Recap: Cars Launched in Jan 2015

New cars of India

Indian auto industry welcomed the new year with some important car launches in the month of January 2015. Tata came out with highly anticipated Bolt hatchback which is being touted as the comeback vehicle for Tata Motors. Datsun India stretched it small car Go to compete in the emerging MPV segment as Datsun Go+ against Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga and Honda Mobilio.

In the high end luxury car segment Mercedes Benz launched its smallest sedan CLA class which goes head on against Audi A3. Apart from this lot of car makers came out with new variants of their existing model. Toyota increased the heat in SUV market with launch of 4X4 automatic transmission for Fortuner. Maruti Suzuki added Z+ trim to its mid size sedan Ciaz and Mahindra introduced S4+ and S4+4WD variant for Scorpio SUV. Not to be left behind, Honda upgraded Brio and Amaze models with Audio Video Navigation. This majorly sums up the January buzz but watchout as there is lot to happen this month.

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Mercedes-Benz Unveils New 2009 Zetros Truck

Daimler AG launched its new off-road truck, the Mercedes-Benz Zetros, at this year's International Defence Exhibition Eurosatory 2008 in Paris. Zetros will be offered in a three-axle cab-behind-engine truck version (Zetros 2733 A 6x6) and a two-axle version (Zetros 1833 A 4x4). The three-axle model offers payloads from 7 tonnes to 10 tonnes, while the two-axle model has payloads of 4 tonnes to 6 tonnes.

The extreme off-road capability of the Zetros all-wheel-drive truck is unique in this segment, including especially its tactical and strategic mobility (air and rail transportability). The novel approach of a cab-behind-engine truck with its low design height and its centre of gravity behind the front axle provides an ideal platform for armoured versions capable of withstanding mines and ballistic attack.

According to Mercedes, its Daimler's concept for the new off-road, all-wheel-drive truck series offers a number of key advantages over comparable vehicles currently available on the market. The new vehicle concept is primarily based on standard production line, all-wheel-drive components from the Axor/Actros series that have proven themselves on assignments worldwide and have been modified for off-road use, combined with an innovative cab module. This draws on the "Global Cockpit" and steering system of the MB Axor.

The integrated design of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros includes a level cab floor with a comfortable seating position for the 2nd co-driver and easy through-cab access. In addition, the low cab design enables the 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles to be air-lifted in transport aircraft such as the Hercules C 130 or the Transall C 160 with a minimum of preparation. Rail transportability is also assured as the vehicle conforms with the international loading gauge.

Via: eMercedesBenz
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Photo Gallery: New 2009 Model Mercedes-Benz Zetros Truck High-Res Pictures.

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2009 BRABUS Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Photo Gallery

This photo gallery is for 2009 spec model of BRABUS sport tuned Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. It contains high-res photos & pictures for interior and exterior of convertible roadster versions of 09 BRABUS Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Click on thumbnail images below to enlarge.


Related Post: BRABUS Tuned 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class



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BRABUS Tuned 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Within three months of the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-class hitting the market, Merc aftermarket tuning specialist BRABUS is out with its tuning kit for the flagship roadster. The BRABUS sport program for the updated 2009 SL Roadster range will feature the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine on the SL 600 model. It was developed originally for the BRABUS ROCKET, the world's fastest sedan.

The 6.3-liter bi-turbocharged V12 engine produces 730 hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537 kW of power and a whopping peak torque of 1,320 Nm (973 lb-ft), electronically limited in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). Power is transferred via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and a special BRABUS limited-slip differential that is available for all 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL models.

The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine powers Merc SL 600 roadster from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds , and takes just 10.5 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph). Electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (219 mph) makes it one of the world's fastest sports cars.

BRABUS has sport kits for other models in 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL range as well. It offers SL 65 AMG producing 652 or 715 hp, the SL 63 AMG 565 hp, the SL 500 (US: SL 550) 462 hp. Also the V6 engine on SL 280 and SL 350 gets replaced by 4.0 V6 unit producing 332 hp.

For all SL models with ABC active suspension BRABUS has developed an electronic module that lowers the ride height by some 25 millimeters. Also available is four different versions of BRABUS high-performance brake systems for the SL roadster . The largest one features vented and cross-drilled front discs measuring 375 x 36 mm (14.8 x 1.4 inches), and 12-piston fixed calipers. The rear discs measure 355 x 28 mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) and come with six-piston fixed calipers.

Click For Brabus Sport Tuned Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Photos & Pictures

For the cars exterior BRABUS body-kit includes four different alloy wheel designs with diameters of 17, 18, 19 and 20 inches. There is also a new more aerodynamic front bumper, trademark twin foglamps and a strip of LED daytime running lights plus a centrally mounted rear reflector and two cutouts for the sport exhaust system.

BRABUS also customizes the interior of the two-seater with a list of products which includes scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS-logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel with shift paddles, and an exclusive BRABUS custom interior crafted from BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

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Forbes List Of Most Expensive Cars To Repair Over 5 years

Are you thinking of buying a top-of-the-line luxury sedan or a SUV. You may have saved a lot to get your dream car but then don't forget to factor in the future expenses when your baby gets hurt or if I may say 'ill'. To help all our jackpot millonaires, who have loads of dough today but may not have a penny to spare tomorrow, Forbes have come out with a list of cars to avoid.

This Forbes list includes the top most expensive to repair luxury and non-luxury vehicles over a five year period. We have arranged the list in following fashion: first comes the Top 4 most expensive luxury vehicles to repair followed by the non-luxury trucks and SUVs and finally the Top 4 non-luxury cars. On the overall basis the Dodge Viper is most expensive car to repair at $1,641 for five years.
Source: Forbes

Top 4 Most Expensive Luxury Vehicles To Repair.

1. MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class & AUDI A8: $1,640
   
2. JAGUAR XK: $1,629
   
3. LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER: $1,600
   
4. MERCEDES-BENZ CL-Class: $1,540

Top 5 Most Expensive SUV's & Trucks To Repair

1. HUMMER H2: $1,484
   
2. FORD F450: $1,295
   
3. DODGE RAM 3500: $1,282
   
4. HUMMER H3: $1,244
   
5. CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500: $1,094

Top 4 Most Expensive Non-Luxury Vehicles To Repair

1. Dodge Viper: $1,641
   
2. FORD MUSTANG -$1,201
   
3. MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE: $1,093
   
4. SUBARU IMPREZA : $1,006

More: Top Auto Picks for 2008
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2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 To Debut In 08 Beijing Show

This weekend Mercedes-Benz will be unveiling the production GLK 350 SUV at the Beijing Motor Show in China. The GLK will have only one engine available when it goes sale in the U.S. next January as a 2010 model. The sole motor will be a 268-horsepower 3.5L V6, which can be paired with a two-wheel-drive or 4MATIC all-wheel-drive platform. GLK AWD is able to hit 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds and can also returns 23 mpg on the highway.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 soft roader wil be built at the automaker's plant in Bremen, Germany and join the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G-Class as the fifth "SUV" in the Mercedes lineup.

PRESS RELEASE

MERCEDES-BENZ GLK MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT AT AUTO CHINA
All-New SUV to Launch in January

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz released official pictures and information today of the all-new GLK-Class sport utility vehicle. The versatile SUV will debut at Auto China in Beijing on Sunday, April 20, and make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2010MY GLK350 will form the basis of the U.S. lineup, and will be offered in both 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires. The GLK features a 108.5-inch wheelbase and boasts unique design language which sets it apart from the rest of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs that includes the M-Class (which spurred the trend toward more car-like SUVs), the larger GL-Class, the crossover R-Class and the iconic G-Class.
Showcasing bold exterior design, generous cargo capacity and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, the GLK350 combines the perfect balance of styling, versatility and performance. The 2010 GLK-Class will be produced exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Photo Gallery



Aggressive Styling and a Unique Personality

With its poised, confident presence, the GLK-Class leaves no doubt about its intent to conquer the compact premium SUV segment. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar-sized vehicles, the striking, angular profile of the GLK sets it apart from the competition. From its steeply-raked windshield to the integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the new GLK suggests power and agility, and echoes the G-Class -- the iconic pioneer of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.

Mercedes-Benz Design Chief Prof. Peter Pfeiffer adds: "With the G-Class we created a style icon that has been a benchmark in SUV design for the past 30 years. Combining this bold concept with the latest Mercedes-Benz design idiom makes the GLK a vehicle of genuine character."

Beautiful proportions (length 178.3 inches, width 72.4 inches, height 66.9 inches) and styling combine classic angular shapes together with the distinctive design features found in contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Taut lines and large, expansive surfaces mix with the traditional characteristics of a proper off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slim roof pillars, and a steeply raked windshield. Generous angles of approach and departure combined with impressive ground clearance allow the GLK to handle light off-roading with ease. On-road, the clear layout of the exterior and good all-around visibility, combined with a commanding seating position, enhance everyday practicality and relaxed driving, even in dense city traffic.

A Luxurious, Feature-Rich Interior

The GLK boasts a long list of standard equipment, including details not typically found in this vehicle class. Inside, a two-zone automatic climate control system, adjustable steering column, front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle (including seat inclination adjustment) and manual lumbar support with two-way adjustment for the driver's seat are all standard on the GLK. Standard integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 5-inch color display round out the list of interior appointments.

The 2010 GLK features all the impressive design and safety technology found in other Mercedes-Benz models, including standard front and side air bags as well as window air bags. Among its many comfort and convenience features is an available rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player.

The distinctive looks of the GLK exterior are seamlessly continued inside, with luxurious materials and precise detailing. The taught, sculpted lines of the dashboard dominate the interior, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned cockpit. Luxurious Sienna Pine wood with chrome trim highlights the dashboard and door panels at the front and rear, while the upper section of the encompasses the instrument cluster and the standard 5-inch color display. The driver's armrest features integrated cupholders and the standard controller for the audio functions and the optional COMAND multimedia system are located in ergonomically ideal positions between the front seats. Control of the individual menus is intuitive, following the familiar and well-proven layout used in the current C-Class and S-Class models. Additional shortcut buttons provide direct access to the most important main functions. Front and rear headroom figures are 39.8 inches and 39.7 inches respectively, while the cargo area boasts 23.3 cubic feet of storage. Cargo capacity balloons to 54.7 cubic feet when the 1/3:2/3-split rear seats are folded forwards.

A Wealth of Optional Equipment for the GLK buyer

Contributing to the versatility of the new SUV, five option packages as well as nine stand-alone options are planned for the 2010 GLK350. The popular Premium 1 package offers GLK buyers a spacious Panorama Sunroof, SIRIUS satellite radio and a power liftgate. Customers seeking even more luxury can opt for the Premium 2 package, which adds Bi-Xenon headlamps with adaptive lighting and headlamp washing system, rain sensing windshield wipers, memory settings for the driver's seat, and much more. The Multimedia Package (which debuted on the new C-Class) adds COMAND with hard-drive Navigation as well as a rear-view back-up camera. Exterior options include an Appearance Package offering larger 20-inch 7-spoke wheels and Aluminum roof rails and, for the interior, an Upholstery Package adds interior lighting, a full leather interior and burl walnut trim.

Available 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive System

The optional all-wheel-drive powertrain at the heart of the GLK350 4MATIC is one of the most capable systems on the market. The dynamic ESP®, ASR and 4ETS driving systems work in concert to ensure top-notch longitudinal and lateral control and superb handling stability both on and off-road. Thanks to a compact, longitudinally designed engine, transmission and transfer case arrangement, the system offers various advantages over its counterparts equipped with a transversely installed drive unit. Estimated 23 mpg highway fuel consumption is on a par with comparable rear-wheel vehicles, while vibration and noise levels rival those of luxury models.

The 45:55 torque distribution between the front and rear axle – along with the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems – guarantees effortless and exceptional performance. Loss of traction on snow or ice is compensated for by the newly developed multi-disc clutch in the center differential, which provides a basic partial locking torque between the front and rear axle. This arrangement produces a significant increase in traction while maintaining directional stability.

Agility Control Suspension

The sophisticated Agility Control suspension on the new GLK-Class helps resolve a common paradox facing the SUV segment – how to create a vehicle that combines agile on-road comfort with off-road capability. For sporty, responsive handling, the suspension and, above all, the shock absorbers need to provide a certain firmness however, this may compromise comfort and limits off-road performance. If the vehicle is setup with softer dampers, dynamic handling naturally suffers. Thanks to "amplitude-dependent damping" the suspension can adjust to perform in either driving conditions.

During normal driving on moderately contoured roads or slow off-road manoeuvres, the system responds softly, enhancing both the occupants' comfort and the vehicle's off-road capability. During more spirited driving or when performing abrupt evasive maneuvers, the dampers adjust to a harder setting ensuring optimum handling stability. Additionally, speed-sensitive power steering supports the driver with a precise balance of high-speed road feel and low speed maneuverability. Maximum power assistance is available during parking and off-road driving, while at higher speeds, the assistance is reduced in favor of greater handling stability.

In addition to a tire pressure warning system, the tried-and-tested Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) for the GLK incorporates a vehicle/trailer stabilization function, which helps maintain control while towing a trailer by applying the individual wheel brakes as required. The GLK offers a maximum tow rating of 3,500 lbs.

Complete Safety Package for Maximum Occupant Protection

In combination with the front and rear deformation zones, the GLK's high-strength passenger cell provides a highly efficient foundation for the occupant protection systems, which include:

Adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger
Front side-impact airbags
Windowbags across both seat rows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar
Active head restraints for the driver and front passenger
Crash-optimized pedal system
3-point seat belts for all five seats
Belt tensioner and adaptive belt-force limiter for the driver and front passenger, belt tensioner and single-stage belt-force limiter for the outer rear seats
ISOFIX child seat attachments
Belt height adjuster for the driver and front passenger
Belt status indicator for the rear passengers in the instrument cluster

Mercedes remains true to the philosophy that the best accidents are the ones that are avoided entirely. With this in mind, standard equipment for all GLK models includes Brake Assist (BAS), which shortens the braking distance significantly -- especially during panic braking -- to help prevent accidents or at the very least mitigate their consequences. The front section incorporates precisely defined crumple space between the body and the major assemblies beneath, allowing the hood to yield considerably if hit by a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist. Together with the specially designed front bumpers and the softer foam of the integrated bumper impact absorbers, these measures afford pedestrians a high degree of protection.

Proven V6 Powerplant

The new sport utility is destined to be one of the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever. Smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the GLK features a fuel-sipping 3.5-liter V6 engine, a sophisticated seven-speed automatic transmission and available 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive. All of these components combine to give the GLK350 an impressive 0-60 time of just 6.5 seconds (estimated) while achieving an 23 mpg (estimated) on the highway.

Both the GLK350 and GLK350 4MATIC are matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. Low overall weight (estimated 4,036 lb. curb weight) and the exceptional aerodynamics for a vehicle of this design (cd figure 0.35) further contribute to the exceptional performance and low fuel consumption.
Much as the latest C-Class sedan has brought a new level of sporty driving and ride comfort to the sedan world, the new GLK brings a new combination of agility and comfort to the SUV market. The GLK also broadens and extends the Mercedes-Benz sport utility line with cutting-edge engine and four-wheel-drive technology packaged in a stylish vehicle that's the perfect size for today's busy family.

The Widest Range of SUVs

Mercedes-Benz offers the widest range of SUVs in the premium segment, the GLK being the brand's fifth model in the series. In response to customers' wishes, the company's Family of SUV's has grown to include the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G‑Class. The new GLK is the latest addition to this successful line-up.
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Britney Spear's 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK Hits 2006 Nissan

Britney Spears Involved in Yet Another Motoring Mishap
Britney Spears was involved in a minor traffic accident late Saturday, apparently due to distraction while she was driving her 2008 Mercedes-Benz. The Web site TMZ.com says, "She was driving the same way most women in L.A. do — putting on her makeup behind the wheel."

The wags at the celebrity-tracking Web site characterize the incident as resulting in only "cosmetic damage." The Associated Press reports that no one was injured in the crash. It said that Spears was in stop-and-go traffic when her car struck a 2006 Nissan in front of her that had stopped. The Nissan then struck another vehicle, but neither vehicle was damaged. The AP says no one was cited in the traffic mishap.
source edmunds
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2010 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Details

Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Will Boast 670 Horsepower.
It won't make its official debut until this summer, but the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is already staking its claim as one of the most extreme Mercedes-Benzes ever built. It starts with a 6.0-liter twin turbo V12 engine. In the standard SL65 AMG it pumps out a healthy 604 horsepower, but in the Black Series the same engine gets cranked up to 670 hp. The torque peak won't increase, but given that it already sits at 738 pound-feet, there's really isn't a need for more. The five-speed automatic transmission, torque converter and all, will remain, but it will get two Sport shift programs, with the second delivering quicker gearchanges timed at just 250 milliseconds.
source edmunds

Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series details revealed, courtesy of MotorTrend.
The power boost, however, is only part of the equation that unburdens each horse of 1.6 lbs, now pulling just 6.1 lbs-per-hp instead of the "lesser" SL65 AMG's 7.7 lbs-per-hp. That reduction is thanks in no small part (but many small parts) to an ambitious weight reduction program that does away with the folding hard-top in favor of a fixed carbon-fiber roof, itself shaving 88 of the total 570 lbs cut off the curb weight. That figure is now down to a slightly more manageable 4,080 lbs, which is still in SUV territory for a two-seat sportscar. Carbon fiber is also features on the flared front fenders, hood, rear underbody diffuser and racing buckets.
source autoblog

Mercedes SL AMG Black Series spied again!
....the SL65 Black is expected to perform like its more expensive sibling, the SLR. While engineers have managed to shed a large amount of weight, they've also added more features — ultra-wide fender flares, a deployable rear wing, and even more aggressive air intakes and outlets.
source leftlane

2010 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series - Spied.
The rear wing moves up for greater downforce at higher speeds. Mercedes introduced the first Black Series as a special edition of the special-edition CLK63 last summer—showing no end to the Teutonic automaker’s imagination when it comes to splitting performance hairs to appease enthusiasts. The CLK63 AMG Black Series was said to be patterned on the CLK63 that was used as a safety car at Formula 1 races. The pattern appears to be intact, as Mercedes recently took an SL63 AMG with its 518-hp, 6.2-liter V-8, and modified it to serve as the Formula 1 safety car this season.
source car and driver

Embargo watch: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series.
AMG says the SL65 Black Series is capable of 220 mph, but it's speed-limited to 300 kp/h, or about 186 mph and can do 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds.....The electro-hydraulic Active Body Control suspension has been tossed for a fully adjustable coil spring suspension. Dunlop Maxx GTs are 265/35ZR-19s front, 325/30ZR-20s, rear on one-piece forged alloy wheels. Brake discs are larger and because AMG plans to build just 350 units for worldwide sales, the car is exempt from European pedestrian crash standards, so the front grille is squatter than the new one on the SL-Series and the hood is lower..... Paint color choices are white, black, red or silver. It goes on sale in the U.S. next year at an if-you've-gotta-ask price well north of the SL65's $188,025 sticker.
source motortrend

2010 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Spy Photos
source car and driver



2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Photo


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