We’ve seen some outrageous F-650-based vehicles like this before (the DeBerti for one), but for some reason, the Alton F-650 XUV jumped out at us at the Chicago Auto Show. Perhaps we were already focused on Ford’s Work Solutions trucks in the vicinity, but this insane beast just put our DSLRs on autopilot. The F-650-based XUV was built by Alton Manufacturing and carries a GVWR of 25,999 lbs. That makes the 660 ft-lbs of torque generated by its 7.2L Caterpillar engine seem paltry. Besides the big-rig-meets-Excursion bodywork, your nearly $200,000 expenditure for this XUV will get you hardwood floors, custom captains chairs, a 42-speaker sound system, two drop-down 16-inch TVs plus a 42-inch plasma, four computer workstations, plus a train horn. Oh, you’ll also get bragging rights for the biggest, baddest truck in 99% of the world’s neighborhoods.

BRABUS introduced the wicked Brabus Bullit V12-powered C-Class sleeper at Frankfurt last year and, not wanting to let floor space go to waste, has introduced the follow up Black Arrow. Like the previous Bullit, the sedan still sports the 6.3-Liter V12 Biturbo engine good for 720 horsepower and 974 ft.-lbs. of torque (though limited to just 811 ft.-lbs. to keep the car in one piece). It’ll still jog to 62 mph in just 3.9 second. And it still has a top speed of 224 mph. The difference? It’s freaking matte black. Matte black is the new black, or something. Either way, for just $530,000 you could have the matte blackest Benz on the block. Press release and more pics.

The Four-Door V12 Biturbo Stealth Super Sports Car With 730 hp (720 hp SAE net), 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft), 0 - 300 km/h (186 mph) in 24.5 seconds and a Top Speed of More than 360 km/h (225 mph)Ultra powerful, ultra fast and conspicuously inconspicuous: The four-door stealth super sports car BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW offers performance superlatives like no other car on the market: The basis for the car is the body of the new C-Class sedan, covered with a special matte-black coating. The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo twelve-cylinder engine was dropped into the engine bay with almost surgical precision. Performance is staggering: 3.9 seconds from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph), 24.5 seconds for 0 - 300 km/h (186 mph) and a top speed of more than 360 km/h (225 mph). BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) produces the BULLIT BLACK ARROW in small-series production starting at 348,000 Euros MSRP.

The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW ensures that the world’s fastest sedans continue to come from Bottrop. The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW follows in the footsteps of the 330-km/h (206 mph) BRABUS E V12 based on the W 210-series Mercedes E-Class, the 350.2-km/h (219 mph) E V12 Biturbo of the new W 211 generation and the world’s current fastest sedan, the 365.7- km/h (227.2 mph) BRABUS ROCKET based on the Mercedes CLS.

Numerous modifications to the reinforced body were necessary to install the turbocharged V12 engine in the C-Class engine bay. The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine is derived directly from the BRABUS ROCKET and uses the latest Mercedes S 600 engine that has been completely reworked in the company-own engine building shop.

Nothing beats displacement except even more displacement: A crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore, and special pistons and piston rods increase displacement of the twelve-cylinder three-valve engine from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cu. in.).

Cylinder heads optimized for faster gas exchange and high-performance camshafts also contribute to the increase in power output. They are assisted by a more efficient dual turbocharging system, special manifolds, larger turbochargers and larger intercoolers. Because of space constraints in the C-Class body an entirely new stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with low back-pressure metal catalysts had to be developed.

The BRABUS motor engineers used state-of-the-art engine test benches to program new mapping for engine electronics and on-board diagnostics. The new mapping ensures optimal power yield while meeting strict EURO IV emission limits.

The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine, lubricated like all BRABUS high-performance engines with ARAL Synthetic motor oil, produces 730 hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537 kW at just 5,100 rpm. The peak torque of 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) is limited in-car electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and a BRABUS limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. Customers can choose from two final drive ratios. The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW features all modern driving dynamics systems such as ABS, ASR and ESP.

The matte-black stealth street rocket delivers unique performance: Just 3.9 seconds pass for the sprint from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph), 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached after just 10.49 seconds. And after just 24.5 seconds the car shatters the 300-km/h barrier (186 mph). Top speed is more than 360 km/h (225 mph).

At these speeds favorable aerodynamic properties are absolutely essential. The BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW was honed to perfection in the wind tunnel. The BULLIT front apron features large air ducts to supply cooling air for radiators and front brakes. Its sophisticated design further reduces lift on the front axle. Its aerodynamic counterparts in the rear are a three-piece rear spoiler and a rear apron with integrated diffuser. Both front and rear aprons are made from especially light yet highly robust autoclave-baked carbon fiber.

A wider track optimizes directional stability so elementary at speeds beyond 300 km/h. The BRABUS designers have styled aluminum wheel arch flares for front and rear axle. They are seamlessly melded to the production body and add six centimeters (2.4 inches) to the C-Class width. BRABUS rocker panels optimize the airstream along the sides. They also feature integrated entry lights that make entering and exiting the vehicle safer in the dark.

The visual appearance of the BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW is further characterized by the new aluminum hood. Its integrated ‘gills’ are not just distinctive features, they also ensure the engine’s thermal health.

The wheel arch flares provide space for especially wide matte-black BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels with high-performance tires from technology partners YOKOHAMA or Pirelli. The 9.5Jx19 wheels on the front axle are shod with size 265/30 ZR 19 tires. The rear axle is fitted with size 10Jx19 wheels and size 285/30 ZR 19 tires.

The height-adjustable coil-over suspension was developed specifically for the BRABUS BULLIT BLACK ARROW. The gas-pressure shocks feature ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound. They provide a sporty yet comfortable ride and safe handling in any situation. Sport stabilizers reduces body roll to a minimum during fast cornering.

The BRABUS high-performance brake system can handle even the most extreme stress. It features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle that grip vented and grooved 380 x 37 millimeter (15 x 1.46 inches) brake discs. The rear axle stops with 360 x 28 millimeter (14.2 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

Exclusive individuality also abounds in the interior of the BRABUS automobile: The standard equipment package includes a fully leather interior hand-crafted in the company-own upholstery shop from the finest Mastik and Nubuk leathers.

The custom BULLIT seats offer a perfect combination of comfort and lateral support. Their carbon-fiber rear covers lend the interior an especially sporty feel. This look is complemented by carbon-fiber components on dashboard, center console and door panels as well as by the ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals and shifter.

[BRABUS]

The Acura RL never found much love in the mainstream luxury market, due partially to the lack of a V8 and FWD/AWD setup. Though the car offers a lot of technology and good power, it’s not something often mentioned in the same breath as the competitive offerings from Lexus or Mercedes. We’ve heard some rumors that this new model will debut at the Chicago Auto Show and carry the newly designed diesel engine. Someone also intercepted a communiqué from Acura about the new RL (and updates to the TSX), which is below the jump.

From Temple of VTEC:

This MOVE allocation will include March production with March arrival of the 2008 TL, 2008 RDX and 2008 MDX and March production with April arrival of 2009 TSX and 2009 RL models.
2009 TSX
Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for the Acura sedan range, the all-new redesigned second-generation 2009 TSX will be offered in two different packages 

Standard Package:
· The standard model will be similar to RDX’s and 08MY TSX’s standard features with new luxury amenities and audio capabilities that all contribute to the new TSX’s added appeal.

Technology Package:
The technology package is similar to the RDX’s technology packaging and will continue to “Advance” the image of Acura. The Technology Package includes:
· Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition with new functionality
· AcuraLink Satellite Communication System
· Acura/ELS Surround Premium 10 Speaker Sound System
2009 RL
The substantial redesign of the 2009 Acura RL combines added performance, improved technology, more aggressive exterior styling and even greater safety to a top-tier luxury performance sedan.

Three packages will continue to be offered:

Standard Package:

 Improvements include better functionality for the HVAC, HandsFreeLink and audio system

Technology Package:

 The Technology model will be similar to the 08MY RL with new luxury amenities. The Technology Package will continue to “Advance” the image of Acura by adding more functionality to the Acura Navigation System.

CMBS Package:

CMBS will be available as a stand-alone option.

A mere two weeks after the General revealed the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V at the Detroit Auto Show, it’s now been spotted for the first time in the wild at a CTS owners meet-up. Talk about drumming up some enthusiast support grass-roots style, right? The folks at CTowners have the scoop with some shots of the Michigan manny-plated tester getting taken for a drive by a GM employee and showing off that big hump of a hood. That hump, as you’ll remember from earlier this month, conceals that giant 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 550 horsepower and an equal amount of lb.-ft. of torque. We’re waiting for our test unit to show up here at the Jalopnik Detroit HQ in the land of the ice and snow, where the midnight sun sets and hot springs flow just so we can see how the performance traction management works on the icy pavement out front. For now we’ll just have to dream — and continue to ogle the shots below. (Hat tip to Lau Li and many thanks to the folks at

There’s nothing conspicuous about a heavily camouflaged mid-size Mercedes, so parking one in the heavily trafficked Arlanda International Airport was surely a winning idea. According to the super Swedes at Bilfeber, what you see here is an abandoned 2010 Mercedes E-Class test vehicle. We’re big fans of the pseudo-BMW kidney grille from the clever Benz mechanics.

Despite earlier reports the four-door Zeta-platform GMC concept pickup truck would be coming to the New York Auto Show, we’ve been told by people in the know it’ll be hitting the floor at the Chicago Auto Show. We guess we’ll be seeing it much earlier than expected. Maybe “Maximum” Bob Lutz was just having a senior moment of some kind. Our sources also indicate it’ll have a drastically different look than anything else out of Australia with a truck bed — including the Holden Crewman ute up top. But it’s not just the looks that’ll be different.

We’re told the form factor will be an entirely unibody design — not just the weird-ass unibody front end with a half-chassis welded on to the back like the Crewman. A true car-based pickup truck. The mere thought’s causing our pants to start to tighten. We mean, is this GMC an xtremely interesting development or what? Come on, is this seriously the new GMC — Caballero? We can only hope. But one thing’s for sure, we’ll have more info later on as the story develops.

We don’t know if these images from World Car Fans are official sketches, but they look pretty darn certifiably real to us. The concept, rumored to be coming to the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, is supposedly a lightly disguised production version of the Euro Spec 5 door Lancer Ralliart. The car will undoubtedly be powered by the same 240 hp turbocharged four banger we get here in the states with the all wheel drive gadgetry and active yaw controllers thrown in for good measure. We’ll look for more info as this develops. [Carscoop]

More exciting action from the D.C Auto Show as Ford snuck some E85 news into the 2009 Ford Escape press release. The company’s E-Series vans, Navigator and Expedition will be able to run on E85 fuel this year, which is good news for the small percentage of the people reading this that have access to the approximately 0.01% of gas stations in the United States that actually offer Ethanol and are suddenly in the market for a bold-faced commercial van. Excuse us if we’re not that excited. We really wanted them to announce they were building an E-Series van that runs on straight vegetable oil. Press release below the jump.

Press Release on E85

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 22, 2008 - Today at the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company announced its hot-selling compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, will become more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected for the 2009 model year. 

Ford also announced that it is expanding its commitment to biofuels by adding three additional vehicles to its E85-capable flexible fuel line-up for 2009 - the E-Series van, as well as the standard and extended-length models of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. These additional product actions are part of Ford’s sustainability strategy, which also includes high-volume introductions of EcoBoost gas turbocharged direct injection engines.

Speaking today at Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally met with industry leaders and media to share today’s announcement and discuss how Ford is accelerating the development of new products and technologies customers want and value. Mulally also reaffirmed that Ford will reach benchmark levels of new or significantly freshened products, delivering a showroom with 70 percent new or freshened vehicles by the end of 2008 and 100 percent by 2010.

“This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms,” Mulally said. “We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year.”

At the Washington Auto Show, Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, outlined the company’s high-volume customer-focused strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

“Ford Motor Company is increasing fuel economy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions with affordable technologies for millions of customers,” said Cischke. “In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we’re delivering today.”

[D.C. Auto Show]

The final concept of Chrysler’s trio for the 2008 Detroit Auto Show is the Jeep Renegade Concept. We actually find this one the most interesting, both in terms of design and feasibility. The Renegade features all-aluminum construction to keep its weight down, as well as what appears to be a parallel hybrid drivetrain consisting of the same 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack used in the Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept sharing duties with a small-displacement BLUETEC diesel engine. Jeep claims the Renegade would be good for more than 110 miles per gallon, which we think is probably accurate. Hopefully we’ll begin seeing fuel economy numbers like that when lithium-ion battery packs become more prevalent, as well as diesel engines for that matter.

The Renegade’s design is typical Jeep, focusing on adventure in all weather conditions. The speedster windshield and roll bar add some sportiness to the aesthetics, while the lower-door openings and hosable interior show it’s a true Jeep with a trail-busting attitude. The lack of any front overhang and the vertical headlights give the front end an aerodynamic yet rugged look that we think works well Jeep’s trademark seven-slot grille.

That’s the last of Chrysler’s concept trio that we were given a sneak peak of today, though all will be present and accounted for in January at the Detroit Auto Show. We’re not sure yet what the company plans to show in terms of production cars, redesigns and refreshes, but when we find out you’ll be the first to know.

[Source: Jeep]

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