For comparison purpose, the other electric pure cars in market include Honda Fit @ 118 combined MPGe, Mitsubishi i along with 112 of MPGe, Ford Focus Electric along with 105 of MPGe & Nissan Leaf with “simply” 99 of MPGe. Even at bottom of the particular list, the numbers are pretty impressive for Model S, which means that it really makes good use of the energy that is available in the battery.

Tesla says that range recently got declared with 265 miles through EPA’s 5-cycle procedure of testing, which now makes it mileage long-range champ in production electric world of car. Using EPA’s older 2-cycle protocol of testing, Model S will score above 300 miles on a single charge – which is significantly better than 244 miles as managed by Tesla older Roadster. Still, this figure of range applies only to top-of-line model along with 85-kWh battery which starts at about $69,900. There are Model S sedans available along with considerably less of range & smaller tag of price, and also Performance version which starts at about $84,900.

We are looking out for some more info from Tesla, & we expect it will come before 1st deliveries take place on this Friday at this company’s California’s factory of Fremont.

Biggest news was smallest news: high-performance hot-looking A-Class car that is dubbed A45 AMG which will take it to BMW M135i (which is soon-to-be tested) & the future Audi RS 3. Specific numbers aren’t out yet but not out, but the bosses of engine are telling to expect about 370 hp & 300 pound-feet torque. This engine is an all-new: twin-scroll turbo charged two liter known as M 133 & is based loosely on Daimler 2.0 liters unit that is turbocharged. If the figures are really accurate, it’s mean that M133 has greatest series-production true power-per-liter rating for this world. It is first engine of AMG that isn’t built @ Affalterbach, but @ Daimler’s state-of-art 4-cylinder plant of assembly @ Kölleda, but “1man, 1 engine” approach is unscathed.

It is rumored that United States & Canada very likely won’t get this AMG, but I hear that this same power train along with 7-speed strengthened transmission of dual-clutch will come in AMG 4-door CLA 45 model, & possibly in smaller cross over automobile that is based on modular chassis beneath ranges of A-class and B-class.

The official pictures from the early peak-a-boo @ HQ came out after I left, but I did get hold of the spy pics which show this car along with very little that is left to imagination. The best example of the things that I am talking about is show car that is unveiled @ past motor show of March’s Geneva–A 250 Sport along with full AMG treatment that is pictured in here.

Of the things that I’d divulge from Teutons that are stone-faced, the little 45 AMGs will be coming along with the all-wheel drive, & I do not intend 4Matic full-on treatment. It’s aidsed instead by rear hang-on differential. But you get to switch off the ESP totally & get solid Sport for rear bias. Challenge here for the dynamically will get projected sixty percent of the total weight that is resting over front axle, sixty percent of about 3,300 pounds.

Red line on tach is shown currently @ 6,300 rpm, so I will almost certainly be wishing that it was left for going higher when I tested it. Lever of center transmission for all the models of AMG is there too, which is an interface that is much finer for me than civilian steering of trim column lever-ette.

Folks at AMG are saying that there’s good chance that you will get optional Package of Driver which will let top speed get up to 174 miles an hour as compared to stock speeds of 155 mph. The pricing is competitive along with BMW M135i or where RS3 will end up. AMG is now planning that from making 3 versions of this new compact line up – sedan, hatch, & cross over – by 2017 & 50th anniv of AMG that the annual total volumes will go up 20,000+ units of today to 30,000+.

Technically speaking, Volkswagen has not made any decision about either getting a take over or domination agreement, but this company says that it is keeping all their options open at this moment. Martin Winterkorn, the CEO says that bigger stake in MAN “marks very important mile stone to achieving the joint goals for business of commercial vehicles as else where through the close cooperation. How this cooperation becomes close or not in near future is to be seen.

Volkswagen was slowly increasing their stake at MAN slowly in past year.

Toyota brought in current Lexus GX in the year 2010, at same time and also redesigned 4Runner, for which Lexus model is now based on. If GX is shifted to uni body platform, which could mean Toyota will do some similar with 4Runner, or 2 vehicles might diverge & GX may assume underpinnings of some other model.

This is just speculation, but Toyota may shift GX to Highlander platform that is shared currently along with Lexus RX. Since RX isn’t available in 3-row model, this move will allow GX to retain the third row as differentiators with out upsetting successful formula of RX, which is best-seller of Lexus.

Irrespective of what Toyota wants to do along with GX & 4Runner, it is said that this company is investigating use of the turbocharged 4-cylinder engines in the products of Lexus. Since Toyota has already 1 of best engines in world in the 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 which sits under hood of most of the models of Lexus, we would not expect this brand to get a turbo 4 any time soon, at least not for their volume products.

This offer is now available for all the models of Audi and you just need to tick on the correct boxes of options. The SiriusXM 2.0 units head are supposedly due to come in the year but you will need to wait for getting most of the radio, instead of getting all the dead options of SiriusXM staring at you back.

This disaster averted, we are back for enjoying scenery. It really looks really familiar but is slightly different. Palm trees are stockier & shorter & sea in front of me is blue milky instead of blue-green deep Pacific that I get to see in home.

This can be Southern California. I’d the minutes from my home. If I wasn’t paying a lot of attention, roads leading in to Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure area of France was looking like California. If you aren’t paying any attention, this 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL63 AMG just looks like normal SL 550.

Stronger & stiffer but not heavier

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL63 AMG is just like new 2013 Mercedes SL 550 & hence gets all same treatments. Body-in-the-white for both the vehicles are down by about 220 pounds vs previous version, yet the rigidity is increased by around 20 percent. Latest chassis of SL contains around two hundred feet of the robot welding & about of two thousand rivets; this firewall is largest piece of cast in industry of automotives. Stiffness is really important when you have got car having 429 of horsepower from V8 twin-turbo.

It gets more important as you, as the AMG has done in here, take out the motor & fill void along with a530 of hp, twin-turbo 5.5-liters V8 hand that is built in the Affalterbach.

Stiffness too is an issue while the same car does not have any roof. The power-folding magnesium roof isn’t really sturdy; it just shaves about thirteen pounds from the last year’s roof that is steel-framed. Old SL will shudder as mechanisms whirred & origamied roof itself in to the place, but there is none of this in here. Holding button for top & just like good stagehand, this SL63 changes scenery with out reminding audience of intricacies which are @ play. We did say it of SL550 & we will repeat it in here: it is 1 of tightest convertibles that I have driven to date.

With additional body work and bigger wheels, the manufacturer estimates that SL63 tips scales @ 4,068 pounds – just hundred pounds heavier as compared to SL550 & about four hundred pounds lighter as compared to 2011 SL63 AMG that I got for we testing in the last year.

It just starts with engine

Starting engine begins along with familiar roar, but it comes from different body. There is no lustworthy aspirated naturally 6.2-liters V8 from out going SL63 AMG & in this place there is forced-induction new power plant which swears to satisfy love for the power and government’s fuel efficiency love.

Tobias Moers, who is chief engineer @ Mercedes AMG, reminds us saying this isn’t first application for AMG  latest M157 5.5-liters turbo charged V8. It sits already in S63, E63, CL63 & CLS63 AMG of cars & we have had hands on almost all. Just like S63, SL63 AMG makes the 530hp & 590 pounds eet torque in the standard tuning.

Mercedes did not provide them the normal state, though. The cars that we were drove had AMG package of Performance—$9,000 alternative which “relimits” top speed to about 186 mph, amplifies the power to about 557 hp & 664 lb-ft torque (through cranking boost from 14.2psi to 18.5psi) & adds differential of limited-slip. Equipped with the pack, Mercedes says that SL will be hitting 60mph in less than four seconds.

Controlling Launch

Achieving number, however, is not as easy as smashing go pedal & riding boost wave. Trying it this way & 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 drags it self to around 10mph before turbos drop the full pay load & 285/35ZR20s back out scorch asphalt. It is fun, but this isn’t fast.

Instead, the SL, just like other AMGs are fitted along with Race Start (or RS) option which manages the wheel spin, the gearshifts & the rpm for getting ideal launch. But it is multi step process. Trying for using RS for the light-2-light racing is just like using over-under shot gun for mowing down the zombies; you might get first few, however, you will get caught eventually.

On open road, V8 twin-turbo comes with startling mid range. Passing slow paced Dacia — & six cars it is holding- is non-event which requires zero of fore thought. All this torque that we wanted @ launch is now available & only happy for getting things to move.

Whether I shift 7-speed automatic (wet clutch which replaces converter of torque in the AMG cars) through aluminum upgraded paddles or just dump in the mode of Sport Plus, shifts are very fast & simply just enough of shock through system for making you feel as if something had happened. With shift comes different pop. Less pop, than huff covering yelp. Sound does matter to the AMG. Simply because they can not get over run on the deceleration any more does not mean they can not make any inappropriate noises.

ABC of the AMG

You will find 3 buttons on center console close to shifter in 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. 1st is familiar skidding of car representing the traction control. 3rd is AMG key which sets all the systems to preset attack level. Between these is familiar looking graphic of shock absorber which allows for the adjustment of suspension.

In the normal mode, SL63 glides along with solidity & effortlessness of megayachts moored at St. Tropez bay which is below me. Impacts flow right through suspension & in to cabin for reminding us that car is connected still to road in traditional way of Germans. The goal is not isolation; it is control. As road tightens, pitches body over which reacts to precise yet steering that is finger-light.

Pressing this shock absorber key & Mercedes-Benz Active Body Control comes in to life. Immediately steering changes. There is more of weight in wheel & SL63 is really reactive. Ratio never gets changed. Instead, Mercedes just tinkers with levels of the assist as ABC adjusts suspension for simulating quicker ratio. Turning -in is really immediate in the mode & it takes some time to get used to just like cornering that is ultra-flat.

Peerless?

A representative from Mercedes told me that thre aren’t any competitors right now as people do not cross-shop SL. According to this company, SL customers are, on average, about 56 years of old, male predominantly (about 84 percent), graduates from college (about 77 percent), the married (about 75 percent) & earning average house hold income of about $516,000 a year. About 40 percent of the buyers go for AMG version.

They are also the repeat buyers of Mercedes-Benz & often the repeat buyers of SL. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL63 AMG is much better in every way than the predecessor- some thing that I look for to prove on my back track home – & anyone who earns $516,000-a-year will count him self deserving for park 1 close to the S- or the CLS-Class AMG.

I will mourn loss of V8 naturally aspirated. I always liked way it popped and burbled under the engine braking, exploding with the sound natural on upshift & flying through the range of rpm with some wicked quickness.

All 2012 Hyundai models except for Elantra Touring had system of brake over ride already fitted. Hence, why is there announcement, & why should they do it now? Well, other than simply tweaking Toyota, where the acceleration unintended problems had led to a lot of wide spread recalls, Congressional investigation, & prompted National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for proposing the required systems of brake override for all the new cars, this announcement has likely more to do along with end of the production of Elantra Touring as compared to any thing else.

Old Hyundai i30, on which Elantra Touring is based, is redesigned, & reviews of newer model are now starting to show up on the websites of foreign automotive. I didn’t get my review model of i30, dubbed the Elantra GT here in U.S., but I might get it later. I will get to drive GT in month of June & I promise to give you full report, but we will try testing the new technology.

A report says that about whopping forty percent of one thousand orders for MP4-12C which McLaren took till date has got placed by the customers in US, courtesy of the extensive network of dealer in here.

It is really a surprise for Antony Sheriff, who is the American serving as the managing director at McLaren Automotive’s. From the experiences as fan of racing on the Atlantic side, he had felt that McLaren didn’t have brand recognition which names such as Ferrari & Lamborghini are enjoying in market that has had off-again, on-again relationship along with Formula 1.

With MP4-12C off already to auspicious start, the focus @ high-tech facility of McLaren @ Woking in England, turned in to expanding line up. Successor for the legendary McLaren F 1 is in works, & rumormill says that both convertible model of MP4-12C & hardcore, stripped-down variant in mold of Ferrari 430 Scuderia & Porsche 911 GT3 RS are getting developed too. For the rumors of shooting-brake, we have not held our breath, & you shouldn’t do it either.

See the picture, the 2nd automobile which is released from Jaguar Land Rover’s new division of Engineered To Order (along side new Jaguar XJ Ultimate) gets characterized by the black matte paint and it contrasts along with gloss black & rose-gold trim. Interior has tan vintage-finish leather along with floor mohair mats & micro suede headliner. There is also 4 piece set of the leather fitted luggage, & leather portfolio which carries owner’s manual & has signature of Victoria Beckham’s.

Features
The M6 does stretch to 3 inches looking at the current 6 series. The rear has a completely different look with the wheels wider than before. This is turn translates to more spacious interiors with backseaters definitely the most to gain. Exteriorly, the 2012 BMW M6 offers a sharper look when compared to the other M6s. It has a deep front airdam as well as larger ducts made particularly for brake and engine cooling.

The highlight of the M6 is its massive power that’s pretty impressive. This car surely competes with the likes of Porsche 911 and Jaguar XKR. With the convertible version released in June, the much awaited luxury coupe version is set to be introduced in 2013, and much remains to be seen given the high performance rumors surrounding it.

The current convertible is a 4-passenger car. Details so far are that the M6 would come with standard wheels of 19 inches, a more appealing front airdam, rear diffuser, adaptable xenon headlamps, adaptable suspension dampers, leather upholsteries, sport seats at the front that’s power adjustable, auto dual zone climate control, BMW idrive interface and Bluetooth. There’s the power softtop on the convertible opening and closing at a time interval of 20 seconds. It also has an incorporated powered glass rear window operating independently.

Engine and Performance
The 2012 BMW M6 is run by a 4.4-ltr twin turbocharged V8 engine churning 560 bhp and a torque of 500 pound feet. This convertible has a back-wheel drive. Another standard feature would be 7-speed automatic dual clutch manual transmission.

According to reports from BMW, the luxury coupe reaches 62 mph from 0 in just over 4.2 seconds while the convertible can make it in 4.3 secs. While the fuel specifications are not out yet, the consumption of the V8 when compared to V10s is lesser by 30%.

Safety Features
Safety features do include antilock 4-wheel brakes with impressive drying and standby features, stability control and traction, side airbags at the front, knee airbags (front), BMW assist and head restraints.

Added Features and Expectations
When it comes to elegance, the 2012 BMW M6 is slightly off especially when compared to Jaguar’s XK design. However, the M6 speaks a lot looking at the most fitting cockpit centered design. The four passenger car allows for 2 passengers at the rear, but the seats only compatible for adults when embarking on shorter trips to a restaurant or in fact a driving range. The convertible has a massive trunk space of up to 12.3 cubic ft with pass throughs for both the cars to take in longer items. The car’s rear heated window pulls back on its own on softtop, and acts as wind deflectors when you drop the top. To lower soft top, it does take 20 seconds, and in order to raise it, it might take 23 seconds. All in all, while we know what the convertible has to offer, it remains to be seen what the coupe offers in 2013