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| Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E63 Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes Benz  The launch of the next Mercedes-Benz E-class is right around the corner and Car's spies were able to catch a mildly camo'd mule undergoing testing. The prototype is unmistakably M-B, with a new front fascia that appears to split the difference between the swoop CLS's headlamps and the more conservative eyes of the C- and S-class. Underneath the cloaked sheet metal is Mercedes' new W212 mid-size sedan platform, which ditches the electronic braking system of the last generation (Benz dealers rejoice!) in favor of conventional hydraulic stoppers, and utilizes a four-link front suspension and a multi-link rear arrangement coupled with M-B's Active Body Control (ABC) system. Naturally, there will be gizmos galore, including a new electronic road sign reading system, night-vision pulled from the S-class and a host of gasoline- and diesel-powered engines that will top out with the 6.2-liter V8 from AMG.According to Car, the new E will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with sales beginning later that summer. [Source: Car]
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| Audi and BMW to utilize 8-speed gearboxes to take on Lexus Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Tech, Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes Benz
As we reported last month, it appears BMW and Audi, following the lead of Lexus, will begin to offer eight-speed automatic transmissions in their flagship models. Sources are now saying the transmission will be supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen, a familiar German supplier to both marques. Although we don't know all of the specifics, Audi is expected to debut the new slushbox in the range-topping A8 sedan, Q7 SUV, and their future A7 premium model. BMW will likely debut the new gearbox in their premium 7-Series sedan and the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle, according to company sources. The current Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series both use six-speed automatics. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic of their own design, while Lexus debuted their eight-speed transmission in the LS 460. Increasing the number of forward gears offers advantages in smoothness, acceleration, and improves fuel efficiency. Lower fuel consumption equates to reduced emissions, helping the powerful models meet increasingly stringent air quality standards in Europe and the United States. [Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]
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| New McLaren supercar expected for 2010 Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes Benz, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill  With the mostly unloved Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren set to get the official axe in 2009, the path is clear for the next McLaren-branded supercar to be unveiled. Expected to be built at its facility in Woking, England, McLaren has plans for the as-yet-unnamed vehicle to compete with Ferrari's incredible F430. Rumored to be powered by a 550-horsepower V8 engine featuring a basic design snagged from Mercedes and built by Mahle (that of the former Cosworth tuning fame), the power-to-weight ratio should handily outdo that of the Prancing Horse. Shortly after the new coupe codenamed P11 is unveiled, a convertible version is also expected. True hardcore McLaren enthusiasts should mark 2012 as the year that McLaren returns to form with a proper replacement for its awe-inspiring F1 of a few years back. Powered by a lightweight version of the P11 architecture, this car codenamed the P12 is expected to be powered by a V10 engine with over 600 horsepower. The waiting list will likely start right... about... now. [Source: Autocar]
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