Mercedes-Benz to Style Helicopter Interiors, Yachts, and Furniture

Mercedes-Benz to Style Helicopter Interiors, Yachts, and Furniture
You aren't likely to spot a helicopter parked next to an E-Class at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer anytime soon, but designers employed within the automaker's styling studios are lending a hand in creating a number of non-automotive products.


We first saw the AMG-branded Cigarette racing boat back in February, but it seems the sleek vessel was just the tip of the iceberg. Daimler revealed today a number of different assignments doled to its designers, ranging from helicopter cabins to luxury yachts and everything in between.

"We are in no way entering into new territory," says professor Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz Style. "Our design team has already styled such products such as watches and interiors, as well as numerous products for Mercedes-Benz accessories. Our design division has all of the necessary expertise in more than ample measure, and has benefited from such skills for many years."

As is the case with BMW's Designworks studio, Mercedes-Benz Style can be hired by outside firms to provide design work for future products. Although we'd be a little surprised to see Daimler's stylists penning vehicles that would compete against its own wares, Wagener says the operations has its foundations in land, sea, and air transportation, so anything goes.

Although Daimler itself is no longer attached to the EADS consortium or its Eurocopter subsidiary, M-B's first project was to create the cabin for the new Eurocopter EC145 luxury helicopter. Reportedly inspired by the R-Class crossover, the helicopter has seating for eight, which can be quickly reconfigured or removed to make room for more luggage. Buyers can select from a number of different trim materials and wood patterns, while a three-color ambient lighting system is culled from the S-Class.

Wagener sets no bounds on M-B Style's activities, but does insist clients "must match our premium standards and represent innovation, as well as trend-setting, enduring style." Look for the design operation -- which is comprised of 400 employees from 20 different countries -- to have a hand in many more products in the years to come.

Source: Daimler

Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

The marriage between Chrysler and Lancia may come sooner than later. An Autocar interview with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says the two brands could merge their lineups by the end of this year.

"In Europe, Lancia is an undersized, underdeveloped brand, with nothing bigger than the Delta. Chrysler, which has a true global reach, has nothing smaller. Put them together and you have a full lineup," Marchionne said. "We could see the two converge as early as the end of the year."

Marchionne's statements nearly confirm reports of such platform dating to last October. The first example of such a merger could be the Chrysler-branded Delta that was on hand at the Detroit auto show. While details were nonexistent -- the concept didn't even have a name -- the hatchback provided a pleasant example of how the Fiat's products could appear stateside. We've also heard that Lancia could receive a luxury vehicle underpinned by the next-generation Chrysler 300C.

Rent A Racer: Audi Race Experience Program Puts You in Race-Spec R8

Forget the fantasy baseball camp -- if you've got a good chunk of change at hand, we'd recommend signing up for Audi's Race Experience program, which will ultimately put you behind the wheel of a race-prepped R8 LMS on the famed Nürburgring.

The program, crafted in partnership with Team Joest, essentially allows participants to play race car driver for a day. After a series of driving lessons (including earning a current racing license), participants will field one of two Joest-owned R8 LMS cars in a VLN race on the 'Ring. Joest and Audi Sport will provide everything else needed to go racing, including tires, fuel, a pit crew, telemetry -- and, if so desired, a professional co-driver.

"For the first time, customers have the opportunity to participate in a race with a professional Audi 'factory' team without having to enter a long-term commitment, or making a high financial investment," said Klaus Demel, head of Audi's Driving Experience programs.

Demel's last point may be true -- this will be less expensive than sponsoring and running an entire race team on your own -- but we don't expect the Race Experience program to come cheap. Audi hasn't talked pricing, but seeing as there are more costs to amortize than the company's Sportscar Experience (which runs roughly $3500 for a two-day program), we know this experience will carry a lengthy bill.

If cost is no object to you, add this to your bucket list -- and quickly. Team Joest is only running these cars in six VLN races at the Nürburgring, so despite the high prices, expect openings to disappear quickly.

Source: Audi

2010 Acura TSX Overview

Introduction

The Acura TSX is a sporty sedan that offers a satisfying blend of performance, style and efficiency. Redesigned in 2009, the TSX boasts a muscular appearance, great handling and an electric power steering system, complemented by enhanced comfort, convenience and safety features. New for 2010, the TSX is available with a V6 engine.
The front-wheel drive TSX is powered by a 201-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, or a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic. The auto transmission includes SportShift and steering wheel paddles and is available with the 4-cylinder engine. The TSX is well-equipped, with a power moonroof, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. The 2.4-liter model includes 17-inch alloy wheels and the 3.5-liter model includes 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive suspension tuning. An optional Technology Package includes a navigation system with voice activation, integrated rearview camera parking assist and
upgraded audio and climate control systems. Standard safety-enhancing features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags and new active anti-whiplash front head restraints.
The Acura TSX is a carryover for 2010 and debuts a new 3.5-liter V6.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.

source by autos_aol

2010 Audi Q7 Overview

Introduction

The Audi Q7 has established itself in the luxury SUV class with bold styling, numerous tech features and five-star safety ratings.
The Q7 is available with three different engine choices, two direct-injection gasoline engines, a 280-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a 350-hp 4.2-liter V8, as well as a new 225-hp 3.0-liter V6 direct injection diesel (TDI). All are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Standard features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, 6-disc audio system, power liftgate, Bluetooth and wood trim. The 4.2 adds even more standard luxuries such as Advanced Key passive entry, auto-dimming mirrors, bi-xenon headlights, blind spot detection, Bose audio, satellite radio, navigation system, sunshades and 20" wheels.
Along with the new TDI engine, the Audi Q7 gets a refresh for 2010 with new front and rear LED lighting, updated bumpers, front grille and side mirror housings, 3G MMI navigation and numerous new color choices.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.