All the letters could throw you off—but the numbers coming out of Benz’ new CL65 AMG clear it all up. Your sinuses, that is. The stunning 604 hp emanating from the big coupe will be on display at the New York auto show next week. TheCarConnection.com got an exclusive sneak peek at the new CL65 a few weeks back and from the moment the covers were lifted, we discovered a real, visual stand-out. While the engine is an elegant work of kinetic art, the CL65’s Alubeam paint transforms it into something truly special. The special edition will be rare in the U.S.: each American car will wear a plaque reading “One of 20,” since that’s how many they’ll sell in the States for a “ballpark of around $200,000.”
We warned you last year: now, Grind House, the double-bill splatfest from Robert Rodriguez (Sin City) and the hyperspoken Quentin Tarantino, is in previews before its April 6 opening day. Tarantino’s half of the project plays to gearheads: in Death Proof, he directs Kurt Russell and Rosario Dawson (Rent) through the story of a stuntman who uses his musclecar to stalk and terrorize women on the streets of a fictional town. Death Proof shares the double bill with Rodriguez’ Planet Terror and some fake movie promo reels. Looking for the combined trailer? It’s right here, of course:
Lights have been a part of the Cadillac heritage from the days of the Eldorado — hey, it had something going for it, right? Now GM is hoping that LED lighting will make the new CTS seem even more suave and sophisticated, inside and out.
Fifteen LED lamps, along with several so-called “light pipes” direct cool white light to various parts of the interior, while outside, a single LED illuminates an acrylic bar that remains lit whenever the CTS is running.
“Why should these features stand out only during the day?” asked Caddy’s product chief, John Howell.
We’ve driven, and loved all over, Audi’s new R8. So sleek and capable it is, we’re willing to overlook the fact that it’s been priced comparable to a two-bedroom house in Detroit. Audi says the R8 will run you $109,000—$118,000 if you want it with an automatic. But you do get its rippling 420-hp V-8, stunning looks and speed, and dandy Sirius satellite radio for your efforts. And so what if you have to seek subprime lending to help pay for it all? Chapter 11 makes up for past sins, right?
Britain is leading the way on digital car insurance with a new proposal which the Government says will make it easier to get and renew cover.
The U.K.’s Department for Transport has published a proposal which will allow motor insurance certificates to be issued electronically. Currently the law requires them to be sent to policyholders by mail, but this is costly and time-consuming for the cover providers.
A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers, the industry’s umbrella organization, said it welcomed the move. “This is good news for customers and insurers. Over half of U.K. households are now online, and this will enable them to arrange motor insurance more speedily. This will be especially helpful when buying and taxing a vehicle quickly. It will also help insurers provide a faster, more cost-effective service to their customers.”
It’s as yet unclear what form the new certificates will take, but it seems obvious they will be sent out by E-mail rather than with the postal service.
Veteran auto journalist Marty Padgett gives you news and opinions on the latest, hottest, greenest and fastest new vehicles on the market--and what's coming down the road.
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