Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC: R 320, ML 320, and GL 320 At The New York Auto Show
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Mercedes-Benz, New York International Auto Show, SUVs
Tags: bluetec, German, gl 320, ml 320, r 320
Mercedes-Benz presented three new SUVs equipped with the world’s latest and cleanest diesel engine at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The new R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC, and GL 320 BlueTEC use the highly efficient AdBlue exhaust aftertreatment system that meets the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.
Whether it’s the newly restyled ML320 BlueTEC family SUV, the larger GL320 BlueTEC or the versatile R320 BlueTEC, the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz sport utilities get 20-30 percent better fuel economy, surprisingly good performance and extremely low exhaust emissions. This latest generation of electronically injected CDI engines is changing consumers’ dated perceptions about diesel engines. The BlueTEC diesels have impressive cruising range up to 600 miles traveling at highway speeds, and these well-appointed SUVs can do all that without sacrificing performance. In addition, V8-like pulling power makes the BlueTEC diesels ideal for towing.
BlueTEC is a modular system that includes an oxidation catalytic converter and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions – the last type of exhaust gas that’s higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. The BlueTEC diesels use an NOx storage catalytic converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions.
The AdBlue system injects an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. Its tank only needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during routine maintenance intervals.
BMW Concept CS Lands In New York
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, BMW, Concept Cars, New York International Auto Show, Sports Sedans
Tags: cs, German
BMW showed its face for the future of luxury vehicle design and performance with the North American debut of its Concept CS at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The Concept CS is BMW’s vision of a unique four-door car that combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Gran Turismo with the thrill of a high-performance sports car — offering a driving experience unlike any other.
More than any other sedan in the past, the body design of the BMW Concept CS lends itself to optimum performance. The low-slung, dynamically stretched silhouette; the long engine compartment lid; and the stylish lines and contours accentuating rear-wheel drive technology simply perfect for sports driving, all set clear standards for supreme dynamics in a new dimension of outstanding vehicles. Through its luxurious presence, stylish elegance and challenging dynamism, the BMW Concept CS offers truly unique design language with highly individual aesthetic features never seen before.
The BMW Concept CS adds an unparalleled touch of sporting dynamism to the conventional culture of a sedan, offering the driver and passengers the complete dynamic experience of such unique power on four full-sized single seats. While the conventional sedan focuses primarily on driving comfort, the BMW Concept CS sends out a clear message of active, dynamic driving. With the generous feeling of space in this four-door being supplemented by a sporting and low seating position enjoyed not only by the driver and front passenger, but also by the rear passengers on their own single seats, it is a message that reaches all of the car’s occupants. For this reason alone, the BMW Concept CS is the ultimate vision of a sports car for the ambitious driver, while simultaneously offering passengers the same experience of sporting performance and luxurious pleasure.
Featuring height-adjustable collar elements directly integrated in the seats, the four full-sized sports seats meet all the needs of personalized entertainment and communication, thus raising the experience of quality within the interior to an unprecedented standard.
Interaction of innovative design and exclusive materials, together with the use of a highly expressive color scheme, gives the interior of the BMW Concept CS a unique touch of luxury based not on simple opulence, but rather on perfect quality.
The BMW Concept CS offers particularly innovative technology within its dynamic, low-slung headlight units, which generate a powerful and consistent light beam. Innovative reverse-projection LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) bundle their light on a reflection area from where the beam is conveyed smoothly, consistently and with utmost precision to the road ahead. This provides a particularly homogenous area of illumination without the slightest dazzling effect, since the oncoming motorist does not look directly at the projectors.
A new experience of dynamics and ambience; exemplary quality in design and finish; extreme precision in the dimensions of the car; and concentrated luxury within the interior – these are the features that characterize the BMW Concept CS. And at the same time all this bears clear testimony to the superior know-how and competence of BMW’s engineers and designers in creating such truly emotional automobiles.
2009 Audi A4 Avant Debuts In New York
Filed under: Audi, Auto Show Pictures, New York International Auto Show, Wagons/Estates
Tags: a4, avant, German
The 2009 Audi A4 Avant just debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The 2009 Audi A4 Avant will feature the 2.0 TFSI, a new high-powered four-cylinder turbocharged engine that has 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The current A4 Avant offers 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The 2009 A4 Sedan will also offer drivers the 2.0 TFSI or the option of a 3.2 FSI V6, with 265 hp and the patented Audi Valvelift Technology (AVS).
Enhancements to the V6 include considerably lower inner friction and a valve actuation system called the Audi Valvelift System which varies the stroke of the intake valves. The engines will improve performance, while reducing fuel consumption versus previous generations.
A number of transmission options are also available, including a six-speed manual and tiptronic transmission, which is optional for the 3.2 FSI.
The Avant’s proportions have been reconfigured significantly from the previous generation model to emphasize both sport and practicality. The front overhang has been shortened, while the hood and wheelbase have increased in size. The new A4 Avant measures 15.42 feet in length, making it 4.72 inches longer than its previous model. Its body is considerably more rigid and safer in build than its predecessor, while still being approximately 10 percent lighter. Those proportions yield the largest luggage capacity in its class, with up to 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Other points of emphasis in the interior and exterior design are the xenon plus headlights, which consist of 14 white light-emitting diodes, and a driver-oriented cockpit that borrows many features from the larger A8, including an electro-mechanical parking brake that also comes standard on other Audi models.
Technology options for the new model include a complete range of high-tech systems. These include the Audi parking system (a parking aid and standard for the A4 Avant), Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist (which warns of hazards when changing lanes). The adaptive cruise control option maintains the distance to the vehicle in front.
When it comes to multimedia, the Audi A4 Avant will meet every user’s needs. The Audi Music Interface (AMI) allows for iPod connectivity and control. The navigation systems with MMI Basic plus or with DVD including MMI are additional upgrade options. Bluetooth connectivity for cell phones is included, as well. The car audio system is by Bang & Olufsen. A 505 watt, ten-channel amplifier controls 14 speakers.
BMW X6 Video From The Detroit Auto Show
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, BMW, Coupes, SUVs
Tags: Detroit, German, X6, xDrive
The newest member of the BMW X model line, the X6, debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI. The BMW X6 comes standard with xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control for variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles consistently adjusted to driving conditions at all times and in all situations. The X6 also has Dynamic Performance Control that ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels as a standard.
BMW’s new V8 with Twin Turbo Technology and direct injection is also making its debut in the X6. The 4.4L V8 is the most powerful engine ever featured in a BMW X Model, producing a maximum output of 400 horsepower. The other engine option is the 3.0L straight-six with a maximum output of 300 horsepower.
The X6 can easily be personalized. There are 10 exterior paint choices, five equipment variants, two interior colors, and five trim options.
Click here for more on the BMW X6.
Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK BLUETEC Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Videos, Concept Cars, Mercedes-Benz, SUVs
Tags: Detroit, freeside, German, GLK, townside
Watch our live auto show video coverage from the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI, where Mercedes-Benz presented their compact SUV study with the Vision GLK FREESIDE and TOWNSIDE with the help of Sex In The City star Kim Cattrell. The Vision GLK FREESIDE is an all-rounder that showcases the capabilities of today’s SUV vehicles both on and off the road, while the TOWNSIDE version is designed to make its mark with dynamic performance on the tarmac.
Click here to see more on the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK FREESIDE and TOWNSIDE.
2009 BMW 1 Series Convertible Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, BMW, Convertibles
Tags: 1 Series, Detroit, German
If you’re looking for a compact convertible, watch our video of the BMW 1 Series Convertible debut from the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI. The 2009 1 Series Convertible will start at $34,000, and will be a RWD vehicle with 50/50 weight distribution.
Click here for more on the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
2008 Mercedes SLK-Class Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Sports Coupes
Tags: AMG, Detroit, German, SLK
The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class did not disappoint at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.
Watch the video debut of the 2008 SLK-Class and let us know what you think of the restyled front bumper featuring the modified segmentation of the air intakes and a more pronounced V-shape or the remodeled tail, with the diffuser-look styling at the bottom.
Click here for more on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC Video Coverage
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Videos, Sedans/Saloons, Volkswagen
Tags: CC, Detroit, German, Passat, VW
Volkswagen revealed their Passat CC at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The Passat CC body is a coupe design but with four doors over the usual two. The interior is luxurious, with features like the active climate seat, a creature comfort that until now was reserved for the Phaeton luxury sedan. Developed for the Passat CC, there is also a new electrically actuated Panorama vent sunroof to add an extra touch of class and luxury.
The big highlight of the Passat CC is the “Lane assist” feature which is an active lane keeping system, unique in this vehicle class. “Lane Assist” detects lane markings via a camera in the vicinity of the inside mirror or rain sensor. The system is activated via the multifunctional display on the Passat CC; the driver selects the system under the menu item “Lane Assist” to activate. As long as the driver does not deactivate the system, from that point forward it takes effect starting at a speed of 65 km/h. It automatically counter-steers as soon as the Passat CC leaves its lane unintentionally, though the counter-steering is said to be very continuous and gentle, overridable by the driver steering with very little force. If the driver takes their hands off the steering wheel completely, the system detects this and issues a warning, both acoustic and by vibration, to request that the driver resume control, and then the system switches itself off.
Expect the VW Passat CC in the US during the fourth quarter of the year.
