2001 Western Star 4964 Ex Passenger Side Fairing on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes-Benz reveals new V-class

Mercedes-Benz has returned to the luxury MPV ranks with a resurrection of the V-class – the commercial vehicle based multiseat van first introduced to the German car maker’s lineup in 1996. Positioned as an upmarket rival to the likes of the popular Volkswagen Multivan, the new V-class was conceived and developed in a joint-engineering program with the third-generation Vito, which it will be produced with at Mercedes-Benz’s Vitoria factory in Spain. Set to go on sale in Europe shortly after its public debut at the Geneva auto show in early March, the V-class is being considered for sale in the U.S.

Volvo gives T6 engine the Polestar treatment

Just weeks after announcing its Polestar performance kits for the T5-engined cars, Volvo is now offering packages for the XC60, S60 and XC70 models fitted with its turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The T6 Polestar software package adds 25 hp and 30 lb-ft of torque, bringing totals to 325 hp and 355 lb-ft, respectively. Volvo says the added power won't result in greater fuel consumption, as the tuning of the engine only increases power when needed--though we'd imagine most drivers will feel the need often enough to significantly affect mileage.

How Mercedes sees into the future

Mercedes' crystal ball is named Alexander Mankowsky. At 56, he's dressed for CES in khaki trousers and a leather vest, with thin glasses perched on a round face; his frizzy white hair resembles what Einstein's would if he were caught in a wind tunnel. He might be a long-distant uncle, or he might be Doc Brown, fresh from the DeLorean.