2008 Mercedes Benz Gl550 Rear Ent Dvd Nav Awd Ipod Keyless Go on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Smart brand might be doomed

Reports are painting a less than rosy picture of the Smart brand's future. The Daimler-owned carmaker is going fully electric in 2020, but that might not be enough to keep it alive for long. Inside sources, quoted by Automobile Magazine, are saying Renault is likely to pull out of the partnership that created the current Smart ForTwo/Renault Twingo pairing introduced in 2014. The two rear-engined cars share a platform, and when the current Twingo is done for, Renault might want to part ways. In addition, Mercedes isn't willing to prop up Smart on its own, and there is a possibility that the entire Smart brand could be shuttered by 2026. A previous joint venture was the ForFour hatch co-developed with Mitsubishi, and despite the ForFour name living on in the current generation rear-engined car, the earlier FWD hatchback has quickly been forgotten. Not long ago, Smart presented its Forease open-top concept to give customers a glimpse of what future Smart cars would look like, but at its heart the Forease was still a current Smart dressed up with concept car details. The next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class is to be signed off in 2021 for a 2025 introduction, and it can be underpinned by a more flexible, fully scalable platform that could also serve to support a new entry-level Mercedes-Benz vehicle that could render the separate Smart brand pointless. Then there's Geely, who now owns nearly 10 percent of Daimler, and who is partnering with Daimler to launch a new "premium" ride-hailing venture in China. As Geely develops its mobility solutions, it is likely to keep an eye on Smart: Smart cars have been car-sharing staples around the world for quite a while, from users such as Car2Go. Automobile Magazine says that if a Smart is co-developed with Geely, it might suit the Chinese market well, but a global business case might be challenging. In any case, if Smart wants to survive beyond the current Renault partnership, the new model should be agreed upon quickly, and it must be based on a platform flexible enough to support full electric drive. Reportedly, there are now ongoing feasibility studies for a fully electric Daimler "U-Class," which would include a Smart-like three or five-door hatch with two wheelbase options, a ride-sharing shuttle with autonomous capabilities, and an urban delivery panel van. But Smart must justify itself for the upcoming decades, or the future Daimler products that occupy its niche will be wearing a three-pointed star instead.

Some intriguing showstoppers from Auto China 2024

“Electric” may be the most appropriate word to describe the atmosphere at the recent Beijing motor show, now considered to be one of the worldÂ’s largest automobile exhibitions. ChinaÂ’s vision of the electric mobility future is on full display during the ten-day event, which ends this weekend. Organizers estimated that 117 new global and China-domestic models would debut in Beijing. In fact, about 30 foreign brands had stands, a turnout that hasnÂ’t been seen at auto shows since before the pandemic. The South Koreans and the Japanese came, and from Germany, representatives making the case for their brands included CEO Oliver Blume of Volkswagen Group, Oliver Zipse of BMW Group and Ola Kallenius of Mercedes-Benz Group. A few of the models would be powered by gasoline—by ICE, or internal combustion engines—but the vibe was clear: electrics are it. According to to show officials, Beijing hosted a total of 278 electric and plug-in hybrid models on display. After digesting most of the reveals unveiled during the show, weÂ’ve parsed a list to a select few of the more interesting models. Here it is, in no particular order: BYD Ocean-M concept BYD has launched off-roaders, SUVs and sedans in its global assault on the car market — and added a hot hatch concept at Auto China. The Ocean-M (above) is a Volkswagen Golf-sized five-door hatchback, meaning itÂ’s likely that BYD will pitch it as a rival for the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX. The show car has sporty design, rises sharply towards the rear window, and sharp surfacing at the front and along the flanks. The show car has a huge rear wing, aero diffuser and side blades.   Denza Z9GT BYDÂ’s luxury brand, Denza, a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, showed the Z9 GT, a massive wagon carrying three electric motors putting out a stunning 952 horsepower. The EV weighs an extraordinary 6,338 pounds, almost 440 pounds more than a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. BYD's design boss is a German -- Wolfgang Egger, who previously worked for Alfa Romeo and Audi. Lamborghini Urus SE The Volkswagen subsidiary brought a bit of Italian sex appeal to Beijing in the form of “super” luxury SUV that received its first public premiere in China. The plug-in hybrid Uris SE SUV gets nearly 800 horsepower as well as a series of visual and technology updates inside and out.

2017 Mercedes SL leaks online ahead of LA debut

Mercedes-Benz already teased the refreshed face for the SL-Class with a shadowy photo ahead of a big debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but a newly leaked gallery now sheds light on the upgraded luxury convertible. The 32 photos provide a look at several models of the droptop, and you can check them all out in the gallery above. As the teaser suggests, the new front end adapts elements from the AMG GT like narrower, arched headlights that include the LED running lights. Mercedes' designers also resculpt the hood and fit a front bumper with an additional opening between the grille and lower air dam. The rear incorporates tweaked taillights and a bumper that features small vents just behind the wheels. There appears to be some updated trim inside like a different steering wheel and infotainment improvements. While these images provide a complete look at the updated design, the technical details about the refreshed SL-Class are still a mystery. According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, some models reportedly receive a nine-speed automatic, the Dynamic Select system to tweak the drive, and Active Body Control to lean into corners. Upgraded brakes are also allegedly on the AMG models. All of these improvements seem plausible, and we might see some engine adjustments too. We get to learn about any more changes very soon at next week's LA Auto Show. Featured Gallery 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class refresh leak View 32 Photos News Source: Auto Motor und SportImage Credit: Mercedes-Benz via Auto Motor und Sport Design/Style LA Auto Show Mercedes-Benz Convertible Luxury Performance mercedes sl-class 2015 LA Auto Show