Mercedes-Benz Unveils S 400 Hybrid

Automaker stages world premier of its flagship sedan at Auto China

Dr. Dieter Zetsche presents the new S-Class and E-Class in Shanghai

Dateline: Shanghai. This week, Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the 2009 S-Class at Auto China: the international auto show in Shanghai. China is now the biggest market for the automaker’s flagship sedan: sales growth exceeded thirty percent over the past year.

S-Class offerings include the new S 400 Hybrid and redesigned S 65 AMG. The new hybrid is capable of going 100 kilometers or about 62 miles on 7.9 liters of gasoline: less than two gallons. The powertrain has extremely low carbon dioxide emissions: carbon dioxide is a major contributor to global warming.

In addition, the S-Class will be available with several gasoline and clean diesel engines, paired up with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Enhanced safety technology includes speed limit assist, attention assist, drowsiness detection and adaptive high beam assist.

Night view assist technology that debuted on the outgoing model now features pedestrian detection. When the system recognizes pedestrians in front of the car, it highlights them in the display to make them more noticeable.

BlueZERO concepts

Mercedes-Benz introduced three new electric car concepts in Shanghai. They include a battery-driven electric car with a range of up to 125 miles, a fuel cell with a range of over 250 miles, and an extended-range electric car that can travel 62 miles on electric power, with an overall range of 372 miles.

Shanghai was also the site for the Asian E-Class debut. Enhanced safety features on the new E-Class include drowsiness detection, adaptive high beam assist and automatic emergency braking.

Toyota Releases 2010 Prius Pricing

Third-generation hybrid goes on sale in May

2010 Toyota Prius

This week, Toyota released pricing for the all-new 2010 Prius hybrid that rolls into dealerships next month. The new model comes in five grades, but only four come available in May. Pricing on those grades ranges from $22,000 for the Prius II, to $27,270 for the upscale Prius V. The base Prius I, priced from $21,000 rolls out later this year.

Toyota expects the Prius II to be its volume leader. Standard equipment includes keyless start, fifteen-inch wheels, a multi-information display with energy monitor, MP3-compatible audio system with satellite radio connectivity, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and six-way driver’s seat. The Prius II features Toyota’s star safety system that integrates antilock braking, traction and vehicle stability control, seven airbags and cruise control.

The Prius V is the sportiest model, with standard seventeen-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and integrated foglamps. Power for all models comes from a 1.8-liter engine and electric motors rated at 134 horsepower, with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Average fuel economy is 50 miles-per-gallon.

A navigation package available on the III, IV and V grades adds a JBL audio upgrade and Bluetooth connectivity. An optional solar roof panel available on the Prius III and IV includes remote air conditioning: the driver turns on the air conditioner using a button on the remote fob. Buyers of the upscale Prius V can add an advanced technology package with navigation, dynamic cruise control, pre-collision, lane keep assist and park assist.

Pricing does not include a $750 delivery charge.

2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix S

Five-door hatchback is a great value for active lifestyles

By Nina Russin

2009 Toyota Matrix S

The Corolla Matrix is an ideal choice for buyers needing a compact car with enough versatility for active lifestyles. Its base price of $19,550 doesn’t break the bank. Available all-wheel drive on the mid-grade S model adds all-weather capability. The rear seats are easy to fold flat, creating a cargo floor long and wide enough to hold my mountain bike with the front wheel in place.

The Matrix has better-than-average good fuel economy: 21/29 mpg city/highway for the automatic model tested. Its 1.8-liter and 2.4-liter engines aren’t barn burners, but they do a good job around town, in typical highway traffic, and have enough low-end torque for a drive through the mountains.

The Corolla’s platform’s small  footprint functions well in crowded cities. Testing one on narrow streets in the Midwest, I found the Matrix easy to parallel park, and slip into the compact parking spots in area garages. Visibility is good all the way around the car: front and rear wipers keep the glass clear in rain and snow.

Ground clearance is 5.3 inches: not enough to clear obstacles on true off-road trails. On the other hand, the car’s low liftover height makes it easier to load up the back and reach the top. The test car has an optional rubber step on the rear bumper that also protects the paint from scratches. Read the rest of this entry »