Mercedes B-Class gets a facelift for 2015 – debuts at Paris Motor Show

The Mercedes B-Class facelift goes on sale today (12 Sep 2014) from £22,575 It seems only five minutes since the second generation Mercedes B-Class arrived, but it’s getting a bit of a facelift – with the emphasis on the ‘bit’ – for 2015, with the main focus being the arrival for the UK of the B-Class Electric Drive which, for many considering an EV from a premium maker, is perhaps a better option than the ‘statement’ BMW i3. Tesla had a big input on the B-Class ED’s electric gubbins, and the result is an electric B-Class that develops 177bhp (and 251lb/ft of torque), enough for a scoot to 62mph in 7.9 seconds (top speed is limited to 100mph). Range, in an ideal world, is 124 miles from the 16.6kWh lithium ion batteries – enough for most commutes.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 revealed

The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Petrolheads on this side of the Pond know what a Mustang is, even if we don’t exactly covet it. But it’s one thing not really coveting a 2011 V6 Mustang – even if it is much improved on the last version – but it’s quite another to ignore the ‘Super’ Mustang know as the Boss. Ford has announced the Ford Mustang Boss 302 for 2012, and they’re claiming they’ve used the M3 as a benchmark for handling.

Rhonda Renaissance Part 2: Paint vs. vinyl

We dispensed with the basics in Part 1 on Monday: There's a 1963 Pontiac StarChief in the parking garage of Autoweek HQ. It needs of a new coat of something for the summer, so let's explore some of the options confronting today's refinish customers, where candy paint is no longer the only game in town. Let's start with vinyl wraps: We've seen them, felt them and picked at them at shows and in shops.