884359a1 Mercury Outboard Trim Sender Conversion Module 0816 on 2040-parts.com

Going green is the new black

When hearing the term “luxury vehicle,” it’s safe to say your mind doesn’t automatically jump to phrases like “fuel-efficient” or “environmentally friendly.” Let’s be honest: Owning a gas-guzzling speed machine dressed to the nines inside and out is a serious status symbol in most cultures. But there’s a new trend taking over the luxury automotive world, and it’s covered in green. The demand for high-end hybrid cars is on the rise, not only for their notable mileage boost and decreased emissions, but also for the social gains of adopting the green technology.

BMW 640d xDrive announced

On Thursday, Greg Kable waxed effusively about the new BMW M550d xDrive coupe, suggesting that it was the ultimate 5-series for everyday use. On Friday, Munich announced that the 5's two-door sibling will receive an AWD diesel variant: the 640d xDrive. While not quite as high-zoot as the 5-series' top oil burner, the 640d's 3.0-liter, twin-turbo straight-six cranks out a respectable 465 lb-ft of almighty torque between 1,500 rpm and 2,500 rpm, plus 313 hp at 4,400 rpm—numbers that, according to BMW, will carry the 6-series to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

Mercedes E-class Estate (2010): first official photos

By Alex Michaelides First Official Pictures 05 August 2009 00:01 Take a look at these first official pictures of the Mercedes Fascination concept’s more sober cousin, the Mercedes E-class estate. It’s the latest variation to join the burgeoning Mercedes E-class family, leaving only the convertible and – possibly – the Fascination-emulating sport wagon to come. At the front, you’d be hard-pushed to find a difference between the new E-class estate and the saloon.