#GermanCars

Offering the mighty 6.3-liter V8 AMG engine in almost every model in its current line-up, Mercedes-Benz is a master of creating powerful machines cloaked in rather inconspicuous exteriors.

To the casual viewer, the photos were of the typical glossy PR variety. However, upon closer inspection you are able to spot an easter egg within the images– what can only be a refreshed 2013 model year Mercedes-Benz G-wagon.

Going by present product development trends, the number of luxury crossovers to choose from will continue to expand as premier automakers offer more vehicles to fit all sorts of niche markets.

Volkswagen, the German automaker whose name translates to the “People’s Car,” is creating a low-cost sub-brand that will offer products to people in emerging markets. 

Six years ago, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new GL Class crossover, a full-size vehicle designed specifically for the North American market, at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.

Imagine ranting online about how much you want do drive a car — and having it come true. For one lucky fan last year, and now more to come, that dream will be a reality.

However, over the years, the G-class has evolved and has become a vehicle that is more likely to be found in the urban jungle, rather than the actual jungle.

With the Panamera Hybrid already on sale, Porsche is planning its next step in the electrification of its lineup with a plug-in hybrid version of the performance luxury sedan set to arrive in 2014.

More details on the 2014 Audi TT coupe and roadster, which Audi is unobtrusively preparing to launch, emerged today.

Volkswagen‘s $1.1 billion bid for Ducati has the automotive world wondering what the automaker would want with a superbike company, but answers are out of reach. 

In an effort to improve the Sprinter’s fuel efficiency without compromising its rugged dependability, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an optional seven-speed automatic transmission, capable of delivering “silky smooth gear changes” at temperatures as low as -30ºC or -22ºF. Additional fuel saving updates that help optimize performance from the 4-cylinder diesel engine include BlueEFFICIENCY engine start/stop technology, low rolling-resistance tires, an ECO steering system, and high-ratio rear axle to achieve 7.0liters/100km or approximately 33 mpg.

Car enthusiasts probably cringed during Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Otis” video as the duo mangled a Maybach 57, but the joke seems to be on them now.

The irreverently-altered Maybach was supposed to bring between and estimated $100,000 and $150,000 at auction. That money was meant to go, at least in part, to the Save the Children Charity.

Unfortunately, as the audacious music stars learned, people don’t really like the idea of spending that kind of money on what amounts to a disfigured and outdated Maybach. The car earned $60,000 — an less than a quarter of its original value. While that’s chump change to own an ultra-exclusive Maybach (especially because the company is gone), it’s still a lot to pay for junk.

It’s too bad one of the music moguls didn’t just “give” it to the other as a memento of the video shoot. They could have collectively donated more to the charity without breaking much of a sweat. Heck it wasn’t so long ago that Birdman gave his brother and Lil Wayne Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Mulsanne respectively.

Nonetheless, Save the Children is probably grateful for whatever money it got, regardless of wasted potential. At least it still raised more than Justin Bieber‘s Hyundai Genesis, though even that is questionable considering the Hyundai sold for more than its original MSRP.

You can watch the music video after the break.

The fifth-generation model, internally known as the F01 came out in 2009 and much to everyone’s delight, was a lot more pleasing to the eye than the outgoing E65 model.

Having flip-flopped the idea for years, Porsche continues to gauge consumer sentiment as it once again places a sub-Boxster, entry-level Porsche sports car back on the table.

Porsche is often confused for a company that makes sports cars. It’s not. Porsche makes money.