Mercedes-Benz Drops More Photos of 2012 CLS Sports Sedan

Mercedes is trying to make the most of the media's thirst for news slowly unleashing more and photos of its second-generation CLS sports saloon, which will make its grand premiere at the upcoming Paris Auto Show on September 30.

Albeit more visually complex than its predecessor, the new CLS continues the same design theme (on the outside) set by the original model, which was introduced onto the market in 2004.

We'll probably have to wait until the Paris show for detailed specs, but buyers should expect the engine lineup to include among other powerplants, a 3.5 liter V6 petrol producing 306HP and a 4.7-liter bi-turbocharged V8 petrol with 429HP, as well as a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 making at least 536-ponies for the range-topping AMG version that has yet to be revealed.

The new CLS will hit U.S. Mercedes showrooms by mid-year next year.

*Check out the previous set of photos by clicking here

Mercedes-Benz Drops More Photos of 2012 CLS Sports Sedan

Mercedes is trying to make the most of the media's thirst for news slowly unleashing more and photos of its second-generation CLS sports saloon, which will make its grand premiere at the upcoming Paris Auto Show on September 30.

Albeit more visually complex than its predecessor, the new CLS continues the same design theme (on the outside) set by the original model, which was introduced onto the market in 2004.

We'll probably have to wait until the Paris show for detailed specs, but buyers should expect the engine lineup to include among other powerplants, a 3.5 liter V6 petrol producing 306HP and a 4.7-liter bi-turbocharged V8 petrol with 429HP, as well as a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 making at least 536-ponies for the range-topping AMG version that has yet to be revealed.

The new CLS will hit U.S. Mercedes showrooms by mid-year next year.

*Check out the previous set of photos by clicking here

Motive Releases First Images of Composite Bodied Kestrel EV

In response to numerous media requests (or so the company claims), small-scale Canadian automaker Motive has released the first official images of its hemp-bodied EV city car, the Kestrel. The car was unveiled at the EV 2010 VÉ Conference and Tradeshow in Vancouver recently.

As previously reported by Carscoop, the Kestrel is a cab-forward design that seats four. It is made of a bio-fibre (hemp) based composite that is said to reduce weight, resist rust and increase impact absorption.

Along with the images, Motive has released further details of the upcoming EV. Weighing in at 1,874 lbs (850 kg), the company optimistically states that the Kestrel will be good for a top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h) and a driving range of 100 miles (160 kilometers) on its lithium-ion battery power.

The Kestrel is said to be just one of the cars in the Project Eve line-up. Project Eve is a consortium of Canadian companies who want to bring electric mobility to Canada, a noble cause. Motive is one of the Project's co-founders.

Nathan Armstrong, Motive's President states, "We believe this is an important step for Canada and are extremely happy to be a part of such an innovative group of companies."

A working prototype of the Kestrel is planned for mid-2011, and with full scale production and commercial sales starting in late-2012.

By Tristan Hankins

Motive Releases First Images of Composite Bodied Kestrel EV

In response to numerous media requests (or so the company claims), small-scale Canadian automaker Motive has released the first official images of its hemp-bodied EV city car, the Kestrel. The car was unveiled at the EV 2010 VÉ Conference and Tradeshow in Vancouver recently.

As previously reported by Carscoop, the Kestrel is a cab-forward design that seats four. It is made of a bio-fibre (hemp) based composite that is said to reduce weight, resist rust and increase impact absorption.

Along with the images, Motive has released further details of the upcoming EV. Weighing in at 1,874 lbs (850 kg), the company optimistically states that the Kestrel will be good for a top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h) and a driving range of 100 miles (160 kilometers) on its lithium-ion battery power.

The Kestrel is said to be just one of the cars in the Project Eve line-up. Project Eve is a consortium of Canadian companies who want to bring electric mobility to Canada, a noble cause. Motive is one of the Project's co-founders.

Nathan Armstrong, Motive's President states, "We believe this is an important step for Canada and are extremely happy to be a part of such an innovative group of companies."

A working prototype of the Kestrel is planned for mid-2011, and with full scale production and commercial sales starting in late-2012.

By Tristan Hankins

Ford Focus ST Paris Show Car with 250HP 2.0L Turbo Unveiled, Available Worldwide from 2012

Revealed today ahead of its planned debut at the Paris Motor Show, is the all-new Ford Focus ST. Shown here in pre-production form, the hottest member of the new Focus family (that is, until Ford decides to present a successor to the RS), will go on sale in "all global markets" from early 2012, following the introduction of the mainstream Focus models in Spring of 2011. We assume that by "all global markets", Ford means the performance version of the new Focus will also be sold in the States, with or without (SVT?) the ST badge.

Based on the five-door version of the new Focus, the ST is visually differentiated from its regular brethren through a dare-we-say (and not in a positive way), tuner-like bodykit.

The styling package includes a new front bumper with a 'gaping mouth' grille and additional air ducts, side skirts, a larger roof spoiler and a rear apron with air vents and central exhaust pipes. The show car is finished in a new color Ford calls 'Tangerine Scream' while the ST also gets a set of beefy 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 ZR 19 rubber.

Inside, the Focus ST gets a pair of body-hugging bucket seats with contrasting orange seams and pads, a sportier-looking steering wheel with a thicker rim, carbon fiber trim on the center console, revised instrument gauges and, like the current model, three extra dials on top of the dash.

Under the bonnet, out goes the current model's Volvo-sourced and a delight to listen to, 225HP 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, and in comes Ford's own 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder EcoBoost unit, which is rated at 250-horsepower.

Ford did not reveal any other details on the car's specifications, but the interior picture shows a six-speed manual gearbox, which drives the ST's front wheels. The final production model will most likely be offered with the company's six-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission also.

In Paris, the ST will be joined by the next-generation Focus family in hatchback, sedan and station wagon flavors, the facelifted Mondeo, which was previewed at the recent Moscow International Automobile Salon, and the new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX people carriers.