Mercedes-Benz Debuts Green SUVs in New York

Automaker unveils E63 AMG sedan, ML450 Hybrid and GL350 BlueTEC at this week’s auto show

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz introduces a new high-performance sedan, hybrid and clean-diesel sport-utility vehicles at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public April 10. The show also marks the North American debut of the 2010 E-Class: the automaker’s volume-leading sedan.

The E63 AMG may be the fastest grocery-getter on the planet, with a 6.2-liter engine rated at 518 horsepower. A seven-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection has a friction multi-clutch set-up that engages gears faster than traditional torque converters.

An attention-assist feature on the new E-Class is similar to technologies used by Volvo and Lexus: it monitors the driver for drowsiness, sending visual and audible signals when necessary. Other new standard safety features include blind spot assist and lane keeping assist.

Engineers have advanced night view assist technology that debuted in the current S-Class. The system on the 2010 E-Class incorporates adaptive high beams that automatically modulate when they sense oncoming traffic.

Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid

The ML450 Hybrid is a gasoline-electric version of Mercedes-Benz’s popular sport-utility vehicle. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that works in concert with an electric motor to provide V8 engine performance, but with better gas mileage.

The GL350 BlueTEC gets a facelift this year, with a restyled grille, bumpers, wheels and new lights. The clean-diesel engine can tow up to 7500 pounds, and has a cruising range of up to 600 miles at highway speeds.

Chrysler Tests Jeep Prototypes at Moab Safari

Mopar underground design team showcases six concepts for off-road enthusiasts

Jeep Wrangler All-Access

For four decades, Jeep owners have congregated in Moab for an off-road Easter safari. Since 2002, the Mopar underground design team has brought along its concept cars.

“Moab Jeep Safari… works as a proving ground to test Jeep vehicle concepts driven alongside … brand enthusiasts,” said Jeep chief designer, Mark Allen. “We use knowledge gained at this off-road event to explore new directions for Jeep platforms.”

Today, the team revealed six Jeep concepts designed for extreme off-road adventure: the Jeep Wrangler All-Access, Jeep Liberator II, Jeep Wrangler Overland, J8 Sarge, Jeep Grand Canyon II, and Jeep Lower Forty.

The Jeep Wrangler All-Access has a four-inch long-arm suspension lift, front and rear bumpers with tire carriers, special axles and BF Goodrich mud and terrain tires.

A Borla cat-back exhaust boosts the Jeep Liberator II’s horsepower. Designers added a two-inch suspension lift, off-road tires, custom rock rails and a front fascia skid plate to improve its off-road handling.

The Jeep Wrangler Overland is a self-contained campsite.  Designers removed the rear seats and added a rubberized utility floor. A two-person tent and awning are mounted to the cargo rack.

A lift kit and special tires improve the Overland’s off-road handling. Windshield-mounted off-road lights and bumper-mounted lights improve visibility at night.

J8 Sarge is a military version of the Jeep Wrangler, built as a non-combat military support vehicle. The Jeep Grand Canyon II is a Grand Cherokee Overland modified for serious off-roading, with a lift kit, special tires, and heavy-duty rock rails.

The Jeep Lower Forty is a modified Wrangler Rubicon. The design team added aggressive wheels and tires to increase the car’s ground clearance without altering its center of gravity. In addition to modifying the car’s body and fenders, designers chopped three inches of height from the windshield frame and increased its rake ten degrees.

For more information on the annual Easter Jeep Safari, visit the event web site.