2013 IAA: Mansory G 55 AMG-based G-Couture SUV at Frankfurt [Live Photos]

Mansory G-Couture G 55 AMG

The auto refiner Mansory is offering a seven-unit limited edition luxury vehicle based on the Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG – the G-Couture. A luxury vehicle class of its own right, the G-Couture does not impresses with its looks but only with its technical aspect. For instance, the G-Couture luxury SUV has its entire exterior – including the lower window edge and the roof -- are made of carbon, known for its excellent lightness and strength. To further improve the quality of this ultra-light material, Mansory employed the autoclave-prepreg-method, in which the carbon is compressed strongly in a special pressure chamber that no more air inclusions remain in the material. This very cost-intensive method is typically employed in aviation and aerospace. Mansonry also paid special attention into modifying the SUV’s engine. The refiner replaced the majority of the engine components with high-performance parts from the Mercedes-Benz SLR, resulting to a G-Couture powerplant that provides up to 700 hp (515 kW) of output and 880 Nm of torque, compared with G 55 AMG’s 507 hp (373 kW) of output and 700 Nm of torque. The G-Couture boasts of riding on four high-performance tires Pirelli Scorpion with the dimension 305/35 R 23 fitted onto one-part 23-inch SUV-rims.

Gallery: Mansory G-Couture G 55 AMG

Chevrolet launches the much-awaited 2014 Corvette Stingray at Frankfurt [Live Photos]

2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe

Chevrolet has launched the much-awaited seventh generation of its Corvette sports car – the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray. The 2014 Corvette Stingray is regarded as the most powerful standard model ever, thanks to its powerplant that provides up to 450 horsepower (335 kW) of output and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm), allowing the car to sprint from zero to 60mph in less than four seconds, while achieving over 1g cornering grip. The 2014 Corvette Stingray is also expected to be most fuel-efficient Corvette, as it is seen to surpass the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model. General Motors North America President Mark Reuss remarked that like the ’63 Sting Ray, the “best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences.” He quipped that the 2014 Corvette Stingray “goes farther than ever,” thanks to advancements in design, technology and engineering Chevrolet will produce the 2014 Corvette Stingray at the Bowling Green assembly site of its parent General Motors in Kentucky. GM spent $131 million to upgrade the site, including around $52 million for a new body shop to build the aluminum frame in-house for the first time.  Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, remarked that the car represents the “future of modern performance cars” since it delivers more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency.

Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2013 IAA: Elmiraj Concept previews future top-end Cadillac unit [Live Photos]

Cadillac Elmiraj Concept

If you are wondering what Cadillac's future lineup-topping unit may look like, then you just have to see its Elmiraj grand coupe concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In a statement, General Motors said that the Elmiraj explores "new dimensions for Cadillac's ongoing expansion."  At 205 inches, the rear-wheel-drive, two-door coupe is 3 inches longer than the XTS, which is currently considered as the biggest car in Cadillac's lineup. The Elmiraj is underpinned by a platform that also underpins "an ongoing Cadillac vehicle development project slated for future production," according to GM. This project may refer to a large rwd sedan that is being developed for the top of its lineup to rival the Mercedes-Benz S class, BMW 7 series and other top-end sedans. The Elmiraj has a large grille that dons a new Cadillac emblem. It lets go of classic laurel wreath while leaving behind a streamlined version of the shield.

Sources told Automotive News that the new badge may appear on production cars as early as 2015, although a Cadillac spokesman has said a decision has yet to be made. In a statement, GM said that the design idea for a revised crest "reflects the fact that Cadillac's unmistakable symbol has evolved dozens of times through history to mark new eras or design achievements."

According to the carmaker, the Elmiraj is not a thinly veiled version of a future production car just like other concepts, but is instead intended to preview at the future design direction for the top end of Cadillac's portfolio. Bob Ferguson, senior vice president, Global Cadillac, said in a statement that the Elmiraj "provides a look inside the Cadillac Studio on how we envision performance and luxury for the next generation of luxury drivers." Despite that, the Elmiraj suggests that GM may consider a coupe version of the future big sedan, which according to sources would be launched sometime in 2015.

Gallery: Cadillac Elmiraj Concept

2013 IAA: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG shown in Frankfurt [Live Photos]

2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG had its official introduction, after it has been teased and later leaked. The new model, which is set to have its public unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, has the usual AMG modifications when it comes to styling. It features bolder bumpers, thicker side sills, bigger 19-inch alloy wheels and a quad exhaust setup that make the car appear more menacing. But then, others claim that it should still seem meaner. It is powered by an updated Euro 6-compliant twin-turbo V8 5.5-liter engine, producing 585 bhp (436 kW) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft). The direct-injected gasoline engine includes Piezo injectors and an all-aluminum crankcase that comes with four valves per cylinder (with camshaft adjustment).

The mill features an air-to-water intercooler and an ECO start/stop function. It gets a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT sports transmission that comes in three modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport) and "M" (Manual). In comparison to the former model, the new S63 AMG is lighter by as much as 220 lbs (100 kg) due to its use of AMG forged alloys, a lightweight lithium-ion battery (-20 kg / 44 lbs) and a two-piece braking system that weighs less.

The outer skin of the car as well as the roof and front end uses aluminium. Meanwhile, the spare wheel recess is built from carbon fiber. Because of this, the short wheelbase model has a weight of 4,343 lbs (1,970 kg) with the fuel tank 90% filled but exclusive of driver and luggage. Under the same conditions, the long wheelbase model weighs 4,398 lbs (1,995 kg).

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG can accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds for both SWB and LWB versions. The speed of the all-wheel drive 4MATIC long-wheelbase model is faster than the other two and can do the sprint in only 4 seconds. The three models can reach a maximum speed of 155 mph or 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Gallery: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

Success of Audi Nanuk Quattro at Frankfurt show owed to VW chairman

Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept

Audi's Nanuk Quattro was definitely a head-turner at the recently finished Frankfurt Motor Show. Visitors and journalists at the show were seen taking a second look at the cross between a sports car and a sports utility vehicle. However, the Nanuk Quattro initially wasn’t meant to be part of Audi’s exhibit at the show so it came as a surprise that it became one of the event’s stars. The two-seater Nanuk Quattro is a slightly reworked version of Italdesign's Parcour Concept that was unveiled by the Volkswagen-owned design house at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2013. Back then, the Parcour was under the Lamborghini badge. Although the Parcour was warmly received, people were not enthusiastic about it. The Parcour was a potential display at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este, but organizers denied its presence. A person involved in the selection process disclosed that the reason for rebuffing the Parcour was because the vehicle was "honestly not good enough,” adding that they “didn't want to see it” at the concourse. Months after at Frankfurt, the Parcour – now dubbed at Audi Nanuk Quattro – made Audi’s stand and became a star of the show. How? According to sources for Automotive News, the Parcour caught the eye of no less than the supervisory chairman of the Volkswagen Group, Ferdinand Piech. He eventually ordered that the Parcour be part of the Audi exhibition at the show. [source: automotive news - sub. required]

Gallery: Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept

BMW and Hyundai may build new factories in Mexico

2013 Hyundai Sonata

BMW AG and Hyundai Motor Co. are mulling building new plants in Mexico, according to Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo. The minister told Bloomberg in an interview that the Mexican government has held discussions with BMW and Hyundai, adding that at least one of the carmakers may soon announce plans for a new assembly site in the country in 2014. Any new site from BMW or Hyundai would give Mexico its first new vehicle factory since April 2012, when Audi AG unveiled plans for a $1.3 billion plant it commenced building this year to assemble the Q5. A BMW or Hyundai site is expected to further boost Mexico's auto industry, which has continued to expand this year despite a slowdown in the country’s economic growth.

Japanese carmakers Nissan Motor Co., Honda Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. are currently building new sites in central Mexico, while US auto companies Ford Motor Co. and General Motors are spending more to increase their production.

Meeyoung Song, a spokeswoman for Hyundai, said the South Korean automaker “currently has no plans to build a plant in Mexico. Vehicle production in Mexico surged 4.4 percent in the first eight months of 2013 to 1.99 million vehicles, according to the Mexican Automobile Industry Association.

Gallery: 2013 Hyundai Sonata

Bmw plans to introduce the 1-Series sedan in 2017

by Andrew Christian, Email, 30 Sep, 2013

2013 Bmw 1-Series

According to a company source it appears that Bmw plans to introduce an entry-level front-wheel-drive sedan. The new model will be slotted below the 3-Series sedan and ill arrive in 2017. The 1-Series sedan will take on the Audi A3 sedan and theMercedes-Benz CLA and just like its rivals the new Bavarian sedan will be developed to support FWD and four-wheel-drive. Dubbed NES (New Entry-level Sedan), the new car is part of a range of fwd models scheduled for the BMW lineup. Moreover, it will use company’s new UKL, for "entry-level," structure, same used by the 2014 MINI Cooper, which will be unveiled in November at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. According to the same source, the new entry-level sedan is integral to Bmw’s growth plan and it will be an important pillar in the future 1-Series lineup, especially in the United States and China. [source: automotive news - sub. required]

Gallery: 2013 Bmw 1-Series

Self-driving vehicles still need drivers and regulations

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Autonomous or self-driving vehicles used to be just an idea; but not anymore as carmakers strive to achieve such a feat by the end of the decade at the earliest. One of these carmakers is General Motors, which is currently testing at a suburban Detroit track a self-driving system embedded in the persona of Cadillac SRX. The car is able to drive itself at highway speed while the driver does something else other than driving. The self-driving capability of the first versions of GM’s autonomous vehicles -- due by 2020 – is only limited to controlled-access highways like an interstate. The first GM self-driving vehicle is also not capable of avoiding accidents on their own, since that task will still be the responsibility of a human pilot. Michelle Krebs, senior analyst with Edmunds.com, told Bloomberg News that although self-driving technology could be doable, there are questions on how to implement, regulate and standardize. She added that there are people who want to be in control and don’t want driving taken away from them.

While the innovation is fast developing, carmakers are still cautious about developing fully autonomous technology, like that envisioned by Google Inc. This cautiousness, according to GM officials, is a realistic view of what consumers will accept and the rules of the road will allow.

Bill Visnic, an analyst who follows autonomous vehicles for Edmunds.com, told Bloomberg that there should be a “kind of regulatory foundations in place at a reasonably nascent place,” particularly in the United States where the federal government oversees vehicle safety while states regulate insurance and licensing drivers. He said that sans such regulatory foundation, it might become “the Wild West out there.”

Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Jeep introduces 2014 Wrangler Dragon Edition

2014 Jeep Wrangler Dragon Edition

Jeep is introducing its 2014 Wrangler Dragon Edition derived from a concept unveiled at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exposition. Finished in black and with a black body-color three-piece hard top, the Jeep 2014 Wrangler Dragon Edition features several Bronze Satin Gloss details in the front grille slats, headlamp surrounds and on the Jeep badging. It features distinct 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels finished in matte black with a Satin Bronze high-gloss outer edge. The exterior of the 2014 Wrangler Dragon Edition features gloss-black appliques on the front and rear bumpers, and a Dark Charcoal dragon decal that starts on the hood and runs along the driver’s side of the vehicle. It also boasts of a Mopar fuel-filler door and a black spare tire cover with dragon decal.

The black-and-bronze theme is mirrored inside. Adding to the interior appeal are black Nappa leather seating surfaces with Satin Bronze Dragon Scale on the outer bolster surfaces, center console arm rest and steering wheel. T

he interior also features include high-gloss black instrument panel bezels and door handles and Satin Bronze accent trim on the steering wheel spokes and passenger-side dashboard grab handle. It also boasts of matching bronze bound floor mats and a unique dragon graphic overlay in the gauge cluster. [source: Chrysler]

Gallery: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Dragon Edition

    

2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD unveiled

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible confirmed

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Concept

The idea of a four-door convertible from Mercedes-Benz is not new as the German manufacturer introduced the Ocean Drive Concept back in 2006. Still nothing happened since then but last week, Mercedes’ head of research and development Thomas Weber confirmed the new model. Weber said that Mercedes-Benz will build a convertible version of the new S-Class which will be based on the S-Class Coupe, recently introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The coupe version will go on sale in Europe in early 2014, while the convertible will arrive somewhere in 2015. Offering a twin-turbocharged V8 and a V12, the S-Class Convertible will feature a fabric top. [source: automotive news - sub. required]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Concept

Callaway AeroWagon will go into production

Callaway AeroWagon

Callaway has approved the AeroWagon to go into production but it will be more expensive than initially announced. Instead of US$15,000 to do the conversion of its Corvette Stingray shooting brake, it will now cost US$22,995. What buyers get for this considerable amount of money is a new hatch built from carbon fiber structural elements formed with the use of a Resin Transfer Molding process to make a lightweight but sturdy rear. Callaway claims that the AeroWagon can reach a top speed of over 200 mph (322 km/h). This means that there will be upgrades for the V8 6.2-liter engine since the standard C7 is incapable of reaching this speed. Callaway also said that the AeroWagon will offer the highest mileage rating in its segment.

Gallery: Callaway AeroWagon