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Mercedes proves E-Class hybrid tech with unusual test

IN AN impressive display of performance and economy, Mercedes-Benz has completed a lengthy test of its new E300 Bluetech Hybrid saloon by driving it almost the length of the country on a single tank of fuel with a flat-out speed test at either end. With ex-rally driver Mick Linford at the wheel the standard production E300 Bluetech Hybrid began with a full tank of fuel at Newquay Cornwall Airport, the most southerly airport in mainland Britain. Down the main runway it completed an acceleration test to past 62mph from rest in a little over seven seconds and reached 136mph before braking for the end of the runway.

Europe's road train technology ready for testing

Work is accelerating at Europe's project to let clusters of cars drive together in convoy on motorways - with no input from the driver. The so-called Sartre project today issued a new video showing how its work is developing. Ah, that'll be the Europe-wide Sartre road safety project. It stands for Safe Road Trains for the Environment and is part-funded by the European Commission.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé revealed ahead of debut at 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

The BMW Gran Lusso Coupe by Pininfarina revealed ahead of Villa d’Este Or at least it still does if you expect the new 8 Series to look like a two-door version of the next generation 7 Series, rather than a completely individual model like the old 8 Series. Underpinning the Gran Lusso Coupe is the same platform the 7 Series uses and the same V12 from the 760i, which makes it both easier to bolt the Gran Lusso together and imagine it as future production model. The exterior of the Gran Lusso looks a bit like a coachbuilt version of a big BMW coupe, with most of the BMW design cues intact – if sharpened somewhat – with short overhangs and a long wheelbase.