2007 Mercedes E-Class facelift

After four years in production, Mercedes-Benz is presenting at the New York International Show the new generation of its E-Class. Some 2000 parts in the E-Class are new or further developments. The Saloon and Estate boast new bodystyling, the DIRECT CONTROL package, with more direct steering and a retuned suspension, and six new or enhanced engines. Maintaining the same level of fuel economy, these engines develop up to 26 percent more output and 18 percent more torque. The prices for the four and six-cylinder models remain unchanged.

PRESS RELEASE: Exterior Design
The bumper and radiator grille feature a pronounced V-shape, which epitomises power and forward motion. Mercedes‑Benz has enhanced the familiar twin-headlamp face of the E-Class by adding transparent louvres to the top section of the headlamps, producing a striking light effect when switched on. And for the first time white LEDs have been used as parking lights. Mercedes-Benz has further accentuated the dynamic appearance of the E‑Class on all model variants with side skirts and rear bumper in the AVANTGARDE design.

Interior Design
Inside, the new generation model differs from the outgoing model with new eye-catching colours, a new four-spoke steering wheel featuring elliptical thumb-operated buttons and a new control unit for the standard-fit THERMATIC automatic climate control. The Mercedes designers have also redefined the coordinated colour schemes, upholstery and materials.

Technology
Mercedes-Benz is fitting the new generation E-Class with flashing brake lights to prevent rear-end collisions. They warn the drivers behind more effectively than conventional brake lights when there is a risk of an accident. Mercedes-Benz has also consistently fine-tuned the occupant safety features on the E-Class.

Intelligent Light System: world premiere of new headlamp technology
The Intelligent Light System, available as an option for the Saloon and Estate, is based on the powerful bi-xenon headlamps and includes five different lighting functions: the new country mode provides brighter, further illumination of the offside verge than the previous low-beam headlamps. Here the driver’s range of vision is increased by around ten metres, which allows him to recognise other road users or obstacles earlier in the dark. The motorway mode, activated automatically at speeds above 90 km/h, produces an even light cone that extends to a range of up to 120 metres, illuminating the entire road width.

Diesel engines: noticeably more output from the four-cylinder engines
While fuel consumption remains consistently low at just 6.3 litres per 100kilometres, the output of the E 200 CDI has been increased by 10 kW/14 hp to 100 kW/136 hp. Maximum torque has been increased from 270 to 340 Nm.

The new E 220 CDI develops a maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm, around 14 and 18 percent respectively more than the outgoing model. Meanwhile the new six-cylinder diesel engine in the E 320 CDI (165 kW/ 224 hp) now provides even more torque: peak torque has been increased from 510 to 540 Nm.

From model year 2007 Mercedes-Benz intends to launch the first diesel production vehicle in the USA with the trailblazing BLUETEC technology, which will provide further remarkable reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions. The future E 320 BLUETEC will be the world’s cleanest diesel, using 20 to 40%percent less fuel than comparable petrol-engined vehicles. In Europe Mercedes-Benz plans to launch BLUETEC in a passenger car model by 2008.

Petrol engines: more powerful supercharged engine and new eight-cylinder engine
The four-cylinder engine in the E200 KOMPRESSOR delivers 12.5 percent more output than before: 135 kW/184 hp. At the same time, maximum torque has been increased to 250 Nm.

From mid-2006, the E-Class engine range will be headed by the newly developed 5.5-litre eight-cylinder engine from the S-Class with an output of 285 kW/388 hp. Compared with the previous V8, the new engine delivers 26 percent more output. At 530 Nm the torque also comfortably exceeds the maximum for the preceding engine by around 15 percent. The new E 500 delivers the performance profile of a sports car: the Saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the previous E 500.

The new E 63 AMG from the Mercedes-AMG stable is fitted with a naturally aspirated V8 engine delivering 378 kW/514 hp and maximum torque of 630 Nm. The E 63 AMG is the most powerful E-Class of all times.

DIRECT CONTROL: package for even more dynamic driving pleasure

Increasing the direct steering by around 10 percent makes the E‑Class more responsive to steering movements. The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models also come with rebound buffer springs, which effectively limit body roll when cornering. The DIRECT CONTROL package also includes a new gearshift linkage system for the six-speed manual transmission for high gearshifting comfort and precision.

The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system is taken from the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and provides new safety and comfort features thanks to the electronic control of the hydraulic dual-circuit brakes

Saturn PreVue Concept Crossover

Saturn is continuing the Opel-ization of its range even with concepts, as the Saturn PreVue crossover (to be revealed at the New York International Auto Show) is yet another rebadged German model. The Opel Antara GTC concept was first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005 and it is part of the ongoing cooperation between the Saturn and Opel brands.

"There is significant synergy between Opel and Saturn," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Both brands play in similar market segments, have similar competitors and target similar customers in their respective regions."

Press Release: The PreVue merges the seemingly contradictory design elements of a sporty coupe and a powerful SUV. Coupe-like features include the two doors and tailgate, along with a side window design sans B-pillar and an elegantly sloping roof. These cues combine with SUV characteristics such as powerful side shoulders and wheel cutouts; steeply inclined windows; stable flanks and short overhangs for large approach and departure angles.

On the roof, two silver strips flank the body-colored center strip, which separates two sunroofs and merges with the pantographic hinge that’s affixed to the tailgate. Door handles retract flush with the body, and only slide out when the driver approaches the vehicle with a remote door opener.

Interior
On the inside, generous use of warm tones and leather mix with carbon fiber seatbacks, as well as stainless steel and aluminum cockpit elements. The panoramic roof system features two generously sized sunroofs for a bright, cheerful interior, with dark tinted glass protecting passengers from excessive sunlight. The center roof console, which runs the length of the vehicle, offers ample storage space.

The four seats, mounted to monorails, appear to be floating atop the floor for a spacious, airy appearance. With the press of a button, the seats slide forward to the instrument panel so rear passengers can access the vehicle. The rear seats fold away into the floor, and the sisal-lined cargo area can be folded flat up to the front seats, thanks to a moving double floor.

Engine
The PreVue is powered by a two-stage turbocharged 212-horsepower (156 kw) twin-turbo version of the Ecotec common-rail diesel engine. It features hefty torque at low engine speeds (295 lb.-ft. / 400 Nm @ 1400 rpm), and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The transversely installed four-cylinder engine features dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable turbo blade geometry.

SATURN PREVUE SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle type: two-door, four-passenger crossover

Wheelbase: 106.6 in / 2692 mm

Length: 178 in / 4530 mm

Width: 77.6 in / 1970 mm

Height: 65 in / 1640 mm

Track: 61 in / 1460 mm

Engine: two-stage turbocharged 212-hp (156 kw) twin-turbo version of Ecotec diesel

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Wheels: 20-inch polished aluminum

2007 Acura RDX

Acura RDX Debuts At 2006 New York Auto Show. All-New Entry Premium SUV features Super Handling All-Wheel Drive & a 240 Hp 2.3 Turbocharged engine

The all-new 2007 Acura RDX Entry Premium SUV, made its production debut at the New York Auto Show today. RDX combines Acura's first-ever turbocharged engine with the breakthrough Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)), for sports sedan-like handling in a SUV package. Built on a new global light truck platform, the RDX concept was first designed in California and then developed in Japan. The RDX will be assembled in Marysville, Ohio, on the same line as the Acura TL sedan. It is the first Acura light truck to come from the facility.

ENGINE

As Acura's first Entry Premium SUV, the RDX was the focal point of the development of a special powertrain that would blend 4-cylinder efficiency and 6-cylinder power. The ideal solution came in the form of an innovative new variable flow turbo (VFT) that delivers an unusually broad powerband with little or no lag in throttle response. The RDX is equipped with an all-new 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line four-cylinder engine with i-VTEC valve control that combines Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Timing Control (VTC). With the variable flow turbo working in concert with i-VTEC, the RDX delivers strong power and torque, excellent fuel economy and very low emissions.

Rated output for the RDX engine is 240 horsepower SAE net at 6000 rpm. In terms of torque, the RDX has the highest output of any engine in the Acura lineup, with 260 lbs.-ft. of torque SAE net at 4500 rpm. The RDX is expected to return an EPA-estimated 19/24 City/Highway mileage, while meeting strict CARB LEV-2 ULEV and EPA Tier-2 Bin-5 emissions standards.

4WD SYSTEM & TRANSMISSION

A 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift is standard. The electronically controlled drive-by-wire throttle and transmission work together to execute shifts, resulting in exceptionally quick and smooth gear changes. The transmission can function as a conventional automatic transmission or, at the driver's option, can be shifted manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

SH-AWD(TM) is standard in the RDX to maximize available traction while improving handling balance and responsiveness. SH-AWD(TM) is Acura's patented all-wheel drive system that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels.

INTERIOR

Inside the RDX, the front-seats feature a high "eye point" that provides a confident field of view. The 3-passenger rear seat has a 60/40 split-folding capability and, when folded flat, significantly expands the load area and increases the cargo volume to 60.6 cubic feet of storage. There are multiple interior storage compartments positioned throughout the interior, including a large (and lockable) dual-level center console located conveniently between the front seats that can securely accommodate a briefcase.

The RDX features an array of electronic features that set it apart from the competition. These include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a Multi-Information Display (MID), and LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination. Also standard is an impressive 360-watt 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with a multi-format 6-disc changer, AM/FM tuner, XM(R) Satellite Radio, and the convenience of an MP3/auxiliary input jack for easily connecting audio devices such as an iPod.

Nokia 8800 Aston Martin Edition

Aston Martin and Nokia have formed an exclusive product alliance resulting in the launch of a stylish handset that incorporates the very latest digital technology, guaranteed to appeal to customers and enthusiasts around the world.

Each carefully detailed feature provides graphic evidence of the painstaking craftsmanship and quality, which is synonymous with the Aston Martin marque. The Nokia 8800 Aston Martin Edition draws from this same inspiration, as both are created to be objects of desire, seamlessly combining technology and craftsmanship in a classic, timeless form.

In addition to the Nokia 8800's standard ring tones, which were created for the phone by award-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, the Nokia 8800 Aston Martin Edition comes loaded with a selection of exclusive Aston Martin content, including a short documentary film, striking wallpapers featuring the company's current range, a screensaver based on the famous crystal starter button found in all Aston Martin models, and ring tones that sample the evocative roar of the Vantage's (380 horsepower) V8 engine.

The bistable spring mechanism used in the sliding feature, which opens to reveal a concealed camera, uses ball-bearings more commonly found in high-performance cars, appropriately enough. Sliding open the phone is a precise and smooth movement and takes just a fraction of a second. The colour display is protected by a specially toughened glass screen, adding to the premium feel.

This exclusive iteration of the Nokia 8800, which will be manufactured in strictly limited numbers, will cost £800 excluding VAT. It is available from Aston Martin Dealers

2007 Saturn Sky Red Line

The 2007 Sky Red Line, available in the fall, builds on the Sky roadster’s performance characteristics, offering more power with the same inviting, driver-focused interior.

Sky Red Line features the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine, GM’s first direct injection offering in North America. It produces 260 horsepower (194 kw) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm), making it GM’s highest specific output engine ever at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kw per liter) and the most powerful engine in the Ecotec family.

The Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo was developed with the global resources of GM Powertrain in the United States and Europe, drawing on expertise from the naturally aspirated Ecotec 2.2-liter direct injection engine used in some European applications and the 2.0-liter turbocharged engines already in production.

2007 Saturn Aura

The most important introduction in Saturn New York stage is the midsize sedan Aura which is basically, a rebadged 2007 Opel Vectra model built in the US. In Europe, this model is offered in three different bodystyles -4door sedan, 5door liftback & Station Wagon while the engine range includes the 1.6 (101 Hp), 1.8 (122 & 140 Hp), 2.0 Turbo (176 Hp) & 2.8 V6 Turbo (230 Hp).

“Saturn is continuing an unprecedented product revitalization while still making customer care our top priority,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “ In our current and future product lineup, Saturn customers will find an impressive combination of design, refinement and performance.”

Due this summer as the brand's second attempt in a segment long dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Aura will be offered with two engines, a standard 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT), and an optional, more powerful 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 with VVTi. The 3.6-liter engine will be mated to a new, six-speed automatic transmission – co-developed by GM & Ford.

Saturn Aura Hybrid

In early 2007, Saturn will also offer a hybrid version of the Aura which will use Saturn Vue Green a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain similar to that of the Line. It uses a combination electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45-E four-speed transmission.

The flexible hybrid design provides additional power from the motor/generator during acceleration and allows increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle, fuel cut-off during deceleration and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking.

2007 Saturn Outlook SUV

The Saturn Outlook is three-row, eight-passenger crossover vehicle that will go into production later this year. Built on GM’s new crossover vehicle platform, Lambda, the Outlook is fitted with GM’s 3.6 litre V6 VVT engine (Global V6) producing an estimated 270 Hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. As with most of its opponents, the Outlook will be offered either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. As for the transmission, Saturn is using the GM-Ford co-developed 6 speed automatic that promises to improve performance as well as fuel economy. It should be noted that the Saturn Outlook will also base a Buick (Enclave), a GMC and an Opel SUV model. More info about the Outlook will be posted in the day.