2012 Mercedes-benz Sls Amg W/ Carbon Trim, 10 Spoke Amg Wheels, Carbon Mirror on 2040-cars

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Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid promises 20 miles EV range, 5.9 seconds to 60

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its first hybrid C-Class to the US market with the new C350 Plug-In Hybrid. Despite its fuel-saving purpose, though, this C is not short on firepower. MB paired a 208-horsepower, 258-pound-foot, turbocharged four-cylinder with a 80-hp, 251-lb-ft electric motor for a potent overall output of 275 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. That translates a 0-60 time of just 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 miles per hour. For those that aren't interested in such frivolous numbers, though, the C-Class can still impress in more environmentally friendly ways. It can cover 20 miles to a charge and will hit speeds of up to 80 miles per hour (although not likely at the same time). Naturally, fuel economy figures aren't available at this early stage. Beyond those powertrain changes, the C350 Plug-In is still the same relaxed, luxurious baby S-Class, with a class-leading interior that should really benefit from the quiet ride provided by an electric powertrain. Take a look at our full gallery of live images of the new C-Class hybrid, straight from the Detroit's Cobo Hall. Featured Gallery 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid: Detroit 2015 View 12 Photos Image Credit: Copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Green Detroit Auto Show Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Luxury 2015 Detroit Auto Show mercedes c350 plug-in hybrid

Mercedes spent ˆ250 million to win Formula One titles last year

Success in Formula One requires skill, diligence, commitment and ingenuity. It also takes truckloads of money. In the case of Mercedes in last year's world championship, in which it took both the drivers' and constructors' titles in dominant style, those truckloads came to ˆ250 million last season alone – equivalent to over $285m in dead presidents. A report from Germany's own Auto Motor und Sport details the staggering investment that Mercedes made in order to get to the winner's circle last season. After 15 seasons with McLaren netting one constructors' and three drivers' titles, Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug convinced the Daimler board late in 2009 to take over the Brawn GP team that had just won the championship. Because the team would be getting a large payout from Bernie Ecclestone as the returning champions the following year, and with sponsors lined up, Daimler only had to pony up a small portion of a smaller budget: in 2010 (its first season under the Mercedes banner), the team ran on a budget of "only" ˆ153 million ($175m). Over the course of the following seasons, though, the team's share of the TV revenues from Formula One Management went down as Mercedes struggled to climb back up the standings, but successive advocates (including Haug, Ross Brawn and Niki Lauda) successfully convinced the bean-counters in Stuttgart to ratchet up the payments. By 2012, the budget was expanded to ˆ200 million, and further climbed to ˆ250 million in 2013 and 2014. Fortunately for Daimler, the investment was starting to pay off by then as the team finished second in the constructors' standings in 2013, bringing ˆ74 million in from Ecclestone's coffers to cover roughly a third of the budget. With Malaysian oil giant Petronas alone kicking in upwards of another ˆ30 million per season as title sponsor (as of 2009 when it signed on), and untold millions more coming in from other partners, it looks like the actual cost to Daimler for securing both world titles and a winning reputation was actually more like hundred million or so.

Aston Martin and Daimler continue talks on SUV project, CEO required

The Aston Martin Lagonda SUV concept revealed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show didn't earn the plaudits the company is used to when it reveals new models, and it has lived an uncertain life ever since. Thought to have been scrapped along with the entire revival of the Lagonda brand, then thought to have been resurrected due to Chinese, Middle Eastern and Russian demand, another year passed before we heard more definitive talk about an Aston Martin expansion when AutoCar reported that the Lagonda could be built on one of Mercedes-Benz's AMG SUV platforms.
A report in Automotive News Europe indicates plans have gotten serious, its unnamed sources saying that the English carmaker is talking to Daimler "to extend their cooperation to building an SUV." Neither Daimler, Aston Martin nor Investindustrial, the managing partner among Aston Martin's ownership consortium, would comment. But with Investindustrial having pledged to expand the range, competitors like Bentley, Maserati and Lamborghini getting into the SUV racket and clear demand from current and future customers, it's easy to believe Aston Martin is working hard to put the pieces together.
One further potential bump on the road to an Aston SUV is the company's search for a new CEO. Ulrich Bez relinquished to top spot at the company at the end of 2013, and Aston reportedly will not finalize its model strategy without a new CEO in place.