2010 Brabus Mercedes-Benz Viano

2010 Brabus Mercedes-Benz Viano

The 2010 Brabus Mercedes-Benz Viano Lounge powered by 426hp 6.1L V8 engine, and features a 32-inch LCD, two Sony VAIO laptops, a PlayStation 3, Nespresso machine, and even a Vertu Constellation phone.
"A 32-inch electrically deployed LCD screen is integrated into the partition wall behind the front seats. It serves as monitor for the computer system with Sony Vaio notebook and Wireless LAN network for connecting additional notebooks to the on-board network and for connecting to the internet via UMTS. A Sony Playstation 3 game console plays Blu-ray movies and games such as the racing simulator Gran Turismo 5 in stunning clarity on the big screen, which can also display the images from the digital TV tuner. The large screen can also be used in split-screen mode to simultaneously monitor the images from the various external cameras.
The audio signals of the various sources are carried in highest perfection Dolby Surround by a sound system custom-designed for the Viano.
The equipment of the customized Viano can be completed with an exclusive mobile phone. The Vertu Constellation weighs just 140 grams (5 oz.) and features quad-band technology for use in 180 countries across the world. The housing is made from a fancy combination of stainless steel, scratch-proof sapphire glass and the same supple leather that covers the Viano Lounge interior.
BRABUS also provides on-board refreshments: A generously dimensioned refrigerator is part of the exclusive Lounge Concept equipment of the BRABUS Viano as is a Nespresso coffee maker of the latest generation...

2010 Lexus GS

2010 Lexus GS

 

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2010 Lexus GS is largely unchanged. This is the sportier of Lexus' two premium-midsize cars. The GS lineup starts with the GS 350, which has a 303-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. It's available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The GS 460 has a 342-hp 4.6-liter V8 and an 8-speed automatic. Also available is the gas/electric hybrid GS 450h. The GS 450h teams a gasoline V6 engine with an electric motor for 339 hp total. Like other Lexus and Toyota hybrids, it can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The GS 450h has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The 460 and 450h are rear-drive only. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and front knee airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery and keyless entry and engine start. Many control functions are via a dashboard touch screen that also displays an available navigation system and rearview camera. Other available features include steering-linked headlamps and Lexus' Pre-Collision System, designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Lexus GS.

COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.

Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37, Jaguar XF, and Volkswagen CC. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A6, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo V70.

New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series (Gran Turismo), Infiniti G37 (coupe and sedan), Lexus ES 350, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Cadillac CTS gains a 4-door wagon body style for 2010.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

 

Pictures of the Mercedes Benz 2010 SLS AMG– one of Benz’s defining pieces of automotive engineering– have leaked one week ahead of its official unveiling. With inspirations coming from the iconic 300SL, the finely tuned machine is powered by a 6.3-liter V8, delivering 563 ponies and 480 lb-ft of torque to a rear wheel drive format. The engine is matted to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox which propels the car to a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds as it tops out at 197 mph. Available in late 2010, the car comes in with a suggested retail price of €177,310 EUR in Germany (approximately $257,000 USD).

Due to be revealed at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, the 300SL-inspired "Gullwing" is packing a front/mid-mounted version of the venerable 6.3-liter V8 fitted to the majority of AMG's offerings, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox channeling 563 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Weight is pegged at around 3,500 pounds, allowing the SLS to run from a rest to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is 197 mph and optional carbon ceramic discs should bring the party to a halt with supreme authority.

Although we've seen an endless string of spy shots of the SLS over the past year, we finally get a clear view of its upright fascia, drawn headlamps and curvaceous rump that draws a few cues from the departed McMerc and modern M-Bs.

Color choices will include Alubeam Silver, Syvanite Grey, Alanite Grey and red, complimenting the leather and alcantara interior and ten-spoke forged wheels. Production will begin in late 2010 with sales starting the following year, and early pricing suggests a €177,310 MSRP in Germany. Get your first eye-full in the gallery below before all the official details are delivered next week.

2010 TOYOTA RAV4

2010 TOYOTA RAV4

 

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2010 Toyota RAV4 is largely unchanged. This compact SUV comes in Base, Sport, and Limited trims. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a locking center differential. RAV4 seats five, but an optional 3rd-row bench on Base and Limited increases capacity to seven. A 179-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is available along with a 269-hp 3.5-liter V6. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 4-cylinder, and the V6 has a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb with the 4-cylinder, 3500 lb with the V6. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hill ascent/descent control is standard on V6 RAV4s and included on 4-cylinder models equipped with the 3rd-row seat. All have a side-hinged cargo door. Sport models have a sport suspension. Leather upholstery and a navigation system are optional on the Sport and Limited.

COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander.