The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is to date the most powerful SLK of all time with 415 hp and maximum torque of 398 lb-ft

Let's Get Small: The Pod-Like Cars of the Future Won't Fly, But They'll Be WAY Easier to Park

The Dodge Charger caused quite a stir when it first debuted as a 2006 model, owing mostly to its heretical four doors, but the new Charger became a popular model for Dodge. Like many Chrysler brand cars though, it has suffered from a lack of updates as the Pentastar wrestled with bankruptcy woes and a transfer in ownership to Italy's Fiat. Based on these latest spy shots, it looks as though that's finally about to change.

No, that's not a typo. The latest design exercise from Mercedes-Benz, set to make its debut at this week's 2010 Beijing Auto Show, is in fact called the Shooting Break concept. That's 'Break,' not the more traditional English 'brake' normally reserved for two-door, wagon-styled, coupe-based hatchbacks originally designed for hunting trips. But perhaps that's because this isn't that type of car.

If you thought Mazda's RX-7 replacement was dead, think again. A source based in Hiroshima confirms that the company is testing an RX-7 prototype and that one mule is powered by a bi-fuel rotary which can run on either gas or diesel. Mazda's evaluation department has reportedly invited several external drivers and racers to test the mules, while the design team has sought feedback on ideas from potential buyers at top secret customer clinics.

Having invested heavily in the Chevy Volt's plug-in hybrid Voltec powertrain, GM plans to leverage the technology as much as it can. A fashionably tweaked version of the Volt will be sold in Europe as the Opel Ampera, while the regular Volt goes on sale in China next year. The Volt MPV5 concept, making its debut at the Beijing Show, shows a Voltec-powered crossover is probably in the works, too.

The Mercedes S-Class with AMG styling gets a more athletic appearance with additional BRABUS body components

The newly constructed building is a meeting-place for the growing, worldwide AMG Community

At the technical briefing for Nissan's revolutionary new Leaf electric vehicle in Japan recently, the press department nearly caught us off guard by flashing some unexpected images between reams of diagrams and figures expounding the virtues of the Leaf. Luckily we had our trusty camera at the right moment and were able to capture three sketches that help bring the company's future electric vehicle plans into focus.

When Toyota's CEO Akio Toyoda wrote in a recent blog that he and his company "would pick up where Hiromu Naruse left off," we believe he meant it. Naruse was Toyota's chief test driver and spiritual head of the Gazoo Racing tuning house who was tragically killed in June in an accident in Germany while test driving a Lexus LFA near the Nurburgring.

Gordon Murray, chief design engineer behind the McLaren F1 and several championship-winning Formula 1 cars, has revealed his microcar. The T25 is a demonstration for a new-car construction method. He says his new method can take 25 percent out of a car's weight, whether applied to a sedan, sports car, or minivan of any given seating capacity, without compromising safety.

Note to self: Entering automotive research and development centers as visitors may lead to the confiscation of cameras for the duration of the stay.

Like it or not, BMW is coming out with its electric i3 in 2013. While BMW has yet to unveil a production version of its little city runabout, it seems pretty happy touting the concept around. This i3 Concept was spotted yesterday filming what’s presumably a new commercial in the windy city.

The coupe-styled SUV trend is about to land at Audi, having already touched vehicles of other luxury makes, including the BMW X6, Acura ZDX, and Land Rover Evoque. It’s rumored that the new vehicle will, predictably, be called the Q6, and slot between the Q5 and Q7 to eventually do battle directly with the X6 of archrival BMW. A test mule of that upcoming sporty SUV may have been caught in disguise, as these shots from our spy photographer show an Audi Q5 with some rather suspicious features.

As Mustang's 50th anniversary rapidly approaches, its maker is under enormous pressure to deliver a worthy update that will satisfy legions of loyal fans and appeal to masses around the globe. Ford finally is taking its iconic Mustang overseas.

For the past couple of years, we've been sharing everything we've uncovered about the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. We've told you that in 2013, Mazda plans to return to the car's original 1989 roots by making it lighter, more fuel-efficient, and cleaner. We've also shown you a couple of artist's impressions of the new model.