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BMW 7 Series LUMMA Design 2010

The unique aerodynamics package from LUMMA Design comes with selected applications made from genuine carbon and 22 inch light alloy wheels ensure that the BMW 7 Series with its noble finish exhibits independence while staying true to its sportiness. The fact that LUMMA Design has a sense of BMW’s design language already becomes apparent in the front spoiler bumper. The curvature of the bonnet and the kidney front grille find their match in the new LUMMA front, which integrates grid inserts, fog lights and LED daytime running lights. The new shapely look is completed by the cup spoiler sword.

LUMMA Design offers a set of deep door-sills that has been designed especially for the BMW 7 Series with its extended wheelbase, so as to bridge the parameterisation of the wheels arch extensions. The aerodynamics package is completed by the new rear diffuser. Besides ensuring additional downforce, the diffuser highlights the sporty aspiration of the refined limousine.

The dynamic appearance of the LUMMA BMW is enhanced even further by the genuine carbon applications produced by the refining experts in Germany. These include exterior mirror caps, the kidney front grille frame, all door handle covers, the boot lid trim and the four-piece pillar trim set for doors and mud guards.

Naturally the wheels also contribute to the more sporty appearance. The impressive 22-inch light alloy rims are fitted with 265/30 high-performance Vredestein tyres in the front and 295/25 in the rear.

BMW X3 xDrive20d 2011

The four-cylinder diesel in the new BMW X3 xDrive20d has a maximum output of 135 kW/184 bhp. Power output has been increased by 5 kW compared to its predecessor. At the same time, average consumption in the EU test cycle has been reduced by 14 percent to a mere 5.6 litres/100 km.

The new BMW X3 xDrive20d now offers better performance and higher efficiency than any of its comparable rivals. It is powered by a 2-litre fourcylinder turbo diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection, delivering a maximum power output of 135 kW/184 at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 380 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The engine develops sufficient power to allow the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, reaching top speed at 210 km/h.

With an average fuel consumption of 5.6 litres/100 km, the BMW X3 xDrive20d establishes a new benchmark for efficiency in this vehicle segment (CO2 emission level: 149 g/km in conjunction with manual gearbox, 147 g/km in conjunction with automatic gearbox).

The Auto Start Stop function is also a standard feature in the X3 xDrive20d with manual gearbox. The car is additionally equipped with a gear shift indicator. Furthermore, the equipment featured in all model variants, which include brake energy regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering, demand-controlled ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and tyres with reduced rolling resistance contribute towards lowering fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.

BMW X5 Mansory 2011

The striking appearance of the Mansory BMW X5 is assisted by a wide range of performance kits for the standard engines. The highlight is a vigorous upgrade for the BMW X5 M aggregate. Approximately 670 hp /493kW and a torque of 950 Nm at a rate of 5900 Umin (series: 555 hp / 408 kW and 680 Nm at a rate of 1500 – 5650 Umin) results from the use of a completely new exhaust system along with headers as well as optimised engine electrics. Thanks to these changes, the 4×4 accelerates in only 4.2 seconds to a speed of 100 km/h and achieves a maximum speed of 300 km/h.


MANSORY provides an alloy rim especially made to meet the requirements of the BMW X5, which is significantly better for handling and additionally sharpens the vehicle’s optics. The silver monoblock cast wheels with the description M10 are fitted with tyres of the dimension 315/25R23, which guarantee proper grip. In connection with lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity by 40mm with sport springs on the front axle as well by 40 mm on the back axle with adjusted vehicle height, the masculine appearance of the MANSORY BMW X5 M is glamorously rounded off. In addition, the sports suspension improves handling. A sports break system with larger discs and multi-piston brake callipers is already being tested.

Further information about the exclusive refinement programme for BMW Automobile can be found on the website www.mansory.ch

Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Widestar 2011

The new Brabus Widestar wide version represents a custom-tailored designer suit for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. In addition to the extravagant high-tech carbon-fiber body program for the gullwing the tuner also offers ultralight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable Ride Control smooth-ride suspension, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronically controlled sound management and custom Brabus interiors.

To give the SLS an even more muscular appearance the Brabus designers have developed custom-tailored Brabus Widestar components for the rear axle. Like all other body components they are made from extremely light yet very strong carbon fibers identical to the ones used in Formula 1 racing. The add-on parts for the rear fenders and the rear fascia create an even more spectacular look and make room for special wheels that widen the rear track by 20 millimeters for even further improved driving dynamics.

The suspension engineers developed custom-tailored versions of the ultralight Brabus Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels in sizes 9.5Jx20 in front and 11Jx21 on the rear axle for the wide version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. These wheels are available with a brushed-design or ceramics-polished surface and can also be painted in any desired color. The staggered wheels with 20- and 21-inch diameters on front and rear axles further emphasize the wedge-shaped look of the sports car.

Despite the wheels’ bigger size they deliver a weight reduction of up to 12 percent compared to the SLS production wheels. The reduced unsprung weight further results in even more agile handling. Brabus technology partners Pirelli and Yokohama supply the optimal high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21.

The ride-height lowering by up to 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) also plays an important role in the striking appearance of the Brabus-modified SLS. The Brabus suspension is height-adjustable and was developed in cooperation with technology partner Bilstein. At the push of a button its integrated Ride Control function also offers a smoother ride than the production car. From the cockpit the driver can at any time – even while driving – switch between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or a sportier ride than the production car.

The Brabus high-performance exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips with diameters of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) is somewhat atypical for traditional tuning. Its sound management, controlled by the driver and activated by a pneumatic flap, includes a ‘coming home’ setting that is quieter than the production exhaust. In ’sport’ mode the 6.3-liter eight-cylinder engine produces an even more powerful exhaust note than with the production exhaust. The Brabus exhaust system is manufactured from extremely lightweight titanium and weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust. Another welcome by-product of this exhaust is an increase in power output by 10 hp / 7.4 kW.

Honda Fit EV Concept 2012

Honda has unveiled the all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Alongside the plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Fit EV Concept is integral to the Honda Electric Mobility Network as an advanced environmental approach to reducing CO2 emissions.

Powered by a high-density motor derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, The Fit EV delivers excellent efficiency with a top speed of 90 mph.

The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4* city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA’s adjustment factor). Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid.

Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet. When the Fit EV production model is introduced, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.

The Fit EV Concept displayed at the LA Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior color and five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. Inside, an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces is outfitted.

Mercedes-Benz releases own spy shots of SLK testing “magic” roof in Death Valley

We love it when automakers go through the trouble of releasing their own spy shots. Our spy photographer friends, however, could easily see this as their own hard work being done for them. 

In any case, what we have here is a brand new set of photos of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK testing in the Death Valley heat, prepping for its debut in 2011 (Geneva Motor Show, perhaps?).

One of the new features that Mercedes-Benz will debut on the 2012 SLK is its Magic Sky Control roof. This glass-paneled hardtop contraption can automatically be tinted to control how much light shines through the roof in an effort to keep the interior cooler on bright, sunny days when the top isn’t down.

We’d expect this sort of technology to make its way onto the Big Daddy SL roadster after the SLK’s launch, and could even be used on side windows for the rest of Merc’s product line.

Mercedes-Benz prices new biturbo V8 models

Ready to experience the thrill of a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 that produces 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque? Unfortunately, that kind of excitement doesn’t come cheap. Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for its upcoming 2011 CL63 AMG coupe and S63 AMG sedan. 

The two-door starts at $151,125 and the four-door will set you back at least $138,875. Both are available with the optional AMGPerformance Package, which ups the power output to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. A little lower on the power pole sits the restyled 2011 CL550 4MATIC, which starts at $114,025, and is motivated by a 4.6-liter V8 which produces 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The 4.6-liter unit is 20 percent smaller, in terms of displacement, than the engine it replaces, yet produces 12 percent more horsepower, 32 percent more torque and improves fuel economy by 10 percent. The AMG mill also sees considerable gains in power, and thanks to direct-injection and the use of start/stop technology it sees a 20 percent rise in fuel economy.

Mercedes-Benz will do the ‘unthinkable’ to go green

At the Mercedes press conference during last week’s Paris Auto Show, the company rolled out its CLS – the car everyone was really there to see – for dessert. We couldn’t have our pudding without eating our meat, though, so there were five courses served before it: the Smart Ad Lib, Smart scooter, Smart bicycle, Mercedes A-Class E-Cell, and a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel S-Class, throughout which time Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche and Smart head Annette Winkler took a good thirty minutes to stress the consumer and environmental friendliness of the brand’s offerings.

This will not be an isolated incident, either. Zetsche said “We want to be efficiency world champions … and we will be,” and to do so will require initiatives that were “previously unthinkable,” such as the hybrid S-Classand the coming four-cylinder. While there’s no timeline placed on his pronouncement, it is clear that if M-B is going to stay with BMW and Audi in the emissions and efficiency stakes it will need to take a sledgehammer to conventional ideas of the brand.

Mercedes shows C63 and SLS AMG specials in Australia

You may not have guessed it on your own – we probably wouldn’t have, either – but Australia ranks as the fifth largest market worldwide for Mercedes-Benz. And yet all the exciting show cars are almost invariably unveiled at auto shows in the United States or Europe. You couldn’t blame the Aussies for feeling neglected, so Mercedes arrived this year at the Australian International Motor Show with two special AMGs.

The first is called Concept 358, and it’s essentially a tweaked C63 AMG sedan featuring the AMG Performance Plus package (which boosts the 6.3-liter V8′s output up to 480hp), 19-inch alloys, special leather interior and a unique Pearl Orange paint job.

The unique SLS AMG unveiled Down Under also features a special paint scheme: in this case a unique Night Black matte-finish with red accents. They’re not ground-breaking concepts, but interesting takes on some of Affalterbach’s best. Details are in the press release after the jump.

Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG w/P31 Development Package

Roger Daltrey has gone on record as saying that in the Who’s early days, they were paid ₤75 to ₤150 a show, yet they would bust-up around ₤250-300 worth of gear every time they took to the stage. That’s bad math. Similarly, Mercedes-Benz asks those willing to pay $57,350 for its least expensive AMG model – theC63 AMG – to pony up a further $5,950 for the new-for-2010 P31 AMG Development Package that adds 30 horsepower, uprated brakes and a passel of miscellaneous hi-po gear.

From the perspective of a rational consumer, this too, fails to add up, as the standard-issue C63 is already a hooligan’s hooligan, a car from which no sane individual would walk away wishing for bigger stones. But as with Daltrey’s Who, the C63 is a fantastically overachieving beast of rather pedestrian roots, and when it comes down to it, adding the Dev Pack promises to be like dropping off Pete Townshend in the brand-new lobby of a mid-’60s Holiday Inn. With a set of Marshall stacks. 

Drunk and fresh off a painful breakup. In other words, it might not make a whole lot of sense or be a particularly wise financial decision, but it’s also a brave call with the glorious potential for unbridled mayhem.

Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off

In the span of two weeks, Mercedes-Benz announced two new CLS-based production models: the recently revealed CLS63 AMG and plans to produce a wagon version inspired by the CLS “Shooting Brake” Conceptshown at the Beijing Motor Show. Now we’ve learned that another CLS variant could combine the two.

The CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake would adapt all the go-fast bits of its sedan counterpart into the five-door model set to go into production in 2012. That means the M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 putting out between 518 and 550 horsepower and up to 590 pound-feet of torque depending on the spec. We’ve yet to get official word from M-B if the CLS Shooting Brake is bound for U.S. shores, but if the AMG version does come to fruition, don’t expect it much before 2013.

Additionally, AMG execs told us that diesel performance models from the in-house tuner are a long way off. More to the point, AMG officials believe that gasoline engines have the potential to return just as much torque and fuel economy as their oil-burning counterparts, negating the need to develop high performance diesels. Here’s hoping they’re right…

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

On the eve of the LA Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the 2012 CLS63 AMG, the bi-turbo V8 version of its thoroughly restyled and utterly delectable sedan.

AMG’s new baby – the M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 – is finding a home in nearly every new Mercedes product, and when fitted to the CLS63 the blown mill is good for 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque… in standard form. Option up for the AMG Performance Package and Merc’s in-house tuner turns up the boost from 14.5 to 18.8 psi and output rises to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of twist. 

Equipped with AMG’s seven-gear “Speedshift” MCT automatic tranny, the CLS63 takes an estimated 4.4 seconds to run from 0-60 in standard guise and 4.3 seconds with the AMG pack. Similarly, top speed also rises from 155 to 186 mph with the performance upgrade. And if you care, both variants clock in at 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

In addition to the reworked engine and transmission, the front axle has been widened by nearly an inch and AMG fitted its independent adaptive suspension with electronic damping and a three-stage traction control system. The 19-inch, five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 255/35 tires in front and 285/30s out back, while 14.2-inch drilled and ventilated discs are fitted at all four corners.

Mercedes-Benz confirms production of CLS Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed plans to put the CLS Shooting Brake into production in 2012, with the swoopy wagon set to be built along side a handful of other Benz models at its plant in Sindelfingen.

Originally shown in concept form at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, the CLS Shooting Brake will likely debut in production guise early next year. The standard CLS sedan powertrains will carry over to the wagon, including the CLS63 AMG version debuting at the LA Auto Show next week. Make the jump for the press blast.

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Each Fall, Mother Nature puts on a spectacular display in many parts of the country. As winter approaches and days become shorter, there isn’t enough sunlight for trees to support photosynthesis. Starved of their source for energy, the leaves on many variants lose their green chlorophyll and expose bright reds, yellows and purples – hues from glucose trapped in the drying foliage.

Upstate New York is unquestionably a spectacular venue for a driving introduction to the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG. Against a brilliantly painted backdrop, the facelifted full-size coupe, fitted with an all-new twin-turbocharged V8, is a near-perfect chariot for a tour of the Hudson Valley. 

The 536-horsepower rear-wheel-drive two-door, with its signature greenhouse sans B-pillars, offers an excellent view of the colorful canvas outside the glass. Whether gliding effortlessly down the turnpike, or rustling up a wake of fallen leaves on an autumn country road, the automaker’s flagship in this rarified segment seems to have few peers.

What is it like to drive the blown CL63 AMG? Is the big coupe able to effectively balance performance with luxury and technology? Are there any other full-size two-door vehicles on the market for this low volumeMercedes-Benz to compete with? Keep reading to find out…

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class makes live debut in England

Mercedes-Benz released the initial photos and information on the 2011 CL-Class earlier today, showing off its updated luxury coupe. We were at the unveiling at the Mercedes-Benz World across from the historic Brooklands racetrack, and now have some live photos to bring you.

The big news for the 2011 CL is the updated engine offerings, which include the new twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 producing 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet torque in the CL550 model that also offers improved fuel efficiency. The 0-60 mph time has also been cut by half a second. The CL600 (pictured) is also still available, powered by a 510 horsepower, 612 lb-ft torque twin-turbo V12.

Additional upgrades to the CL include new safety technologies including Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Adaptive High Beam Assist, Night View Assist and more. The Mercedes-Benz COMAND system comes standard, featuring USB and SD card interfaces mated to a 7.2 GB hard drive.

You can view the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class in detail, both inside and out, in the high-res gallery below, or follow the jump to read all of the details in the official press release.

Dodge originally developed SLS AMG to be next-gen Viper

There’s a lot to like about the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. After all, we’re talking about a sleek, 563-horsepower super-Benz with functional gullwing doors and a soundtrack to melt your heart. It’s the embodiment of German engineering… or is it? Inside Line cites unnamed sources who say that the SLS AMG actually began life as the next-generation Dodge Viper.

The story apparently goes like this. Dodge engineers were already hard at work on the next-gen Viper, with an aluminum chassis already completed and a new suspension on the way. Mercedes caught wind of the project and decided that the chassis would be the perfect starting point for the upcoming SLS. The two teams reportedly worked side-by-side on the project until Chrysler’s cash crunch caused the Dodge team to focus its resources elsewhere. 

The end result was a brand-new SLS for Mercedes and a hole in Dodge’s Viper lineup. IL bolsters its account of the Viper-turned-SLS with the fact that early SLS test mules caught by spy photogs were fitted with ill-assembled Viper sheetmetal.

While it’s hard to blame Mercedes for utilizing existing engineering work (it did, after all own Chrysler at the time) to bring the SLS to market faster and cheaper, we’re thinking it would have been nice to have a new aluminum chassis Viper on the streets. Here’s hoping that the 2012 Viper makes us forget about our loss.

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better by a nose

Not too long ago, there was a time when all of the vehicles in an automaker’s portfolio weren’t required to wear the same uniform. Each model could be its own unique expression of the brand’s strengths without being forced to schedule an appointment with the corporate plastic surgeon. 

Granted, some marques lost a bit of identity with scads of mismatched children running around the lot, but the world’s automotive variety pack was considerably more interesting. If you didn’t like the face on one product, but wanted to stick with the brand, there were a plethora of options to choose from.

That’s not the case anymore. We live in a world of increasingly unified automotive design, and while that’s resulted in a few products missing the mark in a big way (we’re looking at you, Acura), just as many manufacturers have created some real winners by spreading the corporate face among its progeny. Dodge’sdecision to share the Ram grille across its line was one of the best moves the company has made in recent history, and Ford and Chevrolet have similarly benefited from strong familial design cues.

Now Mercedes-Benz is looking to walk down the same path by spreading its upright grille to the 2011 R-Class. The move isn’t so much of a shot in the arm as a shot of espresso for the Silver Arrow’s awkward duckling, but it should help the luxury people mover blend in amongst its more beautiful brethren.

Mercedes-Benz CLC hatchback is toast

Things aren’t looking good for the CLC, Mercedes-Benz’s small hatchback based on the last-generation (W203) C-Class platform. When the current-generation CLC was introduced in 2008, it never came to North America, mostly due to the underwhelming sales numbers that the original C-Class Sport Coupé garnered while in production. These cars have been moderately popular in other markets, but new reports state that the CLC production will come to an halt at the end of this year.

Currently, the CLC is produced at Benz’s Juiz de Fora facility in Brazil, which will be undergoing changes in its production line. This plant will be repurposed to build the Actros, Mercedes’ heavy-duty commercial truck, and no plans have been made to shift CLC production elsewhere. Reports suggest that we could see an all-new version of the CLC when the next-generation C-Class drops in a couple of years (probably not slated for the States, of course), but until we get the official word from Mercedes-Benz, we wish the little hatch a fond farewell. Top tip, Rodrigo!

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG available in Alubeam – If you have patience

If you’re shopping for a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG finished in Alubeam silver here in the United States, you’re in luck, but you’ll have to be patient. A reader dropped us a note to let us know that a Dallas, Texas dealer apparently informed a friend of his that Alubeam had not been released for the American market yet.

We checked with Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman Rob Moran, who tells us that the special finish is indeed available. Alubeam first appeared on the 40th anniversary CL65 AMG several years ago. If you haven’t seen it, Alubeam is a stunning metallic finish that looks like molten silver.

According to Moran, the Alubeam bodies are hand-painted at Mercedes-Benz’s Sindelfingen factory, while other colors are applied at a Magna Steyr body shop. The more labor intensive process means that only about 2-3 cars a week are available for U.S. market allocation. Hopefully the customer and dealer are just having a miscommunication about the longer wait time, because the special paint is definitely available. A tip of the hat to Ross!