William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 9, 2013 If you have been looking for a pickup that can tow a mansion with no sweat, Ram has the truck for you. Earlier this morning, Ram announced that the new 2013 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty will be able to tow a maximum weight of 30,000 pounds. To put that number into perspective, the Ram 3500 would be able to tow twelve Fiat 500s. Also, the 30,000 pound rating is 6,900 pounds more than the nearest competitors, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks. The 2013 Ram 3500 now boasts a Gross Combined Weight Rating 37,600 pounds. How were Ram engineers able to pull off this feat? Under the hood lies a upgraded 6.7L Cummins Turbo-Diesel that boasts a best in class 850 pound-feet of torque. There is also a stronger frame beefed-up transmission, brawnier transfer case, improved cooling system, larger front drive shafts, and U-joints. In addition, the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty gets the same improvements and sees its max tow rating grow to 18,350 pounds and Gross Combined Weight Rating to 25,000 pounds. Source: Ram Press Release is on Page 2 Ram to Build Most Capable Trucks Ever • Ram 3500 Heavy Duty's maximum trailer weight of 30,000 pounds far surpasses closest competitor's 23,100-pound max • 850 lb.-ft. Cummins Turbo Diesel is tops for torque • 37,600-pound Gross Combined Weight Rating leads all heavy-duty pickups • Ram 2500 leads all ¾-ton pickups • Ram Chassis Cab trucks also deliver best-in-class towing In the quest to build the most capable trucks available, Ram officially released class-leading towing and weight ratings for its 2013 line of Ram Heavy Duty pickups and Chassis Cab trucks. The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup will claim a 30,000-pound trailer capacity thanks to a new class-exclusive 50,000 pounds-per-square-inch, high-strength steel frame, improved transfer case, higher-load transmission, an upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with a best-in-class 850 lb.-ft. of torque and other significant driveline upgrades. Ram's closest competitor is limited to a 23,100-pound maximum trailer. "Ram Heavy Duty pickups deliver the attributes most important to H.D. pickup customers," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO -- Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. "Towing capability, reliability and engine performance are ranked first through third, respectively. The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks deliver all those things, as well as a low total cost of ownership. These are the most capable trucks we've ever built." The Ram 3500's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) -- which is defined by the maximum combined weight of the truck, payload and trailer -- has been raised to 37,600 pounds, which again far surpasses the closest competitor's 30,500-pound GCWR. Ram has increased the capability in its other truck models as well. For 2013, the Ram 2500 will also benefit from increased towing and GCWR. At 18,350 and 25,000, Ram 2500's towing and GCW ratings are also best among ¾-ton pickups. Ram Chassis Cab trucks also deliver maximum capability with best-in-class towing and GCWR figures 29,600 pounds and 37,500 pounds, respectively (5500 model). Ram Heavy Duty adds a number of new features for 2013, including a factory-integrated fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch mount, a 17,000-pound Class V hitch with 1,800 pounds of tongue weight, class-exclusive electronic stability control (ESC) for dual-rear-wheels and a new Center High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) –positioned camera, the first of its kind in the heavy-duty pickup category, to provide a full view of the bed for easier hook-up of fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers as well as monitoring cargo. For 2013, all Ram Heavy Duty diesels benefit from an all-new cooling system. A high-efficiency fan, dual radiators, dual transmission coolers and low-slung charge air cooler afford 25 percent more heat-rejection capacity. Lower operating temperatures deliver improved performance, durability and lower operating costs. Cummins Turbo Diesel-equipped Ram trucks also provide best-in-class 15,000-mile oil change intervals. Ram is also introducing an industry-exclusive Ram Active Air intake system. When the intake system senses extreme heat, it draws cooler air from the front of the vehicle – a function that also engages at high altitudes for superior throttle response in low oxygen environments. When conditions are wet from snow, ice or water-fording, the system pulls air from an under-hood inlet, clear from snow packing and water. Also among the upgrades for 2013, Ram Heavy Duty front drive shafts and U-joints are sized larger to align with the truck's new Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). To handle the best-in-class towing capability of the new Ram Heavy Duty, a new front and rear suspension system with advanced geometry builds upon the chassis improvements and greatly improves overall roll stiffness. An advanced three-link front suspension on the Ram 3500 is necessary for the vehicle's higher GVWR and for use with heavy front loads, including snow plows. Additionally, a newly designed Hotchkiss leaf spring rear suspension on the Ram 3500 offers improved ride and handling while delivering higher towing and payload capability.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 9, 2013 Mercedes-Benz's showing at Detroit Auto Show will be the refreshed E-Class lineup. By lineup, I'm talking about the E-Class sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, and AMG models. The overall exterior design has gone through a serious overhaul. The front end has a new, aggressive front fascia with large twin scoops outboard and one-piece headlights that contain LED strips that 'break' them into two parts. On the sedan and wagon, you have the choice of two grilles; a a luxury version that uses a three-bar grille topped by a three-pointed star ornament on the hood or a sport version which has a two-bar center grille with a large Mercedes emblem. The coupe and convertible stick with the sport version. Along the side, Mercedes-Benz's designers added a stronger character line that runs along the bottom of the doors. Inside, there are minor changes including a new dash cluster and head unit design. Being a Mercedes-Benz, there is a load of safety technologies. In the case of the 2014 E-Class, there are eleven new and enhanced safety systems including a Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera that can build a 3D view of what's ahead at a distance of up to 1,650 feet and feed that information to the vehicle. Under the hood, the E-Class sedan gets the widest variety of powertrains. E250 BlueTEC: 2.1L 4-cylinder turbodiesel: 190 horsepower, 369 pound-feet E350 Sedan: direct-injection 3.5L V6: 302 horsepower, 273 pound-feet E400 HYBRID Sedan: electric motor and direct-injection 3.5L V6: 27 horspower (electric) + 302 (gas) horsepower, 184 pound-feet (electric) + 273 (gas) pound-feet E550 4MATIC Sport Sedan: turbocharged direct-injection 5.5L V8: 402 hp, 443 lb.-ft. The E-Class wagon sticks with 3.5L V6 and AWD. The E-Class coupe and convertible stick with the 3.5L V6 and 5.5L V8. William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Album: 2014 Mercedes Benz E-Class 55 images 0 comments Press Releases on Page 2 and 3 The MY 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan & Wagon Stylish, Efficient, Intelligent MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz introduces the extensively updated 2014 E-Class Sedan and Wagon, featuring highly efficient engines, an array of new driver assistance systems and even more refined styling. No less than eleven new or optimized assistance systems from the future S-Class celebrate their world premiere in both the sedan and wagon models. They combine a host of comfort and safety features, referred to by Mercedes-Benz as "intelligent drive." These groundbreaking systems include technologies that can help prevent accidents with pedestrians or vehicles crossing in front, Active Lane Keeping Assist for avoiding collisions with oncoming traffic and anti-glare continuous high-beam headlamps. All this and more ensures that Mercedes-Benz maintains its pioneering role in vehicle safety. The new E-Class also takes a major step forward in terms of efficiency, thanks to the new four-cylinder diesel engine. An extensive package of design updates round-off the new and compelling features of the MY14 E-Class, delivering an accomplished combination of efficiency, intelligence and style. The 2014 E-Class Sedan and Wagon will be in U.S. showrooms this Spring. By conducting such a comprehensive redevelopment of the E-Class range, Mercedes-Benz is ensuring that its customers benefit from the very latest technical advances as soon as possible. The new E-Class also comes with distinctive updates in its styling for an elegant and sporty look, as well as significantly enhanced comfort features and upscale equipment, rounded-off by an exceptional level of efficiency and everyday driving pleasure. All of this comes together to ensure that the E-Class continues to consolidate its leading position in the luxury segment. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: "We are setting clear trends in terms of safety, design and efficiency with the new E-Class. It puts many technical innovations on the road and undoubtedly is the best E-Class ever. This also finds expression in its design and its carefully revised interior, which bring a breath of fresh air to the luxury class. The 'E' thus continues to hold its place at the very top of this demanding segment." Design – a choice of two new front-end styles Numerous intelligent modifications have given the E-Class a new front-end design and revised proportions. Designers applied the new Mercedes-Benz design language to reinterpret the brand's classic design values on the existing basis. The outcome is an elegant, refined and yet sporty look. The front end has been completely revised with new headlamps that incorporate all light functions within a single lens, while flowing light elements within the headlamps help to retain the "four-eyed" appearance that is such a distinctive E-Class signature. When it comes to light and sight, the E-Class sets the benchmark – low beam and daytime running lights both come with partial LED as standard, while full-LED headlamps are available as an option for the first time in this class. In another first, the MY14 E-Class is available with two different front-end designs. The Luxury version comes with the classic sedan grille with 3-louver look and star on the hood. The Sport version, on the other hand, features the sports grille with integrated star, forming a visual link to the brand's high performance sports car models. The hood and front bumper have also been completely redesigned. With its flowing lines, the hood offers a smooth, sleek expression of the new design language. The bumper has new, contemporary styling with an aerofoil shape along its lower edge for an even more distinctively sporting character. Sport models receive an even more confident front design, using the AMG styling package that features larger air intakes and a distinct aluminum trim line along the entire lower rim of the front bumper. Dynamic, elegant proportions A new feature line and a repositioned three-dimensional trim line bring new proportions to both the sedan and wagon. The feature line runs below the structure line from the rear door to the tail light, giving the car greater visual length. This is reinforced by the side trim, which is now much lower. The overall effect is to make the MY14 E-Class look longer and more elegant, and at the same time both dynamic and composed. Broad, distinctive rear end The rear end of the MY14 E-Class features modifications to the lights and the bumper. The new LED tail lamps have a horizontal design that emphasizes the width of the vehicle, while the two-tone look comes with a distinctive nighttime signature. Sport models feature exposed dual exhaust pipes. Premium interior The generously proportioned interior of the E-Class has been subtly revised and harmonized with the expressive exterior. Premium materials, precise lines and clearly defined surfaces combine to create a sophisticated overall look - and feel. A new feature is the two-part trim extending across the entire soft-touch dashboard, which is available in two wood finishes – burl walnut or black ash. Also new are the 3-tube instrument cluster, the trapezoidal head-unit display, the air vent design and the analogue clock between the two central vents. "Intelligent drive" with new assistance systems What started with PRE-SAFE® and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS® has emerged as a new dimension of driving at Mercedes-Benz, where comfort and safety merge into one. Mercedes-Benz calls this "intelligent drive." A whole host of new or optimized systems from the future S-Class celebrate their world premiere in the E-Class, delivering increased comfort and safety, such as the all-new DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist. The basis for all this is new state-of-the-art sensors and their associated algorithms. Mercedes-Benz has taken a major step forward with the introduction of the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera. Just like the previous Mono Multi-Purpose Camera, it is located on the windshield near the rearview mirror. However, this camera features two "eyes," set at an angle of 45 degrees to produce a three-dimensional view of the area up to 55 yards in front of the vehicle and with an overall range of up to 550 yards. The stereo camera gathers data for processing by various systems using intelligent algorithms. The systems can detect vehicles driving in front, oncoming or crossing and evaluate this three-dimensional visual information to determine their speed and position. They can also identify pedestrians within a large field of vision. Along with the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera, Mercedes-Benz is also introducing enhanced versions of the Multi-Mode Radar sensor system. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with Adaptive Brake Assist is standard equipment on both the sedan and wagon. It helps to reduce significantly the risk of a rear-end collision. Also part of standard equipment is ATTENTION ASSIST®, which now warns of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider range, and provides visual information on attention level and time driven since the last break. The sensitivity of the new generation ATTENTION ASSIST® can be adjusted by the driver. Also available are a number of assistance systems that are either new or now feature significantly enhanced functionality. In overview: - DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist can help the driver keep the vehicle centered in its lane and can semi-autonomously follow in-line traffic. - For the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS® with Cross-Traffic Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly. - The PRE-SAFE® Brake can now detect pedestrians as well and initiate autonomous braking. - PRE-SAFE® PLUS can identify an imminent rear-end collision and then prompt the PRE-SAFE® system to trigger occupant protection measures that reduce the forces exerted on passengers. If the vehicle is stationary, it can also prevent secondary accidents in the event of a rear-end collision by applying the brakes. - Active Lane Keeping Assist can now detect when the adjacent lane is not clear, including the presence of oncoming traffic, overtaking vehicles, crash barriers etc. Under threat of a collision, even if the lane marking is not a solid line, the system can prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side. This system pairs perfectly with Active Blind Spot Assist. - Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS allows high beam to remain permanently switched on without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams' cone of light. - Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake control in both parallel and perpendicular spaces - The Surround View Camera will cover all four sides of the vehicle and enable a 360-degree view including virtual bird's-eye perspective – a top view of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings. Dynamic guide lines help during parking and maneuvering. Excellent performance with high gas mileage Both the E-Class sedan and wagon boast a range of powerful and efficient gasoline and diesel engines. All come with the ECO start/stop system as standard equipment and are highly efficient. Mercedes-Benz offers the broadest range of ECO start/stop systems in the United States, as well as the most seamless, smooth, and unobtrusive algorithms. The gasoline engines offered in the MY14 E-Class are the highly successful V6 and V8 units in the E350 and E550, which will go on sale in Spring 2013. They combine excellent response characteristics and outstanding power delivery with exceptional efficiency. Powerful diesel engine and hybrid drive for outstanding efficiency New in the MY14 E-Class sedan is the incredibly efficient four-cylinder diesel engine powering the E250 BlueTEC with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, available Fall 2013. Compliant with emissions legislations in all fifty states, the latest diesel model from Mercedes-Benz shows that premium elegance and outstanding economy are not mutually exclusive. The E250 BlueTEC generates 190 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, replacing the V6-powered E350 BlueTEC engine that only was available with rear-wheel drive. A further feature of the MY14 E-Class range is the highly economical E400 HYBRID. Supplemented by an electric motor (27hp, 184 lb-ft), the E400 HYBRID offers the powerful and refined performance of the Mercedes-Benz 3.5-liter V6 (302hp, 273 lb-ft) paired with an outstanding gas mileage of 24/30 mpg (est. city/highway). New-generation transmission for dynamic and economical driving The engines in the MY14 E-Class are mated to the seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles. This latest evolution of the seven-speed transmission offers significant benefits in terms of efficiency and ease of maintenance. A new feature is the short-term M mode. If the driver shifts up or down manually, the transmission independently switches back to the fuel-efficient automatic shift mode after a pre-determined period of time elapses. Traction and stability can also be enhanced across the MY14 E-Class lineup with the 4MATIC® permanent all-wheel-drive system – particularly effective in challenging surface conditions. The E63 AMG sedan and wagon, launching in Fall 2013, comes with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed MCT and 4MATIC in the United States, delivering incredible performance. More technical details will follow in January 2013 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Refined suspension for excellent handling Mercedes-Benz offers three suspension configurations for the MY14 E-Class: - Configured for comfort, the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with stroke dependent damping system is the standard suspension setup for the Luxury model. - In the Sport model, the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with stroke dependent damping system is 15 mm lower and has a more sporty setup. - The E63 AMG comes with the AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension. All suspension variants feature outstanding sensitivity and ride characteristics and help to ensure an excellent level of road holding. All models in the MY14 E-Class lineup are fitted with an electromechanical Direct-Steer system as standard. This combines speed-sensitive power steering with a variable ratio across the steering angle range. The rack-and-pinion steering gear is controlled on-demand and therefore contributes towards efficiency. Advantages of the electromechanical Direct-Steer system include: - improved agility thanks to more direct steering response - comfortable handling and smooth steering characteristics at all speeds - improved efficiency, as energy is consumed only while steering - enables innovative assistance systems, e.g. Active Parking Assist Premium equipment The MY14 E-Class already comes with a comprehensive range of premium equipment as standard. Optional packages include the Premium 1 package with Rearview camera, COMAND navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, Harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound, power rear window sunshade, heated front seats (standard with E550), active ventilated front seats and garage-door opener. Further packages available at launch are the Lighting package, Parking Assist package, Lane Tracking package, Wood Trim package and Wheel package. The Driver Assistance package and KEYLESS-GO package will be available shortly after launch. The KEYLESS-GO package will feature electronic trunk closer and HANDSFREE ACCESS, which enables opening and closing of the trunk lid without physical contact by simply holding your foot beneath the bumper. This extremely convenient feature is particularly useful when loading and unloading the vehicle. When it comes to infotainment, Mercedes-Benz delivers the MY14 E-Class sedan and wagon with the COMAND® system featuring AM/FM/WB radio, indash DVD/CD player, in-dash memory card slot, and Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling. Standard equipment also includes a central controller with a 7-inch, high-resolution display and a color display in the instrument cluster. 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe & Convertible Driving pleasure at the highest level: Passionate, sporty, intelligent Mercedes-Benz has restyled the Coupe and Cabriolet members of the E-Class family for the 2014 model year. The bold new styling is combined with sophisticated new assistance systems which are part of Mercedes-Benz "intelligent drive." These new systems include technology that can help prevent accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians as well as an enhanced version of Active Lane Keeping Assist. Visually, Coupe and Cabriolet have been brought in line with the new Mercedes-Benz design idiom. These models also feature exclusive, luxurious appointments for refined driving, which are hallmarks of the entire E-Class family. The 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet go on sale in the U.S. in Summer 2013. The classic Coupe and the four-seat Cabriolet versions of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class are among the most coveted vehicles in the premium medium-size segment. With intelligent and efficient technology as well as luxurious and comfortable appointments, both are uncompromisingly designed for passionate driving enjoyment. They are therefore regarded as emotionally appealing highlights of the successful E-Class family. Both on the outside and inside the design is fresh, sharpened and so ideally reflects the many new technical features. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes- Benz Cars: "Three words suffice to very briefly characterize the Coupe and the four-seater Cabriolet: stunning, athletic, passionate. Especially gratifying is that both cars also offer the most intelligent engineering that currently can be had. This makes both of them genuine dream cars." Design: E-motional appeal in top form The new look of the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet is accentuated by the redesigned front end with new headlamps which contain all functional elements within a single lens. The headlamps are fitted with partial LED lights as standard, while full LED technology is available as an option for the first time in this segment. Flowing light elements within the headlamps ensure that the "four-eye" look typical of the E-Class is retained. The new, more V-shaped front bumpers with large air intakes clearly accentuate the athletic character. The bold front end puts a distinctive, sporty face forward, but at the same time emphasizes the close relationship of the Coupe and Cabriolet with the redesigned E-Class Sedan. The rear fenders, whose powerfully muscular shape has been retained, lend visual emphasis to the rear-wheel drive of the sporty cars. New tail lights and a wide rear bumper with a chrome trim element additionally underscore the aggressive appearance of these models. The proportions, with a long hood, extended side line, flat roof and powerful rear end, are those of a classic coupe. Traditional styling features that make the Mercedes-Benz Coupes unmistakable – for instance the layout of the fully retractable side windows, which is unbroken by B-pillars – lend emphasis to the distinctive lines of the two-door car. Fully retractable side windows are characteristic also of the four-seater Cabriolet and give emphasis to the clear proportions with a gently rising shoulder line from the front to the trunk lid. Elegant interior Mercedes-Benz also has restyled the interior of the 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet and tastefully matched it to the expressive exterior. Fine materials, two-piece trim stretching across the entire dashboard, and clean surfaces dominate in the interior. All models in the entire 2014 E-Class family feature an analog clock between the redesigned air vents and console switches are now finished in chrome. The interior is further characterized by a redesigned center console without a gear selector lever as well as a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with DIRECT SELECT shift lever and shift paddles. This makes room for additional storage space and larger cup holders. A special highlight of the new E-Class Cabriolet is its acoustic soft top with high-grade insulation, giving it the lowest noise level in its class. The unique acoustic cabriolet soft top ensures that little wind noise penetrates the interior even at high speeds. With the top down, the standard AIRCAP, which reduces interior turbulence and wind noise, ensures exceptional convertible driving comfort, especially in the rear seat. Now at speeds over 25 mph the AIRCAP system deploys automatically, and at speeds less than 10 mph the wind deflector in the windshield frame is automatically retracted again to present the E-Class Cabriolet in its purest and most beautiful form during slow driving and at a stop. The wind deflector between the rear head restraints responds to the number of occupants, which it automatically recognizes by the buckled rear seat belts, and adjusts the position of the extendible wind deflector in the front and rear accordingly. The available AIRSCARF neck-level heating extends the convertible season by making comfortable top-down driving possible even at low exterior temperatures. Limitless individual appointments E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet offer virtually unlimited possibilities for individual configuration. New interior colors and color combinations, such as blue with contrasting beige boldly brings a breath of fresh air to the exclusive ambience of the two E-Class athletes. "Intelligent drive" with new assistance systems from the future As in the Sedan and Wagon, new assistance systems that combine comfort and safety also are being introduced in the 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet. Mercedes-Benz refers to all this as "intelligent drive." The basis for this is formed by state-of-the-art sensors – for instance a Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera in the vicinity of the rearview mirror that produces a three-dimensional view of the area up to 165 feet in front of the vehicle, and is able to monitor the overall situation ahead up to a range of 1,640 feet. Part of the Driver Assistance Package, intelligent algorithms combine the data of the stereo camera with that of the installed radar sensors. They perform an evaluation of this three-dimensional visual information in order to detect vehicles that are driving ahead, oncoming or crossing, as well as pedestrians and road markings within a large field of vision, and to carry out a spatial classification of moving objects. The 2014 Coupe and Cabriolet are fitted with standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist systems, which helps to significantly reduce the risk of a collision. Also part of the standard equipment is ATTENTION ASSIST, which is now able to warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider speed range, and also inform the driver about his level of fatigue and the amount of driving time which has elapsed since the last break. It also offers an adjustable sensitivity level. Optionally available on all 2014 E-Class Models are a number of assistance systems which are either new or now feature enhanced functions. The following is an overview of the innovations: DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist can help the driver keep the vehicle centered in its lane and can semi-autonomously track lines of traffic. For the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS® with Intersection Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly. The PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 30 mph PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognize an imminent rear-end collision, then prompts the PRE-SAFE® system to trigger occupant protection measures to reduce the forces to which occupants are subjected. It can also firmly apply the stationary vehicle's brakes in the event of a rearend collision to prevent secondary accidents. The Active Lane Keeping Assist now can detect when the adjacent lane is not clear, including when it is occupied by oncoming traffic. If a collision threatens, even if the lane marking is not a solid line the system can prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side. It thus optimally supplements the Active Blind Spot Assist. Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake control in both parallel and perpendicular spaces The 360-degree camera covers all four sides of the vehicle and enables a seamless all-around view including a virtual bird's-eye perspective – with a top view of the vehicle and its direct surroundings. Dynamic guide lines are a help when entering and leaving parking spaces and maneuvering. Professor Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development: "The new E-Class makes a big step forward in every respect. With an emotionally appealing design it provides for fresh highlights in its segment. And in technical respect it offers unique things. They include new assistance systems from the future S-Class which, for example, relieve driver stress with steering assist, DISTRONIC PLUS® and for the first time also can prevent accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians. In addition, the EClass achieves best ratings in the area of efficiency, offers an internet-capable cloud-based infotainment system and improves night-time driving safety with state-of-the-art LED headlamps. So the E-Class is a veritable high-tech package – a very attractively packaged one at that." Drive system: high-performing and a model of efficiency All the available engines for the 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet now feature an ECO start/stop system and are highly efficient. The E350 features a directinjection V6 gasoline engine with 302 hp and 273 lb ft of torque. The E550 is powered by a twin-turbo direct-injection V8 producing 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The E350 Coupe is also available in the U.S. with 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive. The electronically-controlled system displays an impressive level of traction on all manner of terrain, raises active safety and offers an outstanding degree of driveline refinement. Mercedes-Benz offers a 7-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and shift paddles. This latest version of this transmission provides significant advantages in terms of efficiency and ease of maintenance. A new feature is the short-term ‘M’ mode. If the driver has shifted up or down manually, after a set period of time the transmission independently switches back to the fuel-efficient automatic shift mode. The suspension – the basis for superior handling The 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet feature the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system. Its shock absorbers adapt to the condition of the road surface and ensure sporty handling and long-distance comfort typical of Mercedes-Benz. Alternatively available are the AGILITY CONTROL sports suspension with selective damping system and more tautly tuned dampers as well as the ADVANCED AGILITY package, which offers electronic damping control along with a program for selecting sportier accelerator characteristics and transmission shift points. With this, at the push of a button the driver can adjust the damping to his requirements depending on whether he wants to drive in a comfortable or sporty style. Like the Sedan and Wagon, the Coupe and Cabriolet are equipped with an electromechanical Direct-Steer system as standard. It combines the speeddependent power assistance of speed-sensitive steering with a variable ratio across the steering angle range. The electromechanical Direct-Steer system ensures more direct steering response, comfortable handling, and high levels of steering comfort across all speed ranges. It also provides considerable Page 7 savings potential, since energy is only required during steering action, and makes innovative assistance systems such as Active Parking Assist possible. High-quality appointments The 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet feature a comprehensive selection of premium equipment as standard. It includes a modern range of infotainment systems that allow the driver to keep up to date on what is happening around the world, or in the office, while on the road. Standard equipment includes the COMAND system featuring a 7-inch highresolution color display, sound system w/ AM/FM/WB radio, in-dash DVD/CD player, in-dash memory card slot, auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz offers the mbrace2 system as standard equipment. mbrace2 provides drivers top-of-the-line features related to safety, infotainment, personal assistance and vehicle care. mbrace2 creates a truly networked vehicle offering open Internet access and custom versions of popular apps, including Facebook, Yelp and Google Local Search designed specifically for in-vehicle use - called Mercedes-Benz Apps. It also includes a solution to remotely update software via cloud networks ensuring that mbrace2 users always have the latest app versions in their vehicles and at their fingertips. Sensible user design and limited functionality of these Internetbased apps ensures that they provide maximum utility without unnecessary distraction when the vehicle is in motion; certain features are not available for use when the vehicle is in motion.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 9, 2013 Ask someone to say the first thing that comes to their mind when you mention the word hybrid, and more often than not they will say the Toyota Prius. Despite not being the first hybrid on sale in the U.S. (that honor falls to the 1999 Honda Insight, which went on sale a full two years before the Prius in the U.S.), the Prius became a sales success and symbol for the hybrid vehicle. Why? The Prius offered the right mix of unheard fuel economy, features, and practicality in one package. Now in its third-generation, the unassuming hybrid hatchback falls into two polar opposite camps of thought. Those who love its efficiency and reliability and those who think the Pruis is an anathema to everything held dear by car enthusiasts. I'm an auto enthusiast, so when I recently spent a week in a 2012 Toyota Prius, I naturally approached the car with skepticism. Is it as good as the high fuel economy fans claim? Is it kryptonite to automotive enthusiasts? Read on to find out. Encounters of the Hybrid Kind The third-generation Prius is very much like the previous-generation model with its alien spaceship look. The third-generation model carries on the oval-esque shape with some aerodynamic tweaks including a smoother front end, squared-off corners on the rear end, and a new rear spoiler. These design changes help drop the drag coefficient from 0.26 cd to 0.25 cd. Other items of note include a set of LED taillights and an optional solar panel (part of a $3,820.00 Deluxe Solar Roof package) that power fans to cool down the vehicle’s interior without turning on the vehicle. I didn't get chance to try it since the average temperature here in Detroit was in the mid-thirties during my time and I rather enter a warm, not cold Prius. What would make this optional solar panel even better is the ability to charge the battery when the Prius is parked and keep the Prius warm in winter. Inside, the alien spaceship design theme continues with a floating center stack, a uniquely-styled shift knob, and a digital gauge cluster sitting on top and in the middle of the dashboard. The placement of gauge cluster does make it somewhat harder to make a quick glance while on the move. My test Prius did come with a heads-up display which had a speedometer and a power gauge letting you know how much power you’re drawing from the hybrid system. I do want to talk to the person who decided to hide the buttons for the heated seats underneath the center stack. The only way you know where they’re hiding is when you enter or exit the Prius. Did no one at Toyota bring this up during one of the design meetings? Seating was decent for both front and rear passengers with enough head and legroom. Materials are what you would find in current Toyota models; hard plastics and very synthetic-feeling leather. This would be ok if the price tag of this Prius wasn’t $33,118.00. The only real positive to the interior is that build quality is very good throughout the interior. As I mentioned earlier, this Prius was equipped with the $3,820.00 Deluxe Solar Roof package. Besides the solar roof, the package includes a seven-inch touch screen, navigation, Toyota’s Entune System, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker JBL system, and Toyota’s safety connect which provides emergency assistance services. The touchscreen was very responsive when pressed and provided the right amount brightness whether it was day or night. The eight-speaker JBL system provided ok sound, but I found that I had to turn it up when driving the Prius on the highway as there was too much road noise. As for Entune, I didn't get chance to try it since I didn't have the application on my iPhone to utilize the system. Yes, you need the Entune application on either your iPhone or Android phone to use it. Under the Skin, It’s a Prius Alright Pop the hood of the Prius and right before your eyes is one part of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive; a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine producing 98 horsepower (@ 5,200 rpm) and 105 lb-ft of torque (@ 4,000 rpm), and a electric motor producing 80 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. Total power output is rated at 134 horsepower. The other part of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive is a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack sitting in the back of the Prius. Your only transmission is a CVT. The Prius’ powertrain gets the job done. It will take a few seconds longer to get up to the speed on the road. Not much noise from either the engine or CVT enters the cabin when you accelerate normally. If you need to get a move on because there is a larger vehicle bearing down onto you or need to merge onto the highway, the drone of the engine and CVT are very apparent. Thankfully, the hybrid system seamlessly transitions electric power. The center stack has three buttons that can change the behavior of the hybrid system. The first is an EV mode which allows the Prius to travel a short distance on electric power alone below 25 MPH. The hybrid system will turn if you go above 25 or press further down on the pedal. With a light foot, I was able to go about a mile on electric power alone. Next is Eco mode which reduces throttle response in an emphasis to get better fuel economy numbers. This is ok if you don’t have a lot of traffic behind you or in a hurry to move along. If you don’t meet either or the criteria, leave Eco mode off. Finally there is Power mode which is the opposite of Eco mode. This mode noticeably increases throttle response to help you in certain situations like merging onto a highway. Fuel economy is very impressive for this small car. The EPA rates the Prius at 51 City/48 Highway/50 Combined. During my week with the Prius, I averaged 47.9 MPG with mostly suburban driving and sticking my foot into it. Ride and handling is taken care with a pair of MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar up front and a torsion beam setup in the rear. While the setup isn’t technologically advanced like the rest of the Prius, it provides a somewhat comfortable ride. I did wish for some more damping when driving over craters that are called potholes in the Detroit area. Steering for the Prius comes in the form of an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion system. The steering has some heft and some feel, something the old Prius lacked. That doesn’t make it a driver’s car since the Prius’ suspension is more tuned for comfort and the standard low-rolling resistance tires don’t provide enough grip. The Prius is a quiet vehicle when driven below 50 MPH. Go above that and you’ll notice an abundance of road and wind noise. I’m hoping with the next-generation Prius, Toyota puts in some more sound deadening material. Visibility is very good for the front and side. Rear visibility takes a hit due to the rear hatch shape and the large spoiler sitting in the middle of the hatch. Thankfully, the Prius did come equipped with a standard rear view camera. The Prius truly delivers on its promise of greenness with some impressive fuel economy numbers, clever technologies to make every use up every last drop of gas, unique design, and comfortable ride. However, the Prius has some faults. The road and wind noise while going above 50 MPH tops my list followed by the interior materials. That said the Toyota Prius is the perfect vehicle for someone who commutes in town and wants to tell everyone that they’re saving the planet. For me, I’ll pass on the Prius. Cheers Fuel Economy Technology Exterior Looks Somewhat Comfortable Ride Jeers Wind and Road Noise at Speed Engine and CVT During Hard Acceleration Materials Used in the Cabin Disclaimer: Toyota provided the vehicle, insurance, and one tank of gasoline. Album: 2012 Toyota Prius Four 18 images 0 comments Year - 2012 Make – Toyota Model – Prius Trim – Four Engine – 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder, Electric Motor Driveline – Front-Wheel Drive, Electronically Controlled continuously Variable Transmission Horsepower @ RPM – (Gas) 98 HP (@ 5,200 RPM), (Electric) 80 HP (N/A), (Combined) 134 HP Torque @ RPM – (Gas) 105 lb-ft (@ 4,000 RPM), (Electric) 153 HP (N/A), (Combined) N/A Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 51/48/50 Curb Weight – 3,042 lbs Location of Manufacture – Tsutsumi, Japan Base Price - $28,235.00 As Tested Price - $33,118.00 (Includes $760.00 Destination Charge) Options Deluxe Solar Roof Package: $3,820.00 Carpet Floor Mats & Cargo Mat: $225.00 Cargo Net: $49.00 First Aid Kit: $29.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.