Mercedes BlueTec to the Future

VW UP! Light Concept

Introduction of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by Head of Design Gordon Wagener

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Development of the new Mercedes SLS AMG

The full Maybach/Daimler David LaChapelle video/introduction and elite party

Maybach/Daimler crossing the line between Art and Child Pornography!

Daimlers’ Maybach division proudly anounced that famed photographer David LaChapelle had done a shoot with the Maybach brand as a focus, and of course it was “Art”, which was the proper association for Maybach. LaChapelle’s shoot includes a scene outside in a trash heap set up, and a simulated early 30’s German New Years Orgy scene. In the latter, of course there is a Maybach, and people in various stages of undress and intercourse, but notably, there is a little (clearly underage) girl sitting on an old mans’ lap in the midst of this nudity.

I realize “Art” is interpreted in many ways by many people, but there is no excuse for parent nor artist to confront a child at that age with the scenes of this shoot. No matter how you turn this, it is perverse. I am shocked and horrified that Daimler/Maybach allowed this to take place, to go through, and actually actively promotes its products with this.

The elite potential clientele for a Maybach vehicle does not get enticed by adverts at all, and the people able to buy a Maybach who actually would get enticed by these scenes should be in prison in any civilized country. So.., what’s the point?

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Audi A8 Introduction by Lucy Liu during Miami Design

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BMW Vision Concept Most Interesting at LA Auto Show

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Toyota FJ Cruiser

Text and photos by Chris Jones

The 2009 FJ Cruiser is still unique as the day it was reborn in 2006. It has a very functional looking design, with elements taken from the original FJ40. The round head lamps and upright windshield, give it a retro feel. It definitely stands out from its competitors. The FJ we tested was the 4WD 4.0L V6 5-Speed Auto model. Fuel mileage is rated at 16/20. Seating is comfortable and cargo space ample.

If you are looking for a capable off road vehicle, then the FJ cruiser is the one for you. If you are not used to driving large vehicles, you will find that the FJ is a very comfortable ride on road and easy to handle. A Backup camera linked to a screen in the mirror, makes it even easier. It does however feel like a real off road vehicle. The center mount inclinometer isn’t just for show. To drive this on pavement alone would do it a disservice. The Independent front suspension has higher mounted A-arms, which allows 7.88 inches of travel. A smaller stabilizer bar lends to 19.25 inches of articulation. The rear has 9.06 inches of travel and 21.45 inches of articulation. That makes for excellent off road performance.
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Jeep Liberty

Text and Photos by Chris Jones

The badge on the side says trail rated. Little did I know we would be putting that to the test. The vehicle we tested was the Jeep Liberty Limited. All Liberty’s come with a 3.7L SOCH V6. It puts out 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft or torque. Gas mileage is 16 city and 21 highway. 17”X7.0 Victory Aluminum wheels are standard on the Limited. Ours came equipped with black leather, navigation, and a very nice Sky Slider ™ full open roof. It’s perfect for enjoying great weather. There was plenty of that for this drive.

The Plan was to take the Jeep Liberty to an appropriate scenic setting for a 4X4 and snap some shots. The drive along the way on streets and highway was very smooth. We ended up on Silverado Canyon Road, which eventually turns into a single lane dirt road. The road begins to climb up the mountains of the Cleveland National Forest. The drive was going quite well until we had some overheating issues with the transmission. The warning light came on a few times.

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