Apparently, automakers are bucking tradition at this year’s big auto show in Detroit as several held pre-press day preview events at which they launched significant new vehicles. These included Chevrolet, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz.
The North American International Auto Show in Detroit has not even officially opened its doors yet, and already there are debuts and big news coming from the Motor City. Chevrolet and Ford have held pre-event events and trucks are the big news.
I had a lot of fun driving what has been nicknamed “The Santa Van” by my coworkers. And yes, we had fun using it to deliver toys to good little girls and boys. If the sleigh breaks down, the fat jolly guy could use a vehicle like this Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to finish his appointed rounds.
Apple announces CarPlay which makes extensive of their Siri voice control software to control your iPhone 5 (or higher) while driving. Available on select cars (initially Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, Volvo, and Ferrari) in 2014, the system will allow hands-free control of your iPhone and important apps such as phone, music, maps, messages as well as select third-party apps.
Mercedes-Benz debuted several new models at the North American International Auto Show including an all-new longer and wider C-Class powered by turbo four- and six-cylinder engines, an AMG variant of the already announced 2015 GLA45 compact SUV, the Concept S-Class Coupe that seeks sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury and the return of the iconic S600 uber-luxury sedan.
Day one of the 2013 North American International Auto Show has come to a close, and it is time for a quick rest before day two gets fired up with another round of rollouts, debuts, and premieres. Here is a gallery of the bedazzlement that the opening day offered from automakers such as Jeep, Chevrolet, Lincoln, Volkswagen, Hyundai, MINI, Bentley, Honda, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Infiniti, and Maserati.
Forget for a second (if that’s possible) that this is one of the most opulent sport utes we’ve tested in a while, what with its Designo interior and host of Mercedes goodies. At the heart and soul of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350, BlueTec is a solid, proven platform offering a well-controlled, confident on-road experience, and it was recently named SUV of the Year by Motor Trend.
“Gleiskreuzung” is the German word I found when translating “crossover,” as in crossover utility vehicle. I don’t know if Mercedes-Benz used that in naming its entry luxury GLK (as they still refer to it as a sport utility vehicle), but I am sure you can see the possibility. Regardless, Mercedes gives its cute ute a major makeover for the 2013 model year (inside and out) that includes some 1,000 new parts. We recently received the 2013 GLK350, and immediately one notices the new corporate face chiseled into the body styling. The new look does, however, give an appearance of an…
Ah, spring is in the air and for many our thoughts are turned towards taking short (or long) weekend getaways as we welcome back warmer weather, higher pollen counts (and fuel prices) – and top-down driving. Here in the sunbelt states we are already enjoying our first sunburn of the season but for those of you not fortunate enough to be shedding woolen attire yet I invite you to “cheat” convertible season a bit in the new Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster. The 2012 model year is the third-generation of the cute little hard-top convertible that I affectionately refer to as a…
Approaching the middle of day one (and only) we get offerings from Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi and Toyota.
I am going to wrap a pair of vehicles into this Grinding Gears entry. As we head down the 2010 highway I need to do a bit of housekeeping left over from the last decade. This time around I offer a coupe from across the Atlantic and a hybrid from across the Pacific.
Coupe: Stylish, sporty two-door presentation by automakers, designed to energize sales and attract drivers passionate about the motoring experience. Saloon (sedan): Usually upright, boxy styling on four-door platform, rarely evoking enthusiasm or excitement, suitable for family transportation. CLS550: unique synthesis of the two.
UPDATED: Words added after the walkaround! Grinding Gears editor, David Goodspeed, with this week’s Wednesday Walkaround of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550.