Auto Industry News: Mercedes-Benz Pickup, Aston Martin & Brady Deal, Classic Car Destruction

114 MPH Deer Collision 

News of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz pickup shares headline space with Aston Martin and Tom Brady striking a deal, a classic car collection up in smoke, and a high-speed police collision.

We’re about to redefine the expression “deer in the headlights.” Our emphasis is on the word “in” because the animal ended up “in” the headlights, “in” the engine, “in” the windshield, and probably “in” the backseat. A deputy of Isanti County, MN hit the deer traveling at 114 mph. At high speed with top lights and siren on, the officer was likely pursuing an emergency call. But this goes to show, there’s no telling what will step out of the woods on those back roads. The officer was uninjured but be warned, the video content below is Halloween appropriate – graphic.

$2.3 Million Collection Destroyed

Well, if you thought that police cruiser got destroyed, be prepared to lose your lunch when you see what happened to a man’s prized classic car collection this past Wednesday. A fire with an unknown source broke out in his British Columbia home and turned the $2.3 million collection to ash. Over 40 cars went a blaze. Among them was a ’61 Chevy Bel-Air Convertible, a ’68 Camaro, and supposedly six Corvettes. Here, we recommend that classic car lovers may want to look away.

Mercedes-Benz Truck is Here

A police cruiser has an untimely death by deer and a renowned car collection goes up in smoke. But with death comes new life. Last week, the world received the arrival of a Mercedes-Benz pickup truck. (The United States won’t get its paws on one, but that is neither here nor there). After years of swirling rumors, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup finally hits the market. The X250d 4 Matic has a turbocharged 2.3-liter diesel inline-four. The Mercedes-Benz experiment has 187 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed manual, but a Nissan-built seven-speed automatic is also available on the X250d. The X350d 4Matic, which has a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V6, is also available. At 254 hp and 406 lb-ft, it’s likely the better buy for someone who actually wants to do something with their pickup.

Aston Martin, Meet Tom Brady

If we’re talking luxury vehicles, we’re tempted to mention Aston Martin and the company’s recent collaborative endeavor. Aston Martin is working with Tom Brady on a new release. That’s right, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Believe it or not, Brady and Aston Martin actually came to terms of an endorsement deal in May. And as we all know, the automotive company isn’t shy about teaming up if it equates to higher car sales. Tom Brady’s namesake vehicle will be a Vanquish S, a steely blue convertible decked out with Brady’s “TB12” logo anywhere it’ll fit. So if you’ve got $359,950 lying around and you’re in the market for something fly, then Brady just may be your guy. Do yourself a favor and think fast because there will only be 12 of them made. Cute, Aston Martin. Real cute.

Saab 99 Electric Build

But enough of the rich and famous. Let’s focus on Finnish electrical engineer Mika Leppälahti and his electric conversion. Mika used his smarts to convert a Saab 99 to an all-electric machine. The project began in 2014 and since its conversion, the 99 has traveled over 5,200 miles without many major issues. How’s that for an engine swap?And considering Mika’s build can travel 121 miles on a single charge, we’re talking about a major upgrade in efficiency, here. Mika says that on paper, the electric drivetrain can get the vehicle up to 245 kph (152 mph). As unlikely as that may be in practice, the money saved in fuel more than compensates. Plus, we’re sure France would approve.

Around the Circuit

Some still like to do things the old-fashioned way. In F1, Max Verstappen captured the win over Valtteri Bottas by nearly 20 seconds at the Mexican Grand Prix. He currently sits sixth in the overall standings.

NASCAR Playoffs are coming down the homestretch. The already crucial race had added drama when Chase Elliot and Denny Hamlin got into it on the track in Martinsville. Then Kyle Busch beat series leader Martin Truex Jr. by .141 seconds to take the checkered flag and a spot in the Nov. 19 Championship 4 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick hold the 3 and 4 spots, respectively. The field moves on to Texas Motor Speedway November 5th.

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