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The aerodynamic kit is priced at a hefty €8,499 (excl. VAT) while an extra €4,189 (again without VAT) will get you a set of 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 295/35 R22 high-performance Dunlop tyres.

To match the SUVs looks, Carlsson has developed performance enhancements for both petrol and diesel variants of the GL-Class. More specifically, the CK50 kit (€3,192 excl. VAT) for the GL 500 nudges the V8 petrol's output from 388HP to 435HP and torque from 530 to 600 Nm.

Carlsson also increases the performance of the diesel models, with the GL 420 CDI producing 354 HP instead of 306HP (€1,299 excl. VAT) and the CL 320 CDI 269 HP, up from 224 HP (€1,499 excl. VAT).

To top things off, the tuner has developed the C-Tronic SUSPENSION system that lowers the SUV's ride height by up to 30 mm while the control unit also recognizes the road characteristics and continually adjusts the remaining spring travel. The system that is for the GL-Class models with AIRMATIC-suspension costs €1,099 without VAT.

Via: Worldcarfans

Mercedes-Benz developed the BlueTEC technology that focuses particularly on nitrogen oxides in order to reduce the emissions of diesel vehicles. The tech involves injecting a non-toxic aqueous carbamide solution called "AdBlueÓ" into the exhaust gas flow that then releases ammonia. In the downstream SCRcatalyst system the ammonia then converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into the harmless products nitrogen and water.

According to the German automaker, the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC already fulfill the emissions limits of the EU 6 standard, which won't go into effect until 2014.

As for the BlueTEC models' combined fuel consumption, the ML-Class and R-Class variants both return an average of 8.7 lt/100km (27mpg US) while the larger and heavier GL-Class has been rated at 9.0lt / 100km (26.1mpg US).

Inside there's new instrumentation and a restyled multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO luxury head restraints for the driver and front passenger.

Another new feature of the facelifted GL-Class is the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring system, which checks the individual pressures of all four tires and provides the driver with a graphic read-out.

Though Mercedes has not released any photos of the 2010 model year GL-Class, the German automaker did reveal that the renamed GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are distinguished by their restyled grille, bumpers, wheels and new lights, including LED taillights. As for the GL350 BlueTEC which replace the current GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Merc said that it boast lower exhaust emissions as well as 20-30 percent better fuel economy.

The production version of Mercedes' ML450 HYBRID combines an electric motor with a 3.5-liter V6 engine for a total output of 335HP offering improved fuel efficiency over the full-size ML550. Like the Prius, the ML450 HYBRID can operate -at low speeds- as a zero-emission vehicle when powered by its electric drive alone.

"The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future," said Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, "a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials."

Aston Martin did not reveal any specific details on the Lagonda Concept but it did note that the revival of the brand with this vehicle will help the company expand its presence from 30 countries into more than 100 worldwide including Russia and emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China.

Furthermore, Aston Martin said that the revival of the Lagonda brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. Lagonda/

"An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car," said Dr Ulrich Bez, "but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets. Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style into a single, formidable package. An Aston Martin demands to be driven. A Lagonda demands a destination."

Finished in the typical two-tone burgundy-back paintwork of the Carlsson Aigner range, the CK55 RS Rascasse features a full body styling kit consisting of wider wheel arches, a new bonnet carrying larger power domes, a new larger front grill and sub-grilles, front and rear aprons, side skirts and massive 23-inch alloy wheels shod in 305/30ZR23 tires.

Though Carlsson has yet to release pictures of the interior, the company said that the SUV's cabin has been dressed in high-quality red leather and alcantara which covers the seats, dashtop, door panels and centre console. Furthermore, Carlsson and Aigner decided that the GL500's seven-seater configuration should be ditched in favor of just two individual rear seats.

In terms of mechanical upgrades, the GL's 5.5-liter, 48-valve, V8 motor which in factory trim delivers 388-horsepower and 530Nm has been modified to produce an output of 45-horsepower with 640Nm of torque. Thus endowed, the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds compared to the standard model's 6.5 sec.

Other mods include the Carlsson electronic lowering kit, C-Tronic Suspension that drops the ride height of the Airmatic suspension by 40mm.

The Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse is offered at a basic price of €228,500 which comes to around $287,700 U.S. with the current exchange rates.