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Deep Dive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-class

The next Mercedes-Benz SL, codenamed R231, is new from bottom to top.

The next Mercedes-Benz SL, codenamed R231, is new from bottom to top. Loosely based on the rear-wheel drive components set of the E-class, the hardtop-coupe gets a longer wheelbase to facilitate entry and egress for a graying customer base. There's also more room for passengers and luggage. Inside, we find a more user-friendly cockpit with better ergonomics, extended memory functions and new seats developed and built together with BMW.

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GM agreed to repurchase a French powertrain plant near the eastern city of Strasbourg, it said in an e-mailed statement Monday. The factory, which employs about 1,100 people, manufactures six-speed automatic transmissions for GM and BMW AG cars. Full story...

The economic news has been rather mixed lately. The Germans, for example, are enjoying a manufacturing-based export boom helped by the weak euro and an uptick in demand in major export markets. Daimler and BMW, in particular, are enjoying markedly better times. German industry is also helping to supply machine tools much in demand in China, where manufacturing investment remains high. Full story...

BMW, Audi and Mercedes are making up for faltering sales at home by selling more cars in China even as industrywide demand cools in the world's largest auto market. Full story...

BMW, Audi and Mercedes are making up for faltering sales at home by selling more cars in China even as industrywide demand cools in the world's largest auto market. Full story...

BMW, Audi and Mercedes are making up for faltering sales at home by selling more cars in China even as industrywide demand cools in the world's largest auto market. Full story...

BMW, Audi and Mercedes are making up for faltering sales at home by selling more cars in China even as industrywide demand cools in the world's largest auto market. Full story...

Team Turner Motorsport will expand its Grand-Am Rolex GT program to two cars in 2011, switching from BMW M6s to BMW M3s. This double car program adds to the Continental Tire Challenge effort of two cars as well. Full story...

Looking for relatively affordable and sexy topless German fun? You could spend an evening or two in Hamburg's 'Reeperbahn' red-light district-- but an easier and more morally-acceptable alternative involves checking out the last-generation Mercedes SLK roadster instead. After hitting Canadian showrooms in 1997, this two-seat German drop-top began competing for shopper dollars against machines like the BMW Z4, Audi TT, Nissan 350Z and to some degree, the Mazda MX-5/Miata. Full story...

Fans of German sheetmetal congregated at the West Coast Summer Concours, Legends of the Autobahn, on a breezy Friday afternoon in Carmel Valley, Calif., as part of vintage car week. Full story...

Grand-Am team Turner Motorsports will grow to a two-car Rolex Sports Car Series GT-Class program in 2011. Also, Turner will switch from BMW's M6 bodywork to the M3. Full story...

Time will tell whether the IPL brand will carry the gravitas of Mercedes-Benz AMG or BMW M. But for now, it spells 18 hp and a host of sporty cosmetics. Full story...

BMW, General Motors, Toyota Motor and other carmakers will lose production of more than 2,100 vehicles a day in South Africa after halting output because of a strike that began Wednesday. Full story...

BMW AG has risen back to the top of the premium SUV segment with the launch of its new X1. Full story...

BMW enjoys an outstanding reputation built on many strengths. In my opinion, the top 3 includes remarkable engine performance and reliability (electronics still need work despite recent improvements), unmistakable styling and sport-flavoured luxury. All of this translates into unsurpassed driving dynamics. Full story...

BMW will build its Gran Coupe concept car, the company's development chief Klaus Draeger said. Full story...

BMW will build its Gran Coupe concept car, the company's development chief Klaus Draeger said. Full story...

World exclusive - Ford's new Mondeo, new Audi A3 scooped, MINI facelift driven, BMW 520d meets its rivals, plus Vauxhall's new city car.

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South African autoworkers seeking wage increases more than triple the inflation rate went on an indefinite strike on Wednesday, slamming the brakes on auto production in Africa's largest economy. Full story...

South African autoworkers seeking wage increases more than triple the inflation rate went on an indefinite strike today, slamming the brakes on auto production in Africa's largest economy. Full story...