More sophisticated electronics are coming of course, including internet access.
While Christmas auto advertising is in full swing for “great deals” on wheels, Mercedes-Benz has released photos of a revised C-Class compact due next year. The sedan is changed on both exterior ends from a mild facelift with new bumpers, headlights and trim. M-B claims that the interior has a “dramatic new dashboard, which features a premium finish and stylish trim elements, as well as a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster.”
Two revised direct injection engines – four-cylinder and V6 - and an updated 7-speed automatic transmission are promised. AMG coming to U.S.?
Two revised direct injection engines – 1.8-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 – and a revised 7-speed automatic transmission are expected, along with better fuel economy when the C-Class arrives in U.S. dealer showrooms during the summer of 2011 after a March debut in Europe.
A long rumored upgraded AMG performance version is also due to start a rollout in June, with unknown prospects in the U.S. where the
current C63 model is on sale for $60,000 with its 451 horsepower V8. For the normal baby Benz, prices range from $34,000 to $40,000.
Five new electronic systems will be available: a drowsiness detection system is standard; there are also adaptive highbeam assist, park assist w/parktronic, lane keeping assist and blind spot assist.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
