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New Car: 2010 Mercedes C-Class Executive SE

Mercedes has thrown a number of extras at the C-class to create a special edition Executive SE model.

Based on the manual C180 BlueEfficiency SE, it is offered as both a saloon and estate.

Externally, the Executive SE gets the three-pointed star in its grille, usually only seen on the Sport model, new 16-inch alloys and chrome exhaust tips.

Inside, the car gets a multimedia system that includes sat-nav and voice control, with a multi-function steering wheel.

The Executive SE will cost £574 more than the standard car at £23,190.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Mercedes Plans SLS AMG Black Series

AMG has kicked off development of a powered-up and pared- down version of its soon-to-be-launched SLS following an official green light from Mercedes-Benz chairman Dieter Zetsche.

The new German super-coupe, tentatively due to go into limited production in 2013, is planned to join an exclusive range of Mercedes-Benz performance cars wearing the AMG Black Series name at a price, Stuttgart insiders hint.

It will add at least 50 per cent to the standard SLS’s UK price of around £155k - a move that looks set to pitch it into direct competition with the recently upgraded Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano fitted with Maranello’s latest handling package upgrades.

Describing the SLS AMG Black Series - plans for which have existed ever since a decision was made in 2006 to revive the Gullwing - Mercedes-Benz insiders have told Autocar it will be differentiated from the standard SLS in very much the same vain as the Chevrolet ZR1 is removed from the Chevrolet C06.

At the heart of the go-fast Gullwing is a reworked version of the SLS’s M159 engine. The 6.2-litre V8, already far removed from similar-sized and configured units found in other AMG models, kicks out 563bhp and 479lb ft of torque in standard guise.

For the SLS AMG Black Series, however, its reserves are set to be raised beyond 600bhp and 500lb ft through the inclusion of a larger air manifold, higher compression ratio, reprofiled camshafts and other unspecified tweaks.

“We’re not at the limit with what’s out there the moment. There’s still a good deal more to come from the engine,” says AMG engine boss Friedrich Eichler. “We’re saving the best until last.”

The uprated V8 will continue to place drive through the SLS’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to the rear wheels, with a mechanical locking differential set to be included as part of the upgraded driveline package.

Despite running similar gearing, the added engine reserves, together with detailed aerodynamic tweaks and a 50kg reduction in kerb weight, promise to bring the 0-62mph time down from the standard car’s claimed 3.8sec to under 3.5sec, while raising top speed from 195mph to 208mph.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

A new prancing horse has just bolted into view. Our spy photographers caught the first development prototype for the new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti – and it’s going to be bigger, more powerful, yet more economical than ever.

Take a close look at this test mule’s profile and you’ll see a few extra inches have been added to the front wings. This indicates a longer wheelbase and more space inside for the four occupants.

Under that huge bonnet bulge lies a new 6.0-litre version of the current car’s 5.7-litre V12, updated with direct injection to boost power from 540bhp to 600bhp. Performance will be blistering, with the 0-60mph sprint taking less than four seconds and a top speed of 200mph.

The car will feature a development of the seven-speed double-clutch gearbox first seen on the California – with which the newcomer shares its stacked exhaust pipes. The set-up will work in tandem with the direct-injectction technology to slash CO2 emissions and increase fuel returns.

To answer criticism of the current car’s looks, designers are working on a sleeker, less controversial body to clothe this technology. The new Ferrari is due on sale in 2011, priced at around £225,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

First Sketch: 2011 Mitsubishi cX

Mitsubishi has become the latest company to join the cross-over craze! This official sketch reveals the production version of the hatchback/SUV mix 'cX' concept which was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007.

The sketch shows that the production model has stayed true to the design of the original concept, with the same aggressive lights, fighter-jet style grille and rising waist-line.

Under the bonnet, power is expected to come from a range of naturally aspirated four cylinder engines, with the flagship cX possibly toting a turbocharged powerplant.

The cX will be officially unveiled at he 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Halloween Hair Accessories

If you are planning to be Cleopatra or Egyptian goddess this coming Halloween, be sure to check out New York Nat's Egyptian inspired hair accessories. They come in fuchsias, emeralds and golds with accents of Swarovski crystals.



See the rest of the collection and prepare to be a head-turner this Halloween!

Lady Gaga Makes The Whole World Gaga In Flair Magazine

Lady Gaga will make the whole world go gaga on November 9 when the December 2009 issue of Flare Magazine hits the news stands. What do you think of her pink wig?