Mercedes locks faster acceleration behind a paywall

Mercedes becomes the latest company to offer subscription services for a feature its cars already have. The carmaker is introducing an "Acceleration Increase" add-on for a yearly subscription of US$1,200. This is expected to improve performance by boosting motor output by 20-24 percent, increasing torque, and shaving around 0.8 to 0.9 seconds off 0-60mph acceleration when in Dynamic drive mode. 

The subscription doesn't come with any physical hardware upgrades. It just unlocks the full capabilities of the vehicle, suggesting Mercedes intentionally limited performance so they can sell this as an extra. The add-on is available for the Mercedes-EQ, EQE, and Mercedes-EQ EQS electric car models. With global sales for new cars falling in recent years, car manufacturers have turned to selling software updates and features as subscriptions to generate a continuous revenue stream after the car's purchase.

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BMW, Mercedes end self-driving car collaboration

Image courtesy of BMW and Mercedes

It looks like we won't be seeing what self-driving vehicle BMW and Mercedes could've developed together. The two automakers have called quits on their ongoing partnership to develop automated driving technology. BMW and Mercedes say the split is "mutual and amicable." They are open to renewing the partnership in the future.

According to a joint statement, the decision was reached after considering several factors. One is that developing a shared autonomous vehicle platform became a more complex and expensive undertaking than they expected. Another is the agreement delayed how quickly they can have joint discussions between their in-house experts as well as communicate with suppliers regarding product roadmaps.

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Motoring: smart forspeed Electric Roadster concept unveiled

While we've never found Mercedes Benz's smart line of cars appealing, we like what we see with this futuristic new concept vehicle. The smart forspeed Electric Roadster will never see production (sigh!) but a number of its design elements and underlying technologies will. The smart forspeed accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 120 km/h. A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the smart forspeed and the vehicle concept provides an immediate powerful response from stationary. They should put a few of these in an upcoming Transformers movie.

2010 Canadian Auto Show shrinks, previews upcoming models

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Gullwing was one of the highlights of the 2010 Canadian Auto Show

We've been covering the Canadian Auto Show in Toronto for years and were sad and a bit disappointed at what we got to see this year, or rather, what we didn't. Past shows were so huge that it could take you a whole day to cover the exhibit spaces in the North and South Toronto Convention Centre and the cavernous Skydome (Rogers Centre).

Well, the Rogers Centre was dropped this year and fewer car companies were represented - a pity, really. A sign of difficult times, I guess.

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