Duration : 0:3:47

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Check out www.newcarnet.co.uk for more video reviews

Duration : 0:3:43

Technorati Tags: Exige, lotus, Review

The four-door S55 comes in one well-appointed trim level. The long list of standard features includes a DVD-based navigation system, 14-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, extensive leather and wood interior trim, a high-powered CD audio system and illuminated vanity mirrors for all four seating positions. Among the options are active, ventilated seats that feature built-in fans to keep one’s backside cool on sultry days, Distronic cruise control that automatically maintains a preset distance from the car in front of it and Parktronic that lets you know when you’re approaching a potentially damaging object in a parking lot.

Powertrains and Performance

The S55’s supercharged 5.5-liter V8 produces a stunning 493 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque. The power is managed by an AMG-tweaked five-speed automatic that furnishes 35-percent quicker gear changes and a “Speedshift” feature that allows drivers to shift it manually without taking their hands off the wheel. Mercedes claims this high-performance super-luxury sedan will hit 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, a figure typically ociated with exotic sporsports cars bearing Italian names.

Safety

Mercedes’ “Pre-Safe” system is standard. It determines accident probability by using sensors belonging to the stability control system and the BrakeAssist feature. Should an accident appear unavoidable, the system applies split-second tensioning of the seatbelts, moves the front-passenger seat and power-adjustable individual rear seats to the most favorable positions and closes the sunroof (if the vehicle is skidding). If the accident is averted at the last moment, the seatbelt tensioning is cancelled and the seats reset to their original positions. Of course, Pre-Safe joins a list of already impressive safety features that includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control and seat-mounted side and side curtain airbags that protect the heads and torsos of both front and rear passengers.

Interior Design and Special Features

Virtually every luxury and convenience item to be found in an automobile, including a DVD-based navigation system and power door-closing ist, is standard on the S55. Still, there are optional designo interior trim packages which provide more dramatic leather and wood combinations, as well as dynamic multicontour front seats, four-zone climate control and power-adjustable rear seats.

Driving Impressions

The S55 has that enviable quality of feeling smaller and more nimble than its substantial size suggests. Acceleration rivals that of many exotic sports cars and even its handling could be described as nimble. Although it’s still not the kind of car you buy for the sole purpose of weekend jaunts through the hills, it will make the occasional detour home from the office a most pleasurable trip indeed.

Duration : 0:1:31

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Duration : 0:7:15

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Duration : 0:9:0

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Duration : 0:6:29

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Duration : 0:5:59

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Duration : 0:7:13

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Duration : 0:7:10

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http://www.kbb.com/KBB/NewCars/Mazda_CX-9.aspx

Mazda CX-9. SUVs and sports cars serve very different purposes. One carries people and payload in a roomy, comfortable package; the other delivers a visceral driving experience. You might think trying to combine these traits into one vehicle would be an exercise in futility but thats exactly what Mazda has attempted with the CX-9.

Welcome to our comprehensive Kelley Blue Book review of the Mazda CX-9.

Mazda is known for infusing a sports car spirit into its lineup. Doing so with a seven-passenger crossover SUV, without sacrificing most of its usability is a tall order. Yet, the CX-9 largely succeeds in balancing these seemingly contrary goals. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit http://www.kbb.com today.

Duration : 0:5:44

Technorati Tags: 2007, 2008, 2009, blue, Book, Car, crossover, CX-9, Kelley, Kelly, mazda, Review, suv