2014 Mercedes-Benz S-class gets armored

The release of every new Mercedes-Benz S-class is followed by the release of various coachbuilt variants months later, including versions that offer various levels of ballistic protection. SEMA itself produces a factory-made armored S-class. which for the past several generations of the car has been marketed as S-class Guard.

Infiniti opens London design studio

Shiro Nakamura, Alfonso Albaisa and Simon Cox have officially opened Infiniti Design London, as Nissan's premium brand becomes fully separated. "We have a clear vision to make Infiniti a key premium brand," said Nakamura, senior VP of design to the assembled press. "Design is a clear defining force." The new studio is adjacent to Nissan Design Europe's base in the Paddington area of London, on the second floor of the protected Battleship Building that also houses Virgin's HQ.

Next-gen Passat to offer hybrid and twin-turbo power

VOLKSWAGEN is going even more upmarket with the all-new version of the Passat, which is due to hit showrooms later this year. Soon buyers will be able to include a plug-in hybrid and an all-new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel among their forecourt options, as VW goes chasing after its sister company Audi. Weight-saving measures have chopped up to 85kg from the new kid on a like-for-like basis, which helps achieve VW's stated efficiency boosts of 20% versus equivalent outgoing Passats.