Report: Mercedes S-Class stretch variant to command $200,000+

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Stretched Mercedes-Benz S-Class prototype - front three-quarter view

We recently spotted a stretched version of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but it sounds like this new ultra-luxurious version of the sedan might not be quite as much of a Maybach-replacing model that we initially expected. Automotive News says that the car has somewhat more modest targets, with the so-called “super S-Class” expected to list in the $200,000 to $250,000 range when it goes on sale in 2014. That’s hardly chump change, but it’s about $175,000 less than the now-dead Maybach 57.

After speaking with Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche, AN’s article says that this new S-Class model will be targeted at the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost rather than more expensive models like the Mulsanne and Phantom, which makes sense since the Maybach brand was killed off due to slow sales. Of course, there is still the possibility that the three-row S600 Pullman could reach a little higher to fill in the void of those $400,000 sedans. Aside from the stretched body, Zetsche also promises cabin tech and luxury not offered on the standard S-Class, which is hard to imagine since the new S-Class has gobs of both already. During our recent first drive of the standard S-Class, we said that its interior is “going to give Bentley and Rolls-Royce night sweats,” so it sounds like Daimler will be aiming for breathing difficulties and heart palpitations with this new model.

Mercedes S-Class stretch variant to command $200,000+ originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jul 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Future Mitsubishi models may each get their own EV variant

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Mitsubishi, Rumormill, Electric

2008 Lancer Evolution

Word on the web is that Mitsubishi is bracing for the electrification of the automobile in a big way. According to Motor Trend, the Japanese automaker is in the midst of developing all of its future products so that they easily support an EV drivetrain or an internal combustion get up. That line of thinking seems to mesh well with the rumors of the upcoming hybrid crossover from Mitsubishi. The lumbering beast will supposedly take plenty of cues from the PX-MiEV that showed up at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine working in conjunction with a pair of electric motors.

Additionally, Motor Trend seems to think that the current Montero is a likely platform to adopt a battery pack. The SUV may have died off from the American market, but it’s still alive and kicking in Asia and Europe, and a little help from an electric motor would go a long way toward inching the vehicle’s fuel economy down to more manageable levels.

And what of our beloved Lancer Evolution? From the sounds of things, even it might show up with electron-power in the near future, with the gasoline engine kicking at the rear tires and the front axles spun by a motor or two.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: Future Mitsubishi models may each get their own EV variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Fiat 500 getting AWD variant?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 all-wheel drive prototype

An alert enthusiast in Sicily caught sight of a jacked up Fiat 500 and crawled underneath to investigate. What he found was a driveshaft and rear differential, leading one to deduce that Fiat is working on an all-wheel-drive version of its popular little hatch.

This update would be a natural evolution: the Fiat Panda, on which the 500 is based, is already available with AWD as the Panda Cross. According to alVolante.com, a business plan Fiat submitted to the Italian government during recent union talks says that just such a 500 will come in 2012. Perhaps the Americanized 500 will benefit from AWD in the not-too-distant future, as well. Click the link below to see more photos of this four-season-friendly 500. Hat tip to Marco!

[Source: alVolante (translated)]

Spy Shots: Fiat 500 getting AWD variant? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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