Rumor: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe to get 5.5-liter turbo
The Mercedes-Benz C Class already has a hugely capable and entertaining performance model in the 451-horsepower C63. But a refreshed C Class is expected to bow at next month’s Detroit Auto Show, and an exotic Black Series Coupe is expected to follow later in the year. Inside Line reports that a conversation with Mercedes spokespeople has revealed that the 6.2-liter in the C63 will not be tweaked for Black Series duty, opting instead for the company’s twin-turbo 5.5-liter mill. That powertrain, as you may recall, already puts out 571 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque in the S63 AMG. That’s 71 more ponies than the the CLK AMG Black Series and more twist than almost anything this side of a diesel-powered heavy-duty pickup truck. That should help justify the expected $100k-plus price tag of the rarest of AMG variants, while simultaneously making every BMW M3 owner a bit leery of a race with the Black Series coupe. –AB @funkmasterflex
GM Recalls Nearly 100,000 New Crossovers!!
General Motors has issued a recall on its Theta crossover triplets, the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX over safety belt buckle anchors that may fracture and separate in the event of a crash. A total of 97,843 vehicles are affected, all from the 2011 model year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued an official statement, saying that a fractured seatbelt buckle may not properly restrain the vehicle’s occupants during an accident, thus increasing the risk of injuries sustained during a crash. In all three of the affected crossovers, both the driver and front passenger seatbelts are apparently subject to this sort of breaking. –AB @funkmasterflex
Ferrari Opens Its First Pit Stop Store Inside of a Volcano!!
This Ferrari Store is a little different from the rest and we’ll tell you why after the jump!! @funkmasterflex
Lotus Esprit Concept
Might Lotus, in its unerring though recently intensified quest to take on Ferrari, develop its own V8 engine for use in the promised-before-2013 Esprit? According to company head Dany Bahar, it’s a distinct possibility. @funkmasterflex
Hyundai Equus And Its iPad Owner’s Manual
The all-new Hyundai Equus features an Apple iPad in place of a traditional owner’s manual and now we’re getting our first opportunity to see it in action. Check after the jump to read more and watch the new ad video for the owner’s manual. @funkmasterflex
