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Mercedes Benz LKS 2012 solar roof to be unveiled at Geneva Auto Salon 2011

When it went on sale in the United States in 2005, the E-class–based CLS popularized the “four-door coupe” shape via a plunging roofline and a slim greenhouse, and would earn 40,000 sales in the U.S. over the next five years. It also spawned a number of copycat designs such as the Audi A7, the Volkswagen CC, and the Jaguar XF.

The second-generation CLS, which goes on sale here early next summer as a 2012 model, isn’t as pretty as the first one. The new body is a mixture of unimpeachable proportions and jarring design details. The overall envelope is elegant, but Mercedes embroiders it with brash details such as aggressive air scoops around the front bumper and sharp creases along the flanks.

As with virtually every car that comes to market these days, the CLS is bigger than the vehicle it replaces. The wheelbase has grown from 112.4 inches to 113.2, and the overall length is now 194.5 inches, up from 193.6. The car is slightly taller and wider, at 55.8 and 74.1 inches, respectively. The running gear comes from the new E-class sedan, but the CLS has a slightly wider track in front and back.

Although it’s still a striking car, the CLS places equal emphasis on its bevy of safety features. There are nine standard airbags and no fewer than 12 assistance systems. New among these are three active systems to help with parking, staying in the appropriate lane, and monitoring blind spots. The ­latter doesn’t merely alert a driver to a car in a blind spot; it uses the brakes to tug the CLS away from an approaching vehicle.
More important to enthusiasts, Mercedes is using its new 4.7-liter, direct-injection twin-turbo V-8 in place of a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter engine. (It seems that Mercedes’ naming conventions have followed BMW’s lead, in that they tell you ­absolutely nothing about what’s underhood.) This engine made its debut in the CL550, where it was rated at 429 horsepower. In the CLS, the power is down to 402, although that’s still 20 more horses than in the previous CLS550. The old engine made 391 pound-feet of torque, which grows here to 443, available from 1600 rpm.
Mercedes claims the twin-turbo engine is 10 to 15 percent more fuel efficient, thanks to the smaller displacement, direct injection, and a stop-start system that will not come to the U.S. on this engine, instead waiting to appear on the upcoming AMG model. The engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive will be available later. Performance should remain similar to that of the previous model; the last CLS550 we tested managed the 0-to-60-mph sprint in 4.7 seconds. But by  the middle of next year when the car launches here, it’s likely that Mercedes also will introduce the CLS63 with a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 making about 550 horsepower.

Compared with the previous model, the new CLS interior provides a little more shoulder room (up by 0.9 and 0.5 inch, front and rear), thanks to slimmer door trim. The interior quality is also better, with actual metal rather than plastic on some of the switches, real wood panels, and gorgeous, thick leather. The old, fiddly COMAND ­system used to access the navigation, audio, and telematics is gone, replaced by an iDrive-style controller. Overall, the quality and ambience come close to those of the S-class.
Over the road, the CLS550 provides something similar to the E550 experience—which is to say, biased toward luxury rather than sport. The engine sounds good, but it’s very muted, and under full throttle the V-8 growl fades beneath a blanket of turbo whoosh. The power delivery is sensational, though, with no perceptible turbo lag.

The air suspension and continuously variable damping combine for a plush highway ride. Ultimately, however, it lacks a convincing degree of athleticism: Though precise and linear, the new electric power steering provides far more feedback than does the chassis, which is pretty inert.

The CLS is still an expressive machine, and it remains a stylish alternative to an E550 sedan. We just wish it had a little more fire. Perhaps the upcoming CLS63 AMG will satisfy  that desire.

ludruk

Volkswagen Touareg II: Royal GT 470 by Hofele Design

Hofele Design has unveiled a new tuning program for the Volkswagen Touareg II.

Dubbed the Royal GT 470, the package features a revised grille, modified fascias, wheel arch extensions and a stainless steel four-tailpipe exhaust system. Customers can also order an electric lowering module (which reduces the ride height by 40mm when parked or traveling at speeds less than 80 kph /50 mph) and 20- to 22-inch alloy wheels.

Under the hood, the 3.0-liter TDI engine can be equipped with a revised ECU which enables it to produce 275 PS (202 kW / 271 hp) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 35 PS (26 kW / 35 hp) and 80 Nm (59 lb-ft). Thanks to the extra power, the SUV can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 229 km/h (142 mph).

The Audi A1 by Senner Tuning

Following its previous package for the A1, Senner Tuning has a new program for the Audi A1 that boosts power even higher than on its earlier make-over.

This time, output on the 1.4 TFSI (coupled with the S-Tronic 7-speed, dual-clutch gearbox) is boosted up to 165 PS (121 kW / 163 bhp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. The previous tuning was good for 115 kW (156 PS / 154 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).

Senner Tuning also adds a new exhaust system with double 90 mm end pipes and a KW suspension lowering kit.

This particular tuning job pictured here has the A1 dressed in brown with Amalfi White accents for the mirrors, roof arches and those 19-inch rims - called the Barracuda Tzunamee (Tsunami) which come in dimensions 9 x 19 inches wrapped with 225/35R19 tires.

For the interior upgrade, Senner Tuning provides a multifunction steering wheel, a finish in velvet beige and black as well as floor mats with their own logo.

The total package, car included, cost €36,590.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK by Carlsson

German tuner Carlsson has a new tuning program for the Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Starting things off under the hood of this iconic cabrio, Carlsson has developed a new C-Tronic kit, with different stages of output boosts, for the new range of CGI engines that go into the SLK.

For the SLK 200 CGI with a standard output of 184 PS (135 kW / 181 PS) - the C-Tronic tuning can dial that up to a maximum of 224 PS (165 kW / 221 bhp). There's also a less powerful boost up to 211 PS (155 kW / 208 bhp).

For the SLK 250 CGI - power gets bumped up to a maximum of 239 PS (176 kW / 236 bhp) from the series' 204 PS (150 kW / 201 bhp).

For aerodynamics/styling Carlsson has a new front lip spoiler and grille inserts made from electropolished stainless steel. At the rear there's the diffuser insert and rear spoiler which increase contact pressure at the rear axle.

Carlsson also lowers the suspension on the SLK by up to 30 mm and adds new wheels with rims offered between 18- to 20-inches in size.

On the inside, Carlsson provides personalized matching beading and stitching with a choice of leathers that include Carlsson Nappa, Carlsson Nappa Exclusive and Carlsson Nappa Exclusive Heavy Weight. The basic upholstering package does the seats, headrests and inside door panels. Carlsson also adds brushed-aluminum pedal pads with its own logos, as well as its own gear shifter. Accent trims come in "Alcantara appliques", carbon or fine wood inserts.