2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Half Will Have Four-Cylinder Engine
For 2012 the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is going to get a partial redesign and a sleek new Coupe body style—and, for the first time in years, a four-cylinder engine.
Beginning with the refreshed model that arrives mid-year, M-B is no longer shying away from fours: A new C250, with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, is the new base model for the U.S., and with M-B anticipating nearly half to be sold with the four, it's the new volume model as well.
M-B expects sales for the new coupe and sedan combined to be incrementally higher than the current sedan.
It's certainly not the first time Mercedes has offered a four-cylinder in the C-Class. In the 1990s, the automaker offered a four-cylinder C220 in the U.S., then later, this past decade, a supercharged C230 Kompressor.
The last time the C-Class was fully redesigned, we were told that four-cylinder models wouldn't be coming back anytime soon—dealerships pushed back, and the customer demand wasn't there. Now it seems just a few years later that's all changed.
Refinement, fuel prices, CAFE make it different this time
Why? Stronger, smoother four-cylinder engines with more appeal; preparedness for higher fuel prices; and a concern about raising the company's fleet fuel economy are all strong reasons to bring four-bangers back.
The new engine in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe and sedan produces up to 229 pound-feet of torque; that's eight more pound-feet than the V-6 it replaces. And with a flatter torque curve, even though peak power is lower than that of the V-6, 0-60 acceleration will be the same, at 7.1 seconds. "So from a customer perspective it's a win-win," declared Bernhard Glaser, general manager for U.S. product, who added that the new engine offers more driving involvement than the outgoing engine—as well as more torque.
"That's just the driving part. The other thing that comes under consideration is the dramatically improved fuel economy—15 percent better," Glaser said. The new engine returns 21 mpg city, 30 highway (24 combined); that's significantly better than the 18/26 ratings of the current 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be offered in three different models: C250, C300 4Matic, and C350. The 350 still comes with a 3.5-liter V-6, but it's up in power, to 302 hp, thanks to a new BlueDirect direct-injection system (and will boast a five-percent improvement in fuel economy). As before, separate Sport and Luxury models will bring a separate set of equipment, and a different look, to cater to those who want more of a sport sedan or a comfortable, luxury-oriented model.
C250, with 1.8T, is new core model
The four-cylinder is intended to be the new bread-and-butter of the lineup, not a limited-production price leader. "In the C-Class it's going to be our core model. This engine will replace the C300, so we expect it to be 45 to 50 percent of the model mix," said Glaser. "We have very high expectations."
Frugal Shopper: Does It Make Sense To Buy A Used Rental Car?
If you're thinking about a late-model used car instead of a new one, the used cars on offer by major rental companies can be tempting. From a price standpoint, you're getting a nearly new vehicle that's been regularly checked over and maintained, for a bit less than a comparable used car would cost at the dealership.
But for a number of reasons, used rental cars aren't the great deals they used to be.
In the past, when few if any certified pre-owned (CPO) programs existed, it was your chance to get a late-model used car that had been properly maintained and, generally, taken good care of. Automakers were building as many vehicles as rental fleets could handle, and then some, and dumping them at a massive discount to renters. But recently, with automakers realizing that strategy isn't good business, and rental companies cutting costs, they're keeping vehicles in the fleet much longer and renting them out more frequently. Today it's not at all uncommon to see a rental car with 30,000 or even 40,000 miles, whereas a decade ago the vast majority of rentals had less than 15,000 miles.
"At this point, unless it's a really good deal, I wouldn't recommend it," says Charlie Vogelheim, executive editor of IntelliChoice. Vogelheim says that, anecdotally, when customers are in a vehicle that's not in as good condition, they're not going to treat it as well. And with many of today's rentals looking quite weary, it's a slippery slope.
Beware of title flags
Also of concern is the branded title flag that rental cars get in some states, which can knock thousands of dollars off the value if you plan to resell the vehicle within a year or two or make the vehicle tougher to sell over the long term. If you're going to keep a vehicle for a long time, rental cars are still a really good deal, according to Vogelheim, but you lose a lot of value right away.
First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX
What is it? Acura's take on the BMW X6
The basics: V-6 power, AWD, and plenty of luxury as standard
On sale: This winter
Price: Between $40,000 and $46,000 (est.)
MORE: 2010 Acura ZDX photos, specifications, pricing and related news
Toyota's Venza is fresh on the market, and BMW is rapidly spooling up production of the 2010 5-series GT, but the 2010 Acura ZDX may end up beating the German to market with today's announcement of sales to start this winter.
Back in April, we brought you the unveiling of the ZDX Prototype at the 2009 New York Auto Show, though even then it was known to be a thinly-veiled production model.
Now production of the ZDX has a fairly solid timeline and a three-tiered set of trims. The most luxurious is called the ZDX with Advance Package, and promises 'ultra premium' features and accommodations. The middle model is the ZDX with Technology Package, and the standard ZDX rounds the range out. All ZDX variants will come with a hgh level of standard equipment, however, including Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, iPod integration and a panoramic glass roof.
The Technology Package adds several key features including a navigation system with voice recognition, a premium audio system and a reversing camera. The Advance Package, meanwhile, boasts additional goodies such as a blind spot information system, a collision mitigating braking system, and adaptive cruise control.
Powering the ZDX is the same 3.7-liter V-6 found in the 2010 Acura RL sedan, rated at 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to a 6-speed paddle-shifted automatic gearbox and routed through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for better handling and all-weather capability.
As for the dynamic capabilities of the ZDX, the new model comes with an Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which tailors the fully independent suspension's Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering together to suit either 'Comfort' or 'Sport' settings.
Pricing and further details are yet to be released, but Acura says the ZDX will slot between the MDX and RL when it goes on sale in a few months, putting it in the $40,000-$46,000 price range. Mileage is EPA estimated at 16/22 mpg for the city/highway cycles and the ZDX can hold up to 21 gallons of fuel.
We're driving the 2010 Acura ZDX for the first time today in New York City: watch this space for updates via CoverItLive, or follow us on Twitter @carconnection #acurazdx:
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This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2010 Ford Fusion: First Drive
The Ford Fusion was introduced back in 2005 as a 2006 model. Its mission was modest ... it was supposed to save the company. Given the situation of Ford and other Detroit automakers, the end of this story hasn't played out.
Ford understands how important the Fusion is to the company's health. The mid-size sedan competes in the second largest segment of the automotive market (compact cars are the first). J.D. Shanahan, Fusion's Chief Nameplate Engineer stated, "There is a huge upside for us in the mid-size segment if people realize how good this car is. It's tough for Camry and Accord owners to consider a Ford, but we've got something here that they should consider." Traditionally, the mid-size Toyotas and Hondas have sold per annum at about twice the Fusion's rate.
Ratings from Consumers Reports and J.D. Power attest to the fact that Ford Motor Company now builds cars that match or exceed the quality perennially delivered by Toyota and Honda. When one combines this new reality with Fusion's excellent driving dynamics, the argument to consider the Fusion as a serious contender becomes impossible to ignore.
In normal times, since the Fusion was only three model years old, it would have been due for a minor refresh some added features and a gussied up nose and tail. That's not what happened to the 2010 Ford Fusion. Ford spent $650 million on a major overhaul. In other words, don't look at the new Fusion as a microwaved leftover dressed up with some fresh garnish.
The top line is that Ford spent their money in three key areas; engines and transmissions, interiors, and styling. The result is a dramatically improved and refined midsize sedan that includes a full range of models including a base gasoline four-cylinder model, a mid-level V-6, an exceptional hybrid, and a gutsy Sport model with a big-bore V-6. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive can be ordered on select models.
While the current environment isn't quite perfect for the introduction of the Fusion line's first Sport model, that doesn't stop the Sport for being truly entertaining. Power comes from it's large V-6 comes on strongly and smoothly with refinement befitting a Lincoln this is no surprise since this engine is used in Lincoln products. The Sport's handling is so tied down, Ford felt comfortable letting journalists autocross the car, something that is completely out of character with the sedan's purpose in life. However, flying around cones in a parking lot proved that the car has the chops to precisely clip apexes, delivering a feeling of control that eludes the mid-size market's mainstay, the less buttoned-down Toyota Camry.
Ford knew that while the original Fusion was more than competitive in terms of size, features, and handling dynamics. The company also knew the car lacked refinement and that its powertrains were not efficient enough. This changes for 2010. The 2.5-liter and both V-6 engines are quiet, smooth, and significantly more fuel-efficient (an average of six to ten percent across the line).
The 2010 Fusion's new styling looks sharp, especially the aggressive front end that puts a new face on Ford's three-bar grille. The design required a new hood and front fenders, and the result is as sculptural as it is contemporary. The changes at the rear are more subtle, and along with updating the look, improve visibility because the third brake light is now mounted at the top of the trunk lid.
All 2010 Fusion models are significantly more refined inside than the outgoing model thanks to more (and more efficiently applied) insulation, thicker glass, and additional seals on the doors. Additionally, the entire instrument panel is new and made from a seamless soft-to-the-touch material that fits with tight tolerances for a high-quality appearance. Misaligned seams always scream, "I'm a cheap car," and the Fusion doesn't have any.
In terms of equipment, the 2010 Ford Fusion is well equipped even in its base "S" configuration. Standard features include a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning with cabin filtration, a CD audio system that is MP3 compatible, split-folding rear seat, and power windows. Content builds from here up through the following trim levels; SE, Sport, and SEL.
On top of the dense standard feature list, the 2010 Fusion also offers the following as options (depending on model); a reverse camera with a screen that is in the rearview mirror or in the nav unit (if equipped), Sirius Travel Link, moonroof, and a Sony audio system.
Regarding safety, the 2010 Ford Fusion offers what has become the standard quiver of features; ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry, and six airbags. Extra safety-directed features include the Blind Spot Information System, rearview sensing system with camera, and 911 Assist for vehicles with SYNC all options on most models.
The IIHS gave the 2009 Fusion a "Top Safety Pick," and according to Ford, the 2010 Fusion will perform even better.
The bottom line? It's better than ever, and a serious mid-size contender. Stay tuned for our full review of the 2010 Ford Fusion, and in the meantime, see our extensive photo gallery over at our 2010 Ford Fusion page.
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This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
