2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate

2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate spy shots

The next-generation Mercedes Benz E-Class Estate has again been spotted in testing but this time the prototype is for the high-performance AMG version of the executive wagon. The images were taken as the test vehicle was testing near Germany’s Nurburgring circuit and reveal the final shape of the car, with only the finer details being masked by the black camouflage material.

A giveaway that this is the AMG version is the exposed rear bumper with quad tailpipes. Other details include perforated brake discs with oversized calipers.

Mercedes-Benz and its AMG engineers have been testing prototypes for the E-Class extensively--even recruiting former McLaren F1 ace Mika Häkkinen and race driver Klaus Ludwig to fine tune the upcoming car.

Despite current concerns about global warming and a possible end to the horsepower war between Germany’s in-house tuners, the new E63 Estate will continue with the potent hand-built 6.2-liter V-8, as well as the same mechanical upgrades offered in the E63 Sedan. This means an output of 518 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with all that thrust funneled through a 7-speed MCT dual-clutch transmission.

This should ensure a 0-60 mph time of around 4.4 seconds but top speed will still be limited to 155mph.

Highlights of the exterior include 17mm wider fenders, unique LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, and 19 inch alloy wheels shod with 285 mm rubber in the rear (18 inch wheels come standard).

So far Mercedes-Benz has only confirmed the E350 Estate model for the U.S., however, if demand is strong enough hopefully the high-performance E63 family hauler will come too. Expect to see the vehicle make its debut in the first half of next year.

2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320

2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320

The argument for more diesels coming to America continues to fall on deaf ears.

People have told me: They don't like the fuel's smell. They worry about breathing particulates. Diesel costs more than gasoline (sometimes). There are a host of other excuses why America shouldn't have diesel cars and trucks. (There are some diesel trucks available.) American auto executives will offer another set of excuses, such as exhaust treatment kits, diesel powertrain markups and lack of consumer interest.

I'm a consumer. I'm interested, and I firmly believe America should have more diesel vehicles.

They are the best internal combustion engine made. They're tough, durable and can do the job better than any supercharged turbo-boosted gas-only engine. But facts have no place in arguments today -- they haven't changed people's entrenched minds about national health care, so why should they on diesels.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster Spied

The SLK roadster has served Mercedes-Benz well over its life since introduction in 2004, and like all cars its once-cutting-edge design has become somewhat tired, despite a mid-cycle facelift. An all-new SLK is in the works, however, spotted on numerous occasions testing in Germany and previewed in our renderings below. A new report today tips the roadster for introduction in early 2011, after going on a strict diet and gaining some cargo space - and possibly gaining a sporty new engine.

According to a new report from Automobile, the next-gen SLK will drop 200 pounds in weight while adding a bit of space to the smallish trunk, increasing capacity to 11.2 cubic feet. That will definitely make the vehicle more useful, both for trips to the golf course and weekend getaways.

A new engine may also be in the mix, with a 300-350 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 tipped for release some time after the car's official debut. The launch engines will stick with the current tried-and-true lineup of gasoline engines, with evolutionary developments expected. There is also talk of a possible twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-8 generating over 470 horsepower for the AMG version once the standard 6.2-liter V-8 is replaced, though neither of the twin-turbo reports has yet been confirmed by any Mercedes or AMG officials.

There is also the possibility that the 2011 SLK will get the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel found in the current C250 CDI. Rated at 204 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in its C-Class application, the engine would be sporty, but whether Americans would find it palatable is an open question. Mercedes has discussed bringing diesels to the U.S., but in the GLK and C-Class, not a sporty model like the SLK.

Aside from the next-gen car's general proportions not much is clear due to generous slabs of camouflage cladding in the spy photos captured so far. Nevertheless, the car's LED daytime running lights, common to all of Mercedes' most recent models, are obvious. The door-mounted side mirrors stand out further on thinner stalks than the outgoing model, while the general proportions of the car with the top up seem to reflect a longer hood and more rearward seating position.

2010 Ford Focus: Overview

The 2010 Ford Focus lineup gains some newly standard safety features but is otherwise largely unchanged. Focus comes as a 4-door sedan in S, SE, SES, and SEL trim levels. A 2-door coupe is available as the SE and SES. The only engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 140 hp in sedans and 143 hp in coupes. Both body styles offer a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Previously optional, the ABS, traction control, and antiskid system are now standard on all 2010 Focus models. Also available is Ford's Sync. Sync provides voice control of certain cell phone and MP3 player functions. Sync is standard on SES and SEL and available on SE. Other available features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, and remote engine start.

2010 Chevrolet Silverado LT Z71 Crew Cab Truck - Bed Accessories

2010 Chevrolet Silverado LT Z71 Crew Cab Pickup Truck

2010 Chevrolet Silverado LT Crew Cab Pickup Truck

2010 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Extra Cab Pickup Truck

2010 Chevy Volt Hybrid

GM says that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt electric drive unit helps the Volt produce produces 150-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque allowing it to hit a top speed of 100 mph.

Earlier today during a live chat with Jon Lauckner, GM’s Vice President of Global Program Management, and one of the Chevy Volt’s founding fathers,

2010 Chevy Camaro Convertible

With GM's problems far from solved even after the company's exit from bankruptcy, the convertible version of the new Camaro is if not under question, definitely not a top priority at this moment.

But for those Chevy fans that just can't wait, the chopsters of all four-wheel models at California's Newport Convertible Engineering (NCE) are readying a soft-top variant of the 2010 Camaro