Earlier this week the German automaker Mercedes Benz started to offer a gas/electric version of their full size SUV, the the ML450 Hybrid 4MATIC. However owners looking to establish a long term relationship with the new truck might be a little surprised to find out that the luxury automaker is only offering the new hybrid SUV as part of a special lease only option starting at $659 per month for a three year commitment and as low as $549 per month with a five year agreement.
Powered by a 3.5 Liter Atkinson cycle V6 gasoline engine assisted by two magneto electric motors and a sophisticated hybrid electric module that promises to return up to 46% better fuel economy than the comparable V8 powered Mercedes Benz ML550. Each of the ML450 Hybrid’s electric motors serve a different purpose. The first is affixed to the transmission output shaft and generates an additional 80 HP and 192 lb-ft of torque allowing the new hybrid powered ML450 to operate as a zero emissions electric vehicle before the gasoline engine is needed for additional support. The second combination of magnets and wound electric wires is dedicated to improving the hybrid’s acceleration and is rated at 83 HP and 173 lb-ft of thrust, bringing the green SUV’s maximum output up to 335 HP and 381 lb-ft of torque. The only downside is that at least for now, you won’t be able to pick up one of these premium hybrid luxury SUVs second hand.
Press release after the jump.
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After we have seen the Outlander GT prototype, Mitsubishi finally revealed the official details on the 2010 SUV, set to be offered in GT and SE version. Sales will begin at a price of $20,840.
For the 2010 Outlander, Mitsubishi took the frontal lines used in the 2010 Lancer and Colt and create a new and improved model. Company say that the 2010 model is also offering the best safety technologies.
Under the hood there is a new fuel-efficient MIVEC V6 engine with Idle Neutral Logic that delivers 230 hp. The Idle Neutral Logis system ups the mileage of the 2010 Outlander by automatically engaging the transmission in neutral when the vehicle is at idle, saving you gas while you are waiting for the green light. MIVEC controls both intake and exhaust valve timing to optimize the engine air and fuel mixture.
Also new for the 2010 Outlander is the gearbox: the TC-SST (Twin Clutch - Sport Shift Transmission) that was available only on the Lancer Evolution X.
The SUV comes standard with: Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Active Stability Control (ASC), aluminum panel roof, super all-wheel control (S-AWC) and six airbags.
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The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a car that pretty much needs no improvements. But there are people out there that can’t be satisfied by even the most sportier car and they need more. For this kind of people it has been created the Onyx Concept.
The concept features a widebody conversion, a mix of 14-piece interior panel kit, A&D pillars, front grill and side vents all made from 100% solid carbon fiber. It comes with a lowered suspension and Onyx branded TPM 22-inch wheels. There will also be power upgrade for both petrol and diesel engines, but Onyx gave no details on this.
The company is also preparing the Platinum V conversion for the Range Rover Vogue. This edition will feature a new front bumper, LED Stripes, carbon fibre grille, a redesigned rear bumper, dual exhaust instead of quad, a new rear diffuser and blacked-out double-spoke TPM custom wheels.
Off road racing in Southern California is one of the most popular and demanding forms of motor sport in the region. As part of the racing organization’s annual rounds of competition, their season always ends with the SCORE Baja 1000, a grueling 672 mile loop that must be completed in no more than 31 hours. This last race of the season is scheduled for November 20-21 and when all the buggies and trophy trucks line up in Ensenada, Mexico, Toyota will be on hand with one of their brand new fifth generation 4Runners.
The Baja 1000 is a test of both man and machine, "historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we’re confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course." The Japanese automaker feels that their latest product is up to the task, and ensuring that they make it all the way to the finish line, Toyota has hired the multiple champion Ivan “Ironman” Stewart to pilot the 4Runner.
Press release after the jump.
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Hofele has revealed a wide-body kit for the Volkswagen Touareg. The new kit can be adapted for any Touareg model, except the R50.
The kit includes: front bumper, four additional lights - 2x LED day driving light and 2x fog lamps, rear apron with integrated tailpipes, tailpipe adapters, rear roof spoiler, rear door panel, bonnet / hood scoop "Power Dome", "Royster" wide body that includes side skirts and wheel arch extensions for front & rear axle and wheel spacers "Wide-Body Royster".
The wheel spacers "Royster" are made for the use of the extension kit in combination with wheels in the size 9Jx20" and 10Jx22".
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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Another Mopared Wrangler that is waiting in the wings for a SEMA debut is the Family friendly Off road 2010 Jeep Wrangler based on the 2010 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. The all terrain vehicle is pained in Deep Water Blue and makes the use of a Mopar 2 inch lift kit and some massive 33 inch off road tires. The setup for the family friendly Wrangler is a bit similar to the Extreme version and includes parts from the Mopar performance mail order catalog like off road bumpers, differential Cover, skid plates, back door entry guards and a Mopar exclusive, two tone Katzkin leather seating complete with embroidered Jeep logos on the backrests.
Full options and prices after the jump.
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Chrysler’s Jeep brand is getting a lot of attention from Mopar in anticipation of SEMA Show next week. Besides the Wrangler Overland that we brought to you last week, Mopar will also bring the Extreme Off-road Wrangler based on a Flame Red 2010 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon powered by a 3.8 Liter V6 that generates a maximum output of 202 HP and 237 lb-ft of torque. The list of customization options includes a 2 inch lift, cold air intake, heavy duty off road front bumper, off road rear bumper, backed out taillight guards and a custom designed heavy duty steel front skid plate; all from the Mopar parts catalog.
Full list of options and prices after the jump.
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If you thought that the German tuner Sportservice Lorinser had taken the ML Class Mercedes Benz SUV to new heights then think again, because the new kit from Expression Motorsport takes the full sized sport utility vehicle and adds a heap of bulging body parts that make the top of the line Mercedes ML, the factory tuned ML63 AMG, into a truly aggressive wide body machine. Complimenting the high output hand built 6.2 Liter V8 is a slew of individual moldings and bumpers that when all put together, make for one menacing ML.
The kit starts out with a multi piece set of fender flares complete with air extraction vents trailing the front wheels as well as a set of rocker moldings that complete the car’s widened stance. From the front the ML gets an all new face thanks to a pair of emphasized power dome additions in the hood as well as a sporty wide mouth front bumper that not only includes a pair of fog lights, but the now aftermarket standard strips of LED driving lights. Out back the Expression Motorsport ML wide body kit consists of a new rear bumper made with an integrated carbon fiber diffuser that frames the dual twin tip exhausts. Finishing off the AMG’s more aggressive makeover are a set of stylish rims measuring 22 inches in diameter. Expression Motorsport has succeeded in taking an already proven product and with a few key components transforms it into a true sport utility vehicle.
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The German tuning firm Sportservice Lorinser has just revealed a new customization program for the Mercedes Benz M-Class. The aftermarket parts specialists have added a set of bulging fenders as well as a bold blacked out four bar and some new scoops in the front bumper with matching fog lights. The aero upgrades continue with a set of aggressive side skirts and a more attractive rear bumper that makes just the right amount of room for the four massive Lorinser exhaust tips that protrude out the back of the modified M-Class and give the full size SUV the sounds of a sports car.
Depending on what the consumer is looking for, Lorinser is ready and waiting with a diverse set of light weight alloy wheels built to support the broad SUV giving it a much sportier appearance. Many of their rolling offerings are available in a multitude of painted finishes giving owners the option of dressing up their M Class to suit their individual taste, because after all that is the goal of high end tuning.
Press release after the jump.
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The Japanese automaker Nissan has launched a special edition version of the 2010 model year Rogue crossover utility vehicle. Called the Rogue Krom, the new package is all about appearance with its aggressive sport styling, exclusive 17-inch wheels and a center-exit sport-tuned exhaust.
The all new Krom edition is based on the 2010 Rogue S, and adds a brilliant finish to the aluminum-alloy wheels and then wraps them with a set of 225/60 Continental Conti 4x4 Contact tires and a unique grille to match the rims embedded in the aggressive front fascia with integrated fog lights. In the rear, the Rogue Krom edition includes a boldly styled sport fascia with integrated center-exit exhaust, a body-colored rear spoiler and rear privacy glass. Body-colored power outside mirrors, a Krom emblem and steering wheel-mounted audio controls complete the Krom equipment modifications.
Press release after the jump.
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