Mercedes hints again at Maybach SUV

Mercedes-Maybach GLS render / RM Design

Could be offered with hybrid setup

Mercedes-Benz vice-president of SUVs Wolf Dieter-Kurz
said a Maybach-branded SUV is under consideration.

Bentley is preparing to launch its first ever SUV called "Bentayga" while Rolls-Royce is also working on their first
high-riding model so it shouldn't come as a surprise that Daimler is
analyzing the prospects of coming out with an ultra-luxurious SUV. Likely to be
green-lighted for production, the model in question will be part of the
Mercedes-Maybach division and is going to be based on the GLS (GL facelift).

It will join the Mercedes-Maybach
S-Class and according to Wolf Dieter-Kurz it will likely be offered
as a hybrid, probably with an adaptation of the hardware found inside the GLE
500e. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS will likely come with a longer wheelbase granting
a more spacious interior cabin which should be even more luxurious compared to
the regular GLS. On the outside, expect a Maybach-specific grille, wheels and
the compulsory badges.

There's no word about a price tag, bust obviously it will
cost more than the current GL which kicks off at 74,285 for the GLE 350
BlueTEC 4MATIC version and from 76,160 for the GLE 400 MATIC. We won't be too
surprised if the Maybach GLS will hover over the 110,000 mark for the base engine.

As a final note, Wolf Dieter-Kurz said other models could benefit from the Maybach treatment, and chances are he was referring to the next generation E-Class.

Note: Mercedes-Maybach GLS render by RM Design pictured.

Mercedes GLC spied thinly camouflaged

Mercedes-Benz GLC spy photo / IndianAutosBlog

To be revealed in June

The Mercedes-Benz GLC
has been photographed testing ahead of its official debut, reportedly set for
June this year.

The successor of the
GLK will have a far more stylish design and judging by this spy photo it will
also be slightly bigger. Previous spy photos revealed the interior of the
machine will be heavily influenced by the C-Class with a tablet-style central
display and three round air vents on the center console.

Riding on the MRA platform,
the vehicle will borrow its engine lineup from the C-Class and most of its
hardware. Mercedes-Benz already announced a crossover coupe based on the CLC will debut later this month at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The GLC is expected to
receive the AMG treatment later in its lifespan, probably getting a twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter unit. The new SUV will also be offered in LHD and
RHD drive configuration, which means It will be commercialized in new markets,
including UK, Australia, Japan and India.

Mercedes confirms their pickup will be built by Nissan

Mercedes-Benz Vans concept

Daimler and Renault-Nissan have confirmed the upcoming Mercedes pickup truck will be loosely based on the Nissan NP300 / Navara.

Set to be built by Nissan - at plants in Barcelona, Spain and Cordoba, Argentina - the Mercedes pickup will use some of the architecture that underpins the NP300.  However, it will be designed and engineered to meet the specific needs of Mercedes' customers.

The companies were coy on specifications but confirmed the model will be offered in a double cab configuration.  They also said the truck will have "all of Mercedes Benz' distinctive characteristics and features."

In a statement, Daimler Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche said "Entering the rapidly growing segment of midsize pickups is an important step in continuing our global growth path. Thanks to our well-established partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, we are able to drastically reduce the time and cost to enter this key segment."

His sentiments were echoed by Renault-Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn who said "Thanks to our cooperation with Daimler on this project, we will be able to share the cost of investment at the Cordoba plant, while at the same time open up new markets in the Latin American region for the Renault-Nissan Alliance."  He added, "This project will also allow us to optimize production capacity at the Barcelona plant and enhance our competitiveness in an important segment."

Vauxhall Viva pricing announced, goes on sale this summer

Opel Karl / Vauxhall Viva

Vauxhall has announced the 2015 Viva will be priced from 7,995 when it goes on sale in the United Kingdom this summer.

Despite its small price tag, the Viva SE comes equipped with fog lights, power windows and a multifunction steering wheel. 

The model also has an assortment of safety equipment including a tire pressure monitoring system and a lane departure warning system.  There's also traction control, cornering brake control, emergency brake assist and straight line stability control - just to name a few.

Drivers looking for something more eco-friendly can opt for the Viva SE ecoFLEX which starts at 8,170.  It features a front lip spoiler, a larger rear spoiler and ultra-low rolling resistance tires.

Moving up to the 9,495 Viva SL adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Morocanna seats and an electronic climate control system.  There's also a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth / USB connectivity and 15-inch alloy wheels.

All the aforementioned models are powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 75 PS (55 kW). It enables the SE and SL variants to return 62.8 mpg UK, while the SE ecoFLEX returns 65.7 mpg UK.

Check out the press release for additional information

Porsche Panamera Edition 2015

Visit Porsche Panamera Edition 2015 for full details.

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Wave Concept

Amidst rumors that it may axe the Beetle as part of its plan to reduce manufacturing costs, Volkswagen brought a quartet of concept cars to the 2015 New York Auto Show, one of which was the Convertible Wave. Described as a vehicle "designed to enjoy the summer, whether in the Hamptons or in Santa Monica," the Wave Concept is as production ready as they get, sporting special color, a couple of bespoke exterior features and an interior inspired by surfing.

The Germans didn't say whether the Beetle Wave will become a production car or remain just a study, but they did point out that "vehicles like the Beetle Dune that was shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2014 demonstrate how Volkswagen can create production models from such concepts very rapidly." Could the Wave Concept spawn a limited-edition Beetle? Guess we'll just have to wait to find out.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Wave Concept.

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Wave Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 April 2015 12:00 EST.

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Infiniti Plans SUV Above The QX80

Having already expanded into the entry-level premium segment with the QX30 crossover, Infiniti is now considering to add a new large SUV to its lineup. According to Infiniti's executive design director Alfonso Albaisa, the SUV in question would be a flagship vehicle placed above the QX80, currently the brand's largest and most expensive offering.

"[The new SUV will be] something new... probably more in the portfolio of expansion than renovation," he told AutoGuide at the 2015 New York Auto Show. "There is the potential for people to pay more than they are for a car like the QX80," he added, hinting toward a six-figure sticker.

Although it already has the QX80 Limited as a high-grade rival for the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator, it seems Infiniti is actually pondering a larger and more expensive model to compete against the Premium and Platinum trims of the longer Cadillac ESV model. Albaisa didn't say how expensive this SUV would be, but he did indicate that Infiniti is considering at least one model priced from over $100,000.

For the 2015 model year, Infiniti's most expensive models are the Q60 IPL Convertiblefrom $62,100, and the QX80 from $63,250. A fully loaded QX80 comes in at a little over $90,00.

Continue reading to learn more about Infiniti's future SUV.

Infiniti Plans SUV Above The QX80 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 April 2015 16:00 EST.

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