UNDISCOVERED THINGS ABOUT MERCEDEZ BENZ GIWAGON
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
The not-for-America G450d also gets mild-hybrid technology.
There's a new-ish G-Class that looks a lot like the old one. However, Mercedes has made some changes underneath the skin, chief of which is an inline-six replacing the V8 inside the G550. Over in Europe, the diesel engine is sticking around and is even getting more power. That's a nice surprise considering how strict emissions regulations are in the EU.
Although images are not available, the old G400d is being retired to make way for the G450d. It uses an evolution of the 3.0-liter, inline-six turbodiesel engine massaged to pump out 362 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That gives it an advantage of 36 hp and 37 lb-ft over its predecessor. In addition, the new diesel has a mild-hybrid setup with an electric motor good for another (albeit temporary) 20 hp and 148 lb-ft.
While the pre-facelift Mercedes G400d did 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds, its replacement takes only 5.8 seconds. Top speed remains unchanged, at 130 mph. This not-for-America flavor of the iconic G-Wagen has about 140 lb-ft more torque than the G550 but it's down on horsepower by 81 hp. The new G450d is only about half a second slower in the sprint than the G550.
Mercedes hasn't finished refreshing the G-Class since a fully electric variant is coming later this year, possibly without "EQ" branding. Over in China, the venerable off-roader is also sold with a four-cylinder gasoline engine as the G350 with just 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of twist. A plug-in hybrid variant doesn't seem to be on the agenda even though most other Mercedes models can be had with a PHEV setup.
A Smaller G Is Coming:
Source: Mercedes-Benz
This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.
Yen sinks to 34-yr low near 152 vs. dollar as BOJ to remain dovish
The yen briefly fell to a 34-year low near the 152 line against the U.S. dollar in Tokyo on Wednesday, as the yen was sold on expectations the Bank of Japan will maintain its accommodative stance despite raising interest rates.
The yen hit around 151.97 per dollar after BOJ board member Naoki Tamura said short-term interest rates would remain near zero for the time being, even though the central bank took a step toward normalizing policy by ending negative interest rates last week.
Investors have been selling the yen for the dollar amid a wide interest rate differential between Japan and the United States, as their central banks have been pursuing divergent ultraloose and tight monetary policies, respectively.
At noon, the U.S. dollar fetched 151.88-91 yen compared with 151.50-60 yen in New York and 151.32-34 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0824-0828 and 164.39-49 yen against $1.0825-0835 and 164.10-20 yen in New York, and $1.0841-0843 and 164.05-09 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.
Stocks climbed as the yen's depreciation lifted exporters, which benefit from a weaker yen when repatriating profits from overseas.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 406.82 points, or 1.01 percent, from Tuesday to 40,804.85. The broader Topix index was up 24.65 points, or 0.89 percent, at 2,805.45.
Investors also took the opportunity to scoop up a wide range of shares following a dip earlier this week, with the market further supported by buying to secure dividends ahead of the end of the fiscal year, analysts said.
"Japanese stocks have reached this level due to prevailing bullish sentiment," with active buying among individual investors helping to limit any declines, said Chihiro Ota, assistant general manager of investment research at SMBC Nikko Securities Inc.
Related video: Yen to Face a Lot of 'Depreciation Pressure': Mizuho's Cheung (Bloomberg)
More for You
Limited drone photography OK'd at west Japan 'castle in the sky'
TAMBA, Hyogo -- For a limited time, drone photography will be allowed at a west Japan site known as the "castle in the sky."
The lofty Takeda Castle Ruins are located on top of a mountain in Asago, Hyogo Prefecture. For the safety of visitors and to protect the cultural property, photography by drone is banned except with special permission.
However, with growing requests from drone enthusiasts and others, a trial was held over 12 days while the mountain site was closed in February. The Asago City Tourism Association received positive feedback from the limited number of invited participants, such as "I'd like to visit again in another season," and, "We could capture panoramic views of the magnificent mountain castle."
Drones will be permitted on a reservation basis between 6 and 8 a.m., before the site opens to general visitors, on Thursdays between March 28 and May 30. Photographers will likely aim for scenes of the ruins amid cherry blossoms and fresh spring foliage.
Daily reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, and priced at 60,000 yen (around $400) per slot of two hours per day. Up to two drone operators are permitted per slot, with non-operators also allowed to accompany them. Payment can be made using Japan's "hometown tax" gift system with contributions of 200,000 yen (approx. $1,320). A viewing fee of 500 yen (about $3.30) per person is also charged. Applications are open via a special tourism association website at: https://va.apollon.nta.co.jp/takedacastle_drone3 and inquiries (in Japanese) can be made through 079-668-9177.
(Japanese original by Yoshiko Yukinaga, Tamba Local Bureau)
More for You
Kidepo to host Uganda’s second biggest International Airport
_______________________
The government is in talks with potential investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to build Uganda’s second-biggest International Airport at Kidepo, the Minister for Tourism, Tom Butime has revealed.
“Kidepo International Airport will boost our tourism. Tourists will arrive at Kidepo, drive through Gulu to Murchison, Fort Portal, Kibaale, Semuliki, Mt Rwenzori, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mbarara, Lake Mburo, and back to Kampala,” the minister disclosed.
The minister disclosed this on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the launch of the tourism industry performance report for 2023 at Hotel Africana.
The report indicates that the sector is on a steady path to recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, moving closer to pre-pandemic international tourism each year after the initial drop in 2020.
This demonstrates a strong rebound in the tourism sector, with only 17% not covered. This is attributed to the lifting of travel restrictions and global vaccination efforts easing the effects of the pandemic.
Kidepo International Airport construction plan comes weeks after the Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with East of Eden (U) Ltd (EOE), a private company incorporated in Uganda to undertake a feasibility study to develop Arua Airport into an International Airport under build, operate and transfer model.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ().More for You
Spain takes stake in Telefonica after Saudi deal concerns
Spain's government has acquired a three-percent stake in telecoms giant Telefonica following concerns over a Saudi firm taking a piece of a company that Madrid considers strategically important.
Spanish state-owned holding company SEPI said in a filing with the stock market regulator late Monday that the move was "in line with a cabinet decision in December" to acquire 10 percent of Telefonica's share capital.
At the time, the government of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said it was to safeguard the firm's "strategic capacities and essential importance" to Spain.
It is the first time that the Spanish government has taken a stake in Telefonica since it was fully privatised in 1997.
In September, Saudi Telecom (STC) said it had paid 2.1 billion euros ($2.3 billion) for a 9.9 percent share in Telefonica, causing concern in Madrid, which only learned of the transaction at the last minute.
Had it been over the 10 percent threshold, the deal would have required government approval.
STC, which is majority-owned by Saudi's PIF sovereign wealth fund, insisted at the time it did "not intend to acquire control or a majority stake" in Telefonica, which has a strong presence in Latin America and Britain.
Spain's government said the move to acquire a stake in Telefonica was in line with its European neighbours, which also own small minority stakes in their leading telecoms operators.
The return of the state as one of Telefonica's shareholders comes as the company is in the process of cutting 3,400 jobs by 2026 in Spain, about one fifth of a total workforce of 16,500, as it tries to boost its profitability.
The company currently has a global workforce of over 100,000 people.
With Telefonica weighed down by a heavy debt load, the sharp jump in interest rates this past year has caused concern about its finances.
hmw/CHZ/lth
More for You
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Comments