World Car Awards top three

Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.



There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.



The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:



2011 World Car of the Year



· Audi A8

· BMW 5 Series

· Nissan Leaf

BMW 5 Series Saloon

The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.



2011 World Performance Car



· Ferrari 458 Italia

· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

· Porsche 911 Turbo

Ferrari 458 Italia

It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.



2011 World Car Design of the Year



· Alfa Romeo Giulietta

· Aston Martin Rapide

· Ferrari 458 Italia

Aston Martin Rapide

Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?



2011 World Green Car



· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition

· Chevrolet Volt

· Nissan Leaf

Chevrolet Volt

This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.



Related post:

World Car Awards finalists

Mansory Cormeum

German tuner Mansory has comprehensively reworked the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The result is the Cormeum, named after an opera aria.

Changes to the bodywork go well beyond just sticking a body kit on. The front end, which has been totally redesigned to reduce lift, now sports aggressive air intakes and new headlights. Lighter roof and door panels are fitted, while replacement wings widen the car by 66 mm at the front and 84 mm at the rear. Around the back, a race-spec diffuser is there purely for more down force, as is the boot lid spoiler.



Combined with the forged alloy wheels - 20” diameter at the front and 21” for the rears - the alterations knock 90 kg off the weight of the donor SLS AMG.



To go with the reduced bulk is more power. The V8 engine in the Cormeum boasts 650 bhp (485 kW / 660 PS), compared to the standard car’s 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS). However, if that’s still not enough, Mansory is saying that outputs of up to 790 bhp (588 kW / 800 PS) are in development.



Any carbon fibre enthusiasts thinking of buying a Mansory Cormeum had better be quick, as production will be limited to just fifteen examples.



Related posts:

SLS AMG E-CELL is go

Brabus Widestar SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept, 2009

Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept, 2009

The near-series Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept electric car combines environment-friendly electric mobility in the city with unrestricted suitability for long-distance driving. This is made possible by the combination of the battery-electric drive with a combustion engine. The range extender gives the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept a total range of up to 600 kilometres, with 100 kilometres thereof solely under electric power and thus free of local emissions.

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept is part of a family of modularly constructed electric cars, which will enable Mercedes-Benz to meet all customer requirements for sustainable mobility in the future. In this variant of the concept vehicle, the electric motor of the purely battery-powered BlueZero E-Cell is combined with an additional three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine. Putting out 50 kW, the compact combustion engine is installed in the area of the rear axle and can charge the battery while the car is being driven. The CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode reduces the vehicle's emissions to only 32 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The range extender enables the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept to drive for up to 600 km, of which up to 100 km can be driven in electric mode with zero local emissions. The long combined range makes the BlueZero E-Cell Plus fully suitable for everyday use and assures that the customer will reach his or her destination even with a depleted battery. After all, the car can be refuelled quickly and easily at any normal filling station.
Battery with superior lithium-ion technology

During rapid charging with a charging capacity of 20 kW, the high-performance, 18 kWh lithium-ion battery of the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept can store enough power within around 30 minutes for a 50 kilometre cruising range. The complete electric range of 100 kilometres requires a charging time of somewhat more than an hour. Charging time with a standard charge cycle at a conventional household outlet with 3,3 kW is approximately 6 hours. Special on-board electronics support the intelligent charging stations and billing systems used by electric fuelling stations. Advantages of lithium-ion batteries compared to other battery technologies include their compact dimensions, high output and energy density, high charge efficiency and long service life.

BlueZero Concept - the triad of electric mobility

Mercedes-Benz is showing the way to environmentally compatible electric mobility with the near-series Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept. The vehicle's intelligent modular concept enables a single vehicle architecture to be used to create three models with different drive system configurations.

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept is equipped with an electric drive and a supplemental combustion engine with an electrical generator (range extender). The car has a total range of up to 600 kilometres, of which up to 100 kilometres can be covered solely on electricity.
Originally presented in Detroit at the beginning of the year, the BlueZero E-Cell is propelled exclusively by a battery-powered electric drive that allows the car to travel up to 200 kilometres on a single battery charge and completely free of local emissions.

Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept, 2009

Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept, 2009

Mercedes-Benz, is Based on a single vehicle architecture, this intelligent, modular concept allows three models with different drive configurations, all of which are able to meet customer requirements in terms of sustainable mobility:
    * the BlueZero E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometres using electric drive alone
    * the BlueZero F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometres using electric drive
    * the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender). This version has an overall range of up to 600 kilometres and can cover a distance of up to 100 kilometres using electric drive alone.

The three Mercedes-Benz BlueZero variants are based on the unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz introduced some ten years ago, initially for the A-Class and then for the B-Class, one of the aims being to integrate alternative drive systems. Advantages of the modified construction include the positive effect of the major drive components on the centre of gravity, their space-saving design and the fact that they are extremely well protected within the vehicle underbody. The five-seater Mercedes-Benz BlueZero concept cars also set standards in terms of lightweight design, interior layout and body form.

The BlueZero principle: flexible design, compact exterior, generously sized interior
All three BlueZero variants share the same key technical components, while the design and vehicle dimensions are identical. Measuring just 4.22 metres in length, the BlueZero models combine compact exterior dimensions with a generously proportioned and variable interior and luggage compartment. Five fully-fledged seats, a payload of around 450 kilograms and a luggage compartment capacity of over 500 litres make for outstanding everyday practicality. Thanks to their sandwich construction with a raised sitting position, the cars also offer an exceptionally high level of crash safety for the passengers and the technology, not to mention excellent all-round visibility.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class, 2009

Mercedes-Benz B-Class, 2009

After three successful years, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the design and engineering of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The facelift programme focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort, with further advances being made in each of these areas. Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously, and distinguish themselves with remarkably low exhaust emissions that undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 percent. Mercedes-Benz has developed a new ECO start/stop function for the high-volume B 150 and B 170 models. This switches off the engine when stopped at traffic lights, for example, producing a fuel saving of up to nine percent in practical use. Additional new developments include the bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas drive in the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY, along with active parking assist which helps drivers to both find a suitable parking spot, and then manoeuvre into it.

Since its market premiere in summer 2005, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class has evolved into the blueprint for a new species of car which harmonises the benefits of various vehicle concepts: the four-door model boasts the dynamic design of a sporty saloon, the exterior dimensions of a compact car, the spaciousness of an estate, the versatility of a mini MPV and the trademark safety of a Mercedes-Benz.

The sales figures for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class to date provide clear evidence that the Mercedes-Benz product planners hit the mark with a concept that caters to the motoring needs of today's sophisticated society: since mid-2005, over 350,000 motorists around the world have been won over by the Sports Tourer.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Coupe, 2009

Mercedes-Benz  A-Class Coupe, 2009

With more than 500,000 units produced within three and a half years, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is among the bestsellers in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. Now the latest generation of this compact car is showing itself to be more youthful, attractive and environmentally compatible than ever before. This is ensured by a completely revised design, high-grade appointments and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy. A convenient ECO start-stop function which reduces urban petrol consumption of these BlueEFFICIENCY vehicles by up to nine percent is now available for the high-volume models A 150 and A 170, for example. For the three-door A 160 CDI Mercedes-Benz has developed an additional BlueEFFICIENCY package which lowers the fuel consumption of the Coupé by more than eight percent, to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Independent experts have acknowledged these great advances in the environmental field with an internationally valid environmental certificate, which the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the world's first compact car to achieve.

Since its world premiere in 1997, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has made a name for itself as a trendsetter and innovative leader in its class. Outstanding safety, great day-to-day flexibility and reliability have always been among the strengths of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which has so far captured the enthusiasm of about 1.7 million customers with its distinctive and versatile vehicle concept.

In spring 2008 Mercedes-Benz is presenting the five-door Saloon and the three-door Coupé in completely upgraded versions. Viewed from the front, this compact Mercedes-Benz now appears more youthful and self-confident than before. The sweeping lines of the newly designed headlamps harmoniously combine the front end and flanks, which literally appear to be cast from a single mould. The redesigned front bumper reinforces this impression; its lower air intake is now much larger, emphasising the width of the body. The radiator grille is also in a new design which underlines the progressive aura of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Lines: ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE with an even more pronounced styling emphasis
Design features at the front end provide more distinctions between the design and equipment lines of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. While the louvres in the radiator grille of the basic version are painted in dark-grey, they are respectively in metallic atlas grey and high-sheen iridium silver in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines, and are also visually upgraded by additional chrome strips. Discreet chrome trim strips further reinforce this impression. In the AVANTGARDE line, the front bumper also has a distinctive design which emphasises the arrow-shape of the front end and suggests greater agility.

When viewed from the side the different lines in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are distinguished by wheel designs. While the basic model is equipped with 15-inch wheels and seven-spoke wheel embellishers as standard, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are fitted with individually designed 16-inch light-alloy wheels. The new, larger exterior mirror housings and door handles are now painted in the vehicle colour for all model variants. The previous side rubbing strips have been replaced by discreet chrome trim strips, which provide additional visual highlights in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models.

The rear end of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is dominated by a modified bumper and newly designed rear light clusters which extend well into the vehicle flanks. Both these features make the body appear wider and therefore more imposing. In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models the rear bumper is embellished with additional, reflector-look trim strips and chrome inserts. The new, ergonomically improved tailgate handle is chrome-plated in both lines, as is the oval exhaust tailpipe.

Interior: upgraded with larger stowage compartments and new fabrics

Mercedes designers paid particular attention to enhanced value when redesigning the interior, choosing new, high-grade upholstery fabrics and door linings. In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines the seats are upholstered in an attractive combination of ARTICO man-made leather and fabric, which is available in three colours. In addition new decorative trim of smoke-grey, diagonally brushed aluminium enhances the interior of the AVANTGARDE line, while the dignified aura of the ELEGANCE models is heightened by wood trim. All variants of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class share a larger stowage compartment in the centre console and a newly designed cupholder between the front seats.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class, 2009

Mercedes-Benz A-Class, 2009

With more than 500,000 units produced within three and a half years, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is among the bestsellers in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. Now the latest generation of this compact car is showing itself to be more youthful, attractive and environmentally compatible than ever before. This is ensured by a completely revised design, high-grade appointments and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy. A convenient ECO start-stop function which reduces urban petrol consumption of these BlueEFFICIENCY vehicles by up to nine percent is now available for the high-volume models A 150 and A 170, for example. For the three-door A 160 CDI Mercedes-Benz has developed an additional BlueEFFICIENCY package which lowers the fuel consumption of the Coupé by more than eight percent, to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Independent experts have acknowledged these great advances in the environmental field with an internationally valid environmental certificate, which the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the world's first compact car to achieve.

Since its world premiere in 1997, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has made a name for itself as a trendsetter and innovative leader in its class. Outstanding safety, great day-to-day flexibility and reliability have always been among the strengths of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which has so far captured the enthusiasm of about 1.7 million customers with its distinctive and versatile vehicle concept.

In spring 2008 Mercedes-Benz is presenting the five-door Saloon and the three-door Coupé in completely upgraded versions. Viewed from the front, this compact Mercedes-Benz now appears more youthful and self-confident than before. The sweeping lines of the newly designed headlamps harmoniously combine the front end and flanks, which literally appear to be cast from a single mould. The redesigned front bumper reinforces this impression; its lower air intake is now much larger, emphasising the width of the body. The radiator grille is also in a new design which underlines the progressive aura of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Lines: ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE with an even more pronounced styling emphasis

Design features at the front end provide more distinctions between the design and equipment lines of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. While the louvres in the radiator grille of the basic version are painted in dark-grey, they are respectively in metallic atlas grey and high-sheen iridium silver in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines, and are also visually upgraded by additional chrome strips. Discreet chrome trim strips further reinforce this impression. In the AVANTGARDE line, the front bumper also has a distinctive design which emphasises the arrow-shape of the front end and suggests greater agility.

When viewed from the side the different lines in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are distinguished by wheel designs. While the basic model is equipped with 15-inch wheels and seven-spoke wheel embellishers as standard, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are fitted with individually designed 16-inch light-alloy wheels. The new, larger exterior mirror housings and door handles are now painted in the vehicle colour for all model variants. The previous side rubbing strips have been replaced by discreet chrome trim strips, which provide additional visual highlights in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models.

The rear end of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is dominated by a modified bumper and newly designed rear light clusters which extend well into the vehicle flanks. Both these features make the body appear wider and therefore more imposing. In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models the rear bumper is embellished with additional, reflector-look trim strips and chrome inserts. The new, ergonomically improved tailgate handle is chrome-plated in both lines, as is the oval exhaust tailpipe.

Interior: upgraded with larger stowage compartments and new fabrics
Mercedes designers paid particular attention to enhanced value when redesigning the interior, choosing new, high-grade upholstery fabrics and door linings. In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines the seats are upholstered in an attractive combination of ARTICO man-made leather and fabric, which is available in three colours. In addition new decorative trim of smoke-grey, diagonally brushed aluminium enhances the interior of the AVANTGARDE line, while the dignified aura of the ELEGANCE models is heightened by wood trim. All variants of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class share a larger stowage compartment in the centre console and a newly designed cupholder between the front seats.

The luxury seat package with seat cushion angle adjustment and lumbar support, seat height adjustment for the driver's seat, a front armrest and a parcel net in the front passenger footwell is standard equipment for ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models.

Fuel economy: the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY consumes 4.5 litres

With fuel consumption figures between 4.9 and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, the new-generation A-Class is a model of fuel economy. Thanks to detailed improvements, the fuel consumption of the state-of-the-art direct-injection diesel engines has been reduced by more than eight percent or 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres compared to the preceding series. From autumn 2008 Mercedes-Benz will introduce a standard BlueEFFICIENCY package for the three-door A 160 CDI with a manual transmission, with further improvements in engine efficiency, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, energy management and weight. The sum of these measures achieves a fuel saving of 0.4 litres, which means that the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has an NEDC consumption of just 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. As a result the CO2 emissions of the 60 kW/82 hp Coupé are 119 grams per kilometre.

The BlueEFFICIENCY package also includes an aerodynamically optimised radiator grille. This has a closed-off interior face to reduce the airflow to the engine, though the CDI engine is still cooled effectively at all times. The suspension has also been lowered by ten millimetres to reduce the drag coefficient even further.

Mercedes engineers have exploited an additional fuel-saving potential by controlling the onboard power supply of the A 160 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY according to demand, and therefore on an energy-saving basis. A sensor constantly monitors the battery so that the output of the generator can be reduced for certain periods when the battery is well charged. This reduces the work required of the engine, which therefore consumes less fuel. To recharge the battery with optimum energy efficiency, the generator management system utilises the engine's overrun phases to produce electrical energy.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate and Saloon

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate and Saloon. The introduction of the AMG sports SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed “Controlled Mode Efficiency ‘series with a new power steering pump will help reduce the NEDC combined fuel consumption by around ten per cent and 12.0 l/100 km (Estate: 12 , 3 l/100 km). The power of the AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine is the same 336 kW (457 hp) and can be increased up to 358 kW (487 hp) and the optional AMG Performance Package. Agility hold and ride comfort has been improved as a result of a series of measures to optimize the AMG sports suspension.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate and Saloon has eleven new systems for driver assistance already provided for in the range flagship S-Class and CLS-edge avant. These support systems with the latest radars, cameras and sensor technology and are designed to combat the common causes of accidents, such as sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead, drowsiness, and darkness. To bring the security level of the class C to a new level of alert the driver of danger, or, if necessary, corrective action force.

The new bonnet with its change PowerDome is now aluminum. New clear-lens headlamps emphasize the distinctive car, the presence of self-confidence, especially when the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) is also specified. The wide front wings with “6.3 AMG” legend and five new double-spoke wheels AMG light alloy, which are painted titanium gray and glossy finish dominate the side view. good contact with the road is ensured by the wide 235/40 R 18 and 255/35 R 18 tires front and rear respectively.


The new C63 AMG is available as a Saloon and as an Estate; the market launch starts in July 2011. All prices at a glance (incl. 19 % VAT): Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Saloon:€ 71,340.50, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate:€ 73,899.00, AMG Performance package:€ 7166.20 / € 6471.70 Euro (Saloon / Estate).

Brabus S 350 BlueTEC

German tuner Brabus has released its Eco PowerXtra DS6 Performance Kit for the Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC.



Basically an auxiliary control unit that plugs into the engine’s ECU, the DS6’s forte is that after installation the car remains Euro 6 compliant.

Euro 6 is the tougher standard covering carbon monoxide, particulates, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide emissions which comes into force in September 2014. However, it doesn’t encompass CO2, and Brabus isn’t saying whether levels of that particular pollutant are affected or not.



Keeping things clean is not all it does, though. Output from the 2,987 cc turbo-diesel V6 is lifted by over 20% to 308 bhp (230 kW / 313 PS), which just eclipses what a standard petrol-powered S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY can muster. Torque is increased too, rising from 620 Nm (457 lb/ft) to 690 Nm (509 lb/ft).



Cleverly, Brabus has configured the DS6 Performance Kit to work with the different modes of the S-Class’s seven-speed automatic gearbox. In ‘Eco’ only the extra torque is applied, but switch into ‘Manual’ or ‘Sport’ and the additional horsepower is also unleashed.



With full power, the S 350 BlueTEC’s 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time is cut from 7.1 to 6.5 seconds, although top speed remains limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). What’s more, it’s claimed that fuel consumption might actually reduce compared to the stock car. But that will depend on driving style, and presumably sticking firmly to ‘Eco’ mode.



The Brabus Eco PowerXtra D6S Performance Kit is backed by a warranty that lasts three years, up to a maximum of 62,000 miles or 100,000 kilometres. It’s also available for the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and all E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY models.

World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year

• Audi A1


• Audi A8


• BMW 5 Series


• BMW X3


• Jaguar XJ


• Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Nissan Leaf


• Porsche Cayenne


• Volvo S60 / V60

Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.

The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car

• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi RS 5 Coupe


• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


• Ferrari 458 Italia


• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


• Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Porsche 911 GT2 RS


• Porsche 911 Turbo


• Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250

This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi A7


• Citroën DS3


• Ferrari 458


• Honda CR-Z


• Kia Sportage


• Nissan Juke

There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.

On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition


• Chevrolet Volt


• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid


• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell


• Nissan Leaf


• Smart electric drive

Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.

Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.

C 63 AMG facelift

Almost four years after they were first launched, Mercedes-Benz has revealed facelifted versions of its C 63 AMG saloon and estate.

The tweaks aren’t just cosmetic, although the usual mid-life refresh items have received attention. They include different headlights, new 18” five-spoke alloy wheels, restyled bumper aprons and a revised radiator grille. The bonnet, which is now made from aluminium, sports more aggressive power domes.



But it’s under the skin that the biggest change has taken place. Gone is the previously-used automatic gearbox, replaced by an AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed multi-clutch transmission. It features four modes - Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport+ and Manual - as well as a Race Start function.

The V8 engine (still 6.2 litres, despite the C 63 tag) is unchanged. Combined with that new gearbox, its 450 bhp (336 kW / 457 PS) is enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds in the saloon, which is exactly the same as its predecessor. Similarly, top speed remains limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).



Fuel consumption does improve, though. The C 63 AMG saloon will now manage 23.5 mpg (12.0 l/100km) on the combined cycle, whereas before the figure was 21.1 mpg (13.4 l/100km).

Likewise CO2 emissions are better, dropping by over 10% to 280 g/km (288 g/km for the estate). Unfortunately that reduction won’t make much difference to UK buyers, as a C 63 AMG will still fall into the highest road tax band. That means an annual bill of £435 just to keep the thing on the road.



According to Mercedes-Benz, 30 per cent of all C 63 AMG buyers to date have specified AMG’s Performance Package Plus, so it’s no surprise that this option continues with the facelifted cars. As before, it raises power to 480 bhp (358 kW / 487 PS), reduces the 0-62 mph time by 0.1 of a second but leaves the top speed unchanged.

The revised C63 AMG models will make their public debut, together with the rest of the facelifted C-Class range, at March’s Geneva International Motor Show. Deliveries are expected to start in July 2011.



Related post:

C-Class DR 520 launched

Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy

Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy

New concept cars from Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy, created for the 2010 Australian International Motor show. At least, that's the abstraction abaft Peter Vardai's new Mercedes aggressive Blackbird abstraction car.

Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy

The Mercedes Benz takes elements from airplanes, absorption on acceleration and movement with capacity aggressive by the TRON legacy. Maybe in the abutting cine the TRON aggregation can advancement the lightcycle and barter it in for a badass Benz.

Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy

New concept of Tron Lagacy in the shape of “Blackbird” a stylish Car. Paying tribute to the Mercedes-Benz, the Hungarian designer Peter Vardai invented a concept car called the “Blackbird”, which is built on the idea of speed and freedom of feelings towards the strengthening of the brand.

Drawing its name from the fastest manned aircraft, Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the new car is equipped with a bow and lights to emphasize the sporty Mercedes.

Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy

Made in 2010, the Australian International Motor Show, Mercedes Blackbird inspired by the latest Hollywood blockbuster, Tron Legacy, just like Audi’s E-Tron concept. Moreover, the Mercedes Tron vehicle makes use of novel colors to suit the movie.

Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy