2011 Mercedes-benz Gl450 Base Sport Utility 4-door 4.6l on 2040-cars

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Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 is sold out

Sometimes automakers go absolutely bonkers and bequeath a product on the world that makes no logical sense – except to make people grin from ear to ear. The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6X6 is just such a vehicle with six wheels, three axles, five differentials and a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 making 536 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque. The result is a truck that looks more appropriate to handle the dystopian future rather than any paved road on Earth, especially the $1.35 million armored version. Unfortunately, if you have a hankering to own a brand-new example, it's too late because Mercedes is ending production of the behemoth. Since introducing the 6X6 in 2013, Mercedes actually sold more than it originally anticipated by moving more than 100 of them, according to GT Spirit, but the German automaker has ended production to keep the model special. Still, those production numbers aren't too shabby considering the truck's ultra-niche nature and base price of 379,000 euros ($430,000 at current exchange rates). While wealthy clients who desire luxury with their off-roading can no longer order the 6X6, Mercedes isn't entirely abandoning these customers yet. The company is already previewing the G500 4x42 that takes the six-wheeler's pumped up suspension and wheels but reinterprets the look on the more conventional, two-axle body style. Buyers might have to accept a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8, though. A debut for the new model is expected for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in early March. Related Video:

Mercedes GLE Coupe to feature in Jurassic World

It was back in 1997 that Mercedes first got into the crossover game with the launch of the M-Class, and most of us got our first look at the luxury high-rider when it debuted on the big screen in the Jurassic Park sequel The Lost World. It's been 18 years since that event, but now its successor is set to appear in the revival of the once-popular movie franchise. Come June 12, moviegoers will be able to catch the new Jurassic World film at their local theaters, but the dinosaurs will have to share the spotlight with the new GLE Coupe. The slant-roofed crossover that'll share its underpinnings with the M-Class' successor and challenge the BMW X6, will appear in the film in GLE 450 AMG Sport guise, and Universal Studios apparently did a good enough job keeping the Mercedes under wraps during filming until its release just a month ago. Mercedes Continues Its Decades Long Relationship with Universal: Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe launches in Universal Pictures' Jurassic World Stuttgart, Jan 08, 2015 Stuttgart. On-screen, multiple Mercedes-Benz vehicles are once again in on the Jurassic action. Twenty-two years since the events of the original film, Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the long-awaited next installment of his groundbreaking Jurassic Park series, Jurassic World. During their adventures in the jungles of Jurassic World, the characters played by Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard put their trust in the off-road capabilities of various Mercedes-Benz vehicles – especially in the all-new GLE Coupe, which appears in its series-look for the first time. Colin Trevorrow directs the epic action-adventure from a screenplay he wrote with Derek Connolly. Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley join the team as producers. Jurassic World will be released in 3D by Universal Pictures on June 12, 2015. The partnership continues the relationship between Universal and Mercedes-Benz, first forged in 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park, when Mercedes introduced the M-Class vehicle. "We are delighted to have been able to support this epic action-adventure with our vehicles," said Dr. Jens Thiemer, Head of Marketing Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Our wide range of SUVs in particular fit perfectly with Jurassic World's various requirements, with the focus on our new trendsetter, the GLE Coupe." Above all, it is the new GLE Coupe that shows off its best side.

Volvo, Daimler, Traton join forces to build electric truck charging network

Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and Volkswagen's AG heavy-truck business the Traton Group announced on Monday a non-binding agreement to build a network of high-performance public charging stations for electric heavy-duty long-haul trucks and buses around Europe. The news was first reported by Reuters. The three major European automakers will invest ˆ500 million (~$593 million USD) to install and operate 1,700 charging points in strategic locations and close to highways. They intend to finalize the agreement by the end of this year and start operations next year, with the hopes of increasing the number of charge points significantly as the companies seek additional partners for the future joint venture. The venture is meant to be a catalyst to prepare for the European Union's goals of carbon-neutral freight transportation by 2050. One of the main deterrents for both individuals and freight companies for switching to EVs has historically been a lack of charging infrastructure. By building that infrastructure, Volvo, Daimler and Traton can also expect to boost their own sales of electric trucks and buses. “It is the joint aim of EuropeÂ’s truck manufacturers to achieve climate neutrality by 2050," Martin Daum, CEO Daimler Truck, said in a statement.  "However, it is vital that building up the right infrastructure goes hand in hand with putting CO2-neutral trucks on the road. Together with Volvo Group and the Traton Group, we are therefore very excited to take this pioneering step to establish a high-performance charging network across Europe.” The partnership between Volvo and Daimler isn't unprecedented. In May, the two competitors teamed up to produce hydrogen fuel cells for long-haul trucks to lower development costs and boost production volumes. This latest venture is another signal that major companies are banding together to solve climate-related issues in the industry. European car industry association ACEA has called for up to 50,000 high-performance charging points by 2030. Traton CEO Matthias Gruendler told Reuters that roughly 10 billion euros would be needed to build out Europe's infrastructure to be fully electrified by 2050. According to a statement released by Volvo, this venture is also a call to action for others with a stake in the industry, like automakers or governments, to work together to ensure the rapid expansion needed to reach climate goals.