Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Popular with Lottery Winners
After recently becoming Britain’s biggest ever lottery winners, Nigel Page and Justine Laycock may choose to purchase a vehicle from the Mercedes-Benz fleet, according to the latest research.

The couple scooped £56 million on the EuroMillions game, holding one of two winning tickets for the draw.

An IPSOS Mori survey carried out on behalf of the National Lottery looked into the buying habits of winners, with new car purchases only second to the buying of houses on wish lists.

It was revealed that 13 per cent of winners and their immediate families have bought at least ten cars since their money worries were eased, while on average 5.17 cars were purchased per household.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles were found to be the most favoured by lottery winners, with 28 per cent of individuals opting for the combination of style, comfort, luxury and top safety credentials offered by the fleet.

 

SPY - 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 600 Coupe
After a long period of time with no spy images, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe has been spotted by photographers running pretty much undisguised on the roads of Germany.

The version captured by the lens of the photo camera is the high-end S 600 Coupe, powered by the thirsty V12 unit, delivering a staggering 517 BHP. If rumours are true, with the next generation S-Class, this engine will be phased out in favour of new V6 and V8 powerplants, which feature twin-turbocharging, direct injection and other solutions to improve efficiency and boost performance.

The exterior details that depict this S-Coupe as being the S 600 are the generous chrome touches around the radiator grille, front and rear bumper and on the side profile, at the bottom of the doors, as well as the exhaust pipes divised into 2 sections. Other changes to the looks of this classy coupe will be the addition of LED technology, which are added to the headlights(expected to grow in dimensions and be slightly resketched by adding a more pronounced upper lip in order to accomodate the conventional lights, the infrared beam projector for the Night View ASSIST and the LEDs) and to the tail lights. In the interior, the modifications will be similar to those of the S-Class Limousine.

The first information on the new S-Klasse Coupe will be released by mid-2010, with the official unveiling scheduled for the Paris Auto Show

 

First Look: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
March, 2010
Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division unveiled its new twin-turbo, direct-injection V-8 engine today in the S63 AMG Showcar, at its headquarters in rural Affalterbach, in the hills outside Stuttgart.

The new V-8, code-named M157, is based on the existing 5.5-liter V-8 (M273) that’s widely available throughout the Mercedes lineup. It will make its debut this fall in the S63 AMG and in the all-new, next-generation CL coupe, presumably as the CL63 AMG. Yes, that’s right: the badging will remain S63 even though the displacement will be 5.5 liters. But, really, what does that matter? Even the current AMG V-8, the M156, is actually a 6.2-liter, not a 6.3-liter, so Mercedes is just continuing its illogical badging because it wants to evoke the glories of the historic 6.3 badge.

Friedrich Eichler, head of powertrain development for AMG, explains that the new twin-turbo engine is actually rather conventional in design. “We use one turbo per cylinder bank and [rely on] very, very good volumetric efficiency [to prevent turbo lag] We also made the turbo diameter as small as possible.”

Eichler elaborates on the many changes made to the base V-8 for this new AMG application: “We changed the crankcase and a lot of geometric parts. Structural stiffness is improved, especially in the area where the crankshaft is rotating, where we made the ventilation holes smaller, for more rigidity. We have also made huge efforts toward mechanical efficiency, to reduce friction. We have roller finger followers and we have changed the pistons, the connecting rods, the diameter of the crankshaft, and the bearings. We also have a better cooling system.”

The result is an engine that exceeds the performance of the existing 6.2-liter AMG V-8 (not to mention the S600's twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12) while offering 25% better fuel efficiency. In base form, the M157 produces 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque; with the optional performance package, which Eichler says is the result simply of software tweaks, but ones that have been extensively tested, the M157 twin-turbo V-8 will provide 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Notably, the M157 will not be subject to the gas guzzler tax in the United States. “This engine is all about torque,” notes Eichler, and indeed the torque peak in the standard configuration is a plateau from 2100 rpm to about 4600 rpm. With the performance package, peak torque comes on at 2400 rpm and runs to about 3600 rpm.

The M157 will be mated to an updated version of the MCT 7-speed automatic transmission that debuted two years ago on the SL63 AMG. It features a wet clutch rather than torque converter. The S63 will start in second gear, with upshifts as soon as possible, in a further quest to save fuel. A standard stop/start function will also help fuel economy. AMG’s performance estimates are 4.5 seconds to 60 mph with the standard engine and 4.4 seconds with the performance package; these figures represent 1.1 to 1.2 seconds quicker times than those currently achieved by the existing S63 AMG.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG M157 twin-turbo direct-injection V-8 engine will, like all AMG engines, be built by a single mechanic at the Affalterbach facility by hand, following the AMG principle: one man, one engine.

The S63 AMG Showcar pictured here is simply a means of showcasing the new twin-turbo V-8, says Tobias Moers, AMG’s head of product development. It also mimics the Mercedes 6.3 racing sedan that put AMG on the performance-car map back in 1971, right down to the red paint and the decals. Don’t expect the S63 AMG Showcar’s 325-section rear wheels on the production car, but Moers says that the 5-spoke wheels are accurate in style.

 

2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic
While the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, a wonderful car, starts at $33,600, the S550 sedan loaned to us for this review is a little more costly.

OK, more than a little.

With a 5.5-liter V-8 engine and 4Matic all-wheel drive, the S550 has a price that starts at $94,600. But that's not the bottom line. Our review car had an option or two, which brought the price to $108,155.

During the snowstorm that punctuated my review period, duty required that I take the S550 on the road to see how it handled. The answer: I can't think of a better snow car, except that the sticker price kept knocking at the anterior insula portion of my brain. That, according to Stanford researchers, is the part of the noggin that worries about something before it happens. Like crashing someone else's $108,155 car.

"You get over that feeling quickly," says Christopher Langley, senior sales representative at New Country Motor Cars in Hartford. He's right.

For people who can afford this car, there should be little in life to worry about, least of all road trips. Here is a car that defies assumptions on the ride and handling compromises that every other car and truck seems to display. Usually, great handling means a harsh ride; extravagant comfort means sloppy handling. Not so here. The ride is plush, soft and comfortable, yet the suspension maintains nearly tyrannical control over body motions when encountering bumps and pavement swells.

The car is large but surprisingly nimble. Steering feedback earns grades that are well above average. The brake pedal is firm and communicative. Corners are tackled with authority, balance and reassuring grip. In short, the S550 is as much a joy to drive as it is to ride in.

S-Class sedans come in many flavors. The entry-level version is a "mild hybrid," powered by a smooth V-6 engine and assisted by an electric motor. I've tried this car and found it to be satisfactory and economical. Driving just outside Los Angeles last fall, I managed to go just over 25 miles per gallon, according to the on-board trip computer.

The S550 that we had for this review occupies the next rung on the S-Class ladder. It is powered by a 382-horsepower engine that is as refined as any engine you are likely to encounter. There are also high-performance AMG models and super luxury versions with V-12 power.

"Clients tell me again and again, 'This is my favorite car,'" Langley says. "And that's from clients who have had several S-Classes."

Lucky them.

Our S550 was extremely powerful. A little slower than you might expect when starting out, the engine quickly came into its own, delivering ferocious acceleration in the 35 to 65 mile per hour range. And don't think my first comment, "a little slower," is shorthand for "the car is slow." The S550 blasted to 60 miles per hour from a standing start in 6.0 seconds. I don't get to use the words "ferocious" and "blasted" very often in my reviews.

Inside, the driver and passengers are pampered with embarrassing levels of luxury - at least for us unlucky ones who are not used to this kind of pampering.

The luxurious accommodations start with space - lots of it front and back. The multi-contour front seats feel wonderful and are massaging, too. (With the push of a button, you get a back massage.) You can also adjust side bolsters to keep you in place during those rocketing accelerations and fast cornering.

In the luxury car arena, this S550 occupies middle ground. There are costly luxury sedans that are a little sportier, but less comfortable. And there is one that is softer, but offers far less driving pleasure. Consider the Mercedes-Benz S550 the ideal blend of these two extremes.

Paula Says... I could get used to this.

What's it like to drive a $108,155 car − one that is worth more than most people earn in two years? Intimidating, at first. But the real surprise is how quickly you forget the price and adjust to the smooth ride, the silence, the effortless performance and all those wonderful features that have yet to appear on lesser cars.

Drive an S550 for an hour and you'll be forgiven for thinking, "I deserve this!"

I must confess, however, that if I had been told how expensive this car was before driving it, I might not have. Nonetheless, after a few minutes behind the wheel, I realized how much this car was pampering me and how relaxing it is to drive. Gridlocked traffic simply means more time to spend in the lap of luxury and a few more minutes to enjoy the heated and massaging back rest. Think of it as a spa treatment on the run.

Sadly, I didn't appreciate how good this car was until I had to give it up. The step back down to ordinary seemed much larger than the step up felt when I first got the chance to slide into the driver's seat.

 

My Car The Robot
On The Road March 3, 2010

For people unfamiliar with just how far automakers have come in the design and application of safety technology, a ride in this week's Mercedes-Benz S550 was a revelation.

Passengers often said, "You mean they can do that?"

Yes, they can do that, and more. Features such as stability control, a backup camera and blind spot warnings were old hat for the S550. Even lower-priced cars have those features.

Not as common but increasingly more available are "active" cruise control, collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, driver attention and fatigue monitoring and night vision. Our review S-Class had all of these things, and then some.

Introduced in 2006, "Distronic Plus" is cruise control that will not only hold a car to a set speed, it will maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. If the traffic slows below the speed the cruise control is set to, the S550 will also slow down to maintain a safe margin of space in front. It will also brake, if that is needed, to keep the space margin. And, if the driver is completely out to lunch, it will come to a complete stop in traffic, then start again once the traffic ahead begins to move.

You might be wondering just how out of it a driver has to be for a car to take over. The answer is, the car knows best. Mercedes-Benz included its new Attention Assist in this and every other non-Hybrid S-Class sedan for 2010. The system uses software and computer monitoring to establish a driver's steering and operating patterns during the first 20 minutes. Then, if it detects the onset of fatigue, it sounds a warning chime and illuminates a cup of coffee on the instrument panel along with a "Time for a Rest?" message on the speedometer. Drowsy driving is responsible for more than 100,000 crashes each year, Mercedes-Benz reports. It is a big problem because many people who would never drive after drinking think nothing of driving while tired, even though the risks are comparable.

Lane departure warning is also relatively new, although not exclusive to Mercedes-Benz. Using a small camera mounted at the top of the windshield, it can sense when the car is drifting over a lane marking. If the driver hasn't signaled, the car will vibrate the steering wheel. It's a little like rolling over a rumble strip.

If all of these warnings fail and a collision seems imminent, the car's PRE-SAFE Brake system has been enhanced for 2010. If it detects a collision, it will sound three warning tones. About 1.6 seconds before the impact, it will start braking and protecting passengers by pre-synching seat belts and adjusting seat back angles. At about 0.6 seconds before impact, it will apply full braking power. Mercedes calls this effort an "electronic crumple zone."

Even more impressive, however, is the S550's night vision.

With it you can see a pedestrian up to 325 feet earlier than would be possible without the system. It also outlines the pedestrian on the screen, which displays an impressively detailed black and white picture of what is ahead. The system is also unfazed by oncoming headlights, even when the driver of the oncoming car fails to dim the high beams. Thank infrared imagery for the improved view at night.

As good as all these systems are, the radar-based cruise control and PRE-SAFE Brake have one weakness. While you're driving in a snowstorm, both systems shut down. After I cleaned a thin layer of snow, sleet and ice from the radar transmitter's grill cover they started operating again.

With time, these luxury car features should work their way down to the cars we mere mortals can afford. Let's hope this happens quickly

 

2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid (from UltraReview.net) FEB 2010
If you’re looking for a Hybrid car that can effectively avoid gas guzzler tax, then 2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid is the best choice. The hybrid car has some high tech features for night vision combined with an enhanced cruise control that are most sought after. The 2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid has state of the art massage seats, and Audio system from Harman Kardon makes the car an S class model. A ride in the car is an amazing experience as one is ushered into the world of high tech amenities available on the move.

The 2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid has introduced an Atkinsth Cycle 3.5 liter V-6 in place of the previously available 5.5 liter V 88. The engine is assisted with powerful electric motor that boosts the engine of the hybrid car with 118 pound feet of torque. In fact, the 2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid can reach the target of 60 mph in 7.2 seconds which is less than the V8 s550. The car has been streamlined to keep the weight of the car under control by reducing the weight of the battery by using a 120 volt ion battery pack that is typical with hybrids.

The 2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid comes with cost effective features as the gas is shut down when the car halts at the traffic signal. But, most users feel that the feature does not complement the luxury offered by the S class car, as the vehicle needs to be restarted more often. The driving experience is not as impressive as the car is mainly aimed at reducing gas guzzler tax. And the vehicle is highly preferred by environmentalists as it does not produce harmful emission like other cars.

The massage seats provide a better ride quality and can be customized according to the needs and requirements of a wide range of clientele. The S class hybrid is more or less a health spa available on wheels, as one can easily get a massage while travelling on the road. This is very useful for businessmen who are constantly on the move and have little or no time for relaxation.

The car gives one a luxurious ride when on the long run, as one revels in the highly sophisticated technology available in the hybrid car. The 2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid car is a dream come true for a gadget geek as the display in the car offers a 3 dimensional view of the navigation map. There is an advanced Bluetooth technology that offers phone book facility which comes in very handy for establishing communication while travelling in the luxury car. The air suspension in the car combined with an optimum gas mileage is something to look out for while buying the luxury car.

 

Best Worst Cities for Auto Repair
AutoMD. com (www.automd.com), the most comprehensive and unbiased free online auto repair resource, today released its Advocacy for Repair Shop Fairness Report, the first to analyze how the top-50 most populated U.S. cities stack up when it comes to providing consumers with fair auto repair cost estimates. In the report, Memphis ranked as the best city for fairness and consistency of prices quoted in auto repair, while Chicago ranked as the worst.

For the report, AutoMD.com mystery shoppers conducted a fairness check of over 600 shops in the top-50 DMAs* (including a range of dealers, independent shops, and franchises like Pep Boys) by requesting quotes on a typical auto repair job: a front brake replacement job for a Ford Focus. To measure pricing integrity, the mystery shoppers called back two weeks later with an industry standard price estimate. The best and worst list was then calculated based on each city‘s rankings for three critical factors, weighted equally:

1. Repair Affordability: The average cost-per-job for that city based on prices quoted by repair shops
2. Price Disparity Range: The percentage variance between the lowest price quoted and the highest price quoted in each market
3. Shop Integrity Factor: The percentage of shops that shifted their original quoted price by more than 5% when presented with an industry standard price estimate

"If you are one of the 88% of car owners who feel that they are not getting a fair shake at the repair shop** ... this report shows that you are probably right," said AutoMD.com President Shane Evangelist. "Repair shop quotes in more than half of the cities for the same job had a variance from lowest to highest of over 150% - with over two-thirds of the shops overall changing their price quote when presented with an industry standard price."

Underscoring that few car owners are immune to the challenges of repair shop pricing, Evangelist noted that even in Memphis, the report‘s top ranked city, there was a 135% price quote disparity - with one in four of the city‘s repair shops tested changing its quote when presented with an industry standard price.

AutoMD.com‘s Advocacy for Repair Shop Fairness Report rankings for the Best and Worst Cities are shown.

 

10 Cars Thieves Love Most (September 2009)

1. 1994 Honda Accord
--55,170 total Accords stolen nationwide
--Most stolen vehicle in Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington
--Second-most stolen vehicle in Arizona, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin
--Third-most stolen vehicle in Louisiana and Oklahoma

2. 1995 Honda Civic
--48,073 total Civics stolen nationwide
--Most stolen vehicle in Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Utah,
--Second-most stolen vehicle in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and Washington
--Third-most stolen vehicle in Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island and Texas

3. 1989 Toyota Camry
--26,245 total Camrys stolen nationwide
--Most stolen vehicle in Kentucky
--Third-most stolen vehicle in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington

4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
--17,416 total F-150s stolen nationwide
--Most stolen vehicle in Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia
--Second-most stolen vehicle in Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas
--Third-most stolen vehicle in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and New Mexico

5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
--17,405 total Rams stolen nationwide
--Most stolen vehicle in Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas and Wyoming
--Second-most stolen vehicle in Oklahoma
--Third-most stolen vehicle in Kansas and Montana

6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
--15,555 total Caravans stolen nationwide
--Most stolen vehicle in the District of Columbia, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin
--Second-most stolen vehicle in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri,
--Third-most stolen vehicle in New Jersey and New York

7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
--14,350 total Cherokees stolen nationwide
--Second-most stolen vehicle in Maine, Missouri and Montana
--Third-most stolen vehicle in Colorado, Delaware, D.C., Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio and Virginia

8. 1994 Acura Integra
--12,024 total Integras stolen nationwide
--Third-most stolen vehicle in Connecticut, Hawaii, Minnesota and Utah

9. 1999 Ford Taurus
--11,958 total Taurus cars stolen nationwide
--Second-most stolen vehicle in Indiana and Iowa
--Third-most stolen vehicle in South Dakota and West Virginia

10. 2002 Ford Explorer
--11,783 total Explorers stolen nationwide
--Second-most stolen vehicle in Alaska
--Third-most stolen vehicle in South Carolina and Vermont

 

Mercedes-Benz Club Membership Loyalty Reward Program Shells Out Up To $1500 to Members
Join the Mercedes-Benz Club NOW and get a gift card valued between $250 and $1500 when you buy your next new or pre owned Mercedes-Benz vehicle. The only catch is… you must be a club member for one year before you’re eligible for the allowance. It only costs $45 for a one year membership, trust me, it’s worth it.

You’ll get your local regional newsletter as well as the national publication “The Star” magazine, published and sent to your home monthly. It’s no little ‘newsletter’ it’s a real, live magazine, and thick too! Of course, there are driving events, technical events, all sorts of fun.

What are car clubs good for anyway? I’ve been a member of several of them over the years. I grew up attending car club events with my dad on the weekends.

He always told me that when you get a car, he was usually talking about an old English car, you join the related club. He often preached joining the club BEFORE you get the car, as the club, and club members are usually the best source of information on that particular marque.

Club members know what’s good and what’s bad, they know about that gem of a car hidden away somewhere that you’d never find unless a club member told you about it.

Now I’m a member of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Twin Cities Section. The Mercedes-Benz rewards loyal MBCA club members who purchase or lease new or pre owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles from dealers handsomely.

Depending on what you buy or lease and where you buy, Mercedes-Benz will send you a gift card between $250 and $1500. Please read the details below. It’s very simple… do the math.. if you think you’re going to buy a new car anytime soon… join the club now. Even if you’re a member for three years before you buy a new Mercedes-Benz… you’ve spent less than $150 to get $1500.

At the very bottom there is a link to a PDF file with ALL the associated information. It really is easy, you dont have to jump through hoops. They treat Mercedes-Benz Club of America members very well, and they reward their brand loyalty.

You may be eligible to receive the following gift card allowance towards parts, service and accessories at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. This offer is based on the purchased or lease of a new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicle through an authorized U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealer or on the purchase of a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz at a licensed independent U.S. dealership.

An MBCA membership of one year or more immediately preceding the purchase date of the vehicle is required to participate in this program. An MBCA member in good standing cannot have had any lapse in membership during that 12-month period.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles delivered through December 31, 2010 are eligible for the following gift card allowances:

When you buy from an authorized U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealer:
All new models including AMG MY ’09, ’10: $1500
All pre-owned models: $750

When you buy from a licensed independent U.S. dealer:
All pre-owned models: $250

2010 MBCA Loyalty Reward gift cards are redeemable towards parts, service, personal accessories and vehicle accessories at any authorized U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealership, including the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California. This allowance may not be redeemed online or via phone or catalog.

Click this link to the Mercedes-Benz Club of America Membership Loyalty Reward Program.

http://www.mbca.org/minuteman/Triang...ty_Program.pdf

Full details in PDF format with all fine print about the program. This still shows 2009 dates, but this is what is currently appearing in the April 2010 issue of “The Star”.

 

Defining the Luxury Car
March 22, 2010 – Cars By Todd Bianco, West Hollywood

If you're one of the countless people in Los Angeles who bought a Prius , you probably didn't consider it a “luxury” car when you made the decision to purchase it.

Maybe you thought that you were somehow saving the planet, not thinking about the ecologically-disastrous strip mining needed to produce nickel for the nickel-metal hydride batteries.

It's also unlikely that you consider the cost or damage to our ecosystem when it comes times to ditch those toxic batteries.

You really bought a hybrid car to save money on gas. It's pure economics. Of course, in tinsel town, it didn't hurt that you could burnish your green credentials by being seen in a Prius or other hybrid. Who doesn't like fake veneers here?

What you probably didn't think about at the time of purchase was the unforeseen benefit of a hybrid's extended driving range. For example, as a key marketing point, Ford boasts that its Fusion Hybrid has a driving range of 700 miles.

With that kind of range, you probably could cut your fueling stops in half (if not more). That's definitely a modern luxury!

Many years ago, long before the word “ Hybrid ” was in the car-buying lexicon, I discovered this luxury when I bought a 1995 Mercedes-Benz E300 Diesel. I've talked about this car before as the best car I've ever owned (and I've owned more than 25 cars by age 50).

That generation of Mercedes E-Class cars (internal designation W124), was the last of the cost-plus Mercs, truly engineered to be the world's benchmark for mid-sized luxury sedans. And it was.

What was so different about this one sedan, produced only during the 1995 model year? It was nearly identical to all the other sedans manufactured during the W124's ten year life span (1986 through 1995 model years). The interior was the same, as was all the instrumentation, switchgear, electronics and other hardware.

The only exterior distinguishing feature (besides the model designation) was a set of five small slits in the right front fender. Most people would be hard pressed to distinguish it from any other Mercedes E-Class sedan of that era.

There were two main differences: First, it had a 3.0 liter, inline six cylinder diesel engine without a turbocharger and it was a 50-state legal car. The engine is exceptionally reliable, particularly without the turbo.

Second, it was the only W124 derivative (sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible) with a 23.8 gallon (90 liters) fuel tank. All the other ones had a 18.5 gallon (70 liters) tank.

I routinely got 25 mpg around town and 34 mpg on the highway – the only car I've ever owned that got the EPA advertised fuel economy. [The EPA rated the 1995 E300D at 26 city and 32 highway.]

On a road trip, it had a cruising range exceeding 700 miles. I once read an article that tested a later model E-Class (with a similar diesel engine) to see if they could do an LA-SF-LA round trip on one tank.

They succeeded; albeit running on fumes as they sailed back into Los Angeles.

Most of my driving is in-town and I could easily squeeze 500 miles per tank. I rarely drive more than 500 in one month; so I could go for a month without having to stop at a gas station. That cut my normal pit stops in half. Hallelujah!

I have yet to find a gas station with clean pump handles or pay pads. It skives me out every time I pick up that pump or punch the payment pad, so the fewer refills the better.

Extended cruising range – whatever the technology - is a real modern luxury.

 

KBB 2010 Brand Image Awards
"If you believe the marketing credo 'perception is reality,' then you cannot help but be encouraged about the prospects of the winners of Kelley Blue Book's 2010 Brand Image Awards," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "The brands included on this elite list have convinced the car-buying public at large of the considerable virtues of their vehicles, and that correlates well with success in the crowded automotive marketplace."

Best Prestige Brand: Mercedes-Benz
Kelley Blue Book visitors have named Mercedes-Benz the Best Prestige Brand three years in a row, and we suspect the streak will continue for the foreseeable future. While its competitors push varying combinations of performance, precision and style, Mercedes-Benz remains the luxury brand of luxury brands. Other winners are listed below.

Best Prestige Brand: Mercedes-Benz
Coolest Brand: Porsche
Most Family Friendly Brand: Ford
Most Rugged Truck Brand: Ford
Best Performance Brand: Porsche
Best Comfort Brand: Lexus
Best Interior Design Brand: Lexus
Best Exterior Design Brand – Luxury: Porsche
Best Exterior Design Brand - Non-Luxury: Chevy

 

Mercedes-Benz: March Auto Sales
Mercedes-Benz USA said Thursday that its March sales rose 28 percent on higher demand for its luxury sedans and sport utility vehicles.

The German automaker reported monthly sales of 20,023 vehicles. It posted big gains on models like the C-Class sedan and GL-Class SUV.

TOP SELLER: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with 6,006 sold. The company considers its lowest-priced sedan a "gateway" vehicle for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers.

HOT MODELS: The E-Class. A step up from the C-Class, buyers picked up 5,042 of the luxury sedans, a 154 percent increase over March 2009.

 

2010 AMG Driving Academy Dates
Following its inaugural year in the U.S., Mercedes-AMG is presenting a new season for driving enthusiasts who want to sharpen their advanced driving skills at the AMG Driving Academy. Among the list of enhancements is the addition of a Pro Level for 2010. Under the guidance of top professional instructors, the AMG Driving Academy offers the opportunity to personally experience the excitement of motorsports and the track capabilities of Mercedes-AMG vehicles including the all new 563 hp SLS AMG, capable of 0-60 mph in less than four seconds.

Originally founded by Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy launched in the U.S. in 2009. More than six-hundred driving enthusiasts participated in the advanced driver program last year, and participants now have the opportunity to attend an advanced three-day Pro Level program at one of the top circuits in the U.S., Road Atlanta. Program participants have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of several AMG models including the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and SLS AMG.

The program features custom-designed exercises to experience and teach dynamic driving capabilities across two of the top tracks in the U.S:

Road Atlanta (Braselton, GA) – May 15-16, June 11-14 & 28-30, 2010
For more than 40 years, Road Atlanta has lured top tier sports car and motorcycle racers from around the world. This 2.54-mile, 12-turn road course is one of the most technically challenging in the U.S.

Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey, CA) –
August 27-29, September 25-27, October 29-30 and November 12-14, 2010
Located in one of North America’s best destination locations — the Monterey Peninsula — Laguna Seca features tremendous elevation changes, the famous Corkscrew complex and 2.24 sinewy miles of twisty asphalt.

AMG Driving Academy Basic, Advanced and Pro Levels for 2010:

Basic ($1,795 per participant): Intense one-day track program focuses on performance driving dynamics. Participants learn the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises. Once participants perfect car control and handling, they progress to a set of high-speed exercises that make use of the entire track.
Road Atlanta: May 15-16 & June 11 – 12
Laguna Seca Raceway: August 27-29, Sept. 25, Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 12

Advanced ($3,295 per participant): Two-day program picks up where Basic leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction. Onboard diagnostics and data capture enable detailed computer analysis and evaluation. The Advanced program is offered to drivers who complete either the Basic Level, AMG Challenge, European Driving Academy program or an equivalent course.
Road Atlanta: June 13-14, 2010
Laguna Seca Raceway: September 26-27 & November 13-14

Pro ($3,995 per participant): The pinnacle of the AMG Driving Academy curriculum, Pro program offers increased instruction while challenging and improving capabilities and skills to a much greater degree. During the three day program, participants train on the legendary Road Atlanta circuit. As speeds increase and skills improve, open lapping provides the maximum challenge and thrill. With an intense curriculum, AMG experienced instructors prepare participants to confidently negotiate the signature corners of Road Atlanta.
Road Atlanta: June 28-30, 2010

All fees include a dinner reception and introductory briefing the evening before the program, track hospitality, AMG Driving Academy certificate of program completion and an AMG gift bag. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodations. Additional information and registration for the AMG Driving Academy is available at www.AMGacademy.com.

 

Luxury Car Sales: How is your favorite model doing?
First Quarter Sales 2010 Year-to-Date

Entry-Luxury
1.BMW 3-Series - 21,648
2. Mercedes C-Class - 14,279
3. Infiniti G - 13,390
4. Audi A4-A5 - 12,236
5. Lexus ES - 9,132
6. Acura TL - 8,313
7. Cadillac CTS - 8,125
8. Lexus IS - 7,331
9. Lincoln MKZ - 5,557
10. Vovlo S60 - 24

Mid-Luxury
1. Mercedes E-Class - 12,909
2. BMW 5-Series - 7,625
3. Lincoln MKS - 3,906
4. Infiniti M - 3,129
5. Volvo S80 - 2,045
6. Audi A6 - 1,813
7. Jaguar XF - 1,807
8. Lexus GS - 1,662
9. Cadillac STS - 965
10. Acura RL - 404

Flagship-Luxury
1. BMW 7-Series - 2,940
2. Lexus LS - 2,785
3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class - 2,769
4. Porsche Panamera - 1,485
5. Audi A8 - 149

Quick Analysis:
The BMW 3-Series continues to dominate, plain and simple. It is still the status-quo in this segment with great lease deals and plenty of model variation. It still has class-leading impeccable driving manners. The C-Class continues to be very popular as well. With great exterior styling, this is an exemplary car for people who want to enter the Benz family. Rounding out the top 3, in its fourth year on the market, Infiniti's G line holds a strong third position. This car is once again clearly the best buy in the segment. Refreshed styling, sublime handling, strong performance and cleanly styled interior round out the package.

Mercedes E-Class leads mid-luxury segment. The 9th generation E-Class goes back to the roots of Mercedes-Benz. Built like a bank vault, both the E-Class coupe, sedan, and wagon aim to keep Mercedes on top. BMW's next generation F10 5-Series is posed to shake things up in the top 2 positions. The current E60 is still selling quite well despite its imminent replacement. The next generation 5-Series is sure to be improved in almost every single measure. Surprisingly, Lincoln's MKS is quite popular and in a solid third place. Maybe people should take more notice of this nicely styled vehicle. Ford's remarkable new Ecoboost power-plant is certainly welcome. With only 14 selling days under its belt, Infiniti's brand new M is in striking distance to take the number 3 spot in sales this year. Just like wonderful G line, Infiniti's new M looks to be honing in on the bronze position, right behind Mercedes and BMW.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Lexus LS keep swapping positions, but it is clear these three are the leaders of the flagship class. BMW's new 7-Series currently holds the top position for the first quarter of this year. Each of these podium finishers have their own unique strengths that standout from the competition. Porsche's Panamera is doing surprisingly well. Stalwart Porsche fanatics might not embrace it, but the new Panamera is making up large portion of Porsche sales. The new Jaguar XJ and Audi A8 will soon be on their way. It is too early to predict their success, but I don't see anything changing in the top 3 positions any time soon. We'll see if Audi and Jaguar can shake things up in the flagship-luxury class.

 

^^ I understand first three. Fine.
But how the heck Audi is behind butt ugly Panamera???
I don't get it.

 

Because the current A8 for sale is the same bloated underpowered overpriced A6 look-a-like piece of crap that they have tried to sell for years. The fact that 149 people bought one is astonishing...

 

Pardon my lust (underpowered) for Audi

 

Mercedes-Benz Heritage
Stuttgart, Germany, April, 2010

95 years ago – 31 May 1915: Ralph de Palma won the legendary Indianapolis 500 at Indiana, US, driving a grand prix Mercedes with 4.5-litre displacement, the vehicle he had adopted from Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft following his victory in Lyons in July 1914.

55 years ago – May 1955: The first S model Unimog came off the production line at the Gaggenau plant. This lightweight all-terrain truck in the 1.5-tonne class had a petrol engine that developed 60 kW.(more about the Unimog History)


55 years ago – 1 May 1955: Stirling Moss won the Mille Miglia driving a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR in a new record time that has never been bettered. His co-driver was Denis Jenkinson. They completed the 1,600 kilometres in 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds, equivalent to an average speed of 157.65 km/h.

55 years ago – May 1955: The four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 190 SL sports car (W 121 series) went into series production at the Sindelfingen plant.

45 years ago – 18 May 1965: The new Mercedes-Benz O 302 bus series was presented to the press at the Mannheim plant. Series production had already begun in March.(more about the Mercedes-Benz Bus History)

35 years ago – 15 May 1975: The Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9, the new top-of-the-range model in the S-Class, was presented to the public. The vehicle featured a V8 engine with 210 kW and hydro-pneumatic suspension.

25 years ago – 10 May 1985: Developed in-house, the driving simulator was inaugurated at the Daimler-Benz Research Centre in Berlin Marienfelde. This delivered more precise findings, particularly on the interaction between car and driver.

20 years ago – May 1990: Mercedes-Benz was the first German car manufacturer to offer customers its own credit card, the MercedesCard.

15 years ago – May 1995: The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Coupé was the world’s first production car equipped with the electronic stability programme ESP. The invention has since been introduced industry-wide.

 

Homage to image
For third year, Kelley Blue Book recognizes most polished car brands
Using consumer-perception data to find the brands that best communicated their vehicles' features in the last year, along with the factors that sway buying decisions, Kelley Blue Book has come out with its third annual Brand Image Awards. The 2010 winners, with commentary from the Kelley folks, are:

Best comfort: Lexus
Known from the beginning for quiet, comfortable highway rides, Lexus vehicles continue to offer more and more occupant-coddling amenities.

Best performance: Porsche
Porsche continues to design and build cars and SUVs that deliver a unique driving experience built not just on numbers but on feel. The new four-door Panamera only adds to the mystique.

Most rugged truck: Ford
While the newest F-150 is the toughest yet, it's also the smoothest-riding and most feature-packed Ford pickup in history.

Most family-friendly: Ford
In 2009, Ford attracted a lot of attention and accolades with a slew of family-style vehicles, including the redesigned Fusion, three-row Flex crossover and a new, more relevant Taurus.

Coolest: Porsche
Performance and cool have forever gone hand in hand, and Porsche's uncompromising, laser-like focus on driver enjoyment makes its cars distinctively desirable.

Best exterior design — luxury: Porsche
The same evolutionary approach that has helped turn the 911 into a legend carries through the lineup, as Porsche continues to eschew design fads or gimmicks in favor of confident consistency.

Best exterior design — non-luxury: Chevrolet
Chevy's designers are on a roll. The styling renaissance that started with the latest Tahoe SUV and continued with the current Malibu sedan evolves in new cars such as the Equinox crossover, Traverse three-row crossover and, of course, the new Camaro. Even the Corvette looks better than it has in decades.

Best interior design: Lexus
Lexus interiors aren't extravagant, plush or boundary-pushing, but the fit, finish and attention to detail deliver long-term allure. Clean, comfortable and simple define the typical Lexus interior, which remains user-friendly even as it continues to host more and more technology.

Best prestige: Mercedes-Benz
While its competitors push varying combinations of performance, precision and style, Mercedes-Benz remains the luxury brand

 

What’s behind each Mercedes-Benz light-alloy wheel?
What often comes to mind when you hear the name Mercedes-Benz. Most would answer the three-star badge, while others would think of the sporty SLS AMG or maybe the luxurious S-Class sedans. A further number of people would instantly think of Michael Schumacher and Formula One. But rarely will people think about wheels.

For Mercedes-Benz, the wheels are part of the whole vehicle design. That is why they put tremendous resources into developing their latest light-alloy wheel products. Here’s a peak at what each light-alloy wheel goes through before being given the three-star badge.

Each wheel design is digitally crafted using 3D computer programs that control the design and manufacturing process. Then it is put under the ZWARP, or ‘ZWei-Axiale Räder-Prüfstand’, translated as ‘Biaxial Wheel Test Bench’. The wheel is hooked onto an external roller, not the actual vehicle, and is subjected under simulated forces by transversely moving the system along two axes, thus the ‘biaxial’ in its name.

Before final approval, the wheel is tested for corner bending and impact tests, as well as load testing of the wheel bolt connections to ensure performance and safety. The result is unwavering endurance through several lifetimes of your vehicle under normal road conditions.

 

World Record Highways
Longest international highway
The Pan-American Highway is the longest highway in the world! It spans a total of 47,958 kilometers (29,800 miles). The Pan American Highway is neither a single road nor part of a centrally administered road-building program. The chief coordinating body is the Pan American Highway Congress, which meets once every four years. Except in Central America, where United States aid has been heavy, each republic finances its road-building program.

The Pan American Highway was proposed in 1923 at the Fifth International Conference of American States, meeting in Santiago, Chile. Two years later the Pan American Highway Congress was created as a permanent institution to foster the building of the road. Routes were tentatively selected and plans were drafted, but only modest progress was made in construction until a final agreement was reached by the member states in 1936.

World War II brought increased interest in the United States for a highway south to the Panama Canal. Mexico completed its section of the Inter-American in 1950. The rest of the Inter-American, built largely with United States aid, was opened to through traffic in 1963.
The Pan-American Highway travels through 14 countries: Canada, United States, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina.

Longest national highway
Highway 1 is Australia’s greatest highway, following the coast for the most part along its circumferential route around the country. A spur in Tasmania also connects Hobart with Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. At a total length of approximately 14,500 kms (9,000 miles) it is one of the longest national highways in the world, along with the Trans-Siberian Highway (over 11,000 km/6,800 miles) and the Trans-Canada Highway (8,030 km/4,990 miles). When the National Route Numbering system was adopted in 1955, Highway 1 was the only truly national highway, although it was not necessarily the shortest distance between many town centres. Most of the other national routes are at some point a tributary of Highway 1. It could be argued that Highway 1 starts /end its track in the historical Rocks precinct in the heart of Sydney, Australia’s first city. Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge north, it becomes the Pacific Highway, going south via George St (Australia’s first street) it becomes the Princes Highway.

Widest highway by lane number
The Katy Freeway (part of Interstate 10) in Houston, Texas, has a total of 26 lanes in some sections as of 2007.

In Houston, from the western suburb of Katy to downtown, I-10 is known as the Katy Freeway. This section is currently being widened to as much as 26 lanes (12 main lanes, 8 lanes of access roads, and 4-6 mid-freeway HOT/HOV lanes, not counting access road turning lanes)[8] and will be one of the widest freeways in the world.

Highest international highway
The Karakoram Highway at an altitude of 4,693 m/15,397 ft, stretches some 700 kilometers from Islamabad, through the Karakoram mountains and into China. It is an incredible feat of engineering cutting its way through deep valleys and desert plains into the mountains of northern Pakistan, providing communication between the districts of Chitral, Gilget and Balistan, with the major cities of Islamadad, Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Some say that due to its high elevation and the difficult conditions in which it was constructed, it is also referred to as the “Ninth Wonder of the World.”

Karakoram Highway provides the pathway to expeditions for almost all peaks in Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan, Kashmir and several peaks in Xinjiang China. The region includes some of the world’s largest glaciers like the Baltoro Glacier. Five of the Eight-thousanders (mountains taller than 8,000m) of the world that are in Pakistan are accessible by the highway.

Largest national highway system
The United States has the largest network of roadways of any country with 6,430,366 kilometres (3,995,644 mi) (2005). The People’s Republic of China is second with 3,583,715 kilometres (2,226,817 mi) of roadway (2007).

Busiest highway
Highway 401 - the Macdonald–Cartier Freeway has volumes surpassing an average of 500,000 vehicles per day in some sections of Toronto as of 2006, giving Highway 401 the distinction of being North America’s busiest highway.

This surpasses the Santa Monica Freeway in Los Angeles, and several Interstate freeways in Houston, Texas.

King’s Highway 401 is the primary through route across Southern, Central and Eastern Ontario. Since the highway’s completion in the late 1960s, Highway 401 has evolved from being a convenient bypass to a vital economic corridor.

Today the stretch of Highway 401 that passes through the Greater Toronto Area ranges from 6 to 18 lanes, and the stretch between Highway 403 and Brock Road in Pickering is thought to be the world’s longest continuous stretch of highway having 10 or more lanes.

There are 19 Service Centres located along Highway 401. These centres are open 24 hours a day and offer motorists convenient access to fuel, restaurants and picnic areas. The centres are located about every 80 km (50 miles) except through the GTA, where services are generally available at almost every interchange. The posted speed limit on Highway 401 is 100 km/h (60 mph).

 

Sexiest Luxury Cars: Overall Car Ranking

1. Porsche 911 Carrera: 9.2
2. Audi R8: 9.2
3. Bently Continental GT: 9.0
4. Mercedes-Benz CL Class: 8.8
5. Rolls-Royce Phantom: 8.6
6. Bently Continental Flying Spur: 8.6
7. Mercedes-Benz SL Class: 8.4
8. Lexus LS 600h: 8.2
9. Porsche Cayenne: 7.8
10. Mercedes-Benz G Class: 7.2

From The Car Connection

 

Wow, that is so bogus!

 

Pff, who made that lame "List"? The dull LS beats out the S and CLS? LOL.

 

Top 5 Make Out Cars of 2010

2010 Chevy Impala
You thought the bench seat was gone for good? Think again. The new Impala offers an optional bench seat which is perfect for, well, making out with your honey. Now, I must admit that the impala itself is anything but sexy, but in this case, the bench seat is all it needed to make the list.

2010 Ford Mustang
This car looks cool and delivers in one important department. It actually helps you pick up girls. You can see examples of the beautiful Mustang in any CT Ford Dealer showroom. This is a true muscle car, and if there is anything girls like it's muscles. Sure you will be cramped but you will also look great which is half the battle.

2010 Toyota Prius
This little environmentally friendly car offers a surprising amount of room. You would be surprised at just how much you can accomplish in this tiny offering. But here is it's real strength - There are tons of girls out there who are attracted to sensitive men. What better way to show off your sensitivity then drive a "Green Car". It says, " I car about the environment, I care about you." So, hop into this green machine with your favorite honey, drive to the lakeside and plant a nice smooch on her.

Mercedes-Benz (Any Recent Model)
As I mentioned before, girls really dig muscles. But what most girls dig even more is a fat wallet. Nothing conveys your inner wealth more than a Mercedes Benz. Believe me, if it is between some hot stud in a Pinto, and an average looking you in a new Mercedes, you'll win every time. Oh, and by the way, I've heard that girls are much more willing to make out with you if you drive a Mercedes.

2010 Ford F-150 Truck
This puppy simply screams manliness. I'm not a huge fan of country music, but I would be more than willing to drive around in one of these with my girl on my right, my dog in the back and a sad Hank Williams song on the radio. Now that sets the perfect mood for a little countryside passion, don't you think?

By The Auto Channel