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Dodge to stop Viper production next July, new car set for 2012

The future of the Dodge Viper came into focus on Wednesday during Chrysler's strategy briefing for media and analysts. Ralph Gilles, recently named chief of the Dodge car brand, said that production of the current Viper production will cease at the end of next July. The final 500 cars have been earmarked to be special vehicles, Gilles said.

McLaren MP4-12 650S hits the Web ahead of official Geneva reveal

Images of the new McLaren MP4-12 650S have leaked to the Internet ahead of a planned unveiling for the British supercar at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. Created in response to customer demand for an edgier version of the McLaren MP4-12C offering greater levels of driver engagement, the 650S runs a more heavily tuned version of McLaren's twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 direct-injection engine producing a claimed 25 hp more than the variant used by standard sibling for a total of 641 hp (as its name suggests 650 ps -- metric hp). Further details remain scarce ahead of the MP4-12C 650S's official public unveiling in Switzerland two weeks from now, although information passed on to prospective customers at a private presentation of the new two-seater held last week suggest it is also in line to receive a series of modifications to its seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, suspension, steering, brakes and aerodynamics -- all aimed at providing it with a more aggressive nature and added racetrack ability.

Mercedes C-class to get expanded lineup

Mercedes-Benz will add convertible, diesel- and hybrid-powered sedans to its C-class lineup after the car is redesigned next year. The current C-class is offered only as a sedan and coupe and only with gasoline engines. The rival BWM 3-series is sold in coupe, convertible, station wagon, diesel and hybrid versions.