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Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept [Video]The new 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept represents the latest in armored patrol vehicle technology and has made its debut at the recent EUROSATORY 2010 defense industry trade show.

Bob Lutz Hints Camaro Z28 is Dead Again

发表者 ddgg 7/11/09


Only hours into his latest tenure at General Motors, Bob Lutz was back at what he does best, namely, slipping product information to the media and giving enthusiasts a reason to believe in the beleaguered auto company.


The Z28 was rumored to be Chevy’s answer to the Ford Mustang GT500, and would likely have been powered by the supercharged LSA engine found in the Cadillac CTS-V. It was apparently put on hold due to both cost constraints and concerns about the blatant political incorrectness of building a gas-guzzling, super pony car.


"The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet. It is kind of too good to waste," Lutz told the mag. As for the G8 being "too good to waste": Amen to that, Bob. This also makes us wonder if law enforcement-grade models will be part of the deal with Holden to continue production. Chevy Caprice police cars? That's got a very familiar ring to it. The next question is whether a U.S. Caprice would mimic the Middle East-market Caprice, which is based on the long-wheelbase Holden Caprice/Statesman, or whether it will simply be a Chevy-badged version of the standard-wheelbase Holden Commodore/Pontiac G8/Chevrolet Lumina. Frankly, as long as there's ultimately a Caprice SS that is identical to the Pontiac G8 GXP in every critical way, we don't care.


"When we went through design and looked at the future product, the procession stopped at the model of the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe," Lutz told us. "I think that some of these guys are personally going to buy CTS-V Coupes."

Lutz also noted that a CTS-V Wagon is still a possibility, saying, "I think that'd be fun. I'm sure we'll build at least one."
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Chrysler to keep 3rd shift at Ontario plant

发表者 ddgg


Earlier this spring as Chrysler stumbled toward bankruptcy court, one of the announced cost-cutting decisions was the elimination of the third shift at the Windsor assembly plant. That's the factory that produces the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Caravan and Volkswagen Routan minivans. According to Ken Lewenza, president of the Canadian Auto Workers union, the company has reversed course and will keep the third shift operational. Preserving the final shift will prevent 1,200 layoffs at the factory.


Chrysler recently emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States by selling most of its good assets to Fiat SpA. It said in March it planned to cut the shift as part of an effort to restructure its operations in the face of slumping sales.


Chrysler said it needed the labor deal to clinch its alliance with Fiat and to secure low-interest loans from governments in Canada and the United States. If a deal had not been reached, the company said it would have had to liquidate its Canadian operations.


The change was made possible by a revised labor deal agreed to this spring, which cut $207 million in annual costs. Earlier this year, the plant "temporarily" ceased building the Routan for Volkswagen due to slow sales. According to VW of America communications director Steve Keyes, the Routan will live on as well. Keyes tells Autoblog "We will be introducing the 2010 MY vehicle this Fall and continue work on future models. Our goal was to capture 5 percent of the segment and we're meeting that target."
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Video: All-new Jaguar XJ – Launch Film

发表者 ddgg 7/9/09


The all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ has finally been revealed, and it's a big departure for the Leaping Cat crew from Coventry. Sure, it shares a number of outward similarities with the already-available XF, but benefits from being designed after the drop dead gorgeous C-XF concept (unlike the production XF). And it certainly doesn't look like anything like the outgoing XJ, which may only be around seven years old but visually it comes off as much older.


If you haven't already read about our time spent with the new XJ in England last month, go do that first. Afterwards, you can follow the jump to view nine videos just released by Jaguar about its new large car. Included are general driving and beauty shots, footage of the interior and interviews with Ian Callum and other top Jaguar execs.



Plus, we've expanded our high-res gallery below with official photos from today's launch event... just why is a dapper looking Jay Leno smiling so wryly? Finally, if you're wondering how much you need to raid your 401k and couch cushions for, you'll want to check out Jag's official pricing by clicking here.
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All-new Jaguar XJ – Launch Film


Driving and Beauty Shots


Exterior Views


Interior Views


Technology


Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars Ltd

Mick Mohan, Programme Director, Jaguar Cars Ltd


Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars Ltd


New Jaguar XJ manufacturing plant at Castle Bromwich, UK



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G-POWER M3 E46 and Z4M with 450 hp

发表者 ddgg

Tuning firm G-Power has created a new performance package for the BMW M3 E46.

G-Power BMW M3 E46

Dubbed the SK I supercharger system, the package consists of a large ASA TM I 20 centrifugal supercharger which enables BMW's 3.2-liter inline-six to produce 450 hp and 450 Nm of torque (up from 343 hp/365 Nm). Thanks to the additional 107 hp, the G-Power M3 E46 accelerates from 0-200 km/h in 14.7 seconds, which beats the 15.8 second time posted by BMW's 420 hp V8-powered M3 E92.

G-Power BMW M3 E46

If G-Power's 20-inch "Silverstone diamond" alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires are also ordered with the SK I supercharger system, the M3 E46's top speed increases to more than 300 km/h (186 mph). Other optional equipment includes a high performance stainless steel muffler and a continuously height-adjustable G-POWER coil-over suspension with nine selectable settings.
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G-Power BMW M3 E46



Press Release

G-POWER M3 E46 and Z4M with 450 hp

450 hp for the BMW M3 E46 and Z4M, that's quiet impressive. The G-POWER SK I supercharger system provides the 3.2 l straight cylinder engine from the BMW M GmbH with the necessary boost to push the output from standard 343 hp/365 Nm to awesome 450 hp/450 Nm. 20 inch G-POWER "SILVERSTONE DIAMOND" alloy wheels with MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres in the dimensions 245/30 ZR 20 and 285/25 ZR 20, G-POWER coil-over suspension and a stainless steel sport rear muffler featuring the legendary G-POWER "DEEPTONE" technology complete the G-POWER package for the two M-cars.

After getting the BMW E46 scene ecstatic with the 550 PS strong G-POWER M3 with integrated 5.0l M5 V10 engine, by the way the only one on the market, G-POWER launches another product for serious performance upgrade for the BMW M3 E46 and Z4M, that will fascinate the M- enthusiasts. Being the leading manufacturer of after market supercharger systems for BMW automobiles it is no surprise that G-POWER naturally relies on forced induction for its new product based on the premium superchargers from ASA.

And the result is awesome! Despite the fact that G-POWER did not go for the expensive compression reducing forged pistons and even the exhaust system stays untouched, reliable 450 hp and 450 Nm of torque could be realized for the BMW M3 E46 and Z4M.

The secret behind this power explosion under the bonnet of the G-POWER M3 E46 and Z4M is the large ASA TM I 20 centrifugal supercharger. By the way, the ASA superchargers are being used in the ALPINA models B5S, B6S and B7 as well, just like the ALPINA B6 GT3 race car, in witch the chargers could state there impressive quality and reliability during in this year's 24th hour race in the "Green Hell" of the Nürburgring! The exclusive use of components meeting OEM standards is one of the basic elements of the G-POWER philosophy and one of the secrets for the extraordinary quality, reliability and performance of the G-POWER products.

Of course a 107 hp additional power leave its marks at the performance figures. The figure from stand still to 200 km/h improves from standard 18,1 seconds to impressive 14,7 seconds. Not bad for a car that has been introduced almost 10 years ago and now is even quicker than the current 420 hp strong BMW M3 V8 with its 15,8 seconds.

Accompanying measures in regards of wheels, suspension and exhaust system complete the G-POWER program for the BMW M3 E46 and Z4M.

Together with the 20 inch G-POWER "SILVERSTONE DIAMOND" alloy wheels set and the MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres a top speed of more than 300 km/h is achievable. The G-POWER SILVERSTONE alloy wheels have been exclusively designed for the current BMW models. Due to the successful combination of double spokes and the "concave design" typical of G-POWER they separate the BMW M3 E46 and Z4M form the rest of the mass production. The G-POWER "diamond cut" provides for the fascinating dynamic appearance of the G-POWER SILVESTONE rim, in contrast to the silver-graphite coated rim body and the bolt applications of stainless steel. An additional feature of the G-POWER SILVERSTONE rim is its weight-optimised design that allows a low rim weight with the same stability, compared to other standard wheels. A perceptibly improved impression of convenience and a considerably increased agility accompany the minimisation of the unsprung mass: advantages of the G-POWER SILVERSTONE rim, which you can factually experience especially in combination with the low-profile tyres from MICHELIN in the dimension 245/30 ZR 20 and 285/25 ZR 20. Further improvement of the road handling is realized through the continuously height-adjustable G-POWER coil-over suspension RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

Not included in the G-POWER SK I supercharger system for the BMW E46 M3 and Z4M, but still worth a second thought, is the G-POWER sports rear muffler. This rear muffler is completely hand made out of stainless steel on the in- and outside and grants for a perfect fit thanks to OEM standard product quality. Though when you fire up the engine and the throaty G-POWER sound emerges the 4 x 76 mm end pipes of the G-POWER sports rear muffler, all those attributes are swept aside. The sound is strong in low revs and is getting more and more aggressive the higher you rev. With this setup the G-POWER sports rear muffler underlines perfectly the significantly increased power of the BMW M3 E46 and the Z4M. The patented G-POWER "DEEPTONE" technology is responsible for this extraordinary sound pattern.



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'Personality traits' of automobiles studied

发表者 ddgg


The styling of your vehicle makes a statement, of course. Designers spend years perfecting the craft of automotive sculpture, and are finely attuned to what types of shapes and conventions send a given message. Now, the researchers want to move in and figure out how to express what the artists already know with a scientific approach called morphometrics.



The practice of shape analysis, usually used for more classical studies like medicine and biology, is useful in improving healthcare equipment or possibly aiding in the identification of unknown remains.


People inherently look for faces and patterns, and the front of a car lends itself to being anthropomorphized. Professor Dennis Slice and his colleagues at Vienna University think the information gleaned from looking deeper into what the "faces" of various cars say – meek or mild appearance, for instance – and how to zero in on just what features will send the automaker's intended message. Of course, design teams already seem to be doing a good job of telling a story with design, with or without the newfangled algorithm. Possibly harder to nail down is the answer to the question of whether styling makes drivers behave differently, the next topic Slice and his team are tackling. Hat tip to Matt.
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2010 BMW 5-Series GT May Replace Wagon in U.S.

发表者 ddgg 7/8/09


BMW plans to launch the new 5-Series GT late this year. The first model to make its debut will be a 550i GT, outfitted with BMW's twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 engine. Six-cylinder versions, and GTs with xDrive all-wheel drive, will follow in 2010.


According to BMW's Martin Birkmann, head of product planning, "it's possible" that the hatchback 5-Series could be the replacement for the more traditional wagon. The new body style hasn't won many fans online in BMW forums, but it does give BMW a more visually distinctive vehicle to sell against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon, which also arrives in the U.S. in the next nine months.


BMW's controversially styled new 5-Series GT will be heading to U.S. showrooms later this year. When it does, it could take the place of the current 5-Series Wagon altogether.


MotorAuthority will have more on the new 5-Series GT from the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.


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Karmann saved by VW's multi-million euro order for electric vehicles

发表者 ddgg


Volkswagen has struck a deal worth "at least 10 million euros" with Wilhelm Karmann GmbH to keep the insolvent coachworks and specialty builder alive so it can reorganize a new company and "focus on building electric-powered cars." That's according to an unsourced report in the Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung that can be found on Bloomberg. A separate report on HLN.be says that the EV deal is worth 20 million euros, the fruits of which are expected to go on sale in 2011.


Earlier this year, Karmann showed off an EV concept called the E3 Limosine, co-developed with utility company Oldenburg Energy Group (EWE). Last October, Karmann said it would help build some of DuraCar's Quicc! DiVas EVs.
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Jay Leno filming Star in a Reasonably Priced Car for Top Gear?

发表者 ddgg


Citing an unnamed though supposedly reliable source, the boys at Jalopnik are reporting that Jay Leno – fresh from his appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where he's believed to have piloted an awesome McLaren F1 GTR up the hill – was spotted filming a Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment today with the blokes from Top Gear. What are the chances we'll get surprise appearances by Leno's Tank Car or EcoJet?


Assuming this rumor turns out to be true, we fully hope that Jay can properly represent American gearheads by outlapping Jamiroquai lead singer Jay Kay, who currently sits atop the Star leaderboard after knocking Simon Cowell off his perch as the quickest celebrity in Britain.


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Spy shots: Saab’s next-gen 9-5 takes shape

发表者 ddgg 7/7/09


The new 9-5 will be sourced from Opel’s Ruesselsheim plant in Germany with production tipped to start in the middle of the year. It will then make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show as a 2010 model.


Engine options will include a range of four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel units including a biofuel model. There will also likely by an AWD flagship model with a turbocharged petrol V6 displacing 3.6L and developing upwards of 350hp (261kW). Other engines will include a 210hp (157kW) 2.0L unit and mid-level 2.8L V6. A petrol-electric hybrid model is also expected.


Underneath the heavy camouflage of this prototype for the new 9-5 is a heavily revised version of GM’s FWD Epsilon II platform, which is also shared by Opel for its new Insignia range. To differentiate Saab as a premium product engineers will provide a stiffer suspension set-up, a new steering rack and a different range of electronics. The car’s wheelbase will stretch 2.84m, which is up 14cm on the current model, and the overall length will stretch just over 5m.


The Saab 9-5 is long overdue for an overhaul, with the current model first hitting the streets as far back as 1997. A totally redesigned model was rumoured to make an appearance last year but its release was pushed back due to limited resources at Saab and the introduction of the facelifted 9-3. Saab’s parent company General Motors has since confirmed that the car will now make its debut later this year.


The included computer generated rendering shows that designers will be sticking with the avant-garde styling of the original Aero X concept car, and will likely keep the protruding nose, large vents and sculpted bodywork. Other details will include a sleek, coupe-like profile and hatchback rear end. Earlier this month several images touted to be official shots of the car surfaced online. You can see them in our previous story by clicking here.
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U.S. Debut 2010 Porsche Panamera Gets Pebble Beach

发表者 ddgg


The debut coincides with Porsche's appearance as the featured marque at the historic races held at the Laguna Seca track. Porsche has also connected the debut with the Quail, one of the newer classic car concours to crop up over the Monterey weekend. At the host, the Quail Lodge, Porsche will bring in VIPs to test drive the Panamera and learn more about the new sedan. Finally, Porsche has also been granted a spot on the lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours itself.


The Panamera--in case you've been on another planet without Internet access for the past 24 months--is Porsche's first four-door sedan. A sports car with four seats, as Porsche describes it, the Panamera Gran Turismo (its official name) combines "sporting driving dynamics, a spacious interior, and the supreme comfort of a gran turismo," according to the German automaker.


The 2010 Porsche Panamera will have its North American debut this August, during the classic-car weekend in Monterey that hosts the annual Pebble Beach Concours, the Monterey Historics and the Quail.


The annual classic-car outing in Monterey takes place August 9-16. U.S. sales of the Panamera start on October 17, 2009.
Source:motorauthority

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Rex Accelero SLK 55 Widebody

发表者 ddgg

Rex Accelero SLK55 Widebody

Say a kind of mini SL65 AMG BS. Especially for people who do not have much money. The Californian Rex Accelerometer was a standard Mercedes SLK55 AMG apparently not exciting and striking enough.

Rex Accelero SLK55 Widebody

And so they Widebody variant but developed. Including the looks of the much larger (and stronger) SL65 AMG Black Series. And because they use lighter materials, the SLK is also further away. And it takes care of the makers that the weight distribution closer to the 50/50 ratio will be.

Rex Accelero SLK55 Widebody

Motor does not alte much changed. There is only one other air to pass. The complete kit costs $ 12,500 and is limited to 12 pieces. There is also a variant made of carbon. This set costs $ 14,000 and there are 5 built.

Rex Accelero SLK55 Widebody

In Widebody kit can also be mounted on an SLK with a smaller engine.
via autoblog

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Goodwood FOS 2009: Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M hillclimb with Video

发表者 ddgg


Ferrari showed off three of its latest supercars to fans at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Spectators were appropriately treated to a show of speed when the three Italian stallions completed the 1.16 mile Sunday Times Supercar Run hillclimb. Present were the Scuderia Spider 16M, the 599 GTB Fiorano with the HGTE package and the baby California.


The 510hp (375kW) Scuderia Spider swept over the hillclimb in a time of 59 seconds and there is video to prove it. Similarly the other two did well on the challenge and they too are on video to show it all off. Depending on who is asked the blue skies that prevailed through the weekend were quite welcome, although a few drops of rain might have made things even more spectator-friendly.


The California represents a completely new range for Ferrari. Under its bonnet blows a 4.3-litre V8 producing 460hp (338kW) and 485Nm of torque. First revealed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show the 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE was recently shaken down quite thoroughly by none other than one Michael Schumacher in a spectacular video. It is a race-spec road car with features like a stiffened suspension, modified damper settings and a new sport exhaust sound.
via:worldcarfans




Press Release

FERRARI SCUDERIA SPIDER 16M COMPLETES THE SUPERCAR RUN IN UNDER 1 MINUTE AT THE GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Ferrari showcased three of its latest supercars in the Sunday Times Supercar Runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed: the innovative Ferrari California, the remarkable 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package, and the limited edition Scuderia Spider 16M. To the appreciation of packed crowds which lined the hillclimb under gorgeous blue skies throughout the weekend, Ferrari fans were thrilled by the distinctive growl and bark of the V8 and V12 engines that make the Prancing Horse cars such a fan's favourite at this event.

In a remarkable demonstration of driving finesse and incredible agility, the Scuderia Spider 16M completed the 1.16 mile hillclimb in an incredible time of 59 seconds - and a video of this astonishing drive is available for download. It makes compelling viewing.

Also available for download are similar videos of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package and the Ferrari California, with an additional "over-the-shoulder" shot of the California which demonstrates the latest addition to the Ferrari range is every inch a true thoroughbred Ferrari. These videos are broadcast quality files which are available free of copyright for editorial purposes only.

In addition to the videos and images attached to this release, a further selection of images of all the Ferrari cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed are available from the Ferrari North Europe press office, including the three Ferrari cars participating in the Sunday Times Supercar Run, the Championship winning 2008 F1 driven by Marc Gene, and all the historical and classic cars on display or participating in other hillclimb categories.



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Lorinser celebrates the reunion with a tuned 450 SEL 6.9 W116

发表者 ddgg

1975 Lorinser Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 W116

Mercedes-Benz launched the 450 SEL 6.9 in the 1975. The super sedan was based on the W116 model series and as the range-topper it embodied fame, luxury, as well as power. Only for this model did Mercedes borrow the 6.9-litre V8 engine from the State 600 limousine which at the time was like the Rolls-Royce of Germany. Maximum torque was rated at 550Nm. That is quite massive even by today's standards. When new its peak power was 286hp (210kW).

1975 Lorinser Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 W116

Performance figures suggest this golden oldie can still hang out with some of the best from today. It goes from 0 - 100km/h in 7.4 seconds using its 205/55 VR 16 wheels and the 3-speed automatic gearbox. BBS furnished the multi-spoke wheels because at that point Lorinser did not produce its own. The engineers reckon wider tyres would probably help bring the sprint time down. Top speed is 225km/h.

1975 Lorinser Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 W116

The tuner says that although the car rides on a hydro-pneumatic suspension system and keeps the ride soothing, it still handles well for its age. Cornering is apparently quite safe and road grip is firm. The steering wheel is nimble as it gives the driver incentive to keep pushing.

1975 Lorinser Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 W116

Lorinser is now bringing the 450 SEL 6.9 into the attention of a new generation by reminding us of the kind of work the tuner completed on it back then. Wide square plastic aprons up front were installed in the place of the old slim chrome bumpers. It was the same for the rear which then featured more a copious shape with Lorinser double exhaust pipes.

1975 Lorinser Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 W116

There is no price provided but interested parties can contact Lorinser directly should they wish to acquire this unit.
via:worldcarfans

1975 Lorinser Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 W116 with 2009 S 500 W221



Press Release

Lorinser celebrates the reunion with a tuned 450 SEL 6.9 W116

Torque rocket from the wild 70s

By 1975 the USA had long mothballed its moon vehicles, as with the Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, W116 series the Germans unveiled a road rocket, whose thrust felt like it could easily rival a Saturn V. The constructors borrowed the engine from the basis of the powerful State limousine 600, which was equal to a Rolls-Royce in fame and luxury. From a gigantic 6,834 cubic centimetre capacity it wrung out 550Nm. At its time this was an absolute record for a car and in comparison still has enough, to achieve the decisive trump against a current S500. These are sports values which many people would hardly expect behind the "baroque" facade, even though the price of 70,000 Marks for the vehicle at that time represented the value of a commonhold flat. For everyone who didn't really want to restrain the concentrated power, Sportservice Lorinser even then offered an extra-portion of overtaking prestige. The Swabian tuner currently has a corresponding vehicle with modern tuning on show in the Classic Center at its car dealership in Waiblingen.

While the factory version of the W116 was a typical 70s car, thanks to the optical package from Lorinser it was able to make the jump to the modern era. The slim chrome bumpers, making the bodywork seem slim and flat, have been replaced by the technicians with wide, square plastic aprons at the front and rear. It almost seems as if the front spoiler with the racing grill insert and the integrated fog lights served as a prototype for Mercedes in the design of the next S-Class with the factory code W126. On the sides massive side sills form an arch to the rear, which has also gained in volume due to a new rear apron and on its left side boasts a massive double exhaust pipe from Lorinser. With a firm step on the accelerator you can hear the snorting of 286 horses (210kw), which manage the gallop from 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds in a three gear automatic. Unfortunately the tyres, which are thin for modern dimensions in 205/55 VR 16 format, limit the traction a little. On the other
hand the multi-spoke alloys are a real sight for sore eyes: They come from BBS, as in the 70s Lorinser did not offer its own wheels. The eight-cylinder, which like a real sports car has dry sump lubrication, permits a maximum of 225km/h. Even then the hydro-pneumatic suspension system of the S-Class, which is based on a French patent, offers a harmonic ride. For its age the Mercedes takes fast corners extremely coolly and can be controlled with the maximum-grip Lorinser steering wheel surprisingly nimbly. It is therefore a car which doesn't just invite cautious cruising.

Anyone who has now acquired a taste, cannot just wonder at the 450 SEL 6.9 on display, but can also purchase it.



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