Mercedes Benz unveils all-new E-Class

In and amongst all the releases for new vehicles and concepts for this month's Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes Benz has decided to quietly reveal details for its all-new E-Class sedan, which is set to go on sale in Europe this March following a debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The new model features more than 20 new or further technical developments, with a bevy of advanced safety features including Attention Assist, Adaptive Main Beam Assist and automatic emergency braking. The car also sports a new bodyshell that is 30% more rigid than the outgoing model, as well as further improved seats and a newly developed suspension whose shock absorbers automatically adjust to the current driving situation. 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class

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Ford debuts new 2010 Taurus sedan

Ford's facelifted Taurus sedan has been revealed just hours ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, revealing a new design theme that was first showcased on the updated Fusion range and is expected to filter across more Ford models over the next couple of years. Set to go on sale in the middle of the year, the Taurus has been extensively updated for the 2010 model year with new safety features, two new six-speed automatic transmissions, and a more upmarket interior. The car benefits from Ford's new global design strategy, which made it possible to deliver it up to one year sooner than if developed by a single engineering team. 2010 Ford Taurus sedan

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Facelifted Jaguar XKR debuts at Detroit Auto Show

Jaguar has updated its XK Coupe, Convertible and performance XKR range for the 2010 model year, and will showcase the new lineup at this month's Detroit Auto Show. With all-new engines, revised styling, a new interior, an advanced lightweight aluminum body structure and a wider range of models, the updated XK range has reached a new level of performance and luxury that should allow it to keep up with its rivals in the upmarket GT segment. The flagship model of the range is once again the XKR sports model, which for 2010 sports a new supercharged 5.0L AJ-V8 Gen III engine generating 510hp and 461lb-ft of torque. 2010 Jaguar XKR

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Chrysler shows off Jeep Patriot EV range-extended SUV

Back in September Chrysler showed its commitment to designing and marketing a range of electric and hybrid vehicles with the unveiling of a trio of concept vehicles, one for each of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. Despite its current financial situation, Chrysler is keen to show its willingness to keep up with rivals, such as General Motors and its Chevrolet Volt plug-in, by unveiling updated designs of its electric vehicles at this month's Detroit Auto Show. The first of these is the new Jeep Patriot EV, an plug-in hybrid SUV with a 400-mile total driving range and a 40-mile all-electric range with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions. As a range-extended electric vehicle, the Jeep Patriot EV combines the electric-drive components of an electric vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. 2009 Jeep Patriot EV range-extended vehicle

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Toyota reveals iQ-based FT-EV Concept

Toyota has announced that it will display its new FT-EV concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, while also confirming that it will launch an urban commuter 'battery-electric vehicle' (BEV) by 2012. The world's largest carmaker also revealed that it will start consumer trials of a fleet of 150 plug-in hybrids towards the end of this year and launch as many as ten new petrol-electric hybrid vehicles next year. This announcement, coupled with its compressed natural gas powered Camry Hybrid concept display at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, signal Toyota's intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development. The all-electric FT-EV concept shares its platform with the iQ urban commuter vehicle, and can drive up to 50 miles on a single charge. Although BEVs and new smaller vehicles like the iQ will be a key component of Toyota's sustainable mobility strategy, the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, also set for this month's Detroit event, is considered Toyota's long-term core powertrain technology. 2009 Toyota FT-EV concept

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GM releases three sneak-peek videos of upcoming Detroit vehicles

As the 2009 Detroit Auto Show draws near, General Motors continues to prepare for its new-model onslaught. The latest salvo of information on its coming range of 2010 model-year cars comes by way of a trio of 'sneak peek' videos detailing the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and Buick LaCrosse. Each of the videos features interviews with designers, creators and executives on the design and marketing direction of each vehicle. The interiors of all three cars are also detailed with close-up shots and sweeping pans. The theme of the SRX video boils down to a marriage of what Cadillac calls 'fashion and function'. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox crossover

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Jaguar XF-R official photos and details leak ahead of Detroit reveal

Built to rival BMW's M5, Mercedes-Benz's E63 AMG and Audi's RS6, the new Jaguar XF-R looks every inch the true rival in these newly leaked official photos. The details that accompany the images indicate it will be a match in terms of power as well, rated at 510hp (380kW). The information leaked matches well with previous expectations. The XF-R has been no stranger to the spy camera, captured as recently as last week undergoing camouflaged testing. It is scheduled for an official debut in just a few days at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, however, so it's not surprising that official images have emerged. 2010 Jaguar XF-R Official photo leak

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