To R is human

PITSTOP

After the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class comes the R-Class. The R-Class Merc, as is now the norm in new vehicle categories, is a fusion of a sporty saloon, an estate, an MPV, an SUV and GSLV (well, not exactly).

Keeping the wide, open roads of the Land of the Free in mind, the R-Class is being launched in North America first, later this year, while Europe will get it early next year.

About as long as an S-Class, the R-Class, also known as a Grand Sports Tourer, seats six in individual thrones and offers great amounts of space for all.

The top-of-the-line V8-engined 306 bhp R 500 does the 0 to 100 kph dash in 6.9 seconds and attains a top speed of 240 kph, while the 272 bhp V6-engined R 350 touches the 100 kph mark from standstill in 8.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 kph.

There's also the third-generation common-rail V6 in the R 320 CDI, that develops 224 bhp and a whopping 50 kgm at 1600 revs. The 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission is standard, and it comes with a new feature called Direct Select.

Here, the conventional gear lever is replaced by a lever on the steering column. You also get buttons on the steering wheel for sporty, manual shifts.

Permanent all-wheel drive and air suspension at the rear come as standard. We can immediately round up prospective buyers for the R in India. What say, DaimlerChrysler?

Hummer goes global

Arnie's favourite set of wheels may come to India. General Motors is setting up a plant in South Africa to manufacture the Hummer H3 "� exclusively for markets in Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Assembly of the H3 will begin late next year, and it includes right-hand drive versions too.

GM says that the right-hand drive H3s will be exported to the UK, Australia and New Zealand and other Asian countries. Not just that, a diesel version for international markets is also expected.

The South African plant will be the only manufacturing site outside the US to build the H3. The baby Hummer, which is considered a midsize SUV, promises better on-road behaviour, comfortable interiors and of course, great off-road performance through a full-time 4WD system.