As automotive enthusiasts, we've all been there before: a new model makes its debut, and the first thing you think is 'Wow, I love the new ___________________ (fill in the blank with your attribute of choice).' Maybe it's the wheels; maybe its the lights; maybe its the grill. You probably even wished that same attribute was on another, different model. For a Lithuanian adept at modeling with PU-foam, I have a feeling it's this sentiment that in many ways inspired the model before you. You see, the red, curvaceous model before you is a vehicle you're most likely familiar with - a W215 Mercedes CL-Class - but as you can see, it looks like anything but a CL-Class.
After a test-drive of just over 12,728 km (or 7,909 miles for those of you residing in the U.S.), the new Mercedes-Benz Actros achieved the remarkable, noting an average fuel consumption of just 19.44 liters per 100 km (or 12.39 miles per gallon). As a result, the 40-ton Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer/tractor combination has become the world's most economical series-production truck, with the Guinness World Records organization officially recording the feat as 'The most fuel-efficient 40 ton truck.'
Last Friday we were the first to bring you details and a sneak peak of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and today, the company has officially taken the wraps off the illustrious SUV. If you caught our previous story you already know the details, but if you're just joining us, here's a quick rundown of the changes. Outside, a new three-fin grille adorns the 2009 G-Class, as does 19-inch new-look light alloy wheels. The rest of the G's iconic styling, however, remains as classic as ever. Power has been taken up a notch in the G500, thanks to the new 5.5-Liter V8 (285 kW/388 hp and 530 Nm of torque). The result? Sports-car-like performance, with a sprint from 0-62 mph taking a mere 5.9 seconds. And last but not least, a new telematics generation makes it way into off-roader, ensuring the utmost in technological wizardry. Highlights include a now standard Bluetooth hands-free system, a COMAND APS infotainment system with LINGUATRONIC and six-disc CD changer (standard on the G500), and optional Harmon Kardon Logic7 surround sound system featuring 12 high-performance speakers and 450 watts of unadulterated audio pleasure.
Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed today that the Southern California advanced design studio will be moving from its current location in Irvine to a newly-acquired and even more spacious facility in Carlsbad (formerly the Chrysler Pacifica Advance Design Center). As a result, designers will now have an area of 3,160 square meters to realize their creative ideas (such as the Mercedes-Benz silverflow pictured above), a substantial improvement over the prior facilities' 1,200 square meters. The new space will also afford the design team the opportunity to construct 1:1 scale models - something which was previously impossible at the outgoing location.
The two-liter TDI unit under the bonnet of the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro delivers 165 kW (224 hp) and musters up 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque
