2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK

The short story on Mercedes' rival to the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 is that it receives a styling makeover inside and out while it also gains a revised V6 petrol and the option of a diesel engine for the North American market.

In more detail, the German automaker has discarded the different types of bumpers with specific on-road and off-road packages. Instead, the boxy-looking GLK get the same re-sculptured front and rear bumpers on all models plus revised headlights and tail lamps, a reworked front grille, new LED daytime driving lights in a chrome clasp as standard on all models, and a fresh assortment of 17-, 19- and 20-inch wheels.

Also making its appearance on the latest model is a new, optional AMG Exterior Sports package that adds front and rear aprons, a different radiator grille with two chrome slats, AMG LED daytime driving lights, 19-inch wheels and a sportier suspension setup.

Mercedes-Benz's designers have made some subtle changes to the GLK's interior, namely the new round air vents, trim and upholstery colors, steering wheel designs, instrument panel graphics and the availability of new sports seats and upgraded infotainment systems.

In addition, models equipped with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission are fitted with Merc's steering wheel column mounted DIRECT SELECT lever, which the company says frees up space on the lower part of the center console.

A variety of safety assistance systems make their appearance on the GLK such as ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.

Under the hood and starting with the European model, the GLK will be offered with five engines. These include four diesels, a 2.2-liter four-pot with 141hp (143PS) in the GLK 200 CDI, 168hp (170PS) in the GLK 220 CDI and 201hp (204PS) in the GLK 250 BlueTEC, plus the 262hp (265PS) 3.0-liter V6 in the GLK 350 CDI.

The only available petrol model is the GLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 302hp (306PS).

In the United States, aside from the more potent GLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY with 302hp (up from 268hp) that goes on sale this summer, Mercedes will also offer the GLK250 BlueTEC powered by a 2.2.-liter turbo diesel with 190hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from early 2013. Pricing and fuel economy numbers have not yet been announced for the N.A. models.

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Citroen DS9 Concept

The French magazine tells us that the concept will most likely carry the DS9 moniker and that it will be revealed in a few days ahead of its world premiere at next month's 2012 Beijing Motor Show.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Sports Bi-Turbocharged V12 621 HP

2013 Sl65 AMG that's motivated by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 producing 530hp (537PS) in standard form and 556hp (564PS) with the optional AMG Performance Package.

Well, that's not the case as there's always a number of buyers who don't mind paying something extra to get more of everything and here's where the flagship SL65 AMG fits in.

Under the bonnet, there's an updated version of Mercedes-Benz's 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine sporting new turbochargers, manifolds and an exhaust system that's 3.2kg (7 pounds) lighter.

The twelve-cylinder engine's output is up by 18hp to 621hp (630PS) available from 4,800 to 5,400 rpm while peak torque stands at 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft) between 2,300 and 4,300 rpm.

An AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G‑TRONIC with four different driving modes including Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+) and Manual (M), transfers power to the rear wheels.

As with the rest of the SL range, the use of an all-aluminium bodyshell results in a significant reduction in weight with the new SL65 AMG being some 170kg (375 pounds) lighter than before. Of course, with a curb weight of 1,950kg (4,300 pounds) the SL65 AMG is no featherweight either.

Mercedes quotes a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 4.0 seconds with the 200 km/h mark attained after just 11.8 seconds. The roadster model's top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h.

Not that any typical buyer of an SL65 AMG will care about the car's fuel consumption, but nevertheless, according to Mercedes, it returns a combined economy of 11.6lt/100, equal to 20.3mpg US or 24.4mpg UK.

The new SL 65 AMG also gets Merc's ABC active suspension system, beefier brakes with six-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston sliding callipers at the rear, a 3-stage ESP, and 19-inch wheels wrapped in tires size 255/35 at the front axle and 285/30 at the rear.

The market launch of the new SL 65 AMG will take place in September 2012 with pricing in Germany (including 19% tax) starting from €236,334 (US$308,580). Mercedes has not yet announced U.S. pricing.

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