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Mercedes-AMG Hulks out again with new G63 test

The last time we saw Mercedes-Benz testing its camouflaged, lime-green G63 AMG, it was on the sunny roads of Germany. Perhaps recognizing that this was a tragic waste of its talents, Mercedes has now moved testing of its new brute to the windy, snowy tarmac of Sweden. Besides being a far more suitable environment for its monstrous G-Wagen, Mercedes' arrival in Scandinavia gives us yet another look at its 6x6-inspired updates. Judging by the license plates, this is the exact same vehicle we spotted way back in November, which gave us our original look at the impending arrival of the G's hoisted-up ride height, more aggressively flared fenders and meatier off-road-ready tires. As with our previous report, our spies are still arguing that the next G63 will be fitted with Mercedes' 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. That means as much as 544 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque will be on tap, and it'll all be dispatched via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The next G-Wagen is still on pace for a debut this year, although we still aren't sure where. Forced to put money on it, we'd bet on a European show, likely March's Genevan extravaganza or September's Frankfurt show.

2017 Infiniti QX30 price anounced ahead of September launch

The 2017 Infiniti QX30 will start at $30,945 for the base model and will max out at $39,495 for the Sport trim. The oversized hatchback will be available in six different trims: the QX30, QX30 Luxury, QX30 Premium, QX30 Sport, QX30 Luxury AWD, and QX30 Premium AWD. There will also be a 2017 QX30 Reservation Program for buyers interested in getting their hands on the car first. Buyers in the program will be able to choose from a selection of gifts to go along with their new QX30. The QX30 Luxury starts at $33,595, while its AWD variant is $1,800 more. The QX30 Sport, which is front-wheel drive only and is 0.6 inches lower than the rest of the lineup, is priced at $39,495. The QX30 Premium will start at $36,295 with the QX30 Premium AWD commanding an additional $2,400. All trims are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that puts out 208 hp and sends power to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. While the QX30 borrows a lot of components from the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, it's priced lower than its German counterpart. The Mercedes GLA250 starts at $33,775, while the GLA250 4Matic is priced at $34,775. The QX30 also comes in under the Acura RDX ($36,510), BMW X1 ($34,095), Audi Q3 ($34,625), and the larger Lexus NX 200t ($35,915). The QX30 will hit showroom floors in September.Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2017 Infiniti QX30 View 19 Photos News Source: InfinitiImage Credit: Infiniti Infiniti Mercedes-Benz Crossover Hatchback Luxury infiniti qx30

Daimler and Geely collaborate to develop 'a highly efficient modular engine'

BERLIN — German car maker Daimler said on Tuesday it will cooperate with China's Geely to build next-generation combustion engines for use in hybrid vehicles. Efforts to share development costs come as the growth potential for combustion engines faces the twin threat of the COVID-19 crisis and stricter fuel-efficiency and emission rules. "The companies plan to develop a highly efficient modular engine," a spokesman for Daimler said, adding that it would be used in hybrid drivetrains and manufactured in Europe and China. Geely declined to comment. The modular engine will be used in cars under different marques at Geely and Daimler, a person familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity as the companies are still in the early stages of developing the engine. News of the alliance was a surprise to Daimler's works council at its factory in Untertuerkheim, which specializes in electric and gasoline powertrain assembly. "We are speechless. There was not even a discussion about potential alternative manufacturing locations," said Michael Haeberle, the works council chief for Untertuerkheim. "We have the ability to build four-cylinder engines in Untertuerkheim, but there were no talks about it." Daimler said German factories will be retooled gradually to add electric drivetrains production. Most of the next-generation combustion engines will be made in China, business daily Handelsblatt reported. The alliance with Geely, which owns a 9.69% stake in Stuttgart-based Daimler, means that parts of Daimler's existing partnership with Renault could be pared back. A Renault source told Reuters that the Daimler-Geely project does not mean an end of cooperation between Daimler and Renault. Citing Daimler sources, Handelsblatt said the Daimler-Geely pact would save the German carmaker a "triple-digit million sum" — implying an amount above 100 million euros ($119 million) and less than 1 billion euros. Green Mercedes-Benz Volvo Hybrid Daimler Geely