• 2014 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG leaked ahead of LA debut [Video]

    September 1, 2013
    A leak has prematurely revealed the range-topping AMG-tuned variant of the brand new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class


    Christened S65 AMG, the sedan stands out from the regular S-Class thanks to a muscular-looking body kit all around, large 16-spoke alloy wheels, a model-specific radiator grille and a new front bumper that incorporates mesh air intakes and C-shaped chrome trim.  Four chromed exhaust tips and “V12 BITURBO” emblems on both fenders finish off the look.

    Inside, the S65 AMG will offer leather-upholstered sport seats and a revised instrument cluster.  A full panoply of high-tech driving aids and convenience features will come standard.


    Technical details are not available but a previous report suggests the S65 will get a 6.0-liter V12 engine rated at 621 horsepower and around 737 lb-ft. of torque.  The power increase teamed with the new S-Class’ lighter body should ensure a sub-4 second 0 – 60 mph run, making the S65 the fastest factory-built S-Class in the nameplate’s long production run.


    The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG will greet the public for the first time at the Los Angeles Motor Show that will open its doors next November and go on sale in Europe, Asia and North America shortly after.  


    Official details will emerge in the weeks leading up to the super sedan’s debut.

     <![CDATA[
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  • Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep announce 2014 updates

    September 1, 2013
    After a successful 2013 model year, the Chrysler Group is moving into 2014 with a wide array of upgrades applied to its lineup of cars, SUVs and vans.

     
    Chrysler

    The biggest news for the Chrysler family is the addition of a limited-edition version of the Town & Country designed to celebrate the minivan’s 30th anniversary.  Based on the Touring-L model, the 30th Anniversary edition gains 17-inch aluminum wheels with polished faces, model-specific “30th Anniversary” badges all around and an available Granite Crystal Pearl Coat paint job.  Inside, the 30th Anniversary edition offers Alcantara seat inserts, piano black trim on the steering wheel and the dashboard and bespoke badges in the instrument cluster and on the key fob.  All 30th Anniversary models come standard with the Driver’s Convenience Package which bundles heated first- and second-row seats, power adjustable pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and start and bright door handles. Â


    The sporty-looking Town & Country S returns for 2014 with a black chrome grille, blacked out badges on both ends, 17-inch aluminum wheels and blacked-out headline bezels.  Inside, the S model features black leather upholstery, a black center console, “S” emblems embroidered in the seat backs, piano black trim and a Blu-Ray player with a HDMI input that lets passengers hook up video game consoles.  A performance-tuned suspension provides a more dynamic driving experience.


    All Town & Country models regardless of trim level come standard with leather upholstery and an improved rear-seat DVD player.  Buyers looking to get the full entertainment experience can order the aforementioned Blu-Ray player.


    The 300 carries on largely unchanged, including the two limited-edition models designed jointly with John Varvatos and the dynamic-looking 300S.

     

    Months away from the end of their surprisingly long life, the 200 Sedan and Convertible soldier on with no modifications.  Their successor is expected to bow early next year as a 2015 model.


    Dodge

    The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan gains two limited-editions 30th Anniversary models based on the SE and the SXT trim level.  Powered by a 283-horsepower Pentastar V6, the SE 30th Anniversary model boasts 17-inch carbon aluminum wheels, body-colored heated mirrors, bespoke badging all around and the same Granite Crystal Pearl Coat paint job offered on the Town & Country.  The interior features black cloth seats, piano black trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity with voice command, a one-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.  


    The SXT model adds a host of convenience features including standard power sliding side doors, a power liftgate and power adjustable pedals.  A chrome roof rack, bright trim around the windows, fog lights and 17-inch aluminum wheels finish off the look, while the interior is upgraded with Black Torino leatherette seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, bright chrome accents, automatic headlights and Uconnect hands-free voice command.


    SE and SXT Grand Caravan models can be ordered with the Blacktop Package.  Designed to give the van a more aggressive appearance, it adds a gloss black grille, black headlight bezels, an all-black interior, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver accent stitching and fog lights (available only on SXT models).


    2014 Charger SXT and SXT Plus models can be ordered with a Redline Package that adds 20-inch Black Chrome wheels mounted on all-season tires, a performance-tuned suspension, sport seats, a body-colored rear spoiler and a Beats by Dr. Dre sound system.  Redline models feature an upgraded variant of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that churns out 300 horsepower thanks to modifications such as cold-air induction system and a sport-tuned exhaust system.  Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.


    Dodge has deep-sixed the Dart’s Rallye trim level, cutting the lineup down to SE, SXT Aero, Limited and GT models.  The popular 184-horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine is now standard on SXT, Limited and GT models. 


    The Challenger gains two Redline packages similar to the one offered on the Charger, while the Journey and the Avenger stay roughly the same.  The facelifted 2014 Durango was presented at the New York Motor Show last April.


    Jeep

    Jeep is kicking off the 2014 model year with two limited-edition models based on the Wrangler and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited.  Dubbed Freedom III, the first limited-edition builds on the existing Sport model with 17-inch alloy wheels, gray paint on the grille and the bumper inserts, body-colored wheel arches, “Oscar Mike” badges on the fenders and edition-specific decals all around.  Rock rails that protect the rocker panels, a Mopar fuel filler cap and a Sunrider soft top with a tinted rear window finish off the look.  Inside, the Freedom III features French Silver accent stitching on the steering wheel, tectonic fabric on the seats, Satin Chrome spokes on the steering wheel and Mopar heavy-duty floor mats.


    Called Rubicon X, the second limited-edition model is billed as the most capable 2014 Wrangler available from the factory.  It comes standard with a part-time four-wheel drive system with electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles and a Rock-Trac transfer case, Tru-Lok locking differentials, and a six-speed manual transmission.  Visually, the X stands out from the regular Rubicon with bespoke rims, off-road bumpers, model-specific badging, a Power Dome Hood and a Premium Sunrider soft top.  Inside, the Wrangler Rubicon X boasts a unique gauge cluster and an Electronic Vehicle Information System that provides the driver with vital information about the vehicle and its surroundings.


    Jeep is not making any changes to the Grand Cherokee, the Compass and the Patriot.  The all-new 2014 Cherokee is scheduled to land in showrooms in the coming weeks.


    SRT

    The Chrysler 300 SRT, the Dodge Challenger SRT, the Dodge Charger SRT and the Viper carry on unchanged.  


    The Chrysler Group’s revamped 2014 lineup will land in dealerships across the United States in the coming weeks. <![CDATA[
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