Mercedes to shift C-Class production to U.S?

Several car firms have shifted production to the United States in the past few years to avoid rising labour costs and exchange rates and Mercedes could be expanding that initiative. According to the latest reports out of Germany, Mercedes-Benz in mulling shifting some C-Class production to the U.S.

Mercedes is considering moving some production of its popular C-Class to the United States. If the plan is approved, production of the C-Class would shift from Sindelfingen, Germany to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, presumably at the company’s current M-Class facility. Mercedes’ is considering the shift due to lower wages rates at the Alabama plant. The move would also help safeguard Mercedes’ profits against unfavorable Dollar to Euro exchange rates.

Mercedes has yet to confirm the report – only saying that “there is neither a decision nor a recommendation on C-Class location politics” – but rumors suggest the 4 door, 2 door and wagon variants of the C-Class could be built at the Alabama plant, with the latter likely for export.

No word on when the shift might occur, but the Mercedes SL-Class would likely fill the C-Class' spot at the Sindelfingen plant.

News in brief

GM cancels plans to build unibody pick up trucks - Via Insideline

Russian built Nissans due in 2012 - Via Autocar
2010 Lexus ES sedan pricing announced - Via Edmunds.com

Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom under consideration - Via WorldCarFans

Opel workers in Spain take to the streets to protest - Via Autocar

Office of Fair Trading (OFT) launched an inquiry into second hand cars (UK) - Via MSN UK

Turkey investigates pricing fix - Via Autocar

Audi RS6 V10 set to be replaced by twin-turbo V8 - Via WorldCarFans

Protesters dump manure on Clarksons lawn (UK) - Via Autotrader UK

Land Rover Defender replacement due in 2012 - Via Autocar

Ploue "Peugeots have lost their beauty" - Via Autocar

Uninsured? Say good-bye to your car (UK) - Via WhatCar?

Vauxhall Astra pricing announced (UK) - Via Autocar

Mexcian buyers get more incentives (MX) - Via Edmunds.com

Alfa Romeo Milano Prototype Spied During Police Stop

Essentially a replacement for the aging 147, the Milano features modern MiTo-inspired

styling underneath all that camouflage. Since the car was already unmasked by

several cell phone pictures, taken at an Alfa Romeo factory, the new images

don't provide a lot of additional details.

As we have previously reported, the Milano will feature a wide variety of petrol

and diesel engines. While nothing is official, engine options are expected to

include a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol (with 120-160 hp) and a range-topping

1.75-liter four-cylinder petrol with around 200 hp.

Judging by the pace of development, look for a possible unveiling at Geneva

Motor Show in March 2010. According to documents released as part of Chrysler's

bankruptcy, the Milano also seems destined for North America.

more detail. ...

Hyundai Launches Stretch Edition of Its Luxury Flagship, EQUUS

Hyundai Motor Co. today began receiving orders for the long wheelbase edition of its most luxurious car, the EQUUS.

The stretch edition offers several upgraded features from the normal sedan version, including differentiated exterior designs and longer overall length. The engine and other functions have been reinforced to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.

With the comfort of passengers at the forefront of its design principle, the Hyundai EQUUS Limousine, as it is named in Korea, offers passengers unparalleled levels of interior volume. The vehicle's length is longer than major competitors by as much as 310 mm, with backseat legroom as much as 376 mm longer, as well.

To differentiate it from the EQUUS sedan, the stretch version is equipped with an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center. Thus, the exterior image exudes an impression of strength and confidence, in line with the vehicle's elegant image.

Hyundai EQUUS Limousine comes with a choice of two sophisticated engines: The Lambda 3.8L engine and the Tau 5.0L engine. The Tau 5.0 engine, applied to the stretch version for the first time, is a reinforced version of the Tau 4.6L engine that won the 2009 Ward's 10 Best Engines award.

With a maximum output of 400ps and a peak torque rating of 51.0kg, the Hyundai EQUUS Limousine outperforms its competitors, such as the Lexus LS460L and Mercedes S500L by 20ps and 12ps, respectively.

The power-driven footrest, the world's first, along with Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System function, allows passengers the most comfortable driving experience found today.

The price for the long wheelbase edition EQUUS ranges from 135 million won to 146 million won (approximately US$113,000 to US$122,180, based on today's currency exchange rates).

Additionally, Hyundai has successfully developed a bulletproof version of the long wheelbase EQUUS and has donated three units to the Blue House (the Korean Presidential Residence). Hyundai is the first Korean company ? and one of a handful worldwide - to develop a bulletproof car with its own technology.

Tokyo Motor Show: Mazda Shows Off Updated Kiyora Concept

Hyundai is the latest carmaker to bail on the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, but it's far from the first, raising concerns over the show's future. Mazda is undeterred, however, today revealing a range of new engines and an updated version of the 2008 Kiyora concept that it will have on display.

The Kiyora Concept is a compact, eco-friendly hatch-type car that Mazda imagines as a fun-to-drive yet responsible runabout powered by the new SKY-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine revealed earlier today. Power is sent to the wheels by the six-speed SKY-Drive automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is estimated at 75 mpg in Japan's combined 10-15 mode test cycle. It gets there thanks in part to Mazda's i-stop system, which shuts the engine off at stops. The Kiyora also uses regenerative braking, presumably to operate the car's electronics, and weight savings and aerodynamics also play a role in the car's efficiency.

Even with a reduced set of manufacturers, the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show may still prove to be an interesting display of technology, as carmakers continue to push forward with increasingly "greener" powertrains and designs.

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show runs October 23-November 4, 2009, with press days starting October 21.

via:motorauthority

SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT

1. Concept
Subaru has condensed its DNA, developed over many years around the Subaru's core technology of "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)" and "Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine", into the integration of a luxurious and high-quality cabin atmosphere and an eye-catching sculpted body. The concept car features Subaru's latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance. It proposes Subaru's vision of a future grand touring car that excels in environmental friendliness thanks to Subaru's unique hybrid system.

2. Design and packaging

(1) Exterior
Subaru imagined wings with a feeling of freedom and confidence for driving far and wide in any environment. A luxurious and comfortable cabin, and advanced driving performance are contained within a sculpted aerodynamic form. The design features a combination of bright, open glass areas with a solid, reliable body.

(2) Interior
The original point of the ideal grand touring car is its interior design, featuring four independent and comfortably positioned seats. Passengers are enclosed within an atmosphere that provides a surpassing feeling of openness and stress-free reassurance, through the further pursuit of a human-centered philosophy, the essence of Subaru car design, and the incorporation of functions that are friendly to passengers.
The top of the dashboard is movable up and down to provide an optimal driving environment for the driver according to driving conditions.
A flat floor in the rear seat was achieved even with the implementation of AWD, for improved use and movement inside the cabin.
Specialized shielding is incorporated in the windshield to reduce eyestrain on the driver.
New leather covering developed with superior breathability and a ventilation function is used in the seats for improved comfort and texture.

3. Mechanisms
In addition to refinements to Subaru's core technology such as Symmetrical AWD and Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine, further enhancements were made for improved environmental friendliness, driving performance and high safety performance by offering a next-generation power unit system and advanced safety technologies.
(1) Next-generation power unit system
2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine
The Horizontally-Opposed turbo gasoline engine, with a reputation for powerful acceleration, is combined with a direct fuel-injection system for improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and improved torque and response in practical range. This evolution in Subaru turbo technology excels in both environmental friendliness and engine performance.

Lineartronic (CVT)
Lineartronic, Subaru's new generation automatic transmission, achieves further improvements in both fuel efficiency and driving performance by reinforcing parts for use with the high-power output of a turbo engine.

Hybrid system
To further enhance the appeal of the Symmetrical AWD system, this unique hybrid two-motor system features a power/drive motor in the front and a drive motor in the rear.

* At start-up and extremely low speeds when fuel efficiency is low, such as when driving the car into a garage, the rear motor is used primarily to allow driving without utilizing the power of the engine.
* During normal driving, the front engine is primarily used. The direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline mated with the Symmetrical AWD offers a whole new, Subaru driving experience.
* During acceleration, the rear motor assists the driving power of the engine to achieve advanced driving performance.
* Further, when accelerating uphill, the front motor, which is normally used as a power generator, assists to drive the front axle for improved performance.
* The implementation of a non-idling function that stops the engine when the car comes to a halt reduces unnecessary fuel consumption.
* The use of a high-performance lithium battery is based on experience and know-how achieved with the Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle, launched this summer. This includes the use of a precise energy management system and regenerative brake controls, for improvements in excellent fuel efficiency.


<Major specifications>
Length x Width x Height: 4,630 x 1,890 x 1,420mm
Engine type: 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo
gasoline engine
Max output of Motor: 10kW (Front) / 20kW (Rear)
Transmission type: Lineartronic
Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 2 motors assist
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

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STARTECH Expands Its Customization Program to Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover Automobiles

World Debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009

Until now the STARTECH brand stood globally as a synonym for exclusive tuning for the automobiles from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. With the world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 STARTECH expands its portfolio with a sophisticated customization program for Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover automobiles.

All STARTECH products are designed and manufactured in accordance with the strict quality guidelines of the ISO 9001 norm, and all are tested and approved by the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV).

The STARTECH product lineup for all makes of vehicles comprises the entire palette of professional tuning: Elegant and efficient aerodynamic-enhancement components as well as custom-tailored one-piece or multi-piece STARTECH Monostar light-alloy wheels characterize the outfit of a Jaguar, Land Rover, Range Rover, Jeep, Dodge or Chrysler refined by STARTECH.

To further improve active safety the STARTECH engineers have developed markedly comfortable sport suspensions and lowering kits. They offer more agile handling and easier controllability of the vehicle in extreme situations.

Special emphasis of the STARTECH activities lies on customizing and upgrading the interior. Exclusive accessories such as ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels, polished stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated STARTECH logo or classy interior completion sets are part of the product lineup as are custom fully leather interiors crafted from especially soft, breathable and yet highly durable leather and Alcantara. Another specialty are exclusive wood inlays that can be manufactured in any desired color using special bleaching and staining techniques. Genuine carbon-fiber trim sets are also available in numerous variations for all models.

STARTECH also offers custom-tailored multimedia systems for all models.

STARTECH Makes the Range Rover Even More Exclusive

Owners of Range Rover vehicles are highly discriminating automotive connoisseurs. They can now find the perfect solutions for customizing their vehicles at STARTECH.

With stylishly integrated LED daytime running lights STARTECH lends the Range Rover an even more striking appearance and further improved active safety. The light inserts come in the same color as the door handles and the front grille, eliminating the need for costly painting.

The new STARTECH Monostar IV light-alloy wheels are another eye catcher. The five-spoke wheels feature a beautiful combination of grey and polished surfaces with a matte lacquer finish. The size 10Jx22 wheels are mounted with high-performance tires in size 295/35 R 22 front and back.

Immediately noticeable in the rear are the dual trapezoidal stainless-steel exhaust tips, which were developed to add some more visual pizzazz to the stock exhaust system.

The STARTECH designers demonstrated their ingenuity in the interior as well. Leather door panels on all four doors in the same color as the production leather complete the leather interior. Special contrast-colored cords create a particularly customized look.

The company upholstery shop fulfills requests for even more customization with entire interiors crafted in any color, upholstery design and from any material imaginable, including exclusive precious wood. Innovative bleaching and staining techniques allow the creation of perfectly matched or stunningly contrasted wood colors with various surface finishes.

The choices are virtually unlimited: The product lineup ranges from an upgrade for the stock wood trim in the form of a precious-wood molding for the center console to complete trim sets made from any desired wood grain or from genuine carbon fiber.

Upon customer request STARTECH transforms the Range Rover into an exclusive office on wheels or into a mobile multimedia lounge with state-of-the-art communication technology.

The development of the STARTECH program for the updated Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles of model year 2010 is already running at full steam. It will include a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement kit, custom-tailored 22-inch wheels, suspension modifications and exclusive interiors with fully leather and Alcantara upholsteries and precious-wood inlays in any color and grain, all made exactly to customer's specifications.

STARTECH Refines the Land Rover Freelander 2

Following the development and implementation of a globally successful customization program for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep automobiles STARTECH now also refines British Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. At the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 the Land Rover Freelander 2 with STARTECH design celebrates its world debut.

The face of the English SUV receives more character with the sporty yet elegant STARTECH front element with integrated LED daytime running lights. The new front element was designed to attach to the lower part of the production bumper.

The STARTECH attachment for the liftgate continues the contour of the rear bumper across its entire width. The result is an even more balanced rear appearance of the Freelander 2 compared with the production car.

The fully stainless-steel STARTECH sport exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipes left and right adds yet another visual and acoustic highlight. Custom-tailored versions of the exhaust system are available for all Freelander 2 models.

STARTECH Monostar IV light-alloy wheels give the Freelander 2 an even more refined appearance and increase both driving fun and safety reserves. The one-piece five-spoke wheels in size 9Jx20 are mounted with size 265/45 R 20 tires front and back and make full use of the available space under the wheel arches.

The STARTECH program also offers a multitude of customization options for the interior of the smallest Land Rover model: The company upholstery shop can answer the exclusive requests of any Freelander 2 owner, perfect down to the last detail. The upholsterers masterfully handcraft interiors in any color and upholstery design imaginable. The materials of choice for the exclusive STARTECH interiors are especially soft and breathable leathers and Alcantara.

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