2010MY Nissan Rogue SUV Priced, Starts from $20,340

Nissan has just released pricing for its 2010 model year Rogue SUV that is offered in two trim levels, S and SL, both of which are available with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. Prices start from $20,340 and $21,930 for the FWD S and SL models and from $21,540 and $23,130 for the AWD S and SL versions respectively. In all cases, power comes from a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine linked to a CVT.

The only change for the 2010 model year is the introduction of a new 360° Value Package for the Rogue S models which includes 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, privacy glass, integrated rearview monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear spoiler and chrome grille. The package is priced at $1,040, and according to Nissan, it offers buyers a $1,000 savings compared to purchasing the items separately.

Mercedes Announces Production of Hydrogen-Powered B-Class F-Cell

This is Mercedes-Benz's B-Class F-Cell, the company's first ever series production fuel-cell car. According to the German automaker, production will begin in late 2009 with the first of around 200 examples of the hydrogen-electric hybrid to be delivered to customers in Europe and the USA at the beginning of next year. Based on the B-Class hatch, the F-Cell uses a new generation fuel cell system, in which gaseous hydrogen reacts with atmospheric oxygen at 700 bar to generate a current for the electric motor, with water as a by-product.

As in conventional hybrids with combustion engines, the fuel-cell car makes use of a lithium-ion battery with an output of 35 kW and a capacity of 1.4 kWh to boost power and recover braking energy.

The drive components of the F-Cell powertrain are located in the sandwich floor, meaning that passenger and luggage space (416 liters) remain unaffected..

The vehicle's electric motor produces an output of 100 kW or 136 horsepower and a maximum torque of 290 Nm or 214 lb-ft allowing the five-door Merc to reach a top speed of 170km/h or 105mph. We don't know how Mercedes made the calculation, but the firm claims that the zero-emission car fuel cell drive consumes the equivalent of 3.3 liters of diesel fuel per 100km or 71.3mpg US.

The B-Class F-Cell is said to have a driving range of around 400 km or 250 miles while it takes about three minutes to refuel the car with hydrogen.

The Stuttgart automaker said that it has addressed the cold-start issues that affect hydrogen-powered vehicles with the B-Class F-Cell being able to start in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius while vigorous testing ensures that the car offers the same level of safety as in other Mercs.

Audi S5 Sportback with 3.0 Supercharged V6: Photo Album and Initial Specs

Ingolstadt has whisked the covers off the sportiest version yet of the A5 Sportback, the S5 that will be displayed for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The S5 Sportback uses the same 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine as the latest-generation S4 sedan that cranks out 333 horsepower and 440Nm (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm.

The 3.0 TSI engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that puts power to all four wheels through Audi's a Quattro drivetrain while a sport differential, which variably distributes power on the rear axle between the rear wheels, will be offered as an option.

The German firm cites a 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.4 seconds (S4 Sedan: 5.1 seconds) and an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph.

Audi says that the S5 Sportback returns a combined fuel economy figure of 9.7 liters per 100 km which is the U.S. equivalent of 24.25 mpg.

In typical Audi fashion, a subtle body kit that includes a deeper front bumper, aluminum-look exterior mirror housings, side skirts, specific grille and a small boot lid spoiler plus 18-inch alloys shod in 245/40 tires distinguish the S5 from its lesser A5 siblings.

Inside, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching, the aluminum trim, gray dials and of course the sport seats covered with Silk Nappa leather let you know you're behind the wheel of a special A5.

Sales of the Audi S5 Sportback are pegged to start in Spring 2010 with prices set to start in Germany from €57,900.