New Opel Meriva MPV with Suicide Rear Doors Spied

The development of the next-generation Opel Meriva is moving ahead as planned with the German automaker removing more and more camouflage off the prototype models. In these latest scoop photos, the prototype Meriva has lost the confusing chequered black and white taping revealing many details on its design. Even though Opel has attempted to mislead us with a pair of fake rear-door handles, the new Meriva will retain the 2008 Geneva Show car's rear-hinged suicide doors called FlexDoors.

While the front doors are conventionally designed with front hinges, the Meriva's rear doors swing open towards the back of the car to a 90-degree angle. Another feature of the FlexDoors is that the front and rear doors can open independently of each other. GM's people support that the patented FlexDoors will make the Meriva more comfortable, versatile and safer than the current model.

The new Meriva will borrow several design cues from the Insignia including the front-end styling and the delta-wing blade on its flanks. While it won't be as exciting as the concept study, Opel's second-generation mini-MPV looks like it will be far more stylish than today's Meriva.

Same goes for the interior that is stylistically inspired from - you guessed it- the Insignia. Even though the car's design was a high-priority, GM did not forget about the Meriva's functional and practical side. Among other features, the 2010 Meriva will be equipped with Opel's variable FlexSpace rear seating system that allows the transformation of the vehicle from a five-seater to a four, three, two or even single seat vehicle without the need to remove seats.

The 2010 Meriva will adopt the latest version of GM's Gama platform sharing many of its underpinning with the new Corsa. It is expected that the new Meriva will grow in size offering improved space for passengers and their luggage.

While we don't have the full Monty on the powertrain options, it is anticipated that apart from the usual gasoline and diesel engines found in the Corsa, the new Meriva will also be available with GM's brand-new 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol unit with outputs ranging from 120 hp to 140 HP.

Unlike its chief rivals that include the Honda Jazz and Citroen C3 Picasso, the Meriva's range will also feature a high-performance OPC version powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline unit with an output of around 180-horsepower.

Sales of the new Meriva will begin in Europe in 2010. As for any chances seeing the Meriva in the U.S., for the time being, your guess is as good as ours.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Spied Virtually Undisguised

So, is this the new Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet? Well, yes and no. Yes because it will replace the drop-top CLK in Merc's lineup and no because, like its recently revealed coupe sibling, it will get the E-Class designation. Scooped here with minimum camouflage, the all-new E-Class Convertible follows in the footsteps of the Audi A5 Cabriolet retaining its predecessor's conventional canvas rooftop.

While this solution may turn some buyers to retractable hardtop models like BMW's 3-Series Convertible, it does have its advantages in terms of weight and space savings.

Other than the removal of the top and the slightly modified rear-end design, the E-Class Convertible is identical to its coupe sibling. This means that it will be offered with the same engine lineup. Depending on the market, the range will include four gasoline engines: a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with for the E250 CGi, a 3.5-liter V6 with 292HP for the E350 CGI, a 5.5-liter V8 with 388HP for the E500 and a 525HP 6.2-liter V8 for the top-of-the-line AMG version.

These units will be joined by two diesels, a 204HP 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the E250 CDi and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 231-horsepower in the E350 CDi.

According to sources, the E-Class Convertible will break cover at the forthcoming Frankfurt Auto Show this September with sales following in mainland Europe towards the end of the year and other markets including the U.S., in early 2010.

Mercedes SLS AMG: 50-High Res Photos and Official Details on 571HP Gullwing

Mercedes-Benz has released official information and a mega gallery of teaser and technical photos on its forthcoming SLS AMG supercar that will replace the outgoing SLR McLaren. This time, the German automaker has developed the SLS AMG in house as will part roads with McLaren with the end of the production of the SLR. Designed to revoke memories of Mercedes' iconic 300 SL, the SLS AMG features an aluminum spaceframe body with gullwing doors while power will come from a front mounted 6.3-liter V8 engine from AMG delivering 571 HP.

The SLS AMG's newly developed aluminum bodyshell comprises an aluminum spaceframe that helps keep the supercar's weight low. In particular, Mercedes said that the planned DIN kerb weight of its new supercar will be around 1,620 kilograms or 3,671 lbs (excluding driver).

Powering the SLS is a front-mounted, AMG-tuned 6.3-litre V8 engine that achieves a peak output of 571 hp at 6800 rpm. This results to a power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes. The naturally-aspirated eight-cylinder engine delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm.

According to Mercedes, the 'Gullwing' accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 315 km/h or 196 mph. Provisional fuel consumption for the SLS AMG is around 13.0lt per 100 kilometers or 18.09 mpg US.

The V8 engine transfers its power to the rear wheels through a new AMG dual-clutch transmission with seven gears that's mounted at the rear. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a RACESTART function. Traction comes courtesy of the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated in the compact transmission casing.

Stopping-power will be provided by high-performance composite brakes all-round while optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs will also be available. The German supercar will be equipped with 19-inch light alloy wheels shod in 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tires.

Mercedes said that the testing phase of the vehicle will be complete by the end of 2009 with the 'Gullwing' launch set for spring 2010.