Lexus' RX SUV has received the highest safety rating from respected American road safety organisation the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The IIHS subjected the Lexus RX to a number of tests including offset frontal, side and rear impacts and roof strength tests, rating it their Top Safety Pick.

To qualify for the award, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of ‘good’ in all the tests and be equipped with electronic stability control.

The IIHS testing was made more stringent in 2010 with the addition of the rollover test.

The Lexus RX performed outstandingly in all tests, receiving the maximum safety rating across the board.

Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb said safety was a major focus during RX's development.

"Lexus devoted well over $30 million dollars and 233 vehicles solely for the purpose of RX crash-testing and development" Mr Cramb said.

"RX 350 and 450h models offer a number of safety features that should be seen as a right, not a privilege - reverse camera, stability control and airbags for both front and rear occupants.

"These are just some of RX's standard features" Mr Cramb said.

"It's great to see the IIHS recognise the efforts of Lexus engineers."

The IIHS is an independent non-profit research and communications organisation funded by auto insurance companies.

Mercedes-AMG is accepting the challenges of motoring of the future by developing a state-of-the-art super sports car featuring a zero-emission high-tech drive.

Its latest development project (a powerful and locally emission-free super sports car finished in fluorescent ‘AMG lumilectric magno’ paint) the gullwing offers the prospect of a possible small series production run.
Boasting a power output of 392 kW and 880 Nm of torque, the technology vehicle from AMG is able to offer exceptional performance. The gullwing with electric drive is part of the company strategy entitled "AMG Performance 2015" which aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

With the SLS AMG E-CELL, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz is launching a totally innovative drive solution for super sports cars and as such is among the pioneers in this market segment.

When it comes to dynamics, the electrically-powered SLS AMG makes a statement: the gullwing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds, able to "electrify" the driver with a completely unique, effortlessly superior and emotional super sports car driving sensation – and this is just at the prototype stage.

The transformation from petrol to electric super sports car also called for some specific changes to the interior. The newly designed centre console now houses a 25 cm touch-screen, which driver and passenger can use to conveniently operate all of the audio, climate and navigation functions, and also obtain information on the flow of power from the four electric motors.

The interior appointments are dominated by high-quality nappa leather in a black/white colour combination – it has been used not only on the sports seats, the performance leather/alcantara steering wheel and the door linings, but also on the broad centre tunnel which runs towards the back of the vehicle between the seats.

Marshalls Mercedes-Benz Parramatta 9897 1777 www.mbmarshalls.com.au