Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Watch the Weather Channel Tornado Hunt SUV find its target

A chase crew from the Weather Channel drove its GM SUVs directly into the path of an oncoming violent tornado Friday, resulting in this dramatic video from inside what appears to be a Chevrolet Suburban being tossed across the Oklahoma plains like a child's toy. Meteorologist Mike Bettes and his colleagues escaped relatively unharmed thanks at least in part to seatbelts and airbags, but the team will need to visit their local Chevy dealer for some minor repairs prior to heading out on another chase.

Mercedes-Benz prototypes spotted

Modern technology makes it harder for automakers to hide their upcoming products from prying eyes. Take, for example, these images sent to us from Autoweek subscriber Jonathan Peters while he was in Utah. Peters speculates that what he saw was a gathering of a varied Mercedes-Benz cars being tested, along with cars from other carmakers for comparisons.

First Sight: Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222

It was one of the more memorable automotive events this year, and the massive thunderstorm only added to the drama. Last night Mercedes-Benz launched its new S-Class sedan in the delivery hall of Airbus in Hamburg and Car Design News was there to get the low-down on this eagerly-awaited limo. Context was fittingly provided by an A380 lounging in the background as the current lineup of Mercedes-Benz escorted Benz's big boy onto the stage, amidst artificial fireworks and real thunder and lightning.