Paperwork filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is suggesting that Mercedes-Benz will offer a new option in the E- and C-Class as a late-cycle update.

The document shows entries for a 3.5-liter V6 E300, E300 4Matic and C300. That raises the question of which engine might be put in with those cars. At the moment, Mercedes already sells its E300 4Matic in Canada with a detuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 found in the E350. The Canadian E300′s engine only makes 248 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque compared to the more powerful version’s 302 hp and 273 lb-ft.

While paperwork filed with NHTSA doesn’t guarantee a new model, releasing something like this in the U.S. would make sense for Mercedes. Currently, it doesn’t offer a car to compete with BMW’s base level 528i or Audi’s 2.0T-powered A6. Offering a less-expensive version of the mid-range luxury sedan could make it more competitive in the American market with the current top two luxury brands.

What’s more, adding the same engine to its C300 could offer an update to the aging and unimpressive car, which is now too close to the entry-level C250. Given that Mercedes already sells an E300 in North America, it would be an easy transition to take it from the Canadian market to the U.S. Similarly, it seems like an easy step to improve the C300 with an updated engine to make it a relevant purchase.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Providing the best look yet at the baby CLS, our photographers have snapped these spy photos of the upcoming Mercedes CLA.

First referred to as the CLC, the coupe-styled sedan is actually based on the new A-Class architecture that will find its way to North America. With a Mercedes hatchback an odd proposition for our shores, expect the CLA to make up the bulk of sales, especially with the dramatic styling that’s becoming more clear in the photos.

Expected to be available in both front and all-wheel drive versions, the CLA is likely to come standard with the new 201 hp turbocharged 1.8-liter found in the current C-Class. Transmission choices could include a 6-speed manual (a rarity for Mercedes) as well as the brand’s new 7-speed dual clutch automatic.

There’s also the strong likelihood of a CLA 25 AMG model making over 300 hp.

GALLERY: Mercedes CLA Spy Photos

GALLERY: Mercedes A25 AMG

The last couple days have been a storm of spy photos with the latest to come our way picturing the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Last time we saw pictures of the two-door hatchback it was going through winter testing. When it arrives, the 2013 model will be the first car built on VW’s new MQB architecture. The new GTI is shaping up to be the hottest hatch to come from the German automaker yet. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 260 hp it will already be the more powerful version to date.

That paired with the fact that it will lose weight thanks to being build on the MQB platform means it’s shaping up to be a real rocket. In the latest batch of photos we see the car’s actual headlights and what appears to be its production side mirrors.

It’s hard to believe that the R8 has already been in production since 2006 and so the Audi flagship sports car is long overdue for a makeover.

Caught in full camo, these latest spy photos show the updated 2013 R8 sporting a new grille similar to that found on the recent R8 e-tron we spied. In addition, the facelifted R8 gets new LED headlights, plus exhaust pipes similar to those on the R8 GT.

With the current 4.2-liter V8 engine still rated at 430 hp, look for a slight bump in performance to 450 hp. With the current R8 having just Audi’s R-tronic single-clutch automated manual, past reports have suggested we could see the addition of the brand’s S-tronic gearbox. A dual-clutch unit, that transmission would retain the ultra fast gearshifts while adding a touch more civility to the drive.

We expect more spy photos to follow, with the R8 shedding more of its camo in the lead-up to a possible debut at the Paris Motor Show this Fall.

GALLERY: 2013 Audi R8 Spy Photos

Our photographers caught pictures of the 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 today, and in the spy photos you can see an unmasked version of the front spoiler.

The same outlet we’ve seen on the front of the car in previous glimpses is present to push air over the car and increase downforce at high speeds. This time we also see the car wearing a large rear wing missing in previous shots. With nothing actually covered, this is probably the closest version to the actual production model before pictures of a fully finished version start to circulate.

With an expected 450 hp coming from its naturally aspirated flat six, the new GT3 will be more athletic than its predecesor and certainly the best 911 to date.

GALLERY: 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 spy photos

Caught testing several months back in the European arctic, our latest spy photos show the new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet out for some top down fun.

Based on the all-new 991 platform the newest Porsche Turbo will be 4-inches longer than its predecessor and make for an even more comfortable ride with a more spacious cabin. With this elongated platform there was some hope that the newest Porsche Cab would lose the bubble-butt stigma, but based on these photos that doesn’t appear to be the case.

Rumors have suggested the new Porsche 911 Turbo will get a tri-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six setup, using one smaller turbocharger and two larger ones. Not only would this setup produce plenty of power, but it would be more responsive than ever before. Look for engine output of at least 530 hp and acceleration times in the supercar level.

Look for the new 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo to bow later this year at the Paris Motor Show, if not sooner.

GALLERY: 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Contrary to the unanimous opinions of the automotive media (read our Jetta review here), Volkswagen insists the interior quality on its new, more affordibly priced models, has not been compromised.

That, at least, is the opinion of chief designer Jae Min who says no compromises have been made. “We didn’t take anything out,” said Min, speaking at the Wards Auto Interiors Conference in Dearborn, MI. “It was a rebalancing of where things go, and there are still a lot of features available.” Instead VW credits much of the cost savings to a new, less expensive platform, with the Jetta no longer sharing its underpinnings with the Golf.

The proof says VW rep Darryll Harrison lies in the numbers, with consumers voting with their wallets. According to Harrison, despite the significantly lower starting price for the new Jetta ($16,495), the average transaction price is roughly $22,000. The same goes for the new Passat, which while listing for $19,995, sells on average between $26,000 and $27,000.

While Volkswagen did anticipate significantly higher volumes (which has happened), the increased price consumers are willing to pay at the dealerships has come as a surprise, with Min even admitting that, “Ironically the transaction price is higher than before.”

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

In what it calls the performance version of the 1 Series for 2013, the BMW 135is coupe and convertible were released today costing $44,145 and $48,845 respectively. 

Sporting a specially-tuned version of the same 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine as the 135i, the more spirited versions come with 320 hp, a 20-pony bump from the lesser version. It also jumps up to 317 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase, but not an exciting one. Fuel economy stays the same despite the slight performance increases.

A six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT will both be available, though choosing the dual-clutch option will yield better performance. In either case, the automaker also worked with this model to improve the sound it will make while revving out by swapping the exhaust for a more performance-oriented version.

Stability and traction control are both standard and can be shut off completely for a more engaging (or challenging) driving experience. Exclusive exterior components include unique 18-inch wheels and a glossy grille.

The trouble is, it’s tough to get excited about this car after BMW scrapped the much more exciting 1M Coupe after a limited run last year. Sure, that preserves its rockstar suave and allure, but it’s hard not to feel cheated.

If you feel differently, the car is available for order now and will hit showrooms this fall.

Along with the Q3 jinlong yufeng and RS Q3 which both debuted at the recent Beijing Auto Show, Audi will showcase a third Q3 concept car at the upcoming Worthersee Tour VW GTI meet in Austria.

Powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder as the RS Q3 making 340 hp, the Q3 Red Track can sprint to 60 mph in just 5.4 – although its adventure capabilities don’t stop there.

Designed as an outdoor lifestyle vehicle the Q3 Red Track gets running boards and flared fenders, with a track that’s been increased by 1.57-inches. The Q3 has also been lifted by 1.18-inches to improve off-road capability. Special aluminum roof rails sit atop the crossover with integrated wide-angle LED lights. And to protect the underside, a special panels protect parts like the dual-exhaust system.

Along with a custom grille, the outside of the Q3 Red Track features numerous unique traits, including its Energy Red paint with matte gray detailing. Inside it gets a unique seat material that uses both leather and fabric, with an Alcantara headliner and black Nappa leather on the dash.

Other interior highlights put the focus back on the Q3′s purpose with a Thermos canister in the cup holder that can heat or chill drinks plus a charging station in the trunk for flashlights that can also function as infra-red heating elements. The trunk floor mat actually features heating coils and can be folded out over the rear bumper so you don’t scratch the shiny paint when loading items. Additionally, the Audi MMI navigation screen features a special function that displays the car’s longitudinal and latitudinal tilt angle.

Along with the three Q3 concepts, Audi’s participation at the Worthersee Tour will also include a display of 16 production vehicles as well as what it’s calling the e-bike Worthersee prototype.

The Worthersee Tour kicks off May 16th.

GALLERY: Audi Q3 Red Track

It’s been a while since we heard anything about the Porsche Pajun, a smaller version of the Panamera that would compete with the Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series, but information is starting to crop up again. 

Previous reports suggested that the car would come around in 2016, but that date seems to have been pushed back to 2017 for now. The latest information also suggests that a range of V6 gasoline engines reaching from 320, 420 and 520 hp will be available alongside a diesel with 313 hp. It will also be built on Audi’s MLB platform.

There wasn’t any mention of a hybrid drivetrain, as was reported last year, but given the demand for efficient vehicles (even in the luxury segmgent) it seems reasonable that something along those lines could be coming too. Then again, the diesel engine in conjunction with Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission could probably offer the fuel efficiency those clients would want.

Still, it’s hard to think that the company is really going to deliver in five years. Last year it was 2016, now it’s been pushed again and the word from Stuttgart seems to be grim for new vehicles. The company hasn’t been shy about emphasizing its preference to focus on cash cows, but then again that’s exactly what this could be with the right price tag.

[Source: Autobild]

Forgoing its sometimes confusing naming structure, BMW decided to move its coupes away from the 3 Series badge, referring to future versions as a 4 Series instead. 

Last month our spy photographer caught one of the 4 Series test mules taking its top off in a parking lot, but the pictures were taken through a fence and didn’t really show much. As our mothers were fond of saying, all good things come to those who wait. The same is true in the autos world and this time we’re getting a look inside the new 4 Series.

In the pictures, we see the 4 Series wearing BMW split five-spoke wheels and an awful lot of swirly camouflage. The same headlights reminiscent of the gun ports for a WWII German fighter plane are also intact but inside most of the car is covered in a black cloth wrap. We can, however, pick a few things out. There’s an LCD screen mounted mid dash showing the predictable iDrive system as well as a mostly black interior with silver accents.

When it debuts, the new 4 Series Bimmer line is expected to source power from the BMW 328i and 335i with a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and turbo 302-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder respectively.

2013 BMW 4 Series Spy Photos:

What’s more M than M? Why, an M Performance Edition of a BMW M car of course. Confused? You should be.

After BMW’s M performance division announced M packages for non M cars last week, they’ve now taken the customization process a step further offering ultra-custom versions of the super sporty M3 and M5.

After a video teaser surfaced yesterday, BMW has now released photos of the M3 and M5 M Performance Editions. Available in three “Frozen” (matte) paint jobs, just 30 of each car will be built where the cars are first debuting in the UK.

In addition, each vehicle gets accessories like matte-black wheels and piano-black interior trim, plus special badging on the interior.

According to BMW, the car’s will cost a serious premium over even the standard M cars with the M3 priced at £74,080 (roughly $119,482), £19,000 more than the standard car), while the M5 M Performance Edition rings in at £95,140 ($153,449) a shocking £22,000 increase).

BMW has not said if it will offer the M Performance Edition M3 and M5 in North America.

GALLERY: BMW M5 M Performance Edition

GALLERY: BMW M3 M Performance Edition

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 BMW M5 Review Here