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| Due to the extremely positive public response garnered by the car when it was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the four-door CLS Coupe (that's what the new car will be called) will be built at the DaimlerChrysler factory in Sindelfingen. |
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| We're sure Mercedes' decision to go ahead with the CLS would have something to do with the introduction of BMW's own large coupe, the 645 Ci. And it would also seem that with the CLS, Mercedes-Benz are now trying to outdo BMW in the weird styling stakes. |
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| In production form, the CLS Coupe will come with V6 and V8 engines, and will feature Airmatic pneumatic suspension, seven-speed automatic transmission, Sensotronic brake control, bi-xenon active headlights with see-round-corners function and latest-gen climate control. |
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| The German giant reckons that since the CLS combines the shape of a coupe with the convenience of a saloon, it offers more added value than other coupes. So why call it a coupe, we wonder. |
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| A little nip and Tucson |
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| Hyundai Motor America is all set to launch a new SUV, to be badged the Tucson, in August 2004. The Tucson will be priced below the Santa Fe, and will be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. |
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| It's expected to come with a four-cylinder engine as standard, while a V6 will be optional. |
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| Besides the Tucson, Hyundai is also planning to launch a minivan, another mid-size SUV and a light-duty pick-up, all by 2006. Hyundai already sells their XG350 luxury saloon and the Sonata in the US, and they will be opening their first plant in America in 2005. |
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| The Korean automaker may top 4,00,000 vehicles in sales this year in the US, and they expect to reach 5,00,000 by the end of 2006. We're sure their new vehicle onslaught can get them there. |
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