2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Night Package has everything you could imagine

Right now, the G63 is probably the highest spec of the G Class that customers can buy, but Mercedes-AMG will allow you to have an even cooler G63 if you are willing to spend a little more. A few weeks ago, we witnessed the sinister looking Edition 1, and now, the Affalterbach is showing us the optional Night Package for the reputable off roader in the AMG variant.

Though the aforementioned special edition model is only available for 12 months, the Night Package is not time sensitive. In fact, it will be available for the G63 for as long as we know. As its name suggests, the package includes a number of black styling elements on the outside. The only exception here is that customers who get the car in black as a base colour cannot order this package. We do think that this makes a lot of sense because then the accents will not be noticeable.

When customers tick the “Night Package” box, the turn signals will now have a black tint, while the side mirror caps, and the outer ring of the spare wheel will also get an Obsidian Black finish. Some parts of the front and rear bumpers, and the side skirts, will be finished in black too. The rear windows will then be tinted, and black underbody protectors finish off the exterior upgrades.

To make your G63 look even tougher, the automaker will also provide a new set of 21 inch alloy wheels, but customers will have a choice to get a set of 22 inch wheels.

This package may actually remind you of the regular G-Class that is fitted with the Night package as well, which we saw earlier this year.

If you think that this package is amazing, then we are telling you that there will be something even cooler coming your way, as the automaker already announced that the AMG range will expand beyond the G63. It might be too early for us to decipher what this means, and we can’t jump to conclusions yet on whether the V12 will actually make a comeback, but we will not keep our hopes too high.

We also have to consider that the biturbo 6.0 liter powerhouse is expected to only be available on Maybach models and so we do not expect the G to have this. There will likely be a Maybach branded G later on like the G650 Landaulet, which was revealed in Geneva around a year ago.

If black is your favourite colour, or if you just want to turn over to the dark side (apart from just looking cool, of course), we think that the Night Package is the perfect upgrade for you

Refreshed 2019 Buick Envision gets aesthetic and power tweaks with optional nine-speed automatic

Finally, the refreshed 2019 Buick Envision has been revealed to us by the automaker. Buick then says that most of these changes on both its looks and its mechanism were made in response to their customers’ feedback for the crossover when the 2016 model year was launched.

The 2019 Buick Envision now has a new front fascia, with the new headlights and the grille that make the facelifted model look more like the other new Buick models. It now sits on a set of 19 inch wheels and the rear has got new taillights as well. HID headlights now come as a standard, and customers could go for the optional LEDs on the top two trim levels.

They can also opt for the optional 2.0 liter inline four engine that carries out 295 pound feet of torque, which is a good improvement from the previous 260. Power output, however, remains at 252 horsepower. This engine is paired to a nine speed automatic transmission instead of the six speed transmission on its predecessor.

That mechanical upgrade makes it half a second quicker when it does its 60 miles per hour sprint from standstill, according to the automaker. Meanwhile, the model’s 2.5 liter engine will still be paired with the six speed automatic transmission.

Aside from what has been mentioned earlier, the 2019 model year will be getting a redesigned brake booster that is meant to reduce brake pedal effort. It also gets a back up camera with enhanced visibility, a new microphone for clearer Bluetooth phone calling, quicker heating heated seats, and brand new wireless charging technology that is compatible with the Apple iPhone 8 and X. Engine stop start system can easily be disabled as well. General Motors had not allowed the drivers to disable the feature but Buick now claims that the stop-start operation is smoother.

Inside, the 2019 Buick Envision features a cabin air ionizer, an option to choose between regular cruise control and adaptive cruise control, as well as a “Tire Fill Alert” system that helps drivers know when the Envision’s tires have been inflated properly.

We expect to see the 2019 Buick Envision to be available in the market beginning in spring of this year. It will have a starting price of $32,990 before destination, while the fully loaded Premium II trim level will start at $44,595. In fact, the automaker says that the Envision has been successful at attracting new customers - 60 percent of Envision customers are actually new to General Motors.

Unlike other automakers who focus on what they want to develop, Buick’s main goal also is to focus on what the market wants and to provide them with a car that will fit their lifestyle more than anything else.

PRESS RELEASE

Customer-Driven Updates Define 2019 Buick Envision

Refined design cues, responsive performance enhancements and intelligent technology expand on the Envision’s growing popularity.

The 2019 Envision features a newly sculpted front and rear, signature grille and new wheel choices. With a focus on quality and safety, the design and engineering teams also welcomed input from current Envision owners to enhance the vehicle.

“Some of the 2019 Envision’s most notable changes are the results of listening to our customers,” said Elizabeth Pilibosian, Envision chief engineer. “Beneath the updated exterior are a number of changes guided by a goal of offering the most refined and pleasant driving experience possible.”

Envision highlights

New nine-speed automatic transmission for 2.0L turbo models. Buick now offers this innovative transmission on five models across the lineup.
2.0L turbo engine offers increased vehicle performance of 252 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine and transmission updates produce 0-60 mph acceleration just under a half-second quicker than the 2018 model.
Engine stop/start deactivation switch — a Buick first in North America.
Single rate brake booster for improved overall brake performance that requires less effort.
Flexibility to switch between Adaptive Cruise Control and conventional Cruise Control.
Enhanced visibility on Rear Vision Camera.
Improved hands-free microphone for better call quality and better voice recognition.
The seat heating system warms up more quickly.
Next-generation wireless charging with wattage capability for fast and efficient charging, including iPhone8/iPhoneX compatibility.
Lighting upgrades across all trims: HID headlights standard on 2.5L models, bi-functional LED headlamps on 2.0L turbo models and LED wing signature lights on every model.
In-vehicle air ionizer that helps eliminate odors, reduce bacteria and provide better air quality.
Focus on the customer

Initial owner feedback and solid sales growth indicate the Buick Envision is delivering the luxury and features desired by compact SUV customers. Refinements across the 2019 Envision are aimed at providing the best that the vehicle offers, plus the flexibility and options customers desire most at a price point true to Buick’s attainable luxury promise. Pricing starts at $32,990 (excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment). All trim levels have been adjusted toward the heart of the premium compact SUV market, further positioning the Envision to capture the interest of loyal Buick owners looking to move up to the next-sized compact SUV and conquest buyers who are considering Buick for the first time.

“The Envision brings a tremendous growth opportunity for the Buick brand,” said Sam Russell, Buick marketing director. “The new pricing strategy not only puts the Envision in the heart of the industry’s largest segment, but also better positions it in relation to Encore, our top-selling nameplate.”

Nearly 60 percent of all Encore buyers come from outside General Motors. These new-to-Buick customers are increasingly return buyers, with nearly half of them likely to trade in their vehicle to buy another Buick SUV. In addition to attracting new customers to the Buick brand, the 2019 Envision is designed with these existing Encore customers’ evolving needs and preferences in mind.

Thoughtfully refined, inside and out

The Envision’s exterior has a sculpted front fascia, new grille and headlamps that align with the new face of Buick. Crisp horizontal lines on the front create a more premium look and feel, while redesigned taillamps, reflectors and side markers give the back end a wider and more athletic stance. New optional 19-inch wheels provide an expressive and distinct profile.

Premium lighting technology is featured on every 2019 Envision. HID headlamps with LED Buick signature lighting come standard, with the enhanced performance of bi-functional LED headlamps standard on the top two trims.

Under the hood, the Envision offers a balance of performance and efficiency with a nine-speed transmission on 2.0L turbo models that allows for an increase in torque from 260 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft and an improvement in acceleration.

A 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine mated with a six-speed automatic remains the standard powertrain for the 2019 Envision and goes unchanged from previous model years. It is offered in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

Driven by customer feedback, the 2019 Envision is equipped with a non-latching stop/start deactivation switch on the instrument panel that allows the driver to choose whether to use the auto-stop function. The calibration of the Envision’s stop/start technology has also been refined for an even more seamless experience.

The 2019 Envision offers a Buick-first Tire Fill Alert that lets a driver know when a tire has reached its recommended pressure level.

Other standard features include Buick’s signature QuietTuning; 10 airbags1, including side curtain and knee airbags; Rear Park Assist; and newly added Rear Seat Reminder2. Available features include Surround Vision, Safety Alert Seat and Forward Automatic Braking, among others3.

Every Envision comes equipped with an 8-inch diagonal infotainment system with Apple CarPlay4 and Android Auto5 compatibility, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot6 (an unlimited data plan for $20 per month7 is available through AT&T after trial period), a limited trial of OnStar8 and connectivity access at no additional cost. Along with other benefits such as the myBuick app9, the connectivity access features Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help Buick owners become better drivers.

The 2019 Envision goes on sale in the spring of 2018 and will be available in five trim levels starting at Envision ($32,990), Preferred ($34,495), Essence ($36,795), Premium ($41,695) and Premium II ($44,595). Prices exclude tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.

Nissan officially unveils its Navara-based SUV dubbed as Terra

In the past couple of months, we have been seeing spy photos of the Nissan Terra, and finally, it is time to see the first official images of Nissan’s Navarra based SUV. The prototype is scheduled to make its debut at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show that will take place in April. And we are not surprised as to why the People’s Republic will host the worldwide unveiling of the said model. That is because the Nissan Terra will be first sold in the Chinese market, beginning in spring this year.

As for the exterior, the Nissan Terra has not changed that much, as most of the design elements of the pickup truck have been carried over. Similar with the interior, it doesn’t get many upgrades compared to its predecessor, so both models look very similar.

Having said that, the automaker wants to make it clear that the 2018 Terra is focused more on the company’s midterm plan which we know as the “Nissan MOVE to 2022”, while focusing on an array of frame and LCV models.

Furthermore, the Japanese automaker said that one in every six vehicles that they sell worldwide is either a frame based vehicle or a light commercial vehicle. The automaker’s division for Nissan’s frame and LCV is focused on boosting sales by 40 percent by 2022. This could be made possible by launching their new products in China and the rest of Asia first, just like what they are doing with the Terra.

Ashwani Gupta, senior vice president for Nissan’s frame and LCV business, said that he is glad to have the Nissan Terra arrive in China very soon. He describes this rugged SUV to be practical, authentic, and made to drive on any terrain.

Gupta also said that this division is witnessing a steady growth, and their plan is to grow their product lineup. Right now, the Nissan Navara is available in 133 markets, and soon, the Terra will be arriving, so he is confident about the company’s growth.

As early as April, we will be able to get complete details of the spiritual successor of the previous generation Pathfinder. We expect to see the same engine options in this model as that of the Nissan Navarra pickup truck. We also expect to see the familiar 2.3 liter turbodiesel engine for his model.

Furthermore, the Japanese automaker isn’t just focusing on models that are tailored to the Asian market. Instead, the Navara actually serves as a foundation for some other pickup trucks for other automakers like the Renault Alaskan and the more luxurious Mercedes-Benz X Class.

Last year alone, the Japanese automaker’s global frame and LCV sales had reached a total of 907,929 vehicles, which is a 7% increase from the year before that.

PRESS RELEASE

Nissan announces all-new Terra frame SUV, key to achieving targets of company’s midterm plan

The all-new Nissan Terra frame-based SUV will be the first vehicle from Nissan's frame and LCV division to launch under the company's midterm plan, Nissan M.O.V.E to 2022, when the vehicle premieres in China this spring.

Nissan's frame and LCV business unit, made up of frame SUVs, pickups, vans, light-duty trucks, is seen as critical to achieving the company's midterm plan objectives. One in every six Nissan vehicles sold globally is a frame-based vehicle or an LCV, and the company is focused on capturing this division's full potential. The business unit's objectives under the midterm plan include increasing sales by more than 40% by 2022 and becoming a global leader in pickups and frame-based SUVs.

"I'm very pleased to announce that the all-new Nissan Terra will soon arrive in China," said Ashwani Gupta, senior vice president for Nissan's frame and LCV business. "This rugged SUV is practical, authentic, and designed to go anywhere. The Nissan Terra goes on sale this spring, first in China, with other Asian markets soon to follow."

He added: "Nissan's frame and LCV business is seeing steady growth, and with our ambitious midterm plan and growing product lineup, we're confident that this growth will continue. It is an exciting time for Nissan. We have the Nissan Terra arriving soon, the award-winning Nissan Navara is now in 133 markets worldwide, and more drivers are purchasing our LCVs around the world."

In 2017, Nissan's global frame and LCV sales reached 907,929 vehicles – about a 7% increase from the prior year.

Further information about the Nissan Terra will be available in April.

Volvo confirms production of Cross Country version alongside standard V60

Volvo had just unveiled its all new family friendly wagon, the V60 in Sweden. It looks good, and it comes with a range of plug-in hybrid powertrains to choose from. Though the standard model may already be more than enough for some people, we’re in for bigger and better things as Volvo has announced that there will be a Cross Country version of it.

Lex Kerssemakers, Volvo boss, had an interview with Roadshow at the V60 debut, and he said that the wagon will be getting a more capable and functional Cross Country version. We do not know when to expect the higher riding, body cladded V60 to be released, but it shouldn’t be too far away from the standard model’s unveiling.

After confirming that a V60 will soon arrive, Kerssemakers made sure to give the nameplate’s significance within the brand. In other words, the model will not be produced in huge volumes. He also said that it is part of their heritage that needs to be continued. In fact, the automaker has already been offering a Cross Country version of the S60 sedan, which already needs an overhaul, as well as the V90.

The current V60 Cross Country, as you can expect, gets all the cladding together, and of course, the extra ride height. This version comes equipped with a T5 four cylinder engine that delivers 240 horsepower (178 kilowatts) and 258 pound feet (349 Newton metres) of torque. This engine is paired with an all wheel drive setup too.

The base V60, on the other hand, gives out a little more power with its plug in hybrid T6 setup that carries out as much as 340 horsepower (253 kilowatts). Another engine option would be the T8 Twin Engine setup that produces 390 horsepower (290 kW) and 472 pound feet (639 Newton metres) of torque. Both of these are available in an all wheel drive setup.

Cross Country version is definitely expected to be more comfortable than the standard model. However, it also comes with more style. And don’t forget the fact that it can withstand any kind of weather, better than its other German rivals could.

As mentioned earlier, we do not know when the Cross Country version of the V60 will arrive. However, when this model debuts, the automaker will also provide their Care by Volvo subscription service, which is now offered on all models including the new V60.

Care by Volvo subscription will cost you $600 per month and is covered by a 24 month agreement. This includes free regular maintenance including wear and tear, and insurance coverage for the car. The convenient thing about this is that you can sign up for it online without having to visit a dealer.

Gorge Yourself On This Stunning Carbon-Clothed McLaren Senna

Wearing bodywork that took almost 1250 hours to create and colours inspired by Ayrton Senna's racing helmet, this is an extra-special McLaren Senna

What do you get when you combine a wealthy hypercar-buyer’s taste for carbonfibre with the fastest road-legal car the great McLaren has ever made? The answer is this: the Senna ‘Carbon Theme’ bespoke project from McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

As we know, all Sennas are sold out, so this is a custom build at a customer’s request. Clothed in lacquered carbonfibre, the 67-part body part set took almost 1000 hours to produce. Accents are provided by Solar Yellow detailing lined all the way along the car’s functional aerodynamics, from nose to tail.

Reportedly the yellow detailing alone took nearly 250 hours. The brake calipers are Laurel Green, and together the two colours echo Ayrton Senna’s own racing helmet. Good choices, if you ask us.

You’ll find them inside, too: the doors’ gas struts are in Laurel Green, while the contrast stitching on the Carbon Black Alcantara seats, door trim and console are yellow. There’s a yellow racing tab on the steering wheel, too.

Ansar Ali, managing director of MSO, said:“The McLaren Senna customers in the process of specifying their own, personalised cars are almost without exception commissioning an elevated level of MSO content, so we are definitely appealing to our target audience.With the car having generated so much interest since its unveiling in December, we knew we needed to produce something very special in order to showcase the unique talents of McLaren Special Operations.”

He continued:The McLaren Senna Carbon Theme by MSO at the Geneva Motor Show is exactly the kind of project we thrive on delivering and once customers have had the opportunity to view it in person, I would not be at all surprised to see a rise in expressions of interest for MSO Visual Carbon Fibre cars similar to this one.”

The £750,000 Senna (before options) is, as McLaren puts it, “legalised for road use, but not sanitised to suit it.” Huzzah for the slightly unhinged. You can see more of the Carbon Theme Senna at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

VW plans to produce cabriolet version of the T-Roc compact SUV

We could sense that Volkswagen has some big plans for the new T-Roc compact SUV. In fact, on February 23, they announced that a cabriolet version is on its way to be produced in 2020. It will essentially be a convertible version of a new SUV that has not been established in the market.

A lot of us were actually surprised at the fact that Volkswagen announced this and the fact that they are coming out with a model that has a non-existent history of open roof crossovers.

Having said that, nothing is stopping the automaker from investing €80 million to bring the drop top T Roc to production. In the United States, that’s more or less $100 million. And this money will go the company’s Osnabrück plant where the convertible crossover will be produced. We have not actually heard of any details regarding the said model, but as you could see, the rendering depicts a two-door version of this folding hardtop.

CEO Dr. Gerbert Diess says that Volkswagen is turning into an SUV brand, and the T Roc is starting to set standards in the compact SUV segment. They also said that the addition of the T-Roc is akin to adding a highly emotional model to the range.

There haven’t been plenty of attempts for an SUV to be chopped into a convertible. We assume that Volkswagen is aware of the last time a manufacturer attempted to inject a convertible’s DNA into an SUV. The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet ended its run prematurely and we believe that its awkward look played a major role. The SUV had a limited storage space and it had small rear seats.

Overall, it didn’t feel like it was an SUV. At the same time, it didn’t also stand out as a convertible because of its sluggish performance and terrible rigidity. Though it did have more ground clearance than the average drop top, and it had an all wheel drive that lets it handle forest trails better than a Mazda Miata, there are obvious reasons why the model did not last more than four years in the market.

It has been proven that consumers nowadays are purchasing more SUVs and crossovers than before, and we get why automakers are looking into something different to stand out in the crowd. The biggest question here though is whether modern day SUV buyers are also into convertibles - as those are two different things. We did see that this did not work for Nissan, but who knows, Volkswagen might create a hit out of the new drop top T-Roc.

PRESS RELEASE

Volkswagen brand's first SUV cabriolet: Supervisory Board confirms cabriolet version of T-Roc

Green light for a new cabriolet based on the T-Roc: within the framework of its major model offensive, the Volkswagen brand is launching its first convertible SUV. The new model is to be produced from the first half of 2020. At its meeting held today, the Volkswagen Group Supervisory Board confirmed the investment of more than €80 million in the Osnabrück plant which is required for this purpose. With this decision, the brand will be continuing the cabriolet success story of the Osnabrück team and safeguarding employment at the plant.

Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, says: "Volkswagen is evolving into an SUV brand. The T-Roc is already setting new standards in the compact SUV segment. With the cabriolet based on the T-Roc, we will be adding a highly emotional model to the range. I am especially pleased to note that we can count on the Osnabrück team's decades of experience with convertibles. The Osnabrück plant now has bright prospects for the future."

SUVs are currently making a key contribution to the growth of the Volkswagen Group's core brand. With 720,000 Tiguan vehicles delivered, this car is among the 10 best-selling models in the world and the top three SUV's. By 2020, the brand intends to expand its SUV range throughout the world to 20 models. By then, about 40 percent of the vehicles sold by Volkswagen are to be SUV's. With the new cabriolet based on the T-Roc, Volkswagen will further reinforce its presence in the compact SUV segment, one of the fastest-growing segments in global automobile markets.

The investment of more than €80 million in the production of the new cabriolet will allow the comprehensive modernization of production technology, assembly and logistics at the Osnabrück plant. Following the run-up phase, a production volume of up to 20,000 vehicles per year is planned.

With the new cabriolet based on the T-Roc, Volkswagen is bringing this body style into the currently particularly strong growing SUV segment. This model continues Volkswagen's cabriolet tradition, which dates back almost 70 years. The original version of the T-Roc was successfully launched on European markets at the end of 2017. To date, more than 40,000 orders have been taken for the model.

Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH currently has about 2,300 employees. In 2017, the plant assembled more than 76,000 units on three production lines. Currently, Volkswagen Osnabrück assembles the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Porsche Cayman. In addition, the plant is responsible for part of the painting work needed for the ŠKODA Fabia. Since Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH was founded in 2011, more than 280,000 vehicles have rolled off the assembly lines.

Nissan considers plan to build performance version of Navara that could beat Ford Ranger Raptor

While Ford prepares for the production of the new Ranger Raptor in Europe, other automakers like Nissan are also looking into the idea of an off road oriented pickup. During an interview with Australian publication Motoring, the Japanese automaker suggested a similar go fast treatment similar to that of the new Ranger.

Meanwhile, Nissan’s Australian division has already urged executives to carry on with the more powerful Navarra. This project has not been officially confirmed, also because the small pickup shares the same platform with the more luxurious Mercedes-Benz X Class. Therefore, it will not be possible to see Nissan adopt the same 3.0 liter turbodiesel V6 found on the new Benz.

Ashwani Gupta, Renault Nissan’s global light commercial vehicle boss, informed the publication that he will soon be meeting with Australian executives during the launch of the Series 3 D23 Navara. He also mentioned that he would be open to seeing a more rugged Navara.

During the interview, Gupta mentioned that if you asked him about developing a Raptor’s rival earlier, he would have said that it is not one of their priorities. But times have changed and now, the automaker sees it as something they would like to study.

The thing is, for Nissan to build a Navara that is good enough to rival the Ranger Raptor, it will need a number of upgrades. For instance, the Ranger comes with a 2.0 liter turbodiesel engine that produces 210 horsepower (156 kilowatts) and 369 pound feet (500 Newton metres) of torque, paired with Fox shocks, huge off road tires and a new 10 speed gearbox. To compare it with the most powerful Navara, this model has a 2.3 liter engine delivering 188 horsepower (140 kilowatts). Notably, we think that the answer lies in the 3.0 liter diesel V6 that the X Class already has.

Moreover, Gupta said that they have all the technology to do that, while referring to the Mercedes diesel engine on the Navara. He said that they will study it, and that if it works for both the business and the customer, then they will work on it.

If Nissan does push through with the high performance NP300 Navara, there is a tiny chance that we will see it in the United States. Instead, there is a possibility of a new Frontier that could be paired with the high performance NP300 Navara.

In Australia, Nissan Managing Director Stephen Lester said that he and his team took a chance to lobby for a wild high performance Navara with Renault Nissan global light commercial vehicle boss Ashwani Gupta who will be going to Australia soon to launch the Series 3 D23 Navara.

Mercedes-Benz has new police-ready packages for X-Class, Sprinter, E-Class, GLC

Luckily for German law enforcement officers, Mercedes-Benz is presenting them with more ways to catch criminals as it launches the X-Class truck for cops at the General Police Equipment Exhibition & Conference 2018 in Frankfurt. Aside from the truck, the automaker will also reveal other models that are part of its range of Polizei-ready models, including some really efficient options.

Here is the thing, MercedesBenz does not offer many details about the changes for its police focused vehicles. But we are assuming that if these tweaks are similar to those like law enforcement models in the United States, these will likely include radio systems, on-board computers for officers, and a lot of storage space to keep all of the cops’ equipment.

For the X-Class in its police spec, the model is based on an all wheel drive to make it perform even better off road. The Polizei livery, however, makes the truck look really cool.

It will not only be the X-Class that will have a police-ready version, as some of the automaker’s vans will be at the show too. This includes the Sprinter that has been customized to have the same livery. In addition, the Vito Tourer will be ready for radio patrol car duty, and there will also be a standard version of the same model for customs work.

Another model that you can expect at the Police Exhibition 2018 will be the E-Class Estate. The model now comes equipped with Mercedes’ OM 654 four cylinder diesel for greater efficiency. The wagon also comes with safety tech like active brake assist, collision warning, and pedestrian detection on both the front and the rear.

To make a big push at offering police force’s better efficiency, they will also be opting for electric assistance. For the cops, the GLC 350e 4Matic will be one of their new options. In town, it saves money by running purely on electric power, while also boasting a longer range for covering distance on the Autobahn.

Cars that are more ideal for small town use include these two fully electric models from Mercedes-Benz: the Smart Fortwo and Fourfour, to be used as special response vehicles. The German automaker also promises that they plan to expand their electrified police vehicles soon, including models like the Vito as well as the Sprinter.

Watch out for these models as they make their debut in Frankfurt for the General Police Equipment Exhibition and Conference.

PRESS RELEASE

International police trade fair: Mercedes-Benz and smart make for an electrifying GPEC 2018

Daimler AG will be present at the General Police Equipment Exhibition & Conference® (GPEC) 2018 with its Mercedes-Benz and smart brands as a full-line supplier of vehicles for police forces. The company's focus at the trade fair will be on electric mobility. From 20 to 22 February, police vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and smart will be on view in Hall 11 (stand C006) at the Frankfurt trade fair complex.

The GLC 350 e 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption: 2.7-2.5 l /100 km; combined power consumption: 15.2-13.9 kWh/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 64-59 g/km) will be on show for the first time in a police look at the GPEC international police trade fair in Frankfurt am Main. In addition to the hallmark Mercedes-Benz brand attributes of safety, state-of-the-art suspension and numerous assistance systems, the plug-in hybrid also offers outstanding energy efficiency. Plug-in hybrids represent a key technology on the road to the locally emission-free future of the automobile. They offer customers the benefits of two worlds: in town, they run in all-electric mode, while, on long journeys, they profit from the range of the internal combustion engine. Hybridisation also makes the combustion engine more efficient while delivering a more dynamic performance.

Efficiency and low emissions also come courtesy of the all-new diesel engine in the new E-Class, which will be on view at the trade fair in an Estate version with a police look. The new OM 654 diesel engine has been designed to comply with future RDE (Real Driving Emissions) legislation. The E-Class comes with a host of safety and assistance systems, such as Active Brake Assist with distance and collision warning, situation-sensitive braking assistance and autonomous braking function, which can help avoid or mitigate the consequences of accidents with vehicles in front or with crossing pedestrians.

It was back in 2007 that smart assumed a pioneering role in terms of zero-emissions driving, the first-generation smart electric drive setting a landmark in electric mobility. At the GPEC, smart will present the fourth-generation smart ed in a fortwo version with electric drive (combined power consumption: 12.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) and a forfour version (combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) in a police/public order authority look. The electric vehicles have a range of 160 kilometres. The models are used mainly in town as special response vehicles. A smart fortwo cabrio electric drive (combined power consumption: 13.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) will be in use on the acceleration track in Hall 11.1. The electrified cabriolet, with a top speed of 130 km/h, will be available to be experienced by visitors themselves on the acceleration track.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has a long history of trusted partnership with the police, thereby contributing to added safety. The many different possible applications of the vehicles are reflected in the versatility of the products – either as a team transporter, patrol car or as a special-purpose vehicle, such as for dealing with explosives. The GPEC will feature a Sprinter in the form of a team vehicle and a Vito Tourer as a radio patrol car in a police look. All the vehicles are equipped with 7G-Tronic automatic transmission with torque converter, which allows faster acceleration thanks to the absence of any interruption in tractive power. In addition, the GPEC will showcase another Vito in a special customs version as well as the new Mercedes-Benz X-Class, both equipped with all-wheel drive for added off-road capability. The X-Class combines the typical attributes of a pick-up – robust, functional and durable with off-road capability – with the classic strengths of a genuine Mercedes – design, comfort, driving dynamics and safety. The Mercedes-Benz pick-up will be on show for the first time in a police look at the GPEC. Thanks to its wide track, typical Mercedes comfortable spring/damper tuning as well as coil springs and internally ventilated disc brakes at front and rear, the X-Class is impressive both on- and off-road.

Mercedes-Benz Vans plans in future to offer all commercial vans with an electric powertrain. First up is the mid-size eVito, which can now be ordered and will be available for delivery from the second half of 2018. The battery-electric Sprinter will follow in 2019.

In the outdoor grounds at the GPEC, Mercedes-Benz will present an Arocs 3251 L 8x4 heavy-duty truck. The vehicle is suitable for a wide range of police duties – from logistical assignments to the erection of protective barriers, removal of obstacles, launching of heavy boats and high-altitude rescue.

From the smart fortwo two-seater to the Sprinter through to the Actros, which serves as a transport vehicle, the comprehensive Daimler portfolio offers the appropriate vehicle for every area of police operations. The many years of excellent cooperation between Daimler AG and the police are founded on safety, efficiency and a wide range of products always ideally tailored to the operational needs of police forces.

The 10th international General Police Equipment Exhibition & Conference GPEC takes place from 20 to 22 February 2018 in Hall 11 at the Frankfurt am Main trade fair complex under the auspices of Hesse Minister-President Volker Bouffier. In 2016, the GPEC was attended by around 6700 security experts, including decision-makers, managers, procurement officers, technicians, instructors and end users from 57 countries. Further information about the GPEC is available at www.gpec.de.

2019 Buick Envision will get a minor facelift

Buick has plans of refreshing its popular Envision compact crossover for the 2019 model year. Automotive News was able to get a sneak peek of the model recently, which is supposedly getting a couple of subtle changes, but still noticeable - up front and in the rear.

The outgoing model has been out in the United States for about a year and a half, but with this segment (SUV market) being the most competitive amongst the rest, manufacturers are seeing a need to regularly update their vehicles.

The automaker wants to align the 2019 Buick Envision with the brand’s other models, namely its best selling Encore. It was back in May 2016 when the Envision was first launched as a first entry model in the compact crossover segment, and it quickly became the brand’s number 3 seller behind two other crossovers, which are the Encore and Enclave. In its first full year on the market in 2017, it sold a total of 41,040 units.

One of the noticeable changes in the facelifted Envision will be the new grille that incorporates an updated Buick logo featuring the wings seen on other models. Customers could also opt for the optional LED headlights.

But the real upgrade could be seen at the rear, as the 2019 Envision now has a resculpted liftgate, together with a redesigned tail lights and a rear fascia with scalloped sides that have the same shape as the rear lenses. Exhaust tips have morphed from oval to rectangular. When looking into the interior, there are no noticeable changes, though the Envision’s start-stop system can now be disabled if you wish to do so.

If you didn’t know, the Envision is actually GM’s very first import from China, back in 2014 when it first went on sale. And if you think about it, a mid-cycle refresh is actually already overdue, though the Envision has been a strong seller for Buick, being the third model in the automaker’s sales rank.

It was not that long ago when the 2017 Envision was tested on the road. It was determined to be a comfortable contender in the segment - with plenty of luxury. The one thing that really bothered us the most was its slightly dated design.

With all the upgrades that have been mentioned, it is ironic that the automaker has not shared new photos of the car just yet. Instead, the photos we are looking at now actually come from GM’s Chinese media site but they do showcase what’s in store for the US version.

Right now, we are just waiting for Buick representatives in the United States to send us additional information and official photos, and we will definitely update you when we get them.

Family-oriented 2018 Opel Combo Life scores high on storage and safety tech

Several days ago, Citroën took the wraps off their all new family car, the Berlingo in the digital world. And now, its brother from Rüsselsheim has just unveiled what they describe as the family’s best friend. And that is the 2018 Opel Combo Life. The reason why it was given that nickname is because it features a spacious cabin that fits every member of the family (even your dogs), while having a high level of flexibility too.

In fact, customers who intend to purchase this vehicle will appreciate that it can come with either five or seven seats, one or two rear sliding doors, and a choice between a short (4.40 meters) and a longer (4.75 meters) version of it - this explains its flexibility.

The Combo Life is actually perfect for those of you who are not fond of the Berlingo’s eccentric style elements, as the former looks more conservative when looking at the exterior design. If you choose the shorter version, this will give you a cargo capacity of 597 liters beginning from the top of the back seat.

The version with the extended wheelbase, on the other hand, can offer as much as 850 liters when the rear seats are up. This can even be maximized to an impressive 2,693 liters when the rear seats are folded down. For extra versatility, buyers will be allowed to choose from either a standard 60:40 split second row bench or the three individual seats.

Apart from all that cargo space that the Opel Combo Life boasts, there are also a number of storage areas within the cabin. Some of these include a center stack that could easily accommodate even a 1.5 liter bottle, and there is also an overhead storage incorporating a more generous 36 liter box.

One thing Opel is not ready to talk about would be the engine options, but it does say the Combo Life will be offered with several options of both gasoline and diesel units, and all of these will be turbocharged with direct injection. These engines will be paired with either a five- or a six-speed manual gearbox that will bring output to the wheels. An optional eight speed automatic will also be available, and will be billed as being an industry first. That also means it will cost more.

As mentioned earlier, the 2018 Combo Life is a family oriented product, so naturally, it should get Opel’s latest and greatest safety technology, including a front camera and a head up display, automatic cruise control and driver drowsiness alert. It also features advanced park assists and panoramic rearview camera that will make parking a breeze.

Now that we have seen the Berlingo and the Combo, we are excited to see the third member of the PSA van trio, which will be from Peugeot.

PRESS RELEASE

The Innovative Opel Combo Life

Opel is continuing its ongoing product offensive by launching a true all-rounder with the new Opel Combo Life, a wonderful family car full of innovations that makes everything possible. The fifth-generation Combo is based on a new architecture. It is immensely spacious, highly practical and versatile, equipped with one or two rear sliding doors and can be ordered as a short (4.40 metres) or long (4.75 metres) version and as a five or seven seater. With the new Opel Combo Life, you will be the hero of your local sports team when taking an entire seven-a-side team plus sports apparel to the next match. Your planned family “extensions” can relax on three individual rear seats all with Isofix child seat brackets and enjoy a wonderful view of the sky thanks to the panoramic roof. And your friends will also love the outstanding spaciousness and ask whether they can borrow your new Opel Combo Life for their trips to nearest Swedish furniture store.

However, more strikingly the new Opel Combo Life raises the bar in terms of technical ambition in this segment and takes the level of safety and comfort to a new dimension. It is fitted with technologies and driver assistance systems well-known from the compact or SUV segment such as Driver Drowsiness Alert, Rear View Camera with 180° bird’s-eye view, Head up display, IntelliGrip, and comfort features such as heated seats and a heated leather steering wheel. One of the newcomers to the Opel portfolio of assistance systems is Flank Guard. It supports drivers when turning at low speeds. And on top of that the new Opel Combo Life is also pleasant on the eye thanks to bold proportions giving a strong and robust appearance.

“The new Opel Combo Life is a key vehicle in our product offensive. Our newcomer will definitely appeal to families with its versatility and spaciousness combined with an outstanding offer of ultra-modern driver assistance systems that make driving safer and travelling more enjoyable,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “This car has a huge potential to grow the brand and gives us the opportunity to attack the important small van segment with new vigour.”

Friendly ultra-modern technologies and assistance systems

The new Opel Combo Life significantly increases the number of high-tech safety and comfort features, raising the bar in its segment significantly. Opel recognised the wish of its customers to make high-tech solutions accessible to families and have fitted it with a vast array of technologies that are useful in everyday driving.

These innovative, high-tech, safety-relevant solutions include:

The Head up display reduces the danger of distractions and projects the most important driving data into the driver’s direct line of sight, reducing the necessity for the driver to take his eyes of the road.
Forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking[1] helps avoid accidents. The system not only issues an alarm and a visual warning but also brakes independently if the distance to a vehicle moving ahead decreases rapidly and the driver does not react.
The Opel Eye front camera known from Opel bestsellers such as the Astra, Corsa and Mokka X. It processes diverse data thus forming the basis for the driver assistance systems such as Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Keep Assist.
Automatic Cruise Control adapting the speed to the vehicle ahead if required.
Intelligent Speed Adaptation informing the driver when a new speed limit is detected by the Speed Sign Recognition. If the cruise control or the speed limiter is activated, a pop up message in the cluster will ask the driver if he or she wants to adjust the set the speed.
Driver Drowsiness Alert evaluates the fatigue level through the drive style and suggests that the driver has a well-deserved break at the next service station.
Parking manoeuvres are made safer and easier by:

Flank Guard[2] - new to the Opel portfolio of parking/manoeuvring assistance systems. It supports the driver while turning at low speeds, warning him or her when there is a risk that a flank of the car will collide into an obstacle (pillars, barriers, wall or other vehicles). Flank Guard consists of twelve sensors around the car. They analyse the surrounding area and warn the driver via the infotainment screen if a potential collision is detected. The visual warning comes together with an audible one.
The Panoramic Rear View Camera, increases the angle of sight at the back of the car to 180 degrees so that the driver can see other road users approaching from either side when reversing.
Advanced Park Assist facilitates parking even further. It recognises suitable parking slots and parks the vehicle automatically. It can also exit the parking slot automatically. In both cases, the driver only needs to operate the pedals and shift gears.
Adventurous families who like venturing off the beaten track will not have to worry about surface conditions thanks to a clever solution:

IntelliGrip traction control, already known from the Opel Grandland X, is an optional electronic front differential which adapts the torque distribution to the front wheels, allows wheel-spin if necessary, and with the automatic transmission adjusts shift points as well as throttle response. This ensures best traction and stable handling regardless of whether the Combo Life is travelling on mud, sand, wet surfaces or snow.
And winter escapes are made more enjoyable thanks to various comfort features:

The heated leather steering wheel is unique in the segment and ensures that Combo Life drivers will never have to worry about cold hands.
The heated front seats keep the chill at bay and increase well-being.
The auxiliary heater works independently of the engine and can pre-heat the vehicle before departure. The auxiliary heater can be activated via a timer or remote control creating cosy and comfortable temperatures.
The Combo Life also offers Opel-typical state-of-the-art Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible infotainment systems with up to eight-inch capacitive colour touchscreen. The fun-factor for occupants is further increased by the various charging options. USB ports in the front and second row ensure that tablets and smartphones can be recharged even while the children watch their favourite YouTuber. A 230V power socket in the front footwell even allows one passenger to plug in a laptop. Furthermore, compatible smartphones can also be charged wirelessly via the inductive charging pad located below the air-conditioning controls.

Family friendly: Spacious, comfortable, versatile

Somewhat more expected than the wide range of high-tech solutions available for the latest member of Opel’s product offensive is its exceptional versatility. It is available as a 4.4-metre long standard version or as a 35 centimetres longer large version, optionally with two sliding rear doors. Both variants have a height of 1.8 metres and both configurations will be available with either five or seven seats ensuring that even large families with their two golden retrievers can enjoy a spacious and comfortable ride.

Transporting a large amount of luggage, a considerable amount of sports apparel or even large dogs to a holiday destination will also be a breeze for Opel Combo owners. The five-seat, standard length version has a minimum luggage volume of 597 litres[3]. People requiring even more space can obviously also opt for the long wheelbase with a minimum luggage volume of 850 litres3.

However, the Combo Life is not only a spacious and highly comfortable family van. It can also double as a small transporter. With the rear seats folded down the boot volume of the standard version more than triples to 2,126 litres[4] meaning that getting camping equipment, bicycles or large parcels from A to B is no longer a problem. Again, the longer version of the Combo Life offers even more capacity when the rear seats are folded down. In this configuration, it can carry a whopping 2,693 litres4. Furthermore, the developers have also thought about how to transport long items. Therefore, the front passenger seat folds flush with the rear seats, extending the length of the loading area so that even surfboards can be transported. The designers also ensured that the annoying gap sometimes left between luggage and tailgate can be utilised thanks to the optional opening window integrated in the tailgate known from premium SUVs.

The second row seating setup of both variants also caters for individual preferences. Customers will be able to choose between the standard second row bench with 60/40 split or alternatively three individual seats, which can be folded conveniently from the boot[5]. In both cases, each seating position has its own Isofix child seat bracket as standard allowing for three child seats to be fitted next to each other, a rarity in the market. Furthermore, each seat has a top tether anchor point designed to lessen forward movement of the forward facing child seat in the event of a frontal collision and thus reduce the risk of injury. Meanwhile, easy access to the passenger compartment is guaranteed by the sliding doors.

Regardless whether children or adults are travelling in the rear, all of them can enjoy a wonderful view of the sky thanks to the optional panoramic roof. It permits them to savour starry nights or lap up the warm rays of the sun. When the sun is too strong for the occupants’ liking, an electric sunblind, activated though a switch in the overhead console, can be closed, providing total protection. When open, the panoramic roof also improves the feeling of space even further while simultaneously creating a pleasant and light ambience.

Best friend for travelling

The storage possibilities of the Combo Life match the versatility of the vehicle and are benchmark in the segment. The large compartment in the centre stack can take anything ranging from 1.5 litre bottles to smartphones or from wallets to tablets. In addition, front and rear seat occupants can safely stow items in the large door pockets. Passengers in the rear can keep their tablets safe in the pockets on the back of the front seats while the driver and front seat passenger can use either the top or the lower glovebox. The top glovebox is ideal for larger items as it is particularly spacious thanks to the installation of the passenger airbag in the roof. But that is by no means all. When ordered with the optional panoramic roof, the Combo Life comes with overhead storage running down the centre of the vehicle with LED lighting as standard. Furthermore, in this configuration the newcomer is also fitted with a large 36-litre storage box mounted above the hat tray in the boot. This enables for some of the space normally not utilised when not packing up to the roof is used sensibly – without impeding the view of following traffic through the rear view mirror. The storage box is ideal for clothes, books or small toys such as the favourite teddy bear. It can be loaded from the rear when the boot is open or via the optional opening window integrated in the tailgate and accessed from inside the vehicle via two sliding doors at the front of the box.

Those in need of even more space and even more storage possibilities or those who want to tow a small caravan (trailer load up to 1,500 kg) can obviously also attach a trailer via the optional fixed or removable towing hook. To ensure the safest possible driving conditions, the Opel Combo Life comes with Trailer Stability Control (TSC) as standard when ordered with a towing hook. This additional ESP function stabilises the swaying of the trailer or slows the vehicle as required. If these measures are not enough to avert all danger, the system reduces engine torque even further and brakes the vehicle so that the critical speed range is left as quickly as possible.

Friendly appearance: Balanced, robust, confident

The new Combo Life does not just stand out from the crowd with its high-tech solutions, outstanding spaciousness and exceptions versatility. It also comes with eye-catching proportions. Compared to other cars in the segment, it has a shorter front overhang and a higher bonnet. It looks more balanced, robust and confident. From the front, it displays a typically Opel identity with sculptured details enhancing the feeling of precision and solidity. The high bonnet with two crisp lines, which go from the windshield down to the grill, emphasises the stability of the vehicle. The predominant part of the car is the front grille, where the headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights with the typical Opel winglets band together precisely and amorously as a defined line. Two chrome wings in the grille embrace the Opel Blitz. Thick wheel-wells connected via the side sills further emphasise the solidity of the Opel Combo Life. The rear of the car is very linear following a vertical design underlining the high practicality of the vehicle and framing the generous opening to the luggage compartment.

In the interior, driver ergonomics have played a decisive part resulting in a well-organised cockpit where all the controls are easy for the driver to find and reach. The centre console is clearly divided in three different areas. In its upper part, the infotainment system takes up most of the space. Down from there, the driver finds the heating and ventilation controls and in the lower part there is adequate storage space for a 0.5-litre bottle. Chrome accents on the steering leather wheel, on the door handles and in the air vents add further character.

Under the bonnet, Opel Combo Life customers will have the choice between a variety of turbo-charged, direct injection petrol and diesel engines. All of the units combine driving pleasure with a high level of fuel economy. The engines are mated to five or six-speed manual transmissions with a segment-first eight-speed automatic option also being available.

[1] Works automatically above 5 km/h and below 85 km/h. From 0 to 30 km/h the deceleration metric to reduce the impact speed of the collision is 0.9g. From 30 to 85 km/h the system brakes to the speed by a maximum of 22 km/h. After this threshold, the driver needs to brake himself to reduce the speed even further.

[2] active below 10km/h

[3] Measured until the top of the back seat.

[4] Measured up to the roof.

[5] Available from 2019