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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

Car dealers, factories and ports close in the path of Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence has caused CarMax to close four stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The closed locations are in Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Winterville and Virginia Beach. It is possible for the company to close more stores, reports Automotive News. Daimler and Volvo have also shuttered their manufacturing facilities in the region to prepare for Florence. The storm is expected to reach North Carolina and South Carolina today or tomorrow. Automotive News says every coastal car dealer it reached on Tuesday was closing, and others not in the projected landfall area were monitoring the situation. There are approximately nine million vehicles in operation in the area that Florence is expected to hit, with a vehicle density of 162 vehicles per square mile. It is likely that not as many vehicles will be lost as during hurricanes Harvey and Irma, as population is less dense; areas affected by those storms had over 300 vehicles per square mile. The chief economist of Cox Automotive told Automotive News that some 20,000 to 40,000 vehicles could end up flooded if Florence keeps its path; however, recent reports have indicated Florence has weakened to a category 2 hurricane on Thursday. Tesla has again unlocked more range for some of its older models to make evacuation easier; the same was done a year ago in preparation for Hurricane Irma. As well as automotive manufacturers and dealers, automotive transport providers are readying for the storm and clearing cargo away. The container and auto terminals at Port Charleston will be closed from Thursday to Saturday, affecting part shipments to the BMW manufacturing facility in Spartanburg; BMW's spokespersons have said no production disruption is expected. Parts are delivered via railroad to Spartanburg by Norfolk Southern, which is also suspending operations for the time being. Vehicle hauler United Road has moved its rigs to safer regions and suspended deliveries, and car carrier vessels are trying to make it away from the storm's path in time. Related Video: News Source: Automotive NewsImage Credit: NASA via Reuters Auto News Plants/Manufacturing BMW Mercedes-Benz Volvo Car Buying

Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 is a 6x6-2 [w/video]

In terms of truly badass off-roaders, it doesn't get much cooler than the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6. After all, the thing has three axles powering six wheels, not to mention an AMG-tuned V8 that makes the truck pretty much unstoppable. Call it an exercise in excess, if you will, but we call it super cool. And now, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes is showing off a slightly less outrageous version of its insane off-roader, called the G500 4x42. And by "slightly less outrageous," we pretty much mean, "with one fewer axle." Sure, there have been some other changes, too – namely under the hood, where the AMG's twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 has been removed in favor of a new, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, good for 422 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Off road, this thing should be a freaking beast. It can ford depths up to 39 inches, the approach angle is 53 degrees, departure is 54, and the breakover is 47. Talk about all-terrain. Plus, it looks freaking cool, with 22-inch wheels on 325/55-series tires (which can be swapped for a set of 18-inch wheels on 37-inch beadlock tires). We even love the lime green paint it wore upon debut, and are kind of sad the Geneva showcar is painted in this less-awesome silver. Either way, it's certainly a creation to behold. Check it out. Near-series show car G 500 4x42: The G-Class Squared Stuttgart, Feb 21, 2015 -- Only a G-Class can be better than a G-Class. This is the credo followed by the developers with the Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6, and they are now stepping up a gear with the G 500 4x42. The basic recipe for this overcomer of everything is simple: take the superior all-wheel-drive powertrain including portal axles from the 6x6 – take away one axle – and blend it all with a newly-developed variable chassis and the series-production G-Class body. A large pinch of V8 power with 310 kW (422 hp), a set of 22-inch 325/55 R 22-sized wheels, carbon-fibre body parts and then just gourmet ingredients from the seductive designo Exclusive range for the interior – and the 5-star menu for all off-road enthusiasts is ready. A new addition to the extreme G-Class model family: the G 63 AMG 6x6 has a model brother in the form of the G 500 4x42. The near-series show car is a new highlight in the superlative-rich history of the G-Class and blends all the advantages of the model series.