Glued in

PITSTOP

DaimlerChrysler have just announced their latest SUV, which they claim has the comfort of a sedan and the looks of a thoroughbred off-roader. Hmm, we certainly haven't heard that before.

Anyway, this seven-seater, which is bigger than the M-Class, comes with the option of a 224 bhp from its 3200cc V6 turbodiesel or a monstrous 340 bhp 4600cc V8 turbodiesel.

For petrolheads, there's not just the entry-level 306 bhp/70 kgm 4200cc V8, but also the immense 5500cc 388 bhp V8 motor that's mated to the now ubiquitous 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. And there is a reason for the 'G' in the designation.

The GL is in fact based on the venerable G-Class and will be sold alongside it. Which means with its 4Matic 4WD system and other bits like Downhill Speed Regulation, it can be a proper mud-plugger.

The GL is set to debut at the North American Motor Show in Detroit in January 2006 and the Americans will be its first customers while Europeans will have to wait all the way till September 2006. So it will surely be a long time coming in our direction. But there's always the M-Class.

Special FXX

Ferrari's prototype, the FXX, was showcased at the Bologna Motor Show recently. The car, aimed only at hardcore Ferrari fans who put their money where their mouth is, will be part of an innovative technical programme that involves track evaluation and development of the car.

The FXX is the most advanced car to ever come out of Maranello and will, for the first time ever, have a group of Client Test Drivers. Only 29 of the 6262cc, 800 bhp V12 FXXs will be built, but none will be homologated for road use.

Buying an FXX package will fetch you a series of 14 track events organised by Ferrari , where a team of technicians will be on standby to provide assistance to those fancy Client Test Drivers.

Owners will also be eligible for private sessions at the race track and parking space at the Maranello factory too. Needless to say, if this is the first time you're hearing about it, you haven't been invited.