Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury

Spotted!  There can be no argument that the E class is a handsome sedan, but some changes are underway to make the 2013 model more striking. Our spy shooters caught this wagon, which despite having its front end heavily cloaked, gives up at least a few details.

New headlights are hiding beneath all that masking, which will integrate the current model's separate daytime running lamps. Out back, the taillights will retain the same shape, but get a slightly different look.

In the U.S., you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks minivans are cool. Hence the birth of the CUV. Sure luxury automakers have had an easier time challenging the lack-luster van stereotype abroad. One recent example is Mercedes-Benz and their Viano. But, they don't just want Europe markets to see vans in a new light; they want the entire world to share in the vision. Fueled by that desire, they developed a posh Viano spinoff called the Viano VISION DIAMOND concept.

That's not to say the Viano isn't sophisticated.  Like all new Mercedes-Benz, it…

When you think of Mercedes-Benz you might not immediately draw a parallel to rap music?Or, maybe you do. Regardless, the luxury automaker recently joined forces with rap icon Mike D from the Beastie Boys to put on a 17-day, arts, music and culinary extravaganza at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. We have to say, it sounds like a very sweet time was had.

First, event sponsor Mercedes-Benz showcased their all-new, super-sexy?

Have you ever locked your keys inside your Mercedes-Benz E-Class? Have you ever wished you had roadside assistance in your Mercedes Benz C-Class? Maybe you've longed for an easier way to manage your Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Account? Or?maybe you don't currently own a Mercedes-Benz, but want to learn more about the 2012 E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets, the CLS-Class, or the innovation that permeates each and every new Mercedes-Benz that rolls off the production line.

Yes? Well the German automaker we all revere has an app for you.

For current owners, there's Mercedes-Benz mbrace. With the ability…

The Mercedes Benz G class has officially shows its ever-so-slightly redesigned face to the world. As we've discussed previously, it looks a whole lot like last year's model, but distinguishing tweaks outside include the dashes of LEDs underneath the headlights and new side mirrors.

Inside, the dash and console get a thorough resculpture, with bezeled dials in the cluster and discrete control pods replacing the flat planes in the previous model. Additional comfort and luxury options can be checked if one wishes for radar-based cruise control, Blind Spot Assist and Parktronic. The ESP programming has even been reworked to play nicely with trailers.

The 2013 G-Class will be available at European dealerships in June with U.S. sales to follow in August.

Mercedes-Benz has a history of offering performance models that would make any niche supercar manufacturer cower. The latest among them is the SLS AMG, but the gull wing coupe and its roadster counterpart aren't the extent of what the German automaker's skunk works have in store. No, that place of honor at the top of the Mercedes-Benz lineup will soon be taken by an SLS AMG Black Series.

Not to be outdone by its competitors from Ingolstadt, Mercedes-Benz brought out its own vision of the future of interiors, complete with augmented reality, a fully customizable dashboard and gesture-based controls. There's not a knob or button to be found...

The video after the jump demonstrates the Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience (DICE) far better than words can convey, but the basic elements are these: a series of proximity sensors detect hand motions across the interior, allowing you to scroll, select and control a variety of functions. The highlights include the ability to get information about the businesses and sights around you, connect with friends nearby and control all the standard music and navigation functionality you'd expect in a high-end ride. 

Some things are at the fringe because they belong there. The tastes are too peculiar, the style too strange for the masses. But once in a while something emerges from the fringe into the mainstream because it deserves to be, because people learn to like it. Like matte paint finishes.

Long the purview of aftermarket tuners rejecting the glitz of the gloss, matte finishes are slowly finding their way onto automakers' show stands and into dealership showrooms. Hyundai broke new ground at the Detroit Auto Show this week in announcing the availability of the new Veloster Turbo in flat grey, but the Korean automaker isn't the only one offering the anti-shine treatment direct from the factory and displaying it on the floor of Cobo Hall.

Behold what could very possibly be the world's quickest Mercedes-Benz. The good people at Renntech managed to get their hands on a Mercedes-Benz SLR, and quickly set to nudging the power to obscene levels.

According to DragTimes.com, the vehicle boasts 160 horsepower over stock form, which puts the final output in the neighborhood of 680 ponies at the rear wheels. Throw in a set of Hoosier drag slicks and you have a vehicle capable of dashing to 60 in a scant 2.2 seconds. That's plenty  quick, and the vehicle doesn't give anything up as it heads toward the   quarter mile.