Rendered Speculation: Next Mercedes SLK to spawn gullwing hybrid variant?
Filed under: Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Mercedes-Benz, Rendered Speculation
The Mercedes-Benz SL range is growing. For years just a solitary model, the mainstay roadster has since spawned the smaller SLK, the fixed-roof Black Series and the McLaren SLR (in its many iterations). Slated to be replaced by the SLC supercar and supplemented by a new baby SLA, new reports indicate that with the next SLK on its way, a compact roadster could gain a gullwing hybrid variant as well.While the two elements would seem unrelated, Mercedes engineers are reportedly set on using the classic SL door configuration as a space-saving, access-enabling solution. The battery packs for the electric motors are earmarked to sit in the door sills, leaving reduced space for entry and exit that could be alleviated by the use of the top-hinged gullwing doors that appeared on the original 300SL - the very same door type that is earmarked to appear on the new range-topping SLC.
The hybrid propulsion system - based on that of the Concept BlueZero E-Cell unveiled earlier this month in Detroit - will reportedly be supplemented by a gasoline-burning V6, an F1-derived kinetic braking system and start-stop engine management. Word is that the combination should be good for AMG levels of performance while returning exemplary gas mileage and low emissions. The next-generation SLK, which could itself include a folding glass roof mechanism, is expected to arrive by 2011, with the hybrid gullwing model following the year thereafter.
[Source: Auto Express]
Rendered Speculation: Next Mercedes SLK to spawn gullwing hybrid variant? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read�|�Permalink�|�Email this�|�CommentsChevy prices Corvette Competition Sport package
Filed under: Car Buying, Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet, Special/Limited Editions
Click above for a high-res image of the Chevrolet Corvette Compeition Sport
Last week GM announced a special package of racetrack upgrades for the 'Vette and Z06 dubbed the Corvette Competition Sport (CS) package and now, the General has released pricing. The cost of a base Corvette coupe with the package is $55,655, a bump of $3,350 over a 1LT coupe with the Z51 option pack and NPP exhaust. The price of a CS equipped Z06 is $77,500 w/ DFC, a jump of $2,725 over a 1LZ Corvette Z06.
As outlined before, the kit includes the Z51 Performance Package, the NPP performance exhaust system, a differential cooler and a set of racing pedals. Power peaks at 436 hp on the base Coupe and 505 hp on the Z06. Besides the steak, there's a bit of sizzle. Visual mods for both versions include Competition Gray stripes, wheels and headlamps, a special engine cover, and the "Jake" and CSR logos inside and out. A set of racing numbers will also be delivered to the buyer based on the particular car's build sequence.
Chevy prices Corvette Competition Sport package originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink�|�Email this�|�CommentsGermany's turn: scrap your used car, get a bonus to buy a new one
Filed under: Car Buying, Euro, Government/Legal
Last month China proposed a plan to offer consumers a cash incentive to scrap their cars and buy new ones. Germany is the latest country looking at the same option, with a law that aims to give €2,500 to people getting rid of cars that are at least nine years old and buying new ones.
China may want to watch what happens in Germany: so far, interest in the program looks like it could exceed the available funds. The German government set aside €1.5 billion for reimbursements, which is enough to reward 600,000 people. But in just two days, the office that will look after the program got 420,000 phone calls. One German market research firm put the potential number of takers at 1.2 million.
If the measure passes into law as is, then early birds would get the incentive worm. The €1.5 billion is coming out of a €50 billion German stimulus plan, aimed at reviving the automotive, transport, and education sectors, and it wouldn't seem out of the question for them to double the allotted funds to allow all to participate. Although no one knows how much the program would help German automakers -- people might scrap their cars and buy Fords -- it would put money back into the economy and get cleaner cars on the roads to boot. Hat tip to Gregg!
[Source: Der Spiegel | Photo: Ms. Martin]
Germany's turn: scrap your used car, get a bonus to buy a new one originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read�|�Permalink�|�Email this�|�CommentsVIDEO: How not to wash your new MINI convertible
Filed under: Convertibles, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, MINI
Click above to watch the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible brave the car wash with the top down
The new for 2009 MINI Cooper Cabrio is fashionable, ecologically friendly, and ready for open-air fun. While the new MINI drop-top is many things to many people, its still not a good idea to head through a car wash with the top down. That is, unless you're MINI and you're trying to drive home the marketing pitch "Always Open" with a viral video. Hit the jump to view MINI's a minute and a half clib of a brand new MINI Cabrio going through a car wash with the top down. The guys in the car seem to be having a good time, but we're not so sure this looks like much fun. On the flip side, it does kind of satisfy that twelve-year-old urge we once had to go through the car wash in a convertible. Please don't try this at home. Thanks for the tip, Andreas.
Continue reading VIDEO: How not to wash your new MINI convertible
VIDEO: How not to wash your new MINI convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read�|�Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments
0 comments:
Post a Comment