Prices

As aforementioned, price for the model are really competitive. Deliveries will start at the end of the month, with three versions to be available on the market. Prices are listed below and do not include the destination fees.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 FWD 7-speed DCT auto: $59,900
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC AWD 8-speed DCT auto: $73,900
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC AWD 8-speed DCT auto: $88,900.

All three variants – the GLB 200, GLB 250 and the top of the line AMG GLB 35 come with top features inside the cabin and plenty of new technology. The models also sit on the company`s latest MFA2 platform, also underpining the B-Class, along with the A-, CLA- and GLA-class. Still, compared with its cousin, the B-Class, the 2020 GLB is 100 mm longer, and that to make room for the third seat row.

Interior Space and Technology

Even if the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB comes with three row of seats, it still makes this SUV extremely comfortable in terms of space. As the company states, the third row provides ”a comfortable position” for those who are up to 168cm tall, featuring the same safety equipment as the other rows. This means side window airbags, retractable headrests, or ISOFIX child seat anchor points.

Technology wise, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB is equipped with the latest gadgetries. There is the 10.25-inch digital screens for the instrument cluster, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, keyless start, electronic tailgate, thermotronic climate control, and much more.

Performance

There are three engines equipping the GLB, depending on the version you choose. For instance, the base model 200 comes with a 1.3-liter turbo-petrol flat-four pot, developing no less than 120kW and 250 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is done în 9.1 seconds.

The mid-leven version is equipped with a higher 2.0-liter turbo engine, with 165kW and 350 Nm of torque. The same sprint is visibly-improved – 6.9 seconds.

Finally, the topper AMG GLB 35 packs an updated 2.0-liter turbo flat-four, with an impressive 225kW and 400 Nm of torque. It features an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling a sprint în just 5.2 seconds.

The car was set up for a debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, last month, but with the Covid19 pandemic, the model was launched just some time ago. The media gallery bellow shows the car în its original form, after being long-rendered and showcased în teaser images. And as you can depict from the gallery, this is one impressive ride from a design perspective.

Staggering Price

Once emerging on the market towards the end of the year, or possibly at the beginning of 2021, the 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign will cost a staggering 990,000 euros, which is around $1.08 million. That makes it around five times more expensive than the regular GT-R Nismo ($212,435).

Unfortunatelly, this is going to be a limited-edition of just 50 pieces, with the first batch to be delivered towards the end of the year.

Design Like No Other GT-R

The production model is absolutely mind-blowing in terms of styling and that because Italdesign tuning firrm knows its business too well. Hence the successful partnership between the two of the companies for many years.

The exterior strikes with the special paintwork, highlighted by the new front and rear fascias wrapped in black shape. There are also other changes brought to the car`s bumpers and headlights. We are dealing here with new LED headlights, while the roof now features a lower center section, which is flanked by raised outer areas. At the back, there is a huge wing which can be adjusted at high speeds. The changes could not be completed without the new set of 21-inch alloy wheels, custom-built for this particular model.

How about the Interior?

Changes were made inside the cabin as well. We are dealing here with a lot of leather and Alcantara and generous use of carbon fiber.

Mechanics and Performance

Besides the new look at the exterior and fresly-updated cabin, the 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign is also a real monster under the hood as well.

Mechanically, the technicians from Nissan added a new suspension system with continuously-adjustable damping, along with Brembo brakes and updated sequential six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

Performance wise, the 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign features a high-performance 3.8-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, capable to output a staggering 710 horsepower and 780 Newton-meters, way more than the GT-R Nismo.

More can be found în the media gallery below. Enjoy and don`t forget to share your opinions!

Speaking of something unique, ABT Sportsline from Germany is well-known from transforming Audi models of all sorts into masterpieces; and this is exactly the case with our Audi RS-R Avant displayed in the media gallery below.

How Is It at the Exterior?

This is actually one of the 125 cars built by ABT Sportsline and sold for at least 206,000 euros, with a series of updates involved at the exterior, interior and under the hood. As you can depict from the media gallery below, the model in question stands out from the crowd with a new carbon fiber aero kit.

The most evident piece is the massive carbon-fiber front splitter, while the wheel arch vents on the fenders provide greater stance. The addition of the massive 22-inch alloy wheels, make the Audi RS-R Avant by ABT more imposing. They are wrapped with 285/30/22 Michelin Pilot Sport 46 tires as standard.

Performance Wise

It is not a secret anymore that the new 2020 Audi RS-R Avant was built with a huge power and torque from the factory. This means a hair-raising 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. But with the tuner`s new Power R performance package, this is raised to a whopping 730 horsepower.

Mechanical bits

Each power raise comes with a series of modifications under the hood. In this case, ABT Sportsline tuning company added a modified turbocharger, along with a new intercooler and some new electronics at the engine. The result for the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbocharged pot is staggering – 730 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque.

With that in mind, you can imagine the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h; in this case, we are talking about 3.2 seconds, which is way faster than a standard RS 6 – four tenths faster – making it one of the fastest station wagons in the world. Ain`t that impressive or what?

Other bits that help improve performance and torque refer to sport dampers on both axles, new height-adjustable sport springs that bring the car closer to the ground by 1.1 inches. And if that is not enough, you can also request a modified Dynamic Ride Control suspension with a coil-over setup. All these ingredients make the 2020 Audi RS-R Avant by ABT Sportsline worth every penny. Enjoy the media gallery with the gorgeous station wagon.

Once emerged on the market towards the end of the year, the 2021 BMW 4-Series will be offered just like the previous model, in coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe shapes, and will stand on the company`s latest CLAR platform. This is the latest high-end model to gain the CLAR architecture, thus joining the new G20 3-Series, 5-Series, 7-Series, as well as the carmaker`s X lineup.

Currently on tests on the famous Ring, the new 4-Series, also codenamed the G22, is set to become one of the most advanced models in terms of driving capabilities and aerodynamics, coming with a series of improvements.

Speaking of which, representatives from BMW stated that the model would feature an updated chassis technology, along with new suspension system that would place the new 4-Series “straight to the top of its segment”, transforming it into a genuine sports car with advanced driving capabilities. The sportiness of the car is also given by the new double-joint struts equipping the front, adding a five-link rear-end as well.

This is what BMW said about the car`s new chassis technology:

 “Whether darting along winding country routes around Munich or constantly switching between motorway and urban traffic, the new BMW M440i xDrive coupe epitomises how the unequivocally sporty design of the body and chassis, the bespoke set-up of the steering, brakes and all-wheel-drive system, the pinpoint feedback from the dampers and the precise interventions of the chassis control systems together serve up driving pleasure that thrills and delights – day in, day out.”

The car`s improved driving capabilities is also given by the new overall height; this means that the car sits 57 mm lower, while the centre of gravity has been reduced by 21 mm. On the other side, at the front, the negative camber has increased, while the rear provides a 23 mm wider track. All this leads to a boost in lateral acceleration.  

Once it will become available on the market, the 4-Series will tackle its competitors with a top of the line model, in the shape of the M440i xDrive. Performance wise, the topper will feature a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six engine, developing no less than 275 kW. And as with all top of the line models from BMW, a hybrid version will available with a ‘’48V mild hybrid technology with an 8kW electric boost system”, equipped with an xDrive all-wheel drive and eight-speed auto.

Stay tuned for upcoming info on the all-new 2021 BMW 4-Series, regarding performance figures, design and technology on-board!

Now, the tuner is back into the spotlights with another outrageous package carried out on the 2019 Chevy Silverado, a massive and extremely good-looking truck. The first noticeable transformation at the exterior is the car’s stretched body, the engineers from Hennessey adding a new set of wheels, thus making it a 6×6 model. With that in mind, they decided to call their project – the Hennessey Goliath 6×6. 

A 6×6 transmission translates in massive power, and this Goliath does impress with such thing. It features a mind-blowing 6.2-litre V8 engine, coming alongside an HPE700 2.9-liter Supercharger. Add up a stainless steel exhaust system signed by the same tuner, and you have a whopping 705 horsepower and 6765 lb-ft of torque out of the box. 

And even if we are dealing here with a tank, Hennessey`s Goliath 6×6 can run pretty fast. This means that the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.5 seconds. Pretty astonishing, isn’t it? 

Also, if you are wondering about the price, Hennessey is launching their Goliath for no less than $375,000, with a limited production of just 24 units. And that would be the basic Goliath. Add up more power (around 800 horsepower) and other mechanical stuff (Brembo brake system or interior upgrades) and we could be taking an extra $50k worth of goodies. 

The 2023 Chevy Silverado Double Cab can tow up to 13,300 pounds, while the 2023 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab can tow up to 13,200 pounds. They are both great options, true off-road beasts!

Below are a couple of the “standard” specs that the Hennessey Goliath 6×6 comes with:

• 6X6 Conversion with an additional axle, wheels, tires and brakes
• All-new rear suspension system
• Eight-inch lift kit
• Custom 6X6 truck bed
• Hennessey 20-inch wheels
• BFG 37-inch off-road tires
• GOLIATH 6X6 & HENNESSEY graphics
• Rollbar upgrade
• LED lights
• Hennessey front and rear bumpers
• 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty.

From what I remember, the tuner’s latest project to receive world appreciation was the VelociRaptor 6×6, which is based on the Ford’s F-150 VelociRaptor, this one coming with plenty of aftermarket parts at the exterior, as well as under the hood as well. And even if it came cheaper (around $295,000) it is considered more appealing than the rugged Hennessey Goliath 6×6. 

Among the truck`s main highlights we should mention the 6×6 locking rear axles, LED lights, roll bar, brand-new 20-inch wheels with off-road tires, custom-built front and rear bumpers, and a couple more. Power comes from a new performance package, which is 600+, along with new mechanical enhancements – new stainless exhaust system, upgraded twin turbochargers, new front-mounted air to air intercooler and so on. 

As we can spot in the spy video below, the 2021 Audi RS3 Sportback is currently in disguise, which means that is in its early testing. And once it will emerge on the market towards the end of the year, it will come with a more prominent and more aggressive design language than the standard A3.

Unfortunately, the video doesn’t say too much about the car`s new design, since it is covered in camouflage. However, there are some hints that reveal parts of its final shape, like wider front and rear wheel arches with rear air slits, upgraded rear spoiler and chunkier rear diffuser. As for the front, it still keeps the same design language as the standard A3, but rest assured things won’t remain like that.

Since we don’t have too many details about the car`s design, we did manage to find out a little bit more about the car`s new engine, which will definitely be more powerful than the ongoing model. And judging by the way it sounds in the video, it will be a real banger.

The ongoing model came out with a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder, with an impressive 294 kW and 480 Nm of torque. That was the same engine that equipped the 2016 TT RS model, and which made it one of the most powerful hot hatches on the market at that time.

The good news is that, according to sources, the same engine will be used; however with greater power. We are not sure how much, but it will be powerful enough to take on the new Mercedes-AMG A45, which outsources 310 kW. So, experts say it would come out with around 290kW-300kW. Mechanically, the RS experts will use the same all-four wheel system with some other important tweaks that will increase its driving capabilities. For the moment, the details list is rather scarce, but since it is bound to appear on the market towards the end of 2021, we should be able to find out more in the upcoming weeks.

As a reminder, the standard 2021 Audi A3 Sportback was released back in March, and features an extremely muscular design, which is part of the company`s new design philosophy. The same design elements are visible on the S3 Sportback as well.

Bigger and wider, the A3 Sportback is aggressive, thanks to the L-shaped headlights with Matrix LED technology, the high-end single-frame grille with new corner intake clusters on the sides. The wheel arches are also more prominent, while the taillights are now wider and perfectly blending in with the neat rear bumper bar, now equipped with matching corner clusters.

As we can depict from the media gallery below, the BMW i4 is a futuristic concept, with an advanced design…nothing we have seen so far at a BMW product. All the design elements are beautifully combined together in an attempt to create the perfect body style.

Speaking of design language, Domagoj Dukec, CEO of BMW Design, has declared that:

“The design of the BMW Concept i4 shows fantastic proportions, a powerfully expressive character and, of course, a lot of attention to detail. With the Curved Display, we have redefined BMW’s signature driver focus in an extremely elegant way. At the same time, the BMW Concept i4 transports a feeling of sustainable driving pleasure.”

The i4 Concept`s body is described as revealing a “visually powerful face to the electric age” of BMW, featuring new and much more aggressive kidney grilles at the front end, in connection with two vertical items that drop down the front spoiler.

There is also the new set of headlights with a combination of past and future themes, while the traditional four-eye layout provides a much more slender style. The front section also houses a lot of sensors, all part of what BMW calls an “intelligence panel.”

At the rear end, BMW has given it a more appealing and sportier feel and look, comprising a two-piece diffuser lower down, along with thin and wide taillight theme and swooping rear windscreen which increases the car`s aggressive looks.

Moving inside, the interior of the BMW  i4 Concept is exactly the way we expected it to be: high-tech and futuristic and comprising the latest gadgetries on board. The main highlight is the brand-new “Curved Display” screen with the media interface and instrument cluster combined in one panel; also, the layout of the gauge cluster for the driver lets you easily operate between the three “experience modes” available – Core, Sport and Efficient. The latter one also comes with the new “Assisted Driving View”.

Besides the futuristic and revolutionary design, and the high-tech cabin, the BMW i4 Concept is also a beast under the hood. It uses a fifth-generation eDrive electric motor, the very same that will probably equip the future model. The power is set at a staggering 390kW, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h done in 4.0 seconds.

The electric motor also uses a high-voltage battery, which has a capacity of 80kW, thus offering a driving range of around 600 km. Weighing around 550 kg, it will prove extremely efficient in terms of driving capabilities.

Due to enter production in 2021, the future BMW i4 will come out as plug-in hybrid and full electric models. You can find out more about the BMW i4 Concept in the media gallery bellow. Prices will be revealed towards the end of this year.

The tuning segment has also brought some fresh products, and one of them comes from renowned German tuner firm Mansory. Mansory is famous for its projects on BMW models, especially on the X5 or the X6. Besides BMW, the firm also deals with other German carmakers like Mercedes-Benz.

So, here we are with the brand-new 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 taking its aftermarket share of goodies at the exterior as well as under the hood. And I have to tell you that the whole deal is worth a lot of money, which is almost $360K.

Mansory took the social-media by storm with its latest creation, the tuner adding an eye-catching carbon fiber body kit as well as an impressive power stage under the hood.

Exterior Changes

The technicians from Mansory wrapped the car`s exterior with a flamboyant kit, consisting of new front and rear bumper from carbon fiber, along with huge fender flares to fit the big wheels, and a new hood scoop. Other carbon fiber elements can be seen on the extra parts of the four fenders and front doors, or on the roof attachments. There is also the black Panamericana grille, as well as the two-tone mirror caps with red accents. The entire kit is complemented with a new set of 24-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels.  

Massive Power under the Hood

Powering the stock 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 is a massive 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 585 PS and 430kW, which enables a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is mind-blowing…that at a top speed of just 220 km/h.

With the tuner`s new power kit, the juice has been raised to a whopping 720 PS (710 HP) and 530 kW, which makes it even faster. Unfortunately, the performance figures are not given, however, we guess around 4.2 seconds, a significant improvement from the stock.

Mechanically, this 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 has not received new aftermarket goodies. Even so, it proves to be highly-advanced with the stock suspension system which comes with a semi-independent setup at the front; the rear end features a rigid setup, all together proving better stance and grip. There is also the body-on-frame chassis that it stands on, now wider and longer and providing 55 percent more stiffness than the previous model.

As for the price, it was already mentioned – it stands at whopping $361,327, which is almost double than the MSRP of the standard model in Germany. However, those who are not satisfied with the stock features, can always resort to such drastic customizations. After all, we are dealing with a top-notch model from Mercedes-Benz, the AMG division.

Mansory isn’t the only aftermarket firm to show up with a customized and extremely expensive G63 at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show. We are dealing here with Brabus, the tuning division from Daimler, which also deals with extreme customizations. The same 2020 G63 has received around 789 horsepower and a lot of new visuals; however, the price is much higher – $426,851. This project is called the 800 Adventure XLP by Brabus, and is actually an extended G63 with a bed right behind it. But we will talk about that in a future article.

Meanwhile, take a look at Mansory`s new take on the brand-new 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 and tell us what you think about the project!

The organizers of the show have also confirmed that the most important auto show of the year will be put off and not postponed. This is what they stated in a press conference the other days:

“The Federal Council’s top priority is to protect the population,” the authorities said in their statement. “It is responding to the latest developments in the coronavirus epidemic and has categorized the situation in Switzerland as ‘special’ in terms of the Epidemics Act.”

They also said that they regret the situation, as this is a “force majeure” to protect all the participants against the virus. GIMS also stated that “the show cannot be postponed. It`s not possible. It`s too big. It`s not feasible.”

Scheduled for an official opening on March 2, the organizers have asked the exhibitors to dismantle their auto stands by March 7, with all the tickets sold being refunded. It is quite a drastic decision, especially since carmakers all over the world have put their efforts into setting up the scenes to display their latest creations.

As aforementioned, the 2020 Geneva Motor Show will not be postponed, meaning that each carmaker will have to switch to live streams to reveal their new products. On that regard, organizers have also declared:

“A few days before the opening of the event, the construction of the stands was very nearly complete. A week ago, during the press conferences announcing the 2020 edition, there was nothing to suggest that such a measure was necessary. The situation changed with the appearance of the first confirmed coronavirus diseases in Switzerland and the injonction of the Federal Council on 28.02.2020. The event is cancelled due to this decision.”

From A-to-Z, the 2020 Geneva Motor Show should have offered quite a display, with exciting new and revolutionary cars; however, we will keep you posted along the way and offer a closer look at what carmakers have to offer via online streaming.

First off, there are plenty of new electric cars debuting in Geneva, like Fiat`s brand-new 500 which is now fuelled by a powerful battery, while BMW`s i4 sports car is fully tweaked with the latest gadgetries.

Still on the German counterpart, Audi is ready to display the new A3 Series, already previewed a couple of weeks ago, while Volkswagen is putting out the brand-new Golf GTI with impressive performance. The long-awaited Mercedes-Benz E-Class fleet will also be revealed with design improvements and new engines.

On the sports car section, Porsche is ready to unleash the exciting 911 Turbo and Turbo S in coupe and convertible styles, while Alfa Romeo will reveal the new Giulia GTA, and the Stelvio Ti ‘6C Villa d`Este’.

Second, the supercar segment will offer premium products, such as the McLaren 765LT or the road supercar concept Espera Sbarro Saetta. Let`s not forget the tuning segment with exciting new programs that will be revealed in the following days.

Recently, RAM Trucks Australia has announced the introduction of a new model to its lineup, in the shape of the 1500 Express Crew V8. And as the name suggests, it is extremely powerful. The new truck sits above the present Quad lineup and comes with a new and much more muscular design.

In Australia, the Dodge RAM 1500 Express Crew V8 costs at least $89,950 with no destination fees. For that money, you get new edition colours, like Bright White, Flame Red, Granite Crystal and Diamond Black. The price also includes a three-year or 100,000 km warranty.

The carmaker`s need for new models in Australia is due to the growing popularity of its products along the years. For instance, in 2019 alone, RAM sold no less than 2868 vehicles, which is a considerable increase of 296.7 percent, compared with 2018.

About RAM products` success in Australia, Jeff Barberm Sales Manager at RAM Trucks Australia, also declared that:

 “We’ve assessed the market and feel the time is right to build on the huge levels of passion for the RAM Trucks brand in Australia. The 1500 Express Crew allows us to grow our product portfolio and offer a premium version of our entry level Express range. It also marks the first step in what will be an exciting product roll-out in 2020.”

Design wise, the new RAM 1500 Express Crew is a massive ute, featuring a rather sinister look with new elements. These comprise the Sports Hood with massive intake vents, black accents on the side mirrors, door handles or front grille, all complemented by the new dark grey alloy wheels.

The “full-size” pickup, as it is called, also features a much wider cabin, resembling the one from the Laramie. This means more legroom and headroom for the passengers. At the back, there is also a 5-foot, 7-inch tub which ensures wider loading space, being offered with an optional RamBox storage buckets.

The interior comes packed with the new 8.4-inch touch-screen media interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a lot of in-built applications, dual-zone climate control and much more.

Under the hood, the RAM 1500 Express Crew V8 is offered in Australia with a lot of power. That means a massive 5.-7-liter naturally aspirated HEMI V8, with an impressive 291 kW and 556 Nm of torque, which makes it the most powerful dual-cab truck on the market. As for the sprint, the ute manages to reach 100 km/h in an exceptional 7.32 seconds.

Please find below the official details of the Dodge RAM 1500 Express V8 in Australia:

Engine: 5.7-litre petrol V8
Output: 291kW@5600rpm / 556Nm@3950rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Part-time RWD/4WD
Wheels: F & R: 20×9.0, 275/60
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2525kg
Power-to-weight: 8.67:1 (kg:kW)
Official fuel economy: 12.2L/100km
Economy during test: 18L/100km
Fuel capacity/Type: 121L/91 RON

Power efficiency: 23.85kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.43 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.32 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.25 seconds*
1/8 mile: 10.05 seconds at 117.0km/h*
1/4 mile: 15.45 seconds at 147.2km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.812g
100-0km/h braking: 3.52 seconds at 42.11 metres*
Max deceleration: -1.139g
Decibel at idle: 56*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 86*
Priced from: $89,950.