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Autoblog Unplugged: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz's AMG division entered new territory in late 2013 with the launch of the CLA45, an all-wheel-drive sedan (with front-wheel-drive underpinnings) motivated by a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. But it wasn't any old turbo-four – the boosted 2.0-liter powerplant claimed the title of most powerful production four-cylinder engine. From behind the wheel, we loved its turbo-heavy antics and steer-it-with-the-throttle dynamics. Now, Mercedes offers the GLA-Class – a small crossover based on that CLA architecture. And rather than just leave it alone in GLA250 guise, the AMG folks created the tiny-tough GLA45 high-riding hatch you see here. It's got the same 355-horsepower, 332-pound-feet turbo-four underhood, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a unique sound that's unlike anything you might expect from a small CUV. That's why we took to some of our favorite backroads to capture another Autoblog Unplugged video with the GLA45. There's no talking, no music, no rizzle-razzle – just shots of the GLA45 driving down our favorite winding roads with nothing but the sweet, throaty sounds of the AMG powerplant. Good luck holding back your giggles when you hear the braaap of a quick gear-change. Mercedes-Benz Crossover Luxury Performance Videos mercedes gla-class mercedes gla45 amg

Recharge Wrap-up: liquid-cooled Tesla Supercharger, Acenta+ Leaf

A new video offers a close look at Tesla's updated Supercharger. Recently, Elon Musk spoke about the new charging station with a thinner, suppler liquid-cooled cable that is not only easier to manage, but has the potential to handle larger loads and offer quicker recharging. The first examples have been installed in Mountain View, CA, which we can see in this video. Besides the new cable, the new Supercharger also features a solid "button" on the charging handle as well as vents around the bottom of the unit. The video even shows thermal imaging of the new Supercharger, which shows the cable to be cooler than the cameraman usually records. See for yourself in the video above, and read more at Treehugger. Nissan has added a new trim level to the Leaf in the UK. The Acenta+ slots above the Acenta and just below the range-topping Tekna. It comes standard with the 6.6-kW onboard charger and Mode-3 32-amp (EVSE) cable. Using a fast charger, the Acenta+ Leaf can charge to 100 percent in just four hours. "We're delighted to add a new member to the Leaf family in the UK," says Nissan Motor GB Managing Director James Wright. "More than 9,500 Leafs have already been sold here and Nissan is the undisputed leader in the EV market. This new model delivers exceptional value and showcases the Leaf's incredible technology and engineering." Read more at Next Green Car. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia says its vehicles are compatible with B10 biodiesel blend. Malaysia recently announced a mandate for diesel to be sold blended with 10 percent palm-oil based biodiesel, after which, carmakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz came forward with concerns over compatibility with their vehicles. "We have evaluated carefully the influence of B10 Biodiesel blends on our current diesel vehicles for the Malaysian market and we are now able to confirm its compatibility," says Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO Roland Folger. "We have service intervals of 12,000 km to ensure that our customers are not affected by the diesel quality. Our diesel-powered vehicles currently sold in Malaysia were seen to have run both smoothly and safely with the use of the B10 biodiesel blend." Read more from Paul Tan's Automotive News. Renault has honored its leading electric vehicle dealers with the 2015 Renault EV Awards.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 photos hit the web

Yesterday, the first shot of the next-generation Audi R8 hit the web hours before its official debut. Today, it appears the same thing is happening with photos of the Mercedes-AMG GT3, thanks to French website Le Point. Surprisingly for a vehicle designed as a single-minded track machine, Mercedes is injecting some serious style into the GT3. The rounded, vertical slats in the grille evoke the look of the original 300SL racer. In profile, the styling of the roadgoing AMG GT is retained but with the addition of a circuit-hugging body kit and huge wing at the rear to keep in planted. The interior is similarly purposeful. Along with these leaked photos, Le Point claims that the GT3 ditches the standard GT's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 in favor of a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 sourced from the SLS AMG GT3. The aluminum platform underneath is also taken from the regular GT, but practically every exterior panel is reportedly replaced with carbon fiber to cut weight. The racer also keeps the double-wishbone suspension at all four wheels. While these specs are still unconfirmed, Mercedes definitely has a beautiful track machine on the way with the GT3. We look forward to seeing it in person in Geneva.