REPORT: Future smart lineup to include cabriolet and crossover offerings

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The forthcoming generation of smart models will start coming out towards the end of next year. Apart from the standard fortwo and fortwo+2 choices, the mini-class brand of Daimler AG will make room for two niche versions that are expected to sell like hot cakes: an open-top and a crossover.

As you happen to already know, Mercedes-Benz has partnered Renault to write the next chapter in the smart story. A new rear-drive platform perfectly fitted for shared use under both the future Twingo and the new smart two-door/four-door models is currently in advanced stages of development. This means the future smart and Renault mini models will also share a series of specially developed, 3-cylinder petrol and diesel engines featuring low displacement and extraordinary efficiency, as well as special transmission systems.

Sticking to our topic, the cabriolet and the compact "SUV" under the smart brand are slated to be unleashed in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The future convertible will be inspired by the for-us study presented at Detroit and Geneva in 2012, while the other will follow the trails of the forstars concept showcased last year at Paris.

The street-legal products will be very similar in terms of styling to the show-bound cars and will boast smart's brand new design philosophy. The perforated grille and the tubular LED lights will be present trademarks on the future models. While the smart cabrio displays a two-door architecture and a lowered ride height for more dynamism, the smart "SUV" will boast larger proportions similar to those of Nissan Juke (whom it will supposedly share a modified powertrain with), four doors and a bespoke 4x4 traction system, offered as an option on high-end variants. Besides the standard version, a sporty 3-door smart SUV with fun factor and resembling the forstars concept car is also very likely to be greenlighted for serial production.

Note: smart forstars and smart for-us pictured.

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REPORT: Future Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG supercar arriving in 2016

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The anticipated mid-range supercar engineered by the Affalterbach-based firm is slated to hit streets in around 3 years from now, according to latest rumors. Although during spring 2012 there were numerous reports the outcome of the SLC AMG is put under question amidst expected high development costs, it now looks the new Star-badged performance vehicle is ever closer to serial production.

The C 190 project is intended to be a versatile, fun to drive and attractively priced mid-sized supercar to compete with Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Gallardo. First test mules should start on-road development in early 2014, whereas the first camouflaged, finished design test prototypes could appear towards the end of next year. Then we will likely depict the general silhouette, which allegedly boasts aerodynamic supercar proportions with a low centre of gravity and sleek design, unlike the retro-styled SLS AMG. There will be no Gullwing doors, but conventional ones (maybe upward opening "scissors"?), to shave off important kilograms, improve bodyshell rigidity and ride dynamics. Through 2017, a roadster version (R 190) of the SLC AMG, using a low-weight retractable cloth roof, could also arrive in the family.

The future SLC AMG will receive company's brand new twin-turbo V8 engine with a total displacement of 4.0 litres. In its most powerful version, this new powerplant, featuring state-of-the-art direct injection, cylinder management and further solutions to increase efficiency, boasts no less than 585 hp. A slightly less powerful variant of the same eight-cylinder unit, this time developing 485 hp, will also be offered for the new SLC AMG, while the entry-level model will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine rated at 333 hp. Power transmission to the rear axle will be the job of a new AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch 7-speed automatic gearbox which sends the torque through a limited slip differential.

The rear-wheel-drive architecture of the C 190 will be engineered from zero - the super-tweaked technical platform of the SLS AMG Black Series and Merc's new MRA rear-driven underpinnings should serve as inspiration for more cohesion and a smoother implementation. A new generation of the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension management system, as well as high performance, forged alloy/ceramic brakes and an enhanced 3-stage ESP, will also be fitted to the new SLC AMG.

Standard pricing for the Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG variants will spread over the €80,000 - €140,000 interval in Europe. The supercar is also bound to reach showrooms from the United States and China in 2017, at similar, currency updated price tags. In the upcoming years, we could get a preview of the SLC AMG in the form of a concept car to bow at one of the major auto shows, but that is still an assumption. If the sales of the "electrifying" SLS AMG go well, the C 190 might also receive an Electric Drive variant in 2018, while a range-topping, hardcore Black Series version for the SLC AMG is rather unlikely at the moment, given the high-end 585 hp model. However, it is highly possible the SLS AMG gets discontinued the same year the SLC AMG comes into force, as this future model is already seen as a replacement for the current Merc supercar.

Image Credits: Autocar

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PREVIEW: Mercedes-Benz starts an aggressive offensive of coupe vehicles

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In order to become leader in the premium automotive industry by the end of 2020, Mercedes-Benz has developed a solid growth plan which aims to offer new opportunities and the highest level of quality for the customers in search of a luxury vehicle. Despite the recent profit margin and prospect rectifications for the ongoing year and for 2013, as well as the uncertainty expressed by some of the investors at Daimler AG, the Stuttgart-based constructor is secretly mastering a complete portfolio of cars, in every class and covering any unfilled market niche. Apart from the compact model offensive, Mercedes-Benz will also start launching a comprehensive range of coupe vehicles in the medium, business/executive, high-luxury and SUV segments.

The German automotive constructor will start the renewal of its 2-door model portfolio with the 2013 E-Class Coupe, coming next year towards spring. The facelift generation of the C 207 will get a brand new visual identity, new safety systems and updated telematics, as well as more powerful engine in the high-end area: the E 350 BlueDIRECT V6 with 333 hp and the E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with 435 hp. There's still no word about a possible E 63 AMG performance version with V8 BITURBO power.

The next to come is the future S-Class Coupe (C 217) variant that is replacing the outgoing CL-Class (C 216) and tipped for world premiere in 2014. We have already about this car in a recent article, so we are not insisting too much on it. The entire technology pack comes from the forthcoming S-Class sedan (W 222), so expect a great level of safety and connectivity aboard the 2-door model. The design philosophy will combine classic elements preserved from the predecessors with a futuristic styling combining progressive and organic shapes and lines.

In around two years from this moment, Mercedes-Benz will also mark the launch of company's first Sports Utility Coupe (SUC) vehicle under the MLC moniker (C 292). The new addition to the family will be assembled at Tuscaloosa plant in the USA, being the fifth model to be built at the Alabama-located facility alongside the C-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class. The body will sport 5 doors, but the general design will be inspired by the sleek silhouette of the real Mercedes-Benz coupes. A rakish roofline, dropping dramatically towards the rear end, and an eye-catching progressive styling will convert the future MLC into a complete looker. Prior the official unveiling, we expect Mercedes-Benz to tease the series model with a concept showcar in early 2014.

The SUC family will further grow in 2015 with the advent of the middle class contender: the new GLC, in fact the GLK Coupe. The model will emphasize a dynamic design, similar in terms of general details to the bigger MLC. While we do expect at least minimal 4x4 capabilities from the 4MATIC system, the land where the GLC will feel at home is the road, either in the cities or outside them. Most certainly, the new all-wheel-drive powertrain, derived from MRA rear-driven platform of the future C-Class 205 series, will be tweaked to deliver sensational driving performance, with an accent on the sharp stability, agility and behaviour predictability.

There is also a possibility the engineers from Affalterbach will develop high sports variants for the MLC and GLC. Then, the future MLC 63 AMG and GLC 63 AMG could be scheduled to bow nearing 2016 and they should use V8 engines with direct injection and bi-turbocharging. Around 550 hp for the C 292 and near 480 hp for the other Merc.

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Image Credits: Autobild

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