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Before January comes to a close, Tesla has announced some more changes for the Model S and X. Instead of using 100D and P100D to designate models, Tesla will be using the naming system found on the Model 3. This is how it will break down. 100D = Extended Range P100D = Performance P100D with Ludicrous Mode = Performance with Ludicrous Mode There will also be base models known as the Model S and Model X. They'll get the same 100 kW battery as in the extended range models, but range will be locked to 310 Miles (Model S) and 270 miles (Model X). You can pony up $8,000 to gain the extra range (335 for the Model S, 295 for the Model X). Earlier in the month, Tesla dropped the 75D and made the 100D the new base model (which in turn raised the base price by $15,000 or more). Source: Tesla Hat tip to @dfelt for tipping us to this story -
Before January comes to a close, Tesla has announced some more changes for the Model S and X. Instead of using 100D and P100D to designate models, Tesla will be using the naming system found on the Model 3. This is how it will break down. 100D = Extended Range P100D = Performance P100D with Ludicrous Mode = Performance with Ludicrous Mode There will also be base models known as the Model S and Model X. They'll get the same 100 kW battery as in the extended range models, but range will be locked to 310 Miles (Model S) and 270 miles (Model X). You can pony up $8,000 to gain the extra range (335 for the Model S, 295 for the Model X). Earlier in the month, Tesla dropped the 75D and made the 100D the new base model (which in turn raised the base price by $15,000 or more). Source: Tesla Hat tip to @dfelt for tipping us to this story View full article
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Audi Announces A New Naming System For Powertrains, Confusion is Expected
William Maley posted an article in Audi
Audi's current naming system for their vehicles makes some sense. The A1 is their smallest car while the Q7 sits as their largest crossover. But the German automaker has decided to change up their naming structure for their powertrains. Instead of the A4 2.0 TFSI, be prepared to see the A4 30 TFSI. Audi has announced today that it will be using two numbers alongside the model designation and engine type. The numbers don't signify engine displacement, but power output. Here is a list with the new naming system and power output they correspond to. 30 = 109-128 horsepower 35 = 147-160 horsepower 40 = 167-201 horsepower 45 = 226-248 horsepower 50 = 281-308 horsepower 55 = 328-368 horsepower 60 = 429-455 horsepower 70 = 536+ horsepower “As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers. The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels,” said Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. The next-generation Audi A8 will be the first model to feature this new nomenclature when it launches in Europe later this year. Other models will follow thereafter. Source: Audi Press Release is on Page 2 Two numbers to signify the future – new power output designations at Audi Designations taking effect worldwide for all drive types Clearly discernible hierarchy in each model series Audi A8 the first model with new type designation Audi is adopting a standardized nomenclature for the power output designations of its worldwide range of automobiles. The names of the model series – from Audi A1 to Audi Q7 – will remain unchanged. Within the model families, combinations of two numbers will replace the various type designations previously used. The new designations stand for the specific power output and apply both to cars with combustion engines and to e-tron models with hybrid and electric drives. The reference value for the new model designations is the power output of the individual model in kilowatts (kW). Audi is thus subclassifying its model range into different performance levels – each identified by a two-numeral combination. For example, the numeral combination “30” will appear on the rear of all models with power output between 81 and 96 kW. And “45” stands for power output between 169 and 185 kW. The top of the Audi model range is the performance class above 400 kW, which is identifiable by the number combination “70”. In each case the numerals appear along with the engine technology – TFSI, TDI, g-tron or e-tron. The number combinations identifying the performance levels in the Audi product range increase in increments of five, and they represent the hierarchy within both the respective model series and the brand’s overall model range. According to the new nomenclature, in the future the spectrum will range from the Audi Q2 30 TFSI with 85 kW (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.4 - 5.1*; CO2 emissions in g/km: 123 - 117*) to the Audi Q7 50 TDI with 200 kW (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.4 - 5.9*; CO2 emissions in g/km: 168 - 154*). A special place in the line-up is occupied by the high-end, high-performance S and RS models and the Audi R8 (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 12.5 - 11.4; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 292 - 272). They will retain their classic names in reference to their top position in the model range. “As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers. The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels,” explains Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. The changes will kick off with the new Audi A8 generation in the fall of 2017. First among the two six-cylinder engines to be redesignated will be the 3.0 TDI with 210 kW – as the Audi A8 50 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.8 - 5.6**; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 152 - 145**), and the 3.0 TFSI with 250 kW – as the Audi A8 55 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.8 - 7.5**; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 178 - 171**). In the coming months, all Audi model series launched on the market will be assigned the new performance designations beginning when they are offered for sale. Audi will change the designations of the remaining model series in the current product range in time for the new model year changeover in summer of 2018. -
Audi's current naming system for their vehicles makes some sense. The A1 is their smallest car while the Q7 sits as their largest crossover. But the German automaker has decided to change up their naming structure for their powertrains. Instead of the A4 2.0 TFSI, be prepared to see the A4 30 TFSI. Audi has announced today that it will be using two numbers alongside the model designation and engine type. The numbers don't signify engine displacement, but power output. Here is a list with the new naming system and power output they correspond to. 30 = 109-128 horsepower 35 = 147-160 horsepower 40 = 167-201 horsepower 45 = 226-248 horsepower 50 = 281-308 horsepower 55 = 328-368 horsepower 60 = 429-455 horsepower 70 = 536+ horsepower “As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers. The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels,” said Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. The next-generation Audi A8 will be the first model to feature this new nomenclature when it launches in Europe later this year. Other models will follow thereafter. Source: Audi Press Release is on Page 2 Two numbers to signify the future – new power output designations at Audi Designations taking effect worldwide for all drive types Clearly discernible hierarchy in each model series Audi A8 the first model with new type designation Audi is adopting a standardized nomenclature for the power output designations of its worldwide range of automobiles. The names of the model series – from Audi A1 to Audi Q7 – will remain unchanged. Within the model families, combinations of two numbers will replace the various type designations previously used. The new designations stand for the specific power output and apply both to cars with combustion engines and to e-tron models with hybrid and electric drives. The reference value for the new model designations is the power output of the individual model in kilowatts (kW). Audi is thus subclassifying its model range into different performance levels – each identified by a two-numeral combination. For example, the numeral combination “30” will appear on the rear of all models with power output between 81 and 96 kW. And “45” stands for power output between 169 and 185 kW. The top of the Audi model range is the performance class above 400 kW, which is identifiable by the number combination “70”. In each case the numerals appear along with the engine technology – TFSI, TDI, g-tron or e-tron. The number combinations identifying the performance levels in the Audi product range increase in increments of five, and they represent the hierarchy within both the respective model series and the brand’s overall model range. According to the new nomenclature, in the future the spectrum will range from the Audi Q2 30 TFSI with 85 kW (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.4 - 5.1*; CO2 emissions in g/km: 123 - 117*) to the Audi Q7 50 TDI with 200 kW (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.4 - 5.9*; CO2 emissions in g/km: 168 - 154*). A special place in the line-up is occupied by the high-end, high-performance S and RS models and the Audi R8 (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 12.5 - 11.4; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 292 - 272). They will retain their classic names in reference to their top position in the model range. “As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers. The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels,” explains Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. The changes will kick off with the new Audi A8 generation in the fall of 2017. First among the two six-cylinder engines to be redesignated will be the 3.0 TDI with 210 kW – as the Audi A8 50 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.8 - 5.6**; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 152 - 145**), and the 3.0 TFSI with 250 kW – as the Audi A8 55 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.8 - 7.5**; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 178 - 171**). In the coming months, all Audi model series launched on the market will be assigned the new performance designations beginning when they are offered for sale. Audi will change the designations of the remaining model series in the current product range in time for the new model year changeover in summer of 2018. View full article
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In 2013, Infiniti made a drastic change. The Japanese luxury automaker announced that it would be scrapping its current nomenclature and going with the Q (cars) and QX (crossovers and SUVs) naming system. The move received a lot of criticism at the time. Even now, the decision to move to Q and QX causes many to wonder why. But this system of Q and QX isn't going anywhere. Infiniti CEO Roland Krüger tells Car and Driver that the company needs to do a better job with communicating the naming system. “We need to build on our heritage and explain it a bit more. The first Infiniti was called Q45, that was the start of the brand, that’s where it comes from. After that a lot of cars were developed with different naming, but what’s important for a luxury brand is that you have an aspirational hierarchy within the brand setting. Hence Q for a limousine, a sporty sedan, and QX for a crossover, with a number that clearly indicates a place within the hierarchy. But let’s say we didn’t explain it quite enough, to be frank, we need to make sure it’s fully understood,” Krüger explained. The last line of Krüger's comment is important. Even though the Q and QX nomenclature system has been around for almost three years, we still have problems remembering which model is which. Source: Car and Driver -
In 2013, Infiniti made a drastic change. The Japanese luxury automaker announced that it would be scrapping its current nomenclature and going with the Q (cars) and QX (crossovers and SUVs) naming system. The move received a lot of criticism at the time. Even now, the decision to move to Q and QX causes many to wonder why. But this system of Q and QX isn't going anywhere. Infiniti CEO Roland Krüger tells Car and Driver that the company needs to do a better job with communicating the naming system. “We need to build on our heritage and explain it a bit more. The first Infiniti was called Q45, that was the start of the brand, that’s where it comes from. After that a lot of cars were developed with different naming, but what’s important for a luxury brand is that you have an aspirational hierarchy within the brand setting. Hence Q for a limousine, a sporty sedan, and QX for a crossover, with a number that clearly indicates a place within the hierarchy. But let’s say we didn’t explain it quite enough, to be frank, we need to make sure it’s fully understood,” Krüger explained. The last line of Krüger's comment is important. Even though the Q and QX nomenclature system has been around for almost three years, we still have problems remembering which model is which. Source: Car and Driver View full article
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One of the biggest issues with Lincoln deals with their nomenclature. The MK-insert letter naming system has brought confusion buyers and people who cover the industry. Saying you own a MKZ for example either meant no one understood what you said or had people wondering if that was the sedan or a crossover. But Automotive News says that common sense has possibly returned to Lincoln and that actual names is in the cards. “I get it. I know MKX and C and Z and T. I’ve studied them very well. I know them well, but we also understand the issue. It’s, frankly, where the auto industry -- the premium industry -- has gone, if you look at all the nameplates. But another way Lincoln could distinguish itself is to leverage its heritage. So I’ll leave it at that,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford Motor Co.’s president of the Americas. “Without divulging the future. We’re very excited about the Continental name and the attention it’s gotten.” A lot of this talk sparked when Lincoln pulled the covers off the Continental Concept and became a big hit. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
One of the biggest issues with Lincoln deals with their nomenclature. The MK-insert letter naming system has brought confusion buyers and people who cover the industry. Saying you own a MKZ for example either meant no one understood what you said or had people wondering if that was the sedan or a crossover. But Automotive News says that common sense has possibly returned to Lincoln and that actual names is in the cards. “I get it. I know MKX and C and Z and T. I’ve studied them very well. I know them well, but we also understand the issue. It’s, frankly, where the auto industry -- the premium industry -- has gone, if you look at all the nameplates. But another way Lincoln could distinguish itself is to leverage its heritage. So I’ll leave it at that,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford Motor Co.’s president of the Americas. “Without divulging the future. We’re very excited about the Continental name and the attention it’s gotten.” A lot of this talk sparked when Lincoln pulled the covers off the Continental Concept and became a big hit. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Starting next year, Mercedes-Benz is revising the names of a fair number of vehicles. This naming change shouldn't come as a shock to anyone - see Cadillac and Infiniti. Mercedes' reasons for the name change is to make their lineup a bit easier to understand and to make it easier to come up with a name for a new model. The majority of the changes will be focused on Mercedes' utility lineup as all models will wear the G, followed by a letter to signify class lines they are a part of. GLA – New small crossover based on the A-Class. (Unchanged) GLC – Currently the GLK GLE – Currently the M-Class/ML-Class GLE Coupe – Mercedes' answer to the BMW X6 GLS – Currently the GL-Class G – The Geländewagen Also seeing a change is name is the SLK roadster which becomes the SLC. Mercedes is also changing up its drivetrain designations. Such names as "BlueTEC," "Electric Drive," "CDI," and "Hybrid" are being replaced by one letter designations. c – Compressed natural gas, currently "Natural Gas Drive" d – Diesel, currently "BlueTEC" or "CDI" e – Electric, currently "Plug-In Hybrid," "BlueTEC Plug-In Hybrid," and "Electric Drive" f – Fuel cell, or "F-Cell" currently h – Hybrids, including diesel-hybrids "Now is the ideal time to do this, for in 2015 we will be updating virtually our whole SUV model range, providing us with the perfect starting point for renaming the whole family of vehicles," Dr. Jens Theimer, head of marketing communications for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in a statement. But wait there's more. Possibly the worst-kept secret of this year, Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed that the Maybach nameplate will be returning. The Mercedes-Maybach S600 will debut at the LA Auto Show next week. Mercedes describes the model as setting "a new benchmark for exclusivity and meets even the most discerning of requirements in terms of its appointments." Source: Mercedes-Benz William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Mercedes-Maybach for the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality The Mercedes-Benz brand continues its dynamic progress. Two new arrivals in the Mercedes-Benz brand world were introduced today in Sindelfingen by Ola Källenius, member of the Divisional Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales, and Dr Jens Thiemer, Head of Marketing Communications for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. With the name Mercedes-Maybach, the brand represented by the three-pointed star is now broadening its offering in the exclusive top segment of the market with a new sub-brand, whose individual and prestigious exclusivity will appeal to status-conscious customers. Before the end of this November, the new Mercedes-Maybach S 600 will be celebrating its world premiere in Guangzhou and Los Angeles. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class melds the perfection of the best automobile in the world, the S-Class, with the exclusivity of Maybach. In a further move, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer of premium automobiles will start 2015 by launching a new nomenclature, the system used for the designation of its various model series and engine types, so providing its customers with a simple and transparent way to find their bearings around its ever-growing portfolio of models. "The Mercedes-Benz brand stands for the aspiration to deliver 'The best' in terms of products, technology and services. For us, this means that we offer our customers vehicles that, by virtue of their different characteristics and specific flair, are able to fit in with all sorts of individual lifestyles. S-Class segment in particular, customers have very high expectations with regard to exclusivity and individuality. Mercedes-Maybach enables us to fulfil these desires in the exclusive top segment of the market". Mercedes-Maybach embodies "the best" in its most exclusive form In 2013 Mercedes-Benz launched its new S-Class, the best car in the world. No other vehicle embodies the values of Mercedes-Benz in quite the same way as the S-Class. The scope offered by the S-Class model range is already considerable, even though its expansion from three to six model variants is not yet complete. The spectrum ranges from the sportiest S-Class of all time, the Mercedes-AMG S 63, the most efficient, the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID (in future S 500 e) and the most intelligent, the S 500 Intelligent Drive, through to the most beautiful S-Class of all time, the S-Class Coupé. When it comes to safety, assistance systems and partially autonomous driving, the S-Class is way ahead of the competition. The S-Class is not only the best vehicle, but also the most successful car in its class. With more than 100,000 units sold in its first full year of availability, it is even the best-selling S-Class ever. This success has been accompanied by a desire expressed by many customers for yet more individuality and exclusivity. They would like to drive the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in a highly exclusive and individual version that will allow them to stand out even further in this top segment. In the same way as it did with the sporty positioning of Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz has now therefore established a new offering in the exclusive top segment by introducing a sub-brand with the name Mercedes-Maybach. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which will celebrate its world premiere before the end of November, marks the opening of a new chapter in the history of the brand known by its three-pointed star. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class expands the current range of S-Class Saloons with the addition of a vehicle that sets a new benchmark for exclusivity and meets even the most discerning of requirements in terms of its appointments. Some of the features that distinguish it from the standard-production models include extra spaciousness, special seats and lavishly designed, prestigious interiors offering extensive scope for individualisation. As a result, Mercedes-Maybach vehicles meet the requirements of even the most discerning customers worldwide. Mercedes- Maybach is not an equipment line – it is a sub-brand that in future will deliver Mercedes-Benz vehicles in an even more exclusive form. Simple and transparent nomenclature to provide customers with better orientation The Mercedes-Benz model portfolio has expanded rapidly in recent years and continues to grow. The comprehensive model initiative that is currently successfully under way means that, by 2020, the Stuttgart-based premium brand will have brought more than 30 models on to the market worldwide, among them at least eleven that have no precursor in the current product portfolio. On top of this come the different body variants and drive systems. This results in an increasingly complex situation when it comes to naming the various models. "After more than 20 years of continuity involving some of the most recognised and successful product names in the world, we are now making our system of vehicle nomenclature even more understandable. Bearing in mind the international appeal of our brand, our plan has been to devise an even simpler, more transparent and more logical system for the designations of our model series, with the aim of providing clear orientation for our customers", said Dr Jens Thiemer during the launch of the new nomenclature. "Now is the ideal time to do this, for in 2015 we will be updating virtually our whole SUV model range, providing us with the perfect starting point for renaming the whole family of vehicles." The system behind the new nomenclature is simple, clear and transparent. The model designation is always an acronym made up of between one and three upper-case letters. The different types of engine are indicated by a lower-case letter. The system centres around the five core model series, A, B, C, E and S, which will continue to be used to provide orientation for our customers. In the case of the model designations for the SUVs, in a tribute to the legendary G- Class, all SUV models will in the future have the first two letters "GL" in their name. The "G" here denotes the car's lineage. The "L" is a letter that appears time and time again over the history of Mercedes-Benz. It is a linking letter that makes the model designations easier to remember and easier to pronounce; one that is familiar from the legendary SL, for example, or from the more recent CLS and CLA. It is followed by the third letter, which indicates the relationship to the relevant core model series. In specific terms: GLA = GL A-ClassGLC = GL C-Class; previously GLK GLE = GL E-Class; previously M-Class or MLGLE Coupé = GL E-Class Coupé GLS = GL S-Class; previously GLG = unchanged The system for the 4-door Coupés is constructed along similar lines. The first two letters, "CL", denote the origin, the third letter the link to one of the core model series: in other words CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, or CLS and CLS Shooting Brake. From 2016 on the Roadsters will all include "SL" in their names to denote their origin, with the third letter again the link to one of the core model series. The SLK therefore becomes the new SLC. As in the case of the G, the SL retains its designation as hitherto, in recognition of its iconic status. In a development paralleling that of the model series designations, the different types of engines will also be given new designations. These provide clear orientation and are also shorter than the designations used until now. The boot lids will in future feature lower-case letters, whose meaning is as follows: c for "compressed natural gas" (Natural Gas Drive until now) d for "diesel" (BlueTEC and CDI until now)e for "electric" (PLUG-IN HYBRID, BlueTEC PLUG-IN HYBRID and Electric Drive until now) f for "fuel cell" (F-CELL until now)h for "hybrid" (HYBRID and BlueTEC HYBRID until now) As has been the case until now, there will be no suffix for the petrol models. The defining and established designation 4MATIC for our all-wheel-drive vehicles will remain unchanged and, indeed, will be celebrating its thirtieth anniversary next year. Given the way that Mercedes-Benz has evolved into the leading brand for all-wheel drive, 4MATIC will in future play an even more important role in our model portfolio. As a result of a steadily growing demand, we will in future be adding further models to the all-wheel drive segment. "More clarity, more transparency, more consistency for Mercedes-Benz customers – we are convinced that our new nomenclature will support us in achieving this objective. The logic built up on the basis of the core model series will enable our customers to find their way round our growing product portfolio far better", was the way Dr Jens Thiemer summarised the new nomenclature. Expanded brand world of Mercedes-Benz offers more The expanded brand world of Mercedes-Benz now comprises two sub-brands alongside Mercedes-Benz as the core brand, whereby Mercedes-Benz stands for "The best", in a unique combination of emotional fascination and intelligent persuasiveness. Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach interpret "The best" from the perspective of performance and exclusivity-seeking customers respectively. In addition, since the spring of 2014 "Mercedes me" has been opening up a simplified and individualised way in to the overall world of Mercedes-Benz for all customers and prospects, under the central concept of "The best for me". "By expanding our brand world we are able to offer our customers some new ideas about Mercedes-Benz", according to Ola Källenius. "Even more choice and individuality in terms of our products, and a transparent and logical structure around them in the form of our new nomenclature." -
Starting next year, Mercedes-Benz is revising the names of a fair number of vehicles. This naming change shouldn't come as a shock to anyone - see Cadillac and Infiniti. Mercedes' reasons for the name change is to make their lineup a bit easier to understand and to make it easier to come up with a name for a new model. The majority of the changes will be focused on Mercedes' utility lineup as all models will wear the G, followed by a letter to signify class lines they are a part of. GLA – New small crossover based on the A-Class. (Unchanged) GLC – Currently the GLK GLE – Currently the M-Class/ML-Class GLE Coupe – Mercedes' answer to the BMW X6 GLS – Currently the GL-Class G – The Geländewagen Also seeing a change is name is the SLK roadster which becomes the SLC. Mercedes is also changing up its drivetrain designations. Such names as "BlueTEC," "Electric Drive," "CDI," and "Hybrid" are being replaced by one letter designations. c – Compressed natural gas, currently "Natural Gas Drive" d – Diesel, currently "BlueTEC" or "CDI" e – Electric, currently "Plug-In Hybrid," "BlueTEC Plug-In Hybrid," and "Electric Drive" f – Fuel cell, or "F-Cell" currently h – Hybrids, including diesel-hybrids "Now is the ideal time to do this, for in 2015 we will be updating virtually our whole SUV model range, providing us with the perfect starting point for renaming the whole family of vehicles," Dr. Jens Theimer, head of marketing communications for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in a statement. But wait there's more. Possibly the worst-kept secret of this year, Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed that the Maybach nameplate will be returning. The Mercedes-Maybach S600 will debut at the LA Auto Show next week. Mercedes describes the model as setting "a new benchmark for exclusivity and meets even the most discerning of requirements in terms of its appointments." Source: Mercedes-Benz William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Mercedes-Maybach for the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality The Mercedes-Benz brand continues its dynamic progress. Two new arrivals in the Mercedes-Benz brand world were introduced today in Sindelfingen by Ola Källenius, member of the Divisional Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales, and Dr Jens Thiemer, Head of Marketing Communications for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. With the name Mercedes-Maybach, the brand represented by the three-pointed star is now broadening its offering in the exclusive top segment of the market with a new sub-brand, whose individual and prestigious exclusivity will appeal to status-conscious customers. Before the end of this November, the new Mercedes-Maybach S 600 will be celebrating its world premiere in Guangzhou and Los Angeles. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class melds the perfection of the best automobile in the world, the S-Class, with the exclusivity of Maybach. In a further move, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer of premium automobiles will start 2015 by launching a new nomenclature, the system used for the designation of its various model series and engine types, so providing its customers with a simple and transparent way to find their bearings around its ever-growing portfolio of models. "The Mercedes-Benz brand stands for the aspiration to deliver 'The best' in terms of products, technology and services. For us, this means that we offer our customers vehicles that, by virtue of their different characteristics and specific flair, are able to fit in with all sorts of individual lifestyles. S-Class segment in particular, customers have very high expectations with regard to exclusivity and individuality. Mercedes-Maybach enables us to fulfil these desires in the exclusive top segment of the market". Mercedes-Maybach embodies "the best" in its most exclusive form In 2013 Mercedes-Benz launched its new S-Class, the best car in the world. No other vehicle embodies the values of Mercedes-Benz in quite the same way as the S-Class. The scope offered by the S-Class model range is already considerable, even though its expansion from three to six model variants is not yet complete. The spectrum ranges from the sportiest S-Class of all time, the Mercedes-AMG S 63, the most efficient, the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID (in future S 500 e) and the most intelligent, the S 500 Intelligent Drive, through to the most beautiful S-Class of all time, the S-Class Coupé. When it comes to safety, assistance systems and partially autonomous driving, the S-Class is way ahead of the competition. The S-Class is not only the best vehicle, but also the most successful car in its class. With more than 100,000 units sold in its first full year of availability, it is even the best-selling S-Class ever. This success has been accompanied by a desire expressed by many customers for yet more individuality and exclusivity. They would like to drive the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in a highly exclusive and individual version that will allow them to stand out even further in this top segment. In the same way as it did with the sporty positioning of Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz has now therefore established a new offering in the exclusive top segment by introducing a sub-brand with the name Mercedes-Maybach. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which will celebrate its world premiere before the end of November, marks the opening of a new chapter in the history of the brand known by its three-pointed star. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class expands the current range of S-Class Saloons with the addition of a vehicle that sets a new benchmark for exclusivity and meets even the most discerning of requirements in terms of its appointments. Some of the features that distinguish it from the standard-production models include extra spaciousness, special seats and lavishly designed, prestigious interiors offering extensive scope for individualisation. As a result, Mercedes-Maybach vehicles meet the requirements of even the most discerning customers worldwide. Mercedes- Maybach is not an equipment line – it is a sub-brand that in future will deliver Mercedes-Benz vehicles in an even more exclusive form. Simple and transparent nomenclature to provide customers with better orientation The Mercedes-Benz model portfolio has expanded rapidly in recent years and continues to grow. The comprehensive model initiative that is currently successfully under way means that, by 2020, the Stuttgart-based premium brand will have brought more than 30 models on to the market worldwide, among them at least eleven that have no precursor in the current product portfolio. On top of this come the different body variants and drive systems. This results in an increasingly complex situation when it comes to naming the various models. "After more than 20 years of continuity involving some of the most recognised and successful product names in the world, we are now making our system of vehicle nomenclature even more understandable. Bearing in mind the international appeal of our brand, our plan has been to devise an even simpler, more transparent and more logical system for the designations of our model series, with the aim of providing clear orientation for our customers", said Dr Jens Thiemer during the launch of the new nomenclature. "Now is the ideal time to do this, for in 2015 we will be updating virtually our whole SUV model range, providing us with the perfect starting point for renaming the whole family of vehicles." The system behind the new nomenclature is simple, clear and transparent. The model designation is always an acronym made up of between one and three upper-case letters. The different types of engine are indicated by a lower-case letter. The system centres around the five core model series, A, B, C, E and S, which will continue to be used to provide orientation for our customers. In the case of the model designations for the SUVs, in a tribute to the legendary G- Class, all SUV models will in the future have the first two letters "GL" in their name. The "G" here denotes the car's lineage. The "L" is a letter that appears time and time again over the history of Mercedes-Benz. It is a linking letter that makes the model designations easier to remember and easier to pronounce; one that is familiar from the legendary SL, for example, or from the more recent CLS and CLA. It is followed by the third letter, which indicates the relationship to the relevant core model series. In specific terms: GLA = GL A-ClassGLC = GL C-Class; previously GLK GLE = GL E-Class; previously M-Class or MLGLE Coupé = GL E-Class Coupé GLS = GL S-Class; previously GLG = unchanged The system for the 4-door Coupés is constructed along similar lines. The first two letters, "CL", denote the origin, the third letter the link to one of the core model series: in other words CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, or CLS and CLS Shooting Brake. From 2016 on the Roadsters will all include "SL" in their names to denote their origin, with the third letter again the link to one of the core model series. The SLK therefore becomes the new SLC. As in the case of the G, the SL retains its designation as hitherto, in recognition of its iconic status. In a development paralleling that of the model series designations, the different types of engines will also be given new designations. These provide clear orientation and are also shorter than the designations used until now. The boot lids will in future feature lower-case letters, whose meaning is as follows: c for "compressed natural gas" (Natural Gas Drive until now) d for "diesel" (BlueTEC and CDI until now)e for "electric" (PLUG-IN HYBRID, BlueTEC PLUG-IN HYBRID and Electric Drive until now) f for "fuel cell" (F-CELL until now)h for "hybrid" (HYBRID and BlueTEC HYBRID until now) As has been the case until now, there will be no suffix for the petrol models. The defining and established designation 4MATIC for our all-wheel-drive vehicles will remain unchanged and, indeed, will be celebrating its thirtieth anniversary next year. Given the way that Mercedes-Benz has evolved into the leading brand for all-wheel drive, 4MATIC will in future play an even more important role in our model portfolio. As a result of a steadily growing demand, we will in future be adding further models to the all-wheel drive segment. "More clarity, more transparency, more consistency for Mercedes-Benz customers – we are convinced that our new nomenclature will support us in achieving this objective. The logic built up on the basis of the core model series will enable our customers to find their way round our growing product portfolio far better", was the way Dr Jens Thiemer summarised the new nomenclature. Expanded brand world of Mercedes-Benz offers more The expanded brand world of Mercedes-Benz now comprises two sub-brands alongside Mercedes-Benz as the core brand, whereby Mercedes-Benz stands for "The best", in a unique combination of emotional fascination and intelligent persuasiveness. Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach interpret "The best" from the perspective of performance and exclusivity-seeking customers respectively. In addition, since the spring of 2014 "Mercedes me" has been opening up a simplified and individualised way in to the overall world of Mercedes-Benz for all customers and prospects, under the central concept of "The best for me". "By expanding our brand world we are able to offer our customers some new ideas about Mercedes-Benz", according to Ola Källenius. "Even more choice and individuality in terms of our products, and a transparent and logical structure around them in the form of our new nomenclature." View full article
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Cadillac News: Cadillac's Upcoming Flagship Has A Name: CT6
William Maley posted a topic in Cadillac
For the longest time, we have been calling Cadillac's upcoming flagship the LTS after a rumor tipped this to be name. But we now know that the new flagship, premiering next year, will have a different name. In a press release today, Cadillac announced that their upcoming flagship will wear the CT6 name. "The Cadillac CT6 continues our brand's elevation and global growth. CT6 will constitute an entirely new approach to the prestige sedan, emphasizing a dynamic driving experience and advanced technology," said Uwe Ellinghaus, Cadillac chief marketing officer. Now the CT6 name also introduces a big change for Cadillac. According to the release, 'lettering like “CT” would be used for car models, with the number indicating the relative size and position of the cars in the hierarchy of Cadillac models.' "As we expand the portfolio, we can assist consumers in placing the cars within a structure, as they compare cars both within our showroom and across the market generally," Ellinghaus said. "However, this will be an evolutionary process – we will only change a product's name when the product itself is redesigned or an all-new model is created, as in this instance." Source: Cadillac 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. Press Release is on Page 2 Page 1 of 2 1 2 → Last » Click here to view the article -
For the longest time, we have been calling Cadillac's upcoming flagship the LTS after a rumor tipped this to be name. But we now know that the new flagship, premiering next year, will have a different name. In a press release today, Cadillac announced that their upcoming flagship will wear the CT6 name. "The Cadillac CT6 continues our brand's elevation and global growth. CT6 will constitute an entirely new approach to the prestige sedan, emphasizing a dynamic driving experience and advanced technology," said Uwe Ellinghaus, Cadillac chief marketing officer. Now the CT6 name also introduces a big change for Cadillac. According to the release, 'lettering like “CT” would be used for car models, with the number indicating the relative size and position of the cars in the hierarchy of Cadillac models.' "As we expand the portfolio, we can assist consumers in placing the cars within a structure, as they compare cars both within our showroom and across the market generally," Ellinghaus said. "However, this will be an evolutionary process – we will only change a product's name when the product itself is redesigned or an all-new model is created, as in this instance." Source: Cadillac William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Upcoming Top-End Product Named Cadillac CT6 DETROIT – Cadillac announced today that its new, high-technology car positioned at the top of its range will be called Cadillac CT6. "The Cadillac CT6 continues our brand's elevation and global growth," said Uwe Ellinghaus, Cadillac chief marketing officer. "CT6 will constitute an entirely new approach to the prestige sedan, emphasizing a dynamic driving experience and advanced technology." When it launches in late-2015, the CT6 will expand the Cadillac range upwards – meaning it will not replace any current product. Positioned above today's CTS and XTS product lines, the CT6 aims to join the elite group of top-class large luxury cars. Currently in development, the new RWD-oriented sedan uses advanced, lightweight materials and new body construction techniques to reduce fuel consumption while enhancing driving dynamics and safety. "This Cadillac will be the lightest and most agile car in the class of top-level large luxury sedans," said Travis Hester, executive chief engineer, Cadillac CT6. "Using the lessons learned from our dynamic ATS and CTS product lines, we have developed an entirely new vehicle architecture for the CT6. It will employ a mixed material philosophy that combines the best and most efficient components optimized for each area of this new top-of-the-range car." The model name CT6 is derived from Cadillac's use of CTS for its centerpiece carline, the current version of which is Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2014, Road & Track's Best Luxury Sedan and one of Car and Driver's "10Best." The name also indicates a coming shift to a simplified naming convention for future Cadillac models. Under this strategy, familiar lettering like "CT" would be used for car models, with the number indicating the relative size and position of the cars in the hierarchy of Cadillac models. "As we expand the portfolio, we can assist consumers in placing the cars within a structure, as they compare cars both within our showroom and across the market generally," Ellinghaus said. "However, this will be an evolutionary process – we will only change a product's name when the product itself is redesigned or an all-new model is created, as in this instance." The Cadillac CT6 will be assembled in Detroit, part of a previously announced $384 million investment in the Detroit-Hamtramck plant. Tools and equipment unique to the CT6 were installed recently at the plant. Production is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015. -
Car and Driver reports that Mercedes-Benz is planning some major changes for its nomenclature on SUV and crossovers. Sources tell the magazine that Mercedes is trying to make their SUV and crossovers fall more in line with the C, E, and S-Class models. The first model to receive a name change is the ML-Class. When the model gets refreshed next year, it will be named the GLE-Class. Then when the Concept Coupe SUV heads into production, it will wear the GLE Coupe nameplate. The GLK-Class will become the GLC-Class, and the GL-Class becomes the GLS-Class. The only model that will not see a name change is the G-Class. Source: Car and Driver View full article
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Car and Driver reports that Mercedes-Benz is planning some major changes for its nomenclature on SUV and crossovers. Sources tell the magazine that Mercedes is trying to make their SUV and crossovers fall more in line with the C, E, and S-Class models. The first model to receive a name change is the ML-Class. When the model gets refreshed next year, it will be named the GLE-Class. Then when the Concept Coupe SUV heads into production, it will wear the GLE Coupe nameplate. The GLK-Class will become the GLC-Class, and the GL-Class becomes the GLS-Class. The only model that will not see a name change is the G-Class. Source: Car and Driver -
Infiniti Defends New Nomenclature, Talks About A 550 HP M
William Maley posted an article in Infiniti
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 19, 2012 When Infiniti announced on Monday night that they would be changing their nomenclature to Q and QX, the outpouring of rage and sarcastic comments were overwhelming. Today Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti's president sent an open letter to the press and its fans explaining its decision. de Nysschen explained that Infiniti will be going on a product offensive in the next few years and and found itself in the situation of finding alphanumeric combinations that weren't already taken by another automaker. de Nysschen also said that the current nomenclature is causing confusion in new markets that Infiniti is entering. "Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing." said de Nysschen. There's one part of the letter that has everyone in the automotive media buzzing and dreaming. de Nysschen references a "new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it (M56 which uses a V8), using a potent charged induction V6". Interesting if a bit random example to use. But for de Nysschen to reference horsepower and a 'potent charged induction V6' has caused everyone to go into a tizzy about a M or I should say Q70 sedan with a GT-R powertain. We'll wait and see if that comes to fruition, along with seeing if Infiniti's name change is a good idea. William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 A Message from Johan de Nysschen to Infiniti Owners and Fans Dear Infiniti fans: We love you dearly. And we know you love the brand. Which means it’s only natural that you may feel surprised by the announcement that we plan to change our nomenclature philosophy. No one likes change. It was a tough decision. We like our current model names as much as you do. But we had no choice but to change. Let me explain. 1. We are embarking on a massive product offensive, and these new cars need names. There are no suitable combinations of Alphanumeric naming options remaining that are not already trademarked by another automaker. In order to expand our line up with the fascinating new models we are developing, we must create a more flexible nomenclature philosophy. 2. Our new advanced technology engines under development will be smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient yet more powerful. And we will introduce some exhilarating performance machines in the future. I’m sure you will agree, it would be a bit odd to have a powerful, luxurious and refined V8 powered Infiniti M56, then position a new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it, using a potent charged induction V6, but then call it Infiniti M30, which we would be obliged to do, following our current naming logic. 3. Infiniti is becoming a global brand now. We are already active in almost 50 countries, the majority only very recently. Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing. 4. Infiniti owns the naming assets of Q plus double digit, and QX plus double digit. And it is a permanent part of our heritage. So the solution is pretty straightforward – use Q for cars, QX for crossovers, and double digits in increments of ten, to denote hierarchy, linked to the price point of the model, not size and not engine displacement. And no, we wont call all-wheel drive models Q50X or QX50X. The fact that a model may feature four-wheel drive will be indicated by specific badging describing this feature on the car and is not part of the model name. The really exciting implication of all this is that it prepares the way for the introduction of several fascinating new models above and below the current line up, and a wider range of powertrains including some truly stunning performance cars in our future. So there is only good news for all Infiniti fans around the globe. We are working very hard to bring you great products, a great brand and a compelling ownership experience. And we are really confident you will love the new Q50. It’s simply that good. Warmest regards, Johan de Nysschen President Infiniti Motor Company Limited -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 19, 2012 When Infiniti announced on Monday night that they would be changing their nomenclature to Q and QX, the outpouring of rage and sarcastic comments were overwhelming. Today Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti's president sent an open letter to the press and its fans explaining its decision. de Nysschen explained that Infiniti will be going on a product offensive in the next few years and and found itself in the situation of finding alphanumeric combinations that weren't already taken by another automaker. de Nysschen also said that the current nomenclature is causing confusion in new markets that Infiniti is entering. "Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing." said de Nysschen. There's one part of the letter that has everyone in the automotive media buzzing and dreaming. de Nysschen references a "new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it (M56 which uses a V8), using a potent charged induction V6". Interesting if a bit random example to use. But for de Nysschen to reference horsepower and a 'potent charged induction V6' has caused everyone to go into a tizzy about a M or I should say Q70 sedan with a GT-R powertain. We'll wait and see if that comes to fruition, along with seeing if Infiniti's name change is a good idea. William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 A Message from Johan de Nysschen to Infiniti Owners and Fans Dear Infiniti fans: We love you dearly. And we know you love the brand. Which means it’s only natural that you may feel surprised by the announcement that we plan to change our nomenclature philosophy. No one likes change. It was a tough decision. We like our current model names as much as you do. But we had no choice but to change. Let me explain. 1. We are embarking on a massive product offensive, and these new cars need names. There are no suitable combinations of Alphanumeric naming options remaining that are not already trademarked by another automaker. In order to expand our line up with the fascinating new models we are developing, we must create a more flexible nomenclature philosophy. 2. Our new advanced technology engines under development will be smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient yet more powerful. And we will introduce some exhilarating performance machines in the future. I’m sure you will agree, it would be a bit odd to have a powerful, luxurious and refined V8 powered Infiniti M56, then position a new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it, using a potent charged induction V6, but then call it Infiniti M30, which we would be obliged to do, following our current naming logic. 3. Infiniti is becoming a global brand now. We are already active in almost 50 countries, the majority only very recently. Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing. 4. Infiniti owns the naming assets of Q plus double digit, and QX plus double digit. And it is a permanent part of our heritage. So the solution is pretty straightforward – use Q for cars, QX for crossovers, and double digits in increments of ten, to denote hierarchy, linked to the price point of the model, not size and not engine displacement. And no, we wont call all-wheel drive models Q50X or QX50X. The fact that a model may feature four-wheel drive will be indicated by specific badging describing this feature on the car and is not part of the model name. The really exciting implication of all this is that it prepares the way for the introduction of several fascinating new models above and below the current line up, and a wider range of powertrains including some truly stunning performance cars in our future. So there is only good news for all Infiniti fans around the globe. We are working very hard to bring you great products, a great brand and a compelling ownership experience. And we are really confident you will love the new Q50. It’s simply that good. Warmest regards, Johan de Nysschen President Infiniti Motor Company Limited View full article
