Is Subaru Considering a Diesel-Powered WRX STI for Europe

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

Mercedes-Benz Anticipates

Mercedes-Benz Anticipates No U.S. CAFE Penalty in 2010
In previous years, Mercedes-Benz occasionally has had to pay penalties because its corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) figure fell beneath standards set by the U.S. government. That will soon change, as the automaker expects to meet the 2010 CAFE standards.

Starting this summer, all of Mercedes-Benz’s six- and eight-cylinder engines will use direct injection, which covers every car the automaker sells in the U.S. According to Dr. Thomas Weber, Mercedes-Benz’s head of research and development, this development played a large part in helping the automaker meet the U.S. standard.

“Even for 2009, we aren’t likely to pay much in the way of penalties,” Weber told Automobilwoche. “From 2010 on, we won’t pay anything. That is clearly our goal.”

Vehicles like the new S400 and ML450 Hybrids will certainly help, but Mercedes-Benz is moving towards using forced-induction engines with smaller displacement. For instance, the new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter destined for its AMG line is reportedly 25-percent more fuel-efficient than the 6.2-liter V-8 it replaces.

We’re not surprised this is a major focus for Mercedes-Benz. In 2006, the company faced a record million fine, and a similar million fine in 2007. If Weber’s estimations prove correct, Mercedes-Benz has come a long way to reduce fuel consumption while offering customers the power they’ve come to expect.

Source: Automotive News

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Preview: Lorinser Previews Tuned Next-Gen CLS

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t even launched its next-generation CLS-Class, but that hasn’t stopped German tuning firm Lorinser from designing a series of cosmetic enhancements for the car.

The new CLS -- which was previewed at the 2010 Detroit auto show with a large sculpture -- is slated to go on sale in 2011, but Lorinser aims to have its own tuned version ready for customers shortly after the launch date. The German tuner already has the bodywork designed, and provided the preview sketch shown above.

According to Lorinser, the body kit is designed to emphasize the new CLS’ masculine and sporty features. A revised front fascia is designed to optimize engine and brake cooling, while swollen fenders allow the tuner to bolt on larger wheels -- we hear the firm plans on offering 21-inch aluminum wheels as an option.

Along with the bodywork, Lorinser will revise the CLS with upgraded chassis, interior trim, and powertrain. We’ve not heard any specifics on any of those improvements, but like any Lorinser product, we imagine the sky -- or the customer’s wallet -- is the limit for modifications.

Lorinser hasn’t detailed exact launch timing for its hopped-up CLS-Class, but noted it will reach dealers in 45 countries -- including the United States -- shortly after the stock version is introduced in 2011.

Source: Lorinser

Brabus Gives Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series More Power, More Black Paint

In its search for more power, Brabus created the T65 RS using the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series and endowed it with 788 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque.

Starting with an already exclusive SL65 AMG Black Series, Brabus modified the factory twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 with some additional components. Two new exhaust manifolds with two new turbochargers were fitted to the twelve-cylinder engine, as were four large intercoolers to really get the air flowing. Feeding out from the engine is a stainless-steel exhaust system with free-flow cats.

To help harness the extra power, the SL65 Black Series was given a new engine electronics package that helps the car meet Euro IV emissions standards. In actuality, maximum torque is rated to an astounding 1047 pound-feet at 2100 rpm, but Brabus chose to electronically limit the car to 811 pound-feet, likely for drivability concerns. Peak horsepower is reached at 5500 rpm.

Unfortunately, extra power doesn't always translate to lower 0-to-60-mph times. We tested the standard Black Series to reach the mark in 3.6 seconds and the T65 RS posts the same number. In other performance figures, the T65 RS hits 124 mph in just 9.8 seconds and is capable of traveling in excess of 206 mph, but is also electronically governed to 200 mph.

As you can tell from the photos, the T65 RS really rides the Black Series name with its matte-black paintjob and darkened wheels. A special carbon-fiber hood scoop, black leather and Alcantara seats, and stainless-steel door sill plates with illuminated Brabus logos add the special German tuner touch.

Pricing has not been revealed, but with a starting price tag of $300,000 for the basic SL65 AMG Black Series, you can bet the T65 RS will command a premium.

Source: Brabus

Hyundai Tiburon Replacement First Headed to U.K. in 2011

The long-rumored successor to the Hyundai Tiburon will be stopping in the United Kingdom before coming to the States.

The compact Hyundai two-door, known as the Coupe in the U.K., is slated to go on sale in Britannia in early 2011 according to U.K. outlet Autocar. The British rag recently spotted the compact four-seater in the flesh on a trip to South Korea and noted the small Hyundai looks exceptionally similar to the oft-mentioned Veloster concept. The upcoming 2+2 Coupe will be equipped with Hyundai's direct-injected 1.6-liter inline-four developing around 140 horsepower.

If the Coupe makes it to the United States under the resurrected Tiburon nameplate, it will provide a more affordable (and front-wheel drive) alternative to the Genesis Coupe. Expected to arrive in Fall 2011 for the U.S., Hyundai hopes to achieve 40 mpg without a hybrid powertrain and take on the Honda CR-Z. A high-performance model may also be in the works.

The new Hyundai coupe will make its European debut at the Paris motor show this October.

Source: Autocar,automobilemag

Two tuners have worked their magic to turn out their own versions of the latest BMW M3 that are, respectively, faster and more carbon-fibery Ultimate Driving Machines.

On the speed side, wheel tuner Emotion Wheels has expanded its business to include full tuning packages. In the case of the E92 M3, Emotion has eked out 707 horsepower from the V-8 that usually produces 414, claiming "significant" improvement in straight-line performance. Emotion's full upgrade also includes 19-inch black matte wheels, exterior styling enhancements, and a carbon-fiber hood.

Speaking of carbon fiber, aftermarket supplier Arkym is now offering a hood, trunk, and spoiler made from the lightweight stuff

Arkym's kit will set you back $1999 for the single-side hood (add $500 to make it a double), and $1249 for the single-side trunk (add $450 for the double). No pricing information has been released for the Emotion power and appearance package.

 source by automobi

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

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.