Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Pearl Concept

We first reported on Mercedes-Benz's Frankfurt auto show-bound Viano Vision Pearl Concept just last week, but since then, the German automaker has released a slew of new photos detailing the luxury people carrier.

But for those that simply want the skinny on the design concept, Mercedes-Benz crafted a deluxe passenger van out of its Viano model with most changes taking place inside.
These include a full leather treatment in a two-tone white and gray color theme, wood flooring and matching side trim, brushed aluminium accents and a bespoke Bang & Olufsen sound system.
On the outside, there are some modest touches such as the unique "magno pearl grey” and a revised front end featuring LED daytime running lamps.

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Opel and Chevrolet too close for Comfort?

Sibling rivalry: every family faces it, at one point or another. And what are automotive groups such as General Motors if not one, big (and bailout-happy) family? Platform and parts sharing is the name of the game in order to reduce costs and maximize profit margins. But what happens when two brands, like Opel and Chevrolet start to overlap each other?

Having introduced five new cars in the past 18 months and on the verge of launching a major TV, print and digital campaign this summer to celebrate its centennial anniversary, Chevrolet is trying to become more premium.
However, as it becomes more attractive, while also retaining its value for money position, it starts to tiptoe on Opel's shoes. And that, according to Opel’s CEO Nick Reilly, is a problem they need to work out.
Reilly suggests that, even though research shows only 1.5% of Opel buyers would consider a Chevy, Opel still needs to move more upmarket in order to differentiate itself
“Undoubtedly Chevrolet will move up the pecking order with the quality of new products that have been launched and which are planned for launch,” Reilly told British magazine Autocar. “Therefore it’s logical that we’d like to see the Opel/Vauxhall product range and company image move up accordingly to keep them separated.”
Wayne Brannon, President of Chevrolet Europe, thinks that what sets his brand apart is its American identity: "If you ask 100 Europeans what they know about Chevrolet, research shows that 85 of them think of 'Chevy' as a brand with American roots and values. No other volume brand in this marketplace can say that".
Reilly agrees stating, “Chevrolet is an American brand with its own reputation and a goal of always being priced below the mainstream. In contrast, Opel and Vauxhall are very European brands. Cars such as the Meriva and Ampera show that we can lead in areas of technology in a way that Chevrolet won’t”.
Right. Like Chevrolet would ever have the technology to develop and build something called the Volt, start selling it in the US and then let Opel rebadge it as the Ampera for Europe…

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Toyota Camry 2012

We've already had our first taste of the upcoming 2012 Toyota Camry through some video footage shot during a dealer presentation in Las Vegas back in June, but today, the Japanese carmaker released the first official teaser of the mid-size sedan via its Twitter account.


All we get for now is a cropped image showing a 3/4 view of the 2012 Camry's edgier styled front end and the promise for "more info on the upcoming launch" soon.
We'll keep our eyes and ears open for any updates as the new Camry is scheduled for launch this fall and will post them as they come through. In the meantime follow the break to check out the full-size image.

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Video: Fisker Karma Test Drive

You have to admit that the Karma, Henrik Fisker’s extended-range electric sports sedan with a celebrity clientele and 3,000 firm orders, has already had its fair share of coverage on this site. And that’s before it even goes on sale.

However, Fisker’s $100,000 sedan is an intriguing car. Not just for its sensual lines, the gorgeous interior or the way it is promoted, but because it promises to deliver a supercar experience the “green way”.
That is by combining two electric motors in the rear and a turbocharged gasoline 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine up front, which charges the batteries acting as a range extender, further enhancing the Karma's performance and range.
Fisker Santa Monica published a video on Youtube showing Kyle, one of its salesmen, taking the Karma out for a quick spin around the streets of LA and explaining its functions as he would do in any regular customer (of course celebs will probably receive a better treatment…). So watch past the jump to see what a test drive in a Karma looks like.

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Evatran Presents Wireless Charging Station for Electric Vehicles!!!

Plug-in hybrids seem to be all the rage these days, from Chevrolet’s Volt to Nissan’s Leaf and the soon to be launched in the U.S. market, Toyota Prius Plug-In. And there are many more vehicles capable of running on electric power to follow.

However, their owners must not forget to charge them, usually overnight, or they’ll wake up next morning and discover they’ve run out of electric juice. In addition, they need to know their way around with the charging cords –not an easy task as any computer geek knows very well.
Evatran says it has the perfect solution for this problem: it’s called Plugless Power and it is a wireless charging system for EVs that is very simple to use (according to the company, that is). Evatron claims it can easily be installed in your garage and requires no serious modifications to the car itself other than a 10-pound adapter bolted to the undercarriage.
Here’s how the Evatran wireless system works:

Plugless Power recognizes your EV as it approaches and provides parking guidance.

Once the car is over the parking pad, the system communicates with your EV based on the SAE J1772 protocol used in corded systems, and automatically starts charging.

The indicator panel communicates charging status.

When your car is fully charged, the system turns off. And if you need to leave before charging is complete, simply back up and charging stops.

You can still use your normal plug-in system when you are away from home.

Evatran is cooperating with automakers to make the Plugless Power system available as a dealer option on new EVs or as a retrofit to existing vehicles. Demo systems are already available to them for testing performance and functionality.
For new cars, the price of the system can be incorporated in the vehicle’s price or lease scheme. Moreover, Evatran promises that within 24 hours of ordering, you will be contacted to arrange an appointment for the installation.

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Marchionne Says 54.5 mpg “Doable”, Hints at Retirement

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne gave a speech today at the 2011 CAR Management Briefing Seminars. He quoted philosopher Albert Camus, talked about the reason geese fly in a V formation (they create uplift for those that follow, thus extending their range by 70%) and even used an excerpt from Alice in Wonderland, specifically a dialogue between Alice and the Queen in “Through the Looking Glass”.

Marchionne did all this to convey the message that he feels vindicated. For effectively taking over Chrysler, for receiving the bailout money when most were skeptical or openly opposed it (and paying them back six years before schedule) and for wanting to merge the American group with Fiat.
The Group's CEO explicitly stated that the US administration’s proposed 54.5 mpg by 2025 is “very doable”. He cited the example of the new Chrysler 300 full-size sedan, which is rated at 31 mpg on the highway. Although it is a far cry from the proposed targets, he said that the automotive industry has 14 years to utilize current and future technology and thus should have no trouble conforming to the 54.5 mpg target.
Marchionne believes that Chrysler is on the right track, having presented “16 all-new or significantly refreshed products” and that the integration of the two management teams was inevitable.
He also warned his audience about the rise of China “which cannot be ignored. It is the largest car producer in the world. If it exported even 10% of this production, the risk we face at our home markets is enormous”. He also hinted at his own retirement, saying that Chrysler’s future “is up to guys after me… after 2015 or maybe a year later”.
Last, but not least, Marchionne revealed later, at a radio show, that his everyday car is a “black on black” Dodge Charger SRT8. Not a “green” car, but not a bad choice at all. After all signore Marchionne and his team have 14 years ahead of them to make even the SRT comply with the new rules.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600 New Design

The Hennessey-prepped Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600 is once again in the center of attention of the Bulgarian design firm Vilner. Back in October 2010, the company had launched its first take on the Hennessey Grand Cherokee SRT600 that packs a modified V8 engine fitted with a "Vortech" turbo system for an output of 600-horses.
For its second go on the Jeep, Vilner completely revamped the interior with red and black Alcantara combined with black leather trimmed in red seams. The company says it also designed a new flat-bottom steering wheel with its shape customized to fit the owner's personal preferences.
As for the exterior, changes were limited to the new headlamps that incorporte LED daytime running lights.

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