Mercedes-Benz Presents 2009 CLS Grand Edition
January 2, 2009
Given the lack of anything truly new to offer, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a special edition version of its recently updated CLS four-door coupe model. The CLS Grand Edition is part of Merc's new factory program called "designo" that offers buyers more exclusive options and differentiation within a model's line-up. In the case of the CLS Grand Edition this means a new platinum matt finish which is allegedly highly scratch- and dirt-resistant. Buyers can also choose from four other colors - obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red or flint grey.
The additional exterior equipment for the CLSGrand Edition includes Bi-xenon headlamps with dark headlamp casings, new high-sheen AMG18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 245/40 R 18 (front) and 275/35 R 18 (rear) tires and a "Grand Edition" insignia on the front wings.
The CLS Grand Edition's interior is distinguished by "designo" leather upholstery in "marron" – with the option of substituting this shade for sand, black, mystic red, porcelain or chablis, roof lining in anthracite Alcantara, together with the standard-fit tilting/sliding glass roof and trim elements in high-quality laurel wood that can be ordered with either a matt or a high-gloss finish.
The special edition CLS is available with four engine variants, including the V6 unit for the entry-level CLS280 and the 292HP CGI direct-injection power plant for the CLS 350 CGI model.
The Mercedes-Benz CLSGrand Edition can be ordered from January 2, 2009, with prices in Europe starting at 67,294.50 Euros incl. VAT for the CLS280 Grand Edition. Customer deliveries will commence in March 2009.
2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe & Convertible with 540HP- 47 High-Res Wallpapers
The famous Cobra badge has returned on the latest generation Ford Mustang that was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. The new Shelby GT500 that will be available in both coupe and convertible versions will make its world debut at the Detroit show later this month with sales following in spring 2009. Upgrades over the standard Mustang include an aggressive bodykit, retuned sports suspension and of course, a more powerful 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that delivers 40HP more than before for a total output of 540HP and 510 foot-pounds of torque.
Ford also lamely supports that the new GT500 will "provide better highway fuel efficiency" - as if anyone who buys a 540HP supercharged muscle car cares about what he will pay at the gas pump...
Apart from the revised 5.4L V8, Ford engineers have also upgraded the twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission while the discs on the 2010 Shelby GT500 are larger – 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model – and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust.
In terms of driving dynamics, spring and dampers have been optimized for better roll control while the coupe sits on new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels ( 18s on the convertible).
"We're proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we've now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. "Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive."
Happy New Year from Carscoop!
January 1, 2009
Well, there goes another year with its good and bad moments. This is the first day of the new year and here at Carscoop we would like to give all of you our best wishes for a productive and prosperous 2009. We'll be taking it easy until the end of the week, catching up with friends and family, but if something important pops up, we'll be there to cover it. Until then, perhaps you may want to share with us what you're expecting or looking forward to this year by leaving a comment below.
