2015 Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTec 4MATIC – Instrumented Test
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Blog
Another Wee Bimmer: Sub-BMW X1 Crossover Planned
– The next generation of the BMW X1 will be moved to a front-wheel-drive platform and lose its optional straight-six engine, but that doesn’t mean its maker isn’t prepared to go even further downmarket: German publication Auto Motor und Sport has issued a report that the Bavarians are working on a smaller subcompact crossover SUV that they speculate will be called the Urban Cross. – The new model will share its platform with the Mini lineup, the next-gen X1,
Jaguar: F-Type, XJ Won’t Use XE, XF’s New Aluminum Architecture, V-8s Will Remain
– Jaguar’s recent announcements of an all-new aluminum vehicle architecture and next-generation Ingenium engines are good, product-driven steps toward expanding the brand’s sales—look no further than the much-needed 2016 XE compact sports sedan and the equally fresh 2016 XF. The thing is, Jaguar’s platform and engine discussions lack any mention of the company’s ultra-hot F-type sports car or the full-size XJ luxury sedan. Thankfully, Jaguar-Land Rover North America’s CEO, Joe
VW’s New Van Isn’t a Microbus Successor, But It’s Still Pretty Sweet
– Excited for a remake of Volkswagen’s original Microbus? Stay that way—and keep waiting, because that project is still bobbing around in the ether. In the meantime, check out another VW van you also can’t have: the latest Transporter. Now entering its sixth generation in 65 years, the Transporter descends from the original VW Type 2, but the model has long since abandoned any whiff of retro. Instead, Volkswagen is bragging about how
VW’s New Van Isn’t a Microbus Successor, But It’s Still Pretty Sweet
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Land Rover Launches Heritage Division, Because Old Land Rovers Are Old
– It’s no secret that older Land Rover products sometimes suffer from what we’ll call—with near-British understatement—occasional reliability issues. It’s a point that’s been officially acknowledged by the company itself with the launch of the new Land Rover Heritage Division, which is intended to help owners look after some of the brand’s older products. – Land Rover Heritage is basically a sister organization to the Jaguar Heritage division that was
Russia blames U.S. for security crises, turmoil in Ukraine
By Gabriela Baczynska MOSCOW (Reuters) – Top Russian officials accused the United States on Thursday of seeking political and military dominance in the world and sought to put blame on the West for international security crises, including the conflict in east Ukraine. Evoking Cold War-style rhetoric, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said a drive by the United States and its allies to bring Kiev closer to the West was a
U.S. Iran bill makes nuclear deal harder, but not impossible
By Arshad Mohammed WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A compromise allowing the U.S. Congress to vote on a nuclear deal with Tehran may prompt Iranian negotiators to drive a harder bargain, but does not drastically weaken President Barack Obama’s ability to deliver on a final agreement. For months Obama resisted attempts led by Republicans and some Democrats to open an agreement with Iran to congressional approval. On Tuesday he backed down in
Putin says Washington told leaders not to attend Word War Two parade
President Vladimir Putin accused Washington on Thursday of putting pressure on some world leaders not to attend events in Russia marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe. Russia will stage a military parade on May 9 in what Putin called a display of “respect for victims of Nazis and to pay tribute to the … victors over Nazism”. Asked at his annual phone-in whether
New Yemen VP says he hopes to avert Saudi invasion
By Angus McDowall and Mohamed Mukashaf RIYADH/ADEN (Reuters) – Yemen’s newly-appointed Vice President Khaled Bahah, a widely respected figure named this week to shore up the legitimacy of the exiled Saudi-backed government, said on Thursday he hoped to avert a Saudi-led invasion to restore unity to the country. Arab military exercises planned for Saudi Arabia have raised speculation that Riyadh is considering land operations in Yemen, after three weeks of