Category: Auto Industry

Video: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG revealed in video

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG video

Following the reveal of the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class last month, we’re eagerly anticipating the next several chapters of the brand’s flagship range, especially the all-important S63 AMG. And while Mercedes itself has done a pretty good job of keeping things under wraps, it looks like a mistake was made. As part of its celebration kicking off S-Class production at the company’s Sindelfingen, Germany plant, Mercedes released some official videos showing the new sedan coming off the line, and the one you see here is the S63 AMG.

Because of how precisely styled all of Merc’s new cars are, the AMG models won’t necessarily carry the same sort of visual assault that they’ve had in generations past. For example, take a look at the brand new CLA250, and then compare it to a CLA45 AMG. Almost identical, right? Even here with the S-Class, the larger air intakes below the front bumper are a dead giveaway about the performance underneath (as are the larger wheels), but it doesn’t look substantially more aggressive than the other S-Class models sitting in the same room.

We don’t have official details on the new S63 AMG yet, but we expect the company’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 to be found underhood, putting out something like 550 horsepower in the base model. (Like the new E-Class, an S model will likely be offered). The AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive will likely be part of the S63 AMG package, too.

Scroll down to have a look at the video.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG revealed in video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Breaking: 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe images leak out

Filed under: Coupe, BMW, Luxury

2014 BMW 4 Series

Because embargoes were apparently made to be broken, images of the 2014 BMW 4 Series coupe have leaked onto the Internet ahead of the car’s official debut thanks to Car Design News’ Facebook page. As you’ll recall, the 4 Series is the replacement for the outgoing 3 Series coupe, its nomenclature falling in line with the rest of BMW’s lineup, where coupes and convertibles will be set apart from their sedan counterparts by one number.

As we can see in the photos, the 4 Series takes a lot of its design cues from the 3 Series on which it is based, but there’s a lot more in the way of attractive body sculpting, and this production model stays true to the original 4 Series Coupe Concept that we saw at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

We don’t have official details to divulge just yet, but we can discern from the photos that the range-topping coupe will be the 435i model, likely powered by BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six from the 335i. There will no doubt be a 428i model with a 2.0-liter turbo-four underhood, and we expect BMW to offer its xDrive all-wheel-drive system on both models. Much like the 3 Series, a variety of trim levels will be on offer, including a top-spec M Sport trim that you can see painted in Estoril Blue here.

Stay tuned for the official 4 Series details later today, but for now, have a glance through our gallery of leaked photos, above.

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe images leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What on Earth is Audi doing with E-Tron?

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Audi, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

Getting Some Answers About This Often Confusing EV Program

The E-Tron name has been applied to at least a dozen concepts, test vehicles and rumors over the past four years.

If we take a quick look back in history, we realize that the first time Audi mentioned the name E-Tron to the public was all the way back in 2009. Back then, the name was applied to an entire concept car, called simply the E-Tron, which was an R8 converted to an electric vehicle with a big battery pack and some powerful electric motors. It was a supercar for the plug-in set, and it went over so well that Tony Stark drove one in Iron Man 3 this year. With that kind of publicity for the marquee E-Tron, it’s confusing that the E-Tron name has been applied to a seemingly endless stream of concepts, test vehicles and rumors over the past four years. At least a dozen, by our count.

There was the original R8 E-Tron, an A3 Sportback E-Tron (EV and PHEV versions), the R18 E-Tron Quattro racecar, an all-electric A2 E-Tron concept, an A6 L E-Tron PHEV that was shown off in Beijing and rumors of A4 and Q7 E-Tron Quattros. Then we had the E-Tron spyder concept and the city E-Tron concept, as well as news of an A5 E-Tron Quattro plug-in hybrid. And then there’s the A1 E-Tron plug-in hybrid that is being tested in Germany. Got all that?

Audi is finally getting ready to take the E-Tron name out of the movies and the auto show circuit and start putting plug-in cars in customer driveways. As it gears up for the launch of the first E-Tron – the A3 Sportback E-Tron, coming in 2014 – we flew to Berlin to find out what’s taken so long, and what’s coming next.

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What on Earth is Audi doing with E-Tron? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class enters production

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

With the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class set to go on sale next month, the first examples of the sixth-generation ultra-luxury sedan have begun rolling off the assembly line at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant in Germany. The first car headed to customers is the silver S400 Hybrid you see above, and Mercedes executives Dieter Zetsche and Andreas Renschler were both on hand to welcome the car.

To prepare for the new S-Class, Mercedes has invested close to one billion euros in the German factory. While a half dozen models are produced at this plant, most of the recent improvements were focused on Mercedes’ flagship sedan. Also destined to be built at this plant is the upcoming S-Class Coupe, which is replacing the CL-Class. Interestingly, this name change has been speculated for some time, but the official press release posted below could be the first time we’ve seen Mercedes refer to the car as such.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class enters production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Incoming Toyota chairman wants a Supra successor

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Toyota

We’d venture to guess that in recent years, there have probably been almost as many rumors swirling about a Toyota Supra successor than there have been for a mid-engine Corvette. (Case in point: the speculative renderings we came across a few years ago, pictured above.) While we don’t expect the Corvette’s recipe to change drastically any time soon, it looks like a Supra – or more appropriately a Supra-like car – could be closer than we think.

First, there was an announcement of a BMW-Toyota joint venture. Said venture would, among other things, “Set up a feasibility study to define a joint platform concept for a mid-size sports vehicle.”

Upping chances even further, a new Automotive News report claims that incoming Toyota chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada wants a vehicle “comparable” to the Supra. Clearly there are a lot of parties that want a new Supra to happen – to say nothing of enthusiasts – but Uchiyamada might be just the guy to get it done. None of this is proof positive of an impending Supra, to be sure, but winds do seem favorable.

Incoming Toyota chairman wants a Supra successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 220-mph Vencer Sarthe supercar to be revealed at Salon Prive

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, UK, MISC

The last time we heard about Dutch supercar upstart Vencer was a little more than a year ago when it announced it would call its one offering Sarthe. Vencer says the Sarthe will be officially unveiled to the UK in early September at London’s Salon Privé.

The Sarthe sure seems to bring the supercar goods. Vencer says it will be a tube steel and chrome-moly chassis attached to a honeycomb aluminum floor. Top Gear says a “510-bhp Corvette V8” sits behind the driver, to which a six-speed manual is bolted. Vencer says the car’s carbon fiber bodywork helps keep the weight near 3,064 pounds. Light weight and high power team up to propel the supercar to 60 in just 3.8 seconds and then to a top speed of 202 miles per hour.

Air conditioning, electric windows and locks, “in-car entertainment,” an alarm and ABS are the standard accoutrements, but customers can request extras.

Speaking of customers, there won’t be very many since production will be “low volume.” Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the London coming-out party will feature English afternoon tea, champagne and a lobster luncheon. So, bet on including that in the eventual sticker price.

Read the official press release below.

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220-mph Vencer Sarthe supercar to be revealed at Salon Prive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Nissan Versa Note priced from $13,990*

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

With the 2014 Nissan Versa Note going on sale this month, Nissan has announced the official pricing for its redesigned subcompact hatchback. Commanding a $2,000 premium over the Versa sedan, the new Versa Note will have a starting price of $13,990 (*not including $790 for destination), which is $680 less than the 2012 Versa Hatchback.

The base model is the Versa Note S, but trim levels also include S Plus and SV starting at $15,240 and $15,990, respectively. The S Plus trim will deliver the highest fuel economy – best in class according to Nissan – for the Versa Note thanks to a CVT and active grille shutters, and the SV brings more convenience features like power windows and door locks (that’s right, the base models will still get crank windows and manual door locks). Stepping up even further, the SL Package will add push-button starter, backup camera and heated seats for $17,690 while the SL Tech Package tops out at $18,490 with navigation, Nissan’s Around View Monitor and Bluetooth. More pricing details for the 2014 Versa Note are posted below in the official press release.

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2014 Nissan Versa Note priced from $13,990* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi overtakes BMW as adulterers’ favorite car brand

Filed under: Etc., Audi, BMW, Luxury

As Audi hopes to surpass BMW as the top-selling luxury automaker, sometimes it has to look at the small victories, too. For instance, IllicitEncounters.com – a UK dating site for married folks (also known as adultery) – is reporting that a recent poll shows that more people willing to cheat on their spouses drive an Audi. Last year, this same poll showed that BMW was the car-of-choice for adulterers.

With Audi on top (pun intended) and BMW bumped to number two, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Volkswagen round out the top five car brands owned by unfaithful wives and husbands. Check out the poll over at IllicitEncounters.com, but be sure to clear your browser history afterward. You know, just to make sure your spouse doesn’t get the wrong idea about the websites you visit.

Audi overtakes BMW as adulterers’ favorite car brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Bob Lutz, Jackie Stewart among Automotive Hall of Fame inductees

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

Bob Lutz

Jackie StewartThe Automotive Hall of Fame has announced this year’s inductees, and both Bob Lutz (above) and Jackie Stewart (right inset) are among the lucky handful of honorees. A total of ten individuals from automotive past and present are being inducted for 2013. Those include Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, the duo who founded Aston Martin some 100 years ago, as well as David E. Cole, the founder of the Center for Automotive Research. Cole also served as the director of the Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation.

Bob Lutz likely needs no introduction. He’s served as an executive with multiple automakers, but is most well-known for his time at both Chrysler and as General Motors vice chairman. Jackie Stewart, meanwhile, remains one of the world’s top racing drivers. Having competed in Formula One, Can Am and nearly every other venue that pits two cars against each other or the clock, Stewart is a legend of motorsport.

The Automotive Hall of Fame is also giving the Distinguished Service Citation Award to four individuals, including Bo Anderson. Anderson is the president and CEO of Russia’s GAZ Group and is largely responsible for helping turn the company around. Neil De Koker, founding president of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association will also receive the award as will James McElya. McElya helped steer Cooper-Standard through a difficult restructuring.

Bob Lutz, Jackie Stewart among Automotive Hall of Fame inductees originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: You know you’ve always wanted to dyno a Barbie Power Wheels

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games, Humor

When I was a kid, Power Wheels were all the rage. But my caring and loving parents refused to buy me one, no matter how many times I asked. My experiences with the machines back then were limited to test-drives at the local Toys R Us, or befriending the weird kid down the block just so I could take his for a spin every so often. Even today, Power Wheels are still a hit amongst youngsters, and although I’m a grown-up now (I guess) who gets to drive all sorts of, you know, real cars, I still get plenty jealous when I see some lucky kid cruising down the sidewalk in one of these machines.

I’m thankful, then, for companies like DBR High Performance. Because as the video below clearly shows, these awesome toys from my youth can still provide plenty of hilarity and excitement for adults. Here, the folks at DBR strapped Barbie’s iconic pink Power Wheels Mustang to a dyno to see just how much power this bad boy is putting down (in face-melting Rabbit Mode!).

Is it powerful? Goodness, no. But is it hilarious? Absolutely. Scroll down to see for yourself.

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You know you’ve always wanted to dyno a Barbie Power Wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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