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Category: Highlight

  • Preview: 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class receives the mildest of updates

    The original Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class ignited the modern era of coupe-like sedans when it launched for 2006, but the nameplate has lost some of its verve in the generations since as many rivals have hit the market, including from Mercedes itself which offers the more exciting AMG GT 4-Door Coupe as an alternative.

    The CLS-Class is currently into its third generation, and possibly its last due to the imminent arrival of another coupe-like sedan from Mercedes, the all-electric EQS. Nevertheless, the CLS-Class will be around for a few years still as Mercedes has just updated it for the 2022 model year.

    2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

    2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

    Revealed on Tuesday, the updates represent a mid-cycle refresh for the current CLS-Class which was launched on the market for 2019. They’re relatively mild by mid-cycle refresh standards, though that’s partially due to the CLS-Class having received some tech updates for 2021, namely a new infotainment system and some additional electronic driver-assist features.

    For 2022, the exterior updates are limited to a revised grille and front fascia, new wheel patterns, and the addition of the sporty AMG Line styling package as standard equipment. Inside, there’s a new steering wheel with sensor pads, and additional trim options, including from Mercedes’ Manufaktur personalization department.

    The CLS-Class is currently offered in the United States in only CLS450 and CLS53 grades. We expect this to be the case with the updated version, though at present Mercedes has only detailed the updated CLS450. It continues with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 and mild-hybrid tech, and matches the current model’s peak 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Drive is to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic as standard.

    2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

    2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

    Tech goodies in the CLS-Class include two 12.3-inch screens arranged side by side on the dash for a widescreen look. One screen is for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system, known as MBUX. The system can be controlled much like a smartphone and also responds to natural-speak voice commands.

    Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection is standard, though many additional handy items, like adaptive cruise control with speed limit assist, are only offered through the available Driver Assistance Package. An automated parking system and surround-view camera are also available.

    The 2022 CLS-Class reaches dealerships in early 2022. Pricing information, as well as info on any AMG variants, will be announced closer to the market launch.

    As for the long-term fate of the nameplate, a report from last year claimed Mercedes could ultimately drop the CLS-Class (along with the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe) to make way for the EQS. It wouldn’t come as a surprise as just 1,206 examples of the CLS were sold in the U.S. in 2020, and the figures for 2018 and 2019 were even lower.

    For more on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, read the in-depth reviews at The Car Connection.

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  • Here’s what Gordon Murray T.50’s Cosworth V-12 sounds like lapping Le Mans

    Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) has already provided a sample of how the 3.9-liter Cosworth V-12 in its T.50 supercar sounds, but on Wednesday the company released a video of the engine running a simulated lap of Le Mans’ Circuit de la Sarthe on the dynamometer. Spoiler alert: it sounds epic.

    In the video, GMA namesake Gordon Murray seems as proud of the engine note as he does of any other aspect of the car. Murray attributes the lack of forced induction, and the ram-air intake mounted right behind the driver’s head, to the car’s fantastic high-pitched sound.

    Gordon Murray's first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    Gordon Murray’s first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    On the simulated Mulsanne Straight, the V-12 shrieks like the engine of an early 2000s Formula One car. That’s thanks to a 12,100 rpm redline, which the company claims is the highest of any production car. GMA also claims its engine is the lightest V-12 in a production car, at 392 pounds.

    Working with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, peak output is 654 horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers aren’t world-beating for a supercar these days, but keep in mind that the T.50 only weighs 2,174 pounds, about 200 pounds less than a Miata.

    Murray also isn’t interested in chasing numbers. Instead of trying to beat a top-speed record or Nürburgring lap time, he designed the T.50 to be the ultimate analog supercar. That’s why the V-12 is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission, which most competitors have abandoned.

    Gordon Murray's first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    Gordon Murray’s first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    The T.50 will almost certainly be entertaining to drive. During a recent test drive, Murray chirped the tires at just 3,000 rpm. At higher speeds, the T.50 uses trick aerodynamic aids, including a fan inspired by Murray’s Brabham BT46B “Fan Car” F1 racer from 1978.

    Only 125 T.50 supercars will be built, including 100 road cars and 25 T.50s Niki Lauda track cars, which ditch the manual transmission but get more power and even more extreme aerodynamic elements.

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  • Edd China battles with his Volkswagen T5 van in “Workshop Diaries” episode 1

    Mechanic and television personality Edd China is back with a new YouTube show called “Edd China’s Workshop Diaries,” and the first episode is now live.

    As the title suggests, the show focuses on the various projects China has going on at his workshop, with some guests and field trips in the mix as well. In addition to old-school mechanical work and restorations, the show will feature electrification and prototyping projects, using modern technologies like 3D printing, CNC machining, and water-jet fabrication, as China explains in the episode’s intro.

    Besides setting up the premise of the show, and catching up viewer’s on China’s activities since he left “Wheeler Dealers,” the first episode focuses on China’s Volkswagen Transporter T5 van. That’s the fifth-generation VW, which wasn’t sold in the U.S. (VW quit with the Transporter T4, sold as the Eurovan in this market).

    Edd China

    Edd China

    The van was leaking coolant, and China hypothesizes that an oil cooler was the problem. Coolant in the engine oil confirms that hypothesis, so China tries to save the old oil cooler before deciding to install a new oil cooler and filter (they’re attached to the same housing on this engine) on the van. He also installs a new air-conditioning pump while the engine is accessible.

    Next, it’s time to reattach the radiator and front clip, reconnect hoses and sensors, and top off fluids. Once the engine is fired up and up to temperature, China finds no sign of a coolant leak. Watch the full video, and you’ll get a detailed yet concise explanation of the repair.

    It’s worth noting that China announced two previous shows—”Edd China’s Garage Revival” and “Built By Many“—after leaving “Wheeler Dealers” in 2017, and neither went anywhere. Perhaps “Workshop Diaries” will have more success. China says he plans to create an episode every week until people don’t want to watch. He also notes that he’s working with a production team and sponsors, indicating at least some level of long-term commitment.

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