Latest news with #Mercedes
News18
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Audition Lines To Owning Mercedes: A Look At Manisha Rani's Inspiring Journey
Manisha Rani started as a waitress in Kolkata and worked her way up to become one of the most popular faces of reality TV. Reality TV star Manisha Rani turned heads as she was spotted getting off her Mercedes in Mumbai. The Bigg Boss OTT Season 2 fame appeared in style, channelling an effortlessly chic look. The actress was seen in an all-black outfit, exuding grace and elegance. For her outfit, Rani opted for an off-shoulder peplum top with a V-cut in the front and teamed it up with a pair of relaxed-fit flared trousers. Manisha Rani proved her top-notch fashion sense in this minimal yet chic ensemble. For shoes, Rani opted for white platform heels to add a hint of colour to the monochrome look. Her hair, featuring loose waves, was kept open as she got out of her Mercedes-Benz CLA 200, worth Rs 36 lakh. Manisha Rani's Journey Rani is often seen spending luxurious vacations abroad with friends, attending high-profile events and appearing on popular shows. However, this was not how her life looked a few years back. Rani had to work her way through to achieve such a level of success. Born in a middle-class family in Bihar, Rani ran away to Kolkata after completing her education. In the city of joy, Rani took various jobs like waitressing, dancing and others to sustain herself. Her first reality TV appearance was in Dance India Dance Season 5 in 2015, where she was evicted in the first round itself. Later in 2020, Rani was seen in a supporting role in the &TV serial Gudiya Hamari Sabhi Pe Bhari. The Big Break After years of struggle, Rani got her first big break in 2023 in the reality TV show Bigg Boss OTT Season 2, where she finished as the 2nd runner-up. In 2024, she participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 11 as a wild card entry and won the season. As a winner, Rani received prize money of Rs 30 lakh and won a trip to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Rani participated in the show with choreographer Ashutosh Pawar, beat Shoaib Ibrahim and Adrija Sinha to take the winning trophy. Acting Career In 2025, Rani made her acting debut as the female lead in the Hindi drama series Haale Dil. In this series, Rani was seen portraying the character of Indu, a strong and emotionally driven role. Alongside Rani, the series featured Nishank Verma, Harshad Arora and Jenifer Emmanuel, among others, in prominent roles. First Published: July 23, 2025, 13:05 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
China car giants rush into Brazil with dreams of dominating a continent
Great Wall Motor took over the Mercedes plant in Brazilian town of Iracemápolis, near São Paulo, after the German carmaker closed shop in 2021. SíO PAULO – A two-hour drive beyond the traffic jams of São Paulo, past the vast valleys of sugar cane, one of the first Chinese battery-powered car factories in the Americas is getting ready to open. Its goal is to reinvent the way Brazil drives, and ultimately, the rest of Latin America, much as Chinese automakers have already done across much of Asia and want to do in Europe. Until recently, this factory was run by German giant Mercedes-Benz. Today, it's owned by Great Wall Motor, a company that is now one of China's leading exporters of stylish, affordable electric vehicles. The change in hands reflects a profound disruption for one of the world's most vital industries. If American and European petrol-guzzling cars once dominated global tastes and trends, that era appears to be fast turning to China's favour. Today, not only does China make and export more cars of all types than any other country in the world, Chinese firms dominate the global manufacture of battery-powered vehicles of the future. They also control the supply chain for virtually everything that goes into those cars. China's EV s are among the most advanced in the world. Some today go as far on a single charge as top-of-the-line Teslas, at lower prices. One Chinese carmaker, BYD, short for Build Your Dreams, has developed technology that can deliver a full charge in just five minutes. Little wonder that Tesla sales in China are lagging, and that the United States, under both Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump, have essentially banned Chinese car imports. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Opinion Most companies onboard the wrong way – here's how to get it right Sport AC Milan's Rafael Leao gives Singapore fan an unforgettable birthday Life Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath's bat-biting frontman turned reality TV star, dies aged 76 Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving For China, that leaves the rest of the world. Its electric and hybrid manufacturers have set up, or are in the process of setting up, factories in Hungary, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand and Turkey. These efforts, including Great Wall's Brazilian factory, are part of a globe-spanning campaign by China to seize a major share of the world's auto industry. Western auto giants are alarmed. 'We are in a global competition with China,' Jim Farley, the chief executive of Ford Motor, said at the Aspen Ideas conference in June. 'It's not just EVs. And if we lose this, we do not have a future at Ford.' Great Wall Motor took over the Mercedes plant in the industrial town of Iracemápolis, near São Paulo, after the German carmaker closed shop in 2021, blaming a slump in luxury car sales. BYD took over a Ford factory after years of poor sales and steep losses forced the US car giant to end its long history of manufacturing in Brazil. Brazil, the world's sixth largest car market, is trying to take advantage of the trend, instead of being steamrolled. It's prodding companies, no matter where they're from, to make cars on Brazilian soil, the less polluting the better, while also imposing steadily rising tariffs on imports. It hasn't all been smooth sailing. There have been union clashes over Chinese labour practices. But the government's overall message: If you want access to our car buyers, then come and create factories and factory jobs here. 'We don't want to be an importer of technologies produced in other countries only,' said Rafael Dubeux, special adviser to the Finance Ministry, in an interview in Brazil's capital, Brasília. 'We also want to take advantage of this profound change in the world, in manufacturing facilities, so that Brazil also has a part in the value chains that we think are the ones that will prevail.' At least three Chinese firms are opening assembly plants in Brazil. In addition to Great Wall Motor and BYD, another Chinese automaker, Chery, has teamed up with a Brazilian company, Caoa, to produce cars in central Goias state. Nevertheless, Marcio Lima Leite, head of the Brazil automaker association, remains worried. The new Chinese auto plants are mainly assembling cars with components imported from China, including the most valuable component, batteries. That, he said, will not advance the industry in Brazil. 'It's very important to have competitiveness in Brazil, to produce the new technology in Brazil,' he said. Chinese carmakers have had to bend to local needs in important ways. In Brazil, that means the needs of the powerful ethanol industry. Ethanol is produced from the country's huge sugar cane crop, and Brazilian law requires every litre of petrol to be a little more than 25 per cent ethanol. So the auto companies aren't just making fully electric cars in Brazil. They are also having to make hybrids that run partly on the petrol-ethanol blend and partly on batteries. NYTIMES
Car and Driver
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview Given its price point, the Mercedes-Benz C-class does a surprisingly good job of imitating the much larger and pricier S-class. Its interior is comfortable, modern, and well-built with top-notch materials, and it has the classic proportions of an old-school luxury sedan. The C-class is not as refined as Mercedes's flagship sedan, of course, and while it's nimble and reasonably powerful, its suspension tune and steering system could use more work. Still, it's a solid choice for anyone shopping for an entry-level luxury car. Expert Tip: If the C300 is too tame, there are performance-oriented AMG versions available: The C43 makes 416 horsepower, while the plug-in-hybrid C63churns out 671 ponies. What's New for 2026? The C-class sees no noteworthy changes for 2026. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to start around $50,000 and go up to $54,000 depending on the trim and options. C300 $50,000 (est) C300 Exclusive $52,000 (est) C300 Pinnacle $54,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k We'd stick with the base C300, as the Exclusive and Pinnacle trims add mostly fluff—nice fluff, but fluff all the same. That said, we'd probably add a feature or two (e.g., ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control) to make our commute a little more comfortable. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engine: 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Transmission: 9-speed automatic 9-speed automatic Drivetrains: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive All C-class models employ a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system that can temporarily boost power at low rpm. A nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, though Benz will fit its 4Matic all-wheel-drive system for more coin. The C's handling is nimble, but the ride is somewhat flinty, and the steering is lifeless. At least this sedan brakes with vigor, stopping from 70 mph in just 154 feet. Pedal feel could be firmer, though. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: 5.3 seconds (4Matic AWD) In Comparison: The C300 4Matic's 60-mph time came in at just 0.1 second slower than the all-wheel-drive BMW 330i in our testing. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test : 35 mpg (4Matic AWD) 35 mpg (4Matic AWD) EPA City Rating : 24-25 mpg 24-25 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 33-35 mpg The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class yet, but the ratings shouldn't change. The rear-wheel-drive 2025 model earns estimates of 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive C300s do a little worse in each cycle, with ratings of 24 and 33 mpg, respectively. In our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the C300 4Matic beat its highway rating with a 35-mpg result. For more information about the C-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: The C300's cabin looks high-tech and suitably luxurious, with a digital gauge display, touch-sensitive controls, and a host of amenities such as heated front seats with memory settings, a sunroof, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum accents. Fit and finish is also excellent. Second Row: For a compact car, the C300 has a roomy second row. Adults should be fine back there for hour-long rides. Cargo Capacity: Though the Benz's cargo volume is merely adequate for the class, Mercedes installs handy seat-dropping buttons in the trunk so owners can easily free up more storage space as needed. In our testing, we fit six carry-on suitcases in the trunk, and a total of 15 cases with the rear seats folded down. Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 11.9-inch touchscreen 11.9-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio Systems: 5-speaker stereo (standard), 15-speaker Burmester stereo (optional) A portrait-oriented, driver-facing 11.9-inch touchscreen is standard in every C-class. The display runs the third-gen MBUX infotainment system, which supports a voice-activated digital assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and wireless device charging are also included, while a head-up display and a 15-speaker Burmester surround-sound stereo are optional. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Mercedes equips the C-class with some useful driver-assistance features, but the best tech—like the adaptive-cruise-control system that utilizes GPS data to adjust the vehicle's speed for upcoming curves and roundabouts—is optional. Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automated parking tech automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automated parking tech Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning For information about the C-class's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage New C300s come with rival-matching warranty coverage but no complimentary maintenance (whereas competitor cars from BMW, Genesis, and Volvo offer three years of scheduled service). Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: none C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base/As Tested: $46,600/$63,590 Options: Pinnacle trim package (Burmester surround sound, surround-view system, navigation with augmented video, head-up display), $3950; AMG line (sport suspension and steering, flat-bottom steering wheel, cross-drilled brake rotors, AMG body kit), $3400; nappa leather, $2590; driver assistance package (adaptive cruise control with steering assist, active brake assist), $1700; LED headlamps, $1100; sunroof, $1000; Selenite grey paint, $750; 19-inch wheels, $600; ventilated front seats, $450; SiriusXM radio, $350; extra 12V and USB ports, $300; heated steering wheel, $250; dashcam, $200; wood trim, $200; acoustic glass, $150 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 122 in3, 1991 cm3 Power: 255 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm TRANSMISSION 9-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.5-in vented, cross-drilled disc/13.0-in vented disc Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 F: 225/40R-19 93Y MO R: 255/35R-19 96Y MO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 112.8 in Length: 187.0 in Width: 71.7 in Height: 56.6 in Passenger Volume: 94 ft3 Trunk Volume: 13 ft3 Curb Weight: 4044 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.3 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec @ 98 mph 100 mph: 14.7 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.4 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 129 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 154 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 314 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.91 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 25 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 35 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 600 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 27/23/33 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Insider Surprised by George Russell's Contract Status
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard is surprised about George Russell not having a confirmed seat for the 2026 season, calling it "bizarre." Russell's Mercedes contract expires at the end of 2025, but talks of his contract extension are currently on hold, reportedly due to Mercedes' ongoing discussions with Max Verstappen. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged his interest in signing the four-time world champion but confirmed that Russell and his current teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, will likely form the 2026 driver lineup. However, Wolff didn't hesitate to admit that Verstappen was on his radar for Mercedes' long-term future. Russell has proved his level of performance in the last two years. He outscored his former teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, in the 2024 Drivers' Standings. Russell also won the Canadian Grand Prix last month, a race that highlighted his capabilities. With the summer break approaching soon, Coulthard finds it "bizarre" that a talent like Russell is left without a seat for 2026. He told "George not being officially signed [for the 2026 season] is slightly bizarre. George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes travels in the paddock on a scooter during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes travels in the paddock on a scooter during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria."Based on the performance right now, even if there was a change in Mercedes' line-up, you wouldn't think it would be George who would be the change. "There are a few things we're all waiting on to fall into place." Coulthard has hinted that he is eager to see who and when Mercedes signs for the 2026 season. For Russell, though, the priority is to focus on his performance. Revealing that he has no reason to be worried while addressing his contract, the Briton said before the Austrian GP: "No major updates yet. It's not something that I'm pressing massively because, as I've always said, the performance is the priority, and I feel with the performance I'm showing at the moment - still in line with the performance I've shown over all these years - I've got zero reasons to be worried. "But obviously, it does help if there was pen on paper. But let's see." Addressing Mercedes' talks with Verstappen, Russell added: "From my side, I don't think I have anything really to worry about. I think, as a team, it depends where you put your aspirations. We're second best at the moment, maybe third best. We might be overperforming slightly to be second best. "As Mercedes, they want to be back on top, and if you're going to be back on top you need to make sure you've got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best pit crew, and that's what Mercedes are chasing. "So, it's only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. But from my side, if I'm performing as I'm doing, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team."
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lewis Hamilton returns to Silverstone in last chance saloon for first Ferrari year
If you'd told Lewis Hamilton four months ago, amid the hoopla of Formula One's biggest-ever driver move, that he would be 'hoping and praying' for a strong result at his beloved Silverstone, he'd likely have laughed you out of the room. Either that or he'd have rolled his eyes. Take your pick. After all, this was the seven-time F1 world champion moving to the fabled Ferrari. A driver in need of rejuvenation after three years of frustration at Mercedes was joining a team seemingly on the up, having come within a whisker of last year's constructors' title. Everything seemed perfectly aligned. With the whole world watching, what could possibly go wrong? Well, come race 12 and the halfway stage of the 2025 season, the answer is unavoidable: pretty much everything. It has been an eye-opening, gut-wrenching opening salvo for the 40-year-old in red. From amateurish radio communications and irritation in the rain of Australia in round one to an overwhelming lack of car performance throughout, Hamilton has endured his worst-ever start to an F1 season. Even for the greatest of pessimists, this was not in the forecast. Eleven races, zero podiums. Sixth in the world championship, closer to the bottom of the standings than the top. Never mind winning, Hamilton is now on the longest podium-less streak of his career, at 13, stretching back to Las Vegas last November. As ever, it makes this weekend's British Grand Prix a significant marker in his season. A venue he has won at nine times, and been on the podium for 11 consecutive years, represents Hamilton's best chance to smell the Moet & Chandon champagne once more. Of course, his fond memories here come as recently as last year, when he broke a 31-month winless streak with a memorable and brilliant victory. If it's going to happen anywhere for Hamilton in 2025, it's going to be this weekend. 'There is always magic here at Silverstone,' he said, with an optimistic outlook, at media day on Thursday. 'It is a very, very special race and I am hoping all sorts of things can help us. I am hoping and praying. 'I cannot wait for Friday. Driving a Ferrari at Silverstone for the first time will be special and unique in its own way. We have the best fans here, and for a British driver, they really do make a difference. 'I have shown that to you time and time again. I hope this weekend they really make the difference for us.' HAMILTON'S FIRST 11 RACES IN 2025 Sixth in the championship standings - 91 points 28 points and one place behind teammate Charles Leclerc (three podiums to zero) Leclerc 9-4 Hamilton in qualifying; average advantage of 0.151 seconds Zero podiums Hamilton is accurate to some extent: his best displays do come in front of the British fans, of which we can anticipate a modicum more to come decked in scarlet over the next three days. In fact, amid a full schedule which for the first time includes British F4 alongside F3, F2 and F1, Silverstone organisers are hoping to have a record 500,000 people attend. Lando Norris even has his own 10,000-capacity 'Landostand' at Stowe corner, beating Hamilton and George Russell in the British popularity rankings. Yet relying on the fans in the grandstands is not the customary route to results in Formula 1; a sport where the drivers genuinely struggle to hear the noise generated by the supporters, given the scorching sound of the V6 hybrid engine. The biggest nadir so far, unquestionably, was a contrasting second round in China. All looked rosy when Hamilton took pole for the shortened sprint race and, without a serious challenge, cruised to victory. Yet 24 hours later, both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc's cars had been disqualified. For team principal Fred Vasseur, it was an embarrassing state of affairs. HAMILTON'S SILVERSTONE PODIUMS 2024: 1st 2023: 3rd 2022: 3rd 2021: 1st 2020 x2: 1st and 2nd 2019: 1st 2018: 2nd 2017: 1st 2016: 1st 2015: 1st 2014: 1st In the weeks since, we've had issues uncovered and not eradicated. We've had anger on the radio towards race engineer Riccardo Adami. We've even had boredom: Hamilton has regularly been running on his own in races, too quick for the midfield pack but too slow to compete at the top. 'Where is Lewis?' says the hypothetical fan switching on Sky Sports F1 mid-race. 'No man's land,' is often the riposte. But this weekend, there is hope. Ferrari unveiled a much-needed upgrade to the floor of their car at the last race in Austria and were the second-quickest team. A further development of the rear suspension is expected this weekend. It feels like something of a last-chance saloon for the Scuderia, as teams up and down the grid begin to turn their full attention to new regulations next year. Yet, more crucial than car modifications, as so often is the case in Northamptonshire, rain is in the air on Sunday. 'We are not as quick as McLaren,' Hamilton said. 'If it stays dry, they will walk the race.' But if it rains, nobody masters a wet-dry conflux like Hamilton around these parts. A win may still be out of the question – though championship frontrunners Norris and Oscar Piastri have already shown that mistakes and collisions are possible – but a podium feels obtainable. Yet for Hamilton, historical statistics are not what he's here for; he simply wants to see progress. A lot of progress. 'I don't look at those (podium) statistics, so it is not something that affects me or I think about,' Hamilton said. 'But we are here at Silverstone. What better place to change that run?'
