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Plans for Smart’s three-seat sports car uncovered in patent drawings

Mercedes-Benz is developing a three-seat sports car for Smart. Depicted here in a series of European patent-application sketches obtained by AutoWeek, the radical new sports car forms part of an extended range of new Smart models planned for introduction by the middle of the next decade, including a more conventional four-seater to be produced in cooperation with Renault. Mercedes-Benz is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium-brand rivals Audi and BMW.

For your eyes only: British museum highlights Bond vehicles

James Bond is best known for driving Aston Martins past and present. But over the course of 22 movies, Ian Fleming's character has piloted all sorts of motorized machines. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bond films, the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England, has put together an exhibit highlighting 50 of the most recognizable vehicles from his movies.

Mercedes-Benz SL

The next generation Mercedes-Benz SL – code name R231 – is the sixth model to wear the 'Sport Leicht' badge since the first back in 1954. Despite being 50mm longer (at 4612mm) and 57mm wider (1877mm) than its predecessor, the new SL is considerably lighter thanks to its aluminium construction. Its drag Cd figure of 0.27 also helps to increase efficiency.