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Video at Geneva: Mercedes new C-Class Coupe to rival Audi A5
Up until now, Mercedes C-Class buyers looking for a coupe were only offered the Frankenstein-like CLC, which itself was based on the last-generation C-Class Sport Coupe. Aimed squarely at the Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series Coupe, it’s more upmarket and expensive than the old CLC.
The technical highlight is the range of engines. There are three petrol engines (C180, C250 and C350) and two diesel engines (C220 CDI and C250 CDI) available – the petrol engines achieve 38 mpg – 43 mpg depending on engine and transmission, while the diesels range from 53 mpg to 64 mpg. The latter is quite impressive for what is a quite a substantial premium coupe.
Gallery: Geneva Motor Show 2011
We anticipate high demand when the C-Class Coupe goes on sale in the summer because of its smooth good looks and excellent economy.
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Tips to lower your auto collision insurance cost
Auto collision insurance provides coverage for your car damage repair costs when you are involved in an accident. Some people choose to ignore the insurance to save on the cost. However, in the long run, it is always a safety net to have. Here are some tips to help you lower your auto collision insurance cost. The key is to have a profile which seems less risky to an auto insurance company as far as involvement in accidents is concerned.
Better credit history
Good credit history not only lowers your loan interests, mortgage amounts and credit card interest rates, but it also helps you in getting lower auto insurance rates. Maintaining a good credit history is not very difficult. You need to pay all your bills on time and spend only when you are sure you can repay the card debt. Being consistent over a period of time will increase your credit rating and also help you get a lower insurance premium, without the need to sacrifice on coverage.
Don’t break traffic rules
Simple offences like jumping traffic signals and over speeding on the highway could tarnish your record. The auto insurance company would also perceive you as someone with disrespect for the rules and therefore as someone more likely to be involved in an accident. Your auto collision insurance cost will therefore go up. It is always a good idea to stick to the rules and care for your reputation and record. In the long term you can literally cash in on a good driving record.
Don’t claim for minor repairs
If you claim more often, the auto insurance company will start perceiving you as a driver frequently involved in accidents. If you are involved in minor accidents and your damage repair cost is very low, avoid making claims with the auto insurance company. That way, your future premiums will not skyrocket.
Drive less
You cannot collide with another car if you don’t get on the road. The lesser you drive the safer you become. Even from the perspective of an auto insurance company, your cost would depend on your yearly mileage. Therefore avoid driving if you can. Use public transportation as often as you can. Go for car pooling with colleagues and friends. In the long run it will save you a substantial amount of money in terms of the cost of the auto collision insurance that you own.
Buick: The Transformation Continues
Until this year, the two-tone, 1955 Buick convertible Randy Newman drives in his 1983 music video “I Love L.A.” might have been the last non-rented Buick to cruise Century Boulevard. But now that Buick can claim to be outselling Audi, Acura, and Infiniti with 42 percent conquest sales (mostly Enclave), it’s taking on the town of Lexus and BMW. Buick will introduce two new submodels at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November: the much-anticipated Regal GS and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid-fighting LaCrosse with eAssist.
Buick estimates a sub-7-second 0-60 mph time for the ’12 Regal GS, courtesy of a high-output Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo four making 255 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control launches later.
Other GS exclusives include high-performance four-wheel discs with Brembo front calipers and standard 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with all-season tires. Five-spoke 20-inch-polished alloys with performance tires are optional. Computer Damping Control and the Interactive Drive Control System are standard in the GS.The car gets unique front and rear fascias, rocker panel extensions, an integrated rear spoiler, a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, metal sport pedals, and 12-way front heated seats with four-way power lumbar control. The GS-specific black interior comes with satin-finish elements.
Buick is adding its eAssist fuel-saving technology as standard equipment on four-cylinder versions of the 2012 LaCrosse. For about $30,000 base, you get a 2.4-liter direct-injection engine with a 15-kilowatt motor/generator connected to a small (0.5 kW-hr) lithium-ion battery pack. You get 25/37-mpg (compared with 41/36 mpg for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid), automatic stop-start with no interruption in the air conditioning, and aggressive fuel shutoff when coasting. The eAssist model replaces the conventional four-cylinder LaCrosse, creating a clear price difference between the LaCrosse and Regal ranges.If that isn’t enough gas-sipping, semi-premium driving for you, GM has also announced it will invest $145 million in a Michigan assembly plant to build the 2012 Buick Verano, the upmarket Chevy Cruze with Opel Astra sheetmetal. GM is also said to be working on a baby Buick crossover that will get its innovative intelligent hybrid powertrain from the Chevy Volt.