Sport Utility Vehicle

The segment of the midsize SUVs is in a constant growth, and the Mercedes did not have a representative to compete with the successful BMW X3 and the forthcoming Audi Q5.

Since the EUA are slowly abandon the Full Size SUVs in detriment of smaller vehicles, like the BMW X3, because these have a lesser consumption, more environment friendly, more agile and easy to park, the Mercedes Benz is comes losing market.

With the new midsized SUV GLK, Mercedes hopes to return once again to the top of this market niche.

Unfortunately for Mercedes it’s speculated that BMW and Audi are preparing SUVs even more small, the X1 and the Q3.The GLK brings together the strengths of Mercedes full-size models within an entry-luxury format that also has benefits in terms of fuel consumption. GLK will slot below the M-Class in the lineup.

This intelligent “right-sizing” sees Mercedes-Benz achieve - in parallel with its BLUETEC initiative - a further contribution to the reduction of CO₂ emissions within the SUV segment.

The upcoming GLK-Class will launch in March 2008, this midsized SUV looked inspiration in Class G with the objective in mind to seduce the adventure drivers.

As an entry-luxury SUV, the future GLK adds a fifth model to the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV range, offering customers a new entry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive and securing yet another growth market segment for the Stuttgart auto manufacturer.

Integrated in new C-Class, sharing with it the platform and the main mechanical components, the platform was subject to structural modifications decurrent of the GLK vocation, with prominence for the suspension with Agility Control that was reviewed.

 The midsize SUV of Stuttgart must measure about 4,3 meters of length and its appearance identifies it as a Mercedes the front fascia is capped off by a typical Mercedes-Benz grille and receives the wide fender flares from the C that give the GLK an aggressive stance and accent, while the back section, with straight forms, resembles it a GL.

In the interior will be preserved also some decoration elements of the C-Class, despite the conduction position is raised, the comfort, the materials quality and the functionality will be a constant in the GLK, as well of-road helps, which are imported of the ML, as the security devices, including the package “Pre-Safe”.

The engines, will be used those that we know of the C-Class, in contrast of the ML will be available blocks of four cylinders.

Foreseen Range

The GLK range will debut in 2009 with the possibility of a V8-powered GLK63 AMG version coming in 2010.

The car will be offered in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, with different versions and engines according to the propulsion mode.

Mercedes knows, like all car manufacturers, the vast majority of the buyers of compact SUV’s will never take their vehicles off the asphalt and acknowledges it with a offer of two different versions of the GLK, the GLK Townside prepared for the asphalt use, equipped with low profile tires and lowered ride height of 30 millimeters, that will provide better performances and stability when in the road, The GLK Freeside, on the other hand, for drivers that are looking for a little more adventure has been optimised for off-road terrain with longer spring travel and a softer basic set-up.” Stylistically, the Townside represents a production ready version with less dramatic rocker panel moldings, no power bulges in the hood and no roof rack.

Both versions are equipped highly efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and with all-new four-cylinder diesel engine - a power unit that is both economical and, thanks to BLUETEC, extremely clean, the 7G-Tronic TouchShift automatic transmission is also the same.

Lamborghini Automobile Company was founded in 1963 by businessman Ferruccio Lamborghini, who owned a successful tractor factory, Lamborghini Trattori S.p.A..

Lamborghini as automaker of high-performance grand tourers and supercars, had then its origins as a tractor manufacturer.

   The first Lamborghini off-road vehicle, that wasn’t a tractor, was the Cheetah, it was built on contract for the American firm Mobility Technology International, which were contacted by the U.S. military to design and built an all-terrain vehicle.

The Cheetah had a rear-mounted Chrysler V8 engine and was presented at the Geneva Auto Show in 1977.

   Between 1986 and 1993 Lamborghini built approximately 300 SUVs with the name LM002 , with a similar design of the Cheetah but powered by the V12 from the Lamborghini Countach mounted in the front with first 375 bhp and later on 455 bhp, its aggressive styling and powerful engine made it a success for Lamborghini.

Civilian models were outfitted with a full luxury package, including full leather trim, tinted power windows, air conditioning, and a premium stereo mounted in a roof console.

In 1988 an LM002 was prepared for the Paris-Dakar rally with an upgraded suspension, engine modifications which brought it to 600 hp (450 kW), full roll cage, plexiglas windows, and GPS equipment, but for it didn’t entered in this competition, although it did participate in the Rallye des Pharaons in Egypt and another in Greece, both times driven by Sandro Munari.

THE SUCCESSOR

With the success that Porsche is having with the Cayenne, plans for a Lamborghini SUV are growing again, there’s a rumor that Lamborghini will make a  successor of the LM002 and return to its off-roads origins.

  Future Lamborghini SUV will be probably unveiled sometime in 2009, based on a modified Cayenne platform and, under the bonnet a version of the 5.0 liter V10 engine used in the Gallardo and Audi S6 and S8, but also a 4.5 liter V8 from the Cayenne could be available. Maximum output will be around 500 hp. There is a also the possibility for European market to get the 5.9 litre V12 diesel engine used in the Audi Q7.