The German Jeep

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Say hello to the all-new M-Class, featuring better looks, better fuel economy, and more technological features. This SUV might be German, but not everything is bespoke. Take the body off of this car and you get the chassis from the current Jeep Grand Cherokee. It seems Daimler and Chrysler are still friends after all. Anyway, more on the car: two new diesel engines are in line for the M-Class. First, there's the base ML250 with a 2.1-liter turbo-4 diesel engine producing 204 horsepower with 369 lb.-ft. of torque. Then, there's the ML350 Bluetec with Merc's new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine producing 258 horsepower with 457 lb.-ft. of torque. Lastly, there's the ML350 BlueEfficiency with Merc's new 3.5-liter 302 horsepower V6 engine with 273 lb.-ft. of torque. No word on if the ML550 will reach production, but Hybrid and AMG variants are currently in the works. All engines will be mated with Mercedes-Benz patent-pended 4Matic All-Wheel Drive system. Since the new ML is, sort of, a distant cousin to the Grand Cherokee, the car will feature self-leveling Airmatic suspension with a Terrain Response System. Wheels range from 17 to 21-inches and an updated COMAND system will be featured in the interior, now offering Internet Access. All-in-all, I think the M-Class has come a long way since its debut back in the 90's. It was good then. I drove the ML500 from 2003 and was very impressed with it. In 2007, it got a little bulgy, but it was still good. Now, it looks even better. The new ML is set for release this fall.

2011 NYIAS (New York International Auto Show) - Next 30 Photos

2011 NYIAS (New York International Auto Show) - Next 10 Photos

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Detroit Gets Tough

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

If you thought the Chrysler 300 was luxurious, its SRT8 brother will do double that while turning its competitors into mincemeat. Its all-new Pentastar 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine produces 465 horsepower, 40 more than the last one. It will do 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155 MPH. Not to mention it will handle corners much better than its old retiree. Chrysler have fitted the SRT8 with brembo brakes with 14.2-inch front rotors and 13.8-inch rear discs, giving the car the ability to stop from 60 to 0 in about 120 ft. Then, there's the adaptive damping suspension system, new for the  SRT8, which will gauge car speed, steering speed and angles, brake torque, throttle position, and acceleration to tone the suspension under any condition. With two modes available (comfort and sport), Chrysler say you'll be able to get more feel from the car in the corners. Never-mind all that science. This car looks like an absolute brute with the new sporty black mesh grille, the new bodykit, the massive 20-inch rims, the half-inch suspension drop, and those darkened headlights. It looks like its going to eat a Crown Victoria for breakfast. But menacing looks aside, Chrysler goes no where with the cars without addressing luxury. The new SRT8 boasts of unique leather seats, a new heated steering wheel, some carbon fiber on the dash, and plenty of SRT badging to go around. Not mention there's an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) system installed which will measure 0-60 times, eighth mile and quarter mile times, as well as braking distances for you so you can show and tease your friends. As for entertainment, Chrysler's new 8.4-inch LCD Touch Screen will suit all your needs include your EVIC information. The last 300 SRT8 was more of a botched figure. This one looks much better. I'm thinking about driving one, that is if Ford can do anything about it.

Chrysler 300 S Concept (Photos)

[Source: Chrysler, WorldCarFans]