Toyota and Honda top automotive brands in consumer perception

Automakers spend billions of dollars to promote their vehicles and build brand awareness. Yet, marketing alone does not shape consumer perception without a clear connection to the vehicles in the showroom. In the latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, Toyota and Honda brands ranked first and second, respectively, by dominant margins over all others. Likewise, the vehicles from those brands have consistently performed well in our testing, often ranking among the best in their classes, and have been mostly at the top of our reliability ratings over the years. Lets your journey with world car brand.............

Thursday, August 20, 2009

MERCEDES

2010 Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid Mercedes-Benz is holding the North American debut of a bold new powertrain at the Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public November 16-23, 2007 at the L.A. Convention Center. The new S400 BLUETEC HYBRID combines both clean diesel and hybrid technologies by using the latest BLUETEC diesel instead of the gasoline engine that usually helps power a hybrid.
Since hybrids use a conventional engine in concert with an electric motor, it’s not surprising that a state-of-the-art hybrid is making use of the world’s most fuel-efficient piston engine – the diesel. In its latest form, the exhaust emissions from the Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC diesel are as clean as a modern gasoline engine.

2010 Mercedes E63 AMG
The press days for the New York Auto Show are a week away, but Mercedes can’t wait that long. The company revealed today the first official details and images on the most powerful model in the E-Class line-up.
The quickest of the E-Class is powered by a 6.3-liter V8 engine plucked directly from the SL63 AMG. Although rumors had the power up to 525 hp, the E63 makes the same 518 hp as found in the SL63 (European versions of both cars make 525 hp). This is a 10 hp bump from the predecessor, and fuel economy has still improved by twelve percent to 22 mpg.
Also from the SL63 is the Speedshift MCT seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission. This is coupled into four driving modes: Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual. The whole package should be good for a 0 to 62 mph (100 kmh) time of 4.5sec, and top speed is limited to Germany’s standard 155mph.
2010 Mercedes S-Class
Although not taking part in the New York Auto Show festivities, the updated Mercedes S-Class is making its debut. The S-Class is the technology flagship for Mercedes, and many times features premiering on S-Class cars are usually innovations that will be part of every car in the next few decades. So while the exterior only gets minor tweaks for the 2010 model year, it’s what is under the skin that’s important.
The engine lineup will have the same four carryover models: 382-hp V8 S550, 518-hp V8 S63 AMG, 510-hp V12 S600 and, 604-hp V12 S65 AMG. Although none of the diesel engine will make it to North America, there is a new interesting V6 gas unit being added to the lower end. The S400 Hybrid takes Mercedes 275 hp 3.5-liter V6 and combines it with a ithium-ion battery pack, which gives up to a 20 hp boost. The S400 should have a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg.
Inside the technology revolution is mostly about safety. This includes Adaptive Highbeam Assist (lights that adapt to exact road conditions), Lane Keeping Assist (departure warning sensors), Active Body Control with automatic crosswind stabilization, and the PRE-SAFE brake system linked to the proximity regulating radar, which intervenes autonomously before an impending rear-end collision and acts like an invisible crumple zone. The most innovative piece of technology on the new S-Class is the Attention Assist driver drowsiness monitor (hit the link for full info).
As mentioned before, the exterior got the least amount of attention in the refreshening. It just got subtile modification that included new front and rear fascias, including LED indicator lamps.
The new S-Class will start European Sales in June and will be in the U.S. by August.


When we first saw the new Mercedes Benz GLK make its big screen debut in a film about four women looking for love in Manhattan, it was hard to think of Mercedes Benz’s entry into the compact crossover market as anything but a chick car. After a few days of driving around our Arctic White GLK riding on upgraded 20 inch rims outside the vehicle, and enjoying the combination of black leather and aluminum trim inside the new CUV, we were pleased with what we had. Our 2010 GLK was optioned to the brim with features like DVD entertainment, navigation and other premium amenities; our car’s asking price had soared from the $35,900 M.S.R.P to almost $50,000.
The 268 HP V6 was more than enough to power our GLK 350 and when combined with the 4Matic all wheel drive system and seven speed automatic transmission made the crossover a blast to drive. Despite its compact nature, the GLK has styling to spare and is a welcome addition of attitude to the Mercedes Benz lineup. The size made the car easy to park and maneuver in traffic and combined with the safety of 6 airbags, makes the GLK a secure choice for new car buyers.

2010 Mercedes E-Class Estate
The luxury automaker Mercedes Benz has just revealed the official details about the 2010 E-Class Estate, a model that will go on sale in Europe starting November priced at €44,803 for the diesel powered E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY version.
Based on the new theme of Mercedes styling that was introduced with the S-Class and then showed up again in the restyled C-Class, the new E-Class Estate brings the new flavor of German styling full circle. The estate model has a length of 4895, width of 1854 and a height of 1471 millimeters, offering a total cargo capacity of 1950 liters.
In November the new model will be offered with a choice of three diesel and two gas burning engines. The petrol lineup will include a 288 HP E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and the 382 HP E 500. The alternatively fueled lineup will include a 168 HP E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the 201 HP E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the 228 HP E 350 CDI Blue-EFFICIENCY. In 2010 Mercedes will add another two diesel engines to the mix.
With the new E-Class Estate Mercedes is offering the latest in safety technologies with systems like attention assist, Distronic Plus (cruise control on steroids), and Pre-Safe braking (automatic braking in emergencies), but also nine airbags fitted as standard, four belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger.

2009 Mercedes C-Class Sports Coupe
A Sports Coupe version for the C-Class was first unveiled in 2001 at Los Angeles Auto Show. The car was smaller than the C-Class sedan and it was powered by 2.3-litre engine four-cylinder engine delivering 197 hp. In 2005 the C-Class was droped from the USA line-up and there were rumors that Merceds will discontinue the C-Class sport coupe after just one generation.
But last year Mercedes has announced that the second generation C-Class Sports Coupe is going to be produced. Comparing to the sedan version it will be a few inches shorter and lower.
The second-generation C-Class sports coupe will receive a new steel body shell and a heavily reworked interior, both sharing styling cues with next-year’s C-Class sedan and wagon.

2009 Mercedes E-Class Preview
Mercedes unveiled the E-Class for the first time back in the 1977 (W123). Since then the E-Class got several body shapes and different engines and power. The last facelift was unveiled in 2006. Comparing to this one, the 2009 E-Class will be exactly as long as the old one, but the wheelbase will gain 20 mm.
The 2009 E-Class will have a more aggressive look as a result of the design cues taken from the CLS-Class. The glass surfaces will get smaller and the flank of the car will suffers from the usual creeping up of sheet metal. The wheels will be at least 18". An important change will be the shape of the 4 headlights: no more will they be round, they will be shaped like squarish teardrops.
From the S-Class will get the wheel-arch extensions, rising character line below the door handles, massive bumpers, and greenhouse. The 2009 E-Class will have a more sportier look due to a more sculpted wide-frame grille, the more geometric nasal air intakes, and the wedge-shaped profile.

2009 Mercedes CLK-Class
With components from both C-Class and E-Class (to save costs), the 2009 CLK will compete with Audi A5, BMW 3-series, and Lexus SC.
The “nice guy” attitude of the current Mercedes-Benz mid-size coupe will be completely dropped, as the next-gen CLK will want to play with the “bad boys”. In order to do that it will feature an all-new design line, with angular strokes and aggressive accents. The four front lights layout will be kept, but this time they will no longer be round. In addition to that, the fog lights will use LEDs as most of the new vehicles will.
The rest of the body will borrow the aggressive wheel arches and body creases from the C-Class, but will have them refined in an elegant manner, proper for a coupe.


The SLK 55 AMG is now even more dynamic: a new front apron and dark-tinted headlamps give this unique eight-cylinder roadster an even more athletic look even at a standstill. The handling dynamics of the SLK 55 AMG have also been sharpened. For the first time the car features the new direct steering with variable servo assistance, which makes the 265 kW/360 hp two-seater even more agile and responsive. The SLK 55 AMG is also the only car in its class to feature a V8 engine, while the improved AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission now offers even faster gearchanges
2009 Mercedes CLC
Mercedes unveiled today the CLC-Class, a model designed for young drivers looking for an athletic car that gives an involving drive, while at the same time delivering the hallmark Mercedes quality standards in terms of safety, comfort, environmental compatibility and functionality. The new Sports Coupe will go on sale in May 2008.
The CLC is offered in six different versions: four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines with power outputs ranging from 122 hp to 272 hp. The CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR develops 204 hp and has a fuel consumption of 7.8 to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEDC cycle - the equivalent of up to 0.7 litres less than before. All the engines are mated with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but you can also choose a five-speed automatic transmission for the four‑cylinder units, and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission for the V6 models.
The CLC 200 CDI is powered by a 2148 cc Inline-4 engine that delivers 122 hp and a peak torque of 270 Nm at 1600-2800 rpm. It makes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 11.3 seconds and hits a top speed of 206 km/h. The CLC 220 CDI is powered by a 2148 cc Inline-4 engine that delivers 150 hp and a peak torque of 340 Nm at 2000 rpm. This version makes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds and hits a top speed of 224 km/h.
The CLC 180 KOMPRESSOR is powered by a 1796 cc Inline-4 engine that delivers 143 hp and a peak torque of 230 Nm at 2500-4200 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h sprint will be made in 9.7 seconds and you will be able to hit a top speed of 220 km/h. The CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR is powered by a 1796 cc Inline-4 engine that delivers 184 hp and a peak torque of 250 Nm at 2800-5000 rpm. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint will be made in 8.6 seconds and the top speed is 235 km/h.
The CLC 230 is powered by a 2496 cc V6 engine that delivers 204 hp and a peak torque of 245 Nm at 2900-5500 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h sprint will be made in 8.4 seconds and you will be able to hit a top speed of 240 km/h. The top of the class, the CLC 350 is powered by a 3498 cc V6 engine that delivers 272 hp and a peak torque of 350 Nm at 2400-5000 rpm. You will be able to make the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 6.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).
The CLC features as standard 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and 225/40 R 18 (front) and 245/35 R 18 (rear) tyres. Optional extras available for this model variant include multi-spoke light-alloy wheels (18 inch) and AMG light-alloy wheels (18 inch).

2009 Mercedes SL-Class
Mercedes today unveiled the new generation SL-Class that will make its world debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The new generation brings a new design, more sportier and better performance, and also a new entry-level model and a new engine for the SL350.
The 2009 SL-Class features a new front-end design featuring as its centrepiece a wide and, therefore, very dominant radiator grille whose V‑shape symbolises sporty virtues such as forwards thrust and performance potential.
At the rear the new-generation SL demonstrates its sporty nature even more clearly than before. This is achieved above all by a new, diffuser-look bumper which adds a motorsport touch. In conjunction with the equally new trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes this design element emphasises the width of the body, further symbolising the power just waiting to be unleashed by the roadster.
The new version, the SL280 is powered by a V6 engine that delivers 231 hp and a peak torque of 300 Nm from 2500 rpm. The 0 to 60 mph sprint is made in 7.8 seconds, and fuel consumption (NEDC) is just 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
The SL350 is powered by a new V6 powerplant that brings the sporty qualities of the new SL generation right to the fore. The engine responds instantaneously to movements of the accelerator pedal and can rev up to 7200 rpm in order to make full use of its power reserves in certain driving situations. Compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, the output has been boosted by 16 percent to 316 hp (at 6500 rpm), while the peak torque has been increased by 10 Nm and now stands at 360 Nm. This powerplant accelerates the new SL 350 from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 6.2 seconds.
Top of the class are still the SL500 powered by a V8 engine with an output of 388 hp and the SL600, powered by a V12 engine with an output of 517 hp.

2009 Mercedes SL63
Mercedes officially revealed the SL63 and SL65 AMG. The SL63 AMG comes to replace the old-version SL55 AMG, a model with a power of 510 hp. Its replacement, the SL63 AMG is powered by aAMG 6.3-litre V8 engine that develops 525 hp and 630 Nm – which makes it today’s most powerful model with a V8 naturally aspirated engine in its class.
The most important thing about the new SL63 AMG is that it comes exclusively with the all-new, innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The newly developed power transfer concept features a compact, wet start-up clutch that replaces the conventional torque converter. The resulting direct connection to the powertrain, together with the double-declutching and Race Start functions, guarantees an extremely emotional, supremely dynamic driving experience.
In the same time with the SL63 AMG, Mercedes also launched the SL65 AMG, a model powered by a AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine that develops 612 hp and 1000 NM of torque. The SL65 AMG makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
The European prices for the all-new AMG models are: SL 63 AMG: €145,239.50, SL 65 AMG: €221,518.50 and an extra €11,305 for the Performance Package SL 63 AMG.

Mercedes launch the new generation ML-Class, a stylish SUV that now has even more distinctive characteristics, and looks even sportier and more powerful. The front end of this off-roader is now defined by a redesigned bumper, recontoured headlamps and a larger, even more dominant radiator. The rear view also sports a new-look bumper with integrated reflector strips, emphasising the vehicle’s width, as well as tails lights with a smoked-glass look. Stylistic fine-tuning and new high-grade materials which are pleasing to the eye and touch combine with a new two-tone colour scheme to add fresh highlights to the interior.
The Ml-Class is being offered in five different versions with output between 190 to 388 hp. The engines, either V6 or V8, both petrol and diesel, are now even more fuel-efficient. And the standard-fit 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with optimised shift characteristics translates the power from the engines into refined dynamism.
After three successful years, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the design and engineering of the B-Class. The facelift programme focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort, with further advances being made in each of these areas. Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously, and distinguish themselves with remarkably low exhaust emissions that undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 percent.
Mercedes-Benz has developed a new ECO start/stop function for the high-volume B 150 and B 170 models. This switches off the engine when stopped at traffic lights, for example, producing a fuel saving of up to nine percent in practical use. Additional new developments include the bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas drive in the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY, along with active parking assist which helps drivers to both find a suitable parking spot, and then manoeuvre into it.
The B-Class continues to be available with a choice of six engines – two direct-injection diesel units (109 hp and 140 hp) delivering up to 300 Nm of torque, as well as four petrol engines with a peak power output of up to 193 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. The four-cylinder power units have undergone a series of detailed improvements in order to further reduce fuel consumption.
A further new addition to the B-Class range bears the initials "NGT" on the right-hand side of its tailgate. They stand for "Natural Gas Technology" and identify a model variant which is as economical as it is environmentally compatible, courtesy of its bi-fuel drive: the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is able to run on both natural gas and premium grade petrol while delivering an identical maximum output of 116 hp.
2009 Mercedes A-Class
The new-generation A-Class will be stepping into the limelight at the "Auto Mobil International" (AMI) motor show in Leipzig from 5th - 13th April, 2008. Following an extensive facelift, the successful compact car is younger, more attractive and more environmentally friendly than ever before.
The convenient ECO start/stop function is available for the first time for the high-volume A 150 and A 170 models, which reduces fuel consumption of these BlueEFFICIENCY vehicles by up to nine percent when driving in city traffic. Mercedes-Benz has developed an additional BlueEFFICIENCY package for the three-door A 160 CDI, reducing the Coupé’s fuel consumption to just 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Independent experts have confirmed these major environmental advances by awarding the A‑Class an internationally valid Environmental Certificate - the world’s first compact car to receive such an accolade. The new-generation B-Class will also be celebrating its world premiere at the AMI. The sports tourer is now available with a petrol/natural-gas drive system for the very first time.

2009 Mercedes G-Class
Mercedes today unveiled the 2009 G-Class. The new model will go on sale in September 2008 with prices for Europe starting at 68,425 euro for the G 320 CDI and going up to 92,344 G500 Cabriolet.
The newest generation of the G-Class can be identified by its restyled, three-fin radiator grille, with the G 500 sporting new-look 18‑inch light-alloy wheels as an additional distinguishing feature.
The 2009 G-Class continues to comprise three different body variants (short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon and Cabriolet), which are either powered by the fuel-efficient V6 CDI engine generating 224 hp and 540 MN or a new, mighty 5.5-litre V8 petrol unit with an output of 388 hp and 530 NM of torque.
Powered by this engine, the new G-Class will make the 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.

2009 Mercedes G55 AMG
Mercedes today unveiled the 2009 G55 AMG. The vehicle will be available from September 2008 at a price of 121,618 euro.
The G55 AMG is powered by a supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers 507 hp, with maximum torque remaining at 700 Nm. Likewise unchanged is the vehicle’s effortless performance, with the G 55 AMG accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and peaking at a top speed of 130 mph (electronically limited).
The new G 55 AMG boasts discreet but effective design modifications,including a new radiator grille with three distinctive horizontal bars that are painted the same colour as the rest of the body and - exclusive to the AMG top-of-the-range model - also feature chrome inserts. Moving around the vehicle, the highlight of the side view are the new polished 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey. They are 9.5 inches wide and equipped with 275/55 R 19 tyres that impressively bulk out the wheel arches.
Still a standard feature of the AMG body-styling package are the bumpers painted in body colour and the characteristic AMG wide fenders. Other features include a brushed-aluminium trim set boasting a distinctive AMG logo and the twin oval chrome tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, emerging from beneath the stainless-steel running boards on either side of the vehicle - an unmistakable sign of the power of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine.

2009 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series
Mercedes finally revealed the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series, a model limited to only 200 units for the US market, each priced at $320,000.
The new SL65 AMG Black Series coupe features a carbon-fiber fixed roof, front fenders, hood, trunk lid and front and rear aprons. With all these super-strong, lightweight parts, plus the absence of retractable roof hardware, the car is more than 550 pounds lighter than the standard SL.
Under the hood AMG placed a modified version of the 6.0-liter AMG V12 engine that now delivers 650 horsepower and a staggering 738 pound-feet of torque. Its twin turbochargers are 12 percent larger, passages for intake air and the turbo wastegates have been modified, and the intake air intercooler is 30 percent more efficient. The result is zero-to-60 mph acceleration of only 3.8 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 198 mph.

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