Mercedes-Benz has just released detailed photos of its new second-generation B-Class, which is set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Last month we were teased as to what the new B-Class would look like, and now that we’ve got the full picture, well, it’s not so clear that it’s any less of a stain on Merc’s impressive design history as of late.

Several models of the B-Class will be available to European buyers, with the B180 sporting a 1.6L turbocharged engine with 120-hp and 147 lb-ft of torque, while the B200 will have 154-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Europe will also receive a 1.8L diesel, delivering 107-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in the B180 CDI, while the B200 CDI will feature 134-hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes has also announced that it is looking at producing a limited production F-Cell variant that will hopefully be released in 2015.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The result of high gas prices, Americans drove 15.5 billion miles less in the first half of 2011. The Federal Highway Administration reported that U.S drivers logged 1.453 trillion miles through to June 30 which is down 1.1 percent over the first half of 2010. The last time Americans drove less was back in 2004, when they logged 1.351 trillion miles (at the half way point), according to the government.

The all time high for first-half travel occurred in 2007 with 1.497 billion miles. June in particular was a month of few miles. Travel fell 1.4 percent to 259.1 billion miles, down 3.8 billion miles. In contrast to 2011, Americans drove three trillion miles in 2010, which has a direct correlation with lower gas prices. With gas prices the way they are, Americans are driving less, and according to recent studies are also more likely to hold onto older cars.

[Source: The Detroit Auto News]

Infiniti is at your service… with a sweepstakes that could have you driving away a new car.

The Infiniti At Your Service Sweepstakes gives you the chance to win the grand prize of an Infiniti M, G Convertible or FX. Your prize also comes with a two-year Infiniti ELITE Maintenance Vehicle Service Plan. Don’t feel too bad if you don’t win the grand prize. You could be packing your bags after you win a VIP trip for two to a Formula One race in Australia, Britain, Canada, Monaco or Spain. Or you could win one of 200 instant prizes of two-year Infiniti ELITE Maintenance Vehicle Service Plans.

To enter, you need to complete service at your participating Infiniti retailer between now and September 30, 2011. You’ll receive a PIN code or VIN – just enter this number on the site before October 31, 2011. Verify and submit your personal information and you’re entered to win.

To find out more about this contest or to enter, visit Infiniti’s At Your Service Sweepstake’s page.

Lexus has just released a promo clip for the all-new 2013 GS350, highlighting the car’s power and agility. With details provided on the new suspension setup as well as the 306-hp 3.5-liter V6, there are also plenty of stunning visuals.

Recently unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, get full details on the new GS here.

GALLERY: 2013 GS350

Check out the video after the jump!

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British luxury automakers seem to be branching out into other areas as of late. Not only can you stay in a Jaguar themed suite the next time you’re visiting London, but now you can also dine-in, in a Bentley themed room.

The new Bentley room at the private (and very exclusive) Mosimann’s dining club in London is actually an updated version, with the partnership between two the companies stretching back quite some time. Both are part of a prestigious list of “Royal Warrant Holders” (companies that supply products to the crown).

The updated room features purple and racing green accenting with models and photographs of Bentley vehicles (both street and race cars) throughout. Notable updates include a new table and wall unit made by Matthew Collins Furniture, a burr oak and walnut table with chairs designed after the seats for a 1926 Bentley.

Designed by Caulder Moor, who also created the Bentley Living Room at the British brand’s Crewe headquarters, the Bentley Dining room at Mosimann’s seats 14. We’ll await our invitation.

GALLERY: Bentley Room at Mosimann’s

Thrustmaster has the next best thing to being behind the wheel of a Ferrari. All you need is an Xbox 360 and a passion for racing games.

Thrustmaster’s Ferrari 458 Italia Racing Wheel is licensed by both Xbox 360 and Ferrari, and it will take your gaming experience to a whole new level. A replica wheel of the Forza Motorsport 4 hero, the Racing Wheel measures in 11″ in diameter, making it 7/10ths the size of the original, and it comes equipped with rubber texture cladding for optimal handling. Plus, its wheel-mounted sequential gearbox features two Ferrari GT-style metal paddle shifters, so you can improve your lap times consistently.

Boasting unique design with exceptional ergonomics, the developers of the Ferrari 458 Italia Racing Wheel have thought of everything. There are various action buttons and controls that are right at your fingertips, so you can customize all the relevant settings before your race starts up. Its 270° steering radius lets you make those sharp turns every time, while the pedal set offers realistic resistance and angle, so it really feels like you’re burning rubber on the track. It also comes with an Xbox guide button with an illuminated ring that indicates the player number, a super-stable V-shaped clamping system that can be attached to any table or desk and an Xbox 360 USB 2.0 full speed cable with InLine Quick Release connector.

The Ferrari 458 Italia Racing Wheel is compatible with Xbox 360 and PC, and when it hits stores this October, you can pick it up for $89.99. To find a store that sells it near you, visit the Thrustmaster website.

McLaren unveiled a customized MP4-12C at Pebble Beach, indicating the British automaker will offer a long line of individual options for customers. This particular McLaren features a host of new upgrades and modifications put together by the British automaker, most notable of which are the Satin Orange paint and aggressive new fenders. There are also carbon fiber bits all over the car including a windshield cowl, engine cover gilles along the outside of the glass, and a new carbon rear exhaust cover. The rims have a polished face with black painted centers and the roof panel has also been painted black. Standard options of the 12C include carbon mirrors, a carbon lower front spoiler and rear valence as well as a stealth package which blacks out the exhaust tips and wing supports.

Built on the chassis of an early validation prototype, this isn’t a oroduction car but merely a glimpse at what sort of custom options McLaren will be offering in the future to owners.

Priced at $229,000 for a standard model, the upgrades raise the asking price for this MP4-12C to around $270,000.

[Source: Team Speed]

Today’s story exemplifies that what you see in cartoons should not be attempted in real life. Case in point, the 24-year old motorist seen in the video below, who tried to stop his pick-up truck using his feet, Fred Flintstone style.

Other motorists reported the dangerous driver trying to use his feet to stop his pick-up truck, and while according to some witnesses he managed to succeed twice, his luck ran out at the intersection of 13-Mile and Groesbeck Hwy. in Michigan, and collided with two vehicles.

To think that would be enough, this brake-less and brainless driver continued on. A police officer pulled alongside him and suggested he put the truck into park, but that didn’t work either and he collided with two other vehicles.

Apparently the man in question works as a roofer and said he didn’t want to disappoint his customer and was going to his job.

Police haven’t released the name of this ingenious fella, but they arrested him for driving under a suspended license and reckless driving. He was later released on $500 interim bond and will appear before a judge in September.

Watch the video after the jump to see his actions in action.

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The auction for the first 2011 Jeep Wrangler customized with Xplore’s Stage 4 package is now up on eBay with 100% of the profits to benefit the National Park Foundation. The unique, hand-built and highly exclusive Wrangler will also come with an annual pass to all national parks and monuments, a once-in-a-lifetime camping experience at a national park of the winner’s choice, plus the winner will be featured in an upcoming issue of Xplore Great Outdoors Magazine.

The stage 4 Xplore package features a great collection of modifications to the Wrangler but most noticeable is its matte clear over dark green paint. Mopar equips the Wrangler with 2.5-inch suspension lift kit, equipped with Bilstein shocks, while the Wrangler has a menacing note thanks to a stainless steel exhaust from Mopar. On all four corners are black wheels from Method Racing wrapped with BFG’s MK2 mud terrain tires. ARB gives the Wrangler aesthetic upgrades with their front and rear bumper while a Thule roof rack should satisfy every hardcore campers needs.

On the inside, Xplore embroidered floor mats and cargo mat enhance the look while Katzkin black leather and suede interior gives the Wrangler a little bit of luxury. Options included on the Wrangler include GPS, power steering, power brakes and more.

The auction will be up until the 29th, so make sure you jump on in if you’re interested!

GALLERY: Xplore Adventure Series Jeep Wrangler

It’s the experience of the lifetime. In fact, it’s several, all rolled into one.

To help celebrate the launch of the all new 2012 M5, BMW flew six lucky winners to Germany where they became the very first to drive what will no doubt soon be crowned as the world’s most high performance sedan. Better yet, all six were taken to the Nurburgring to drive car, and get the ride of their lives sitting shotgun for a few hot laps.

Get full details on the new M5 here and look for more photos from its Frankfurt Auto Show debut in the weeks to come.

Watch the video after the jump:

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