Mercedes-Benz Launches E-Class Convertible Prime Edition Special

As the nameplate aptly suggests, the 'Prime Edition' is a special edition version of Mercedes-Benz's all-new E-Class Convertible created for the very first buyers of the four-seater soft top model.

Available for the E 250 CDI, E 350 CDI, E 250 CGI and E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models as well as for the E 500, all Prime Edition models come with a unique tenorite grey metallic paintwork and AMG 6-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.

The convertible's interior benefits from two-tone designo leather appointments in platinum white pearl and black, a memory package for front seats, steering column and exterior mirrors, plus heated seats.

The package is rounded off with Merc's AGILITY CONTROL sports suspension system that also included speed-sensitive sports steering with more direct ratio.

Czechmate: New Skoda Fabia RS with 1.4 TSI 180HP in both Hatchback and Estate Forms Head to Geneva

The latest generation of Skoda cars are -rightfully, in our opinion- considered by most consumers as budget-priced Volkswagens under disguise, a notion that has helped the Czech automaker go from post-Communist joke to a global success story. Their newest "VW Group Transformer" is the 2010 Fabia RS that will make its world debut at this week's Geneva Motor Show

The sportiest version of the Fabia range shares a common platform as well as its engine, transmission and other hidden hardware with the VW Polo GTI and Seat Ibiza Cupra models (and certain parts with the Audi A1...).

But with one significant difference: whereas the Polo GTI and Ibiza Cupra are available only as hatchbacks, the Fabia RS also offers a Station Wagon model that could open up a new market for Skoda.

Like its German and Spanish siblings, the Fabia RS hatchback and Estate models are motivated by the VW Group's 1.4-liter double-supercharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers an output of 180 horsepower.

A seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission with paddle-shifters transfers power to the front wheels.

Skoda said that 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration comes in 7.3 seconds for both versions with the hatchback reaching a top speed of 225km/h or 140mph, and the Estate 227km/h or 141mph.

Combined fuel consumption for both models is estimated at 6.4lt/100km, equal to 36.8mpg US and 44mpg UK.

It's worth mentioning that the previous Fabia RS model was offered exclusively with a diesel engine.

Being a sporty model and all, Skoda's err VW's engineers tweaked the Fabia's suspension and brakes and added the firm's new XDS electronic differential which is also found on the Ibiza Cupra and Polo GTI cars.

In the styling department, both versions of the Fabia RS features subtle cosmetic upgrades that include the new front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, tinted windows and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and dual exhaust.

Depending on the color of the body, the roof, rear spoiler and wheels for the Fabia RS hatchback can be finished in black, white or silver.

As for the interior, both cars get sports seats with "RS" logos on the backrests, a new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals.

Lexus Announces IS \350C F-Sport Special Edition, Priced from $58,375

Lexus Announces IS \350C F-Sport Special Edition, Priced from $58,375

First of all, before you run down to the comments section to... run us down, what you see pictured above is NOT the special edition F-Sport model but an F-Sport equipped IS350C as Lexus did not accompany the announcement on its new model with pictures.

Not that we've cleared that up, let's see what the IS 350C F-Sport special is all about. To put it briefly, it's a limited run version of the coupe-convertible IS packed with performance and styling accessories from Lexus' F-Sport accessories line as well as additional equipment that will be available only in two colors, Tungsten Pearl or Obsidian.

On the outside, the special edition IS 350C will be distinguished by a set of newly designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels, exterior badging and a unique F-Sport grille not previously available.

To improve handling, Lexus upgraded the suspension with a sway bar, a new set of shocks from Bilstein and new springs that reduce the ride height by approximately one-inch while it also wrapped the new rims in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber size 225/35ZR19 in the front and 255/35ZR19 in the rear.

An upgraded brake kit that is said to offer a firmer pedal feel and enhanced fade resistance is also part of the package.

There are no changes under the hood with the F-Sport model featuring the same 306HP 3.5-liter V6 as the standard IS 350C.

Inside, the IS 350C F-Sport comes with black leather-trimmed seats with contrasting blue stitching and leather-wrapped shift knob and embroidered floor mats with the F-Sport logo.

Other 'Special Edition' standard features include heated and ventilated front seats with wood trim; Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS); headlamp washers; and Lexus Navigation.

Lexus plans to keep production limited to 100 units with the first examples of the F-Sport model scheduled to arrive at dealerships later this month with an MSRP of $57,500 (not including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875), or roughly the same price as an Audi S5 soft-top convertible that gets a 333HP 3.0-liter V6 TSI.

Improved 2010 Lexus IS with New F-Sport Grade Goes on Sale in the UK

Improved 2010 Lexus IS with New F-Sport Grade Goes on Sale in the UK

Lexus has announced the UK market launch of the 2010 model year IS sedan that brings some equipment upgrades, improvements in fuel consumption and emissions as well as the introduction of a new F-Sport grade.

Available for both IS 250 and 220d models, the new F-Sport grade takes its cue from the IS F and is positioned in the line-up between the SE-I and SE-L models. Special features include a lowered sport suspension (IS 250 only), unique 18-inch wheels and an IS F-style front grille and rear bootlid spoiler.

In the cabin there are aluminium sports pedals, IS F-style sports seats, steering wheel and (on the IS 250 automatic) gear lever.

The seats are finished in a combination of Alcantara upholstery with leather side bolsters while the black-on-black interior colour scheme is complimented by a black headlining and grey stitching detail on the front seats and steering wheel.

All 2010 model year IS sedans benefit from an optionally available new HDD navigation system.

For 2010, the IS250 petrol model gains some subtle tweaks under the hood improving fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In particular, with manual transmission, the combined cycle economy for the IS250 is now 29.1mpg UK, compared to 28.8mpg UK for the '09 model; the new figure for the automatic is 31.7mpg up from 31 mpg UK.

MODEL	OTR PRICE	INSURANCE 50 group	VED BAND
IS 220d SE	£24,350	27	F
IS 250 SE manual	£24,625	29	L
IS 250 SE automatic	£25,285	29	K
IS 220d SE-I	£26,610	28	F
IS 250 SE-I manual	£26,885	29	L
IS 250 SE-I automatic	£27,545	29	K
IS 220d F-Sport	£28.290	TBA	F
IS 250 F-Sport automatic	£29,365	TBA	K
IS 220d SE-L	£29,075	29	F
IS 250 SE-L automatic	£30.150	30	K

Mercedes-Benz Showcases New 5.5-liter Bi-Turbo V8 on Retro-Dressed S63

Mercedes-Benz Showcases New 5.5-liter Bi-Turbo V8 on Retro-Dressed S63

It's time for Mercedes-Benz's naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 that powered an array of AMG models over the years including the S63 AMG to give its place to a newly developed AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine that's more powerful yet significantly more fuel efficient.

Showcased here on a cosmetically upgraded and sported-up S63 AMG sedan that pays tribute to the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the new 5.5-liter V8 features direct injection with spray-guided combustion and twin turbocharging.

In standard form, the V8 biturbo engine develops a peak output of 544HP and maximum torque of 800Nm or 590 lb-ft. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these figures are increased to 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft.

In comparison, AMG's outgoing naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 churns out 525HP and 630Nm or 465 lb/ft of torque.

To the surprise of no one, the new turbocharged V8 is not only more powerful but also cleaner and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

Helped by a seven-speed automatic transmission and Merc's Start-Stop tech, the new 5.5 V8 bit-turbo will allow the upcoming 2011 S63 AMG to return a combined fuel consumption of 10.5lt/100km or 22.4 mpg US which represents a saving of more than 25 percent compared to the current S63 AMG (14.4 lt/100km).

Likewise, CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced at 246 grams per kilometre, or 28.5 percent lower than for the previous model.

At the same time the S 63 AMG with the new bi-turbocharged V8 propels the high-performance saloon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph. The 100 km/h mark is reached in just 4.4 seconds with the AMG Performance package, with the top speed increased to an electronically limited 300 km/h or 186mph.

The current S63 AMG reaches 100 km/h (62mph) from standstill in 4.6 seconds and while the S65 AMG with a 6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine producing 612HP and 1000Nm or 737 lb/ft, accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 sec.

The new 5.5 V8 bi-turbo engine will have its debut on the 2011MY S63 AMG sedan later this year and will show up on more AMG models shortly after.