Xclusiv - Mercedes Factory!

Merc's SL56 AMG!

Merc's award-winning SL convertible sports car lineup has yet another trophy to add to its cabinet -- the SL65 AMG was voted "The Fantasy Convertible" by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). NEMPA members, consisting of New England-based automotive journalists, tested the limited-production, high- performance hardtop convertible during its annual Ragtop Ramble convertible driving event from Boston to Kennebunkport this summer.

"Why fantasy?"

"Because it would be a fantasy to own one, never mind be lucky enough to secure seat time behind the wheel of one."

Merc's Next Generation S-Class Named S550

Mercedes-Benz last week announced new nomenclature for its flagship sedan. The model year 2007 S-Class will be named the S550, replacing the S500. In the U.S. market, the new S-Class line will be launched with an all-new 5.5-liter V8 engine delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, the first of a new-generation V8 engine family featuring four-valve-per-cylinder technology and variable valve timing. The "S" designation had long been used to identify top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz sedans and coupes, and the S-Class has embodied the brand's flagship role for more than five decades.

The S-Class is a technological showcase that has pioneered significant safety and comfort features for the entire auto industry, including the first ABS anti-lock brakes, the first ESP stability control and the first PRE-SAFE system. The new S-Class made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show in September 2005 and is set to arrive in the U.S. in February 2006. The successor to a long line of premium luxury vehicles, the 2007 S-Class sedan will debut with a significantly evolved design and a stronger presence. Sharper angles and cleaner lines frame a sedan that gains about 1.7 inches of length, almost an inch in width, and more than three inches in wheelbase over its predecessor.

TOYOTA to unseat GM as world's top automaker

The Toyota Motor Corp. group is expected to boost its global automobile production to more than 9.2 million units in 2006, making it almost certain that the group will surpass General Motors Corp. to become the world's top automaker in terms of output. Toyota has decided to raise its global production volume 12% from its 2005 projection to 8.3 million cars next year, an increase of roughly 900,000 units, which is more than Mazda Motor Corp.'s entire annual domestic output. In contrast, GM's global production next year is unlikely to top its 2005 projection of 9.12 million cars.

Mercedes-Benz Unveils R-Class Grand Sports Tourer

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class luxury vehicle is an entirely new type of Mercedes-Benz and a brand new way for six adults to travel. The new R-Class combines the distinct advantages of several disparate vehicles -- the sure- footedness of a permanent four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle, the performance and comfort of a fine sports sedan and the versatility of a luxury wagon. Innovative design and useful technology now make possible an automotive decathlete -- a vehicle that can excel at an unprecedented range of owner needs.

Suggested pricing for the R-Class line begins at $48,775 for the R350, powered by a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V6 engine. The R500 is fitted with a 5.0-liter V8 producing 302 hp. Both models come with a seven-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The basic vehicle is loaded with standard equipment such as eight-way power front seats, leather seat inserts, birds-eye maple interior trim, split second and third row seats, load-leveling suspension and rain sensing wipers.

Is a Car 'Key' to Impressing a First Date?

If there's one thing men and women agree with when it comes to dating it's that cars make an impression, this according to a Ford Fusion "Life in Drive" Dating Survey that polled more than 400 singles and revealed a whopping 89 percent of males and 95 percent of females said they were somewhat likely to notice their date's car.

The Ford survey revealed that it's not just your car, but the state of your car that can make an impression on your date, with 58 percent saying that the condition of their date's vehicle would at least somewhat impact their attraction to the person. Females felt more strongly about their date's car condition than males with 69 percent saying it would at least somewhat effect their attraction to their date compared to 47 percent of males.

When asked to recall their "most embarrassing car date moment," respondents chose being told by their date that they were a "bad driver" (22 percent) as tops overall with females (26 percent) outpacing males (18 percent).