Mercedes-AMG GT reveal confirmed for September 9 [video]

'Development without compromise'

Mercedes-AMG have released yet another teaser video for their upcoming sportscar which now we know for sure will be unveiled on September 9.

The wait is almost over as the Mercedes-AMG GT will be revealed in less than two weeks, thus confirming a rumor released by German media back in July. The announcement was made at the end of another teaser video, this time talking about the development process which involved no less than 32 months of engineering road tests in 15 countries in temperatures varying from -30 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Someone at Mercedes-Benz or AMG was in charge of measuring the amount of camouflage sheets used and the end result was 2.974 square meters. No less than fifty test drivers participated in the AMG GT's lengthy development during which "0 compromises" were made.

To reiterate, the Mercedes-AMG GT will be motivated by a newly developed twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter rated at 510 PS (375 kW) in the AMG GT-S and 462 PS (340 kW) in the base AMG GT which will be available a bit later. Called "M178", the Euro 6-compliant engine has a dry weight of 209 kg (461 lbs) and will also be used in the upcoming C63 AMG.

Following its September 9 online reveal, the Mercedes-AMG GT will receive its public debut early October at the Paris Motor Show.

2015 Ford Mustang production begins

2015 Ford Mustang production

Starts at 23,600 USD

Ford has initiated production of the sixth generation Mustang at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Scheduled to become a global model for the first time, Ford's all-new Mustang will be commercialized in more than 120 countries from all over the world, including in right-hand-drive markets such as UK, South Africa and Australia. Another premiere is the implementation of an independent rear suspension across the entire range.

Pricing kicks off at 23,600 USD for the fastback and from 29,100 USD for the convertible and initially there will be three engines on offer: 3.7-liter V6 with 300 bhp & 280 lb-ft, 2.3-liter EcoBoost with 310 bhp & 320 lb-ft and a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 435 bhp & 400 lb-ft in the Mustang GT. These will be joined by a more powerful GT350 derivative equipped with a beefier V8 which is rumored to be unveiled on September 19 before going on sale in 2015.

Now that production has started at the firm's assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, it will take a couple of months for the new pony car to hit dealerships as Ford says the model is programmed to go on sale this fall. It should be mentioned there are about 3,000 employees working at the factory in two shifts and in the same location Ford is putting together the US-spec Fusion (Mondeo in Europe) mid-size sedan.

2016 BMW 7-Series spied with production headlights

2016 BMW 7-Series spy photo / Automedia

Could be introduced late next year

BMW has been testing the 2016 7-Series for months but it's finally inching closer to production as our spies have caught a prototype with production headlights.

While the lights are partially camouflaged, they are significantly smaller than the headlights used on the outgoing model.

BMW has been relatively tight-lipped about the car but it is expected to ride on the new 5up platform that features aluminum, magnesium, high-strength steel and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. These lightweight materials could enable the model to weigh up to 200 kg (440 lbs) less than its predecessor.

Under the hood, we can expect a variety of familiar engines but previous reports have suggested there could be a new 4.0-liter V8 and an entry-level variant with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. There have also been rumors about a plug-in hybrid variant and a range-topping M7 or M750i with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that cranks out 600 bhp (447 kW).

2015 Mercedes Marco Polo Activity unveiled, based on the Vito

Mercedes Marco Polo Activity

Debuts at the D sseldorf Caravan Salon

Mercedes has announced plans to introduce the Marco Polo Activity at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon.

Based on the Vito, the Marco Polo Activity is being billed as the perfect recreational vehicle for young families.

While it's not as luxurious as the V-Class based Marco Polo, the Marco Polo Activity has a folding table, curtains and two electric window vents. The van also has a rear bench that transforms into a "comfortable bed for three people." Those looking for more privacy can opt to sleep in the pop-up roof section which has a foam mattress with "spring elements" for improved comfort.

Under the hood, five different engines will be available with outputs ranging from 88 PS (65 kW) to 190 PS (140 kW). Buyers can also equip the model with front, rear or all-wheel drive.

The Marco Polo Activity will be priced from €38,960 in Germany which makes it significantly cheaper than the Marco Polo which starts at €54,835.

Note: Both prices include a 19% VAT

AC Schnitzer tunes the BMW M235i to 380 PS

BMW 2-Series by AC Schnitzer

Company offers styling and performance upgrades

AC Schnitzer has unveiled their new tuning program for the BMW 2-Series Coupe.

Starting with the exterior, the model can be equipped with a variety of carbon fiber components including a front splitter, a rear diffuser and mirror caps. The company also offers a roof spoiler, a sports exhaust system and a variety of 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels.

Customers can also order a sport or racing suspension. The latter is adjustable and reduces the ride height by 30-40mm.

To spruce up the cabin, AC Schnitzer offers an aluminum handbrake handle, velour foot mats, alloy pedals and a variety of gear knobs.

Under the hood, the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine in the M235i can be tuned to produce 380 PS (279 kW). This should enable the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds.

The company also offers performance upgrades for the diesel-powered variants. The 218d can be tuned to produce 171 PS (126 kW), while the 220d can be massaged to develop 218 PS (160 kW). Last but not least, the 225d can be upgraded to 258 PS (190 kW).

Check out the press release for additional information

 

Aston Martin Lagonda first images released

Aston Martin Lagonda pre-production unit

Transported to Oman for testing

Following last month’s teaser, Aston Martin has released several images with a pre-production Lagonda sedan being transported to Oman via Oman Air for testing purposes.

Described by its designer Marek Reichmann as being an "exceptional automotive art", the Aston Martin Lagonda is a limited-run super sedan built by the firm's Q bespoke division and will be offered exclusively to Middle Eastern customers at a yet undisclosed price tag. It rides on the firm's VH platform also used on the Rapide and comes with carbon fiber body panels to shave off weight.

Aston Martin hasn't said anything about the engine but it is believed to be a V12 6.0-liter with around 600 bhp (447 kW) sent to the rear axle through an eight-speed automatic transmission which should grant the Lagonda with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run in approximately 4.2 seconds.

Deliveries of the exclusive Aston Martin Lagonda are programmed to kick off in the first part of next year and less than 100 units are planned for production.

Video: Mercedes-Benz MLC-Class Goes Testing on the Nurburgring

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The upcoming Mercedes-Benz MLC has been spotted doing hot laps around the famed N rburgring wearing its swirly camouflage. Mercedes engineers appear to be pushing the BMW X6-fighter pretty hard around the track, as those low-profile tires scream in protest around every turn. This isn't the first time we've seen Mercedes testing the fastback SUV, but it is the first time seeing it perform on the track.

While we don't have official word of what lies under the MLC's hood, but the engine powering this example let off plenty of cracks and snarls at it accelerated away. This may very well be an AMG model, though we suspect the bodywork for AMG-specific MLCs would be more aggressive. It does seem to keep up with the Porsche Cayenne at the video's one-minute mark.

Mercedes will likely have the MLC production ready for the 2016 model year. Since it's a direct competitor to the BMW X6, we can expect it to carry a price tag of $60,000 to $70,000 depending upon trim levels.

Stay tuned to TopSpeed for any more developing spy shots and news regarding the upcoming Mercedes-Benz MLC.

Video: Mercedes-Benz MLC-Class Goes Testing on the Nurburgring originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 25 August 2014 18:00 EST.

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