BMW decided to give us one last special edition of the BMW M2 ahead of it being completely replaced with the highly anticipated BMW M2 Competition model which is heading our way. Ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, the Germans decided to take the veils off the so-called BMW M2 Coupe Edition Black Shadow. The new car is being offered to customers as a sign of appreciation for turning the M2 into the best selling M car over the course of 2017.
Over 12,000 units of the cheapest M car were sold to date and the Edition Black Shadow will be available starting April for those interested. The BMW M2 Coupe Edition Black Shadow boasts selected design features that accentuate the top athlete’s powerful appearance. The edition model is exclusively available in the exterior color Sapphire Black metallic. Furthermore, 19-inch, black matte forged light alloys with a Y-spoke design and mixed tires impressively underline the compact coupe’s looks.
These features are complemented by exterior mirrors in a carbon finish, the decorative grille for the M kidney and trim bars for the side panels in high-gloss black. With a rear diffuser in a carbon finish and black-chrome trims for the typical M double tailpipes, which are likewise integrated on both sides into the rear apron, the BMW M2 Coupe Edition Black Shadow sets additional race-inspired accents.
On the technical side of things there’s no upgrade included for the Black Shadow model. The engine is rated at the same 370 HP as any other M2 and the suspension is also standard. However, the price will most likely be a bit higher but there’s not mention of just how much more expensive at the moment. Furthermore, BMW didn’t specify that this would be a limited-edition model which leads us to believe it will be available to anyone putting an order in until the Competition model comes out.
Black ShadowBMW M2Edition Black ShadowPremiereSpecial Edition
This year’s Geneva Motor Show will have the Rolls-Royce brand showcasing its latest models in front of a live audience. And while the Phantom is bound to get a lot of people’s attention, the main focus will most likely be the Rolls-Royce Dawn Aero Cowling which is making its world debut in Switzerland. The car was announced today and it is an enhancement of what Rolls-Royce calls ‘the world’s sexiest drophead coupe.’
This new take on the Dawn results from the recognition by Rolls-Royce’s designers that some clients may wish for enhanced flexibility in terms of style and practicality from the world’s most luxurious drophead coupé. Thus the Dawn Aero Cowling was born. The Aero Cowling transforms one’s Dawn into a two-seater roadster-style motor-car by creating an extended cover over the rear seat area.
The Aero Cowling encloses the rear seat area of Dawn in a beautifully hand-made unit that features two cowls that rise from the leading edge of the tonneau area, which conceals the Dawn hood, to behind each front seat. The form of the cowls was precisely sculpted to funnel the air gracefully, so to enhance driver comfort. Each cowl offers enhanced lockable leather-lined storage compartments for personal effects. The cover itself is made of carbon-fiber and aluminum and so is incredibly light and strong. The lids of the cowls are swathed in Rolls-Royce leather which matches the interior of the car. The Dawn Aero Cowling present on the Rolls-Royce stand at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show is a beautifully-specified motor car clad in a silver and tan color scheme.
The exterior is painted in Cassiopeia Silver and features beautiful 21-inch part-polished alloy wheels, whilst the interior is swathed in Casden Tan leather, highlighted by Selby Grey piping and stitching and Black contrast elements. The carbon-fiber on the central spine of the Aero Cowling is exposed to showcase its lightweight structure and its weave is book-matched to a contemporary chevron graphic. Dashboard and center consoles featuring an intricate dark technical fiber veneer continue this ‘spine’ running down the center of the car, which when paired with the woven leather floor mats echo the technical nature of the carbon-fiber on the Aero Cowling.
Even though the BMW X3 has been on sale in the US since November the model choice is quite limited and not even remotely close to what we’ve grown to expect from the Bavarian brand. Therefore, according to a new report, some changes are being made, to offer enthusiasts a new choice as well as a cheaper alternative to those already on the market. Automotive News claims that the rumored sDrive30i X3 is coming this year to the US.
The rear-wheel drive 4-cylinder model was confirmed by Ralph Mahler, BMW department manager for product planning and strategy at an event held in Southern California. “That’s something typically seen in this segment — especially in the southern states, there is volume potential for that. So that is something you will see within this year,” he is quoted saying. That’s great news for a number of people, not just those looking for a better deal.
A rear-wheel drive X3 is not an atypical model by any means as the previous generation had one as well. It will most likely be lighter than its all-wheel drive xDrive30i counterpart and will burn less fuel as well, therefore being more efficient. Considering the all-wheel drive model starts at $43,645 including shipping, the new one might come closer to the $40,000 range which would make it a bit more competitive against the traditional rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
This is just one step in the direction of diversifying the range though as the most expected model in the X3 line-up will be, without a doubt, the new all-electric model. Furthermore, our sources told us in the past that a diesel might also be made available for the US. It will be using the same mill as the xDrive20d models in Europe – the 2-liter 4-cylinder 190 HP B47 engine – but will be sold under the xDrive30d nameplate.
Rolls-Royce’s bespoke division will display its work at the Geneva motor show with three Phantoms and a Dawn
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Rolls-Royce's bespoke division, which brand executives have previously told Autocar is used by almost every single customer, will display four cars at the Geneva motor show.
The most distinctive is the Dawn Aero Cowling, which covers the rear seats of the convertible in a deck with rear buttresses, mimicking a traditional two-seat roadster’s rear deck. The deck is removable, leather-lined, and primarily made from carbonfibre and aluminium.
In a nod to the brand’s history, the first of the bespoke, short-wheelbase Phantoms is named ‘The Gentleman’s Tourer. It features custom exterior paintwork, with gunmetal grey for the body and satin silver for the bonnet. The two-tone scheme is a nod to the customer’s interest in aviation, and the paint was specifically developed for this car.
The next Phantom, named ‘Whispered Muse’, makes use of its dashboard ‘gallery’, behind which the owner can choose to display artwork. The artwork of designer Helen Amy Murray is displayed in this car, with folds of silk representing the flowing fabric behind the Spirit of Ecstasy. The design is continued into the fabric lining of the doors. Some of the interior trim is finished in rose gold, as is the Spirit of Ecstasy, in a first for Rolls-Royce.
On the outside, Rolls-Royce has employed a ‘crystal effect’ finish, for which ten layers of paint are applied, as well as a layer of clear-coat infused with glass.
The third Phantom is called ‘A Moment in Time’ and features inside the gallery a piece of aluminium modelled on the shape of a length of silk suspended in water. A unique veneer colour features on the inside, with the exterior painted to match.
The latest Phantom was launched late last year, with first customer deliveries having taken place in January. It’s the first car to use Rolls-Royce’s new aluminium ‘architecture of luxury’ underpinnings, upon which every Rolls-Royce of the coming generation will be based.
That includes the upcoming Cullinan – the brand’s first SUV and its first four-wheel drive car. This will build upon the Phantom’s appeal, being of a similar size and design to Rolls-Royce's staple saloon. The Cullinan will not appear at the Geneva motor show but is expected to be revealed soon, given that sales are expected to begin before the year’s end.
Read more
Rolls-Royce bespoke Sweptail takes to Goodwood hillclimb
Future Rolls-Royce Phantom to go electric
Rolls-Royce Sweptail: what it's like to drive a bespoke one-off
Rolls-Royce evaluating options for more one-off 'coachbuilds'
Why outlandish one-off could be the future of Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Cullinan to get pop-out seats in lower tailgate
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Have to say, having been driven in Bentley flying Spur recently I can honestly see the appeal of Cars like this, but, I wouldn’t want to drive one, I feel you should be driven in them, because all that sumptuous Leather, deep pile Carpet you take that all in, the smell of the whole inside is wonderful, no, if I’m buying it, I’m speccing it, I should be driven in it....!
....is now a byword for Vulgar ostentation, utterly devoid of taste. Definitely not aimed at gentlemen!
Therefore clearly, and accurately aimed directly at their true target market!
A couple of years ago I had a look around an absolutely stunning Corniche coupe at the London Classic Car Show. I'm sure they were seen as ostentatious at the time of their release, but time has been very kind to classic Rollers. I can't see time being as kind to this little assortment.
Three Phantoms will take to the Geneva motor show stand, demonstrating the work of Rolls-Royce’s bespoke division with three Phantoms and a Dawn
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Rolls-Royce will is showing four cars at the Geneva motor show, each the product of hours of customisation by its bespoke division, which brand executives have previously told Autocar is used by almost every single customer.
The most distinctive of the cars is the Dawn Aero Cowling, which covers the rear seats of the car in a deck with rear buttresses mimicking a traditional two-seat roadster’s rear deck. The deck is removable, leather-lined, and primarily made of carbonfibre and aluminium.
A nod to the brand’s history, the first of the bespoke, short-wheelbase Phantoms is named ‘The Gentleman’s Tourer’, and features custom exterior paintwork, with gunmetal grey for the body and satin silver for the bonnet. The two-tone scheme is a nod to the customer’s interest in aviation, and the paint was specifically developed for this car.
The next Phantom, named ‘Whispered Muse’, makes use of its dashboard-based ‘gallery’, behind which the owner can choose to display artwork. The artwork of designer Helen Amy Murray is displayed in this car, with folds of silk representing the flowing fabric behind the Spirit of Ecstasy. The design is continued into the fabric lining of the doors. Some of the interior trim is finished in rose gold, as is the Spirit of Ecstasy – a first for Rolls-Royce.
On the outside, Rolls-Royce has employed a ‘crystal effect’ finish, for which ten layers of paint are applied, as well as a layer of clear-coat infused with glass.
The third Phantom is called ‘A Moment in Time’ and features a piece of aluminium modelled on the shape of a length of silk suspended in water, with the aluminium on display inside the car’s gallery. A unique veneer colour features on the inside, with the exterior painted to match.
The Phantom was launched late last year, with first customer deliveries having taken place in January. It’s the first car to use Rolls-Royce’s new aluminium ‘architecture of luxury’ underpinnings, upon which every future Rolls-Royce will be based.
That includes the upcoming Cullinan – the brand’s first SUV and its first car with four-wheel drive. That car builds upon the Phantom’s appeal, being of a similar size and design to the brand’s staple saloon. The Cullinan will not appear at the Geneva motor show, but is expected to be revealed soon, given sales beginning before year’s end.
Read more
Rolls-Royce bespoke Sweptail takes to Goodwood hillclimb
Future Rolls-Royce Phantom to go electric
Rolls-Royce Sweptail: what it's like to drive a bespoke one-off
Rolls-Royce evaluating options for more one-off 'coachbuilds'
Why outlandish one-off could be the future of Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Cullinan to get pop-out seats in lower tailgate
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Have to say, having been driven in Bentley flying Spur recently I can honestly see the appeal of Cars like this, but, I wouldn’t want to drive one, I feel you should be driven in them, because all that sumptuous Leather, deep pile Carpet you take that all in, the smell of the whole inside is wonderful, no, if I’m buying it, I’m speccing it, I should be driven in it....!
Mercedes-AMG's warm V6 C-Class has received a bump in power and a facelift
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Mercedes-AMG has provided the 2018-model-year C43 4Matic saloon and estate with a moderate increase in power through the adoption of a more powerful version of the German car maker’s turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine.
The reworked powerplant, which receives larger turbochargers operating at a maximum pressure of 1.1bar, forms part of a raft of mid-life changes for the popular C43 4Matic, bringing an added 23bhp to boost its reserves to 385bhp at 6100rpm. Torque, however, remains the same as before, continuing to peak at 383lb ft on a band of revs between 2500 and 500rpm.
Despite the increase in power, Mercedes-AMG does not claim any improvement in overall performance, with both the four-wheel drive C43 4Matic saloon and estate boasting the same official 0-62mph times as their predecessors at 4.7sec and 4.8sec respectively. At the same time, their top speeds remain limited to 155mph.
Revealed at the 2018 Geneva motor show, the facelifted C43 4Matic saloon and estate are also distinguished from the models they replace by a series of subtle exterior styling tweaks, including a new twin-blade grille, more heavily structured front bumper with an altered air duct design, a rear deck spoiler now in the same colour as the car, a reworked rear bumper with a larger diffuser and new look twin round chromed tailpipes.
As an option, buyers can also order the new models with an optional AMG styling package. It adds a splitter element within the front bumper, wider sills underneath the doors and an altered rear bumper.
In line with standard versions of the facelifted C-class, the new C43 4Matic saloon and estate also receive a updated interior with a digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch Comand infotainment display – both featuring specific AMG menus.
Read more Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe review Mercedes-AMG E43 Estate review Mercedes-AMG AMG GT review
Greater refinement and a classy, high-tech cabin will be key A-Class draws
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Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its new A-Class is priced from £25,800, making it £3960 more than a new BMW 1 Series.
That figure is for the entry-level 180d SE model, while the petrol-powered A 200 starts from £27,500. The more powerful A 250 costs from £30,240. (Read on for more engine details).
Three trims are available: Sport and SE, Sport and AMG Line. The latter currently accounts for 50% of A-Class sales. First deliveries are due in June.
Although higher than its main rival, those prices come with promise of class-leading levels of connectivity, as well as a new interior with the most advanced version yet of the German car maker’s Comand infotainment system. Even the entry-level car gets twin infotainmant displays with voice control technology, emphasising the level of kit on offer across the line-up.
This sixth-generation tech set-up features a newly developed MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) function that brings touchscreen control, an innovative voice control system and augmented reality navigation not even offered on Mercedes’ range-topping S-Class.
Rough and ready, but an elbows-out walkaround of the new #MercedesAClass2018 - see https://t.co/ZADk470yUp and https://t.co/9QX5lDb5A9 for more pic.twitter.com/W6rlpdssD4
— Jim Holder (@Jim_Holder) February 2, 2018
2019 Mercedes-AMG A45 'Predator' confirmed with more than 400bhp
The A-Class is once again offered exclusively in five-door form. It is the first of up to eight new compact models that are under development and due for launch by the end of 2020.
These include successor models to the existing B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA as well as a trio of new models: an A-Class saloon, an SUV model set to be called the GLB and the all-electric EQ A previewed at the Frankfurt motor show last September.
Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche said at the car's reveal: "The A-Class has been a big driver of change at Mercedes. This last version is not a car that gives much of an impression of entry-level. It's a grown-up A-Class that fully embraces our vision of luxury.
"It looks and drives like a grown-up Mercedes. We have fundamentally improved the driving experience - and as a result of the torsional stiffness comfort has grown too. It has the abilities of a car from a higher segment. It is at C-Class level in these regards, and S-Class level in regards to driver assistance and safety systems."
Here's a look inside the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Full story: https://t.co/SotckbrJeq pic.twitter.com/U75ZwQNoFl
— Autocar (@autocar) February 2, 2018
The car is is based on a modified version of the outgoing model’s MFA platform and features a 30mm longer wheelbase and 14mm wider front track. The new Mercedes hatch, which has the internal codename W177, is also claimed to offer vastly improved levels of refinement. This is thanks to improvements in the rigidity of its body structure, altered axle mountings and more comprehensive sound-deadening measures. There are also enhanced aerodynamics: Mercedes-Benz claims a class- leading drag coefficient of 0.25 for the new A-Class. Opinion: the A-Class' success has only just begun
The styling of Merc’s new entry-level model, initially previewed by the Concept A saloon at last year’s Shanghai motor show, draws heavily on the look of the recently unveiled CLS, most notably at the front. The two cars share what has been dubbed a ‘predator face’, with an AMG-inspired grille and angular headlights that extend back into the front wings, giving it a distinctly more aggressive air.
The newly designed headlights can be specified with optional Multibeam LED technology with adaptive high-beam assist plus, as well as individual city and motorway lighting functions and cornering lights.
New LED rear lights help to make the tailgate aperture of the A-Class 20mm wider than that of the outgoing model. Larger wheelhouses also allow Mercedes to offer 19in wheels as an option on non-AMG models for the first time.
The adoption of the larger platform has led to an incremental increase in the car’s external dimensions. Length is up by 120mm at 4419mm, width increases by 16mm to 1796mm and height extends by 2mm to 1440mm.
The increases have enabled Mercedes to improve the overall practicality of the A-Class. The rear door apertures are larger to ease entry to the back seats, and the boot’s capacity is 29 litres bigger than the old model’s at a nominal 370 litres.
It’s inside where Mercedes has concentrated much of its efforts on the new A-Class. The cabin receives a distinctive dashboard-mounted black panel display and switchgear similar to that first introduced on the S-class. The so-called widescreen cockpit comes in three themes: Classic, Sport and Discreet.
"As standard, there are two 7.0in displays, one for the instrument cluster and another which is the first touchscreen infotainment system to be offered in a Mercedes model."
To unlock the full potential of its connectivity functions, the A-Class needs to be equipped with the optional extended version of the widescreen cockpit display, which features twin 10.3in screens, with a digital instrument display and touchscreen infotainment.
In this specification, it has a wi-fi hotspot and can also be optionally fitted with high-definition navigation with live traffic updates and car-to-X communication with map updates, a head-up display unit, traffic sign assist, augmented reality navigation and a Burmester sound system, among other functions.
The highlight of the MBUX connectivity system is an advanced optional speech recognition system designed to work along similar lines to Amazon’s Alexa voice service. It permits users to provide spoken commands through a “Hey, Mercedes” function that has been developed to recognise conversational language rather than specifically worded commands.
The new A-Class is available with the choice of three four-cylinder engines.
The A200 petrol is a heavily updated version of the Renault-Nissan-produced 1.4-litre unit delivering 160bhp and 184lb ft.
The more powerful A250 uses Mercedes’ recently updated 2.0-litre petrol engine, with 221bhp and 258lb ft. As the performance leader of the launch range, it is claimed to have a 0-62mph time of 6.2sec and a governed 155mph top speed.
Two more petrol models are expected later: an entry-level unit sitting below the A200 and a mid-range A-Class falling between the A200 and A250.
The sole diesel choice from the outset of sales is the A180d, which uses a 1.5-litre unit also produced by Renault-Nissan and delivering 114bhp and 192lb ft.
Claimed to return 68.9mpg and with average CO2 output of 108g/km on the combined cycle, it comes as standard with a particulate filter that uses a urea solution to reduce emissions. A more powerful diesel will also arrive later.
The A200 is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. The A250 and 180d both receive a standard-fit seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Although Mercedes has developed a new nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox for transverse-engine applications, it is not expected to be used for the A-Class until the latter half of this year.
A newly developed 4Matic four-wheel drive system will also be offered. Now featuring electro-mechanical operation instead of the electro-hydraulic set-up used on the outgoing version of the A-Class, it provides a fully variable apportioning of drive between the front and rear axles for improved traction.
In a further departure from its predecessor, the new A-Class will also be sold with the choice of two suspension systems, depending on the model.
All feature a MacPherson- strut front end, but Mercedes has decided to provide certain models, including the A200 and A180d, with a new torsion-beam rear end in a move similar to that undertaken by Volkswagen with the Golf.
The more powerful models, including the A250 as well as those running the optional 4Matic four-wheel drive system, are fitted with a modified version of the old A-Class’s multi-link rear end.
The standard suspension on all models is tuned for a so-called comfort set-up.
It is mounted 15mm lower than before and comes with Mercedes’ Dynamic Select system, which allows the driver to alter the characteristics of the throttle, gearbox and steering. Buyers can also opt for active damping control. This offers the choice of both comfort and sport settings via the Dynamic Select system. Where it all began for the A-Class
The A-Class started as the Vision A 93 study, revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in 1993. The front-wheel-drive concept became the precursor to Mercedes’ entry into the compact model segment four years later.
The arrival of the A-Class brought criticism: a journalist’s manoeuvring test of the car found safety issues. Mercedes responded by giving the car a revised suspension system and electronic stability control as standard.
The outgoing, third-gen A-Class, launched in 2012, is now the largest-selling Mercedes model in the UK. In 2017, it sold 43,717 units, also making the UK the biggest global market for the model. (Vision A 93 led to the 1997 A-Class)
The nicest A-Class was the first A-Class and I'm delighted to see how many of them are still on the road, going strong and looking good. In fact, looking much better than any subsequent A-Class because let's face it, the first truly was the best and most interesting small M-B.
I wish they could come up with something to match it instead of wallowing in bling and unusable BHP.
Pierre wrote:
The nicest A-Class was the first A-Class and I'm delighted to see how many of them are still on the road, going strong and looking good. In fact, looking much better than any subsequent A-Class because let's face it, the first truly was the best and most interesting small M-B.
I wish they could come up with something to match it instead of wallowing in bling and unusable BHP.
Agree, the original which had the space of a C class in a car that took up no more room than a ford ka, was great, not especially well built like all mercs back then and not the great seller it deserved to be. I often think that it should be replicated as a city car as it beats all current city cars for interior space whilst being no bigger. Like the A2, innovation is replaced with ordinary and sells better, who'd guess?
I'm glad that Mercedes are abandoning their oversized blobby headlamp units which has always held back the looks of their models, but how on earth do LED tail lights help to make the hatchback opening wider? Surely a manufacturer can alter the size, shape and location of its lights as much as it wants, LED or not? The interior doesn't look easy to operate at a glance either.
Having turned their backs forever on returning to the 'hewn from billet' solidity of yester-year, I now see MB's Gordon Wagener has gone to Hyundai's styling department for inspiration.........Nice.
I agree that the first series A class was a landmark and inspirational vehicle. I’m still keen to run one of the later editions as a run-about. I admired the innovation and the risk.
But, it didn’t pay off for Mercedes. This highly capable but drab box, albeit it with a marvellous dashboard, is the sales success that the original wasn’t. It’s the correct commercial move, who cares what I think.
Looks disappointingly similar to the current model, but unfortunately this frequently seems to be the way nowadays!
erly5 wrote:
Looks disappointingly similar to the current model, but unfortunately this frequently seems to be the way nowadays!
It also looks disappointingly similar to the latest Sean Leon.
No hybrid?
The previous model was quite rubbish and only sold well due to its badge, appeal and (while subjective) its looks. In all other respects it wasn't spacious, wasn't that refined, it didn't handle or ride particularly well, the interior quality was naff and the range of engines were mostly average and unrefined. It was quite possibly the worst car in the class on sale in the UK and by some margin. Thing is though, when it sold that well is there any point in Mercedes making this new model any better knowing full well that it'll probably sell just as well. At the end of the day all prospective buyers will be interested in is the badge, looks and an affordable way to get in to a new Mercedes. Thank god Mercedes still has integrity intact with the likes of the S-Class.
As for the looks of the new A-Class, there are no real surprises in its evolutionary looks although it does give us some hints as to the styling cues that'll feature in the next generation of Mercswhich started off with this new A-Class. And at least this new one doesn't look as bulky at the front as the previous model, almost as if it was from a larger car.
