The Mercedes B-Class, a line of compact cars about the size of a Volkswagen Golf, is expected to be imported to the U.S. market within one or two years time. This model is unusual in that it will be the first vehicle marketed by Mercedes in the U.S. that is not a true luxury car. Instead, the German automaker is hoping to capitalize on its venerable name by serving a greater share of the American populace by marketing a more ordinary model. Soon after the B-Class debut, yet another small vehicle derived from Mercedes will also make its appearance in the U.S.: the Dodge Hornet. Both the B-Class and Hornet are being developed to revolutionize their respective brands, pitting DaimlerChrysler against some of the leading youth brands in the world.

Not everyone thinks that it is a good idea for Mercedes to sell a budget model in the U.S., particularly one sporting the Mercedes marque. Yet, Mercedes has been building smaller models for years and in Europe the brand is known for producing luxury cars as well as vehicles for the masses. Indeed, Mercedes biggest adversary, BMW, also produces a line of small cars and is planning on bringing these vehicles to the U.S. shortly. Thus, like it or not, Mercedes must respond and the B-Class will be the answer.

For Mercedes, the B-Class likely to make it to the U.S. will be a four door sedan outfitted with a six cylinder gas engine. A hatchback, popular in Europe, will probably not be included in the deal knowing American consumers disdain for that particular body style. Diesel powered B-Class are a possibility and will become even more likely should BMW introduce the same.

For Dodge, the Hornet represents an answer to Scion and their line of youth oriented brands. While the Mercedes B-Class will likely appeal to VW and Nissan owners, the Hornet will target Scion owners as well as those inclined to purchase a Honda Element or other small, boxy vehicle. DaimlerChrysler, the owner of both Mercedes and Dodge, knows that the Hornet is necessary as the brands current entry level vehicle, the Caliber, is too expensive to compete against the lowest priced cars from Japan and Korea. Considering that Chinese cars selling for 8500 or less will also be arriving soon, DaimlerChrysler must respond and respond quickly with the Hornet.

While plans havent yet been finalized, the Hornet will likely strongly resemble the concept vehicle now on display at car shows around the country. This means that the Hornet will sport a 1.6L I4 mated to a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission, with a horsepower output of 170. With 19 inch tires, stow and go seating, and Saturn ION-like doors, the Hornet will not be confused with any other vehicle on the road which is exactly what Dodge hopes will happen.

To keep production costs down, DaimlerChrysler is looking for a manufacturing plant, probably in Mexico, to build the vehicle. Aiming to keep prices to around 10,000, DaimlerChrysler may tap Volkswagen to produce the vehicle at one of its own plants. This would enable VW to fill excess capacity and give DCX a readily available source to produce the Hornet.

Yes, the B-Class is poised to change the way American consumers think about the Mercedes brand while giving the make a chance to capture a broader chunk of the market. With the Hornet deriving its platform and other key components from the B-Class, Dodge will also benefit and be able to holds its own against Asian imports. Yes, both products present risky moves for parent DaimlerChrysler, one that the automaker must take in an ever changing and highly competitive world.

Driving enthusiasts have come to expect more and more technological features equipped with their new cars. Just one generation ago, getting something above an AM radio was considered a bonus, but today there are so many electronic devices out there, that motorists expect morea lot more in fact. Lexus is about to push up the ante a bit more by introducing its all new LS-460, a car that has been electronically tricked out to the max. If you thought your personal computer had power, just wait: the LS-460 will likely have you beat by a high tech mile.

The worlds love affair with all things high tech continues unabated. Personal computers, cell phones, wi-fi, IPODS, are some of the electronic devices we use on a regular basis. Imagine a world without consumer electronicsa scary thought, right? Well, the good folks at the Toyota Motor Company dont want you to be without as evidenced in the cars that they are building. Toyotas luxury division, Lexus, is a leader in providing top quality, extremely reliable luxury cars, but the company doesnt stop there. Many models are equipped with all of the latest electronic gadgetry and the coming LS-460 will be the leader of the pack as it will offer the following features:

– A 30GB hard drive which will be partitioned for music and navigation.

– A touch screen and voice activated navigation system.

– Bluetooth phone control technology.

– 19 speaker audio system that reads MP3 audio formats.

– 3 onboard cameras to warn drivers about lane departure and to assist in parking the car.

– Monitored telematics with live traffic reports.

Of course, what good is any car if it is nothing more than an electronic play station? In the case of the LS-460, the vehicle will lead in many different engineering categories including:

– The LS-460 will feature the first 8 speed automatic transmission.

– A 4.6L V8 producing 380 hp and 370 lbs of torque will be standard. The engine will feature a dual fuel induction system combining direct and port fuel injection.

– The LS-460 will be a certified ultra low emissions vehicle able to go from zero to 60 in under 5.5 seconds.

Lexus lovers will also likely be drawn to the cars improved chassis, more refined suspension, and rakish body style which now will include a long wheelbase version topping out at a whopping 203 inches.

Yes, the LS-460 is one tricked out luxury car. Retail prices havent been set yet, but expect this technologically charged luxury liner will likely sell for in excess of 60,000. Chump change for the rich and famous, agreed?