The 2009 AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE All-Stars

…are chosen by the AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE staff, its worldwide bureau chiefs, and its contributors, following an intensive test drive of the year’s most innovative and important new cars. Vehicles considered for the All-Stars awards combine the following traits:

Redefines an existing category or creates a new market segment
Provides excellent value and performance for the money
Exhibits an exceptional design
Offers pure driving enjoyment

After a 1000-mile road trip, winners are determined by a round-table discussion that results in a vote for the ten winners. The award decisions are not made through an instrumented test process.

AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2009 All-Stars, with editorial assessments, are:

Audi R8 – AUTOMOBILE Magazine calls the R8 the kind of iconic sports car that comes around once or twice a decade. Dramatic inside and out, the R8 is wide, low, and purposeful—it is a luxury grand tourer as much as it is a pure sports car.

BMW 3-Series – Don’t stop the presses: the BMW 3-series and M3 get another All-Stars award (its fourteenth, to be exact). Isn’t this déjà vu? As always, the competition for the 3-series keeps getting fiercer, and, as usual, critics say the latest, greatest M3 is a bit too refined. But BMW’s masterpiece of all-things-to-all-people engineering remains more fun than anything that’s more practical and more practical than anything that’s more fun.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – AUTOMOBILE Magazine editors found that few words have the ability to adequately convey the rush provided by the most powerful Corvette ever. The world has produced faster cars, but few offer the same combination of sound, speed, and exhilaration. 60 mph comes in first gear (in 3.7 seconds) and 91 mph in second.

Chevrolet Malibu – There is no need to assemble a laundry list of the Malibu’s strengths versus its many competitors. Drive one, and it is clear why AUTOMOBILE Magazine named it an All-Stars winner two years in a row. The Malibu is the quiet American on this year’s All-Stars list: a sedan with crisp handling, commutative steering, a properly tuned ride, and an overall feeling of quality.

Ford Flex – With seven-passenger capacity and generous proportions, the Flex is a vehicle that defies conventional wisdom. AUTOMOBILE Magazine was taken by the Flex’s exterior design, which is thoroughly modern while harking back to the glory days of U.S. automakers, and a cabin that is a masterpiece of ergonomic engineering and chock-full of high-tech features. The Flex concentrates on refinement and emphasizes style while being as practical as a minivan.

Honda Fit – More than three decades after the original Honda Civic gave Americans a whole new notion of space utilization, the Honda Fit has come along to amaze a new generation. The new model’s extra polish elevates the small-car experience with hidden features, a sleeker exterior, a smoother gearbox, and a nicer cabin.

Jaguar XF – What one AUTOMOBILE Magazine editor calls “the best Jaguar sedan I have ever driven” is a beautiful, composed, powerful, and lush car. The XF is impressively quick and refined. Driving it is not just about going fast; it is smooth, refined and comfortable for driver and passengers alike when being pressed to deliver its full potential.

Porsche 911 – From its birth in 1964 to the arrival of an improved edition last year, the Porsche 911 has been a rare island of tranquility amid the automotive industry’s seas of turmoil. The fortified sixth-generation 911 is gutsier and quicker accelerating, yet it squeezes an additional mpg or three from every gallon of premium. Breadth of character is another of the 911’s endearing traits. Rear or all-wheel drive, coupe or convertible, outfitted for grand touring or track days, there is a 911 for every purpose.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG – Mercedes-Benz’s mind-set for its AMG cars is to offer insane power in a package that skews towards luxury. The C63 AMG makes the leap to the All-Stars list because it sacrifices the posh-performance DNA of Mercedes Benz in its quest to be a better driver’s car. Other cars in the AMG portfolio are faster, but this one is the most fun.

Volkswagen GTI – With a new version of the GTI due in the U.S. in September, AUTOMOBILE Magazine applauds this return-to-its-roots VW with yet another All-Stars award. During its three-year run, the GTI’s performance, comfort, and functionality kept it out front in the race to be the best sporty compact car and also made it the 2007 Automobile of the Year.

 

Ward’s Announces 2009 10 Best Engines Winners
Ward’s Automotive Group announces its 2009 10 Best Engines list, which reflects the diversity of powertrains that will play a role in reshaping America’s automotive landscape.

Selected by Ward’s editors, the 2009 list marks the 15th year for the Ward’s 10 Best Engines program, the North American auto industry’s only awards honoring powertrain excellence and considered by many to be the “Oscars” for automotive engines.

The winners (engine and tested vehicle)
* Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
* BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
* BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
* Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
* Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
* General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
* Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
* Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
* Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
* Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

 

2009 Edmunds' Inside Line Editors' Most Wanted Awards (AMG takes top spot)
The Selection Process
Just as it was last year, our selection process is extremely simple. There's only one real rule: Inside Line must have tested the car or truck by November 1. The voting process involved 11 IL editors locked in a room, arguing about the cars they like best. A vehicle needed eight votes to win. It was all over and done with in about two hours and $120 worth of Subway sandwiches. And it was fun. Very little blood was shed and only one punch thrown.

In the end, we ended up with a list of six truly great cars and trucks. Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2009 Edmunds' Inside Line Editors' Most Wanted Award winners are:

2009 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
So much for green, but it's hard to cry for poor old Mother Earth after you feel the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG gather speed. You'd swear it's being towed behind John Force's Funny Car. Even Ed Begley, Jr. would want another rip around the block. Tires smoking, of course.

With 12 cylinders of twin-turbocharged engine pumping out a monstrous 604 horsepower and an astounding 738 pound-feet of torque, trust us, this Mercedes-Benz S65 will get you in a whole heap of trouble, real quick.

You can blast up the left lane and lesser, mere automobiles will scatter to the right in deference to the S65. And when you come up on the dolt ahead who refuses, or is too dumb, to move right, you can quickly dispatch him with disdain as you flick the huge car to the right, tip in a little throttle, then swing back left and around him. Look in the mirror and you're a thousand yards ahead of him. He's no longer even an inconvenience.

It's exactly what you would expect from the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz fleet. Even at the astonishing price of $190,000, the S65 does not disappoint. This car is the absolute king of the road and driving it will make you king of the hill. — Joe Oldham, Inside Line Contributor

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 hits the 60-mph mark in just 3.8 seconds (3.5 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and covers the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds at a staggering 128.3 mph. That's the quickest quarter-mile acceleration of any production car we've ever tested.

The Inside Line records continued to fall in our handling tests; 74.7-mph pass through the slalom (this is the second-fastest slalom speed we've recorded from a production car), 1.06g around the skid pad and a 60-0-mph stopping distance of just 96 feet.

It's even better off the track and in the real world. You know, the real world, where there are ruts and potholes, rain grooves and debris. This is a good thing. The more we drove, the more convinced we became that GM's engineers know a thing or two about ride control. The 638-hp 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 manages at once to be both brutally quick and remarkably mild-mannered. Around town it's a *****cat. And an interstate run is no prison sentence.

With the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, GM has created a machine that is engaging to drive and capable of making insane numbers on the test track, but also manages to be a legitimate road car. It's a combination as rare as truth in a presidential debate, and we're proud to experience it in an American car. — Josh Jacquot, Inside Line Senior Road Test Editor

2009 Honda Odyssey
For the second year in a row, the Honda Odyssey is our favorite people hauler. The reason is simple. It's quiet, beautifully finished and well-equipped. It also handles better than some sedans and is the only minivan that could be considered a driver's car. It's the one Dad can drive without feeling like Mom.

Chassis refinement and driving feel are where the Odyssey shines. This van performs with grace, never losing its composure even when driven with gusto, as body roll is nearly absent and the steering retains accuracy and enough (but not too much) heft. Although it'll never give a Lotus Elise a run for its money, if there's such a thing as a "driver's minivan," the Odyssey is it. No other minivan feels as substantial or refined as the Honda. Its 3.5-liter 24-valve VTEC V6 is also fun to play with. It makes 241 hp and gets this van to 60 mph in a respectable 8.7 seconds.

But the Odyssey's appeal is not only about the drive. This van has won two recent Inside Line comparison tests partly because it also continues to hold an interior space advantage over its rival the Dodge Grand Caravan, as well as large SUVs and crossovers. It easily accommodates seven comfortably, with room enough for their stuff. If you need more room, consider an articulated bus. — John Pearley Huffman, Inside Line Contributor

2009 BMW 128i
The BMW 128i is not the tail-wagger's dream car. While an M3 begs for tail-out powerslides, the 128i simply carves through corners the way a BMW always has, doing everything in its power to keep its driver on the road. Its near-perfect 51/49-percent weight distribution and 104.7-inch wheelbase make it responsive yet stable, so you don't have to resort to hooliganism to have a good time.

Although this is an entry-level BMW, it has the same MacPherson struts in front and multilink setup in back as the 3 Series, and the Sport package brings you 205/50R17 front and 225/45R17 rear Goodyear Eagle NCT 5 all-season tires, so it corners confidently and predictably. The 128i comes equipped with both stability control and BMW's Dynamic Traction Control as standard equipment, and the DTC can be turned off if you have a hankering to burn some Goodyear.

Its normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 makes 230 hp at 6,500 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 2,750 rpm, vaulting the 128i to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds (5.7 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and through the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 96.5 mph. And its EPA rating of 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway is just frugal enough to keep the guilt away.

Meanwhile, the six-speed manual transmission snicks through the gears with BMW's characteristic smoothness, and the little coupe never feels low-rent or lowbrow. It may not be the ultimate BMW, but the little 128i is pure BMW just the same. — Doug Lloyd, Senior Copy Editor

2009 Dodge Ram
Pickups ride significantly better with weight in the bed than without. Virtually everyone who has driven a loaded pickup has observed this and accepted it as mantra. Yet this is not the case with the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. Instead, it just rides well all the time.

Its newfangled (well, for pickups anyway) five-link coil-spring rear suspension for the solid rear axle in the 2009 Dodge Ram raises the bar for pickup versatility by providing a supple and refined ride no matter the terrain. Rough roads that send the solid rear axles of other trucks a-skitter don't even faze the Ram, even when there's no payload in the bed that would help keep the axle planted on the ground.

The Ram SLT's interior is also a success. The front seats, steering wheel and optional extending pedals adjust to accommodate nearly any humanoid, and the four bins in the rear seating area are a neat touch. The rear seats flip up in one motion. The road noise that finds its way into the cabin is minimal, enhancing the Ram's overriding impression of chassis refinement.

Under the hood is a 390-hp 5.7-liter Dodge V8. With its 407 pound-feet of torque, the Ram reaches 60 mph in 7.6 seconds (7.2 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and does the quarter-mile in 15.6 seconds at 87.7 mph.

Silverado, pass your torch. Chevy's pickup has been the touchstone of chassis composure among half-tons since it was introduced in 2007, but the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 changes the pecking order. This is an impressive truck, one that bridges the divide between capability and comfort in a way that is sure to be the envy of other manufacturers. — Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor

Instant Classic: 2009 Nissan GT-R
For a few seconds, you give in to the spectacle of driving a 2009 Nissan GT-R. This car attracts its own entourage and then takes you along for the ride. It's not just the Skyline mystique, either. It's the fact that even in production sheet metal, the R35 GT-R looks like a one-off concept stolen from a Southern California design studio. It has as many hard contours as a Porsche 911 has soft curves. You have the key fob, and still you ogle it.

Soon, though, you point the GT-R down an on-ramp and plant the throttle. The effortless brutality with which the 2009 Nissan GT-R gathers speed is what you'll describe to your friends — once everyone's tired of talking about the styling, that is.

What you won't tell them is that you suspect your supercar might be a sociopath. It doesn't flow around corners like your E46 BMW M3 did, nor does it transmit feedback through the steering wheel for the sheer pleasure of it.

Instead, the 2009 Nissan GT-R bends asphalt to its will. When it talks to you about tire grip, you get the feeling it's only bothering because you're part of its great plan to break free of Earth's orbit. Should it ever achieve this, you imagine that its conversation will cease and it will simply expel you into the airless void. Until then, though, you have the conn. — Erin Riches, Inside Line Senior Editor

 

Top Ten Fastest SUVs (AMG makes the list - twice)

2007 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. 0-60: 4.5 sec. 1/4 mile: 13.0 sec @ 108.1 mph. The AMG-tuned version of Benz's second-smallest SUV runs in a dead heat with the Cadillac XLR-V and Pontiac G8 GXP and comes out ahead of the twin-turbocharged BMW 135i and HEMI-equipped Dodge Challenger SRT8, among others. The facelifted 2009 model will likely be just as fast -- if not more so. Keep bringing The Hammer, AMG.

2005 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG. 0-60: 4.7 sec. 1/4 mile: 13.2 sec @ 103.2 mph. The laws of physics don't really apply to the G55 due to its supercharged 5.4L V-8. In 2005, the powerplant was good for 469 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque and in 2007, AMG threw in an extra 24 ponies to bring it up to 493 hp. Disclaimer: The G55 is not the best choice for chasing highly trained assassins driving beaten up Volga cabs around the streets of Moscow. That Jason Bourne sure can drive.

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. 0-60: 4.8 sec. 1/4 mile: 13.5 sec @ 101.6 mph. Whoever said Jeeps were slow never got behind the wheel of this Street Racing and Technology Frankenstein. The Grand Cherokee STR8 is only a half-second slower in the quarter than a 2003 Mustang SVT Cobra and only a tenth behind the Audi S8 and Jaguar XF Supercharged.

2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. 0-60: 5.1 sec. 1/4 mile: 13.6 sec @ 101.8 mph. The second-fastest version of the world's most practical Porsche may only be three-tenths of a second slower than a Cayman S in the quarter mile, but for the price of one Cayenne Turbo you can get a matching his and hers Boxsters with enough change left over for a Carribean vacation. Decisions, decisions.

2009 Infiniti FX50 S. 0-60: 5.2 sec. 1/4 mile: 13.7 sec @ 102.1 mph. BMW-chasing Infiniti is the only representative from the Land of the Rising Sun to crack the top five, first with the 390-hp FX50 S, which bests both variants of the Mitusbishi Lancer Evolution X and the Ford Shelby GT Convertible by one-tenth.

2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS. 0-60: 5.6 sec. 1/4 mile: 14.1 sec @ 97.5 mph. GM went with its tried-and-true "when in doubt, put a small block in it" philosophy and shoved the LS2 under the hood of the not-long-for-this-world TrailBlazer. The result: it beats the much smaller Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart by two-tenths.

2008 Infiniti EX35 RWD. 0-60: 5.8 sec. 1/4 mile: 14.3 sec @ 96.9 mph. Some say the EX barely qualifies as an SUV. Those people are probably driving 2006 Volkswagen R32s, losing to the EX by a tenth. The EX slows down substantially when equipped with the optional AWD system, to the point that it would drop off this list, clocking in at 6.5 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run along with a 14.9 second quarter mile at a trap speed of 94.5 mph.

2005 BMW X5 4.8is. 0-60: 5.9 sec. 1/4 mile: 14.3 sec @ 95.8 mph. The 4.8is was the top of the line model of the previous-generation X5. The redesigned version launched in 2008 is larger and heavier -- and likely to be slightly slower.

2009 BMW X6 xDrive35i. 0-60: 5.9 sec. 1/4 mile: 14.5 sec @ 95.2 mph. The X6 weighs in at just a hair away from 5000 lbs, making it one of the heaviest utes on this list. That BMW's 300-hp 3.0L twin-turbo I-6 is potent enough for a 14-second car with all that heft to contend with makes it that much more impressive. In case you're wondering why the V-8-powered X6 xDrive50 is missing, the answer is simple: we haven't been able to get our hands on one. Given the performance of the smaller X6, the 400 hp version of BMW's "Sports Activity Coupe" would surely end up near the FX50.

2009 Infiniti FX35 AWD/2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS Tiptronic. 0-60: 6.1 sec. 1/4 mile: 14.5 mph @ 96.4 mph (Infiniti)/95.7 mph (Porsche). Japan and Germany share tenth place honors but these two SUVs are separated by 1000 lbs, 102 hp, and $30,000. The slightly cheaper Cayenne GTS manual should also be slightly faster

Honorable mention: The 2008 Toyota Sequoia, a three ton behemoth with a 6.2 sec 0 to 60 mph time that runs a 14.7 sec quarter mile at a trap speed of 93.7 with "only" 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque coming from its 5.7L V-8.

 

Mercedes-Benz AMG Launches New Ice Luge Online Game

If you've ever wondered what it'd be like to pilot either a Mercedes C63 AMG or SL63 AMG down a winding luge course, then you're going to love Mercedes AMG's newest online game, aptly-titled "The Ice Luge." In it, you choose either of the two aforementioned models, and subsequently traverse down an icy track with the goal being to note the lowest possible time (as is the case with traditional luge). Time penalties are added on if you proceed too high on the track walls, or if you fail to stop in the designated area at the end of the track.

Unfortunately, while I'd like to extol how much fun I had playing the game, my internet connection wasn't nearly able to keep up with the gameplay. As a result, my descent down the track was choppy to the point of I couldn't discern whether or not I was even controlling the vehicle – this in tandem with a lengthy initial load time.

If your internet connection is up to speed, have at it kids – in premise it seems like a fun game. If, however, you suffer from a less-than-lightning-fast internet connection, don't be surprised if you're left wondering what the hell is going on (as I was).

To play Mercedes AMG's "The Ice Luge" game, head over to the official Mercedes AMG website (http://www.mercedes-amg.com/games/luge).

 

Julia Stegner New Face of International Fashion Activities for Mercedes-Benz

The fashion activities of Mercedes-Benz in over 20 countries now have a new face. International top model Julia Stegner will make her first appearance as the fashion brand-ambassador at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Autumn/Winter 2009, which will take place from 28 January to 1 February 2009 at Bebelplatz, in the heart of Berlin. At a recent photo shoot for the new key visual, Julia Stegner posed together with the Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI Grand Edition in outfits by Anne Valerie Hash. The new key visual will appear on advertisements, posters and vehicles at the only German fashion show that ranks among the top international events.

 

Mercedes-Benz S550 Doesn't Break a Sweat
By Lori Hindman Globe Newspaper Company December 27, 2008

In the world of ultimate luxury, "work" is a dirty word. Nothing should look difficult, and no one should ever be so tasteless as to break a sweat. The Mercedes-Benz S550 sedan is designed to make sure I never have to lift more than a finger, and in some cases, I don't even have to do that. With the key in my pocket, the doors unlocked as I approached the car. If I (or the kids) don't shut the door all the way, the car finished the job for us. It's the epitome of a luxury car.

The S550 moves with ease and elegance. This car is too well-bred to feel bumps or potholes while driving; it won't make unseemly noises or offend passersby with its power and speed. This car is comfortable with its superiority. Of course, it's faster than dignity requires, but then how dignified is it to be beaten by anything else on the road? There's power beyond what the autobahn requires.

The S550 isn't the sort of speedster that necessitates a two-handed death grip on the steering wheel. Nope, it's geared more toward loosely resting a perfectly manicured hand upon the wheel and thinking about where you'd like the car to go. It's almost telepathic in its responsiveness, much like a fine butler. Actually, now that I think about it, the S550 is exactly like a good butler. It's perfectly prepared for any situation, and it handles everything with quiet dignity. It's never surprised and never caught off-guard. All I have to do is speak a wish and the S550 obliges. I mean that literally, because this Mercedes sedan comes with Comand, a cockpit management and data system. All I have to do is tell the car a desired temperature or a wished-for musical selection and my wish is granted. No finger-lifting required.

Picture the most classically elegant luxury sedan imaginable, then add a dash of sportiness to the wheels and lower body styling, and you have the Mercedes-Benz S550. It manages to look modern while maintaining that classic Mercedes look. The chrome grill and upright hood ornament recall bygone days, while a lowered front and sly lighting speak to the technology and speed contained within. Subtle chrome accents show an understated luxury. The body panels are smooth, without any bulges or fabricated lines. It would scream elegance if screaming weren't so low-rent.

The doors of the S550 somehow manage to be substantial without being too heavy. My kids never had any problems opening or closing them. A proximity key makes sure they unlock before you get there, and the power trunklid makes loading groceries or strollers into this car smooth and easy. Getting in and out is also easy thanks to the wide door openings and a flat stepping surface on the thresholds.

My test car was a special edition Key to the Cure S550, and it came with a few styling options that spoke to the speed and power of this 382-horsepower V-8 sedan. Extended rocker panels give the S550's profile a low look, keeping things close to the road. Twenty-inch AMG wheels are bigger and bolder than the standard rims. The gorgeous Diamond White Metallic paint job was so rich and creamy I wanted to lick the car. I didn't, but I bet it would have tasted like buttercream frosting; it's just yummy. Even better, proceeds from the sale of this special edition S550 benefit women's cancer research.

I got lots of envious looks while I was driving this Mercedes. Several people said it "looked good on me." Imagine that - a car that looks flattering on Mom. If only I had the wardrobe to keep pace . . .

There's so much packed into the S550's interior that my brief test-drive only gave me a taste of the possibilities. The seats are made of rich, buttery, perforated leather that are both heated and ventilated. With a degree of luxury that's positively seductive, the front seats have a massage feature to make driving as relaxing as getting a pedicure.

Those same seats adjust in 12 ways and have adjustable bolsters that provide bucket-seat-like support. When you turn the car, the seat moves to support your body against the force of the turn.

When it first happened, I kind of freaked out a little. I mean, I had no idea that seats could do that, but once I got used to it I loved the support. It's a great option because the seats are wide, roomy, and easy to slide in and out of, but they still provide the support needed for performance driving. You can turn this feature off, if you like. You can also turn on or off the easy-entry system that moves the seat and steering wheel back when the car is put into park, then returns them to the memory position when the car's turned back on.

Everything feels clean and smooth in the S550. Leather and wood trim keep the feeling warm and light, and an analog clock in the dash brings a touch of old-world class. A large power sunroof lets in the sun; xenon reading lights and ambient lighting brighten up the night. A large color screen displays the car's many comfort and convenience options, as well as the navigation system and rearview camera image.

The center console is two-tiered and provides tons of storage, but the cupholders are too far away and don't accommodate a handled cup very well. Apparently Germans aren't big fans of drinking (coffee) and driving.

The back seat is just as luxurious as the front; it even has its own set of vanity mirrors. I can only imagine the joy those would bring to teenage girls (thankfully I'll never know since I have boys). The rear seats are roomy and comfortable for people of all sizes. Because the back seat's surface is fairly flat, even booster seats fit well.

The Latch connectors are easy to get to; they sit beneath flaps that cover them when they're not in use. There are rear vents as well as two 12-volt outlets for the electronic gear that kids can't live without, as well as two seatback pockets for storage. There's two cupholders and more storage in the rear armrest. There's even storage in the rear doors. Oddly, there are also several ashtrays, which I thought was a bit old-fashioned. Maybe it's just another German thing.

The entertainment system is top-of-the-line and includes AM/FM radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, a six-CD changer, a memory card reader, and an iPod interface. The 14 Harman Kardon speakers made everything sound concert-hall fabulous.

What wasn't so fabulous was how hard it is to navigate the Comand system. There's a joystick-like knob to control everything, which is fine, but it's hard to figure out when to rotate, push, or click it. Add into that mix specific voice-control options, as well as old-fashioned buttons, and things got more complicated than I liked. Even after a week of driving and multiple perusings of the manual, I still wasn't sure of myself when trying to find a radio station; I might end up changing the settings for the seat massagers instead. I felt like I needed a certification course to competently work all the systems.

I could go on for days about all the S550's safety features. Of course, there's a bunch of airbags, including dual-stage front-impact airbags and side-impact and side curtain airbags for both rows. It's kinda like driving around in a moon bounce. My point is everyone in the car is protected from impacts in any direction by multiple airbags.

The performance features of the S550 are designed to keep the car on the road, as well as go really, really fast. Full-time 4Matic all-wheel drive gives the driver greater control by making sure each wheel maintains traction. A super-sophisticated suspension system keeps the car level on uneven road surfaces and during turns. Programmable automatic headlights keep the road ahead illuminated with super bright bi-xenon lights that swivel when the front wheels are turned to give greater visibility around curves and corners.

In addition, the good folks at Mercedes found that most drivers don't brake hard enough in an emergency situation, so they came up with a way for the car to add braking force.

A seriously high-tech sonar system measures the distance to the car ahead and adjusts the brake force accordingly. That system is part of the very cool Distronic Plus cruise control system that maintains a set distance between cars while driving.

The system also provides Blind Spot Assist, which monitors blind spots. Parking Assist uses the sensors to monitor potential parking spots while driving at low speeds, and it shows a "P" on the dash if the car will fit in the spot. Guidelines appear on the rearview image while in reverse to make parking that much easier.

 

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Comes with Attention Assist

If you’re interested in buying an E-Class from Mercedes-Benz then you should know the models in this class will be the first ones to incorporate Attention Assist. This tiny little helper is supposed to keep you awake. Mercedes has come up with about 70 parameters that can be monitored in order to judge fatigue. Attention Assist will keep you safe with the help of a steering sensor that can tell if you’re drowsy or distracted. At a certain sluggishness level it will display a coffee mug and play a beeping sound. That’s when you’ll have to reconsider your driving strategy.

 

Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG and Smart Fortwo Cabriolet - Paradox
Contrasting The Opposing Poles Of Daimler
By Karl Funke

For three days now I've been behind the wheel of this Andorite Gray S65 AMG and I've probably burned enough fuel to run a soulless Japanese hybrid for two weeks. Call me a heretic, but performance like this is worth paying $10 a gallon.

Consider the numbers: The S65's twin-turbo V12 is a god among engines, making its maximum 604 hp at an undramatic 4800 rpm. It won't even break a sweat running up to its electronically limited 155mph top speed.

The Clock Man
Smart Fortwo Cabriolet
MSRP: $16,590
Engine Displacement: 1,000cc
Number of Cylinders: 3
Transmission: Five-speed sequential manual

Peak Power: 70 hp
Peak Torque: 68 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 12.8 sec.
Official Top Speed: 90 mph
Unofficial Top Speed: 92(with tailwind)

Overall Length: 106.1 in.
Wheelbase: 73.5 in.
Curb Weight: 1,852 lb
Passenger Volume: 45.4 ft3
Cargo Volume: 7.8 ft3

Combined Fuel Economy:36 mpg (mfr. est.)
Fuel Capacity: 8.6 gal.
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0

Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
MSRP: $194,000
Engine Displacement: 5,980cc
Number of Cylinders: 12
Transmission:Five-speed automatic

Peak Power: 604 hp
Peak Torque: 738 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 4.2 sec.
Official Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)
Unofficial Top Speed:190-plus mph (ec est.)
Overall Length: 205 in.
Wheelbase: 124.6 in.
Curb Weight: 5,035 lb
Passenger Volume: 109.4 ft3
Cargo Volume: 16.3 ft3

Combined Fuel Economy:13 mpg (EPA est.)
Fuel Capacity: 23.8 gal.
Gas Guzzler Tax: $3,000

More astonishing, however, is the torque: 1,000 Newton meters, or 738 lb-ft, peaking at just 2000 rpm. It's enough to run the car to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, according to Mercedes' own test data. That's faster than a lot of so-called sports cars.

Plus, the car is a sleeper. The only clues as to its innate performance being subtle aerodynamics alterations, gigantic brake assemblies, and of course the Biturbo V12 badging. Aside from those things, it looks like just about any other Mercedes S-Class.

I find myself prowling the town in this car-this massive, 2.5-ton limousine-hunting unsuspecting American musclecars to blow off the road. On top of 738 lb-ft of torque, I've got dynamic lateral bolsters that inflate to keep me firmly ensconced in the infinitely adjustable multicontour AMG sport seats. The sun glowers through the tinted panoramic glass sunroof, but I've got cool air blowing up through perforated leather to keep my backside temperate in the 90-degree heat. I'm even getting a massage. The satellite radio is tuned to a classical station. Wagner's "Flight of the Valkyries" swells through the 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound-quite appropriate, I thought.

The sequence plays out over and over. The light turns green, I hammer the accelerator. The rear end squirms momentarily before traction control hooks up, and the car explodes off the line. Once the initial thrust begins, power delivery is preternaturally smooth and linear, your only clue to your actual velocity is the subtle g-forces pressing you into the seat and the cacophony of mechanical Armageddon roaring out of the polished, AMG-branded exhaust pipes. Past half throttle it sounds more like an outlaw offshore boat than a passenger car. Surrounding vehicles fall into the S65's wake like so many wind-blown leaves. For all of 4.2 seconds, I rule the street.

Contrast this five-seat cruise missile with the little white egg sitting next to it, the Smart Fortwo Cabriolet. Only a car company as prolific as Daimler AG could give us such a study in extremes. Where the S65 is the epitome of excess, the Smart is its antithesis.

Smarts have been sold in Europe since 1998. This is the second-generation version and the first developed to survive the SUV-enamored American market. Seventy Smart dealers have been scheduled to open this year, around two-thirds of them store-in-store operations within existing Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

After spending the last few days in the AMG, I approach the Fortwo with a bit of trepidation. I've seen them on trips to Europe, but this is the closest I've physically been to one. And it doesn't look anymore substantial when you're up close. In the Mercedes it's pretty easy to feel invincible, but taking this tiny little car out on the SUV-choked Southern California streets seems a chancy proposition at best.

According to Smart, my fears are unfounded. Being that it is a Daimler product, like the S65 the Fortwo has been designed and engineered by Mercedes-Benz safety experts. Its basis is what they call a "tridion safety cell" with longitudinal and transverse members designed to activate the crumple zone of whatever vehicle hits you and distribute the impact energy over the car's body. To illustrate just how much thought has gone into making the Fortwo safe for its inhabitants, even its front wheels have been designed as part of the crumple zone during frontal impacts. I particularly like the fact that it's been designed to make an extra effort to wad up the car that hits you-bonus points.

When you're finally sitting inside the car, it's actually pretty amazing how spacious the cockpit is. There seems to be a lot more room than other small cars like, say, an Elise or a Mazda MX-5. There are only two seats of course. The seating position is fairly high, you don't really sink down in it like in the Benz, but overall the interior is comfortable, ergonomically sound, and provides good visibility whichever way you point your head.

Despite my initial reservations-I always thought these cars were just the slightest bit ridiculous-driving the car is actually a lot of fun. The steering is sharp and fairly communicative, and overall the car feels more nimble around town than most anything else I've driven. Although 70 hp isn't a lot, it's adequate in a car that weighs less than 2,000 pounds. My only real complaint is an exquisitely mushy suspension-generally not an issue, because this isn't a performance car. It also makes for a comfortable ride over some of the crappier streets around town.

Possibly the most remarkable thing about the Smart is the attention it attracts. Unlike the much more expensive, much more powerful Benz, the Fortwo Cabrio turned virtually every head it passed. Many of them more than once. Cruising the affluent streets of Orange County, Calif., I may as well have been driving an Enzo Ferrari.

Of course there's also the fuel economy. The EPA reckons the Fortwo nets a combined figure of 36 mpg. That isn't quite as good as a Prius hybrid, but let's face it, the Smart has a hell of a lot more character, and it costs anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 less.

In the end, I guess cars like the Smart Fortwo exist to make us feel better about lusting to drive cars like the S65. If you had the wherewithal to afford to buy both, they'd actually make ideal stablemates.

Fortwo and AMG S65 Fun Facts

The Fortwo's entire length fits comfortably inside the S65's wheelbase-with about a foot and a half to spare.

At the current going rate for premium fuel in Southern California, around $4.70 per gallon, it costs roughly $112 to top off the S65's tank. It costs about $40 to gas the Smart.

According to Smart, the Fortwo reaches 60 mph in 12.8 seconds. In 12.8 seconds, the S65 is well on its way to its electronically limited 155mph top speed.

The front brake rotors on the S65 measure 15.4 inches across, a half-inch wider than the Fortwo's standard 15-inch wheels.

For the S65's $194,000 asking price, you could purchase 11 Fortwo Cabrios and walk away with $11,000 in your pocket.

 

Suspect most guys, after actually driving a new 65 for ~500-1000mis on interesting roads (and I've always found stoplt aggressive starts to be totally worthless vs dynamics enjoyed in mid-range accel and mtn twisties driving) will realize why 65 is worth every penny over 550/63/600....not just accel, but braking, chassis balance, seats, etc...all the stuff of a brilliantly-engineered, well-balanced perf car

And a major collision in an "economy" car like Smart or Prius or Accord, w/post-crash surgeries/disabilities, may suddenly become far more costly (and increase one's carbon footprint) than getting a new 65 every yr for one's daily use

BTW, believe that's an elderly 65 pictured....'09 65 has the awesome 030 wheels....some ~3lbs lighter each than the old-tech wheels, w/implics for braking feel, chassis....and far cooler-looking, both standing-still and in-motion than the old, smurf wheels....and '09's cf interior and sport steering wheel are far more "proper" for perf driving than silly burled walnut and codgerly wood steering wheel of old 65s

 

Mercedes-Benz Posts Sales of 225,128 for 2008

MONTVALE, N.J., January 5, 2009: Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported December sales of 18,507 vehicles, bringing the company's total 2008 volume to 225,128, an 11.2 percent decrease over the annual sales record set last year.

The C-Class was the volume leader for the year with sales of 72,471 vehicles, a 13.8 percent increase over last year. The company's M-Class SUV continued to be a popular choice with buyers in 2008, with a 1.3 percent increase in sales (34,320 vs. 33,879 units).

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,589 vehicles in December 2008. This boosted the MBCPO year-end total to 64,654 units, a 26.9 percent increase over last year's MBCPO sales.

 

Mercedes-Benz Canada Shatters Annual Sales Record

Amid the doom and gloom affecting Mercedes sales in the United States, it isn’t all bad news in North America. Sales in Canada for 2008 were superb - an increase of 30% for Mercedes-Benz, Smart, AMG, SLR and Maybach combined. Although the economy here has not tanked as badly as in the U.S. it is still an incredible increase in sales.

 

Ten Most Expensive Street Legal Cars*
The most expensive car in the world, the 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe was sold in 1987 for $8,700,000. Happily, there are still lots of choices. What follows are the top ten most expensive street legal cars for 2008-2009.

1) Bugattyi Veyron with an MSRP of $1,192,057 and a top speed of 253+ MPH.
2) Pagani Zonda C1 F with an MSRP of $667,321, the 8th fastest car on the planet.
3) SSC Ultimate Aero, MSRP $654,400.
4) LeBlanc Mirabeau, with an MSRP $654,000 and race car styling.
5) Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, which sounds expensive even before you know it costs $555,000.
6) Koenigsegg CCX at $545,568, manufactured in Sweden.
7) Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren at $457,250.
8) Porsche Carrera GT at $440,000.
9) Maybach 62 at $387,250.
10) Mayback 57 at $367,000.

*What about Rolls Royce Phantom and Coupe...

 

5 Questions with Volker Mornhinweg
Road & Track talks with the Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

What is the relationship between AMG and Mercedes?
Mercedes-AMG today is a highly specialized subsidiary company [of Mercedes-Benz cars] that has overall responsibility for development — design, aerodynamics, interior, powertrain, engine, suspension, brakes and electronics — right up to granting final approval for production of a complete AMG vehicle. Mercedes-AMG is also in charge of all marketing and sales-related activities for its products. And from the very first sketch of a new Mercedes-Benz model, AMG employees work closely with their Daimler colleagues to bring in the requirements of an AMG high-performance car.

What is the reason behind creating the Black Series?
The idea of an AMG Black Series was a result of many requests from our customers. In principle, AMG customers are highly satisfied with the AMG high-performance model range — enormous power, design, fantastic motor sound, exclusivity, high-quality materials, fulfilling the highest safety and warranty regulations, combined with the right bit of comfort; that is what the AMG series models stand for. All these criteria fit the AMG Black Series cars, too. But here we go even one step further into exclusivity and individuality and racetrack performance. That's what the AMG development department was wanting for so long. With the AMG racing heritage and know-how it was just a matter of time until the AMG Black Series was brought to life. The name "Black Series" is combination of two things: On the one hand it is derived from the several highly-exclusive "black labels" and on the other hand from the black carbon-fiber components added to the AMG Black Series cars.

What makes the AMG and the Black Series cars different from the premium performance cars of your competitors?
In an AMG car you get what we promise: performance in every aspect. Compared to the competitors we have a broader product line-up with 16 AMG models fulfilling almost every customer's wishes. On top we have even more individualization in our AMG Performance Studio (e.g. Black Series, one-offs, etc.). And AMG has a clear and focused design philosophy so that everyone sees and hears that an AMG is arriving. What also makes AMG cars unique is the combination of high performance and very sporty, powerful acceleration and driving pleasure combined with a touch of comfort and a feeling like being at home in every AMG model. For example, you can drive every AMG on the Autobahn from Stuttgart to Berlin as fast as in any competitor car, but only in an AMG are you really comfortable and relaxed when you arrive.

How will AMG address performance and fuel efficiency in the future? Are these goals necessarily opposite?
Performance and fuel efficiency are not opposite goals for AMG to combine. We are, of course, aware of our social responsibilities. In fuel consumption, we are already the "Best in Class" compared with other performance subsidiaries or sports-car brands — and we intend to retain that position. All Mercedes-Benz and AMG vehicles already meet the EU 4 standard plus the specific emissions standards in the relevant markets (U.S., Japan, etc.). But we wouldn't be AMG if we don't look forward. We are continuing to examine various ways of reducing consumption without losing performance. As a result, lightweight new transmissions, hybrids, direct injection and turbocharging may well play a greater role in the future. But, bearing in mind the developments undertaken by our parent group with their introduction of Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC diesel models in the U.S., we are keeping this option open, too. By 2010, we'll have direct-gas injection and all AMG vehicles will gradually be fitted with a stop-start function. By 2012, AMG's overall fleet fuel consumption will have dropped by 30 percent compared with the current position.

Will the current financial crisis have a big impact on AMG future sales?
Frankly speaking, 2008 was the best year in sales at AMG. By the end of 2008, we sold a lot more than 20,000 units worldwide. Of course, we keep an eye on the financial markets and the current crisis, but so far it hasn't affected us.

 

Mercedes-Benz USA Fined $28.9 Million by NHTSA
MBUSA has been fined $28.9 million by the NHTSA for violating federal fuel efficiency requirements. It seems that the fine wasn’t a big deal for Mercedes-Benz, as they paid the fine right away. This is the second time that such Mercedes was fined. In 2007, DaimlerChrysler paid a record $30.2 million fine for imported passenger vehicles for the 2006 model year.

The fines were established to ensure that vehicles meet basic gas mileage standards. Volkswagen paid NHTSA $4.5 million in fines in August for light truck violations. Porsche and Maserati both paid $1.2 million while Ferrari paid $1.1 million.
------------------------------------------------------------------
$28,900,000 Fine
225,128 Vehicles Sold in 2008
Comes to about $128.37 per vehicle.

 

2009 Mercedes-Benz Suggested Retail Prices

Model.................................2009 Price....................2008 Price
CL550 4MATIC coupe...................109,900................... ...104,475
CL600 coupe..............................151,900........ ..............148,275
CL63 AMG coupe.........................142,700............. .........138,375
CL65 AMG coupe.........................203,700............. .........198,375

SL550 coupe/roadster....................98,500................ .......96,125
SL600 coupe/roadster...................139,100................ .....134,025
SL63 AMG coupe/roadster..............135,000..................new model
SL65 AMG coupe/roadster..............194,700..................... 188,025

S550 sedan...................................89,350.... ..................87,575
S550 4MATIC sedan........................92,350............... .......90,575
S600 sedan..................................147,450.... ................145,075
S63 AMG sedan.............................131,350......... ...........127,875
S65 AMG sedan.............................198,950......... ...........194,875

SLR McLaren roadster.......................TBD................ .......497,750

 

AMG Confirms - “Horsepower War is Over”
It was only a matter of time until someone realized it, so this shouldn’t really come to anyone with some sanity as a surprise. AMG chief, Volker Mornhinweg, has stated “The horsepower war is over.” He also told AutoCar “We are going to use other ways to extract better performance, including weight saving, engine optimization and alternative technologies.”

We’ve already been anticipating something like this, ever since we learned that Mercedes-Benz will be abandoning further development of V12 engines and focus on V8 twin-turbo engine, since they will be more compact and lighter, adding less weight to the car, producing similar if not better performance.

 

RENNtech Says No to AMG - Introduces 777 HP SLR
While Volker Mornhinweg boss of AMG, declared the horsepower wars as being over, here comes another Mercedes-Benz tuning company that’s not giving in. One of their projects with be the RENNtech 777, or better known as the re-skined and reworked Mercedes SLR. The 777 concept is really an all-new car that makes use of the advanced carbon fiber chassis of the SLR McLaren. It can be described as a street-legal track car. It will run on a revised 5.5L supercharged “Kompressor” V-8 engine, with internal and external performance upgrades that will take the car beyond 210 mph.

 

On May 18, 2008, a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT short wheelbase Spyder California chassis GT 2377GT was sold by R&M Auctions for 6.4 million Euros ($10,894,400), setting a new world record for the highest price ever paid for an automobile at auction.
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2009's Fastest Cars Under $100,000 (AMG makes list with 3 vehicles)

1. Nissan GT-R R35
Base MSRP: $79,090
0-60: 3.3 seconds
HP: 480
Torque: 430 lbs.-foot

2. Dodge Viper SRT10
Base MSRP: $89,520
0-60: 3.5 seconds
HP: 600
Torque: 560 lbs.-foot

3. Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Base MSRP: $73,925
0-60: 3.7 seconds
HP: 505
Torque: 470 lbs.-foot

4. (tie) Cadillac CTS-V
Base MSRP: Unannounced
0-60: 3.9 seconds
HP: 556
Torque: 551 lbs.-foot

4. (tie) Saleen Dark Horse Extreme Mustang
Base MSRP: $90,000
0-60: 3.9 seconds
HP: 620
Torque: 600 lbs.-foot

6. Lotus Exige S 240
Base MSRP: $64,890
0-60: 4 seconds
HP: 240
Torque: 170 lbs.-foot

7. (tie) Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Base MSRP: $57,175
0-60: 4.3 seconds
HP: 451
Torque: 443 lbs.-foot

7. (tie) Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
Base MSRP: $97,175
0-60: 4.3 seconds
HP: 507
Torque: 465 lbs.-foot

7. (tie) Mercedez-Benz E63 AMG
Base MSRP: $88,575
0-60: 4.3 seconds
HP: 507
Torque: 465 lbs.-foot

7. (tie) Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR
Base MSRP: $88,575
0-60: 4.3 seconds
HP: 540
Torque: 510 lbs.-foot

11. Lotus Elise SC
Base MSRP: $54,500
0-60: 4.4 seconds
HP: 218
Torque: 156 lbs.-foot

 

Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles of 2008

Ford F-Series: 515,513
Chevy Silverado: 465,065
Toyota Camry: 436,617
Honda Accord: 372,789
Toyota Corolla: 351,007
Honda Civic: 339,289
Nissan Altima: 269,668
Chevy Impala: 265,840
Dodge Ram: 245,840
Honda CR-V: 197,279

 

then how come Chevy and Ford is going out of business??????

 

Because all they can sell are trucks... no one wants their cars.

 

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Hollywood celeb favorite, rugged off-road vehicle G-Class by Mercedes-Benz has been in production for already three decades and will be celebrating its 30th year this coming February.

Originally launched in 1979, it came with four powerplants and five body styles which remained unaltered until 1991 when it was replaced by an updated version which is still currently on sale.

Numerous other G-class variants were introduced in the intervening years as the 4X4 shifted away from it utilitarian origins. The present G55 AMG comes with a 5.4 liter V8 with 493 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque and a capacity of an acceleration rate of 62 mph from zero in 5.5 seconds.

 

The Big Luxury Three (Audi, BMW & Mercedes-Benz) - Who will be No. 1 in Sales in 2015

Summary
- Mercedes-Benz has hit a growth brick wall! The company had a CAGR (combined annual growth rate) of 1.4% over the past 4 years, and this is not a typo. In fact its 8 year CAGR is 0.18%. Conclusion: MBenz’s sales have barely budged from 1.1 million sales over the past 8 years…downright scary, and does not seem to be improving!

- BMW has grown nicely over the past 4 years at a CAGR of 4.1%, and is responsible for some of MBenz’s malaise

- Audi has grown even quicker at a CAGR of 6.51% over the past 4 years, and is also responsible for some of MBenz’s problem

- If you assume the US market, a bigger market for BMW and Mercedes remains dead this year and some of 2010 and Audi continues to perform as well as they have, Audi could eclipse Mercedes by 2010. Even if things improve in the US, unless Mercedes does something radical to its strategy and products, Audi is scheduled to pass Mercedes in by 2011 based on current CAGR projections. In fact, barring a miracle, major changes in strategy or screw ups, it is “almost a guarantee” that Audi will be selling more cars than benz in 3 to 4 years

- Using the last 4 years to project, the earliest (again barring any screw-ups or changes), the Audi may have a chance to pass BMW in 2014, but I think realistically, it will be around 2016 because BMW is also working on a number of new models that should add to volume