LA Auto Show - Mercedes Benz Presentation

LA Auto Show - Mercedes Benz Presentation

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC//NOVEMBER 20-29, 2015

L.A. Auto Show 2015: Mercedes Benz GLS
By Brian Thevenot - LA Times

What is it?
A full-size, full-luxury, seven-seat people hauler. Mercedes calls it the “S-Class among SUVs.” The automaker hasn’t released pricing, the S-Class reference – the same one applied to its flagship sedan – likely signals the starting price will rise over the GL model it will replace, which starts in the mid-$60,000 range. With options, figure easily six figures. An ultra-luxury Maybach model is also planned.

Why it matters:
Luxury sport utility vehicles are among the hottest and most competitive segments in the auto industry, and the GLS could be among the highest-caliber offerings. If it truly matches the luxury and performance of the S-Class sedan, it will be a formidable competitor.

What’s new:
A full range of powerful gas and diesel engines carry on in similar form, some with decent bumps in power. The top-line performance GLS63 gets a whopping 577 horsepower, 27 more than on the previous model. A lot of extras and details have been upgraded, including Dynamic Select transmission modes; Airmatic air suspension; a 9-speed automatic transmission; a redesigned exterior and lights all around; redesigned center console; and a range of new lightweight alloy wheels.

The competition:
Lexus GX and LX, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, BMW X5. In Maybach trim, the GLS could rival the ultra-luxury Bentley Bentaga and an expected SUV offering from Rolls Royce.

The details:
Powertrain: 3.0-liter V6 diesel; 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo; 4.7-liter V8 Biturbo; 5.5-liter AMG Biturbo

Transmission: 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic; AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic

Fuel economy: not released; 2015 version gets 13 to 19 mpg city/17 to 26 mpg highway, depending on engine choice.

Horsepower: 255; 362; 449; and 577 for the respective engines

Torque: 455; 369; 516; 561 pound-feet

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L.A. Auto Show 2015: 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster
By Charles Fleming - LA Times

What is it:
Mercedes is refreshing the vaunted SL line, adding a 450 version to the 550 and two AMG models, bringing a slightly more affordable entry-level car to this high-end division.

Why it matters:
In a strengthening economy, the luxury sports car segment is hot again. Porsche is coming out with a revised 911 line. BMW has refreshed its 7-Series. Jaguar is pushing forward with its XE. Mercedes is adding more power, performance and luxury to the SL line. Horsepower figures for the four models range from 362 on the SL450, 449 for the SL550, 577 for the AMG SL63 and a whopping 621 for the AMG SL65.

What's new:
The SL line has a new lower, sleeker face with a more steeply sloped radiator grille. Short A-pillars and a long hood enhance the race car look.

The competition:
Porsche 911, Aston Martin Vantage, Jaguar XE

The details:
Powertrain: BiTurbo engines ranging in size from 3.0 liters on the 450 to 6.0 on the AMG SL65

Transmission: 9-speed automatic in SLs, AMG Speedshift in AMGs

Fuel economy: N/A

Horsepower: 362 to 621

Torque: 369 to 738

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http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/laautoshow/la-fi-hy-la-auto-show-mercedes-benz-gls-html-20151111-htmlstory.html

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/laautoshow/la-fi-hy-la-auto-show-mercedes-benz-sl-roadster-20151117-htmlstory.html

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/events/autoshow#module-5

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... notes from The EDJE


TAGS: L.A. Auto Show, 2015, Mercedes Benz, GLS, SL, Roadster, AMG, The EDJE, LA Times

L.A. Auto Show – Hyundai Showcases “Hyundai Blue Drive”

Hyundai HED-5 "i-Mode" Concept Makes North American Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show with new Eco-friendly Powertrain. Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Company

Los Angeles Auto Show – Hyundai Showcases “Hyundai Blue Drive”

Hyundai featured its proprietary fuel cell technology at the Los Angeles Auto Show today, highlighting its Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) as part of the company’s “Hyundai Blue Drive” sustainability effort. The Tucson FCEV recently celebrated the successful completion of a 13-day, cross-country road trip which served as the first significant U.S. test for the Hyundai-developed fuel cell stack.

Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Company

The nearly 4,300 mile event, called the Hydrogen Road Tour 2008, featured nine auto manufacturers and was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the California Fuel Cell Partnership, National Hydrogen Association and U.S. Department of Transportation.

Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Company

The Tucson FCEV exceeded expectations throughout the event, demonstrating again that zero-emission vehicles can operate in real-world driving conditions. The vehicle recorded exceptional range of 185 miles per refueling, and achieved top speeds of 95 mph.

Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai revealed plans for its first U.S. market gas-electric full hybrid (to be offered in the next-generation Sonata), introduced a sleek crossover concept powered by a turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, and announced future high-mileage editions of the Accent and Elantra.

Hyundai announced the launch of Blue Drive, an environmental initiative which will bring to market a family of eco-friendly Blue Drive products.

Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Company

With Blue Drive products and technologies, Hyundai will be able to achieve a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon by 2015, five years ahead of government requirements.

Available photo material includes still images of Hyundai Blue Drive Chassis, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle and HED-5 i-Mode unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

… notes from The EDJE