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2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition revealed
2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition revealed originally appeared on Autoblog. A redesigned Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is on the way, but for now the high-performance AMG variants are taking a break. The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition sends them off in style. Boasting unique design features, it's scheduled to reach U.S. dealerships in the 2026 calendar year in "limited numbers," according to a Mercedes press release. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Final Edition will be available exclusively in Manufaktur Mountain Grey Magno, with yellow-and-black "45 S" graphics on the doors. That color palette is popular with AMG; it's also used on the AMG CLE Manufaktur Edition and goes back to the AMG C63 Edition 1 from about a decade ago. The same theme continues inside, where the heavily-bolstered wear black MB-Tex artificial leather and microfiber upholstery with yellow stitching and "45 S" branding on the headrests. More yellow stitching can be found on the door panels and dashboard, as well as on the AMG steering wheel and floor mats. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Other changes include 19-inch forged wheels in matte black with yellow accents and gloss-black brake calipers with white AMG lettering. Final Editions also get the AMG Night Plus Package, with darkened exterior trim, and the AMG Aerodynamics Package Plus. This adds a larger front splitter, flics, and a fixed rear spoiler. Unchanged, however, is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which makes 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Claimed to be the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world when the current-generation CLA45 debuted (it's since been eclipsed by an uprated version in the AMG C63 and GLC63 plug-in hybrids), it gets this compact four-door from zero to 60 mph in a Mercedes-estimated 4.0 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Hand-assembled like other true AMG engines, the turbo-four is connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG-specific all-wheel drive system that includes a drift mode. The "45" models brought raucous AMG performance to Mercedes' compact cars, but now the automaker is going in a different direction. The latest CLA-Class emphasizes efficiency with all-electric and hybrid powertrains, and tech with new software that Mercedes hopes will be able to juggle the dozens of connected features available from various third-party apps elbowing their way onto car dashboards. That still leaves room for future AMG models, and the Mercedes performance division is hedging its bets with continued combustion-engine development. But given the current emphasis on electrified powertrains, it's possible the next AMG CLA will be a hybrid or EV instead of the pure combustion model that's about to exit the market. 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition revealed first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Rio Tinto-backed Aluminerie Alouette to invest $1.1 billion in Quebec
-- Aluminerie Alouette, an aluminum producer partially owned by Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO), plans to invest up to C$1.5 billion ($1.1 billion) to modernize its facilities in northern Quebec, Bloomberg reported Wednesday. The company has reached a new electricity supply agreement with Hydro-Quebec, the Quebec government-owned power utility, according to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter who requested anonymity. This investment comes at a time when the aluminum industry faces challenges from the White House's implementation of 50% tariffs on foreign aluminum imports. These tariffs are expected to negatively impact both Canadian and American businesses that use aluminum as a raw material. The modernization project represents a significant capital commitment to the Canadian aluminum sector, which has been navigating trade tensions in the North American market. Related articles Rio Tinto-backed Aluminerie Alouette to invest $1.1 billion in Quebec - Bloomberg IMF urges ECB to keep rates at 2% barring inflation shocks Tariff rush lifts ASEAN exports, but BofA warns payback looms in H2 Sign in to access your portfolio
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Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy
Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy originally appeared on Parade. If you plan on hitting the road in a rental car or truck this summer, consumers are warning about a new policy that took effect at one of the biggest vehicle rental companies recently. Back in April, popular car and truck rental service Hertz announced it would employ artificial intelligence (AI) to check over its returned vehicles instead of tasking a human with the inspection. At the time, Hertz explained it partnered with Israeli AI vehicle inspection system company, UVeye, to "transform" how it maintains its vehicles and "bring efficiency and greater accuracy" to the process so it can "focus on our vehicles being ready when and where our customers want them." While Hertz intended the process to be smoother, some consumers complain that the new system is reason to "never rent from them again." Especially after hearing the story of one customer who returned his Thrifty rental vehicle (part of the Hertz Corporation) to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and was later charged over $400 for a 1-inch scuff discovered on a tire by the AI scanner, according to a report by The Drive. The outlet reported a $250 charge for the repair, $125 for processing, and another $65 administrative fee, totaling $440. The renter said he was made aware of the fees only minutes after dropping off the car, but could not speak to a human about it. Related: Social media has now become a hot spot for concerns sparked by the "frustrating" situation. "AI can't keep a reservation right for the amount of cars on the lot," one X user said, suggesting the entire system is flawed. "What a scam," a second declared. "How many times is Hertz charging customers for the same small scuffs," another asked, worried that a scuff picked up and paid for by one renter could then be "found" by the AI again when the next renter returns it. But those who have used it say that it doesn't work that way–some are even applauding the new policy. "Customers are directed to a web portal where they can view before-and-after photos captured by the scanners," a second X (formerly Twitter) user shared. "I've used this in Columbus OH and it was great." "I actually love this technology. It captures the before & after image of the car detail, and charges the renter who caused the damage rather than having to raise rates on the rest of us," they added. Related: In a statement first shared with USA Today, a Hertz spokesperson said: "Over 97% of cars scanned with this technology show no billable damage, proving that the vast majority of rentals are incident-free. Vehicle damage has long been a common pain point across the car rental industry for customers and companies alike. At Hertz, we're using this technology to tackle this head-on." "As we continue rolling out this technology, we remain committed to ongoing innovation and continuous improvement," they added, noting that any issues flagged by a customer in the chat are reviewed by a live agent. "With regards to this specific incident, a live agent reviewed this customer's escalation and manually reviewed the photos at pickup and return and confirmed the damage was new," the spokesperson said. "While we understand that some customers may hope for a different outcome, we want to ensure every case is handled fairly and objectively, using the best information available." Hertz said it's working on integrating its live agents into its app to make communicating with a customer service representative easier. The rental company, which also owns Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, and Firefly Car Rental, said it began the rollout of its AI scanners at the Atlanta airport this spring, but plans to expand to most major U.S. airports by the end of the year. Next: Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy first appeared on Parade on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
