Model Julia Stegner poses with the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC. (Photo by Newscom)
Fashion models meet new Benz models
Last week's New York Fashion Week wasn't all about clothes. Sponsor Mercedes-Benz showed off its SL 63 AMG Edition IWC and SL 65 AMG Black Series, two luxury high-performance vehicles. The SL 63, a new roadster, retails for $169,950 with only 63 available in the U.S. The SL 65 two-seater retails for $299,000 with 175 available in the U.S. Sure, the dresses were nice, but 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds is always in style.
--NWautos staff
Study: Young buyers expect more online
In the Microsoft "Millennials in Automotive Survey 2009," the vast majority of "millennials" -- those born between 1981 and 2000 -- said it's important that auto manufacturers have Web sites that give a full view of purchase options, and that they offer Web-based auto financing and customization of options, such as color and add-ons. Roughly half also wanted mobile alerts regarding new car releases, price drops and more, and would prefer to use self-service kiosks or mobile devices at the dealership to automate the shopping process.
--NWautos staff
Cadillac Converj
The electric Converj concept has a high-tech dash with a reconfigurable, or customizable, instrument cluster with touch-screen navigation. The Converj has no rear-view or outside mirrors. Instead, cameras provide surrounding panoramic images high on a recessed screen built into the instrument panel.
--Associated Press