine: mid mounted 6,192cc, 48 valve DOHC, 60° v12
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Gears and drive: 6 speed or e-gear Lamborghini box 4 wheel drive
Performance: 580bhp@7,500rpm 205mph / 330kmh
Production: 1,200+ built, so far!

GALLARDO

3 versions of the Gallardo have been built to date with a fourth, higher power car due in 2006: the original Gallardo (pictured) was joined by the Gallardo SE and Gallardo Spyder in 2005 (Gallardo figures shown)
Engine: mid mounted 4,961cc, 40 valve DOHC, 90° v10
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Gears and drive: 6 speed or e-gear Lamborghini box 4 wheel drive
Performance: 500bhp@7,800rpm 192mph / 309kmh
Production: 3,000+ built @ 10.11.2005
source by lamborghinivancouver

Lorinser Gives Revamped Mercedes-Benz S-Class More Power, Style
Lorinser, one of Germany's most prominent tuning houses, announced some new custom accessories for the refreshed 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.




Although Lorinser considers the parts to be "new," they're essentially the same as before. Bumpers fore and aft are swapped with a more aggressive replacements designed to increase cooling capacity and reducing drag. Matched with side skirts and unique front fenders, the look is pleasingly different than the styling packs offered from the likes of AMG.

Engineers have massaged the S600's twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12 with a remapped ECU, larger turbos, higher-flowing fuel injection system, and less restrictive exhaust. The entire package yields 110 extra horsepower, bringing the 12-cylinder's output to a total of 620 horsepower -- 16 more than the top-tier S65 AMG.

Of course, what's a full Lorinser conversion without some extra cosmetic tweaks? Big rollers (up to 22-inches) and a lowered suspension are par for the course in the LV 12 Biturbo. Passengers will also be treated to a revamped interior, replete with the highest grade leather, chrome trim, and carbon-fiber accents.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but if an S600 is already in your stable, you shouldn't be too worried about its tuned brethren being out of your price league.

Source: Lorinser

Mercedes-Benz Considering Making S-class Hybrid-only?




According to Automotive News, inside dealer sources said Daimler executives are considering the switch to all gasoline-electric models for the next-generation S-class. If the switch is made, the dealer sources say that no S-class will be offered with only an internal combustion engine -- including the high-performance AMG versions. The fact that even the Autobahn-storming AMG models would become hybrids has drawn criticism from U.S. dealerships because they worry hybrids are not perceived as true performance cars in this market.

As of right now, only a few U.S. Mercedes dealerships have been briefed on the proposed plan. Those dealers will meet with Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, this week at The Masters golf tournament in August, Georgia. Mercedes is a tournament sponsor.

Currently, the most fuel-efficient S-class is the recently introduced S400 Hybrid with a fuel economy rating of 19/26 mpg (city/highway). From there, the ratings continue to decline all the way down to 11/17 mpg for the top-of-the-line S65 AMG. According to Tommy Baker, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz dealership board in the U.S. and owner of a Mercedes dealership in Charleston, South Carolina, this doesn’t matter to S-class buyers. He says that for S-class buyers, the “goal is not gas mileage.”

“The most important thing in the American market -- regardless of hybrid, lithium, or electric cars -- is that we Americans are different than any market and we are going to want those gasoline engines,” Baker told Automotive News. To that end, Mercedes-Benz has already announced a new, more fuel-efficient 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 to replace the company’s 6.2-liter V-8 in its “63” AMG models.

Although Baker says the all-hybrid S-class lineup may not fly with U.S. consumers, an average combined rating of 16 mpg and emissions of a similar level won’t fly with the government’s upcoming fuel economy and emissions standards. Two Daimler sources told Automotive News that the move is being considered to help Mercedes reach the strict European CO2 emissions laws and the U.S. fuel economy standard by mid-decade. A final decision on the matter is expected within three months and, if approved, would be implemented on the next-generation S-class due out in Europe in 2013 and a year later in the U.S.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Mercedes Announces New C-Class Coupe is Coming in 2011
The previous Mercedes-Benz C-Class "Sports Coupe,” as it was called, never exactly set the sales charts on fire, and was criticized for being a little too entry-level. But Mercedes apparently is ready to make a go of it again, announcing today that it will build a new C-Class Coupe starting sometime in 2011.




The C-Class Coupe will enter production at Mercedes’ Bremen plant in Germany on the same line as the rest of the C-Class lineup. (The 2010 C-Class sedan is pictured.) The Coupe's arrival coincides with the coming C-Class refresh expected for the 2011 model year, which will see changes to the front and rear bumpers, taillights, hood, and LED running lights. Expect to see the refreshed sheetmetal fitted to the Coupe.

While no official specifications have surfaced, the upcoming C-Class Coupe will likely port over at least some of the same engine options as its sedan brethren. In the U.S., the C-Class currently offers a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6, a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, and the high-output 451-horsepower, 6.3-liter V-8 from the superbad C63 AMG model. Powertrain revisions are also expected for 2011, but details are unclear. Also unclear is if the Coupe will come to our shores, but we'd be surprised if it didn't make it to the U.S. market.

In terms of pricing, the 2011 C-Class Coupe should not be too far off the C-Class Sedan. The 2010 C-Class starts from $34,475 for the C300 Sport Sedan, which includes a $875 destination charge.


-By Benson Kong

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Crafts GT3 Racing Car Out of SLS AMG
AMG says it should have cars delivered to customers before the start of the 2011 GT3 season.

Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz B-class Could Spawn SUV, Sedan Variants for U.S. Market
Mercedes-Benz has previously toyed with the notion of bringing its compact B-class range to the United States, but new reports suggest at least two different models could ultimately arrive in our market.



According to Automotive News, M-B marketing chief Joachim Schmidt says the new B-class range will have no less than four variants, and two -- an SUV and hatchback -- are likely to make the trip across the pond. A sedan model is also in the works, and it too could ultimately wind up in America.

Although Mercedes-Benz plans on launching the new B-class range in Europe by the end of next year, the timing of a U.S. launch is uncertain. Schmidt cited the fluxing exchange rate as one hurdle, but also noted that -- as is often the case with small cars -- the business case rests with fuel costs in the U.S.

“The behavior of Americans depends on fuel prices,” Schmidt said, noting his group has seen U.S. consumers move backed towards light trucks. “Nevertheless, we also see a trend towards fuel-efficient cars.”

Even if Mercedes decides to withhold the B-class from our market, it may still come to North America for the Canadian market. The compact five-door hatchback has been offered in Canada since 2005.

Source: Automotive News (subscription required)

Next-Generation Mercedes-Benz SLK Spied

Hybrid Haulers: Ford Announces C-Max Hybrids for European Market

Source: Ford

Chrysler May Abandon Sebring Nameplate
Chrysler is planning to significantly revamp its lineup in the near future, and is promising nine significantly upgraded vehicles -- Chrysler calls them "new" -- by the end of this year. The Sebring is one of those cars on the block. Apart from ditching most of the features found on the current car, CEO Sergio Marchionne suggests the new car may even ditch the Sebring nameplate.

“You’ll see a completely different animal,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler Group, speaking about the Sebring replacement scheduled to go on sale in the fourth quarter this year. “Actually, we were having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury’s still out.”

While details about the upgraded Sebring are rather scarce, Marchionne says the changes will be significant. The most significant changes will come in the interior, where hard plastics currently abound. The new interior should look more like the new Ram trucks’ interior, with numerous leather appointments.



Chrysler’s significantly refreshed Sebring -- or whatever it will be called -- is due in the fourth quarter this year, along with eight other significantly upgraded Chrysler products. The Sebring refresh comes just over two years before the brand new model based off a Fiat platform debuts in 2013.

Subaru Tecnica Institute has produced high performance vehicles for over 22 years, but for the first time in its history, there may soon be a diesel-powered Subaru Impreza, tuned for performance, in Europe.



Subaru developed a diesel variant of its famous boxer engine for Europe, which made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 2007. Fast forward to January 2009, when it launched the diesel-powered Impreza for Europe, whose 2.0-liter flat four turbocharged engine produced 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With Europe's strict emission laws, a diesel-powered STI could be just what Subaru needs to remain compliant.

But will a diesel-powered STI be able to compete with its gasoline-powered stable mate? With a little massaging from Subaru's in-house racing division, it should easily be able to compete. With its low center of gravity, superior fuel economy and low-end torque, a diesel boxer would make perfect sense for the STI. A 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four gasoline powered STI pumps out 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, and we're confident Subaru wouldn't release an oil burning Impreza WRX STI unless it was comparable to the gasoline version.

Just this week, we reported that Subaru greatly improved upon the 2011 STI's handling characteristics. New anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, improved bushings and a lowered ride height all combine for the improved handling. With its improved equipment, the Subaru just lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a record-breaking 7:55. If the rumors from Autocar are true, don't expect a diesel STI to be launched until the Impreza enters its next generation for the 2012 model year.

Source: Autocar