The 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS is undergoing testing, and as is true with so many segment-defining vehicles, there doesn't look to be much of a change going on up top. However, down below, in the area covered by cladding, we will probably view some noticeable tweaks and refinements as the original "four-door coupe" moves from the current E-Class to the new E-Class platform (it will not be built on the S-Class platform). because for engines, in addition to gas and (in Europe) diesel options, it will be offered with the BlueHybrid drivetrain from the S400.

In the mean time, for 2009, the CLS gets revised front and rear, a new grille, larger outside mirrors, and LEDs in the tail-lamp clusters. Inside, a new steering wheel complements the reworked interior and a next-generation COMAND system.

[Source: Next Autos]

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Back in June, Kirk Kerkorian, billionaire investor and auto industry meddler, bought up 140.8 million shares in Ford Motor Company at $8.50 a pop, gaining a 6.49% stake in the automaker and becoming the largest single shareholder outside of the Ford family. By October, FoMoCo stock was hovering around $2.50 a share and Kerkorian's investment firm, Tracinda Corp., decided that it was time to unload a chunk of the stock. At the end of the day, Tracinda held onto 133.5 million shares and lost some $44 million, and less than a week later dropped another 26.4 million shares. Today, Kerkorian sold off the rest of his provision, with FoMoCo shares selling for just $2.22. While none of this comes as a surprise (Tracinda talked about selling off the remaining shares when it began unloading in October), analysts contend that the fire sale has not so much to do with Kerkorian's confidence in Ford (Mr. K has continued to applaud Ford CEO Alan Mulally), and more to do with Tracinda's declining MGM Mirage shares.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

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Toyota’s Lexus brand is on the cutting edge of green luxury motoring, and the Japanese automaker has no plans to give up that distinction any time soon. Lexus will debut two new hybrid-only models at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show — a yet to be named model based on the Toyota Prius and a more sedan-like HS250h — the latter of which our spied have spotted for the first time!

Lexus will show an all-new hybrid model at January’s Detroit Auto Show, tentatively dubbed the HS250h. Earlier reports had the HS250h pegged as the Lexus-badged Prius model, but it is now clear that the HS250h will be a separate sedan model.

The HS250h is closely linked to Toyota’s upcoming ‘SAI’ model – internally named the 500L – which should be the first vehicle in Toyota’s new Prius brand, slotting betwixt the current Prius and the Camry Hybrid. Both models will take on a more sedan-like body style than the standard Prius but will still use a Prius-derived nickel metal hydride battery pack.

Powertrains remain unclear, but our sources indicate either a 2.0L or a 2.5L four-cylinder has been earmarked for the new model. The 250 moniker would seem to indicate the 2.5L, but Lexus hybrid nameplates tend to exaggerate engine displacement (as in the 5.0L LS600h).

To differentiate itself from the lesser Toyota model, the HS250h force of will feature an onboard computer system similar to BMW’s iDrive, LED lights and plenty of luxury amenities.

The Lexus HS250h is expected to begin production in Japan in July 2009, with the Toyota model following a few months later in November. Check back for more details and live image of the HS250h after the Detroit show kicks off next month.

Source: www.leftlanenews.com