Road and Driver

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.

A monster retires: BMW is ending production of the M6 and, simultaneously, the last units of the 5.0-liter V-10 and the “SMG” automated sequential manual transmission are built. The M6, despite its great performance, was never one of my favorites. I didn’t consider the shockingly thirsty V-10 to be much of an improvement over the 4.9-liter V-8 of E39 M5 and Z8 fame, and the jerky seven-speed SMG did nothing to endear me to this sports coupe, either. Let’s hope the next-generation 6-series is closer in spirit to the original E24 model. As far as the M6 goes, the next one will be equipped with a twin-turbocharged V-8 and a double-clutch transmission.

Rupert Stadler’s Take

Audi is getting ready to launch the S1 (with less than 200 hp) at the Paris auto show—and the next A6, says CEO Rupert Stadler, will be unveiled before the end of the year. I sat down with him at the A7 launch on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda early this week, and he emphasized the importance of the U.S. market, which is likely to get the full portfolio of Audi models in the future. U.S. production of an Audi model is still an option, but no final decisions have been made.

Conversation turned to electrics, and while Stadler’s engineers are working on several projects, he is skeptical of the merits of Shai Agassi’s Better Place. The placement of batteries in a car, says Stadler, is an important differentiator, and Audi is not trying to accommodate the battery-swapping stations that Better Place is planning to install. Stadler points out the safety risks in changing batteries: “They are not trivial.” How can Stadler be sure that the enthusiasm for electric cars is not a passing fad altogether? “If somebody finds enough oil fields to make sure we have fuel for another 200 years, the discussion is over.” But he adds that there is no evidence of such a development right now . . .

Mercedes’ Magic Options (and Engines)

Mercedes is launching the next-generation S-class with the impressive Magic Body Control suspension, which relies on a stereo camera to scan the road ahead, sending data to all four corners to help iron out uneven surfaces. Another “magic” extra will be available before that: Magic Sky Control, a roof available on the next-generation SLK, which can switch from a see-through mode to a mode which blocks the view. (A similar option has been available on the Maybach for a while.)

With the next-generation, entry-level six-cylinder engine for the S-class, Mercedes unintentionally offers proof that efficiency does not rely on hybrid technology. The current, 268-hp S350—not available in the U.S.—gets 24 mpg in the European cycle, while the S400 Hybrid, which is based on the S350 and offers total system power of 295 hp, gets 30 mpg. Now Mercedes is announcing next year’s S350, complete with direct-injection technology and a multi-spark ignition system, a power rating of 302 hp—and a hybrid-topping mileage rating of 31 mpg. That’s without downsizing or turbocharging the engine. Mercedes will keep the S400 Hybrid in the portfolio “to satisfy those customers for whom hybrid technology is important,” according to spokesman Wolfgang Zanker.

At a premium of over €10,000 and with lower (European) fuel economy, how important would the hybrid be to you? For a super-efficient S-class, we’ll very soon see a variation with the ubiquitous 2.1-liter, four-cylinder turbo-diesel. This model may be called S250 CDI or S300 CDI, and it will get around 40 mpg. Without the added weight and complexity of an electric motor and batteries.

Volvo’s Nod to Heritage

I haven’t driven the not-for-the-U.S. Volvo V60 yet, but colleagues that attended last week’s international driving launch report on a glaring lack of refinement, especially when it comes to the 177-hp, turbocharged T4 engine. Perhaps it’s just a respectful bow to the brand’s heritage and the proven ways of engineering. When I was a boy, my father joked that our Volvo 244 DL converted fuel into noise, not propulsion.

Autobahn Tested: Lexus IS250C

I do like the small Lexus, and in fact have owned an early, manual-transmission IS250, but the affair is coming to a close with the IS250C test car sitting in my driveway. As far as the sedan goes, I never cared for the slightly gimmicky facelift; and the deletion of the manual-transmission option in the European market was a huge letdown. With the slushbox, performance drops off the cliff, and Lexus offers no 3.5-liter engine here to make up for it. The even heavier, folding-roof IS250C is one of the laziest cars I’ve driven in this class—or any class, actually. There is no excuse for a 130-mph top speed that takes forever to reach when a similarly powered BMW 3-series convertible can do 152. It’s not even comfortable. And at the gas pump, this big-butt convertible guzzles for two.

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Nissan’s stand at the upcoming Paris auto show will feature the Townpod, an all-electric concept car. Nissan says the Townpod is “more than just a car” and “more than just a van,” without offering any further explanation. It’s said to be stylish, practical, and flexible—adjectives attached to nearly every new concept car. Above is a close-up picture of a headlight, so we know it will have at least one of those. Given that Nissan already has a production-ready electric vehicle—the Leaf—this Townpod concept could possibly use that car’s EV drivetrain. Or not. We’ll have to wait and see.

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2. Lamborghini Supercar Teased, Will Debut at Paris Auto Show
3. 2012 Honda Fit Hybrid to Debut in Paris – Auto Shows

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This “magical” technology relies on a forward-scanning camera to anticipate road imperfections.

Suppliers and carmakers often invite us to tech days to show off their latest gadgets and gizmos. But while it’s always great to speak with the engineers, the new technology often turns out to be little more than a gimmick or—even worse—yet another killjoy nanny system introduced to keep you “safe.”

Keep Reading: Driven: Mercedes-Benz Magic Body Control – Car News

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1. 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class and S-class: Safety Technology – Car News
2. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon – Car News
3. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S350 4MATIC BlueTec Diesel – Car News

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The Ford Fusion hybrid gets the Lincoln treatment.

What Is It?

A hybridized Lincoln MKZ or a Lincoln-ized Ford Fusion hybrid—either would be an accurate description of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ hybrid. Indeed, if you know anything about Ford’s excellent Fusion hybrid (a 2010 10Best winner), very little about its new-for-’11 entry-luxury twin will present any surprises. The MKZ hybrid drives its front wheels only and is powered by the same combination of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder and an electric motor, with a total system output of 191 hp. Likewise, it features the same CVT, and achieves the same impressive EPA fuel-economy ratings of 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway.

Keep Reading: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – Quick Spin

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2. 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Priced at $35,180, Same as Gas-Only Model
3. 2010 Lincoln MKZ – First Drive Review

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Encouraged by the success of the Genesis, Hyundai drives further up-market.

When Hyundai announced the Genesis luxury sedan in 2008, some were skeptical. A $40,000 Hyundai? But the Genesis has been a hit with buyers, outselling the Audi A6 and Lexus GS combined. After two years on the market, sales of the Genesis are still increasing. Hyundai says this is a sign that American consumers are seeing the brand differently, and are ready for Hyundai to head even further up-market. And so, with the 2011 Equus, the company has its sights set on the top of the luxury heap: cars like the Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-class.

Keep Reading: 2011 Hyundai Equus – First Drive Review

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2. 2011 Hyundai Equus – Official U.S. Photos and Info
3. 2010 Hyundai Equus – Auto Shows

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Not exactly all-new, but still all good and still exactly what a minivan should be.

When redesigning a vehicle that doesn’t need much improvement, engineers have extra time on their hands. Case in point: The Odyssey’s interior team spent some of theirs measuring 800 purses, ensuring that 80 percent of women’s (and some men’s) carryalls would fit in a new removable bin between the front seats.

Keep Reading: 2011 Honda Odyssey – First Drive Review

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2. 2009 Honda Odyssey – Review
3. Honda Odyssey Concept – Auto Shows

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Emergency-vehicle outfitter Lund Industries uploaded two videos that show the 2011 Dodge Charger police car in its full, uncamouflaged glory. The new cop-spec Charger was on display at the recent Police Fleet Expo in Saint Louis, Missouri. Previously, we’d only seen spy shots of the 2011 Charger and teaser photos of the cop car from Chrysler.

The shaky videos show us a little more of what to expect from the  redone Charger. The rear roofline has been changed slightly from the outgoing model, and now follows a smoother curve to the decklid. Most notable is the new taillight design, which now includes a red bar stretching across the entire trunk and embossed with “Dodge” lettering. The Lund-outfitted Charger seen here wears black alloy wheels with a silver lip, which we’d be surprised to see on production police vehicles; the previous police-package Charger was available either with black steelies or silver-painted five-spoke alloys.

When the 2011 Charger reaches police fleets, it will be offered with a choice of 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 or 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engines. As always, the suspension, brakes, cooling system, and more will be uprated to cope with police work, while the interior will tout a column-mounted shift lever and connections for radios and computers. Judging by the lights-ablaze display in the video below, this is a car that will catch speeders’ attention.

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3. Caught on the Freeway: 2011 Dodge Charger

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He built the homely but speedy Consulier GTP in 1985 with a fortune the ex–Wall Streeter earned in money management. Now, at 61, he’s eyeing a U.S. Senate seat.

C/D: There are two Warren Moslers— the one who builds very fast cars, like the $330,000, 550-hp MT900S, and oddballs like the “TwinStar,” the Cadillac Eldorado with two Northstar V-8s—and the one who is globally regarded as a very wealthy financial visionary.

WM: Actually, there is only one, but I have multiple interests. And, hey, what about the boat?

Keep Reading: Warren Mosler: What I’d Do Differently – Interview

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Some days are a little more exciting than others, and today certainly falls in the former category: McLaren dropped by the office to show off its new MP4-12C supercar. (A full gallery lives at the end of this post.) While neither the company reps nor the factory technical specialist handed over the keys, they were kind enough to let us poke around it for a bit. We also heard a few more details on the car itself, got an update on the brand’s relaunch in the U.S., and were impressed by the nearly absurd measures taken to reduce weight.

Revealed last September, the MP4-12C is motivated by a twin-turbocharged, 592-hp, 3.8-liter V-8, which was developed by McLaren in partnership with Ricardo. Now that we’ve all seen the car in person, we agree that it looks better than in photos, especially with this car’s matte-black wheels. A few editors still think it’s a little bland in the styling department, however, although the fact that the body panels exist solely for aerodynamic purposes is a good excuse.

Weight remains an obsession for McLaren, and it offered this pearl of an anecdote to show just how far it went: The supplier building the magnesium cross brace had planned to emboss the part—in raised lettering—with the McLaren name; McLaren rejected the idea because it would add weight, instead suggesting that the lettering be recessed into the brace. The resultant weight savings: approximately a hundredth of an ounce. But wait (or is it weight?), there’s more (or less): The wiring for the car uses hexagonal sheathing in order to keep things tidy—they fit together better than round ones—and inside you’ll find wires made from aluminum, rather than the traditional copper, saving roughly nine pounds. This infatuation with avoiding fatness has resulted in a claimed dry weight of 2866 pounds; we expect a curb weight of roughly 3200 pounds, or about 200 lighter than a Ferrari 458 Italia.

With the über-rare McLaren F1 a distant memory now, McLaren is launching this brand essentially from scratch, and it has linked up with experienced exotic-car dealers in eight North American markets: San Francisco (Marin County); Los Angeles; Chicago; Dallas; Greenwich, Connecticut; Tampa; Toronto; and Miami, with plans for dealers in Philadelphia and Newport Beach, California, as well. McLaren expects to have somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 North American dealerships as the company grows over the next decade.

McLaren elaborated on its plans to build a lineup of two-seat sports cars—no SUVs! no sedans!—saying that it will introduce a new model every year until mid-decade, for a total of four models including the MP4-12C. Expect the list to include convertible and higher-performance MP4-12C variants, as well as a second, all-new car.

Before additional McLarens arrive, though, the MP4-12C must go on sale; it will arrive in the summer of 2011 as a 2012 model. The base price will be between $225,000 and $250,000, and there will be options galore. The extras on the car we saw today included carbon-ceramic brakes; navigation; carbon-fiber engine-bay trim; and a front-, rear-, and in-car multi-camera system that allows the owner to export the footage via USB to a flash drive—perfect for analyzing track days. Beyond that, McLaren will of course trim your supercar however you like, and it has already had the sort of bizarre requests that lead to things such as, say, all-canary-yellow Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupés. (Google it and then rinse your eyes.) Yes, that’s vulgar, but after hearing the small V-8 roar to life in the parking lot (hear it for yourself in the video above), we’re thinking we could learn to live with even a bright-pink MP4-12C.

[View with PicLens]

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1. 2011 McLaren MP4-12C – Car News
2. McLaren Gives MP4-12C Acceleration Estimates: It’s Going to Be Fast
3. 2011 McLaren MP4-12C – Official Photos and Info

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Knowing full well that automotive journalists, like children, often do the exact opposite of what they’re told, BMW has registered the domain dontblogaboutthis.com and posted pictures of a mysterious prototype car plastered with the address. The car shown wears dead-for-2011 BMW 6-series coupe body panels aft of the A-pillars, though the text notes, “This is more than a 6-series. But the car is not yet in its final stage.”

Now for the clue-mongering. Out back, there is but a single, small exhaust tip. The tires, which are labeled “TEST,” are large enough in diameter to fill the wheel wells, yet their 195 width looks far too skinny for the 6er body. The wheels themselves are flat with five elongated holes and, despite their narrowness, stick out enough from the body that fender extensions were necessary.

When lightened via the magic of Photoshop, the image showing the front end reveals an unusual hood design with several panels intersecting at various angles. The hood very obviously does not meet up with the 6-series’ cowl. The front fascia, too, stretches lower and appears to sport unusual fins, likely aerodynamic aids. Finally, the accompanying videos show the prototype car moving with very little noise, suggesting either a quiet, efficient engine or some kind of electric drive.

All this leads us to believe that, rather than a new 6-series or a replacement for the recently departed M6, this car is an engineering mule for some other future BMW product. One strong possibility, given the skinny tires, aero tweaks up front, and wind-cheating wheels, might be an EfficientDynamics vehicle of some sort. (Remember the wacky Vision EfficientDynamics concept from last year’s Frankfurt show, the one BMW says will be produced?) The fact that the company is making the effort to supply us with faux spy shots supports the idea that this is some kind of future feather-in-the-cap car. We’ll let you know when we learn more, but for now be sure to check the rest of the internet for baseless, rampant speculation.

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1. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept – Auto Shows
2. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Spotted in Munich Ahead of Frankfurt Debut
3. BMW Teases Vision EfficientDynamics Concept with Video

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