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Mercedes has revealed its new 2012 ML 63 AMG in order to compete effectively with BMW’s M division SUVs and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo.
The new 4X4 is installed with AMG’s new 5.5-litre V8 Biturbo engine that cranks out 518bhp and 516lb ft. Although limited to 155mph, the ML63 will surpass 62mph in just 4.8 seconds. It is also offered with a performance package and if selected, turbo pressure is increased from 1.0 to 1.3 bar to unleash 415kW and 760Nm, making it possibly the most powerful production SUV in the world.
With speed also comes conscientious driving as Mercedes has fitted the vehicle with a number of fuel saving technologies. There’s stop-start, the latest piezo-managed direct injection and a seven-speed auto transmission for a CO2 rating that decreases fuel consumption by 27% from its predecessor. Average economy is also trimmed with a decrease in weight of 40kg. Four-wheel drive, Airmatic air suspension with three selectable modes, adaptive dampers and a choice of 20 inch or 21 inch alloys comes standard.
General Motors has just unveiled its next generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer for 2013 at the Dubai International Motor Show.
The new seven-seater is powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine and has second and third row seats that fold down to provide a space that functions as a cargo area. The TrailBlazer combines the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with the comfort and efficiency of a crossover. In terms of styling, the vehicle gets a power dome in the hood, high-mounted dual projector headlamps, tri-coat pearlescent white paint and polished 20-inch aluminum wheels.
Ford is updating its 2013 Flex model with a new nose design, updated power and improved technology. The three-row, seven-passenger model features a restyled front fascia with a nose that is sleeker, sophisticated and more robotic. Apart from the addition of paint colour and wheel choices, no other design elements have been modified.
Flex receives a powertrain update with a base 3.5-litre V6 that now packs 20 more horsepower – 285 versus 265. Customers will still have the option of fitting the Flex with Ford’s 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, which carries over unchanged.
While the North American specified 2012 Honda CR-V is scheduled for its official debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November, the car manufacturer’s own Japanese website has revealed the production model.
This production image, which doesn’t seem too far off the concept car revealed back in July, promises increased interior space, a lower height and a lower load floor. The vehicle displays a three-bar grille and sweeping roofline. There is also plastic body cladding, a prominent character line and large alloy wheels.
Chevrolet has teamed up with outdoor outfitter Realtree, with whom they have had a seven year relationship, to create the Silverado Realtree Concept. Called the “ultimate hunting pickup” and based on the Silverado HD 2500, the new concept car will debut at the 2011 SEMA Motor Show.
The champagne silver exterior emblazoned with Realtree graphics, a custom front bumper, winch and 35-inch off-road tyres is powered by a Duramax diesel with 765 pound-feet of torque. Other features include retractable running boards for improved entry and exit and a custom designed rear cab for all outdoor gear storage.
The interior continues the outdoor theme with dark cocoa leather seats bearing camouflage piping and orange stitching.
Shortly after launching its new C4 hatchback, Citroen has once again teamed up with Mitsubishi for its new compact SUV, the C4 Aircross. The SUV, that takes many of its style cues from Citroen’s Hypnos concept car, will be released for sale in the United Kingdom in the second half of 2012.
The SUV measures just 340mm long, 1800mm wide, 1630mm tall and comes with a boot volume of 442 litres. Powertrain choices include a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, ranging from 110 horsepower up to 150, with front or all wheel drive. Other features include 18 inch wheels, integrated LED running lights that light up a panoramic glass sunroof, integrated rearview reversing camera and a switchable AWD system to allow for a permanent or part-time four wheel drive.
Although exact engines and transmissions haven’t been decided for the UK yet, an HDI 110 engine and six-speed manual transmission is likely to be offered. Other engines available in Europe include a 1.6 petrol and a more powerful 2.0 HDI 150.
In the official press release, Citroen has stated that “The new Citroën body style draws upon the brand’s technological excellence, combining the grip of an off-roader with the ride and driveability of a saloon. Ecologically considerate, the model also boasts some of the lowest CO2 emissions in its segment.”
The brand new Land Rover DC100 Sport was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. The DC100 Sport was a surprise reveal alongside the much anticipated DC100 and is one of two concepts that the Land Rover team have confirmed will be put into production for 2015. Both were revealed to gauge public interest and gather feedback to give Land Rover an idea of which direction to go in for 2015 to avoid rushing into a replacement.
In comparison to the silver three door 4X4 DC100 demonstrating ‘capability and versatility’, the DC100 Sport is an open-air pick-up version in bright yellow-orange and is described as ‘an active expression of freedom and leisure’.
Under the hood, both concepts use 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines driving all four wheels through a stop/start-equipped eight-speed automatic. However, while the DC100 has a diesel engine, the DC100 Sport has a petrol engine.
Both concepts have a new automatic terrain response system that automatically sets all the driver assist systems sensing the wheel travel, wheelslip, the texture of the ground and a sonar depth-sounder for driving through rivers.
Subaru South Africa has decided to drop the Impreza from its lineup. The new Subaru XV, that will be uveilied at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show will be replacing the Impreza range in South Africa from February 2012.
Designed by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and described as an “Urban Adventurer”, the XV is a high-riding crossover model that will likely slot in between the Impreza and the larger Legacy Outback. The XV will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2,0-litre example of Subaru’s new FB-generation flat-four petrol engines. In addition, A choice of either 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT transmissions will be offered.
