Aston Martin SUV, Mercedes A-Class Hybrid Sneak Peak, First Look

A Sneak Peak at New SUV Hybrids

SUVs continue to be popular even as the economy remains stagnant. And so, automakers are planning to introduce new models and many of them will be offered with a hybrid option.

Two pre-announced models that are getting some early attention are the Aston Martin SUV and the Mercedes A-Class SUV crossover. Details about both are just emerging. And interestingly enough, the two share some common attributes.

Both are aimed at the younger crowd that wants a sportier performance from their SUVs. To that end, both offer innovative exterior designs and powerful drivetrains.

The Aston Martin SUV will be based on the company?s Lagonda Concept vehicle, which was introduced in 2009. The concept was a four-wheel-drive, four-seat SUV with a V12 engine. Several reports note that the SUV might, in fact, carry the Lagonda name. (Lagonda, an automaker company founded in the early 1900s, merged with Aston Martin in the late 1940s.)

Initial reports say the first production versions of this model will use Aston?s 6.0L V12 engine. However, Aston Martin will partner with Mercedes Benz to develop the SUV. Because of this partnership, industry experts believe the SUV will use the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class line. So the expectation is that Aston Martin will likely introduce a wide variety of smaller, Mercedes-Benz-powered gas, diesel, and hybrid models with the new SUV.

On the Mercedes A-Class front, Mercedes has redesigned the A-Class line squarely aimed at younger drivers. ?A is for Attack,? said Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, in a statement. ??It is completely new, down to the last detail. In automotive development, it?s not often you get the chance to start with a clean sheet of paper.?

Mercedes produced over 1 million of the original A-Class model; a redesign of this magnitude is like reinventing the entire line. The initial design of the new A-Class line has a lower profile and an improved aerodynamic shape to help improve fuel economy. There will be at several different versions of the A-Class including a five-door hatch, a four-door coupe, and a compact SUV. The A-Class line is expected to make use of Mercedes full range of powertrains, including its hybrid options.

In this redesign, the A-Class interior has undergone a major renovation, as well. All trim surfaces have an electroplated finish in silver chrome, giving them a metallic surface look. The air vents ?stand out like sparkling jewels,? according to Mercedes. All of the interior design changes were made with the younger driver looking for a sportier ride in mind.

Technology integration is also aimed at today?s younger car buyer. The Concept A-Class vehicle had an option that would allow a smartphone to be integrated with the operating and display system. There was also a special app that would allow drivers to use the full functionality of an iPhone in the car.

More information about both the Aston Martin and the Mercedes A-Class should be coming in the next few months. Keep an eye out here as details emerge.

Source: http://www.hybridsuv.com/concept-vehicles/two-new-concept-hybrids?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=two-new-concept-hybrids

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