2009 Mercedes G-Class comes in for subtle revisions, more power

The Mercedes G-Class is like the tux and tails -- its remains in vogue no matter what's happening in the world around it. And like the tux, it looks pretty much like it did when it first arrived, and changes to it still don't come quickly.

For the '09 model, the G has been given Mercedes' new corporate face, so you can better associate it with that CL65 you've got parked next to it in the garage. The big news, though, is in the engine bay. The base V8 engine gets a whopping 90-horsepower bump from 292 to 382. Torque also gets seriously goosed from 336 ft-lb to 391. The boosted V8 and the AMG G55 get a much more modest boost of 7 horsepower for an even 500.

Otherwise, the squared one gets new wheels and electronics, including a new Telematics system. There is no word yet on whether the celebrity chariot will come to the U.S., but we're sure Britney really wants one.

© Source: autoblog
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Pimp my Pope

Pope Benedict XVI has a new car: a pearly white, modified Mercedes G-Class worthy of any West Coast rapper. Sort of.

Mercedes spent two years creating the pimped-up G500 Cabriolet, which features handrails and rear steps to allow leisurely papal ingress and egress, although it seems the Pope has dispensed with the customary bulletproof glass in favour of a more alfresco runabout.

That paintjob, in case you're wondering, is officially known as 'Vatican mystic white', and is sure to be all the rage on the mean streets of Romford next season.

If you're worried about the Pope's mitre getting damp if it starts to rain, fear not - the Holy Father has a garage stocked full of alternative rides, including armoured M- and S-Class Mercs and, of course, a Volkswagen Phaeton.

Anyone for a quick round of 'Fantasy Papal Garage'?

© Source: topgear
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