Carlsson has applied its tuning magic to the new M-Class with a host of power, visual, and interior upgrades. Starting with the engine, Carlsson’s performance kit for the 320 CDI engine boosts horsepower to 269 and torque to 452 lb-ft, and a new exhaust system with quad tailpipes is also available. The suspension can be upgraded with Carlsson’s C-Tronic system that lowers the vehicle 40mm, and 22″ 11-spoke wheels help fill the wheel wells even more. A subtle front spoiler and a diffuser-look rear skirt are the only exterior modifications. Interior appointments include alcantara and leather seats, a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and illuminated door exit lights. Once again, Carlsson proves that sometimes it doesn’t take much to make a better Benz.

[Source: AutoBlog]

The United States Government does not believe consumers have enough safety measures in place in their automobiles. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has passed a bill that will require government regulators, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to adapt their standards to require various means of diminishing blind spots in trucks and large SUVs, increased prevention of vehicles rolling away and more finger (or neck) friendly power windows. This bill relates to similar legislation passed by a Senate committee back in May. It is different from previous versions though, because it does not specify rear-view cameras as the solution to the visibility issue. It leaves NHTSA the ability to regulate through the use of additional mirrors, sensors, cameras, etc. All this legislation may sound helpful to consumers, but honestly just because better visibility exists doesn’t mean the driver will use it. You get the idea after reading this particular editorial by Natalie Neff from Autoweek.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Yesterday, the word from Auto Motor and Sport Sweden was that the next Volvo XC90 was stillborn due to a lack of hybrid drive trains and other fuel-saving technologies. Not so, according to Volvo, who responded to the pub’s article by saying that a facelifted XC90 is in the works and that the XC90 replacement has not been cancelled.

How Volvo plans to get around new fuel economy regs and what Ford platform will be used to underpin the automaker’s burly next-gen ‘ute is still up in the air, but a clean-sheet rethink might be in order to address many of these environmental issues that will be plaguing Volvo in the upcoming years.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Porsche came out swinging at the LA Auto Show with a Cayenne Hybrid it said could do 75 MPH on battery power alone. Now the carmaker isn’t sure it wants to fight that fight any more. Speaking of hybrid market share, Porsche’s head of distribution said, “The most optimistic forecast still only calls for a market share of 5 percent.” And in that case, Porsche feels it might not be worth it to bring out a Cayenne Hybrid until the introduction of the next generation in 2010.

They would then use that model as the litmus test for other hybrids. The Panamera might get a hybrid variant in 2011 — two years after its introduction — or it might not happen until 2013. In fact, since Porsche still has no firm date set for getting a hybrid to market, all of these dates could be pushed back indefinitely. Contrast that with Audi, which wants to introduce a hybrid Q7 by the end of 2008.

[Source: Autoblog]

In case you missed it yesterday, the Land Rover LRX is the SUV coupe concept the British marque will introduce next month in Detroit. Based on the Freelander, it’s shorter, lower, and exceptionally slick-looking. That goes for the interior, too, which uses ambient lighting to communicate what drive mode the truck’s in. Red’s for sport, green’s for off-road, and blue’s for normal. Here’s hoping that somewhere, a green light’s being lit regarding a production version as well. You can check out our original post here. The attached gallery is now stocked with all the currently available media shots as well. We’ll crawl all over the LRX and give you firsthand impressions in a few weeks when we get to see it in the metal.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Today’s exercise in ridiculous branding opportunities comes from the UK, where RVGA, a firm that specializes in vehicle branding (i.e. wraps and such) has customized seven Jeep Patriot 2.0 CRD Sport models with images of the members of Led Zeppelin on their bodywork. The custom job celebrates the upcoming Led Zep reunion show in London on 12/10, and naturally, said Jeeps are for sale. For a mind-blowing £34,860, you get the Jeep, a pair of tickets to the concert, and access to a post-show cocktail party.

While tickets to the sold-out show are in demand, the premium for them (and that graphic…can’t forget that) seems mighty excessive. After all, a loaded 2.0 CRD Patriot Sport normally sells for somewhere in the neighborhood of £18,500. Once you’ve enjoyed the show, had a little champagne at the reception, and are starting to feel a little buyer’s remorse in subsequent days as you drive around in a Patriot with a scene from The Song Remains The Same adorning its sheetmetal, we recommend you do this: load Presence in the CD in the player and listen to “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” on repeat play.

See the Led Zeppelin Jeep on Fast Lane Daily after the jump.

[Source: RVGA]

Roewe, SAIC’s renamed Rover, has an SUV in the works. Details are scant, though it’s reportedly based on a Ssangyong model. We think the Ssangyong Kyron is hiding under the Roewe’s handsome sheetmetal. The Kyron carries its Mercedes-esque styling atop a ladder frame and off-road capable 4WD componentry, so Roewe’s new SUV should be able to get dirty without becoming mired. Roewe has added some Lexus to the styling of the Kyron, but the older Mercedes powertrain systems might not remain underhood. Ssangyong uses Mercedes castoffs through a special licensing agreement, though we wouldn’t go so far as to call either vehicle a bargain last-gen Mercedes. Looking into reports on the Kyron reveal a vehicle that’s well equipped but not a screaming deal; nor is it a stellar performer. Perhaps Roewe has revised the chassis calibration and found a different motor to slide in between the front fenders.

[Source: AutoBlog]