Mercedes Announces 2012 E-Class AMG Wagon

Technology News - On Thursday, Mercedes officials confirmed the presence of the 2012 E63 AMG wagon in the North American lineup. Coming in October, AMG’s version of this people and grocery-getter will get a biturbo 5.5-liter V8 that features direct injection with 518 horsepower and practically the same amount of torque. If that kind of output is too weak for a prospective customer, Mercedes dealers will happily provide a higher-performance package that will provide 550 horsepower and almost 600 lb-ft. of torque.

As with the E-Class sedan, the AMG wagon will have efficiency-improving start-stop technology in conjunction with a 7-speed transmission. 19-inch wheels are standard, but only the wagon will have a panoramic roof as standard.

The decision to reinstate the wagon in the North American lineup is likely due to the fact that Mercedes wagons engender a lot of loyalty from its owners, who are among the wealthier customers in the Mercedes demographic. [source]

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Five-star safety rating for camry, Hybrid camry

Technology News - Toyota Australia’s Camry and Hybrid Camry have been awarded the maximum five-star crash rating by ANCAP.

As one measure of safety, ANCAP – the Australasian New Car Assessment Program – plays an important role in providing information to potential customers.

The five-star rating confirms that Camry and Hybrid Camry, both produced here in Australia, are strong cars that provide excellent protection for occupants.

The result is not a surprise because the company’s own extensive tests ensure all Toyota vehicles meet or exceed safety standards in every country in which they are sold.

The Camry range also offers advanced safety features that are not activated during ANCAP crash-testing.

Every Camry is fitted with vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-skid brakes – features which have been shown to help save lives.

Camry also has six airbags, including curtain-shield airbags that help protect front and rear-seat occupants in a side-on crash.

The five-star rating for the Camry range applies from May production. [Source]
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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Most efficient Chevrolet

Technology News - Chevrolet Cruze Eco, is introduced at the 2010 New York Auto Show is designed to be a model of the most fuel efficient in the lineup, delivering estimated 40 mpg on the highway with the standard six-speed manual transmission.
Eco Cruze will feature:
- 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine with variable valve timing.
- Lower air shutter front grille that closes at higher speeds to enhance aerodynamics and open at a lower speed for the engine-cooling air flow to optimize.
- upper grille has a more "closeouts"
to improve aerodynamics.
- An extension of the front air dam is lower, extensive use of panel underbody and rear spoiler enhance aerodynamics.
- A lowered ride height improve aerodynamics.
- Unique 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels.
- Ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires.
Eco Cruze will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010. [Source]
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